Best of San Antonio 2019

JULY

31–AUGUST

13,

2019

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sacurrent.com | July 31-August 13, 2019 | CURRENT

3

VOTED

Best Attorney

for 2019 in the SAN ANTONIO CURRENT’S BEST OF SAN ANTONIO® Reader’s Choice Poll

THANK YOU, San Antonio!

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in this issue Issue 19_16 /// July 31-August 13, 2019

San Antonio Current

73 Best of SA

17 Best of SA

Shopping

Food & Drink

Publisher: Michael Wagner Editor-in-Chief: Sanford Nowlin

Editorial

Food & Nightlife Editor: Lea Thompson Calendar Editor: Kelly Merka Nelson Contributing Arts Editor: Bryan Rindfuss Art Director: Carlos Aguilar Staff Writer: Chris Conde Digital Content Editor: Sarah Martinez Contributors: Ron Bechtol, Daniel Conrad, James Courtney, Jade Esteban Estrada, Dan R. Goddard, Lance Higdon, Steven G. Kellman, Hannah Lorence, Kiko Martinez, M. Solis, Gary Sweeney Editorial Interns: Diana Amaya, Brian Holmes

Advertising

Sales Manager: Joseph Allen Account Manager: Mallory Jochen Account Executives: April Miller, Mike Valdelamar Digital Sales Specialist: Mike Valdelamar

Marketing and Events

Marketing and Events Director: Cassandra Yardeni Events Manager: Chelsea Bourque Event Coordinator: Mallory Jochen

Creative Services

Creative Services Manager: Tina Corbeil Graphic Designer: Samantha Serna Graphic Design Interns: Ernesto Guajardo, Pedro Macias, RJ McGuire, Michelle Moreno, Shelby Pintor

53 Best of SA People

Circulation

Circulation Manager: Justin Giles

Business

Business Manager: Sonia Acosta

Euclid Media Group

Chief Executive Officer: Andrew Zelman Chief Operating Officers: Chris Keating, Michael Wagner VP of Digital Services: Stacy Volhein Creative Director: Tom Carlson Digital Operations Coordinator: Jaime Monzon Senior Marketing and Events Director: Cassandra Yardeni Director of Digital Sales: Fran DiCarlo www.euclidmediagroup.com National Advertising: Voice Media Group (888) 278-9866, vmgadvertising.com San Antonio Current 915 Dallas San Antonio, Texas 78215 sacurrent.com

137 Best of SA

107 Best of SA

Nightlife

Around Town

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

On the Cover: Our Best of San Antonio issue’s cover and section openers are a sampling of icy confections and TexMex snacks from local food truck Chamoy City Limits that highlight our city’s perpetual quest for the biggest and best.

Photos: Ana Fernandez Cover Design: Tom Carlson

14 Best of SA Intro

156 Calendar

Top picks for the next two weeks This Modern World

167 Music

Upcoming live shows of note

174 Etc

Crossword Puzzle

8

CURRENT | July 31-August 13, 2019 | sacurrent.com

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

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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.

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CURRENT | July 31-August 13, 2019 | sacurrent.com

2195

12

welcome to

S

an Antonio likes to do things up big.

Not that this city is about putting on airs.

Pomposity and pretense just don’t seem to be in our blood. But we do have a knack for taking the stuff we love and supersizing it. It’s evident in our fishbowl-sized margaritas, our crowded-to-capacity Fiesta events and our raspas piled to the heavens with sweet, sour and salty treats.

The mission of Best of San Antonio is to recognize the creators, movers and shakers in our city that deliver the kind of larger-than-life experiences we crave. That ranges from the bountiful

bites honored in our food entries to the plus-size personalities that won in categories such as Best Politician and Best Drag Queen.

It’s also worth mentioning that we trusted you, the reader, to be the ultimate judge.

We stepped aside and left the voting to you. Our editors and writers just tallied and reported the results. Call it an exercise in direct democracy. No doubt, you’ll nod your head in agreement with fellow San Antonians about some of their choices. On others, you may be tempted to fling this issue against the wall.

We’ll leave the tease at that and let you flip the pages to find out where your favorites placed. Thanks, as always, for your input. We knew we could trust you to think big.

sacurrent.com | July 31-August 13, 2019 | CURRENT

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st Ave San Antonio, TX 782

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CURRENT | July 31-August 13, 2019 | sacurrent.com

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CURRENT | July 31-August 13, 2019 | sacurrent.com

Best of SA | Food & Drink

3. Sarah’s Barbacoa

6330 De Zavala Road, Suite 103 (210) 263-9955 facebook.com/sarahsbarbacoa

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

S La Panaderia Ismael Rodriguez

BAKERY & PAN DULCE Winner: La Panaderia Multiple locations lapanaderia.com

B

rothers José and David Cáceres grew up selling freshly made bread on the streets of Mexico City, aided by their mother’s passion and home recipes. Together, they helped their mother’s business grow to an industrial scale, serving companies throughout Mexico, before they decided to return to the classic recipes and flavors of their childhood. The brothers opened their dream business in San Antonio in 2014, bringing ensaladas, breakfast, coffee and classic bread to Alamo Heights. A second location opened on Houston Street in 2017, with fresh pan dulce, sandwiches and a selection of bubbles, beer and wine. Keep an eye out for more treats. The bakery is slated to open its third location at La Cantera Heights in 2020.

BAKERY 2. Bakery Lorraine Multiple locations bakerylorraine.com

3. Bird Bakery

5912 Broadway (210) 804-2473 birdbakery.com

PAN DULCE 2. Mi Tierra Cafe y Panaderia 218 Produce Row (210) 239-9215 mitierracafe.com

2. Tellez Tamales & Barbacoa

1802 Bandera Road (210) 455-0822 Tellez-tamales-barbacoa-factory.business.site

moke Shack has come a long way from its humble 2014 beginnings as a food truck-turned-brick and mortar operation. Fortunately, it’s let its flavorful Texas barbecue do the talking. Owner Chris Conger has taken a hands-on approach, smoking, cooking and cutting local favorites including ribs, brisket and chicken.

But it isn’t just the meat that’s worth coming back for. The Smoke Shack Mac dresses up the cheesy side with the addition of brisket, while the spicy corn, Frito pie and sweet tea all measure up as well. Head to Smoke Shack’s meat counter for sandwiches, sliders and an evolving lineup of house-cured smoked sausages.

2. Rudy’s Country Store and Bar-B-Q Multiple locations rudysbbq.com

3. Panifico Bake Shop 602 NW 24th St. (210) 434-9290 panifico.com

BARBACOA Winner: Rios Barbacoa Multiple locations facebook.com/riosbarbacoa2decodistrict

N

ot all barbacoa is created equal. Rios serves fresh, flavorful barbacoa that even your abuela will respect.

That explains why this homegrown enterprise has set the standard for a San Antonio classic: steam-cooked shredded meat served on housemade corn tortillas and topped with spicy salsa and fresh avocado.

Wash it down with a cold Big Red. If you’re feeling homesick or under the weather, the friendly kitchen will put you at ease with a welcoming bowl of menudo served with lemon, beans and pico de gallo. Check out various locations for menu options and tamale availability. But plan to arrive early on weekends, since tortillas go fast when regulars show up.

Smoke Shack BBQ Dan Payton

sacurrent.com | July 31-August 13, 2019 | CURRENT

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Best of SA | Food & Drink

Bill Miller Bar-B-Q Courtesy of Bill Miller Bar-B-Q

3. Two Bros BBQ Market 12656 West Ave. (210) 496-0222 twobrosbbqmarket.com

BREAKFAST TACOS Winner: Bill Miller Bar-B-Q Multiple locations billmillerbbq.com

E

ven in a city with new taquerias popping up almost daily, San Antonians can respect local dining institutions such as Bill Miller Bar-B-Q. Though best known for its brisket sandwiches and buckets of sweet tea, the locally operated fast-casual chain began serving breakfast tacos in 2017, and its drive-through lines haven’t been the same since. The menu features the standard choices: bacon and egg, carne guisada, bean and cheese and potato and egg, all served on the fluffy flour tortillas locals have come to expect. Bill Miller has upped the ante, however when it comes to catering to customer requests. Last year, the company introduced chorizo to the menu after fans requested it. And when it comes to toppings such as salsa, avocado or even random suggestions from Twitter followers, Bill Miller also goes above and beyond.

2. Tommy’s Restaurant Multiple locations mytommys.com

3. The Original Donut Shop

3307 Fredericksburg Road (210) 734-5661 facebook.com/theoriginaldonutshop

BRUNCH Winner: Magnolia Pancake Haus Multiple locations magnoliapancakehaus.com

M

agnolia Pancake Haus is a brunch-goer’s paradise, serving up not just the expected array of sweet and savory pancakes but also delectable waffles, French toast and an almost infinite number of egg dishes. Since Chef Robert Fleming opened the original Pancake Haus in 2000, he’s dazzled diners with an expansive menu with pancake varieties including chocolate chip, bacon, silver dollar and his trademark buttermilk. The restaurant has since grown to two locations and offers a drink menu with mimosas, beer-mosas and endless cups of coffee.

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Magnolia Pancake Haus Courtesy of Magnolia Pancake Haus

The eateries tend to fill up quick — especially after Fleming’s hotcakes were featured on Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-ins and Dives — so make online reservations ahead of time if you’re not willing to wait for a table.

2. NOLA Brunch & Beignets 111 Kings Court (210) 320-1572 eatatnola.com

3. La Panaderia

Multiple locations lapanaderia

BUBBLE TEA Winner: Brew’s Lee Tea Station 4009 Broadway St. (210) 598-0068 brewsleetea.com

B

rew’s Lee Tea Station is more than its glam and Insta-ready looks let on. Since Frances and Billy Lee opened the shop and introduced the city their delicious rose milk teas, refreshing Lychee Jasmine green tea and beautiful glowing bubble tea, they have pushed San Antonians to upgrade their tea drinking experiences. Stop by in the morning for vegan-friendly sweets to pair with your favorite cup, or visit at lunchtime for some of Mama Lee’s flavorful house noodles. As masters of Taiwanese tea making traditions, the owners also show their commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility by serving all their drinks — even those with tapioca pearls — with biodegradable straws.

Brew’s Lee Tea Station

Best of SA | Food & Drink

Lulu’s Bakery & Cafe

BURGER & LATE NIGHT PLACE TO EAT Winner: Whataburger Multiple locations whataburger.com

A Whataburger

Courtesy of Whataburger

2. Bobalicious

4907 NW Loop 410, Suite 103 (210) 979-8040 bobaliciouscafe.com

n icon in Texas’s fast-casual dining culture, Whataburger serves up flavorful stacked hamburgers, crispy fries and creamy shakes (including a Dr. Pepper variety) that are sure to satisfy even the hungriest customers, 24 hours a day. With the company headquarters in San Antonio and budget-friendly prices, it’s no mystery why Whataburger remains king, even as drive-thru options and out-of-state contenders like In-N-Out Burger and Shake Shack proliferate across the city. While the chain’s ubiquity and quick service also account for much of the popularity, the real appeal is the food, which puts most fast-food rivals to shame. And for late-night diners, the deal gets even sweeter when the breakfast menu becomes available at 11 p.m. That means you can order the honey butter chicken biscuit, a classic salty-andsweet combination bound to hit the spot, whether it’s how you start or end your day.

BURGER 2. Chris Madrid’s 830 W. Hollywood Ave. (210) 735-3552 chrismadrids.com

3. Suck It: The Restaurant

7220 Louis Pasteur Dr., Suite 120 (210) 560-2113 chefsuckit.com

3. Burger Boy

Multiple locations burgerboysa.com

LATE NIGHT PLACE TO EAT 2. Mi Tierra Cafe y Panaderia 218 Produce Row (210) 239-9215 mitierracafe.com

3. Jim’s

Multiple locations jimsrestaurants.com

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

SA Current File

dinner. The restaurant also donates a dollar to local charities for every board sold, meaning your indulgence helps someone in need.

