San Antonio Current — July 28, 2021

YELP ONWARD GINO’S DELI

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CURRENT | July 28 – August 10, 2021 | sacurrent.com

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CURRENT | July 28 – August 10, 2021 | sacurrent.com

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CURRENT | July 28 – August 10, 2021 | sacurrent.com

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sacurrent.com | July 28 – August 10, 2021 | CURRENT 9

10 CURRENT | July 28 – August 10, 2021 | sacurrent.com

The key to finding work you’ll love tomorrow is finding a college that works for you today. And with the Alamo Colleges District, you have what it takes, because we give you everything you need on your first steps toward success.

You have real accessibility. A family of five colleges conveniently located near you – Northeast Lakeview College, Northwest Vista College, Palo Alto College, St. Philip’s College, and San Antonio College.

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sacurrent.com | July 28 – August 10, 2021 | CURRENT

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CURRENT | July 28 – August 10, 2021 | sacurrent.com

in this issue San Antonio Current

Issue 21-15 /// July 28 – August 10, 2021

17 Best of SA

Editor-in-Chief: Sanford Nowlin General Manager: Chelsea Bourque

Intro

Editorial

Digital Content Editor: Kelly Merka Nelson Contributing Arts Editor: Bryan Rindfuss Food and Nightlife Writer: Nina Rangel Contributors: Ron Bechtol, Chris Conde, Daniel Conrad, Jade Esteban Estrada, Dan R. Goddard, Lance Higdon, Steven G. Kellman, Hannah Lorence, Kiko Martinez, M. Solis, Gary Sweeney, Lea Thompson, Abe Asher Editorial Interns: Emily DiTomasso, Brianna Espinoza, Katie Hennessey, Cristela Jones, Jay Moreno, Dana Nichols, Emily Schmalstieg, Jada Teague

Marketing and Events

Marketing and Events Director: Cassandra Yardeni Events Manager: Chelsea Bourque Account Manager: Nathan Sokul Account Executive: Marian Galvan Marketing Interns: Julia Bentley Social Media Content Creator: Meradith Garcia

21 Best of SA Food & Drink

Creative Services

Graphic Designer: Samantha Serna Production Interns: Pedro Macias

Circulation

Circulation Manager: Justin Giles

Euclid Media Group

Chief Executive Officer: Andrew Zelman Chief Operating Officers: Chris Keating, Michael Wagner VP of Digital Services: Stacy Volhein Director of Agency Services: Mindi Overman Digital Operations Coordinator: Jaime Monzon Senior Marketing and Events Director: Cassandra Yardeni www.euclidmediagroup.com

69 Best of SA Shopping

51 Best of SA People

National Advertising: Voice Media Group (888) 278-9866, vmgadvertising.com

117 Calendar

San Antonio Current 915 Dallas San Antonio, Texas 78215 sacurrent.com

Calendar Picks

Editorial: (210) 227-0044 / Fax - (210) 227-7755 Display Advertising: (210) 227-0044 Fax: (210) 227-7733 Classified: (210) 227-CLAS / Fax - (210) 227-7733

83 Best of SA

The San Antonio Current is published by Euclid Media Group Verified Audit Member

Copyright: The entire contents of the San Antonio Current are copyright 2019 by Euclid Media Group LLC. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission of the publisher is prohibited. Publisher does not assume any liability for unsolicited manuscripts, materials, or other content. Any submission must include a stamped, self-addressed envelope. All editorial, advertising, and business correspondence should be mailed to the address listed above.

Subscriptions: Additional copies or back issues may be purchased at the Current offices for $1. Six-month domestic subscriptions may be purchased for $75; one-year subscriptions for $125.

Music Listings

Around Town

San Antonio Distribution – The Current is available free of charge, limited to one copy per reader.

Get listed 1. Visit sacurrent.com 2. Click “Calendar” and then “Submit an Event” 3. Follow the steps to submit your event details Please allow 48 hours for review and approval.

Event submissions are not accepted by phone.

125 Music

103 Best of SA Nightlife

Cover and interior superhero illustrations by Mark Poutenis. Cover and section front design by Tom Carlson.

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THANK YOU FOR 49 YEARS OF

Thinking Ancira!

F I N D T H E C LO S E ST LO C AT I O N N E A R YO U AT A N C I R A .CO M

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CURRENT | July 28 – August 10, 2021 | sacurrent.com

Voted Best Food Truck Thank You, San Antonio! n a com ex ica n .com

we will love to serve you at

2347 Nacogdoches Rd. san antonio, tx 78209

Mon-Fri 7aM-2pM & Sat 8aM-12pM sacurrent.com | July 28 – August 10, 2021 | CURRENT

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OPEN DAILY @marketsquaresa 16 CURRENT | July 28 – August 10, 2021 | sacurrent.com

514 W. Commerce St.

MarketSquareSA.com

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nduring the past 16 months has required superhuman patience and perseverance. No mincing words here: it sucked. It was a historic climb — one that required all of us to step up to big challenges.

Whether it’s those of us who run the restaurants, bars, nonprofits, art galleries, retail shops — you name it — that make San Antonio tick. Or those of us who support and patronize those places and keep them thriving.

In other words, it’s been a time for superheroes.

With that in mind, this edition of Best of San Antonio lauds the superheroes in our midst — the local businesses, personalities and institutions that make our city a fun and rewarding place to put down stakes.

And, as per usual, we asked you — superheroes in your own right — to let us know who the winners should be. There are no critics’ choice entries this year. You picked them all.

As we look over the winners, we’re reminded of the positive impact they have on our daily lives. Whether they kept us cool with an afternoon ice cream, visually inspired us with an artistic creation or kept us healthy through the pandemic, these winners flew to our rescue again and again.

Hats off to you, Current readers, for continuing to fly to theirs as well. Together, we make a super team.

sacurrent.com | July 28 – August 10, 2021 | CURRENT

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BEST Pizza!

THANK YOU SAN ANTONIO FOR VOTING US

2048 S W.W. White Road, San Antonio, Texas 78222 (210) 337-0707 • BigLousPizza-SATX.com TUES-THURS 11am – 9pm | FRI + SAT 11am – 10pm | SUN 12pm – 9pm | Closed MON

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CURRENT | July 28 – August 10, 2021 | sacurrent.com

CHERRY LIMEADE 1 ½ oz cherry-infused Tito’s Handmade Vodka 4 oz limeade 1 lime slice, garnish 1 cherry, garnish

Just add infused Tito’s Handmade Vodka and limeade to a glass over ice. Garnish with a lime slice and cherry.

No time for an infusion? No problem. Just muddle a few cherries in your glass and sip away the stress.

sacurrent.com | July 28 – August 10, 2021 | CURRENT 19

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CURRENT | July 28 – August 10, 2021 | sacurrent.com

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Check out the goods at

lapanaderia.com

VOTED

Best Bakery & Best Concha!

NOMINATED BEST BRUNCH! Available for dine-in, pick-up, or delivery

8305 Broadway | 301 E. Houston St | 17030 Fiesta Texas Dr, Suite 105 22

CURRENT | July 28 – August 10, 2021 | sacurrent.com

Best of SA | Food & Drink La Panaderia

Courtesy Photo / La Panaderia

BEST BAKERY & BEST CONCHA

Winner: La Panadería Multiple locations lapanaderia.com

I

nspired by their family’s legacy of selling baked goods in Mexico City, brothers José and David Cáceres opened their homegrown chain’s flagship Alamo Heights location in 2014. Since then, they’ve opened two more San Antonio locations that expand their offerings beyond artisan baked goods to include breakfast, lunch and dinner service along with libations. Los Hermanos Cáceres’ traditional Mexican specialties such as conchas and empanadas have clearly won over San Antonians, as has their innovative “croncha,” a decadent cross between a donut and a croissant. As evidence of the business’ connection to the community, La Panadería even offered curbside and delivery services to supply essential items such as bread, eggs and milk as grocery store inventories dwindled during the pandemic.

BEST BAKERY

2. Bakery Lorraine Multiple locations

bakerylorraine.com 3. Bird Bakery 5912 Broadway (210) 804-2473 birdbakery.com BEST CONCHA

2. Bedoy’s Bakery Multiple locations bedoysbakery.com 3. Panifico Bake Shop 602 N.W. 24th St. (210) 434-9290 panifico.com BEST BARBACOA

Winner: Tellez Tamales & Barbacoa Multiple locations facebook.com/Tellez-TamalesBarbacoa-115721145123658

BEST BARBECUE

as a dining spot that locals are willing to fight Broadway traffic to visit.

Winner: Smoke Shack 3714 Broadway (210) 957-1430 smokeshacksa.com

A

repeat winner from 2020, Smoke Shack may have started out, as its name implies, as a shack on the back of a trailer, but this purveyor of smoky goodness has certainly built from those humble beginnings. Indeed, the spot’s name has become locally synonymous with succulent pork, chicken, sausage and ribs. Known for tender Wagyu brisket — which makes a cameo in grilled cheese sandwiches and gooey macaroni and cheese — this Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives alum has emerged

2. Rios Barbacoa Multiple locations 3. Pepe’s Barbacoa Multiple locations facebook.com/Pepes-Barbacoa-230495087601188

Smoke Shack Instagram / joshiethefoodie

2. Rudy’s Country Store and BarB-Q Multiple locations rudysbbq.com 3. Pinkerton’s Barbecue 107 W. Houston St. (210) 983-0088 pinkertonsbarbecue.com BEST BLACK-OWNED RESTAURANT

Winner: Wayne’s Wings Multiple locations wayneswingssa.com

W

ayne’s Wings owner Dwayne Price has had a busy year, opening a second location in Northwest San Antonio while also operating at full steam at his newish location in the city’s Northeast quadrant. Both spots excel at serving up tasty wings embellished with Price’s signature sauces and dry-rubs, including garlic-parmesan and spicy ghost pepper.

For something scrumptuous, if a little

sacurrent.com | July 28 - August 10, 2021 | CURRENT

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Best of SA | Food & Drink Wayne’s Wings

BEST BREAKFAST TACOS

in the category next year.

Winner: Las Palapas Multiple locations laspalapas.com

E

ast Los Angeles transplant Ron Acosta opened his first Las Palapas in San Antonio 40 years ago, and slowly but steadily built it into a 20-store enterprise focused on the Alamo City market. Its win for Best Breakfast Tacos suggests the expansion hasn’t cut the quality of its offerings, especially when it comes to SA’s favorite way to start the day. Las Palapas fans rave about its fluffy flour tortillas, the quantity and quality of its fillings and the addictive quality of its roasted salsa. No wonder its restaurant drive-thrus are dependably packed at the beginning of each workday.

2. The Original Donut Shop 3307 Fredericksburg Road (210) 734-5661 facebook.com/theoriginaldonutshop

2. Chris Madrid’s 1900 Blanco Road (210) 735-3552 chrismadrids.com 3. Armadillos Texas Style Burgers Multiple locations armadilloburger.com BEST CARIBBEAN RESTAURANT

Winner: The Jerk Shack 117 Matyear St. (210) 776-7780 facebook.com/thejerkshacksatx 2. Puerto Koki 11395 Shaenfield Road (210) 548-4650 puertokokisa.com

3. Jamaica Jamaica Cuisine Multiple locations jamaicajamaicacuisine.com BEST CHARCUTERIE

Winner: Cured 306 Pearl Parkway, Suite 101 (210) 314-3929 curedatpearl.com

3. Bill Miller Bar-B-Q Multiple locations billmillerbbq.com BEST BURGER Instagram / Waynes Wings

more on the conventional side, give the spicy lemon pepper wings a try.

2. The Jerk Shack 117 Matyear St. (210) 776-7780 facebook.com/thejerkshacksatx 3. Tony G’s Soul Food 915 S. Hackberry St. (210) 451-1234 tonygssoulfood.com BEST BREAKFAST & BEST BRUNCH

Winner: Magnolia Pancake Haus Multiple locations magnoliapancakehaus.com

A

nyone who wants proof of how much San Antonians crave Magnolia breakfasts and brunches needs only to look at the business’ rapid expansion since it started in 2000. Thanks to the recent addition of a new outpost in the Cibolo area, this perennial morning-meal favorite now offers

its award-winning pancakes, waffles, hashes and omelets at three area locations. And the accolades keep rolling in. We suspect this locally owned favorite will remain a contender in both categories for some time to come.

BEST BREAKFAST

2. Snooze, an A.M. Eatery Multiple locations snoozeeatery.com 3. Max and Louie’s New York Diner 226 W. Bitters Road, Suite 126 (210) 483-7600 maxandlouiesdiner.com

Winner: Burger Boy Multiple locations burgerboysa.com

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an Antonio-born Burger Boy knocked longtime favorite Chris Madrid’s out of the top spot for 2021, and there’s a good chance the mini-chain’s multiple new locations helped it rack up those extra votes. After all, the expansion means more residents are aware of its award-winning burgers, milkshakes and crinkle-cut fries. Should be interesting to see whether two more soon-to-come Burger Boys — one on the South Side and another in Live Oak — can help it rack up a consecutive win

BEST BRUNCH

2. Ida Claire 7300 Jones Maltsberger Road (210) 667-2145 ida-claire.com 3. La Panadería Multiple locations lapanaderia.com

Burger Boy Courtesy Photo / Burger Boy

C

Facebook / Cured at Pearl

hef Steve McHugh opened Cured at the Pearl in 2013, and as the restaurant’s moniker spells out, its focus is on hand-crafted cured foods, from smoked duck ham to pickled beets. Little surprise then that this restaurant is a multiyear Best of San Antonio winner in its category. What better foundation for a sublime charcuterie board than meat that’s cured in-house, right? From the previously mentioned duck ham to apple jalapeño pork rillettes and 30-day salami Etna, Cured truly serves up the Cadillac of San Antonio charc boards.

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FOUR San Antonio Locations! AlamoRanch 10919 Culebra Rd #150 Loop 410 25 NE Loop 410 #124 AlamoHeights 1518 Austin Hwy #18 CityBase 2410 SE Military

e h t g n i v r e s

st e B & st e h s e Fr g Seafood n i st a T ni o t n a in san

TheLACrawfish.com • DINE-IN • ORDER ONLINE FOR PICK-UP or DELIVERY • 26

CURRENT | July 28 – August 10, 2021 | sacurrent.com

o

Best of SA | Food & Drink 2. The Board Couple 2218 N. Zarzamora St. (210) 573-2100 theboardcouple.com 3. Graze Haus (210) 374-1948 facebook.com/GrazeHaus BEST CHICKEN FRIED STEAK

Winner: Good Time Charlie’s 2922 Broadway (210) 828-5392 gtcsatx.com 2. Alamo Cafe Multiple locations alamocafe.com 3. M.K. Davis Restaurant 1302 N. Flores St. (210) 223-1208 mkdavisrestaurant.com

BEST ‘CHICKEN’ SANDWICH

Winner: Project Pollo Multiple locations projectpollo.com

T

his homegrown vegan food chain’s pledge to put Chickfil-A out of business may be a staggeringly ambitious, but its crisp and delicious meatless “chicken” sandos do have an addictive quality. So, it may be a bad idea to bet against them. The house-breaded Original Project is delicious enough that you may not miss the meat, but those feeling brave may want to go for the Deluxe, a multi-napkin affair slathered in piquant Birdy Sauce and layered with bacon and smoked gouda — both vegan, of course. We’re guessing the karma factor also played into Project Pollo’s Best of San Antonio win. The chain pays its workers considerably higher than the minimum wage, contributes to animal-based charities and runs a program that allows customers to pay it forward for others in need.

Facebook / Project Pollo

sichuaneats.com 3. Ding How 4531 Northwest Loop 410 (210) 340-7944 dinghowsa.com BEST COFFEE SHOP

Winner: Local Coffee 302 Pearl Parkway, Suite 118 localcoffee.com 2. Summer Moon Multiple locations summermooncoffee.com 3. La Panadería Multiple locations lapanaderia.com

Local Coffee

2. LA Crawfish Multiple locations thelacrawfish.com

B

3.Willie’s Grill & Icehouse Multiple locations williesgrillandicehouse.com

Winner: Luby’s Multiple locations lubys.com

y Luby’s victory in this category, we’re guessing a lot of Current readers let out a deep sigh of relief when what remained of the iconic San Antonio-born cafeteria chain was saved earlier this summer in a $29 million buyout deal. Time and restaurant trends haven’t been kind to Luby’s — it’s now down to just 32 Texas locations — but it’s clear that San Antonio diners still find contentment with the chain’s old standbys, from its square fried fish fillets to its pies topped with towering meringue. Here’s hoping Luby’s new owner, businessman Calvin Gin, can remedy its financial woes without altering the comforting menu items so many still crave.

BEST DATE NIGHT RESTAURANT

Winner: The Pearl 303 Pearl Parkway (210) 212-7260 atpearl.com

2. Elsewhere Garden Bar & Kitchen 103 E. Jones Ave. (210) 446-9303 elsewheregarden.com

Smashin Crab

2. Earl Abel’s 1639 Broadway (210) 444-9424 earlabelssa.com

2. Earth Burger Multiple locations earthburger.com

3. Southerleigh 136 E Grayson St., Suite 120 (210) 455-5701 southerleighatpearl.com

BEST CHINESE RESTAURANT

Winner: Golden Wok Multiple locations goldenwoksa.com

2. Sichuan House 3505 Wurzbach Road, Suite 102 (210) 509-9999

BEST COMFORT FOOD

BEST CRAWFISH

Instagram / Local Coffee Founders

Winner: Smashin Crab Multiple locations smashincrab.com

Facebook / Smashin Crab

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Milano_Current_Half Page_421_PRINT.pdf

1

4/15/21

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Live Music Every Friday & Saturday Night Happy Hour Monday - Friday 4 to 6pm

11802 Wurzbach Road | San Antonio, TX 78230 | 210.493.3611 milanoonwurzbach.com @milanoonwurzbach

NOMINATED BEST VEGETARIAN

RESTAURANT! REAL FOOD, MADE FROM PLANTS- CONVENIENCE, QUALITY, AND ACCESSIBILITY.

It ’s our thing.

723 N ALAMO ST 9519 SAN PEDRO AVE 18730 TUSCANY STONE 303 SAN PEDRO AVE 11019 CULEBRA, STE 122 @PROJECT_POLLO

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CURRENT | July 28 – August 10, 2021 | sacurrent.com

Best of SA | Food & Drink

(210) 334-1268 eklecticeats.com

Naco Mexican

BEST FRENCH FRIES

Winner: Whataburger Multiple locations whataburger.com 2. Burger Boy Multiple locations burgerboysa.com 3. Bill Miller Bar-B-Q Multiple locations billmillerbbq.com BEST FRIED CHICKEN

Winner: Earl Abel’s 1639 Broadway (210) 444-9424 earlabelssa.com

2. Bill Miller Bar-B-Q Multiple locations billmillerbbq.com 3. Southerleigh 136 E. Grayson St., Suite 120 (210) 455-5701 southerleighatpearl.com BEST FRUTERIA

Winner: Las Nieves Fruit Cups & More Multiple locations lasnieves.net Facebook / Naco Mexican Eatery

3. Tre Trattoria 200 W. Jones Ave. (210) 805-0333 tretrattoria.com BEST DONUT SHOP

Winner: Duck Donuts Multiple locations duckdonuts.com 2. The Original Donut Shop 3307 Fredericksburg Road (210) 734-5661 facebook.com/theoriginaldonutshop

Multiple locations rosariossa.com 3. El Chaparral Mexican Restaurant Multiple locations elchaparral.com BEST FAMILY-FRIENDLY RESTAURANT

Winner: The Cove 606 W. Cypress St. (210) 227-2683 thecove.us

3. Shipley Do-Nuts Multiple locations shipleydonuts.com

2. Babe’s Old Fashioned Food Multiple locations babeshamburgers.com

BEST ENCHILADAS

3. Sea Island Shrimp House Multiple locations shrimphouse.com

Winner: Blanco Cafe Multiple locations theoriginalblancocafe.com 2. Rosario’s Mexican Cafe y Cantina

BEST FOOD TRUCK

Winner: Naco Mexican Eatery 2347 Nacogdoches Road

(210) 996-1033 nacomexican.com

F

rancisco Estrada and Lizzeth Martinez opened Naco Mexican Eatery in 2018 after life derailed their plans to open a mobile kitchen in Mexico City.