2. Boiler House Texas Grill & Wine Garden 312 Pearl Parkway, Building 3 (210) 354-4644 boilerhousesa.com

3. Downstairs at the Esquire Tavern 155 E. Commerce St. (210) 222-2521 esquiretavern-sa.com/downstairs

CHICKEN FRIED STEAK Winner: Lulu’s Bakery & Cafe 918 N. Main Ave. (210) 951-4088 Lulusbakeryandcafe.com

C

hicken Fried Steak is a comfort food staple in Texas diners, and Lulu’s serves up one of the best — and most sizable — around. Locals are familiar with the restaurant’s Texas Ranger Challenge, which dares diners to eat all 21 ounc- 23 6

C Lauren De Hoyos

harcuterie options abound at Cured, where — as the name would suggest — meats are house cured for anywhere from 30 days to 12 months. Chef Steve McHugh opened his eatery at The Pearl in 2013, and his knack for finding delicious, locally sourced ingredients has won over local fans while helping make the city a dining destination for international visitors. Cured’s charcuterie board includes a rotating selection of bites that may include chicken liver mousse, smoked duck ham, Polish sausage and apple jalapeño pork rillettes, all accompanied by house-made pickles, spicy mustards, local cheese and crackers. The boards are a great starter for any meal or a small-yet-satisfying

Cured Scott Martin

sacurrent.com | July 31-August 13, 2019 | CURRENT

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EAT & DRINK FOR A GOOD CAUSE 302 MONTANA ST. SA, TX 78203 | 210.598.0496

100% OF THE BAR PROFITS GO TO 4 CHARITIES EACH MONTH

302 MONTANA ST. SA, TX 78203 | 210.598.0496

OPEN TUES-THURS 11A-10P | FRI 11A-12A | SAT 3P-12A | CLOSED SUN + MON

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Best of SA | Food & Drink

Golden Wok

SA Current File

6 21 es of its deep-fried breaded cutlet plus with two sides and a pair of rolls. Finish the placemat-sized order in 12 minutes, and it’s on the house. But if you’re looking for dinner instead of a challenge, the CFS is still enjoyable at your leisure, or better yet, shared with friends. Fried to perfection and smothered in cream gravy or queso, it’s little wonder so many readers give Lulu’s winning marks for this signature dish.

2. Good Time Charlie’s Bar & Cafe 2922 Broadway St. (210) 828-5392 gtcsatx.com

3. De Wese’s Tip Top Cafe

2814 Fredericksburg Road (210) 732-0191 facebook.com/tiptopcafesanantonio

CHINESE RESTAURANT Winner: Golden Wok Multiple locations goldenwoksa.com

G

olden Work’s Sunday brunch menu offers a solid dim sum cart with authentic and addictive showstoppers such as har gow (shrimp dumplings), stewed chicken feet in black bean sauce, beef tripe, mini spare ribs, steamed custard buns and taro root cake. Authenticity aside, Golden Wok has introduced many San Antonio diners to well-prepared Chinese cuisine thanks to dishes including smoky pork fried rice, sweet Peking duck and spicy stir-fried basil chicken with scallions.

Don’t sleep on the restaurant’s extensive tea selection, which includes chrysanthemum, oolong and sow mee — a strong white tea with a punch of flavor.

2. Formosa Garden

1011 N.E. Loop 410 (210) 828-9988 formosagardensa.com

Amanda Rodriguez

3. Ding How Chinese Restaurant

CRAWFISH Winner: LA Crawfish Multiple locations thelacrawfish.com

COFFEESHOP Winner: Local Coffee Multiple locations meritcoffee.com

2. Smashin Crab

an Antonio may have been late to the third wave of coffee, but that didn’t stop Robby and Neesha Grubbs from revolutionizing the way locals consumed the beloved beverage when they launched Merit Roasting Co. and opened the first Local Coffee in 2008. A little over a decade later, and Local Coffee hasn’t just won over the Alamo City but expanded into Dallas and Austin with no signs of slowing.

You’ll recognize Local Coffee by its open, well-lit cafes, sustainably sourced single-origin coffee and highly-trained baristas who make cupping an art.

Local roasts, brews and pours cups that feature chocolate, fruit or earth-inspired notes and the business takes pride in letting you know where the coffee’s story began.

1289 SW Loop 410 (210) 674-0019 acadianacafe.com

4531 NW Loop 410 (210) 340-7944 dinghowsa.com

S

2. SummerMoon Coffee Multiple locations woodfiredcoffee.com

3. Folklores Coffee House

5009 S. Flores St. (210) 455-7829 folklores-coffee-house.business.site

Multiple locations smashincrab.com

3. Acadiana Cafe

DESSERT Winner: Bakery Lorraine Multiple locations bakerylorraine.com

A

nne Ng and Jeremy Mandrell began collaborating on incredible desserts and breads together years ago at Thomas Keller’s Bouchon in California, but it wasn’t until they teamed with entrepreneur Charlie Biedenharn in 2011 that most San Antonians got to know them. The trio opened Bakery Lorraine, and based on the quality of its wares, quickly outgrew its original location on Grayson Street. The next stop was a larger shop at the Pearl. Since then, Bakery Lorraine has expanded to serve breakfast and lunch at five locations in Austin and San Antonio, offering signature French macarons along with house quiche and a classic grilled cheese sandwich made with comté, goat cheese, fontina and a seasonal jam. While Lorraine serves up both savory 25 6 sacurrent.com | July 31-August 13, 2019 | CURRENT

23

Thank you for nominating and SmokE shacK

BBQ + SOUTHERN KITCHEN

t s e B s o h Nac I (THE P

Bes t mar Blood y y

(THE

PIGP

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Best BB (SMOKE S

THE PIG PEN: 106 PERSHING | 210.267.9136 | M-TH 3-12A | F-S 12-12A | SUN 10-10P 24

CURRENT | July 31-August 13, 2019 | sacurrent.com

HACK)

Q

SMOKE SHACK: 3714 BROADWAY ST | 210.957.1430 | M-S 11-9P | CLOSED SUN

Best of SA | Food & Drink

Courtesy of Bakery Lorraine

6 23 and sweet, it’s clear from our readers that its desserts, from hot chocolate cookies to sinfully delicious cakes, keep San Antonio coming back.

2. Kuma

Multiple locations instagram.com/kuma.satx

Courtesy of Wingstop

3. Cereal Killer Sweets

3. Naco Mexican Brunch

FOOD TRUCK Winner: Philly’s Phamous Cheesesteaks 2301 San Pedro Ave. (210) 621-8908 facebook.com/phillysphamousitalianice

FRENCH FRIES Winner: Wingstop Multiple locations wingstop.com

(210) 753-2032 cerealkillersweets.com

C

redit Robert Rose for bringing the Philly cheesesteak to the Alamo City in a big way.

Rose and his wife McKayla helped his cousin, Spurs alumnus Malik Rose, open his own cheesesteak restaurant in 2003. After that, the couple launched their own food truck in 2014. The popular mobile eatery, which serves as the anchor for the Rose Bush food truck park north of downtown, dishes up a variety of classic and customizable sandwiches with thinly sliced beef and gooey cheese as the undisputed stars.

Specialty sides like the pizza fries — crispy cut spuds topped with mozzarella and pepperoni and served with a side of marinara sauce — also keep the fans coming back. And for picky young eaters, it’s hard to go wrong with Philly’s house flatbread or the grilled cheese.

2. Tacos El Regio St Mary’s

2726 N. St Mary’s St. (210) 782-2272 facebook.com/tacos-el-regio-2/132766000121520

2347 Nacogdoches Road (210) 996-1033 facebook.com/nacomexican

W

ingstop’s fries are softer than most but definitely not soggy. What makes them stand out, though, is the flavor.

Seasoned salt and a pinch of sugar give these fluffy fries a unique taste that provides a nice balance for the chain’s spicy buffalo wings. The regular amount of seasoning on the spuds works well, but a little extra doesn’t hurt either. Also worth noting: Wingstop’s fries are in the middle in terms of thickness, nowhere near as chunky as a steak fry but not shoestring-thin either. That heft allows them to stand up well on their own or when dipped in a little ranch dressing. They also reheat well in the oven, assuming you don’t like letting food go to waste. The special seasoning and perfect texture make for an addictive side — and one plenty of readers crave.

2. Burger Boy

Multiple locations burgerboysa.com

Philly’s Phamous Cheesesteaks Courtesy of Philly’s Phamous Cheesesteaks

sacurrent.com | July 31-August 13, 2019 | CURRENT

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Best Bakery Best Pan Dulce Thank you San Antonio 8305 Broadway San Antonio 78209 26

CURRENT | July 31-August 13, 2019 | sacurrent.com

Antonio for nominatin n a S g us IAS C A for GR

S U T S S H E I B

TM

sacurrent.com | July 31-August 13, 2019 | CURRENT

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MON- FRI 5:30AM-4PM | SAT 6:30AM-4PM • SUN 7:30AM-3PM

521 E Woodlawn Ave. • 210.737.8646

Hungry For More?

9141 Stone Oak Parkway #303 San Antonio, Texas 78258 (210) 992-3029

VISIT SACURRENT.COM

chilaquiles

tortas & tacos thank you for the San Antonio

nominated best food truck

WE CATER | 2347 Nacogdoches Rd. San, Tx 78209 - corner of 410 & Nacogdoches | (210) 996-1033 28

CURRENT | July 31-August 13, 2019 | sacurrent.com

Best of SA | Food & Drink

ICE CREAM Winner: Lick Honest Ice Creams 312 Pearl Parkway, Suite 2101 (210) 314-8166 ilikelick.com

Courtesy of The Dogfather

3. Chester’s

Multiple locations chestershamburgers.com

HOT DOG Winner: The Dogfather 6211 San Pedro Ave. (210) 481-4272 facebook.com/thedogfathersa

T

he loaded hot dogs that chef Kris Martinez serves up at casual dining spot The Dogfather aren’t the standard-issue dogs you’ll find at other places. The restaurant’s 10 specialty dogs showcase originality and reflect San Antonio’s food culture. The Elote, a menu favorite, features roasted corn, queso fresco, mayo, crumbled Takis, parmesan and limón, all piled onto a beef frank. And there’s even something for vegans and vegetarians.

The Vegan Frito Pie dog features a vegan frank, spicy vegan chili, melted vegan cheese, Fritos, jalapeños and guacamole. Of course, the less adventurous can always enjoy the Plain Jane, a no-frills dog with traditional ketchup, mustard, onions and relish. All of the beef and baked buns come from Texas and other ingredients are sourced locally when possible. With $5 specialty dogs on Sundays and Godfather-inspired artwork, The Dogfather has captured the hearts and stomachs of San Antonians.

INDIAN RESTAURANT Winner: India Palace 8474 Fredericksburg Road (210) 692-5262 indiapalacesatx.com

T

A

2. Amy’s Ice Creams

2. India Oven

3. South Alamode Panini & Gelato Company

3. Simi’s India Cuisine

he line at Lick is usually to the door, if not outside of it, but this smooth and creamy treat is worth the wait. The shop’s artisanal ice cream flavors are perfect for beating the summer heat. Nestled in the Pearl, the shop serves up flavors such as Goat Cheese, Thyme and Honey and Texas Sheet Cake (chocolate pecan icing swirled into chocolate ice cream) that can’t be found anywhere else. Lick also puts an emphasis on local and seasonal ingredients. The milk and cream, for example, come from a family-owned Central Texas dairy, and in-season ingredients rule the day. In addition to freshness, that ensures rotating flavors such as Blushing Blueberry (blueberry ice cream, blueberry jam and Revolution Spirits Austin Reserve Gin) keep the menu fresh and exciting. Even the additions — including sauces, cookies and cake — are made in house. What’s more, Lick is friendly to alternative diets thanks to coconut-based ice creams such as peach berry swirl, coconut caramel cream and the vegan vanilla ice cream sandwich.

255 E. Basse Road, Suite 430 (210) 832-8886 amysicecreams.com 1420 S. Alamo St. (210) 788-8000 southalamode.com

stand-out destination for lunch and dinner, India Palace is the place to visit for authentic North Indian cuisine in San Antonio. The lunchtime buffet is constantly replenished with fresh food, making it perfect for an easy — if sometimes crowded — lunch break. For dinner, take your time and order a la carte for a tranquil dining experience. Saag paneer and channa masala are flavorful options for vegetarians. Other standout dishes include chicken korma (poultry cooked in a fragrant cream sauce with cashews, almonds, and raisins), baingan bhartha (eggplant baked until butter soft in a tandoor oven and embellished with spices and herbs) and aloo baingan (potatoes and eggplant in a spicy gravy). No matter what you order, be sure to pair it with warm naan baked to order in the tandoor. With solid meat and vegetarian options and a spice level that can be managed with a soothing mango lassi, India Palace has options for a variety of appetites.

1031 Patricia Dr., Suite 106 (210) 544-5968 indiaovensa.com 4535 Fredericksburg Road, Suite 109 (210) 737-3166 simisindiacuisine.com

2. Wrigleyville Grill

602 Northwest Loop 410 #146 (210) 369-9833 wrigleyvillegrill.com

3. Burgerteca

403 Blue Star #105 (210) 635-0016 chefjohnnyhernandez.com

Courtesy of Lick

sacurrent.com | July 31-August 13, 2019 | CURRENT

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BEST COFFEE SHOP EVER!

ALAMO RANCH 11831 CULEBRA RD / SATX 78253

SAN ANTONIO 3233 NORTH ST MARY’S ST / SATX 78212

(210) 338-5544

(210) 320-1773

MON - FRI: 6 AM- 8 PM SAT - SUN: 7 AM - 8 PM

MON - FRI: 6 AM - 8 PM SAT - SUN: 7 AM - 6 PM

Chef inspired authentic italian food, craft beer and great wine Wine Down Wednesday MENTION THIS ADD FOR %10 OFFER VALID TILL THE END OF AUGUST.

9910 West Loop 1604 North, #123 San Antonio, TX 78254 | (210) 688.9885 30

CURRENT | July 31-August 13, 2019 | sacurrent.com

OPENING AUGUST 2019 Leon Springs 25035 IH10W SATX 78257

Best of SA | Food & Drink d

ne w O y l Fami

83 9 1 e sinc

Coffee • Equipment • Pinball

138 West Rhapsody • sacoffeeroasters.com Courtesy of Jugo Juicery

ITALIAN RESTAURANT Winner: Paesanos Multiple locations paesanos.com

P

aesanos is celebrating its 50th anniversary in the Alamo City this year, a good indication that for many locals, the restaurant stands as the timeless spot to enjoy good company and classic Italian fare. The signature Shrimp Paesano, massive prawns cooked in lemon butter, keep customers coming back, as do traditional Italian dishes such as an expertly prepared osso buco and plenty of carnivore- and veggie-friendly pizza options.

But the delights don’t end there. The restaurant also excels at the extras such as after-dinner drinks and exceptional sweets, including a house cappuccino pie and coconut tres leches cake.

2. Little Italy Restaurant & Pizzeria 824 Afterglow St. (210) 349-2060 littleitalysatx.com

3. Battalion

604 S. Alamo St. (210) 816-0088 battalionsa.com

JUICE SHOP Winner: Jugo Juicery Multiple locations doyouevenjugo.com

O

ver the past three years, Jugo Juicery has quietly taken over San Antonio’s juice scene with a series of North Side locations, including its newest in Alamo Heights. And for good reason.

Jugo allows guests to make their own superfood bowls with bases such as acai, pitaya and blue majik — even matcha and activated charcoal, for those feeling extra adventurous.

Employees can offer samples of every base for those who need help deciding.

Add fruit, granola, superfoods (think bee pollen, hemp seeds and the like) and sweetener, and you’ve got a filling, 16-ounce bowl packed with healthy goodness. Beyond the bowls, playfully named smoothies and trendy bites cater to a variety of tastes. Jugo also offers two types of juice cleanses that can be ordered online as a set or purchased individually in-store.

2. Revolucion Coffee & Juice Multiple locations revolucionsa.com

CAPOS PIZZA IS THE “CAPO DI TUTTI PIZZE”, THE BOSS OF ALL PIZZAS!

NEW YORK STYLE PIZZA, SUBS & WINGS!

THANK YOU SAN ANTONIO FOR NOMINATING US

BEST PIZZA & BEST WINGS! 8522 BROADWAY | 16350 BLANCO RD | CAPOSPIZZASA.COM 2 1 0. 3 6 2. 1 9 0 1 | D I N E - I N , C A R R Y - O U T O R D E L I V E R Y

sacurrent.com | July 31-August 13, 2019 | CURRENT

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2603 SE Military Dr #106, Sa, TX 78223 in City Base West

Tues-Thurs 11am-3pm / 5pm-10pm Sat 12pm-12am | Sun 12pm-8pm

(210) 314-3111

/LunaRosaTx @lunarosatx

SAN ANTONIO’S PREMIER DESTINATION FOR PUERTO RICAN CUISINE, TAPAS & TROPICAL COCKTAILS

HOURS: Mon-Sat 11a-10p | Sun 12p-9p

4 san antonio locations!

32

CURRENT | July 31-August 13, 2019 | sacurrent.com

25 NE Loop 410, Ste 124 | 1518 Austin Hwy | 22502 U.S. 281, Ste 110 | 10919 Culebra Road, Ste 150

sacurrent.com | July 31-August 13, 2019 | CURRENT

33

JOIN US FOR SUSHI HAPPY HOUR! TUES + THURS 5-6PM

T H A N K YO U S A FOR NOMINATING US FOR BEST SUSHI

AG AI N!

l a n r e t FFFrrraaatteernal TTTwwwiiinnnsss 11203 WEST AVE, SAN ANTONIO, TX 78213 • (210) 348-6781 • MON-FRI 11AM-2:30PM & 5PM-10PM • SAT 5PM-10PM • GODAISUSHI.COM

34

Great Food: Your Place. Or Ours.

Great Food: Your Place. Or Or Ours.

Ours.

Great Food: Your Place.

CENTRAL: 4200 Broadway @ Hildebrand • (210) 826-0800 | MOBILE RESERVATIONS: www.cheesyjanes.com CENTRAL: 4200 Broadway @ Hildebrand • (210) 826-0800 | MOBILE RESERVATIONS: www.cheesyjanes.com CENTRAL: 4200 Broadway @ Hildebrand • (210) 826-0800 | MOBILE RESERVATIONS: www.cheesyjanes.com CURRENT | July 31-August 13, 2019 | sacurrent.com

Best of SA | Food & Drink LOCALLY MADE FOOD PRODUCT Winner: Ricos Cheese Sauces ricos.com

Nominated Best Juice Bar in SA

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

icos is known for a variety of ready-to-eat concession items, from peanuts and popcorn to jalapeños and chips. But its signature item is the golden-hued pourable cheese it created to pioneer concession nachos back in 1976. Founded by Italian immigrant Rosario Liberto, Ricos opened its operations in Texas in 1909, eventually relocating to San Antonio.

Today, locals can take comfort and pride in seeing Ricos at events and stadiums across the world and in being able to pick it up on grocery shelves if they feel like indulging on game day or as part of a backyard party. While Ricos’ appeal is that it stays in a melty state even at room temperature, locals know it’s best enjoyed at molten temperatures.

2. Big’z

2. Twang Beer Salt

SA Current File

3. Pure Juice Southtown Multiple locations justpurejuice.com

Multiple locations bigz-burgerjoint.com

3. Cerroni’s Purple Garlic 1017 Austin Highway (210) 822-2300 cerronispurplegarlic.com

KOREAN RESTAURANT Winner: Kogi Korean Grill 12651 Vance Jackson Road, Suite 108 (210) 558-2018 kogisa.com

2. Gogi Street

12820 Jones Maltsberger Road #104 (210) 455-5574 facebook.com/Gogi-Street-671459326361772

3. Chas Market & Kitchen 1431 N. Pine St. (210) 227-1521 chaskitchen.com

LOCAL DONUT SHOP Winner: The Original Donut Shop 3307 Fredericksburg Road (210) 734-5661 facebook.com/theoriginaldonutshop

2. The Art of Donut 3428 N. St. Mary’s St. (210) 265-5423 artofdonut.com

3. Snowflake Donuts

9793 Culebra Road (210) 520-0258 facebook.com/culebrasnowflakedonuts

twang.com

3. Popcorn Piccadilly

popcornpiccadilly.com

MENUDO Winner: Mi Tierra Cafe y Panaderia 218 Produce Row (210) 239-9215 www.mitierracafe.com

W

hat began as a spartan three-table cafe in 1941 is now a San Antonio staple with a sprawling interior, festive décor and lively mariachis. Founded by Pedro and Cruz Cortez and located in Market Square, Mi Tierra serves up some of the city’s favorite menudo, a traditional Mexican soup made with cow’s stomach, hominy, chiles and oregano. Lemon wedges, onions and peppers accompany the spicy, bright red soup, adding brightness and crunch. House-made tortillas allow diners to soak up every drop of the delectable broth. Menudo is regarded as a hangover remedy, so the downtown restaurant’s version appeals both to locals and tourists who took in a little too much River Walk revelry. And since Mi Tierra is open 24 hours, the soup is available for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

2. Tellez Tamales & Barbacoa

1802 Bandera Road (210) 455-0822 tellez-tamales-barbacoa-factory.business.site

11858 Wurzbach Rd, San Antonio, Texas 78230 4718 Broadway St, Alamo Heights, Texas 78209 9708 Business Pkwy #102, Helotes, Texas 78203 3103 SE Military Dr Ste 106, San Antonio, Texas 78223 10003 NW Military Hwy #2114, San Antonio, Texas 78230 COMING SOON San Marcos - Late 2019

Boerne - Late 2019 Houston Texas - Early 2020

Potranco /151 - Early 2020 Downtown San Antonio - Late 2019

d oyouevenjugo.com sacurrent.com | July 31-August 13, 2019 | CURRENT

35

THE MAGNOLIA PANCAKE HAUS

E V E R Y B O DY E AT S W H E N T H E Y C O M E T O M R . PA N C A K E ’ S H A U S !

606 Embassy Oaks, SA, TX 78216 | 10333 Huebner Rd. SA, TX 78240

999 E BASSE RD, #193 36

CURRENT | July 31-August 13, 2019 | sacurrent.com

@ORDERUPSA (210) 824-9600 MENU: ORDERUP-SA.COM

Best of SA | Food & Drink

Rosario’s Liz Warburton

3. Pico De Gallo Restaurant

MEXICAN RESTAURANT 2. El Bucanero Multiple locations el-bucanero.com

MEXICAN RESTAURANT & ENCHILADAS & SALSA Winner: Rosario’s Multiple locations rosariossa.com

3. Paloma Blanca Mexican Cuisine

111 S. Leona St. (210) 225-6060 picodegallo.com

R

osario’s has brought a modern cantina feel to the Alamo City with three locations — the original in Southtown, a North Side outpost and another inside the San Antonio International Airport. The varied menu and chic environment are part of the appeal of the eateries, which boast a following with both locals and tourists. Start your meal off with chips and the smoky salsa, made from just four ingredients. According to founder and owner Lisa Wong, the secret is in the charred tomatoes. The fish tacos — pan-seared tilapia topped with chipotle mayo, cabbage lime slaw, pickled red onion, queso fresco and avocado — are a favorite. As are the Enchiladas Mexicanas with their muy authentico queso fresco filling and guajillo and pasilla chile sauce. Indeed, any of the restaurants’ enchilada varieties are a sure bet since they eschew the rubbery cheese and grease that mar far too many Tex-Mex takes on the dish. For those who imbibe, Rosario’s has a healthy selection of margaritas including its original frozen version, swirl varieties and the CocoRita. The sangria — made with red wine, brandy, pineapple and orange juice — is also a popular happy hour choice.

5800 Broadway St. #300 (210) 822-6151 palomablancatogo.net

ENCHILADAS 2. Blanco Cafe Multiple locations blancocafe.net

3. Pete’s Tako House 502 Brooklyn Ave. (210) 224-2911 petestakohouse.com SALSA

2. Chuy’s

Multiple locations chuys.com

3. Alamo Cafe

Multiple locations alamocafe.com

NACHOS Winner: Chacho’s Multiple Locations facebook.com/chachos-100853899959297

N

achos may have been born in Mexico, but San Antonio took the beloved dish and turned it from a simple bar food of crisp tortilla chips topped with cheese into a multi-layered appetizer mounded with goodness. And then Chacho’s takes the Tex-Mex favorite to a whole other level with its Monster Kong Nachos, built with layers of beans and cheese, 40 6 sacurrent.com | July 31-August 13, 2019 | CURRENT

37

YOUR HOMETOWN SPICE STORE SINCE 1985.

SOUTH TEXAS SPICE CO. Retail - Institutional - Specialty Blends 8oz. - 300lbs. or more 210.436.2280 • 2106 Castroville Rd • 78237 38

CURRENT | July 31-August 13, 2019 | sacurrent.com

P

Pok é

Y

r u o

y a W

THANK YOU SAN ANTONIO FOR NOMINATING US!

12730 10 W STE #304, SAN ANTONIO, TX 78230

7315 SAN PEDRO AVE, SAN ANTONIO, TX 78216

11830 BANDERA RD, HELOTES, TX 78023

HULAPOKEUSA.COM sacurrent.com | July 31-August 13, 2019 | CURRENT

39

Best of SA | Food & Drink

6 37 shredded chicken, chicken carbon and beef fajitas. The giant order is topped with queso, fresh guacamole and sour cream. The $14.95 pricetag makes it the perfect late-night snack for a hungry group on a budget. The chain’s Chacho’s and Chalucci’s mega-eatery may have closed this summer, but its locations at 7870 Callaghan Road and 6757 Poss Road at Bandera Road continue to pile their nachos high.

2. The Pigpen

106 Pershing (210) 267-9136 thepigpensa.com

3. Rosario’s

Multiple locations rosariossa.com NEW RESTAURANT & CARIBBEAN RESTAURANT

Winner: The Jerk Shack

117 Matyear St. (210) 776-7780 facebook.com/thejerkshacksatx

G

reat things are worth waiting for, and the Jerk Shack is no exception. The Jerk Shack was an instant hit among locals when it opened in 2018, and it’s since been named by regional and national publications as one of the best new restaurants to watch. Lines often form outside the West Side food truck, as customers regularly queue up for Jamaican-born chef Nicola Blaque’s golden brown plantains, potato salad, tender oxtail and bowls of mac and cheese that you won’t want to share with your tablemates. Grab a cold Ginger Beer or Red Stripe to sip while you wait for the food to arrive, and trust that your meal will more than live up to the hype.

F F O COOLUMMER !