What that south-of-the-border metropolis has lost, San Antonio diners have clearly gained. Fans rave about Naco’s authentic Mexican fare, including what some consider the best chilaquiles and roasted salsa in the city. Sweetening the deal, the truck places a priority on serving up fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and it also includes healthier, veggie-forward items on its menu.

2. The Fruteria 1401 S. Flores St., Suite 102 (210) 251-3104 chefjohnnyhernandez.com 3. Fruteria la Mission Multiple locations facebook.com/Fruteria-LaMission-1525906317731754

Las Nieves Fruit Cups & More

2. Mister Diablo Taco Truck 2202 Broadway (210) 449-6502 facebook.com/misterdiablotacotruck 3. Eklectic Eats 12157 Potranco Road

Facebook / Las Nieves Fruit Cups & More

sacurrent.com | July 28 - August 10, 2021 | CURRENT

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VOTED

BEST

BAR

FIN OSA 2021!

OD 30

CURRENT | July 28 – August 10, 2021 | sacurrent.com

COME ON BY TO ENJOY AMAZING EATS, HANDCRAFTED COCKTAILS +COLD BREWS!

16080 SAN PEDRO AVE | 210.462.1894 | LUCYCOOPERS.COM

Best of SA | Food & Drink BEST HOT DOG

Winner: The Dogfather 6211 San Pedro Ave. (210) 481-4272 facebook.com/thedogfathersa 2. Dog Haus 20907 Stone Oak Parkway (210) 257-8809 doghaus.com 3. Wrigleyville Grill 602 NW Loop 410, Suite 146 (210) 369-9833 wrigleyvillegrill.com BEST ICE CREAM

Winner: Lick Honest Ice Cream Multiple locations ilikelick.com/san-antonio 2.Amy’s Ice Cream 255 E. Basse Road, Suite 430 (210) 832-8886 amysicecreams.com 3. Kuma Multiple locations facebook.com/kuma.satx

Lick Honest Ice Creams Facebook / Lick Honest Ice Creams

tortas along with menudo, barbacoa and more. It’s tempting to guzzle the house-made salsas by the gallon.

BEST INDIAN RESTAURANT

Winner: India Palace 8474 Fredericksburg Road (210) 692-5262 indiapalacesanantonio.com

BEST INTERNATIONAL MARKET

Winner: La Michoacana Multiple locations lamichoacanameatmarket.com

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ith 14 San Antonio stores, this chain is certainly the city’s largest and most ubiquitous international grocer. While the meat gets the billing in the Houston-based company’s name, it’s only part of the attraction. The stores also stock an array of fresh produce and packaged goods from Mexico and Latin America, but the clutch player for the supermarkets may be their in-store taquerias that serve up an array of tacos and

3. Capparelli’s On Main 2524 N. Main Ave. (210) 735-5757 capparellisonmain.com

BEST LATE-NIGHT EATS

Winner: Whataburger Multiple locations whataburger.com

BEST JUICE SHOP

Winner: Revolución Coffee + Juice Multiple locations revolucionsa.com

2. India Oven 1031 Patricia Drive, Suite 106 (210) 366-1030 indiaovensa.com 3. Tandoor Palace 8783 Wurzbach Road (210) 592-1211 tandoorpalacerestaurant.com

(210) 349-2060 littleitalysatx.com

La Michoacana Facebook / La Michoacana Meat Market

2. Tim’s Oriental & Seafood Market 7015 Bandera Road, Suite 8 (210) 523-1688 facebook.com/TimsOrientalMkt 3. Ali Baba International Food Market 9307 Wurzbach Road (210) 691-1111 alibabasanantonio.com

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his longtime local chain is no stranger to Best of San Antonio. Indeed, this year marks the fourth time it’s been named SA’s top juice shop pick. It’s easy to see the appeal of the stores, located downtown, in Alamo Heights and The Rim. The namesake cold-pressed juices and coffee draw raves. But there’s more. Fans also scarf down the shops’ tacos, salads, açaí bowls and other dishes made with health-focused ingredients. Not to mention, the newest location at The Rim offers a menu of cocktails, wine and beer.

Facebook / Whataburger

BEST ITALIAN RESTAURANT

Winner: Paesanos Multiple locations paesanos.com

2. South Town Juice 1502 S. Flores St. (210) 844-1901 instagram.com/southtownjuice

2. Mi Tierra Cafe y Panaderia 218 Produce Row (210) 225-1262 mitierracafe.com

2. Little Italy Restaurant & Pizzeria 824 Afterglow St.

3. Jugo Juicery Multiple locations jugousa.com

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Best of SA | Food & Drink Revolucion Coffee + Juice

Alamo Beer Company

Facebook / Revolucion Coffee + Juice

BEST LOCAL BREWERY

Winner: Alamo Beer Co. 202 Lamar St. (210) 872-5589 alamobeer.com

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ome of Alamo Beer Co.’s popularity comes down to its 18,000-square-foot brewery, beer hall and beer garden near the Hays Street Bridge, where downtown office workers, bike-riding hipsters and dedicated craft-beer enthusiasts frequently hoist pints together. But that near-downtown gathering place alone doesn’t explain its BOSA win. Led by owner Eugene Simor and brewmaster Gregg Spickler, Alamo has carved out shelf and tap space in a crowded market by offering both accessible brews, such as its Original Golden Ale, that appeal to casual drinkers and a rotating selection of more adventurous offerings — Barrel-Aged Honey Barleywine, anyone? — that appeal to die-hard craft beer aficionados.

2. Künstler Brewing 302 E. Lachapelle (210) 688-4519 kuenstlerbrewing.com 3. Weathered Souls Brewing Company 606 Embassy Oaks, Suite 500 (210) 274-6824 weatheredsouls.beer BEST KOREAN RESTAURANT

Winner: Seoul Asian Market and Cafe 1005 Rittiman Road, Suite 101 (210) 822-1529 seoulasianmarket.com

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nce you get past its sometimes-fiery heat and the funky essence of its pickled side dishes, Korean fare is comfort food. Which explains much of Seoul Asian Market and Cafe’s appeal. Its hearty soups and stews, noodle dishes and crisp, savory pancakes have a hom-

Jaime Monzon

ey feel, as if the diner has stepped into a Korean grandmother’s kitchen. The cafe’s stone pot bibimbap — a heated pot of rice topped with grilled beef, an array of veggies and a fried egg — is an exemplary version of the Korean favorite and a great entry point for those unfamiliar with the cuisine.

2. Hon Machi Multiple locations koreanbbqsa.com 3. Bull Gogi Boys 14530 Roadrunner Way (210) 816-1455 facebook.com/bullgogiboys BEST MEDITERRANEAN RESTAURANT

Winner: Pasha Mediterranean Grill Multiple locations gopasha.com 2. Jerusalem Grill

Multiple locations jerusalemgrill.net 3. Mina & Dimi’s Greek House 7159 W. U.S. Highway 90 (210) 674-3464 agreekhouse.com BEST MENUDO

Winner: Mi Tierra Cafe y Panaderia 218 Produce Row (210) 225-1262 mitierracafe.com 2. Panchito’s Mexican Restaurant Multiple locations panchitos.net 3. La Coronela Mexican Restaurant 201 N. New Braunfels Ave. (210) 598-0537 facebook.com/La-CoronelaMexican-Restaurant-929840007187902 sacurrent.com | July 28 - August 10, 2021 | CURRENT

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The Best

s a Tex d e z i S r e g r Bu

EAT LOCAL

TWO GREAT LOCATIONS:

City Base Downtown

2619 SE Military Drive, SA, TX 78223 | (210) 617-7797 Open Mon- Thurs 10:30A- 9P | Fri 10:30A-10P | Sat 11A-9P 1423 McCullough Avenue, SA, TX 78212 | (210) 226-7556 Open Mon-Wed 10:30A-9P | Thurs-Sat 10:30A-10P

TAKE A PEAK AT OUR MENU AT ARMADILLOBURGER.COM 34

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Best of SA | Food & Drink BEST MEXICAN RESTAURANT & BEST SALSA

Winner: Rosario’s Mexican Cafe y Cantina Multiple locations rosariossa.com

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his Alamo City staple boasts a menu of “traditional southof-the-border dishes with authentic house specialties,” which — according to our readers — includes a bomb-ass salsa. The dark, roasty and just hot enough, the sauce is a perfect accompaniment to chips at the start of the meal or, well, just about anything else. SA awarded Rosario’s both Best Mexican Restaurant and Best Salsa honors this year, adding another feather in owner Lisa Wong’s cap. Fans should also keep an eye out for the restaurant’s forthcoming location on South St. Mary’s Street.

Rosario’s Mexican Restaurant

FRIDA Mexican Restaurant & Bar BEST NEW RESTAURANT & BEST WOMAN-OWNED RESTAURANT

Winner: Frida Mexican Restaurant 18740 Stone Oak Parkway (210) 463-9173 fridarestaurantsa.com

Facebook / Rosario’s Mexican Restaurant

BEST MEXICAN RESTAURANT

2. El Mirasol Multiple locations elmirasolsa.com

3. Paloma Blanca 5800 Broadway #300 (210) 822-6151 palomablanca.net BEST SALSA

2. La Gloria Multiple locations chefjohnnyhernandez.com 3. Las Palapas Multiple locations laspalapas.com

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he swanky atmosphere and expertly prepared food at North San Antonio’s Frida Restaurant earned the spot two 2021 Best Of awards: Best New Restaurant and Best Woman-Owned Restaurant. The upscale Stone Oak spot opened roughly a year ago, serving up vibrant, striking dishes that are chock-full of flavor. Chef Sofia Sada’s take on original Mexican flavors has quickly built a following for this super-sexy spot — check out that elegant, purple-hued bar and a custom-made cobalt-blue grand piano.

BEST WOMAN-OWNED RESTAURANT

2. Mina & Dimi’s Greek House 7159 W. U.S. Highway 90 (210) 674-3464 agreekhouse.com 3. Best Quality Daughter 602 Avenue A (210) 819-4236 bestqualitydaughter.com BEST PIZZA

Winner: Big Lou’s Pizza 2048 S. W.W. White Road (210) 337-0707 biglouspizza-satx.com

W

FRIDA Mexican Restaurant & Bar

hile artisan pizza places have proliferated in recent years, promising to replicate the thin, crisp pies of Naples, Italy, sometimes folks crave the reliable Americanized version we grew up on — and lots of it.

Which is where Big Lou’s comes in. The South Side institution grabbed national attention with its massive 42-inch pies. Of course, a super-sized gimmick isn’t worth much if the pizza tastes like cardboard, and thankfully, Big Lou’s doesn’t. The dependable pepperoni pies are a comfort food staple, and its brisket-topped barbecue pizza ably pulls off its Texas-style twist.

BEST NEW RESTAURANT

2. Project Pollo Multiple locations projectpollo.com

3. Best Quality Daughter 602 Avenue A (210) 819-4236 bestqualitydaughter.com

Big Lou’s Facebook / Big Lou’s Pizza

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Best of SA | Food & Drink

Henry’s Puffy Tacos

Pharm Table Facebook / Henry’s Puffy Tacos

2. Dough Pizzeria Napoletana Multiple locations doughpizzeria.com 3. Volare 3902 McCullough Ave. (210) 251-3424 volarepizzasa.com BEST POKE RESTAURANT

Winner: Hula Poke Multiple locations

2. Ginza Ramen and Poke Multiple locations 3. Poke Central 1130 Loop 1604 West, Suite 101 (210) 479-7653 pokecentral.com BEST PUFFY TACOS

Winner: Henry’s Puffy Tacos Multiple locations henryspuffytacos.com

I

f you’re going to put your signature dish in the name of your restaurant, you better deliver a definitive version. And, clearly,

lots of Current readers think Henry’s does. Indeed, it’s won the category for the past four years. The family-owned chain, established in 1978, may not be able to take credit for inventing the San Antonio favorite — a taco made with a crisp-yet-pillowy deep-fried shell — but it’s certainly found lasting success championing the dish.

2. Ray’s Drive Inn 822 SW 19th St. (210) 432-7171 raysdriveinn.com 3. Rosario’s Mexican Cafe y Cantina Multiple locations rosariossa.com BEST RAMEN

Winner: Nama Ramen 6565 Babcock Road namaramen.com

T

wo-time Best of San Antonio winner? Nah. Try three times.

That’s right, this Northwest San Antonio spot’s penchant for fresh ingredients, inventive su-

Facebook / Pharm Table

shi rolls and umami-laden eats has snagged it a third award from our readers. As a testament to how much Alamo City residents love Nama’s ramen, owner Kevin Chu this year opened a new 6,500-square-foot restaurant to better accommodate the shop’s steadily growing popularity.

2. Noodle Tree 7114 UTSA Blvd., Suite 101 (210) 233-6371 noodletreetx.com 3. Tenko Ramen 312 Pearl Parkway, Bldg. 6, #6112 (210) 267-2996 tenkoramen.com BEST RESTAURANT

Winner: Clementine 2195 NW Military Highway (210) 503-5121 clementine-sa.com 2. Cured 306 Pearl Parkway, Suite 101 (210) 314-3929 curedatpearl.com

3. Battalion 604 S. Alamo St. (210) 816-0088 battalionsa.com BEST RESTAURANT FOR SPECIAL DIETS

Winner: Pharm Table 611 S. Presa St., Suite 106 (210) 802-1860 pharmtable.com

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ating healthy shouldn’t feel like a chore, especially when you’re springing for a nice restaurant meal. Pharm Table’s appeal is that its mostly vegan menu items are so delicious, beautiful and innovatively devised that you don’t really feel like you’re giving anything up by eating clean. And now that chef Elizabeth Johnson has moved her operation to fancier patio-equipped digs in Southtown, a meal at Pharm Table feels like even more of a special occasion. For those not ready to completely cut the animal protein out of their diet, the restaurant’s gravlax board is among the best sharable food samplers in the city.

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Best of SA | Food & Drink 2. Project Pollo Multiple locations projectpollo.com

3. The Good Kind 1127 S. St. Mary’s St. (210) 801-5892 eatgoodkind.com BEST SANDWICHES

Winner: Gino’s Deli 13210 Huebner Road (210) 764-0602 myginosdeli.com 2. Zito’s Deli Multiple locations zitosdeli.net

3. The Filling Station 108 King William St. (210) 444-2200

thestationsa.com BEST SEAFOOD

Winner: Pappadeaux Multiple locations pappadeaux.com 2. El Bucanero Multiple locations el-bucanero.com 3. Smashin Crab Multiple locations smashincrab.com

presented by

BEST SOUL FOOD

Winner: Mr. & Mrs. G’s Home Cooking 2222 S. W.W. White Road (210) 254-9721 mrmrsgshomecooking.food87.com

Gino’s Deli Stop N Buy

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Voted Best Hookah Lounge in SA! 9329 Wurzbach Rd Ste #101 78240 | Dine-in • Pickup

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Best of SA | Food & Drink Sushi Zushi

Delia’s Tamales

Facebook / Sushi Zushi

2. Tony G’s Soul Food 915 S. Hackberry St. (210) 451-1234 tonygssoulfood.com 3. Mr. C’s Fried Chicken & Waffles Multiple locations mrcsfcw.com BEST STEAKHOUSE

Winner: Chama Gaúcha Brazilian Steakhouse 18318 Sonterra Place (210) 564-9400 chamagaucha.com 2. Saltgrass Multiple locations saltgrass.com 3. Bohanan’s Prime Steaks and Seafood 219 E. Houston St. #275 (210) 472-2600 bohanans.com BEST SUSHI

Winner: Sushi Zushi

Multiple locations sushizushi.com 2. Godai Sushi Bar & Japanese Restaurant 11203 West Ave. (210) 899-4832 godaisushi.com 3. Goro’s Sushi 2619 Mossrock (210) 349-8117 gorossushisa.com BEST TACOS

Winner: Taquitos West Ave. Multiple locations facebook.com/TaquitosWestAvenue1

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exican street tacos are the attraction at Taquitos West Ave., and if the flavors and vibe feel real, it may well be because its owner started out as a street taco vendor operating from a single grill. Eventually, business blossomed into a storefront operation, and Taquitos West Ave. was born. Tacos

Facebook / Delia’s

are the focus here. Don’t expect sides or other options. There are limited tacos on offer — tripas, lengua, cabeza, bistek, suadero and al pastor, the latter only available on the weekends. Top them with salsa, chopped onion and cilantro and go to town.

2. Torchy’s Tacos Multiple locations torchystacos.com 3. Mister Diablo Taco Truck 2202 Broadway (210) 449-6502 facebook.com/misterdiablotacotruck BEST TAMALES

opening its only Alamo City location, situated in the Northwestern burbs.

Indeed, when the restaurant began service last August, folks lined up their cars around the building, some waiting more than four hours for their masa-wrapped goodies. Before it expanded here, Delia’s six South Texas stores enjoyed an almost cult-like following for their fresh-steamed specialty tamales, in varieties such as spicy pork in green sauce, Veracruzano chicken and sweet cream cheese. The chain also earns raves for its salsa and weekend menudo, pretty much its only other menu offering outside of its namesake tamales.

Winner: Delia’s Tamales 13527 Hausman Pass (210) 864-1111 deliastamales.com

2. Tellez Tamales & Barbacoa Multiple locations facebook.com/Tellez-TamalesBarbacoa-115721145123658

an Antonians wasted no time embracing the iconic Rio Grande Valley chain Delia’s Tamales. It racked up its first Best of San Antonio win just a year after

3. Delicious Tamales Multiple locations delicioustamales.com

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Best of SA | Food & Drink Sweet Yams

Facebook / Sweet Yams

BEST THAI RESTAURANT

Winner: Thai Dee Restaurant 5307 Blanco Road (210) 342-3622 thaideesa.com 2. Tong’s Thai Restaurant 1146 Austin Highway (210) 829-7345 tongsthai.com 3. Thai Hut Multiple locations thaihutrestaurant.com BEST VEGAN SOUL FOOD

Winner: Sweet Yams 218 N. Cherry St. (210) 229-9267 facebook.com/SweetYamsOrganic

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egans aren’t the only ones who have high praise for this friendly, funky East Side eatery. While the fare is organic and gluten free, there’s also plenty for omnivores to sop up. The vegan red beans and rice draw raves, as do the macaroni and cheese and sweet potato muffins, but the “soul” in the billing here is broadly defined. In addition to healthy twists on Southern staples, you’ll also find offerings such as ginger-cilantro salmon that show owner and chef Gus Bard’s versatility.