S S I H T follow us

1435 Frio City Rd | (210) 299-4744 | arcoirisicecream.com 40

CURRENT | July 31-August 13, 2019 | sacurrent.com

NEW RESTAURANT 2. Eastside Kitchenette 2119 Interstate 35 (210) 507-2568 facebook.com/Eastside-Kitchenette-145811282751793

3. SoHill Cafe

1719 Blanco Road (210) 455-2177 sohillcafe.com

CARIBBEAN RESTAURANT 2. La Marginal 2447 Nacogdoches Road (844) 663-6646 lamarginalrestaurant.com

Jess Elizarraras

3. Jamaica Jamaica

2026 Austin Highway (210) 590-0515 jamaicajamaicacuisine.com

PIZZA Winner: Dough Multiple locations doughpizzeria.com

I

n 2007, when Doug and Lori Horn announced their new pizzeria Dough would adhere to strict Neapolitan rules for making its pies, San Antonio freaked out. There were no riots, but in a city conditioned to enjoy the surplus of Little Caesars locations, some folks wondered if the restaurant would find an audience. Not only does Dough still command a loyal following today, its recently opened second SA location, proves that, yes, the city is ready and eager to take its pizza seriously.

With its authentic thin crust topped with house-pulled mozzarella and a variety of toppings to satiate an array of palates, there’s little surprise Dough came out on top for yet another year.

2. Maar’s Pizza & More

14218 Nacogdoches Road (210) 599-7400 maarspizzaandmore.com

3. Barbaro

2720 McCullough Ave. (210) 320-2261 barbarosanantonio.com

PLACE TO DRINK IN THE MORNING Winner: Halcyon 1414 S. Alamo St. (210) 277-7045 halcyoncoffeebar.com

E

ver had Fernet Branca in your morning coffee? While most establishments that sell the bitter and minty Italian amaro open hours after standard breakfast times, Halcyon has the advantage of being able to pair its wide array of cordials and spirits with breakfast drinks and dishes. The coffee and craft cocktail bar opened in 2013 as a hideaway in

Best of SA | Food & Drink the Bluestar Arts Complex, just off the River Walk. Even though it opens at 7 a.m. weekdays and 8 a.m. on weekends, the doors don’t close until 2 a.m. That means dining options aren’t limited to breakfast. Lunch, dinner and select dessert items fill out the menu. While parking can be a pain on First Fridays, there’s ample space in the Blue Star lot most other times.

2. The Rustic

17619 La Cantera Parkway, Suite 204 (210) 245-7500 therustic.com

3. Paramour

102 9th St., Suite 400 (210) 340-9880 paramourbar.com

PLACE FOR A DATE Winner: Down on Grayson 303 E. Grayson St. (210) 248-9244 downongrayson.com

2. Ocho

1015 Navarro St. (210) 222-2008 havanasanantonio.com/ocho

3. Bliss

926 S. Presa St. (210) 225-2547 foodisbliss.com

POKE RESTAURANT Winner: Hula Poke Multiple locations hulapokeusa.com

P

oke, a dish of minced raw seafood and veggies created

by Hawaiian fishermen, has spread far from its island origins in recent years. In fact, it’s become one of the go-to dishes among the Instagram crowd regardless of how far they are from the Pacific Ocean.

Hula Poke’s fast-casual approach is all about bringing the fresh fish to locals through colorful and delicious bowls that invite customers to customize their perfect meal with the addition of fresh produce, a variety of sauces and toppings to add just the right amount of crunch and zing. If a bowl isn’t your thing, the chain even serves up a sushi burrito wrapped in nori.

2. Big Aloha’s Ali’i Cove

1210 Pat Booker Road, Unit H (210) 507-2042 facebook.com/hawaiianfoodtruck

Jess Elizarraras

3. Poke Central

1130 N. Loop 1604 West, Suite 101 (210) 479-7653 pokecentral.com

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

R

umor has it that the puffy taco was invented in San Antonio, but wherever its origins, it’s clear that Henry’s Puffy Tacos perfected the technique. Starting with a single neighborhood eatery in 1978, the Lopez family has built a puffy taco empire that includes two full-service restaurants that serve about 1,000 of the crispy-yet-pillowy fried tacos daily. Each of the beautiful, golden-brown wrappers is stuffed with your choice of filling — be it shredded chicken, spicy beef fajita, bean and cheese or carne guisada — and topped with fresh lettuce and tomato.

Customers can also opt for extra toppings such as creamy guacamole, sour cream and sharp cheddar or jack cheese.

N T ! EMAI U R O

VI LIM

P

IT

S

ED

D T OL KE

GA

BENEFITING

S

TIC

AUGUST 23RD

2. Ray’s Drive Inn

AT T H E WI T T E M U S E U M

822 SW 19th St. (210) 432-7171 raysdriveinn.net

WHISKEY + WINE + BEER + MUSIC + BITES + CHEER

3. Los Barrios Mexican Restaurant 4223 Blanco Road (210) 732-6017 losbarriosrestaurant.com

RAMEN Winner: Nama Ramen 6565 Babcock Road (210) 641-2888 namaramen.com

PU R C H A S E YO U R 2 0 1 9 T I C K E T S N OW AT S AWH I S K E Y B U S I N E S S .CO M

featured

Distillers

featured

Restaurants

BASIL HAYDEN’S | BULLEIT | DEVIL’S RIVER WHISKEY | DRIPPING SPRINGS RANGER CREEK BREWING & DISTILLING | REAL ALE DISTILLING CO. REAL ALE BREWING CO. | GARRISON BROTHERS DISTILLERY LUCY COOPER’S | SMOKE BBQ | SAVOR AT THE CULINARY INSTITUTE OF AMERICA | GRAYZE | THE RUSTIC ALAMO BBQ CO. | FONTAINE’S SOUTHERN DINER & BAR | THE GOOD KIND | SOHILL CAFE | SHAKE SHACK RUSSO’S COAL FIRE ITALIAN KITCHEN | EASTSIDE KITCHENETTE | SPROUTS FARMERS MARKET

2. Kimura

Multiple locations kimurasa.com sacurrent.com | July 31-August 13, 2019 | CURRENT

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Summer Sweetness FROZEN TREA

TS WITH NAT

URES FAVORI

TE SWEETS

510 S Alamo St. STE 104, SA, TX 78205 210-954-6753 MON-TUE 11am -8pm THUR-SUN 11am -9pm

42

CURRENT | July 31-August 13, 2019 | sacurrent.com

sacurrent.com | July 31-August 13, 2019 | CURRENT

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Gracias San Antonio... for choosing Rosario’s as one of the Best Mexican Restaurants in SA!

rosariossa.com ROSARIO’S SOUTH: 910 South Alamo • 210.223.1806 Join us for HAPPY HOUR MONDAY-THURSDAY 3-6pm

44

CURRENT | July 31-August 13, 2019 | sacurrent.com

ROSARIO’S NORTH: 9715 San Pedro • 210.481.4100 Join us for HAPPY HOUR MONDAY-FRIDAY4-7pm

Best of SA | Food & Drink 3. Ito Ramen

14395 Blanco Road (210) 843-4230 itoramen.us

RASPAS Winner: Big Daddy’s Eats and Treats 228 E. Cevallos St. (210) 455-3044 facebook.com/bigdaddyseatstreats

SA Current File

Multiple locations lasnieves.net

SOULFOOD Winner: Mr. & Mrs. G’s Homecooking 2222 S. WW White Road (210) 359-0002 facebook.com/mrandmrsgshomecookingandpastries

3. Bahama Bucks

2. Tony G’s Soul Food

2. Las Nieves Fruit Cups & More

Multiple locations bahamabucks.com

SANDWICHES Winner: Gino’s Deli & Ice House 13210 Huebner Road (210) 764-0602 myginosdeli.com

2. W.D. Deli

3123 Broadway St. (210) 828-2322 wddeli.com

3. Max and Louie’s New York Diner 126 W. Bitters Road (210) 483-7600 maxandlouiesdiner.com

SEAFOOD Winner: Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen Multiple locations pappadeaux.com

2. El Bucanero

Multiple locations el-bucanero.com

3.Sea Island Shrimp House Multiple locations shrimphouse.com

SNACKS Winner: Munchies Shakes, Snacks & More Multiple locations munchiesnacksa.com

2. Fruteria Las Gueras

4823 Evers Road (210) 544-8176 facebook.com/freshfruitcups

3. Popcorn Piccadilly

15069 Interstate 35 Frontage Road (210) 977-0195 popcornpiccadilly.com

915 S. Hackberry St. (210) 451-1234 tonygssoulfood.com

3. Mrs. Kitchen Soul Food Restaurant and Bakery 2242 E. Commerce St. (210) 549-4392 mrskitchensa.com

STEAKHOUSE Winner: Chama Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse 18318 Sonterra Place (210) 564-9400 chamagaucha.com

2. Bohanan’s Prime Steaks and Seafood 219 E. Houston St., 2nd Floor (210) 472-2600 bohanans.com

3. Saltgrass Steak House Multiple locations saltgrass.com

SUSHI Winner: Sushi Zushi Multiple locations sushizushi.com

S

ushi Zushi’s appeal is that it offers something for everyone, from those just dabbling in the Japanese finger food to adventurous connoisseurs. It’s also been unafraid to embrace local tastes by creating rolls that combine classic Japanese cuisine with Tex-Mex flavors. What’s more, the chain offers generous daily happy hour specials including tempura tuna poppers, $2-a-piece nigiri and sashimi and $5.50 sake cocktails. If spicy tuna towers, Spurs and San Antonio rolls aren’t your thing, Sushi Zushi has also shown an adept hand at the more approachable side of Japanese cui- 47 6

THANK YOU SAN ANTONIO FOR NOMINATING US B E S T PA N D U L C E

210.434.9290

W W W. PA N I F I C O . C O M 6 0 2 N W 2 4 T H S T. S AT X 7 8 2 0 7

sacurrent.com | July 31-August 13, 2019 | CURRENT

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THANK YOU SAN ANTONIO!

18 LOCATIONS! SURROUNDING AREAS:

SAN ANTONIO LOCATIONS:

46

5707 S. Zarzamora 210-923-8258 Christine & Joe Rios Sr.

2527 Goliad Rd 210-337-2620 Amy R. Ortiz & Jessica Reyna

5745 Evers Rd 210-562-3052 Tommy Fuentes & Joe Rios Jr

9815 Culebra Rd 210-509-6287 Christine & Joe Rios Sr.

1720 Fredericksburg Rd 210-734-3980 Chantal & Louis Ortiz

8601 Huebner Rd 210-558-4818 Isaac Tellez

9902 Potranco Rd, Ste 115 210-681-5773 Joe Rios Sr & Joe Rios Jr

7870 Culebra Rd 210-509-7167 Christine & Joe Rios Sr.

6010 Old Pearsall Rd 210-623-1187 Edward Rios Sr

2720 Rigsby Ave 210-359-8300 Joe Rios Sr

12355 Potranco Rd, Ste 102 210-592-8800 Liz & Joe Rios Jr

10030 Roosevelt Ave 210-627-2110 Jaime & Pat Rios

CURRENT | July 31-August 13, 2019 | sacurrent.com

317 Probandt St 210-229-9399 Lenny Ann Rios & Robert Chavez

5513 FM 78, Kirby TX (210) 662-0857 Jaime & Pat Rios 2527 19th St, Hondo TX 830) 426-2191 Jessenia & Frank Chavero 1420 Schert Pkwy, Ste 150 210-263-9080 Joe Rios Sr & Joe Rios Jr

23141 State Highway 16 S, Von Ormy TX · (210) 624-2085 Angelica & Ralph Gallardo 12800 Bandera Rd #103, Helotes, TX 210-601-4039 Edward Rios Jr.

Best of SA | Food & Drink

6 45 sine, serving up noodle dishes, gyoza dumplings, grilled teppanyaki dishes and savory curry rice.

2. Godai Sushi Bar & Japanese Restaurant 11203 West Ave. (210) 348-6781 godaisushi.com

3. Yellowfish Sushi

Multiple locations yellowfishsushi.com

VEGETARIAN RESTAURANT Winner: Green Vegetarian Cuisine Multiple locations eatatgreen.com

2. Earth Burger

Multiple locations eatearthburger.com

3. Señor Veggie 620 S. Presa St. (210) 228-0073 senorveggie.us

TACOS Winner: Taquitos West Ave. 2818 West Ave. (210) 525-9888 facebook.com/taquitoswestavenue1

VIETNAMESE RESTAURANT Winner: Pho Kim Long 4230 McCullough Ave. #2 (210) 829-8021

2. Taqueria Datapoint

2805 N. St. Mary’s St. (512) 940-9662 facebook.com/singhsvietnamesetrailer

4063 Medical Dr. (210) 615-3644 facebook.com/pages/Taqueria-Datapoint/118076764885023

3. Taco Haven

1032 S. Presa St. (210) 533-2171 tacohavensouthtown.com

TAMALES Winner: Delicious Tamales Multiple locations delicioustamales.com

2. Tellez Tamales

1802 Bandera Road (210) 455-0822 tellez-tamales-barbacoa-factory.business.site

3. Ruben’s Homemade Tamales

1807 Rigsby Ave. (210) 337-0025 facebook.com/rubens-homemade-tamales-108139105895142

THAI RESTAURANT Winner: Thai Topaz 2177 N.W. Military Highway (210) 290-9833 thaitopaz-sat.com

2. Thai Dee

5307 Blanco Road (210) 342-3622 thaideesa.com

2. Singh’s Vietnamese

3. Taste of Asia

300 W. Bitters Road, Suite 120 (210) 496-6266

WINE LIST Winner: MAX’s Wine Dive 340 E. Basse Road, Suite 101 (210) 444-9547 maxswinedive.com

2. High Street Wine Company 302 Pearl Parkway, Suite 104 (210) 908-9144 highstreetwine.com

3. Copa Wine Bar

19141 Stone Oak Parkway, Suite 704 (210) 495-2672 thecopawinebar.com

WINGS Winner: Plucker’s Wing Bar Multiple locations pluckers.com

2. Wingstop

Multiple locations wingstop.com

3. Cullum’s Attagirl

726 E. Mistletoe Ave. (210) 437-4263 facebook.com/cullumsattagirl

AUT H E N T I C TA IWA N E S E T E A

3. Tong’s Thai

1146 Austin Highway (210) 829-7345 tongsthai.com

THANK YOU FOR NOMINATING US BEST BUBBLE TEA SHOP!

BREWSLEETEA.COM | 4009 BROADWAY ST | MON-FRI 11AM-7PM | SAT 11AM-8PM SA Current File

sacurrent.com | July 31-August 13, 2019 | CURRENT

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To Our Fellow Southtown

CURRENT | July 31-August 13, 2019 | sacurrent.com

Winners! It’s Good In The Hood #SOUTHTOWN

sacurrent.com | July 31-August 13, 2019 | CURRENT

49

This is what happens when a brewer focuses on what to leave in a light beer rather than what to take out.

50

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sacurrent.com | July 31-August 13, 2019 | CURRENT

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DWI + DIVORCE Soyars & Morgan Law, P.C. is a San Antonio award winning trial team committed to designing a personalized defense strategy that’s right for you. If you need an aggressive, litigation strategy right from the start, then let us fight for you. We have successfully represented clients facing various life changing situations throughout the San Antonio & surrounding Central Texas area. We are not afraid to fight for your freedom, your kids, your job or your reputation! We also understand that some clients have more specific goals in mind that do not necessarily include trial. At Soyars & Morgan Law, we recognize that your personal goals play a big part in how we approach a case & so we provide flexible pricing options so you can decide what approach is best for you.

LEGAL210.com | 310 S. St. Mary’s St. STE 1860

CALL NOW! 210-361-7060

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It’s the place to see San Antonio’s best chefs all in one place and all you pay is the price of admission to rub elbows with some of the brightest stars in our city. Not to mention, taste, taste and taste some more of the culinary creations they’ve designed. Add to the flavors your choice of wine, beer or cocktail and the setting of the Texas Hill Country and your weekend is complete at this year’s Culinaria Festival.

Cheers to 20 Years Tickets + Details At Culinariasa.org

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CURRENT | July 31-August 13, 2019 | sacurrent.com

sacurrent.com | July 31-August 13, 2019 | CURRENT

55

2019

Tour de Las Misiones Bike Ride - Walk - Run

Saturday, September 7 - 8 a.m.

Mission Park Pavilion - 6030 Padre Dr. Sign up today at www.WorldHeritageFes�val.org.

Early Bird discount ends August 1.

Schedule of Events Wednesday, September 4 Press Conference U.S. Mint Coin Forum

Friday, September 6 Music and Movie Under the Stars at: Mission Marquee Plaza

Thursday, September 5 America the Beau�ful Quarters Program Mesa at the Missions: A Culinary Crossroads

Saturday, September 7 Tour de Las Misiones Bike Ride-Walk-Run Mission Pachanga Rehabarama

Sunday, September 8 El Camino de San Antonio: Caring for Crea�on Mass Green Walk to Mission San Juan

For full event details, visit www.WorldHeritageFes�val.org 56

CURRENT | July 31-August 13, 2019 | sacurrent.com

Best of SA | People

restaurants, not to mention one in Vegas and another in the Houston airport. He’s also become the city’s go-to television chef, putting in appearances on Food Network’s Beat Bobby Flay and Bravo’s Top Chef, among others.

One of the things that seems to keep us rooting for Hernandez is that he’s not importing trends from either of the coasts but elevating the authentic Mexican flavors that this city has cherished and championed for years.

2. Stefan Bowers Rebelle 300 E. Travis St. rebellesa.com Thomas J. Henry via Facebook

ATTORNEY Winner: Thomas J. Henry Thomas J. Henry Injury Attorneys thomasjhenrylaw.com

years. He regularly racks up head-turning jury awards, including one of the 10 largest verdicts recorded in the state in 2017.

ard to say which attorney buys more TV airtime, Thomas J. Henry or that frantic 444-4444 guy. Either way, it’s a sure bet that Henry’s copious ad budget has at least something to do with his showing here. And it probably doesn’t hurt that the personal injury attorney’s self-promotion goes beyond the ad buys. Whether it’s launching a YouTube reality show called “Hangin’ with Los Henrys” to show off his attractive brood or bragging via news release that his 56th birthday party came with a $4.5 million price tag, it’s clear Henry revels in creating a larger-than-life myth around himself. That said, the guy has also practiced some impressive personal-injury lawyering over the

2. Ashley Morgan

H

Soyars & Morgan Law soyarsmorganlaw.com

3. Javier L. Herrera

The Herrera Law Firm herreralaw.com

BURLESQUE TROUPE Winner: Stars and Garters Burlesque starsandgartersburlesque.com

W

ith one stiletto planted in burlesque’s vaudevillian roots and the other in the genre’s present-day possibilities, Stars and Garters is proudly the longest-running burlesque troupe in San Antonio and a five-time winner

in our annual readers’ poll. Comprised of “transoceanic tropical tease” Black Orchid, ’60s-inspired blond bombshell Suki Jones, “tattooed, tassel-twirling” redhead Pystol Whips, “long, lean and leggy” Giselle J’Adore and recent recruit Miss Sugar Free, the troupe shimmies and shakes its way through themed performances that have recently featured live accompaniment by retro jazz diva Ruby Alexander and her band the Bonafide Playboys, playfully provocative games, naughty improv and opportunities for audience members to spin “the wheel of titillating tunes” to determine the evening’s routines.

3. Elise and John Russ

2. Pastie Pops Burlesque Revue

DIRECTOR (THEATER) Winner: Christopher Rodriguez Woodlawn Theatre woodlawntheatre.org

Clementine 2195 Northwest Military Highway clementine-sa.com

COMMUNITY ACTIVIST Winner: Robert Salcido Pride Center San Antonio pridecentersa.org

2. Rey Lopez

Rey Lopez Entertainment reylopezentertainment.net

3. Barbie Hurtado Organizer

facebook.com/pastiepops

3. Le Strange Sideshow

facebook.com/LeStrangeSideshow

2. Tina Jackson Bexar Stage bexarstage.com

CHEF Winner: Johnny Hernandez Multiple locations chefjohnnyhernandez.com

3. Scott McDowell Overtime Theater theovertimetheater.org

T

hese days, Johnny Hernandez isn’t so much a chef as he is an enterprise. Since opening his Mexican street food concept La Gloria at the Pearl in 2010, Hernandez has grown his empire to include six more San Antonio

Courtesy of Stars and Garters

DRAG PERFORMER Winner: Tencha La Jefa facebook.com/tencha.lajefa

L

Courtesy of Johnny Hernandez

ike the late great Shady Lady before her, San Antonio treasure Tencha La Jefa is not obsessed with passing for female, fitting in or looking glamorous — she’d much rather make you laugh. A Laredo native who grew up alongside late San Antonio drag icon Erica Andrews and cut her teeth as a backup dancer and choreographer in the International Imperial Court System, La Jefa fell into the world of drag on a whim but quickly established a signature 59 6

sacurrent.com | July 31-August 13, 2019 | CURRENT

57

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19141 STONE OAK PKWY STE. 504, SA, TX 78258 | W-TH 10A-8P | FRI 9A-7P | SAT 9A-2P | @NOFILTERBEAUTEA 58

CURRENT | July 31-August 13, 2019 | sacurrent.com

Best of SA | People

Courtesy of Tencha La Jefa

3. Lyn-Z Lang Andrews

plete with a squad of backup dancers), a spoof of the Cranberries hit “Zombie” about the menacing, mythical Cucuy and a parody of Ice Cube’s “It Was a Good Day,” in which she jokes about her recent pregnancy diet of Twinkies and pickles, wets her pants and dangles a green mucus plug in front of the camera. Arguably her greatest hit, the video for “I Lika My Phat” (her take on Cardi B, Bad Bunny and J Balvin’s “I Like It”) sees the lovable Chona E ordering a raspa from Big Daddy’s Eats & Treats, rapping about her love of Peter Piper Pizza and taking a dump in a bathroom stall at the Poteet Fleamarket.

facebook.com/LYNZLANGANDREWS

INSTAGRAM Winner: @S.A.Foodie

2. @booziebarbi 3. @alamofoodie JEWELER Winner: James Avery Multiple locations jamesavery.com

2. Moses Jewelers

19141 Stone Oak Parkway #103 (210) 490-2404 mosesjewelers.net

2. Tommy Lee Jones 3. Lilly Grace Wilmoth

3. Rialto Jewelry

backstage.com/u/lilly-grace-wilmoth

8910 Bandera Road #107 (210) 509-8100 rialtojewelry.com

LOCAL CELEBRITY Winner: George Strait georgestrait.com

LOCAL ACTOR Winner: Joanna Estrada facebook.com/funnyjojo12

Courtesy of Joanna Estrada

6 57 look all her own: a messy wig full of rollers, over-the-top eye makeup reminiscent of Divine and a snaggletoothed grin that would send any dentist running for the hills. A proud Rey Lopez Entertainment Showgirl who emcees all the local LGBT nightlife kingpin’s events at Heat Nightclub, La

Jefa excels at audience interaction and exemplifies drag’s unique ability to inspire folks to forget their cares for a moment and stop taking everything so seriously.

2. Kristi Waters

facebook.com/thekristiwaters

A

2. David Robinson

San Antonio native and alumna of Southwest High School, Joanna Estrada (better known as Chona E) describes herself as a “comedian, actress and plus-size model who can do it all.” With Facebook and YouTube among her platforms of choice, she creates both candid, slice-of-life videos and full-blown productions satirizing popular songs. Standing out among her funnier endeavors are the body-positive anthem “Chubby Up” (filmed on the Hays Street Bridge com-

admiralcapitalgroup.com or twitter.com/DavidtheAdmiral

3. Spurs Jesus

facebook.com/spurs.jesus or twitter.com/spursjesus

LOCAL DESIGNER Winner: Joaquin Abrego joaquinabrego.com

2. Rosa Isela

instagram.com/rosaiselacouture

3. Sousa & Lobo sousa-lobo.com

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Photo: Rob Vasquez

THANK YOU

FOR VOTING ME AS YOUR NUMBER 1 REALTOR IN SAN ANTONIO! I have so much appreciation for those who voted, and am truly humbled by the amount of support I have received. Congratulations to my fellow nominees. Being born and raised in San Antonio, this truly means a lot. I am proud to be your top Realtor, and I will continue to prove why I am San Antonio Current’s Top Realtor.

San Antonio is a growing city, full of diversity. I embrace each and every person for who they are and as they come. As your Realtor, you will enjoy the home buying and selling process with me. Selling and buying should not be a hassle, and I will make sure of that. With personality, style and knowledge, I am the one you want to be representing you in all of your real estate transactions. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, I am the Realtor for YOU. Thank you again, San Antonio. This is OUR city!

With much love,

Bobby Nix 210-542-3006

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CURRENT | July 31-August 13, 2019 | sacurrent.com

Best of SA | People

viewers with the weather lowdown since 1996, and as the station’s chief meteorologist, he’s become a local television institution. Beyond his meteorological expertise, he’s won points from viewers with an irresistible smile and a cheery personality both on-air and at public appearances. What’s more, Taylor isn’t afraid to poke fun at himself, a trait that frequently shows up in his forecasts, promos and on his social media platforms. Check out the bloopers and outtakes he occasionally posts to see what we mean.

2. Steve Browne

KSAT-TV (Retired) facebook.com/ MeteorologistSteveBrowne Steve Spriester/Twitter

2. Henry the Puffy Taco (San Antonio Missions)

KSAT-TV facebook.com/caskeyweather

facebook.com/HenryThePuffyTacoMascot

3. Rowdy the Roadrunner (University of Texas at San Antonio) utsacheer.com

Josh Huskin

LOCAL FILMMAKER Winner: Maria Galindo mayhemfilmkreations.com

2. Bryan Ortiz

facebook.com/BryanOrtizDirector

3. Scott Langford

scottlangfordfilm.com

LOCAL POET Winner: Melissa Aguirre instagram.com/melmarieyoga

2. Anthony “The Poet” Flores

facebook.com/anthony.thepoet.3

3. Diamond Mason

rawartists.org/diamondmasonpoetry

MASCOT Winner: The Spurs Coyote twitter.com/SpursCoyote

I

t’s hard to imagine the San Antonio Spurs without the team’s wily mascot. But, actually, the Coyote didn’t make his first

appearance until a 1983 home game — 10 years after the Spurs debuted in the American Basketball Association.