2. Urban Soul Market

1316 Pat Booker Road, Suite B, Universal City (210) 290-8105 urbansoulmarket.com 3. Binge Kitchen 449 McCarty Road (210) 442-8126 eatbingekitchen.com BEST VEGETARIAN RESTAURANT

Winner: Green Vegetarian Cuisine Multiple locations eatatgreen.com

Asia-111640045538890

wingstop.com

3. Singh’s 2803 N. St. Mary’s St. (210) 320-0171 toasttab.com/singhs/v3

2. Wayne’s Wings Multiple locations wayneswingssa.com

BEST WINGS

Winner: Wing Stop Multiple locations

3. Gold Feather Birds & Beers 834 Northwest Loop 410 Suite 106 (210) 342-2473 goldfeatherbb.com

Pho Kim Long

2. Project Pollo Multiple locations projectpollo.com 3. The Good Kind 1127 S. St. Mary’s St. (210) 801-5892 eatgoodkind.com BEST VIETNAMESE RESTAURANT

Winner: Pho Kim Long 4230 McCullough Ave. #2 (210) 829-8021 facebook.com/phokimlongsa 2. Taste of Asia 300 W. Bitters Road, Suite 120 (210) 496-6266 facebook.com/Taste-of-

Facebook / Pho Kim Long

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SUMMERMOONCOFFEE.COM

MAKE IT A PART OF YOUR DAILY ROUTINE

OAK ROASTED COFFEE Alamo Ranch 11831 CULEBRA RD

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St. Mary’ s

3233 N ST MARY’S ST

Leon Springs 25035 I-10 W

Stone Oak COMING SOON

Best of SA Finalists | Food & Drink BEST BAKERY La Panaderia Bird Bakery Bedoy’s Bakery Broadway Daily Bread Extra Fine Dignowity Kolaches

BEST COFFEE SHOP Local Coffee Summer Moon Coffee La Panaderia Black Rifle Coffee Tandem San Antonio Medina River Coffee Tripolis Mediterranean Grill

BEST BARBECUE Smoke Shack Rudy’s BBQ Pinkerton’s Barbecue Blanco BBQ Mama’s Kitchen

BEST COMFORT FOOD Luby’s Earl Abel’s Southerleigh Mama’s Kitchen Ida Claire

BEST BLACK-OWNED RESTAURANT Wayne’s Wings The Jerk Shack Tony G’s Soul Food Mama’s kitchen Sweet Yams Squeezers Co. BEST BREAKFAST TACOS Las Palapas The Original Donut Shop Bill Miller’s BBQ Tommy’s Tacos N Salsa Mama’s Kitchen BEST BRUNCH Magnolia Pancake Haus Ida Claire La Panaderia Paramour Drag Brunch Frida Mexican Reataurant Mama’s Kitchen Bistr09 BEST BURGER Burger Boy Chris Madrid’s Armadillos Mr. Juicy Zulia’s Kitchen BEST CARIBBEAN FOOD The Jerk Shack Puerto Koki Jamaica Jamaica Eklectic Eats BEST CHARCUTERIE BOARD Cured The Board Couple Graze Haus CafecitoSATX Bistr09 BEST CHICKEN FRIED STEAK Good Time Charlie’s Alamo Cafe MK Davis De Wese’s Tip Top Cafe Josephine Street Steakhouse BEST ‘CHICKEN’ SANDWICH Golden Wok Earth Burger BEST CHINESE FOOD Sichuan House Ding How Best Quality Daughter Mencius’ Gourmet Hunan Bamboo

BEST CONCHA La Panaderia Bedoy’s Bakery Panif ico Bake Shop Ganessa Mexican Pastries Alebrije Sunshine Bakery BEST CRAWFISH Smashin Crab LA Crawf ish Willie’s Pinch Boil House SA Seafood Kajun Kang Cravorites BEST DATE NIGHT The Pearl Elsewhere Tre Trattoria Amor Eterno Volare Bistr09 BEST DONUT SHOP Duck Donuts The Original Donut Shop Shipley’s The Art of Donut Snowflake Donut BEST ENCHILADAS Blanco Cafe Rosario’s El Chapparal Mama’s Kitchen Lada Ladies BEST FAMILY FRIENDLY RESTAURANT The Cove Babe’s Old Fashioned Food Sea Island Shrimp House Blanco BBQ Backyard on Broadway Mama’s Kitchen BEST FOOD TRUCK Naco Mexican Eatery Mister Diablo Taco Truck Eklectic Eats Zulia’s Kitchen Abu Omar Halal Lada Ladies BEST FRIED CHICKEN Earl Abel’s Bill Miller Bar-B-Q Southerleigh Cullum’s Attagirl Project Pollo Gold Feather BEST FRIES Whataburger Burger Boy Bill Miller Bar-B-Q Mr. Juicy Zulia’s Kitchen Project Pollo Gold Feather

BEST FRUTERIA La Fruteria Las Nieves Mission Fruteria Sandia Los Trejos BEST HOT DOG The Dogfather Dog Haus Wrigleyville Grill Rocker Dogz Zulia’s Kitchen BEST ICE CREAM Lick Honest Ice Creams Amy’s Ice Cream Kuma Boozy’s Creamery & Craft El Tropico Paciugo BEST INDIAN RESTAURANT India Palace India Oven Tandoor Palace Spice Tarka BEST INTERNATIONAL MARKET La Michocana Tim’s Oriental & Seafood Market Ali Baba Seoul Asian Market Asia Supermarket Las Americas Minnano Japanese Grocery BEST ITALIAN RESTAURANT Paesanos Little Italy Capparelli’s On Main Tre Trattoria Nonnam Osteria Battalion Volare BEST JUICE SHOP Revolucion Coffee + Juice Southtown juice Jugo Juicery Squeezers Urth Juice Bar Bee’s Wellness Cafe BEST KOREAN RESTAURANT Seoul Asian Market and Cafe Hon Machi Bullgogi Boys Gogi Street Korean Fusion Ilsong Garden Arirang Korean Restaurant Bull Gogi Boys BEST LATE NIGHT PLACE TO EAT Whataburger Mi Tierra Mama Margie’s Jim’s Abu Omar Halal BEST LOCAL BREWERY Alamo Beer Co. Künstler Brewing Weathered Souls Brewing Co. Roadmap Brewing Co. Second Pitch Beer Co. Back Unturned BEST MEDITERRANEAN RESTAURANT Pasha Mediterranean Restaurant Jerusalem Grill Mina & Dimi’s Demo’s Papouli’s Tripolis Mediterranean Grill

BEST MENUDO Mi Tierra Cafe and Bakery Panchito’s La Coronela Mexican Restaurant Tommy’s Mama’s Kitchen Taquieria Mexico

BEST SOUL FOOD Mr. & Mrs. G’s Tony G’s Soul Food Mr. C’s Fried Chicken Mrs. Kitchen Binge Kitchen Sweet Yams

BEST MEXICAN RESTAURANT Rosario’s El Mirasol Paloma Blanca Frida Mexican Restaurant La Fonda on Main Mama’s Kitchen Los Ajos

BEST STEAKHOUSE Chama Gaucha Saltgrass Bohanan’s Perry’s Brasao Brazilian Steakhouse J Prime Bob’s Steak & Chop House

BEST NEW RESTAURANT Frida Mexican Restaurant Project Pollo Best Quality Daughter Brasserie Mon Chou Chou Little Em’s Oyster Bar SA Seafood

BEST SUSHI Sushi Zushi Godai Sushi Bar Goro’s Sushi Sushihana Sushishima Sukeban

BEST PIZZA Big Lou’s Pizza Dough Volare Barbaro Il Forno

BEST TACOS Taquitos West Ave Torchy’s Tacos Mister Diablo Taco Truck Taco Palenque Rosario’s Frida Mexican Restaurant Mama’s Kitchen

BEST POKE RESTAURANT Hula Poke Ginza Ramen and Poke Poke Central Big Aloha San Poke BEST PUFFY TACOS Henry’s Puffy Tacos Ray’s Drive Inn Rosario’s Los Barrios Tiago’s Cabo Grille BEST RAMEN RESTAURANT Nama Ramen Noodle Tree Tenko Ramen Cherrity Bar Kimura BEST RESTAURANT FOR SPECIAL DIETS Pharm Table Project Pollo The Good Kind Tripoli’s Mediterranean Grill Thai Vegan Five Points Local Vegan Avenue Five Points Local BEST SALSA Rosario’s La Gloria Las Palapas Naco Mexican Eatery Frida Mexican Restaurant Paloma Blanca Mama’s Kitchen BEST SANDWICHES Gino’s Deli Zito’s Deli The Station Cafe The Hayden BEST SEAFOOD Pappadeaux El Bucanero Smashin Crab Sea Island Shrimp House LA Crawf ish Rebelle

BEST TAMALES Delia’s Tamales Tellez Delicious Tamales BEST THAI RESTAURANT Thai Dee Tong’s Thai Thai Hut Thai Bistro Thai Topaz Thai House Thai Taste BEST VEGAN SOUL FOOD Sweet Yams Urban Soul Market Binge Kitchen Vegan Avenue on Main BEST VEGETARIAN RESTAURANT Green Vegetarian Cuisine Project Pollo The Good Kind Pharm Table Señor Veggie Vegan Avenue Viva Vegeria BEST VIETNAMESE RESTAURANT Pho Kim Long Taste of Asia Singhs Pho Hung Cuong Vietnam BEST WINGS Wing Stop Wayne’s Wings Gold Feather Birds & Beers Wing Daddy’s BEST WOMAN-OWNED RESTAURANT Frida Mexican Restaurant Mina and Dimi’s Greek House Best Quality Daughter The Good Kind Künstler Brewing Lada Ladies

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THANK YOU SA,

FOR NOMINATING US BEST MEDITERRANEAN FOOD! Taste the Experience.

Taste the Mediterranean.

Experience the Mediterranean through our food, handcrafted beverages, and ambiance while nurturing your appetite!

SUPPORTERS OF THE SA FOOD BANK, THE CENTER FOR REFUGEE SERVICES, & OTHER AWESOME NONPROFITS! 46

CURRENT | July 28 – August 10, 2021 | sacurrent.com

FroM PAStA to PizzA, volAre hAS you covered with the BeSt eAtS!

Weekday lunch specials happy hour Tues - Sat from 2:30pm - 5pm 3902 Mccullough Ave | (210) 251-3424 | @volArePizzSA sacurrent.com | July 28 - August 10, 2021 | CURRENT

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FRIDA RESTAURANT & BAR A SYMBOL OF HOPE AND POWER SINCE FEBRUARY 2020 BY RENOWNED CHEF SOFIA SADA 18740 STONE OAK PKWY | (210) 463-9173 | FRIDARESTAURANTSA.COM

BEST OF SA 2021 WINNER FOR B EST N EW RESTAURA NT & BEST WO MAN-OWNED RESTAURA NT IN SA !

AN EXPLORATION OF GASTRONOMIC ART, A CULTURE OF FRIENDLY SERVICE AND A FULL SPECTRUM OF SOUNDS AND COLORS- REINVENTING THE AUTHENTICITY OF MEXICAN CUISINE. 48

CURRENT | July 28 – August 10, 2021 | sacurrent.com

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CALL OR TEXT STEPHANIE STONE AT

210-343-1999

OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT STEPHANIESTONEHOMES.COM

We have the keys to the city The Real Estate Market is changing. You need a Realtor who changes with it.

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Whether you're looking to buy your first home, looking to move up from your current home or ready to downsize, you need someone focused on your needs. We value service, not sales.

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Aggressive, Professional, Results-Driven

Call (210) 942-9240 For Consultation 52

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Best of SA | People BEST ALL-TIME SPURS PLAYER

Tim Duncan

Winner: Tim Duncan

I

t’s really no surprise that The Big Fundamental landed at the top spot on this list for his incredible 19-year-career with the San Antonio Spurs. While former players like David Robinson, George Gervin, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker would probably round out the top five, there’s no denying Duncan was a once-ina-lifetime player who transformed a small-market franchise into a sports juggernaut. Not only did Duncan deliver five NBA championships to San Antonio, he won back-to-back NBA MVP awards in 2002 and 2003, was named Finals MVP three times and was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame this year. Duncan’s No. 21 jersey was retired by the Spurs in 2016.

He’s the Spurs’ GOAT, hands down.

2. David Robinson 3. Patty Mills BEST ATTORNEY

Winner: Ashley Morgan kirkerdavis.com/attorney/ ashley-morgan 2. Joseph “Joe” Hoelscher hgclaw.com/joe-hoelscher Josh Huskin

3. Andrew Borrego www.jca-law.com/team/ andrew-borrego BEST BURLESQUE TROUPE

Winner: Pastie Pops Burlesque Revue pastiepops.com

I

t would be remiss to congratulate the Pastie Pops on this win without first taking a moment for S.T. Shimi — a beloved performer who helped build the local burlesque scene and died in a tragic accident last December. As leader of the pioneering local troupe Stars and Garters, Shimi (who performed as Black Orchid, the “Transoceanic Tropical Tease”) rallied her gals each year for a bit of playful rivalry with the Pops in this very category. Orchid, we miss you and the tireless creative energy you brought to San Antonio! Without further ado, onto the Pops: Comprised of Jasper St. James (The Big and Tall That Bears It All), Mary Annette (The Doll With No Strings Attached), Vixy Van Hellen (The Bare Bottom of Bexar County), Camille

Toe (She’s the One You Wanna Pick), Elle Du Jour (The Contemporary Tease) and Mustang Ryder (The Self-Made Man), the Pops are a deliciously diverse, body-positive troupe known for performances that fuse burlesque with elements of vaudeville and stand-up.

Rolling with the pandemic punches, the Pops presented three virtual shows during lockdown and are currently dusting off the tassels for “The Big

Strip,” a live performance showcasing Mary Annette (with support from a live band) at the Bonham Exchange on July 31.

2. Stars and Garters Burlesque starsandgartersburlesque.com

development of Hernandez’s during the health crisis, however, was his introduction of margarita trucks to whisk SA’s favorite beverage directly to consumers.

3. Haus of Erotique instagram.com/hausoferotique.tx IN

BEST CHEF

Winner: Johnny Hernandez chefjohnnyhernandez.com

C Pastie Pops Courtesy Photo Pastie Pops

elebrity chef, entrepreneur and general boss-man Johnny Hernandez has snagged yet another Best Of award in this category since his first in 2019. Though the pandemic made 2020 a tough year for chefs nationwide, Hernandez rolled up his sleeves and worked diligently to create a larger footprint for his Grupo La Gloria, which includes the not just the business’ namesake Mexican streetfood spots but Burgerteca and Fruteria locations. Perhaps the most innovative

Johnny Hernandez Courtesy Photo Johnny Hernandez

2. Sofia Sada Frida Mexican Restaurant & Bar, Savor at The Culinary Institute of America ciachef.edu/ana-sofia-sada-cervantes

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Chiropractic care for the growing family

506 E Ramsey Rd. #5 Sa, TX 78216 | (210) 323-2163 | nestchiropractic.com |

@nest.chiro

/nest.chiro

M 8 AM- 1 PM | 3PM - 6 PM T By Appointment Only W 8 AM- 1 PM | 3PM - 6 PM th 8 AM- 1 PM | 3PM - 6 PM F By Appointment Only

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Best of SA | People 3. Jason Dady Jason Dady Restaurant Group jasondady.com BEST DRAG PERFORMER

Winner: Kristi Waters kristiwaters.com

I

f RuPaul’s Drag Race has taught us anything, it’s that drag is an art form — one that requires an abundance of “charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent.” Snatching her second crown as San Antonio’s Best Drag Performer, Kristi Waters checks those boxes and also knows a thing or two about reading. (It’s fundamental.)

A former Corpus Christi schoolteacher who reinvented herself as one of San Antonio’s hardest-working drag queens, Waters has portrayed Southern sexpot Blanche Devereaux in campy Golden Girls tributes, entertained throngs of wannabe Real Housewives of San Antonio at Paramour drag brunches and even sold out a solo comedy show called I Promise I’m Not Funny. In what remains of her spare time, Waters continues to fine-tune her impersonation of chameleonic superstar Lady Gaga.

Kristi Waters

@s.a.foodie

BEST INSTAGRAM INFLUENCER

Winner: @s.a.foodie

S

an Antonio native Amanda Spencer, known on Instagram as @s.a.foodie, has snagged her second Best of SA award in this category, and her expanding online reach helps explain why. Up to 219,000 followers since last year’s win, the social media mogul uses vibrant photos of mouthwatering food to promote local businesses one expertly composed post at a time. In addition to photos of delectable restaurant spreads, she also intersperses pegs for local products and occasional travel-related posts for a sense of variety.

2. @eldereats

BEST LOCAL ACTOR/ACTRESS

Winner: Tommy Lee Jones 2. Jesse Borrego 3. Patricia Zamora BEST LOCAL CELEBRITY

Winner: George Strait 2. Tim Duncan 3. Gregg Popovich

BEST LOCAL FILMMAKER

Alex Ramirez alexramirezfilms.com

A

Instagram / s.a.foodie

s the head of his own film production company, Mala Bruja Pictures, Alex Ramirez is calling his own shots. Last year, his drama The Quiet Shore was distributed by ShortsTV. The short won best film and cinematography awards at the Latino Feedback Film Festival and recently screened at CineFestival.

Ramirez has written and directed a handful of projects, including the vampire film Young Lust and the short film Breathless. Currently, he teaches media and film at SAY Sí and is the education coordinator with the San Antonio Film Society.

3. @sanantoniostephanie BEST JEWELER

Courtesy Photo / Tyler Schmitt and Kind Clinic.

Winner: James Avery Artisan Jewelry jamesavery.com

2. Miss Taint instagram.com/miss_taint

2. San Antonio Jewelry sajewelry.com

3. Lyn-Z Andrews Falhberg facebook.com/LYNZLANGANDREWS

3. Anel I. Flores anelflores.com

Alex Ramirez Instagram / alexrmrz2

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SEE WHY

WAS NOMINATED

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Best of SA | People

Andrea “Vocab” Sanderson

Isis Romero Instagram / Isis Romero

Jade Esteban Estrada

2. Robert Gonzales — Boojale Productions facebook.com/boojale 3. Laura Varela varelafilm.org BEST LOCAL POET

Winner: Andrea “Vocab” Sanderson andreavocabsanderson.com

S

an Antonio’s fifth Poet Laureate Andrea “Vocab” Sanderson is a multitalented author, singer and hip-hop artist who keeps racking up accolades. In 2019 she won both the People’s Choice Award from the Artist Foundation of San Antonio (now the Luminaria Artist Foundation) and the Tobin Center’s Award of Excellence, and in June of this year she was awarded a $50,000 fellowship

by the American Academy of Poets to fund The Echo Project, which will help young artists record oral histories of “elders, historians, leaders, veteran artists, activists and educators,” according to the academy’s announcement. So far during her tenure as Poet Laureate, which began in 2020, Sanderson has worked tirelessly to foster community with initiatives including the Poetry Postcard Project, which she organized in collaboration with the San Antonio Museum of Art as a way to inspire people to take political action through poetry. Her 2019 album She Tastes Like Music was followed by her debut poetry collection She Lives in Music in early 2020, which was published by Flower Song Press.