The Coyote was the brainchild of Tim Derk, who donned the now-iconic costume for 21 years, during which he appeared at more than 1,100 games and thousands more community events. Derk performed as the Coyote until an illness compelled him to take a front-office position with the Spurs’ parent company. He handed over the reins — um, costume? — to Rob Wicall, who assumed the persona of the fun-loving and mischievous mascot through 2016. Regardless of who wears the suit, the Coyote’s antics on the court have won over generations of fans. The mascot’s recent antics have included doing a Manu — snatching a fake bat from the air — and getting ejected from a game for protesting a lousy call. In addition to being named to the Mascot Hall of Fame, the Coyote was recently ranked as the Most Terrifying Mascot in Texas. How many others can claim both distinctions?

MASSAGE THERAPIST WINNER: Heeling Sole Barefoot Massage 1864 Nacogdoches Road (210) 560-1992 heelingsole.com

2. Baldwin Massage Therapy — Robert Baldwin 8842 Broadway St. (210) 366-8868 baldwinmassagetherapy.com

3. Spa Gals on the Go — Laura Valdez facebook.com/mobilespagals

3. Adam Caskey

NEWS ANCHOR Winner: Steve Spriester KSAT-TV twitter.com/stevespriester

I

t’s takes talent to balance the pressures of anchoring a TV news broadcast, delivering a mix of hard news and lighter features and doing it all with credibility, aplomb and a good nature. Steve Spriester’s got all those skills in spades. The award-winning anchor has spent the past 24 years with KSAT-TV, and his newscasts have snagged consistently solid ratings.

One highlight is the popular “Spree Thoughts” segment, in which Spriester does takes a quick — and sometimes humorous — dive into a political issue or hot topic of the day. A native Midwesterner and University of Nebras63 6

METEOROLOGIST Winner: Bill Taylor KENS-TV facebook.com/BilltaylorKENS5

B

ill Taylor grew up in New Jersey but has spent almost his whole adult life in the South. After earning a journalism degree from Louisiana’s McNeese State University and starting his TV career at a nearby NBC affiliate, he went on to study meteorology at Mississippi State University and took the weather slot at a station in Montgomery, Alabama. He then applied for a weekend weather position at KENS-TV, and the rest, as they say, is history. Taylor’s been providing KENS

Bill Taylor/ Facebook

sacurrent.com | July 31-August 13, 2019 | CURRENT

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SAN ANTONIO’S UP-AND-COMING COMMUNITY WITH A VISION AS BIG AS TEXAS. For more information visit 62

CURRENT | July 31-August 13, 2019 | sacurrent.com

livebrooks.com

#livebrooks

Best of SA | People

Julián P. Ledezma

6 61 ka-Lincoln alumnus, Spriester has made a name for himself as the affable news anchor locals have come to trust, like and cheer on. Part of his appeal comes down to the deep roots he’s put down in San Antonio. He’s active in his church and with area charities and regularly emcees local events. He and his wife Nicole Foy also hosted a Haitian girl who was injured in the 2010 Haitian earthquake, ensuring she and her mother had support during the youngster’s recovery.

PHOTOGRAPHER Winner: Raven Red Photography ravenredphoto.com

2. Randy Beamer

3. Elizabeth Greco Photography

3. Ernie Zuniga

POLITICIAN Winner: Beto O’Rourke betoorourke.com

WOAI-TV facebook.com/randy.beamer KABB-TV twitter.com/ernie_zuniga

PET GROOMER Winner: Lucy’s Doggy Day Care and Spa Multiple locations (210) 495-3647 lucysdoggydaycare.com

2. Shawnda Buscher — Lucky Dog Pet Retreat and Spa 2267 N.W. Military Highway, Suite 115 (210) 592-7648 myluckydogspa.com

3. Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming Stone Oak 20079 Stone Oak Parkway, Suite 1103 (210) 255-8792 woofgangbakery.com

2. Kimberly Lorraine Photography kimberlylorrainephotography.com egportraits.com

S

ure, Beto O’Rourke’s presidential campaign appears to be sputtering on a quickly emptying tank. His cash intake has slowed drastically, and the drubbing he took from Julián Castro in the first Democratic debate didn’t help. Even so, a whole lot of San Antonians remain willing to cheer on the former El Paso congressman, just as they did during his longshot U.S. Senate run against Ted Cruz — one that came awfully close to sending the acerbic arch-conservative back home to Houston. Whether viewed on Facebook Live or in person, O’Rourke’s charm, oratorical skills and pragmatically progressive ideas resonated with Texans eager to repaint their state from red to some shade of purple. And by delivering on his promise to campaign in all 254 Texas counties, he displayed a work ethic that’s hard not to admire. What may have been most refreshing about O’Rourke, though, was his willingness to let down his guard and allow his authenticity to shine. From skateboarding in a Whataburger parking lot to air drumming to the Who as his staff cheered him on, he comes across less like one of those out-of-touch Washington suits and more like one of us. sacurrent.com | July 31-August 13, 2019 | CURRENT

63

ARTIST PANEL DISCUSSION & CATALOGUE RELEASE

Wednesday • August 7, 2019 • 6:00pm – 9:00pm A panel discussion featuring artists Jose Balli, Anel Flores, Luis Valderas, Mari Hernandez, and Claudia Zapata.

Moderated by Sarah Fisch.

Centro de Artes |101 S. Santa Rosa FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC #CentroDeArtesSA | #GetCreativeSA | 210-207-1436 | sanantonio.gov/arts |

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CURRENT | July 31-August 13, 2019 | sacurrent.com

Best of SA | People

Billy Madison/Facebook

2. Ron Nirenberg

facebook.com/nirenberg

3. Joaquin Castro castro.house.gov

RADIO HOST Winner: Billy Madison The Billy Madison Show, KISS-FM billymadisonshow.com

I

f getting people riled up is a virtue — and in the age of hate-clicks, boy is it ever — then 99.5 KISS-FM morning mainstay Billy Madison is doing some serious virtue signaling. The guy who brought you the “dudes only” screening of that shitty 3-D Metallica movie is obviously going to thrive in a world where “speaking your mind” functions as a high five and a loosely acceptable excuse for un-PC rants. Recent Madison bits have included asking listeners what sort of reward they would require to cut off their “dingy” and an in-studio chest waxing. Past antics have included a showdown with NBA legend Charles Barkley over calling San Antonio ladies “fat.” If listening to Madison, who enjoys national syndication, has you feeling like you’re living in the past, well, the show did celebrate its seventh anniversary early in 2019 with a Disturbed and Three Days Grace concert.

C B REALTOR ®

6061 Broadway San Antonio, Texas 78209 C (210) 316-7842 cbrowning@phyllisbrowning.com

T the L

2. Dana Cortez

The Dana Cortez Show, Energy 94.1 FM instagram.com/danacortez

3. Rita Hernandez

Inspiration4Life, internet radio inspiration4life.org

REALTOR Winner: Bobby Nix KW San Antonio — Keller Williams kwsanantonio.com/our-agents/bobby-nix1

2. Carlos Gil

Malouff Realty LLC malouffrealestate.com

.. sacurrent.com | July 31-August 13, 2019 | CURRENT

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HEALTHY KIDS NEEDED FOR A STUDY ON BRAIN DEVELOPMENT

We are conducting a study on brain development using MRI to study the structure and function of the brain.

There is NO radiation in MRI. To be in the study the child should: • Be 8-17 years old • Have no psychiatric diagnoses • Have parents with no psychiatric diagnoses

Children will be: - Given pictures of their brain - Given a certificate from the University acknowledging their successful time volunteering in research - Given the gratification of knowing their participation may help other kids who are seriously ill - Paid for their participation

If you are interested in participating in this research, Please Call (210) 450-8362 OR BDstudySA@uthscsa.edu

Weekend Appointments Available

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CURRENT | July 31-August 13, 2019 | sacurrent.com

Best of SA | People

We need seniors!

Research study for seniors in San Antonio.

Sean Elliott/Twitter

3. Deanna Guerrero Keller Williams kw.com

SPORTS PERSONALITY Winner: Sean Elliott Fox Sports twitter.com/seanelliott_32

A

sk any Spurs fan who their all-time favorite player is, and there’s a good chance Sean Elliott tops the list. No, he’s not in the Pro Basketball Hall of Fame, but he won a spot in fans’ hearts years ago. The former Arizona Wildcat and No. 3 pick in the 1989 NBA Draft made an immediate impact on the team, becoming a key part of a resurgent Spurs franchise alongside fellow rookie David Robinson. Elliot’s solid career also included two All-Star Game selections. (We don’t talk about the one year he played in Detroit.) Then came the 1999 championship run where Elliott earned legend status by sinking a 3-pointer late in a Memorial Day playoff game to keep the team in the running. On and off the court, Elliott was the consummate Spur: likable, soft-spoken, always smiling and joking, active and invested in the community. Retired nearly 20 years, Elliott continues to make his home in San Antonio. His jovial personality is still on 69 6

Without volunteers, clinical research wouldn’t be possible. By participating, you’ll be playing a role in helping others and developing medications.

To learn how you can help make a difference, call 210-225-5437 or visit our website at SomethingToBeProudOf.com.

ICON Early Phase Services 8307 Gault Lane • San Antonio, TX 78209 sacurrent.com | July 31-August 13, 2019 | CURRENT

67

Carlos Gil Realtor R

Thank You San Antonio

FOR VOTING ME A FINALIST IN BEST REALTOR CATEGORY

18587 Sigma Rd. Ste 240. San Antonio, TX 78258 210.848.4024 | carlosgilrealtor@hotmail.com

BOLD

N ATU R A L • CO N F I D E N T • YO U

N ATU R A L S K I N CA R E KAV I C O S M E T I X .C O M 68

CURRENT | July 31-August 13, 2019 | sacurrent.com

Best of SA | People 6 67 display during local broadcasts of Spurs games, where he handles color commentary and remains a fan favorite.

2. Matt Bonner

twitter.com/mattbonner_15

CULTURE

3. Joe Reinagel

KENS twitter.com/joekens5

tickets

L O C A L C U LT U R E T I C K E T S . C O M

SPURS PLAYER Winner: Patty Mills twitter.com/patty_mills

2. LaMarcus Aldridge

Kim Kerley

twitter.com/aldridge_12

3. DeMar DeRozan

twitter.com/DeMar_DeRozan

STAND-UP COMIC Winner: Kim Kerley facebook.com/kim.dayoc

V

eteran stand-up comedian Kim Kerley doesn’t push the limits with her act. Her focus tends to be on tried-and-true subjects — girl-guy relationships, menopause or student loans, for example. She also plays it clean, even if she does sneak in a fart joke here and there. In other words, edgy she ain’t. But that’s not the demographic Kerley’s aiming for. Sure, there’s an audience for f-bomb-dropping comics whose satire is so cutting it can draw blood, but there’s also a sizable crowd that craves accessible material that wouldn’t be out of place during the Carson era of the Tonight Show. Kerley specializes in the latter, and her relaxed, amiable delivery reflects the kind of confidence gained with two decades working in the stand-up biz (and in radio). With YouTube clips boasting tens of thousands of views and slots on showcases around the country, it’s clear Kerley has found her comedic stride.

WHISKEY BUSINESS 2019 FRI, AUG 23 • 7PM • WITTE MUSEUM

2. Cleto Rodriguez cletorodriguez.com

3. Larry Garza

comediaagogo.com/larry-garza

VISUAL ARTIST Winner: Giovanna DiZurita dizurita.com

2. Joaquin Abrego

joaquinabrego.com

3. Analy Diego

analydiego.com

SAN ANTONIO BEER FESTIVAL 2019

SAT, OCT 19 • VIP ENTRY 12PM • GA ENTRY 1:30 PM Dignowity & Lockwood Parks

WEDDING PLANNER Winner: Lauren Garza — Timeless Creations Weddings and Events tceventplanning.com

2. All the Days

allthedaysweddings.com

3. Snap Chic Planning snapchicplanning.com

Sell Your Event Tickets

On Localculturetickets.com And Get Free Promotion In The Current | Call 210-388-0606 For More Info sacurrent.com | July 31-August 13, 2019 | CURRENT

69

Thank you San Antonio for continuing to make us...

...The Place To Go To Boost Your

Curb Appeal .