2. Anel I. Flores anelflores.com 3. James R. Dennis

jamesrdennis.com

BEST NEWS ANCHOR

BEST LOCAL RADIO SHOW

Winner: The Billy Madison Show, 99.5 KISS FM 2. On the Record with Xavier the Freakin Rican, Vibe 107.5 3. TPR’s The Source, KSTX BEST MASCOT

Winner: Spurs Coyote 2. H-E-Buddy (H-E-B) 3. Mama Peño (Flying Chanclas) BEST METEOROLOGIST

Winner: Bill Taylor, KENS 2. Adam Caskey, KSAT 3. Kaiti Blake, KSAT

Winner: Isis Romero, KSAT

D

uring her 11 years with local ABC affiliate KSAT, Isis Romero has become a nightly presence in San Antonians’ homes. The Corpus Christi native has won accolades for her poise and approachable delivery as co-anchor of the station’s Nightbeat broadcasts with Steve Spriester, a prior Best of San Antonio winner in this category.

She’s also proven her journalistic chops by producing a season of Up Close, a news magazine program that explored current events from first-person perspectives, and Conviction, a series on the 1998 murder of businessman Eddie Garcia, known as “The Bingo King” of San Antonio. Romero also maintains a widely followed social media presence that includes family photos of she and

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Best of SA | People her husband Phil Anaya — an anchor at rival KENS 5 — and their three boys.

3. Clifton Simmons cliftonisfunny.com

Ron Nirenberg

2. Randy Beamer, KLRN (retired from WOAI)

BEST VISUAL ARTIST

3. Steve Spriester, KSAT

T

Winner: Adriana M. Garcia adrianamjgarcia.com

BEST PHOTOGRAPHER

Winner: Julián P. Ledezma instagram.com/jplproductions

F

or the sake of transparency, we must point out that Julián P. Ledezma does freelance work for the Current. But even if he didn’t, we’re guessing he’d still have no trouble winning in this category.

A tireless chronicler of San Antonio’s LGBTQ+ scene, he’s a frequent fixture at drag shows, weekend dance nights and the city’s annual Pride Festival. As a fine-art photographer, he’s also chronicled the city’s drag scene with compelling portraiture. What’s more, Ledezma puts his shutterbug skills to work at his day job as a marketing specialist for the San Antonio Food Bank, a worthy cause indeed.

Julián P. Ledezma

S

Bryan Rindfuss

an Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg scraped by in his 2019 reelection fight, which ended in a tight runoff victory over populist candidate Greg Brockhouse. But what a difference a pandemic makes.

Nirenberg’s political stock skyrocketed during the following year as he provided calm and steady leadership through a crisis the Trump administration and Texas’ Republican leadership chose to downplay. While the jury’s still out on the success of Nirenberg’s SA: Ready to Work initiative, which aims to retrain 40,000 workers displaced by the pandemic, he showed his strength as a salesman by convincing voters to approve the program. It’s also telling that his rematch against Brockhouse this spring wasn’t even close. The challenger bowed out early on election night as early polling showed Nirenberg with a 30-point lead.

here’s an expansive and expressive quality to the work of San Antonio artist Adriana M. Garcia that’s exemplified

by De Todos Caminos Somos Todos Uno — a 117-foot mural she created for San Pedro Creek Culture Park in conjunction with San Antonio’s Tricentennial celebration. Comprised of detailed vignettes exploring San Antonio’s rich past, the impressive installation also showcases Garcia’s reverence for history and her ancestors. A West Side native who graduated from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh and studied

fine arts in Valencia, Spain, Garcia has created murals in San Antonio and San Francisco, co-authored the play La Carpa Garcia about her family’s 1930s-era traveling tent show and illustrated Xelena González’s award-winning children’s book All Around Us. Known for colorful portraits of strong women and works exploring themes of immigration and mental health, Garcia believes strongly in the social impact art can make and sees her creative practice as “the most accessible way to protest, love, heal and learn.”

2. Ray “Tattooed Boy” Scarborough instagram.com/tattooedboy123 3. Nik Soupè instagram.com/souplaws

Adriana MJ Garcia

2. Julián Castro 3. Joaquin Castro BEST REALTOR

Winner: Stephanie Stone stephaniestone.exprealty.com 2. David Cruz davidcruz.myhomehq.biz Facebook / Julián P. Ledezma

2. Sarah E. Cooper Photography instagram.com/sarahecooperphotography 3. The Life in Art Photography thelifeinart.com BEST POLITICIAN

Winner: Ron Nirenberg

3. Steve Perry sothebysrealty.com/eng/ associate/180-a-890-400740237/ steve-perry BEST STAND-UP COMIC

Winner: Cleto Rodriguez cletorodriguez.com

2. Jennifer Marroquin instagram.com/justjencomedy

Instagram / Adriana MJ Garcia

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Best of SA Finalists | People BEST ALL-TIME SPURS PLAYER Tim Duncan David Robinson Patty Mills BEST ATTORNEY Ashley Morgan Joseph “Joe” Hoelscher Andrew Borrego Jean Brown BEST BURLESQUE TROUPE Pastie Pops Stars and Garters Haus of Erotique SA Papis BEST CHEF Johnny Hernandez Sof ia Sada Jason Dady Tim McDiarmid John Russ BEST DRAG PERFORMER Kristi Waters Miss Taint Lyn-Z Andrews Fahlberg Pinche Villa Miss Ken Doll BEST INSTAGRAM INFLUENCER @s.a.foodie @eldereats @sanantoniostephanie @SATXRated @eatmigos BEST JEWELER James Avery San Antonio Jewelry Anel Flores Diamonds Direct Carranza & Carranza BEST LOCAL ACTOR Tommy Lee Jones Jesse Borrego Patricia Zamora Josey Porras Arlene Cavazos BEST LOCAL CELEBRITY George Strait Tim Duncan Gregg Popovich David Elder Patty Mills Jesse Borego BEST LOCAL FILMMAKER Alex Ramirez Robert Gonzales/Boojale Productions Laura Varela Bryan Ortiz Than Niles Laura Varelo DW Goodloe Kenneth Dill Dat Mayne DeeWayne BEST LOCAL POET Andrea “Vocab” Sanderson Anel Flores James R. Dennis Sharon Ruth Hensley

BEST LOCAL RADIO SHOW The Billy Madison Show On the Record with Xavier the Freakin Rican The Source on TPR The Urban Suite on KSYM 90.1FM The Chuck Vans Show BEST MASCOT Spurs Coyote H-E-Buddy (H-E-B) Mama Peño (Flying Chanclas) Rowdy (UTSA) Parker (S.A. Parks and Recreation) BEST METEOROLOGIST Bill Taylor Adam Caskey Kaiti Blake Justin Horne BEST NEWS ANCHOR Isis Romero Randy Beamer Steve Spriester Sarah Acosta Deborah Knapp Sarah Forgany BEST PET GROOMER Lucy’s Doggy Day Care and Spa Lucky Dog Pet Grooming Wash Shake Wag Doggone Gorgeous Rob Cary Pet Resort Doggone Gorgeous BEST PHOTOGRAPHER Julián Ledezma Sarah E. Cooper Photography The Life in Art Photography Michelle Jones Photography Jess Gonzales BEST POLITICIAN Ron Nirenberg Julián Castro Joaquin Castro Diego Bernal Roberto Treviño BEST REALTOR Stephanie Stone David Cruz Steve Perry John Barrera MarkAnthony Ball Bobby Nix BEST STAND-UP COMIC Cleto Rodriguez Jennifer Marroquin Clifton Simmons Larry Garza Jay LaFarr BEST VISUAL ARTIST Adriana M. Garcia Ray Tattooed Boy Scarborough Nik Soupè Colton Valentine Andrés R. Lopez

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Focus on your clients.

We’ll do the rest.

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Whether you’re looking to

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512.387.5313 816 | CAMARON ST. #1.01 SAN ANTONIO, TX 78212

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SAN ANTONIO’S UPSCALE OUTDOOR SHOPPING AND DINING DESTINATION

260 E. BASSE RD • SAN ANTONIO, TX 78209 • QUARRYVILLAGESA.COM

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Defining home has always been about where the people are that you love and care about...

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Platinum Top 50 Finalist 2017, 2018 & 2020 Business Journal Top 30 Agent 2017 Five Star Professional Rising Star in Real Estate 2015 steveperry.kuperrealty.com | Office (210) 698-3100 | Mobile (210) 882-9619 sacurrent.com | July 28 - August 10, 2021 | CURRENT

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La Villita, located on the River Walk, offers over 20 galleries, restaurants, and artisan boutiques with unique, handcrafted treasures.

Open Daily

Restaurant hours may vary

La Villita | 418 Villita Street lavillitasanantonio.com @LaVillitaHistoricArtsVillage 68

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@banderamarket

!

L A C O SHOP L

Located at the

Bandera Pointe Shopping Center 11625 Bandera Rd. Sa, TX 78250

740-563-2274

see which vendors are attending at www.BanderaMarket.com

Weekly farmer's market

Sat 10a-5p + Sun 11a-5p + third Friday night Next night market is 8/20 - to celebrate National Dog Day. Join us for our Cutest Dog Contest to win a gift basket!

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Best of SA | Shopping BEST ADULT STORE

Winner: Adult Megaplex Multiple locations megaplexsa.com

Broadway Pinups

2. Love Shack Boutique 1580 Babcock Road (210) 767-9411 theloveshackboutique.com 3. Sexology Institute 707 S. St. Mary’s St. (210) 487-0371 sexologyinstitute.com BEST ANTIQUE STORE

Winner: Alamo Antique Mall 125 Broadway (210) 224-4354 alamoantiquemall.com 2. Karolina’s Antiques 1705 Blanco Road (210) 731-9787 karolinasantiques.com 3. Armadillo Antiques N More 7243 Blanco Road (210) 236-5340 armadilloantiquestx.com BEST BICYCLE SHOP

Winner: Bike World Multiple locations bikeworld.com 2. Bicycle Heaven Multiple locations bicycle-heaven.com

3. Crossroad Bikes 14510 NW Military Highway (210) 492-7677 crossroadbikes.com BEST BOOK STORE

Winner: Half Price Books Multiple locations hpb.com 2. The Twig 306 Pearl Parkway, Suite 106 (210) 826-6411 thetwig.com 3. Nowhere Bookshop 5154 Broadway (210) 640-7260 nowherebookshop.com BEST CAR DEALERSHIP

Winner: Ancira Enterprises Multiple locations ancira.com

Instagram / Broadway Pinups

2. Gunn Honda 14610 I-10 West (210) 775-1663 gunnhonda.com 3. Red McCombs Ford 8333 W. I-10 West (210) 996-2678 saford.com BEST CBD SHOP

Winner: DAB House of Hemp 105 Warren St. houseofhemp.square.site 2. Alamo Botanicals 19141 Stone Oak Parkway #301 (210) 444- 9026 alamobotanicals.com 3. Wellness Wagon by CBD Relief 11627 Bandera Road (210) 366-4380

cbdrelief.care/wellness-wagon-by-cbdrelief BEST CLOTHING BOUTIQUE

Winner: Broadway Pinups 3615 Broadway (210) 824-1415 broadwaypinups.com

T

his cozy shop squeezed into central San Antonio is a can’tmiss stop for any fashion-forward — or backward — resident or visitor. Since its 2014 opening, Broadway Pinups has offered inclusive sizing in its unique assortment of vintage-inspired pinup dresses, skirts, shoes and more. With new items coming in every week and a welcoming staff that’s happy to help in the search for the perfect find, it’s understandable why readers trust Broadway Pinups to keep them in style.

2. Grey Moon Vintage 2202 Broadway greymoon.online 3. Eye Candy Boutique 2003 S. Zarzamora St., Unit 1101 (By appointment only) (210) 363-3572 heyeyecandy.com BEST COMIC BOOK/GAME SHOP

Winner: Dragon’s Lair Comics & Fantasy — Alamo Ranch 5511 W. Loop 1604 N., Suite 111 (210) 647-6119 dlair.net/alamoranch

2. Dragon’s Lair Comics & Fantasy — Medical Center 7959 Fredericksburg Road, Suite 129 (210) 615-1229 dlair.net/medicalcenter

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It’s Back!

COMING

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Best of SA | Shopping Pearl Farmers Market

Bee’s Wellness Cafe Instagram / Bee’s Wellness Cafe

3. Knight Watch Games 16350 Blanco Road #116 (210) 888-1051 knightwatchgames.com

Or maybe it’s the cozy-but-professional vibe, a serious cut above the dingy gas stations and other retail spots that have jumped on the CBD bandwagon.

BEST DISPENSARY

2. DAB House of Hemp 105 Warren St. houseofhemp.square.site

Winner: Bee’s Wellness Cafe 3030 Thousand Oaks Drive, Suite 102 (210) 836-8141 beeswellnesscafe.com

Y

ou may have heard of a little product called CBD that’s become quite popular with San Antonio residents. You may have even heard of CBD’s close friend Delta 8, which is really popular here. Apparently, Current readers trust Bee’s Wellness Café when it comes to both. You could say the dispensary, run by the appropriately named Blazey Bee, has generated quite a buzz. Originally scheduled to open right as COVID hit, Bee’s began operation in June of last year and has been a hit since, perhaps due to the owner’s commitment to CBD research and education. Or maybe the variety of products just sell themselves.

3. Drop of Sunshine 722 W. Craig Place (310) 600-2403 thedropofsunshine.com BEST FARMERS MARKET

Winner: The Pearl Farmers Market 303 Pearl Parkway (210) 947-9252 atpearl.com/farmers-market

T

here’s plenty to do at Pearl Brewery on the average day, and its weekend farmers market takes things up several notches. In addition to a plentiful selection of farm-grown produce and locally made eats and treats, you can

Facebook / Pearl Farmers Market

find houseplants, handmade soaps and even baked goods for your pup.

Though you may be tempted to beat the heat (and crowds) by showing up right at the market’s open time, not all stands are guaranteed to be set up. But we’d still recommend arriving early, before parking becomes a premium.

Don’t want to fight the crowds? You can now place curbside orders during the week, with pickup times scheduled on Sundays.

2. Bandera Market 11627 Bandera Road (740) 563-2274 banderamarket.com 3. Live Oak Farmer’s Market 8151 Pat Booker Road (210) 473-0685 facebook.com/liveoakfarmersmarketonpatbooker BEST FLEA MARKET

Winner: Traders Village 9333 SW Loop 410 (210) 623-8383

tradersvillage.com/san-antonio

T

raders Village isn’t your typical flea market — its 100 acres, filled with over 1,000 vendors and festival attractions, make it a Texas-sized market that’s clearly captured the shopping imagination of Current readers. The bargain hunter’s paradise features vendors from across the state, with low overhead prices making it an accessible space for sellers of all kinds. If you’ve got kids in your party or are merely looking for a break, the sprawling market offers an array of attractions ranging from a drop ride and bumper cars to carousels.

2. Bussey’s Flea Market 18738 I-35 North Frontage Road, Schertz (210) 651-6830 https://www.busseysfm.com 3. Liberty Market 1111 S. Alamo St. (210) 227-1187 liberty-bar.com

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find tour info at

Follow us

cottonwoodwinetours.com 210-488-6867

@cottonwoodwinetours

Hill Country Wine Tours from San Antonio Ava i l a b l e 7 d ay s a w e e k *No group minimum 74

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Best of SA | Shopping The Rustic Modern Boutique

Instagram / The Rustic Modern Boutique

BEST FURNITURE STORE

Winner: The Rustic Modern Boutique 555 W. Bitters Road, Suite 103 (210) 272-0084 therusticmodernboutique.com

D

on’t tell the Internet, but controversial Fixer Upper stars Chip and Joanna Gaines didn’t invent the “modern farmhouse” aesthetic — they just champion it on a grand scale. While Forbes and other media outlets have reported that the style has fallen sharply out of favor in big-city design circles, it’s perhaps more of a lifestyle than a fleeting trend in our neck of the woods. Distinguished by distressed wooden furniture, repurposed salvage, ranch-ready decor and signs of the “Live, Laugh, Love” variety, this lived-in look is on full display at the year-old Rustic Modern Boutique. Situated in the Alley on Bitters, the family-owned outpost goes beyond rustic furnishings with a playful mix of kitchenware, soy candles, handbags and jewelry. And for the DIYers looking to breathe new life into an old accent, look no further than the shop’s assortment of chalk-style paints.

2. Period Modern 4347 McCullough Ave. (210) 902-1217

periodmodern.com 3. San Antonio Furniture Finders 1805 Blanco Road (210) 803-1900 safurniturefinders.com BEST LOCALLY MADE PRODUCT

Winner: Twang (210) 226-7008 twang.com

S

an Antonio-grown Twang just happens to be celebrating its 35th birthday as it celebrates another Best of San Antonio win in this category. Founded by Roger Treviño Sr., the business launched in 1986 with puro products such as

Twang-a-Rita, a salt used to embellish the rims of margaritas, and it’s since expanded into bottled michelada mix, pickle beer salt and other items that cater to local drinkers’ love for mixing salty and sour flavors. Clearly, Current readers were happy to raise a glass and say “cheers” to another year and another win.

2. In the Weeds Natural Skin Care (210) 960-3376 shopintheweeds.com

Courtesy Photo / Twang

Rainbow Gardens

3. Southside Craft Soda (210) 585-8491 southsidecraftsoda.com BEST PLANT NURSERY

Winner: Rainbow Gardens Multiple locations rainbowgardens.biz

L Twang

a variety of orchids, hoyas, African violets and other popular indoor greenery.

Plant lovers should keep an eye on the nursery’s Instagram feed for posts announcing the arrival of in-demand varieties of “it” plants, from Alocasia baginda “Dragon Scale” to Stephania erecta — stock is often limited. And it sells fast!

ongtime San Antonio stalwart Rainbow Gardens’ two expansive nurseries on San Antonio’s North and West sides have been in operation since the mid-1980s.

Both offer a full selection of plants and supplies to satisfy nearly every type of gardener. Whether you’re trying to re-landscape or grow a raised bed of vegetables, there’s plenty to choose from. Houseplant hobbyists also have plenty to love, especially at the Bandera Road location, which is kept flush with

Kelly Merka Nelson

2. Milberger’s Landscaping and Nursery 3920 N. Loop 1604 E. (210) 497-3760 milbergernursery.com 3. Shades of Green 334 W. Sunset Road (210) 824-3772 shadesofgreensa.com

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San Antonio, TX 78254

San Antonio, TX 78240

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Best of SA | Shopping Hogwild Records

Instagram / Hogwild Records

BEST RECORD STORE

Winner: Hogwild Records 1824 N. Main Ave. (210) 733-5354 facebook.com/hogwildrecords

I

f you’ve been involved in the punk, indie or metal music scenes at any point during the past few decades, you know Hogwild. If you’ve attended San Antonio College and have an interest in those music genres, you probably spent some time shopping there between classes. Stop by at any random time and you’re likely to be treated to a full-volume blast of one of the above music genres as its knowledgeable staff road tests new releases. The venerable indie music retailer remains a browsing paradise with its vast selection of vinyl, local and otherwise, as well as music merch including a sea of T-shirts arrayed across its ceiling. And if you don’t see what you’re looking for, just ask, since the store excels at tracking down hard-tofind special orders.

2. Southtown Vinyl 1010 S. Flores St. #120 (210) 231-0512 southtownvinyl.com

3. CD Exchange Multiple locations cdexchange-sa.com BEST SMOKE SHOP

Winner: Smokerz Paradize Multiple locations smokerzparadize.com

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o, this homegrown chain’s spelling might not invoke the King’s English, but is that really what defines a smoke shop?

Spoiler alert: nope. Smokerz Paradize has a large, well-lit sales floor teeming with water pipes, glass pipes, vapes,

Smokerz Paradize

e-cigs, you name it — all to be used, of course, to smoke harmless tobacco and other legal herbs. Naturally, every major product brand is represented, as are many more you probably haven’t heard of. Smokerz Paradize has locations all over town, so there’s almost certainly one in your area. Chill, brahs.