SERVICES INCLUDE:

DECKS | FENCING | IRRIGATION

Now Hiring Carpenters 70

CURRENT | July 31-August 13, 2019 | sacurrent.com

830-765-6075 | reys-home-improvement-fencing.business.site

J.B. WOOLFSHEDS CUSTOM WOOD STORAGE BUILDINGS & GARAGES

(210) 681-SHED

STORAGE SHEDS | GARAGES

| CARPORTS/PATIOS | CONCRETE WORK | SIDEWALKS | DRIVEWAYS

CUSTOM BUILT WOOD STORAGE BUILDINGS & GARAGES, BUILT ON YOUR LOT! 6018 EXCHANGE PARKWAY

|

WOOLFSHEDS.COM sacurrent.com | July 31-August 13, 2019 | CURRENT

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CULTIVATING G RE E N SPACE S PL ANTS. POTTERY. HOME DECOR . CUSTOM SERVICES. 2202 B ROADWAY ST, SA N ANTONIO, TX 78215 W W W.TILL AGEPL ANTS.COM

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CURRENT | July 31-August 13, 2019 | sacurrent.com

|

@TILL AGEPL ANTS

Shopping

Florals, Chocolates & Gifts 1 7 0 1 B L A N C O R OA D | 2 1 0 - 2 3 2 - 4 47 1 | W W W. N O 9 F LO R A L A N D G I F T S .C O M |

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@ N O. 9 F LO R A L

SAN ANTONIO’S FAVORITE JEWELER 15900 La Cantera Pky. Bldg 18, San Antonio TX 78256 (210) 247-9197 www.diamondsdirect.com

sacurrent.com | July 31-August 13, 2019 | CURRENT

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THANK YOU SAN ANTONIO FOR VOTING US BEST BARBER SHOP!

2230 SE Military Dr. San Antonio, TX 78223 | 210-437-0039

STAY Smokeshop & Alien Botan n e i l ical h A ing us for Best of S t t a n i i m s o n r w an An fo tO k you n Tha

NIO!

ALIENBOTANICAL.COM

6563 BABCOCK RD STE #110, SA, TX 78249 9081 FM 78 CONVERSE, TX 78109 76

CURRENT | July 31-August 13, 2019 | sacurrent.com

(210)462-7406 13515 NACOGDOCHES RD. SA, TX 78217

Best of SA | Shopping

SA Current File

ADULT STORE Winner: Love Shack Boutique 1580 Babcock Road (210) 767-9411 theloveshackboutique.com

N

ow that porn has moved primarily onto the internet (that’s the rumor, anyway — no one really watches that stuff, right?), the businesses formerly billing themselves as adult video retailers have shifted their focus to sex toys and other non-media items. Love Shack Boutique aspires to be sex-positive, proclaiming on its website that it store carries no DVDs or magazines and “prides itself in carefully choosing items that do not contain nudity or intimidating content.” That means its array of popular items includes lingerie as well as “the We-Vibe, Womanizer, Sensuelle, or any rabbit style device.” In addition,

the store offers private party options — surely both educational and fun — with specialized packages such as the Blushing Bride. Hell, the store’s website even hosts a sex-education blog. Apparently, Love Shack aims to be the perfect haven for sex-loving duos (or more) and perfectly in keeping with our diverse city, which includes a sizable LGBTQ+ population, as well as a swinger community recently named in the top 10 nationally. Don’t let your tin roof rust, SA!

2. Sexology Institute

707 S. St. Mary’s St. (210) 487-0371 sexologyinstitute.com

3. Adult Megaplex Multiple locations megaplexsa.com

ALTERATION SHOP Winner: Sew Chic Multiple locations mysewchic.com

W

ith the advent of fast fashion and the treatment of clothing as disposable — a problem unto itself — tailoring can seem like a service of yesteryear.

But whether trying to rescue a motheaten sweater or customize a couture dress for “the big day,” it’s clear many of you have made Sew Chic your go-to for alterations. While you can certainly rack up quite the bill with intricate wedding dress alterations, the prices at this local chain aren’t beyond the budget of an average San Antonian, especially given the expertise of its staff. Its three locations also make it a convenient destination for people all over the city, and if you’re suffering from 80 6 sacurrent.com | July 31-August 13, 2019 | CURRENT

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T H A N K YO U F O R N O M I N AT I N G U S F O R B E S T C B D SHOP IN SAN ANTONIO

B O TA N I C A L S ™

your source for the highest quality

cbd & hemp

based products

69 0 9 N . LO O P 1 6 0 4 E AST | AT ROLLI NG OAKS MALL, UPPER LEV E L | 2 1 0 - 8 02 -3 C B D (3 2 2 3 ) O P E N MON - SAT 10AM – 9PM | SUN 12PM ( NOON) – 6 P M 78

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T H A N K YO U SA N A N TO N I O FO R A L L YO U R SUPPORT AND VOTING US A TOP HAIR SALON AVA L O N - H A I R D E S I G N S . C O M | 2 1 0 . 4 8 1 . 7 6 7 2

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Best of SA | Shopping 3. The Junction Antiques

1704 Blanco Road (210) 273-3439 facebook.com/thejunctionsanantonio

BIKE SHOP Winner: Bike World Multiple locations bikeworld.com

A Courtesy of Sew Chic

6 77 an emergency clothing malfunction the outlets offer 24-hour turnaround and same-day repairs.

2. Wah-Tee Tailoring 7700 Broadway St. (210) 637-0785 wahtee.com

3. Mina’s Alterations

12411 Bandera Road, Helotes (210) 695-6333

ANTIQUE STORE Winner: Karolina’s Antiques 1709 Blanco Road (210) 731-9787 twitter.com/karolinasantiqs

L

ocated near a bevy of other antique and thrift stores, Beacon Hill’s Karolina’s Antiques is a hotspot for shoppers looking for that special something unavailable at the mall. How about a random gospel from record from 1966? Check. A Selena T-shirt? They’ve got you.

Throwback living room chairs? Got you there too, fam. There’s a good chance at least one of the eight eclectic vendors occupying Karolina’s has something you just can’t live without — even if you had no idea that something existed before you walked through the door. And if, for whatever reason, you can’t find that special gift for that special someone (including yourself), friendly staff with give you directions to the closest spot to continue your hunt.

2. Craftiques Mall

Multiple locations craftiquesmall.com 80

CURRENT | July 31-August 13, 2019 | sacurrent.com

s both a sport and means of travel, cycling has experienced an upward trend in popularity. After all, it’s great exercise as well as a green way to get from point A to point B. But cycling requires a certain amount of equipment, and SA riders continue to pedal to Bike World for the gear they need. The locally owned chain sports four locations, the newest of which — a Southeast Military outpost — opened in 2017.

In addition to a wide range of products available online and instore, Bike World offers repair services.

The staff is knowledgeable, experienced and completes a “rider interview” to get customers paired up with the right bike. On top of all that, the shop hosts weekly rides leaving from each of its shops.

The Pearl location even offers rentals, so there is no reason not to get out and ride. No bad motor scooter required.

2. Crossroad Bikes

14510 NW Military Highway #108 (210) 492-7677 crossroadbikes.com

3. Bottom Bracket Bicycle Shop

1603 N. Colorado St. (210) 267-9160 facebook.com/BottomBracketBicycleShop

BOOK STORE Winner: Half Price Books Multiple locations, hpb.com

F

ounders Ken Gjemre and Pat Anderson opened the first Half Price Books in Dallas back in 1972, occupying the site of a onetime laundromat. With a mission of promoting literacy and saving the environment by keeping old books in circulation, the pair filled the shelves with 2,000 books from their personal libraries. Since then, the company has opened dozens of stores, spilling out of Texas and into 16 other states. The stacks include everything from cookbooks and history to well-thumbed genre paperbacks. Even if you’re not exactly a book worm, the stores’ collections of vinyl, comics, gifts and knick-knacks offer plenty of browsing fun. The vibe inside is always laid back, and despite the chain’s size, it retains the homespun feel of a family-run business.

2. The Twig Book Shop 306 Pearl Parkway #106 (210) 826-6411 thetwig.com

Best of SA | Shopping 3. Nine Lives Books

2. Gunn Honda

CAR DEALERSHIP Winner: Cavender Toyota 5730 Northwest Loop 410 (210) 681-6601 cavendartoyota.com

3. Jordan Ford

4907 Northwest Loop 410 #102 (210) 647-5656 ninelivesbooks.com

CBD SHOP Winner: Alamo Botanicals 19141 Stone Oak Parkway #301 (210) 444-9026 alamobotanicals.com

14610 Interstate 10 (210) 941-4556 gunnhonda.com

I

13010 Interstate 35 North (210) 653-3673 jordanford.net

f you suffer from anxiety, joint pain, post-traumatic stress disorder, menstrual cramps, insomnia, nausea, seizures, bowel inflammation, or just plain old moodiness, someone — from a physician to a family member — has probably suggested that CBD just might be the savior you’re looking for.

We’re certainly not qualified to weigh in whether the hemp-derived remedy is a worthwhile course of treatment. But we do know that Alamo Botanicals’ Stone Oak shop prides itself on helping visitors make an informed decision about how to approach the myriad products that purport to offer the health benefits of legal cannabidiol. From capsules and tinctures to beverages and pet-care specialties, the store carries a variety of products and has staff on hand with the expertise to explain them in a professional and inviting environment.

2. Simple Leaf Botanicals

Courtesy of Alamo Botanicals

6909 N. Loop 1604 East (210) 802-3223 facebook.com/simpleleaftexas

Bryan Rindfuss

SA Current File

SA Current File

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N O W

A V A I L A B L E

Elevate

YOUR

CBD EXPERIENCE

Open 7 Days A Week 2602 N Loop 1604 W. SA , TX 78248 | M - TH 10A-7P | F + SAT 10A-8P | SUN 12P-6P

VISIT RODKEYS .COM 82

CURRENT | July 31-August 13, 2019 | sacurrent.com

Best of SA | Shopping 3. Go Green Botanicals

6923 W. Loop 1604 North, Suite 104 (830) 608-9446 gogreenbotanicals.com

CHILDREN’S STORE Winner: Learning Express Toys Multiple locations learningexpress.com

2. Crib & Kids

1309 N. Loop 1604 West #106 (210) 764-2742 cribandkids.com

3. Bambinos

255 E. Basse Road #908 (210) 824-7676 bambinosboutique.com

CLOTHING BOUTIQUE Winner: Eye Candy Boutique 531 Navarro St. (210) 363-3572 heyeyecandy.com

I

t can be difficult to find cute attire that fits, especially for those us with plus-size bodies.

And just because a place carries larger-size items, that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re particularly stylish. Enter Eye Candy Boutique.

Carrying sizes XL-3X, this store specializes in clothing designed to fit well and leave their customers looking and feeling fabulous. From jeans to dresses, tops to accessories, Eye Candy aims to be a one-stop shop on the road to a more glamorous lifestyle. Although Eye Candy is unique to itself, shoppers familiar with online stores BooHoo and ASOS may find the attire it carries comparable.

Located in the heart of downtown and opened in 2015, the boutique feels right at home as part of a revitalizing city center.

2. Woven Boutique

22610 U.S. Highway 281 (210) 462-1993 wovenboutique.com

COMIC BOOK SHOP Winner: Heroes & Fantasies Multiple locations heroesandfantasies.com

Courtesy of Eye Candy Boutique

FARMERS MARKET Winner: Pearl Farmers Market 312 Pearl Parkway (210) 212-7260 atpearl.com

2. SoFlo Market

127 E. Peden Alley (210) 379-4638 soflomarket.com

3. Alamo Heights Farmers Market

255 E. Basse Road #130 (210) 367-4673 facebook.com/AlamoHeightsFarmersMarket

2. Dragon’s Lair Comic Book & Fantasy Multiple locations dlair.net

FLEA MARKET Winner: Traders Village 9333 SW Loop 410 (210) 623-8383 tradersvillage.com

3. Bazinga Comics

2. Brickadelic Vintage Market

2941 Thousand Oaks Road #101 (210) 404-9174 bazingacomics.com

108 Blue Star St. #1773 (210) 262-8653 facebook.com/brickadelic

Courtesy of Heroes and Fantasies

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Best of SA | Shopping

Bryan Rindfuss

3. Bussey’s Flea Market

18738 N. Interstate 35 Frontage Road (830) 609-0800 busseysfm.com

FLOWER SHOP Winner: No.9 Floral 1701 Blanco Road (210) 232-4471 no9floralandgifts.com

2. Karen’s House of Flowers & Custom Creations 1632 Pat Booker Road #124, Universal City (210) 310-0007 universalcityflorist.com

3. Spring Garden Flower Shop 211 Brooklyn Ave. (210) 229-1231 springgardenflowershop.com 84

CURRENT | July 31-August 13, 2019 | sacurrent.com

FURNITURE STORE Winner: Period Modern 4347 McCullough Ave. (210) 902-1217 periodmodern.com

including pieces by local creators. While the shop’s vibe is upscale, it’s also friendly and charming. You could probably curl up on a couch and take a nap without drawing attention. Someone might wake you up, however, if you start snoring.

alking into Period Modern doesn’t feel like walking into a furniture store. The Olmos Park boutique comes across more like a blend between an art gallery, some hip grandparents’ living room and a coffee shop — the latter may be appropriate because the store hosts music shows from time to time. Period Modern’s collection of sleek and vintage Danish modern furniture is probably the first thing to draw a visitor’s eye. But the store has more to offer than sleek European functionality. Scattered throughout are a variety of furniture pieces from the ’50s through the ’70s, not to mention a selection mid-century-appropriate art,

2. San Antonio Furniture Finders

W

1805 Blanco Road (210) 803-1900 safurniturefinders.com

3. Stowers Furniture 210 W. Rector St. (210) 342-9411 stowersfurniture.com

INTERNATIONAL MARKET Winner: La Michoacana Meat Market Multiple locations lamichoacanameatmarket.com

FRI, AUG 2TH

SMOKIN CUCARACHAS The Prof.Fuzz 63 + Jean Caffiene

SUN, AUG 4TH

HOUSE OF STARK

Anette Stark’s B-day show

SAT, AUG 10TH

SICK CITY DAGGERS The Cramp, Pavel Demon + the Reveant

THUR, AUG 15TH

CLIFF AND IVY

Spook San Antonio W/ DJ Ely Bat

YOUR CITY THROUGH OUR LENS S A C U R R E N T. C O M / S L I D E S H O W S

MON–FRI | 4pm – 2am SAT–SUN | 5pm – 2am 2423 N St Mary’s St | TheMixSA.com sacurrent.com | July 31-August 13, 2019 | CURRENT

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Mention this ad and receive 15% OFF* your purchase. *Limited time offer. Some restrictions may apply. See store for details.