2. Planet K Multiple locations planetktexas.com

bargain-searching entertainment. The stores stock clothes, electronics, furniture, bedding, kitchenware and pretty much anything else you can imagine.

A repeat winner in its category, Texas Thrift continues to resonate with local bargain hunters.

2. Grey Moon Vintage 2202 Broadway greymoon.online 3. Boysville Auxiliary Thrift Store 307 W. Olmos Drive (210) 826-2195 boysvillethriftstore.com

3. Hazel Sky Multiple locations hazelskyonline.com BEST THRIFT STORE

Winner: Texas Thrift Multiple locations buythrift.com

Texas Thrift

I Facebook / Smokerz Paradize #1

t’s hard to explain the thrill of thrifting to someone who hasn’t done it before. The draw of digging through other people’s old stuff for hours, coming out with finds ranging from pristine prom dresses to taxidermied deer heads. Texas Thrift is certainly the place where many Current readers choose to scratch their thrifting itch, boasting multiple locations across San Antonio with hours of

Facebook / Texas Thrift

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Enjoy the BEST shopping, dining, & fitness experience TheShopsatLH.com | 999 E Basse Rd, San Antonio, TX 78209 78

CURRENT | July 28 – August 10, 2021 | sacurrent.com

BEST ADULT STORE Adult Megaplex Love Shack Boutique Sexology Institute Ouch Apparel Shades of Love

T

BEST DISPENSARY Bee’s Wellness Cafe DAB House of Hemp Drop of Sunshine

BEST ANTIQUE STORE Alamo Antique Mall Karolina’s Antiques Armadillo Antiques N More Top Hat Thriftique BEST BICYCLE SHOP Bike World Bicycle Heaven Crossroad Bikes Blue Star Bike Bites N Bikes Shop

BEST CAR DEALERSHIP Ancira Enterprises Gunn Honda Red McCombs Ford Universal Toyota Red McCombs Toyota World Car SouthWay Ford H & H Auto Sales BEST CBD SHOP DAB House of Hemp Alamo Botanicals Wellness Wagon by CBD Relief The Drop of Sunshine BEST CLOTHING BOUTIQUE Broadway Pinups Grey Moon Vintage Eye Candy Boutique Niche Dollface Den

for voTing uS Best Clothing Boutique!

BEST FARMERS MARKET Pearl Farmers Market Bandera Market Live Oak Farmers Market Quarry Farmers Market BEST FLEA MARKET Trader’s Village Bussey’s Flea Market Liberty Market Round Top Vintage Market Eisenhower Market BEST FURNITURE STORE The Rustic Modern Boutique Period Modern San Antonio Furniture Finders

BEST BOOK STORE Half-Price Books The Twig Book Shop Nowhere Bookshop Dead Tree Books Angie K Books

nk yo u

Best of SA Finalists | Shopping

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BEST LOCALLY MADE PRODUCT Twang In The Weeds Natural Skin Care Southside Craft Soda Fruity Poms

Vintage Inspired

Dress Boutique 3615 Broadway SaTX aTX 78209 | BroadwayPinu a BroadwayPinuPS.com PS.com 1580 BABCOCK RD

210.767.9411

BEST PLANT NURSERY Rainbow Gardens Milberger’s Shades of Green Evergreen Garden Center Tillage BEST RECORD STORE Hogwild Records Southtown Vinyl CD Exchange Friends of Sound Imagine Books and Records

LINGERIE CORSETS LOTIONS

BEST SMOKE SHOP Smokers Paradize Planet K Hazel Sky Bexar Roots

ROMANTIC GIFTS

BOOKS LINGERIE• CORSE T S +•MORE! LOTIONS BEST THRIFT STORE Texas ROMA N Thrift T I CStoreG I F T S B O O K S & M O R E !

Grey Moon Vintage

BEST COMIC BOOK/GAME SHOP Dragon’s Lair—Alamo Ranch Dragon’s Lair—Medical Center Knight Watch Games Alien Worlds Game Over Videogames

Boysville Auxiliary Thrift Store Thrift Town W I Youth NNE RS OF Roy Maas Alternatives

WINNER OF

WINNER

SHOP ONLINE THELOVESHACKBOUTIQUE.COM sacurrent.com | July 28 – August 10, 2021 | CURRENT

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Book your tour today at SanAntonioSidecars.com 80

CURRENT | July 28 – August 10, 2021 | sacurrent.com

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Best of SA | Around Town Blue Star Contemporary

Facebook / Blue Star Contemporary

BEST APARTMENT COMMUNITY

Winner: Rivera on Broadway 1130 Broadway (210) 960-4222 riveraonbroadway.com 2. Southtown Flats 111 Probandt St. (210) 222-8111 southtownflatsapartments.com 3. 1221 Broadway Lofts 1221 Broadway (210) 899-4632 1221broadway.com BEST ART GALLERY

Winner: Blue Star Contemporary 116 Blue Star (210) 227-6960 bluestarcontemporary.org

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t’s reaffirming that Current readers elected Blue Star Contemporary as the Best Art Gallery in San Antonio. And to be fair, BSC is much more than just that. Established in 1986 by a determined group of local artists and arts advocates, the nonprofit is essentially the granddaddy of San Antonio’s contemporary art scene — not to mention the launchpad for both First Friday and Contemporary Art Month (CAM). In addition to hosting top-notch exhibitions showcasing the work of local, national and international artists, BSC educates tomorrow’s artists through the MOSAIC Student Artist Program and sends four lucky Bexar County creatives to Germany each year as part of its threemonth Berlin Residency. In a shining example of remaining relevant amid quickly shifting times, BSC recently

unveiled “The Sitter,” a wide-ranging group show that explores portraiture through the eyes of 13 artists, including San Antonio-based Ruth Leonela Buentello, Carmen Cartiness Johnson, Cruz Ortiz and Sarah Fox. 2. Hopscotch 711 Navarro St., Suite 100 letshopscotch.com 3. Southtown Art Gallery 1913 S. Flores St., Studio 9 (210) 441-0075 facebook.com/southtownartgallery BEST BANK/CREDIT UNION

Winner: USAA usaa.com

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ounded in 1922 as a provider of auto insurance for military officers, financial services giant USAA diversified into the banking business in 1983. Since then,

the San Antonio-based bank has become a go-to institution for members of the armed services and their families. Customers speak highly of its loan rates, customer service and features such as a cashback rewards checking account. Although its only full-service banking location is located on the company’s sprawling Northwest San Antonio campus, it’s been an innovator in offering phone, online and app-driven banking services.

2. Security Service Federal Credit Union ssfcu.org 3. Randolph-Brooks Federal Credit Union rbfcu.org BEST BARBER SHOP

Winner: Service Cuts Barbershop 7915 W. Loop 1604 N. #109 (210) 263-9020 servicecutsbarbershop.com 2. Mike’s Hair Lounge 1933 Fredericksburg Road, Suite 111 (210) 668-4099 mikeshairlounge.com 3. Mane Man Men’s Grooming Multiple locations manemanmensgrooming.com BEST BOWLING ALLEY

Winner: Bowlero Multiple locations bowlero.com

Twitter / USAA

3. Bandera Bowling Center 12332 West I-10 #10 (210) 523-1716 banderabowlingcenter.com

2. Bowl and Barrel 17619 La Cantera Parkway, Suite 102 (210) 920-1102 bowlandbarrel.com

Bowlero Miguel Angel

BEST BUCKET LIST ACTIVITY

Winner: Biking the Mission Trail nps.gov/saan/planyourvisit/hikebike. htm

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onceived in 1993 and constructed in five phases that were completed in 2015, the Mission Hike and Bike Trail connects the historic structures along the San Antonio River, which were built in the 1720s to house Spanish missionaries and indigenous Coahuiltecans.

The 15.1-mile, out-and-back trail is an easy enough ride that the whole family can enjoy, but newcomers should know to pack both water and sunblock in preparation for the full ride. Completionists can begin their journey at

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Schedule your appointment today: (210) 375-5319 809 South St. Mary’s St. SweatEquitySA.com

@CryoFitAH 6486 N New Braunfels Ave • (210) 375-9087 • MyCryoFit.com 86

CURRENT | July 28 - August 10, 2021 | sacurrent.com

Thank you for voting us BEST Infrared Sauna and nominating us BEST IV Hydration & CryoTherapy

Best of SA | Around Town Mission San Antonio de Valero — aka the Alamo — but those who don’t want to deal with the hustle and bustle of downtown roads can forget the Alamo and follow the route that begins at Mission Concepción in the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park.

2. San Antonio Sidecars 503 Chestnut St. (210) 660-6939 sanantoniosidecars.com 3. Cottonwood Wine Tours 1814 Buena Vista St. (210) 488-6867 cottonwoodwinetours.com BEST CHIROPRACTOR

Winner: The Nest Chiropractic and Wellness 506 E. Ramsey Road #5 (210) 323-2163 yoursanantoniochiropractor.com 2. Align Health + Fitness — Donna Diaz 16111 San Pedro Ave. #105 (210) 990-1012 alignhealthsa.com/our-team 3. The Joint Chiropractic Multiple locations thejoint.com BEST CITY PARK

Winner: Phil Hardberger Park 13203 Blanco Road and 8400 NW Military Highway (210) 492-7472 philhardbergerpark.org

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an Antonio’s Phil Hardberger Park isn’t just San Antonio humans’ favorite outdoor public space — it’s a pup paradise as well. With two expansive dog parks where canine companions can run free, it’s no wonder pet owners flock to the facility. But Hardberger Park has a lot more to offer than just the dog-related facilities that take up a mere 3.3 acres of

Biking the Mission Trail Travis Witt

its 311-acre expanse. Late last year, the park debuted a land bridge that allows human visitors as well as native wildlife to cross safely over Wurzbach Parkway.

The innovative structure also includes a skywalk that lifts parkgoers into the treetops as they reach the top. What’s more, artist-designed wildlife viewing blinds allow people to observe native species without disturbing them.

2. Brackenridge Park 3700 N. St. Mary’s St. (210) 207-7275 brackenridgepark.org 3. Hemisfair 434 S. Alamo St. (210) 709-4750 hemisfair.org BEST COMEDY CLUB

Winner: Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club 618 NW Loop 410 (210) 541-8805 lolsanantonio.com

A Phil Hardberger Park Emily Schmalstieg

fter the Rivercenter Comedy Club shut its doors in 2018, the Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club has become the only game in town for big-name, touring stand-up comedians — even during the pandemic. Managed under the Improv comedy umbrella, the LOL continues to book some of the most well-known comics in the industry.

So far this year, comedians including Bob Saget, Paul Rodriguez, Whitney Cummings, Tom Segura, Jeremy Piven, Marlon Wayans and Chris Kattan have hit its stage. In August, podcaster Doug Benson and Cristela Alonzo are on the schedule, followed by appearances

by Carlos Mencia and D.L. Hughley in September.

2. Blind Tiger Comedy Club 902 NE Loop 410 (210) 828-1470 blindtigercomedyclub.com

BEST CRYO THERAPY

Winner: CryoFit Alamo Heights 6486 N. New Braunfels Ave. (210) 375-9087 mycryofit.com 2. Sweat Equity 809 S. St. Mary’s St. (210) 375-5319 sweatequitysa.com 3. Restore Cryotherapy 427 N. Loop 1604 W. #205 (210) 451-0052 restore.com

3. ComedySportz San Antonio 11950 Starcrest Drive #210 (210) 338-0279 cszsa.com

BEST DENTAL PRACTICE

Winner: Sonterra Dental — Dr. Kara Tapangan 255 E. Sonterra Blvd., Suite 150 (210) 899-5434 sonterradentalcare.com

BEST COSMETIC SURGERY

Winner: Alamo Plastic Surgery 19016 Stone Oak Parkway, Suite 240 (210) 670-5302 alamoplasticsurgery.com

2. Reality Bites Dental 20079 Stone Oak Parkway, Suite 2102 (210) 399-5951 realitybitesdental.com

2. Advanced Aesthetics Lopez Plastic Surgery Multiple locations lopezplasticsurgery.com 3. The Plastic and Cosmetic Center of South Texas — Dr .Thomas T. Jeneby 7272 Wurzbach Road, Unit 801 (210) 890-2415 drjenebyplasticsurgery.com

3. Wilderness Oak Dentistry — Dr. Estrella 20711 Wilderness Oak #104 (210) 298-0800 wildernessoakdentistry.com BEST DERMATOLOGY PRACTICE

Winner: Sonterra Dermatology Multiple locations dermatologysanantonio.com

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Best of SA | Around Town 2. DermSA Multiple locations dermsa.com

San Antonio Zoo

3. Alamo Heights Dermatology 131 W. Sunset Road, Suite 101 (210) 255-8447 alamoheightsderm.com BEST DRY CLEANER

Winner: Five Star Cleaners Multiple locations myfivestarcleaners.com 2. Comet Cleaners Multiple locations cometsatx.com 3. Culpepper Cleaners Multiple locations culpeppercleaners.com BEST FAMILY ATTRACTION

Winner: San Antonio Zoo 3903 N. St. Mary’s St. (210) 734-7184 sazoo.org

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learly, Best of San Antonio voters get that the San Antonio Zoo has more than flamingos and giraffes to offer. A nonprofit zoological facility accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, the zoo works to conserve myriad species through the group’s cooperatively managed Species Survival Plan.

Some of those species are currently extinct in the wild, like the Micronesian kingfisher and La Palma pupfish. The zoo’s conservation efforts also include multiple species native to the Lone Star State, such as the Texas horned lizard, the Texas blind salamander and the whooping crane, which winters on the Gulf Coast. Zoo visitors can sign up for behind-the-scenes experiences with tortoises, okapi and more; take a ride on the historic zoo train (formerly the Brackenridge Eagle) and Zootennial Carousel; or even visit the site’s limited-time ren-faire-esque attraction Dragon Forest, which runs through October. Plus, the zoo owns and operates beloved SA fixture Kiddie Park, which was relocated to be next door. There’s plenty of fun to be had, whether you’re a kid, a parent or just a child at heart.

2. The Pearl 303 Pearl Parkway (210) 212-7260 atpearl.com

Courtesy Photo / San Antonio Zoo

3. San Antonio Botanical Garden 555 Funston Place (210) 536-1400 sabot.org

1310 McCullough Ave. (210) 757-2200 sahealth.com/locations/methodist-hospital-metropolitan

BEST FITNESS STUDIO

2. University Health System Multiple locations universityhealthsystem.com

Winner: Amor Cycling + Fitness Studio 4515B San Pedro Ave. (210) 550-4314 amorcyclingstudio.com 2. Align Health + Fitness 16111 San Pedro Ave. #105 (210) 990-1012 alignhealthsa.com 3. EnergyX Fitness Muliple locations energyxfitness.com

3. Methodist Hospital Stone Oak 1139 E. Sonterra Blvd.

(210) 638-2000 sahealth.com/locations/methodist-hospital-stone-oak BEST HVAC/AC

Winner: Champion AC 16018 University Oak, Suite 101 (210) 888-9506 championac.com 2. Caliente Plumbing, Heating & Air 16106 University Oak, Suite 2 (210) 330-3000 calienteplumbing.com

2. The Royal Carpet Salon & Spa 1201 N. Loop 1604 W., Suite 115 (210) 527-4186 facebook.com/TheRoyalCarpet

3. Military City Air Conditioning & Heating (210) 900-4232 militarycityair.com

3. Mane Beauty Society 8318 Jones Maltsberger Road (210) 623-0042 facebook.com/ManeBeautySociety

BEST IV HYDRATION

BEST HOSPITAL

Winner: Methodist Hospital Metropolitan

3. CryoFit Alamo Heights 6486 N. New Braunfels Ave. (210) 375-9087 mycryofit.com BEST INFRARED SAUNA

Winner: Sweat Equity 809 S. St. Mary’s St. (210) 375-5319 sweatequitysa.com

2. Cryofit Alamo Heights 6486 N. New Braunfels Ave. (210) 375-9087 mycryofit.com 3. Sculpt Away 9991 I-10 West (210) 227-3051 sculptaway.com

Winner: Moxie Hair Salon & Spa 1031 NE Interstate 410 Loop (210) 888-1778 moxiehairsalon09.com

BEST HAIR SALON

(210) 253-3313 turquoisesprings.com

BEST LASIK PROVIDER

Winner: Drip IV Lounge 1020 Navarro St. (210) 998-2348 dripivtx.com 2. Turquoise Springs Medical Spa 14800 San Pedro Ave., Suite 202

Winner: Parkhurst NuVision 9725 Datapoint Drive, Suite 106 (210) 796-5182 sanantonio-lasik.com 2. Manrique Custom Vision Center 15900 La Cantera Parkway, Suite 20215 (210) 354-2020 manriqueeye.com 3. LasikPlus 7720 Jones Maltsberger Road, Suite 101 (866) 755-2026 lasikplus.com

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Follow us on Facebook to see the latest releases & upcoming events. /@DLairAlamoRanch

FREE Comic Book Day

S a t u rd a y, A u g u s t 1 4 , 2 0 2 1 • Stop by and get 5 of the hottest titles for free!

• Comics for all ages will be available so make sure to bring the whole family.

• All comics and graphic novels will be 15% off!

• All back-stock comics will be $1.00!

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Snag the hottest comics & manga, pop culture collectables, tabletop and collectable card games all in one place! Family operated, The Mundy’s are proud to provide not only fantastic products to purchase but a welcoming gaming community to join.

Best of SA | Around Town Witte Museum

And Yet We Bloom

by Kat Cadena BEST MED SPA

Winner: The Injection Room 1010 S. Flores St., Suite 117 (210) 245-1420 theinjectionroom.com 2. Magnolia Medical & Aesthetics 19141 Stone Oak Parkway, Suite 504 (210) 600-3335 magnoliamedskin.com 3. Turquoise Springs Medical Spa 14800 San Pedro Ave., Suite 202 (210) 253-3313 turquoisesprings.com BEST MOVERS

Winner: Swift Movers 1316 Austin St. Building A (210) 371-5766 swiftmovers.xyz BEST MOVIE THEATER

Winner: Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Multiple locations drafthouse.com/san-antonio

I

Instagram / Kat Cadena

n case you hadn’t noticed, murals are having a moment in the Alamo City, thanks in no small part to the San Antonio Street Art Initiative, an artist-led organization that aims to visually connect neighborhoods stretching from the St. Mary’s Strip to Southtown. Although not commissioned by SASAI, San Antonio artist Kat Cadena’s new mural And yet, we bloom falls smack in the middle of this cultural corridor. Created as part of Centro San Antonio’s Art Everywhere initiative — a program that will install 21 urban art projects downtown by the end of 2021 — the dreamy mural depicts two women of different ethnic backgrounds joining hands while submerged in water and surrounded by pink blooms. Speaking to solidarity amid turbulent times, the installation highlights Cadena’s untraditional approach to portraiture and her interest in themes of identity and memory.

2. 7 Rabbits by Ernesto Ibañez Freight Gallery, 1913 S. Flores St.

2. Santikos Palladium 17703 I-10 West (210) 798-9949 santikos.com

3. Quisieron Enterrarnos by Hailey Marmolejo 1100 Broadway

3. Santikos Embassy 13707 Embassy Row (210) 664-3348 santikos.com

Winner: Witte Museum 3801 Broadway (210) 357-1900 wittemuseum.org

BEST MURAL

Winner: And Yet We Bloom by Kat Cadena Corner of E. Houston and Navarro streets centrosanantonio.org/art-everywhere

BEST MUSEUM

S

haded by bald cypress and cedar elms at the edge of Brackenridge Park, the Witte is a beloved destination for San Antonio residents, especially for Alamo City natives who fondly remem-

Twitter / Witte Museum

ber school trips to the museum. The nearly hundred-year-old institution, which focuses on regional history and art, as well as Texas natural history and science, has never been content to rest on its laurels. The campus has undergone a major transformation over the past decade, from the 2014 addition of the B. Naylor Morton Research and Collections Center, which displays over 300,000 artifacts in visible storage, to the 2017 debut of the “New Witte,” a $100 million project that transformed the museum with 174,000 feet of renovations and expansions, including the Naylor Family Dinosaur Gallery and McLean Family Texas Wild Gallery. In 2020, the Witte fleshed out its collection further with a new fossil of the Quetzalcoatlus northropi pterosaur, and debuted pandemic-friendly online distance learning programs for local students.

2. McNay Art Museum 6000 N. New Braunfels Ave. (210) 824-5368 mcnayart.org 3. The DoSeum 2800 Broadway (210) 212-4453 thedoseum.org BEST NAIL SALON

Winner: Feral Nails TX 12651 Vance Jackson Road #110 facebook.com/feralnailslz 2. NYON by Whitney 742 NW Loop 410, Suite 113, Room 23 facebook.com/Nyonbywhitney

8318 Jones Maltsberger Road (210) 549-6113 facebook.com/glazenaillounge BEST NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION

Winner: San Antonio Food Bank 5200 Enrique M. Barrera Parkway (210) 337-3663 safoodbank.org

F

ounded in 1980 as the first food bank in Texas, the San Antonio Food Bank serves 16 counties in Southwest Texas and 120,000 individuals weekly.

Through food distribution, programs, education and advocacy, the local nonprofit is leading the way in working to end food insecurity and eliminate hunger. This year, the Food Bank broke ground on a new affordable housing project, and it’s distributed $160 million in food since the start of the pandemic. In May, president and CEO Eric Cooper was honored with the 2021 John van Hengel Fellowship by Feeding America for his 25 years of leadership in San Antonio.

2. God’s Dogs Rescue godsdogsrescue.org 3. Pride Center San Antonio 1303 McCullough Ave., Suite 160 (210)370-7743 pridecentersa.org BEST ORTHODONTIC PRACTICE

Winner: Stone Oak Orthodontics Multiple locations stoneoakorthodontics.com

3. Glaze Nail Lounge sacurrent.com | July 28 - August 10, 2021 | CURRENT

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Dr. Murphy is a member of the American Association of Anti-Aging Medicine, the American Society of Lasers in Medicine and Surgery, and the American Society of Facial Esthetics.

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Best of SA | Around Town 2. Britton Orthodontics Multiple locations brittonortho.com 3. Smile Solutions 13133 NW Military Highway, Suite 500 (210) 479-7500 sa-smilesolutions.com BEST PATIO

Winner: Elsewhere Garden Bar & Kitchen 103 E. Jones Ave. (210) 446-9303 elsewheregarden.com

W

hen Elsewhere opened in January 2020, the pandemic hadn’t yet altered life in the United States. Amid the turbulent months that followed, the outdoor craft-beer haven not only survived but thrived. Fast-forward 16 months, and it’s built an envious rep as a low-key spot to enjoy approachable culinary wares including a delectable Philly cheesesteak made with shaved ribeye. We’re guessing that it doesn’t hurt that the spot, also voted Best New Bar in last year’s contest, serves up scenic riverside views along with its vital vittles and expansive beer selection.

(210) 226-7461 sahumane.org

A

dding a furry friend to the family is a big decision, and it’s invaluable to have expert help. The San Antonio Humane Society’s main complex on Fredericksburg is airy, spacious and was designed with the well-being of its resident animals at the forefront. A no-kill shelter — which means that no animals at the shelter will ever be euthanized to make space — the rescue group finds a home or a suitable placement with another no-kill organization for every treatable pet that enters its care.

In 2020, this translated to a 99.3% save rate. The Humane Society isn’t only about pairing cats and dogs with new owners, though. The organization also runs a Wellness Clinic to provide lowcost wellness and preventative services for pets as well as a low-cost spay and neuter clinic. Additionally, it provides microchipping services to help reunite lost pets with their families.

2. God’s Dogs Rescue godsdogsrescue.org 3. San Antonio Pets Alive!

Multiple locations (210) 370-7612 sanantoniopetsalive.org

BEST PET BOARDING

Winner: Lucy’s Doggy Daycare and Spa Multiple locations lucysdoggydaycare.com

Elsewhere Garden Bar & Kitchen Instagram / @elsewheresatx

2. The Friendly Spot Ice House 943 S. Alamo St. (210) 224-2337 thefriendlyspot.com 3.Aldaco’s — Stone Oak 20079 Stone Oak Parkway (210) 494-0561 aldacosrestaurants.com BEST PET ADOPTION

Winner: San Antonio Humane Society 4804 Fredericksburg Road

2. Pup Pup & Away 5722 Kenwick St. (210) 899-1688 puppupandawaysa.com 3. Barkaritaville Pet Resort 7182 Oak Drive (210) 405-2275 barkaritavillepetresort.com BEST PET GROOMER

Winner: Lucy’s Doggy Daycare and Spa Multiple locations lucysdoggydaycare.com 2. Lucky Dog Pet Retreat & Spa 2267 NW Military Highway (210) 592-7648 myluckydogspa.com 3. Wash Shake Wag 2520 N. Main St.

San Antonio Humane Society Instagram / @sahumane

turquoisesprings.com

(210) 817-2992 washshakewag.net

3. Massage Therapy by Krissy 10615 Perrin Beitel Road, Suite 301 (210) 391-7588 massagetherapybykrissy.com

BEST PIERCING STUDIO

Winner: Dandyland 1620 Fredericksburg Road (210) 432-5747 dandylandtattoo.com

BEST PLACE TO PEOPLE WATCH

Winner: The Pearl 303 Pearl Parkway (210) 212-7260 atpearl.com

2. Twisted Tattoo 441 McCarty Road (210) 923-8618 twisted2020.dudaone.com

T

3. Buddha Box 5337 Glen Ridge Drive (210) 647-2929 buddha-box.com BEST PLACE TO GET PAMPERED

Winner: Hiatus Spa + Retreat 312 Pearl Parkway, Building 4, Suite 4112 (210) 202-3355 hiatusspa.com

W

ho says San Antonians don’t like being pampered? The Pearl’s Hiatus Spa + Retreat touts its ability to offer both traditional and unique spa treatments with excellent service. Located across from Hotel Emma and below the Cellars Residences, the spot has clearly found a niche serving both tourists and locals. Its facilities range from a hydrotherapy room for Vichy shower treatments to a nail therapy room with zero gravity chairs, along with 13 treatment rooms.

Emma guests can make appointment reservations through the hotel — and even request in-room service.

2. Turquoise Springs Medical Spa 14800 San Pedro Ave., Suite 202 (210) 253-3313

ourists and locals alike congregate at downtown shopping and dining mecca The Pearl to take in the sights, not the least of which are all the folks wandering the grounds. With plenty of outdoor space — not to mention the easy take-out food and drink options from The Bottling Department food hall and more — the complex makes for a great place to ogle other folks. For some, that may mean observing the rich tapestry of humanity, while others may get off seeing people engaging in cringey and ridiculous behavior. Either way, we’re not here to judge.

The Pearl

Courtesy Photo The Pearl

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here to save the day Protect your family’s comfort.

Let Caliente fight your plumbing, heating & air battles for you

schedule your appointment today! calienteplumbing.com 210-330-3000

Master Plumber M38080 AC License: #tacla00028749c 94

CURRENT | July 28 - August 10, 2021 | sacurrent.com

Best of SA | Around Town Element Tattoo

Josh Huskin

2. The River Walk thesanantonioriverwalk.com 3. The Shops at La Cantera 15900 La Cantera Parkway (210) 582-6255 theshopsatlacantera.com BEST PLACE TO STAY SOCIALLY DISTANCED

Winner: Home Multiple locations 2. The Pearl 303 Pearl Parkway (210) 212-7260 atpearl.com

Antonio-based Caliente has no shortage of five-star reviews, many of which focus on its affordable prices — and that certainly explains some of its Best of San Antonio win. However, it’s also clear that service plays a key role in those raves as well. Customers praise Caliente’s crews for arriving on time, being polite, explaining the job they’re about to undertake and cleaning up after themselves.

2. Vera Plumbing of San Antonio (210) 432-7067 facebook.com/veraplumbingofsanantoniollc

3. San Antonio Botanical Garden 555 Funston Place (210) 536-1400 sabot.org

3. J.C. Enriquez and Son Plumbing & Remodeling 11153 Westwood Loop, Suite 118 (210) 679-6020 weplumbtoplease.com

BEST PLACE TO WORK

BEST ROOFING

Winner: H-E-B Multiple locations heb.com

2. Parkhurst NuVision 9725 Datapoint Drive, Suite 106 (210) 796-5182 sanantonio-lasik.com 3. Home Multiple locations BEST PLUMBING CO.

Winner: Caliente Plumbing, Heating & Air 16106 University Oak, Suite 2 (210) 330-3000 calienteplumbing.com

N

obody likes dropping a few hundred bucks to deal with an unexpected plumbing repair, but it always eases the pain when the folks doing the repair show pride in the work they do. San

Winner: Design Roofing San Antonio 12227 Huebner Road, Suite 107 (210) 744-7500 design-roofing.com 2. Texas Family Roofing 3623 E. Evans Road, Suite 111 (210) 791-7466 texasfamilyroofing.com 3. Roland’s Roofing 6735 Low Bird Lane (210) 543-7663 rolandsroofing.com BEST SOLAR COMPANY

Winner: Texas Family Roofing 3623 E. Evans Road, Suite 111 (210) 791-7466 texasfamilyroofing.com 2. Total Sun Solar 18911 Hardy Oak Blvd.

(210) 968-0388

2. Mr. Lucky’s Tattoo 2856 Thousand Oaks Drive (210) 736-6900 mrluckystattoo.com

totalsun.solar 3. One 80 Solar 1502 S. Flores St. (210) 802-7428 one80solar.com BEST SPA

Winner: Turquoise Springs Medical Spa 14800 San Pedro Ave., Suite 202 (210) 253-3313 turquoisesprings.com

3. Buddha Box 5337 Glen Ridge Drive (210) 647-2929 buddha-box.com BEST URBAN LEGEND

Winner: Ghost Tracks 2902 Shane Road

2. Hiatus Spa + Retreat 312 Pearl Parkway, Building 4, Suite 4112 (210) 202-3355 hiatusspa.com

2. La Llorona

3. Woodhouse Day Spa Multiple locations woodhousespas.com

Winner: Tower of the Americas 739 E. César E. Chávez Blvd.

(210) 223-3101 toweroftheamericas.com

BEST TATTOO SHOP

3. Chupacabra BEST VIEW

Winner: Element Tattoo 4741 Fredericksburg Road (210) 979-9877 elementtattoo.com

2. Japanese Tea Garden 3853 N. St. Mary’s St. (210) 212-4814 sanantonio.gov/parksandrec

ow an eight-time winner in its Best of San Antonio category, Element has built its rep giving Alamo City tattoo enthusiasts access to a variety of styles, from American and Japanese traditional work to realistic portraits and watercolor-style imagery. That diverse approach comes down to the shop’s deep bench of artists, which includes owner Jedidia Reid along with other renowned tattooists, including Kelley Donovan and Josh Standley. Since its humble 2006 start as a four-artist operation, Element has grown into an upscale and inviting go-to spot for quality ink — whether your commitment to permanent body art is as small as a few script letters or as extensive as a full back piece.

3. La Cantera Resort & Spa 16641 La Cantera Parkway (210) 558-6500 lacanteraresort.com

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BEST YOGA STUDIO

Winner: Black Swan Yoga 914 E. Elmira St., Suite 201 (210) 888-9641 blackswanyoga.com 2. Honest Soul Yoga 223 E. Hildebrand Ave., Suite 103 (210) 201-3648 honestsoulyoga.com 3. Southtown Yoga Loft Multiple locations southtownyogaloft.com

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Join heart-centered, affordable, heated vinyasa yoga and fitness. Get started with

10 days of UNLIMITED Classes for $10!

223 E Hildebrand Ste 103 @honestsoulyogasatx 96

CURRENT | July 28 - August 10, 2021 | sacurrent.com

Best of SA Finalists | Around Town BEST APARTMENT COMMUNITY Rivera on Broadway Southtown Flats 1221 Broadway Lofts The Baldwin Southline Residences The Charleston BEST ART GALLERY Blue Star Contemporary Hopscotch Southtown Art Gallery Presa House Art Gallery Anarte Gallery BEST BANK / CREDIT UNION USAA Security Service FCU Randolph-Brooks FCU Frost Bank Jefferson Bank Broadway Bank BEST BARBER SHOP Service Cuts Barbershop Mike’s Hair Lounge Mane Man Men’s Grooming Station One Barbershop BEST BOWLING ALLEY Bowlero Bowl and Barrel Bandera Bowling Center Astro Super Bowl BEST BUCKET LIST ACTIVITY Biking the Mission Trail San Antonio Sidecars Cottonwood Wine Tours BEST CHIROPRACTOR The Nest Chiropractic & Wellness Align Health + Fitness The Joint Chiropractic Moore Chiropractic French Creek Chiropractic BEST CITY PARK Phil Hardberger Park Brackenridge Park Hemisfair Park Woodlawn Lake Park McAllister Park Hemisfair BEST COMEDY CLUB Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club Blind Tiger ComedySportz San Antonio BEST COSMETIC SURGERY Alamo Plastic Surgery Lopez Plastic Surgery Plastic and Cosmetic Center of South Texas- Dr .Thomas T. Jeneby Hill Country Plastic Surgery Synergy Plastic Surgery BEST CRYO THERAPY CryoFit Alamo Heights Sweat Equity Restore Cryotherapy Stratton Sport & Spine Total Regen BEST DENTAL PRACTICE Sonterra Dental-Dr. Kara Tapangan Reality Bites Dental Wilderness Oak Dentistry Elevate Dental KLT Dentist BEST DERMATOLOGY PRACTICE Sonterra Dermatology DermSA Alamo Heights Dermatology Dr. Elizabeth Hughes Westlake Dermatology BEST DRY CLEANER Five Star Cleaners Comet Cleaners Culpepper Cleaners Kraft Professional Cleaners Oak Park Cleaners BEST FAMILY ATTRACTION San Antonio Zoo The Pearl Botanical Garden Six Flags Fiesta Texas Morgan’s Wonderland BEST FITNESS STUDIO Amor Cycling + Fitness Studio Align Health + Fitness EnergyX Fitness Honest Soul Yoga MBS Fitness BEST HAIR SALON Moxie Hair Salon & Spa The Royal Carpet Salon & Spa Mane Beauty Society Crown & Dagger Studio The Style Studio

BEST HOSPITAL Methodist Hospital University Health System Stone Oak Methodist North Central Baptist Methodist Childrens Hospital St. Luke’s Northeast Baptist BEST HVAC/AC Champion AC Caliente AC Military City AC & Heating R&D Air Conditioning Service Air-Stream Heating & AC BEST INFRARED SAUNA Sweat Equity Cryof it Alamo Heights Sculpt Away Restore Cryo Med Sync BEST IV HYDRATION Drip IV Lounge Turquoise Springs Medical Spa Cryof it Alamo Heights Sweat Equity Sculpt Away BEST LASIK PROVIDER Parkhurst NuVision Manrique Custom Vision Center Lasik Plus TLC BEST MED SPA The Injection Room Magnolia Medical & Aesthetics Turquoise Springs Medical Spa The Skin Elite Facial Identity Nova Aesthetics BEST MOVERS Swift Movers BEST MOVIE THEATER Alamo Drafthouse Santikos Palladium Santikos Embassy EVO Santikos Bijou Santikos Cibolo BEST MURAL And Yet We Bloom by Kat Cadena 7 Rabbits by Ernesto Ibanez Quisieron Enterrarnos by Hailey Marmolejo BEST MUSEUM The Witte Museum McNay Art Museum The Doseum San Antonio Museum of Art BEST NAIL SALON Feral Nails TX NYON by Whitney Glaze Nail Lounge Fourth Rock Nails Prose Nails BEST NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION San Antonio Food Bank God’s Dogs Rescue Pride Center San Antonio Luminaria Tree Peace BEST ORTHODONTIC PRACTICE Stone Oak Orthodontics Britton Orthodontics Smile Solutions Kevin Farnsworth Orthodontics Stone Creek Orthodontics BEST PATIO Elsewhere Bar The Friendly Spot Ice House Aldaco’s Stone Oak The Good Kind Sanchos Meadow Neighborhood Eatery BEST PET ADOPTION San Antonio Humane Society God’s Dogs Rescue San Antonio Pets Alive Animal Defense League SNIPSA Texas Chihuahua Rescue Inc. BEST PET BOARDING Lucy’s Doggy Daycare and Spa Pup Pup & Away Barkaritaville Pet Resort SoFetch Dog Boarding

BEST PIERCING STUDIO Dandyland Twisted Tattoo Buddha Box Element Tru Piercings BEST PLACE TO GET PAMPERED Hiatus Spa + Retreat Turquoise Springs Medical Spa Massage Therapy by Krissy Sweat Equity Cera Studio BEST PLACE TO PEOPLE WATCH The Pearl The Riverwalk The Shops at La Cantera St. Mary’s Strip Elsewhere BEST PLACE TO STAY SOCIALLY DISTANCED Home The Pearl San Antonio Botanical Garden Elsewhere The Good Kind BEST PLACE TO WORK H-E-B Parkhurst NuVision Home USAA Frost Bank BEST PLUMBING CO. Caliente AC Vera Plumbing of San Antonio JC & Son Plumbing Quarter Moon Plumbing, AC & Heating Chamblis Plumbing BEST ROOFING Design Roof ing San Antonio Texas Family Roof ing Roland’s Roof ing Mammoth Roof ing Twin Hammers

localcul turecreative.com Marketing your practice can be like pulling teeth.

Let us take care of it so you can focus on your business.

BEST SOLAR COMPANY Texas Family Roof ing Total Sun Solar One 80 Solar Mammoth Roof ing BEST SPA Turquoise Springs Medical Spa Hiatus Spa + Retreat Woohouse Day Spa The Injection Room A.R.T. Massage & Spa BEST TATTOO SHOP Element Tattoo Mr. Lucky’s Tattoo Buddha Box Golden Rose Tattoo Ink Couture BEST URBAN LEGEND Ghost Tracks La Llorona Chupacabra Donkey Lady Bridge Pinche Fang Baby of Old Pearsall Road Dancing Devil BEST VIEW Tower of the Americas Japanese Tea Garden La Cantera Resort & Spa Paramour The Moon’s Daughters BEST YOGA STUDIO Black Swan Yoga Honest Soul Yoga Southtown Yoga Loft Mobile Om Synergy

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voted best barber shop!

To get the Job, The Date, The Deal, You need THE LOOK

servicecutsbarbershop.com | 7915 W. Loop 1604 N # 109 Sa, TX 78254 | 210.263.9020 2nd Location in North Central Coming Soon!

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T H A N K YO U F O R VO T I N G U S

Best Local Nursery

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OPEN THROUGH – SEPT 6

OPEN THROUGH –

Come experience a fascinating glimpse of the breathtaking diversity of the natural world and the power of natural selection to shape SEPTexceptional 6 responses to the challenges,

Come experience a fascinating glimpse of and opportunities, of life on Earth. the breathtaking diversity of the natural world

Extreme Creatures: Life at the Limits is organized by the American Museum of Natural History, New York (amnh.org)

OPEN THROUGH – SEPT 6

OPEN THROUGH – SEPT 6 and the power of natural selection to shape exceptional responses to the challenges, and opportunities, of life on Earth.

Come experience a fascinating glimpse of the breathtaking diversity of the natural world and the power of natural selection to shape exceptional responses to the challenges, and opportunities, of life on Earth.

Come experience a fascinating glimpse of the breathtaking diversity of the natural world and the power of natural selection to shape Extreme Creatures: Life at the Limits is organized by the American Museum of Natural History, New York (amnh.org)

Extreme Creatures: Life at the Limits is organized by the American Museum of Natural History, New York (amnh.org)

exceptional responses to the challenges, and opportunities, of life on Earth.

OPEN THROUGH – SEPT 6 Come experience a fascinating glimpse of the breathtaking diversity of the natural world and the power of natural selection to shape exceptional responses to the challenges, and opportunities, of life on Earth.

Extreme Creatures: Life at the Limits is organized by the American Museum of Natural History, New York (amnh.org)

Extreme Creatures: Life at the Limits is organized by the American Museum of Natural History, New York (amnh.org)

THANK YOU VOTING THANK YOUFOR FOR VOTING US US BEST MUSEUM! MUSEUM! THETHE BEST 100

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3801 BROADWAY ST | 210.357.1900 | WITTEMUSEUM.ORG

3801 BROADWAY ST | 210.357.1900 | WITTEMUSEUM.ORG THANK YOU FOR VOTING US

for nominating us best wings best fried chicken

834 NW LOOP 410 SAN ANTONIO TEX AS (210) -342-2473

goldfeatherbb.com

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Stars And Garters Burlesque

VOTED BEST BAR + BEST PATIO

Locally sourced ingredients, curating divine nonchalance 103 E JONES AVE SAN ANTONIO, TX 78215 104

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Best of SA | Nightlife BEST BAR

Lucy Cooper’s Texas Ice House

Winner: Elsewhere Garden Bar & Kitchen 103 E. Jones Ave. (210) 446-9303 elsewheregarden.com 2. Bar America 723 S. Alamo St. (210) 223-1285 facebook.com/baramericasatx 3. Bonham Exchange 411 Bonham (210) 224-9219 bonhamexchange.com BEST BAR FOOD

Winner: Lucy Cooper’s Texas Ice House 16080 San Pedro Ave. (210) 462-1894 lucycoopers.com

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ucy Cooper’s is taking its Naughty Bingo show on the road with plans to open a second location in New Braunfels later this year. We’re guessing no small part of that expansion is driven by locals’ love for the 21-and-over spot’s bar grub, which includes signature items such as clothesline bacon and tin can nachos along with the expected — and well-prepared — pizzas, burgers and wings. While the food at plenty of bars is an afterthought, it’s clear Lucy Cooper’s takes pride in the plates that come out of its kitchen.

2. Elsewhere Garden Bar & Kitchen 103 E. Jones Ave. (210) 446-9303 elsewheregarden.com

Jaime Monzon

3. Francis Bogside 803 S. St. Mary’s St. (210) 369-9192 francisbogside.com

3. Little Woodrow’s Stone Oak 606 W. Afton Oaks Blvd.

(210) 403-2340 littlewoodrows.com/watering-holes/ san-antonio/1604-stone-oak-pkwy

BEST BAR GAMES

Winner: Slackers Sports Bar Multiple locations facebook.com/slackers.b.sa 2. Dave & Buster’s Multiple locations daveandbusters.com

BEST BLOODY MARY

Winner: Liberty Bar 1111 S. Alamo St. (210) 227-1187 liberty-bar.com

2. Social Spot 930 Broadway (210) 263-9009 facebook.com/socialspotSATX

SPONSORED CONTENT: BEST BAR TO ENJOY A TRULY & TWANG FISHBOWL

3. Bistr09 6106 Broadway (210) 245-8156 bistr09.com

Winner: Social Spot 930 Broadway (210) 263-9009 facebook.com/socialspotSATX

BEST COCKTAIL BAR AND COCKTAILS

2. Midnight Swim 2403 N. St. Mary’s St. (210) 530-4236 midnightswimsatx.com 3. Hofbrau at the Quarry 7310 Jones Maltsberger Road (210) 290-8066 quarryhofbrau.com

and stylish. Atmosphere aside, what really sets this booze haven aside is the seriousness with which it approaches its craft. You’d be hard pressed to find a more robust list of Scotch and bourbon, not just in San Antonio, but much of the country. And you’ve got to dig the fact that they only carry a single brand of vodka. The bartenders know their stuff and do a good job of taking the drinkers along for an enjoyable ride, whether they’re new to the craft-cocktail scene or seasoned hands looking to notch their belt by trying a new spirit.

Winner: Bar 1919 1420 S. Alamo St. (210) 227-1420 bar1919.com

Nathan Sokul

P

lenty of cocktail havens aspire to Bar 1919’s classic speakeasy vibe — it’s in a basement for one, and it’s also plenty dark

Bar 1919 Facebook / Bar 1919

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D E W BRE E D U T I T A R G

WITH

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THANK YOU, SAN ANTONIO, FOR YOUR SUPPORT OVER THE PAST YEAR!

Best of SA | Nightlife scene and ready to serve up budget cocktails, trash disco, go-go dancers, drag divas and plenty more in between.

BEST DANCE CLUB

2. Brass Monkey 2702 N. St. Mary’s St. (210) 480-4722 facebook.com/BrassMonkeyTX 3. HEAT Nightclub 1500 N. Main Ave. (210) 227-2600 heatsa.com BEST GAY BAR

2. Pegasus 1402 N. Main Ave. (210) 299-4222 pegasussanantonio.com

Flying Saucer Draught Emporium Facebook / Flying Saucer Draught Emporium

2. The Modernist 516 E. Grayson St. (210) 901-8646 facebook.com/themodernistsa 3. Soho Wine and Martini Bar 214 W. Crockett St. (210) 444-1000 instagram.com/sohococktailbar BEST COUNTRY BAR

Winner: Thirsty Horse Dance Hall & Saloon 2335 Northwest Military Highway (210) 348-1513 thirstyhorse.net 2. The Lonesome Rose 2114 N. St. Mary’s St. (210) 455--0233 thelonesomerose.com 3. Cowboys Dancehall 3030 N.E. Loop 410 (210) 646-9378 cowboysdancehall.com BEST CRAFT BEER SELECTION

Winner: Flying Saucer Draught Emporium 11255 Huebner Road, Suite 212 (210) 696-5080 beerknurd.com/locations/san-antonio-flying-saucer

O

K, OK. Flying Saucer is a chain.

We get it. But it’s based in Fort Worth, so it meets Best of San Antonio’s Texas-only rules. Beyond that, it’s apparent that

SA beer enthusiasts can get behind supporting the Saucer because it includes craft brews from Ranger Creek, Freetail, Weathered Souls and more in its voluminous selection. Throw in an engaging atmosphere and friendly service and it’s that much easier to stick around and keep tasting your way down its wall of taps.

2. Elsewhere Garden Bar & Kitchen 103 E. Jones Ave. (210) 446-9303 elsewheregarden.com 3. Hoppy Monk 1010 N. Loop 1604 E. (210) 545-3330 thehoppymonk.com

visionary San Antonio developer and gay nightlife instigator Arthur “Happy” Veltman. Within LGBTQ+ circles of a certain age, everyone has a legendary story set in the iconic locale — whether it’s dipping into a fishbowl of complimentary ecstasy (which was legal until 1985) or catching a live performance by one of the many acts that have graced the Bonham stage, from punk pioneers the Ramones to the Queen of Drag herself, RuPaul. While old-schoolers may whine that the Bonham doesn’t feel as gay as it once did, the club’s open-door policy has undoubtedly contributed to its remarkable staying power as a safe space for all to enjoy. Recently renovated during a 16-month COVID closure, the beloved melting pot is back on the

BEST DANCE CLUB & BEST GAY BAR

Winner: Bonham Exchange 411 Bonham (210) 224-9219 bonhamexchange.com

BEST DIVE BAR

Winner: The Bang Bang Bar 119 El Mio Drive (210) 320-1187 thebangbangbartx.com

T

he phrase “dive bar” typically evokes thoughts of a dingy, unglamorous spot with surly bartenders. The Bang Bang Bar doesn’t quite fit that image.

Its eclectic ambience includes cozy conversation corners outfitted with vintage furniture and a stage that bears more than a little resemblance to living room. And the bartenders tend to be a friendly bunch. There’s something about the place’s dark-yet-welcoming vibe that brings folks out in droves, and if they want to call it a dive, we’re not going to argue.

2. The Hangar 8203 Broadway (210) 824-2700 thehangarsa.com

S

uperlatives like “legendary” and “iconic” get tossed around far too often these days to describe people, places and things that arguably fall short of extraordinary. The Bonham Exchange, however, undeniably deserves those terms. For starters, the downtown landmark is housed in a late 19th-century structure first used as a German athletic club. Ninety years after opening its doors, it transformed into a wildly different type of club at the hands of

3. Sparky’s Pub 1416 N. Main Ave. (210) 320-5111 sparkyspub.com

3. The Mix 2423 N. St. Mary’s St. (210) 735-1313 themixsa.com BEST DRINK SPECIALS/CHEAP DRINKS

Bonham Exchange Facebook / Bonham Exchange

Winner: Brass Monkey 2702 N. St. Mary’s St. (210) 480-4722 facebook.com/BrassMonkeyTX

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In the heart of the San Antonio Riverwalk, El Camino is a beacon for the downtown community to join and enjoy a range of selections from our guest gourmet food trucks paired with precisely created cocktails.

El Camino is the perfect spot to bring together friends, family and furry companions under our eco-consciously designed covered seating with a fully stocked bar that includes, frozen drinks, craft brews, and top-shelf cocktails.

ElCaminoSA.com | Downtown SATX 1009 Ave. B 108

CURRENT | July 28 - August 10, 2021 | sacurrent.com

Best of SA | Nightlife Sternewith Tavern At Hotel Emma

presented by

SAt. OCT 16, 2021 Crockett Park

Courtesy Photo / Hotel Emma

2. Wurzbach Ice House 10141 Wurzbach Road (210) 877-2100 wurzbachicehouse.com

3. Amore 4553 N. Loop 1604 W. (210) 492-4994 amorebistrosa.com

3. Bonham Exchange 411 Bonham (210) 224-9219 bonhamexchange.com

BEST HOTEL BAR

BEST HAPPY HOUR

Winner: Wurzbach Ice House 10141 Wurzbach Road (210) 877-2100 wurzbachicehouse.com 2. The Hangar 8203 Broadway (210) 824-2700 thehangarsa.com 3. The Mix 2423 N. St Mary’s St. (210) 735-1313 themixsa.com BEST HOOKAH BAR

Winner: Naara 9329 Wurzbach Road (210) 558-9800 naaracafe.com

2. Sultan Café & Grill 5625 Babcock Road (210) 614-5544 facebook.com/SultanCafe.SA

Winner: Sternewirth Tavern (Hotel Emma) 136 E. Grayson St. (210) 223-7375 thehotelemma.com/culinary/sternewirth

100+ breweries 400+ beers

Last Call for VIP Tickets!

Tickets on sale now at sanantoniobeerfestival.com

F

or the second year in a row, this impressive lobby bar has won over Current readers by paying homage to The Pearl’s industrial past while offering guests of all walks of life unmatchedservice. Sternewirth is a perk for guest of the uber-luxury Hotel Emma, but locals also gather to enjoy the atmosphere, well-made cocktails, local beer, wine and small plates.

The Three Emmas cocktail — named for the scandal surrounding the brewery founder’s wife and two mistresses of the same name — remains a crowd favorite with its pear and rose cordial flavor notes.

benefiting

Sponsored by

2. Ocho (Hotel Havana) 1015 Navarro St. (210) 222-2008 havanasanantonio.com/restaurant-andbar/ocho sacurrent.com | July 28 - August 10, 2021 | CURRENT

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CURRENT | July 28 - August 10, 2021 | sacurrent.com

Best of SA | Nightlife 3. The Moon’s Daughters (Thompson) 115 Lexington Ave. (210) 876-1234 themoonsdaughters.com BEST KARAOKE BAR

Winner: Dad’s Karaoke 2615 Mossrock Dr. (210) 267-5703 facebook.com/dadskaraoke 2. Pegasus 1402 N. Main Ave. (210) 299-4222 pegasussanantonio.com 3. Who’s Who Cocktail Bar 1711 Babcock Road (210) 973-5055 facebook.com/whoswhococktails BEST MARGARITAS

Winner: La Gloria Multiple locations chefjohnnyhernandez.com

C

elebrity chef Johnny Hernandez’s La Gloria restaurants serve up mean margaritas that rely on quality ingredients and just the right blend of sweet, sour and boozy. To his credit, the chain’s novel twists on San Antonio’s fave cocktail — blue curacao in one, prickly pear in another, for example — don’t feel forced or inauthentic. No cantaloupe or pickle juice here, folks.

Of course, it probably didn’t hurt the popularity of La Gloria’s signature cocktail when Hernandez introduced margarita trucks during the pandemic, delivering the booze directly into San Antonio neighborhoods. Do the wonders ever cease?

La Gloria

Facebook / La Gloria

2. Rosario’s Mexican Cafe y Cantina Multiple locations rosariossa.com

3. El Mirasol Multiple locations elmirasolsa.com

BEST MUSIC VENUE

The Moon’s Daughter

Winner: Paper Tiger 2410 N. St. Mary’s St. (210) 666-6666 papertigersatx.com

S

o, let’s just state this up front: Paper Tiger has the best phone number in the world. Rumors that they bought it from Slayer when the band retired are unsubstantiated. More importantly, though, the venue hosts a wide variety of indie, metal, hip-hop, dance and punk shows, sometimes cutting across multiple genres on the same night. And its opening seriously upped the level of touring shows coming through SA. The main room hosts an area big enough for moshing, and a large bar sprawls across the back, offering a full view of stage. In other words, concertgoers aren’t contending with this tucked-awayon-the-side bullshit where it’s hard to find the drink counter while a show’s going on.

2. John T. Floore’s Country Store 14492 Old Bandera Road (210) 695-8827 liveatfloores.com 3. The Rustic 17619 La Cantera Parkway, Suite 204 (210) 245-7500 therustic.com/san-Antonio

BEST NEW BAR

Winner: The Moon’s Daughters 115 Lexington Ave. themoonsdaughters.com

T

he new spot at downtown’s luxury Thompson Hotel has made waves with its spectacular 360-degree skyline views, Mediterranean-inspired food and thoughtful cocktails. As evidence of its mixological prowess, try the Border 488, which features Hendrick’s gin, yellow Chartreuse, rose-forward Italian liqueur Italicus, rosemary, cucumber and tonic water. Marry a cocktail or two with executive chef Robert Cantu’s food and the stunning skyline view, and it’s clear why Current readers thought this swanky newcomer deserves the title of Best New Bar. 2. The Dooryard 4503 De Zavala Road, Suite 108

Instagram / The Moon’s Daughter

(210) 201-4911 thedooryardsa.com 3. Hello Paradise 520 E. Grayson St. (210) 338-5114 helloparadisesa.com BEST SPORTS BAR

Winner: Little Woodrow’s Multiple locations littlewoodrows.com 2. Pluckers Wing Bar Multiple locations pluckers.com 3. Wurzbach Ice House 10141 Wurzbach Road (210) 877-2100 wurzbachicehouse.com BEST SUNDAY FUNDAY

Winner: The Friendly Spot Ice House 943 S. Alamo St. (210) 224-2337 thefriendlyspot.com

2. Elsewhere Garden Bar & Kitchen 103 E. Jones Ave. (210) 446-9303 elsewheregarden.com 3. Hills and Dales Ice House 15403 White Fawn Drive (210) 695-2307 facebook.com/centeroftheuniversesatx BEST WINE BAR

Winner: Little Death 2327 N. St. Mary’s St. (210) 264-6472 littledeathwine.com 2. Copa Wine Bar 19141 Stone Oak Parkway, Suite 704 (210) 495-2672 thecopawinebar.com 3. Max’s Wine Dive 340 E. Basse Road, Suite 101 (210) 444-9547 maxswinedive.com sacurrent.com | July 28 - August 10, 2021 | CURRENT

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12710 W INTERSTATE 10 @ DE ZAVALA

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8141 PAT BOOKER RD @LIVE OAK

6620 FM 78 @ FOSTER RD

18360 BLANCO RD @ 1604 STONE OAK

5819 NW Loop 410 Suite 101

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CURRENT | July 28 - August 10, 2021 | sacurrent.com

Best of SA Finalists | Nightlife BEST BAR Elsewhere Bar Bar America Bonham Exchange The Dooryard Esquire Liberty Bar Francis Bogside BEST BAR FOOD Lucy Cooper’s Elsewhere Francis Bogside The Lion & Rose British Restaurant & Pub The Angry Elephant BEST BAR GAMES Slackers Dave & Buster’s Little Woodrow’s Stone Oak Elsewhere Wurzbach Ice House Roo Pub BEST BLOODY MARY Liberty Bar Social Spot Bistr09 Cover 3 BEST COCKTAIL BAR & COCKTAILS Bar 1919 The Modernist Soho Wine and Martini Bar Cellar Mixology Blue Box Artisan Craft Bar & Distillery Tiago’s Cabo Grille BEST COUNTRY BAR Thirsty Horse Saloon Lonesome Rose Cowboys Dancehall Cooter Browns SA Country Saloon Sa Country Saloon BEST CRAFT BEER SELECTION Flying Saucer Draught Emporium Elsewhere Hoppy Monk The Friendly Spot Ice House The Dooryard Big Hops Craft Beer Taprooms The Growler Exchange BEST DANCE CLUB The Bohnam Exchange Brass Monkey The Heat Nightclub Industry SA Country Saloon BEST DIVE BAR The Bang Bang Bar text BEST DRINK SPECIALS/CHEAP DRINKS Brass Monkey Wurzbach Ice House Bonham Exchange Sparky’s Pub Big Hops Craft Beer Taprooms Sparky’s pub The Shady Lady Saloon SA Country Saloon

BEST GAY BAR The Bonham Exchange Pegasus Sparky’s Pub Sparkys Pub SA Country Saloon Sa Country Saloon BEST HAPPY HOUR Wurzbach Ice House Hangar on Broadway The Mix SA Country Saloon The Lion & Rose British Restaurant & Pub BEST HOOKAH BAR Naara Sultan Cafe Amore Shisha Cafe Habibi Gypsy Cafe Shisha cafe BEST HOTEL BAR Sternewirth at Hotel Emma Ocho at Hotel Havana The Moon’s Daughters Moons Daughter Haunt BEST KARAOKE BAR Dads Karaoke Pegasus Who’s Who Cocktail Bar Oak Hills Tavern Hidden Tavern BEST MARGARITAS La Gloria Rosario’s El Mirasol Paloma Blanca Sanchos Tiago’s Cabo Grille BEST MUSIC VENUE Paper Tiger Floores The Rustic Sam’s Burger Joint Jazz, TX BEST NEW BAR Moon’s Daughter The Dooryard Hello Paradise Artisan Craft Bar & Distillery Study Space Otro BEST SPORTS BAR Little Woodrow’s Pluckers Wing Bar Wurzbach Ice House Slackers Twin Peaks The Lion & Rose British Restaurant & Pub BEST SUNDAY FUNDAY The Friendly Spot Ice House Elsewhere Hills and Dales The Good Kind Brass Monkey BEST WINE BAR Little Death Copa Wine Bar Max’s Wine Dive High Street Wine Co.

sacurrent.com | July 28 - August 10, 2021 | CURRENT

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CURRENT | July 28 - August 10, 2021 | sacurrent.com

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SEPTEMBER 8TH-12TH, 2021 CALENDAR of EVENTS FOR FULL SCHEDULE & UPDATES VISIT: WorldHeritageFestival.org

Wednesday, September 8 (7pm)

Saturday, September 11 (7Am)

DARMSTADT: PROJECTION/PROJEKTION (SHORT FILMS)

TOUR DE LAS MISIONES

Mission Marquee Plaza • 3100 Roosevelt Avenue • 78214 Free & open to the public

Mission Park Pavilion • 6030 Padre Drive • 78214

BIKE RIDE TOUR, 5K & 10K RUN/WALK Register by AUGUST 30, 2021

THURSDAY, September 9 (7pm) DARMSTADT: PROJECTION/PROJEKTION (SHORT FILMS) Mission Marquee Plaza • 3100 Roosevelt Avenue • 78214 Free & open to the public

Saturday, September 11 (6pm) MUSIC & MOVIE UNDER THE STARS Mission Marquee Plaza • 3100 Roosevelt Avenue • 78214 Free & open to the public

Friday, September 10 (6Pm)

Sunday, September 12 (8Am)

RESTORED BY LIGHT

EL CAMINO DE SAN ANTONIO: CARING FOR CREATION MASS

Mission San Jose • 6701 San Jose Drive • 78214 Free & open to the public

Mission Espada • 10040 Espada Rd. • 78214 Free & open to public

#WORLDHERITAGESA For more Information call 210-207-2111 or email us at worldheritage@sanantonio.gov 116

CURRENT | July 28 – August 10, 2021 | sacurrent.com

calendar

Courtesy Photo / Celebrity Fan Fest

FRI | 07.30 SUN | 08.08 SPECIAL EVENT

CELEBRITY FAN FEST

The first in-person, comic-con-style convention of the year comes by way of PMX Events, the production company that runs Celebrity Fan Fest. With the word “celebrity” in its title, the focus of the con, which started in 2018, remains on delivering an impressive lineup of stars. This year, the Fan Fest welcomes Owen Wilson (TV’s Loki), Ewan McGregor (Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace) and Hayden Christensen (Star Wars: Episode II — Attack of the Clones). Other celebs from superhero franchises will also be on hand, including Ray Fisher (Zack Snyder’s Justice League), Charlie Cox (TV’s Daredevil) and Krysten Ritter (TV’s Jessica Jones). Along with special guests, the Fan Fest includes a Gotham Car Show featuring original and replica Hollywood vehicles such as the 1966 and 1989 Batmobiles, the ECTO-1 from Ghostbusters and the DeLorean Time Machine from Back to the Future. “It can’t just be about what big stars you can bring,” PMX Events President Bob Wills told the Current in 2019. “It’s about bringing in other interests that people have, so you can make a more developed show.” $99.99$179.99, 10:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Friday-Monday, 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, Six Flags Fiesta Texas, 17000 I-10 West, (210) 697-5050, pmxevents.com. — Kiko Martinez

FRI | 07.30 COMEDY

NIKKI GLASER If Glaser’s name sounds familiar, that may be because the

Reminder:

comedienne has been busy lately. In March, she launched a podcast via iHeartMedia — the accurately named The Nikki Glaser Podcast. Before that, she spent time waking up early as the host of Comedy Central’s first live morning radio show, You Up? With Nikki Glaser, which ran from 2018 to 2020. And that’s just recently. She’s also appeared on MTV and Netflix; worked with a Who’s Who of comedy, including Judd Apatow and Amy Schumer; and sat down for interviews with big names including Howard Stern, Marc Maron and Joe Rogan.

Luke Schwartz

Although live events have returned, the COVID-19 pandemic is still with us. Check with venues to make sure scheduled events are still happening, and please follow all health and safety guidelines.

Thank You For Voting Champion AC

Best HVAC/AC 2021 Where Your Comfort Is Our Mission. call or text us at 210-256-9695 16018 University Oak, Suite 101

improvtx.com/sanantonio | 618 Nw Loop 410, SaN ANTONIO, TX 78216 | 210•541•8805

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JUL 28 JUL 29

JUL 30AUG 1

AUG 5 AUG 7

AUG 8

AUG 12

AUG 13 AUG 15

AUG 20 AUG 22

JP Sears

Jeff Dye

Jade Catta-Preta

Doug Benson

Jesus Trejo

Corey Holcomb

Yannis Pappas

CURRENT | July 28 – August 10, 2021 | sacurrent.com

calendar

Glaser is now approaching her 20th year as a standup, fitting for someone with a broad resume. Not surprisingly, she’s open and honest, most recently speaking out about moving in with her parents and confronting anorexia during the pandemic. Stressful life stuff, sure, but also a great inspiration for comedy. Expect this show to pull no punches. $29.50-$149.50, 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., Charline McCombs Empire Theater, 226 N. St. Mary’s St., (210) 226-5700, majesticempire.com. — Mike McMahan

FRI | 07.30 SUN | 08.01 MAGIC

MATT MARCY, COMEDY MAGICIAN The Magicians Agency Theatre, a San Antonio-based magic-only performance venue, is back in business this summer after having to close its doors during the pandemic. Acclaimed comedy magician Matt Marcy is kicking things off for the theater with a dose of his quick wit. Marcy has traveled the world performing magic tricks at venues such as the Magic Castle in Hollywood and entertaining folks ranging from CEOs to royalty. If you show up an hour early, you’ll also get to experience the venue’s “Crack the Code Challenge,” a scavenger hunt that allows visitors to explore the historic theater. $34.99-$49.99, 7 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, Magicians Agency Theatre, 217 Alamo Plaza, (210) 290-5502, magiciansagency.com. — Mackenzie Cook

Courtesy of The Magicians Agency Theatre

SAT | 07.31 SPECIAL EVEN T

BUBBLE FEST AT HOME Ever thought blowing bubbles would make the perfect activity to keep the family entertained? Well, wouldn’t you know it, Ruby City has the event just for you. On Saturday, you can join in on the art space’s Bubble Fest at Home, which will feature DIY bubble-making tutorials

Courtesy Image / San Antonio Film Festival

and activities for the whole family to enjoy — all in the digital realm.

Ruby City, in partnership with San Antonio arts education organization Spare Parts, intends to bring educational and sustainable activities for children to experience the outdoors. If you need a leg up on Bubble Fest prep, Spare Parts is even making bubble kits that parents can pick up from Ruby City July 29-31, while supplies last. Keep an eye on Ruby City’s social media for more information about the digital event. Free, 9 a.m., rubycity.org. — MC

THU | 08.05 SUN | 08.08 FILM

SAN ANTONIO FILM FESTIVAL

Like most film festivals during the pandemic, SAFILM was a virtual event last year. As such, the event’s director, Adam Rocha, has decided to give the same films featured in that installment a chance to make a big-screen debut for this year’s 27th annual in-person independent showcase.

“We’re returning to our roots,” Rocha said in a press release. “It’s time to bring back the intimate screenings, safely, like we did in the old days, and celebrate our filmmakers who were cheated from showcasing their work to a REAL audience.” This year’s feature selections include The Subject (dir. Lanie Zipoy) about a white documentary filmmaker (Jason Biggs) facing pushback after he makes a film about the murder of a Black teenager; The Good Wolf (dir. Wilfred H. Shipley) about a fugitive who meets a 12-year-old boy while hiding out in the woods; and Blinders (dir.

Tyler Savage) about an unstable rideshare driver who becomes obsessed with one of his passengers. Free panels will also take place during the festival, including one with French film editor Anne Goursaud who cut movies such as The Outsiders, Bram Stoker’s Dracula and The Two Jakes. $10-$109, various showtimes, Radius Center, 106 Auditorium Circle, Suite 120, (210) 227-8111, safilm.com. — KM Courtesy of Ruby City

sacurrent.com | July 28 – August 10, 2021 | CURRENT

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On view through September 5

Enjoy a special lecture with bestselling author Ross King on July 27.

Visit samuseum.org for more information.

200 West Jones Avenue | samuseum.org John Leslie Breck (American, 1860–1899), Grey Day on the Charles (detail), 1894 Oil on canvas 18 x 22 inches, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond, J. Harwood and Louise B. Cochrane Fund for American Art, 90.151, Photo: Katherine Wetzel/ ©Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

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calendar FRI | 08.06

FRI | 08.06 SUN | 08.08

ART

‘THE DUALITY OF MONSTERS’ San Antonio loves spooky shit, and local artist and curator Vidvad

SPECIAL EVEN T

SAT | 08.07 SUN | 08.08 COMEDY

Scare always understands the assignment. For his latest exhibition,

SHEN YUN

DOUG BENSON

“The Duality of Monsters,” he’s rounded up a massive roster of artists

If Shen Yun sounds familiar, it’s probably because you’ve whizzed past

Having worked the circuit for years, Doug Benson is a man that needs

to showcase their takes on beings and creatures with dual natures

its brightly colored billboards along San Antonio’s highways. Widely

no introduction for comedy fans. If you don’t know him, these shows

known to the American public via its annual marketing blitz, Shen

start at 4:20, which hints at his favorite subject matter. But he’s not

Yun bills itself as “the world’s premier classical Chinese dance and music company.” Its touring productions feature a corps of dancers and singers, as well as an orchestra that showcases traditional Chinese instruments. The performing arts organization is run by the religious movement Falun Gong (also known as Falun Dafa), which is headquartered in New York State. Originally founded in China in the ’90s by Li Hongzhi, Falun Gong was later outlawed by the Chinese Government —

Facebook / Tobin Center for the Performing Arts

the Chinese Embassy’s website describes it as an “anti-society cult” and “a cancer in the body of the modern and civilized society.” In myriad think pieces that dance around the question of whether Shen Yun is indeed the mouthpiece of a cult, critics have noted that company’s performances have propagandistic elements, including a hallucinatory anti-Communist finale number that featured a projection of Karl Marx’s face on a tsunami, as related in the New Yorker by Jia Tolentino in 2019.

Courtesy Photo / LOL Comedy Club

Shen Yun performances also include references to the movement’s an-

just doing weed jokes. On Saturday, he’ll tape his podcast Doug Loves

ti-evolution stance, though Falun Gong certainly isn’t the only religious

Movies, which started back in 2006. The show typically features guests

— for example, the infamous Dr. Jekyll and his monstrous alter ego

group to promote that belief via an entertainment medium — Ken-

talking about, well, movies and playing movie-related games. No word

Mr. Hyde. The roster includes familiar names from the San Antonio art

tucky’s Creation Museum has had the market cornered since 2007. Not

on who’s lined up for the SA taping. On Sunday, however, Benson will

scene such as Nik Soupè and Dingy Dave as well as painters, FX artists

all Shen Yun productions include the same programming, so there’s no

fly solo, presenting a stand-up set. In addition to his movie podcast,

and mask makers from all over the world. From latex monster masks in

guarantee that Marx’s visage will appear in conjunction with a natural

Benson also hosts the podcast Getting Doug with High, which makes

radioactive color schemes to skeletons bursting out of their flimsy flesh

disaster at the company’s upcoming Tobin Center appearance. But

sense considering he made a splash with his 2007 documentary Super

prisons — and even a creepy take on American Gothic — there’s plenty

we can promise this: it will certainly be an experience. $83.50-$183.50,

High Me. Less well-known is that he was an extra in Blade Runner

to love. After its First Friday opening, the exhibition will remain on

7:30 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, H-E-B-

(surprising!) as well as Fast Times at Ridgemont High (less surprising!).

view during gallery hours through August 29. Free, 7-11 p.m., Bear & Ink

Performance Hall, Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, (210) 223-8624,

$20-$30, 4:20 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club, 618

Gallery, 1420 S. Alamo St., S204, bearandink.com. — Kelly Merka Nelson

tobincenter.org. — KMN

Northwest Loop 410, (210) 541-8805, improvtx.com/sanantonio. — MM

Zmiya Mochoruk

sacurrent.com | July 28 – August 10, 2021 | CURRENT

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Newly reported STD cases are on the rise.

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SanAntonio.gov/Health 122 CURRENT | July 28 – August 10, 2021 | sacurrent.com

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Follow us on social media to find out how you can do your part!

EMPOWERING AMERICANS TO

PL A NT | PR OTECT | PR OMOT E TREES WITH SUSTAINABILITY sacurrent.com | July 28 – August 10, 2021 | CURRENT

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124 CURRENT | July 28 – August 10, 2021 | sacurrent.com

Wednesday, July 28 Caifanes If U2 and The Cure had a Mexican love child, the result might be rockers Caifanes, or as their name roughly translates in English, the “cool dude.” A product of the rock scene that helped shift Mexico’s conservative views in the ’80s, these guys were all about the progressive rock, Spanish lyrics and disheveled hair à la Robert Smith. $54.50-$99.50, 8 p.m., Aztec Theatre, 104 N. St. Mary’s St., (210) 8124355, theaztectheatre.com. — Brianna Espinoza

Thursday, July 29 The Dollyrots This LA-based pop-rock duo with an early 2000s sound similar to Bowling for Soup and New Found Glory is hitting the road for its Like an Animal Tour.

The first half is a Texas-exclusive jaunt before the band completes its run along the East Coast. $15, 8 p.m., Paper Tiger, 2410 N. St. Mary’s St., papertigersatx.com. — Enrique Bonilla

Friday, July 30 Faster Pussycat + Enuff Z’Nuff Two of the best ’80s hair-metal bands will blow into the Alamo City for a fun blast from the past. Faster Pussycat defined LA sleaze via catchy rockers like “Bathroom Wall” and “Don’t Change That Song” plus the power ballad “House of Pain.” Enuff Z’Nuff was both one of the subgenre’s best and most underrated bands. In another universe, Animals with Human Intelligence is a classic record, even if in this reality it got lost in the ’90s alt-rock explosion. $15-$20, 9 p.m., Sam’s Burger Joint, 330 E. Grayson St., (210) 223-2830, samsburgerjoint.com.

— Mike McMahan

Caifanes

Courtesy Photo / Caifanes

is headlined by Jamaica’s own Mighty Mystic as he makes his San Antonio debut. The musical vibes are accompanied by Caribbean food trucks, vendors and activities for children. $20, 2-11 p.m., Rosedale Park Pavilion, 340 Dartmouth St., (210) 772-9891, facebook.com/sanantonioreggaefest.

— EB Brother Dave and the Barrio Blasters With a song about living in a “Blue Texas” where everyone can live peacefully together, Brother Dave and the Barrio Blasters definitely have high hopes for a state now under the thumb of Gov. Greg Abbott. Nonetheless, the Barrio Blasters ably cover the bases with a sound that encompasses rock, blues and country. Free, 6:30 p.m., The Cove, 606 W. Cypress St., (210) 227-2683, facebook.com/ thecove.us. — BE

Sunday, August 1

Faster Pussycat Facebook / Kris Misevski

Born of Osiris Metal stalwarts Born of Osiris takes their name from the Egyptian god of the afterlife. Appropriately, they ponder the worlds outside of our consciousness and galaxy in songs comprised of djenty riffs, guttural vocals and sweeping celestial keyboards.

Also, they’re from Illinois. $18-$20, 7 p.m., Vibes Event Center, 1223 E. Houston St., (210) 255-3833, facebook.com/vibeseventcenter. — BE

Saturday, July 31 SA Reggae Festival This annual event showcasing 10 reggae artists

music

Music Listings

Yngwie Malmsteen The man who defined shred is still providing audiences with mind-blowingly fast neo-classical licks and dropped his most recent release, Blue Lighting, in 2019. Lest you think the guy’s an outdated novelty act, consider his influence on modern extreme metal. Necrophagist’s Onset of Putrefaction, the blueprint for tech death, pulls extensively from Yngwie’s bag of tricks. $24.50-$54.50, 7 p.m., Tobin Center, 100 Auditorium Circle, (210) 223-8624, tobincenter.org. — MM

Thursday, August 5 Carver Commodore Alabama’s own Carver Commodore has an indie-alt sound despite hailing from a region more known for Skynyrd and the Allmans. The band released its most recent album, Tell Me What You Want, in 2019, which was preceded by “Stars & Galaxies,” an attention-grabbing single, in 2017. Free with reservation, 8:30 p.m., The Rustic, 17619 La Cantera Parkway, Suite 204, (210) 245-7500, therustic.com.

— MM

Saturday, August 7

Aaron Watson Amarillo native Aaron Watson is hitting a storied honky tonk for a night of honest, old-fashioned country. His recent single “Boots” from the album American Soul premiered in January. To boot — see what we did there? — he’s a member of the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame. $29-$35, 8 p.m., John T. Floore’s Country Store, (210) 695-8827, 14492 Old Bandera Road, liveatfloores.com. — EB

Sunday, August 8 South Austin Moonlighters Sure, they’re from South Austin, but are they really moonlighting if the show starts at 5 p.m.? The band brings an eclectic mix of soul, country and funk to its rock. Bassist Lonnie Trevino Jr. and drummer Phil Bass first met when they backed up Austin stalwart Monte Montgomery. Free, 5-9 p.m., Gruene Hall, 1281 Gruene Road, New Braunfels, (830) 606-1281, gruenehall.com. — MM Cypress Hill Rap heavyweights and cannabis advocates Cypress Hill should need no introduction. They were only the first hip-hop group to have sold multi-platinum albums, and the first in their genre to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. If those accomplishments alone don’t make you “Insane in the Membrane,” there’s a good chance you missed the bus on old-school hip-hop. $42-$245, 7 p.m., Whitewater Amphitheater, 11860 FM 306, Suite 1, New Braunfels, (830) 964-3800, whitewaterrocks. com. — BE

Cypress Hill Courtesy Photo Cypress Hill

Reminder:

Although live events have returned, the COVID-19 pandemic is still with us. Check with venues to make sure scheduled events are still happening, and please follow all health and safety guidelines.

E M P LOY M E N T

Where ALL GUYS come together Visit www.squirt.org today to join the action

General Dentist (San Antonio, TX) Diagnose/present/provide variety of dental treatment options to patients including but not limited to root canal therapy/ surgical extractions/cosmetic dentistry/restorative dentistry/ removal & fixed prosthesis & pediatric dentistry. Educate patients on maintaining proper oral health. Communicate w/ dental staff regarding treatment plans. Prescribe medication.

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EGAL 2065 L NOTICES Local Notice for Section 106 Crown Castle is proposing an antenna collocation on an existing monopole tower located at 9911 Perrin Beitel San Antonio, TX 78127. Crown Castle invites comments from any interested party that believes the proposed action may have a significant impact on the environment or on any districts, sites, buildings, structures, or objects significant in American history, archaeology, engineering, or culture that are listed or determined eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places and/or specific reason the proposed action may have a significant impact on the quality of the human environment.

Specific information regarding the project is available by calling 724.416.2564 during normal business hours. Comments must be received at Crown Castle 2000 Corporate Dr. Canonsburg, PA 15317 attn: Legal Dept. by August 28, 2021.

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