SHOP 24/7 @ MyCBDStoreTX.com 617 Pat Booker Rd, Universal City 210.467.5347 • 13402 West Avenue 726.444.0073

86

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IT΄S TIME FOR A DREAMHOME ROOF. 210-265-6262

DREAMHOMEROOFS .COM DreamHome Restoration LLC | TX Business Lic. #801952354 | SA Lic. #H930712 sacurrent.com | July 31-August 13, 2019 | CURRENT

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HUEBNER ROAD

CHECK OUT FRESH DAILY CONTENT AT

SACURRENT.COM

BUY | SELL | TRADE

FINE MID CENTURY FURNITURE ART OBJECTS AND EVENTS

SUSTAINABLE FASHION FOR MEN &

WOMEN SHOP TODAY’S HOTTEST TRENDS!

11255 HUEBNER RD #205.SA, TX 78230 (210) 694-4244 @uptownhuebnerroad MODEL - ANA RICHIE | PHOTOGRAPHER - LEIGH CAROLYN 88

CURRENT | July 31-August 13, 2019 | sacurrent.com

4347 MCCULLOUGH AVE | 210-902-1217 | TUES-SAT 10AM-5PM FOLLOW US ON

FOR EVENT ANNOUNCEMENTS + NEW INVENTORY UPDATES

Best of SA | Shopping

Gabby Mata

2. Ali Baba International Food Market 9307 Wurzbach Road (210) 691-1111 alibabasanantonio.com

3. Tim’s Oriental & Seafood Market 7015 Bandera Road # 8 (210) 523-1688 facebook.com/TimsOrientalMkt

LOCALLY MADE PRODUCT Winner: In the Weeds Natural Skin Care (210) 960-3376 shopintheweeds.com

2. Dulce Soap

dulcesoapco.com

3. From Scratch Farm

347 N. Main St., Suite A, Boerne (830) 331-7474 fromscratchfarm.com

MOTORCYCLE SHOP Winner Caliente Harley-Davidson 7230 NW Loop 410 (210) 681-2254 calienteharley.com

2. The Motorcycle Shop

2423 Austin Highway (210) 654-0211 themotorcycleshopsa.com

3. Cowboy’s Alamo City Harley-Davidson

Multiple locations, cowboysalamocityharley.com

MUSICAL INSTRUMENT STORE Winner: Alamo Music Center Music Instrument Store multiple locations alamomusic.com

H

ave you ever longed to hear “Sweet Child O’ Mine” poorly and painfully played?

While the answer may be a definitive “no,” such impromptu performances are hard to avoid while shopping for a new musical instrument. Alamo Music Center can’t do anything about eliminating that pain point, but it’s otherwise tried to make shopping for an instrument as easy as possible. The store celebrated its incredible 93 6 sacurrent.com | July 31-August 13, 2019 | CURRENT

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BEST FLEA MARKET ~Traders Village~

BEST PLACE TO WORK ~Traders Village~

90

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BEST COMIC BOOK SHOP ~Authority Comics~ 15th Street @ Traders Village

COWTOWNBOOTS.COM 21 0- 73 6- 09 90

Look ing for a shar per edge in the kitch en?

From local celeb rity chefs to adve ntur ous at-ho me cook s, we have been the go-to place for all knife shar penin g need s! We take pride in our reliab le servi ce & outst andin g custo mer care. We hope that you give us the oppo rtuni ty to show you why we have been the best in the busin ess since 1949 !

Since rely,

The Rodriguez Butcher Supply Co Team

10%

OFF ALL

WOMENS BOOTS

20% BELTS OFF ALL

4522 Fredericksburg Rd. Wonderland of the Americas Mall: Mon-Sat 10-7p • Sun 12-5p 1715 W COMMERCE ST, SAN ANTONIO, TX 78207 210.223-6131 | HOMEBUTCHER.COM sacurrent.com | July 31-August 13, 2019 | CURRENT

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E E F Rr mind you

AT

s ’ n w o h Sout t BD C R E I PR E M RE O T S P + HEM

P E A C E

O F

M I N D

W E L L N E S S LOCATED IN SOUTHTOWN 719 S. Saint Marys St. San Antonio, TX 78205

CLOTHING • OILS • CAPSULES • COFFEE • TEAS • EDIBLES BATH + BODY • PET FRIENDLY • TOPICALS • HEMP SEEDS POMwellnesstx.com | 92

CURRENT | July 31-August 13, 2019 | sacurrent.com

peace_of_mind_satx_

Follow Us on

Best of SA | Shopping

Floatation Therapy is a mental and physical reset button! ’S

N ANTONIO

BEST OF SA

9’s

2018 + 201

T S E B GET PLACE TO PAMPERED

Bryan Rindfuss

6 89 90th anniversary this year with no signs of slowing down, even following the death of founder Alfredo Flores Sr. a few years back. The San Antonio mainstay boasts locations both downtown and in the northwestern burbs. It also stresses a commitment to the life-giving properties of musicianship and strives to place the right instrument in the hands of the player — whether they’re a wide-eyed kid or a seasoned bluesman a few gigs away from the road’s end. Alamo Music Center has also stayed invested in the piano business, something not all music stores have been willing to do.

2. Robot Monster Guitars

517 E. Woodlawn Ave. (210) 320-1710 instagram.com/robotmonsterguitars

4535 Fredericksburg RD #201 78201 | Open 7 Days a Week 10am–10pm

(210) 562–3310 | Learn More @ Floatsa.com

3.Spacetone Music

416 Austin Highway (210) 930-3662 spacetonemusic.com sacurrent.com | July 31-August 13, 2019 | CURRENT

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LEBRATING E C F O S R A E Y 15 ND MEN! A N E M O W S U FABULO

LLC

SAN ANTONIO’S PREMIERE POLE FITNESS STUDIO

Check Out Our 2019 Classes & Schedule

Pole Fitness Classes • Try Me Out Intro to Pole Levels 1-12 • Gold, Platinum, Diamond • Aerial Yoga • SWA • Floor on Fire • Twerk Church • Spin Classes • Low and Slow • Power Pole • Floor on Fire

BEST PARTIES IN ALL OF TEXAS:

BACHELORETTE, GIRLS’ NIGHT OUT, BIRTHDAYS, ETC. 6441 Blanco Rd | 210.863.3591 - Ask For Rene | SSMFIT.COM | IG @ssmfitsa

Must Be Over 18 To Attend

simply CBD remedy Larry De La Cruz 210-488-7899

“Enhance your well-being” Veteran Owned & Operated

2013 Austin Highway San Antonio, TX 78218

info@simplycbdremedy.com 94

CURRENT | July 31-August 13, 2019 | sacurrent.com

Best of SA | Shopping MEDICAL

S PA

SA Current File

PET BOUTIQUE Winner: PAWsitively Sweet Bakery 5501 Blanco Road (210) 446-7466 pawsitivelysweetbakery.com

2. SouthPaw Waggery

317 Lexington Ave., Suite 4 (210) 444-9140 southpawwaggery.com

3. Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming Stone Oak Multiple locations woofgangbakery.com

PLANT NURSERY Winner: Rainbow Gardens Nursery Multiple locations rainbowgardens.biz

2. Milberger’s Landscaping and Nursery 3920 N. Loop 1604 East (210) 497-3760 milbergernursery.com

3. Shades of Green

334 W. Sunset Road (210) 824-3772 shadesofgreensa.com

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

H

ogwild Records has been an important player in SA’s music scene for decades. The store, located across from San Antonio College, provided the indie alternative to big chains like Sound Warehouse in the ’80s and Best Buy in the ’90s. These days, though, Hogwild is the designated survivor. In an era when record stores are dying and rock music’s cultural cachet has decreased markedly, the shop is still flying the flag for 97 6

you w n i k s ant the the body you deserve LEARN MORE ABOUT PERMANENT FAT LOSS FROM THE EXPERTS THEMSELVES!

OPEN HOUSE AUGUST 8 • 6-8PM

S C H E D U L E A F R E E C O N S U LTAT I O N A DU LTS O N LY • DAY O F SPECI ALS • 15 M I NUT E SESSI O NS AV E R AG E 24% FAT RED UCT I O N • CLI NI CALLY PROVEN B OTOX + F I L L E R S , CHEM I CAL PEELS, WEI GHT LOSS + M O RE

CALL TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT AT 210.635.0411

5016 E. FM 1 5 1 8 N. S E L MA, T X 78 1 5 4

RE JUVURSKIN .CO M sacurrent.com | July 31-August 13, 2019 | CURRENT

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SATURDAY

OCTober 19, 2019

DIGNOWITY & LOCKWOOD PARKS

u o Y k n a Th

! o i n o t n San A D B E S T

VIP ENTRY 12p | GA ENTRY 1:30p event ENDs 6:30 P early bird pricing ending soon!

Tickets on sale now at sanantoniobeerfestival.com

E NOMINAT IST P A R E H T MASSAGE G OT PA I N ?

WE CAN HEEL THAT! 1864 Nacogdoches Rd, San Antonio, TX 78209 210.560.1992 heelingsole.com 96

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benefiting

Best of SA | Shopping dr . rya n m o o n e y, d d s

Josh Huskin

releases and bands too heavy, too confrontational or just too fucking weird to earn a spot at Hot Topic. Vinyl has enjoyed a well-publicized resurgence in the past 10 years or so, and Hogwild naturally has that market cornered.

But its well-stocked vinyl racks aren’t a response to a national trend. Instead, they’re a well-worn bulwark against trends. In the days when vinyl could be found exclusively in used bins, Hogwild proudly stocked everything from 7-inch singles to LPs. If the world finally caught up, that’s cool, but ultimately of no consequence. Sometimes being different means not being different. If the game is consistent quality, it’s no wonder Hogwild keeps clearing the board.

2. Southtown Vinyl

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

3. Flipside Record Parlor

840 S.W. Military Dr. (210) 923-7811 facebook.com/flipsiderecordparlor

RUNNING STORE Winner: Fleet Feet San Antonio 7322 Jones Maltsberger Road #152 (210) 805-0845 fleetfeet.com

2. iRun Texas

Multiple locations iruntexas.net

3. San Antonio Running Company 7959 Broadway St. #502 (210) 246-2253 sarunningco.com

SMOKE SHOP Winner: Smokerz Paradise Multiple locations smokerzparadize.com

2. Alien Smokeshop

13515 Nacogdoches Road (210) 462-7406 facebook.com/210Alien

3. Smokers Galaxy Multiple locations smokersgalaxy.com

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

F

aced with the Alamo City’s ever-expanding roster of tattoo shops, it might be daunting to decide where to seek your first piece of permanent skin art.

Readers once again have given their endorsement to Element Tattoo. The shop has been providing friendly experiences while delivering top-quality tattoos since 2006. Owned and operated by Jedidiah Reed, Element remains a tattoo hotspot, both for collectors looking to fill in the blank spots with quality work and for virgins looking for a friendly and welcoming place to acquire their first ink. From small pieces to complete bodysuits, SA enthusiasts continue turning to Element.

2. Mr. Lucky’s Tattoo 2856 Thousand Oaks Road (210) 736-6900 instagram.com/weldonlewis

Your Trusted & Caring Family Dentist

Implants • Dentures • Clear Braces Root Canal • Wisdom Teeth Extraction Sedation: IV and Non-IV Sedation Options Schedule An Appointment Today! alamodentalsa.com new patient special

35

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$1000 per implant

implant

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8131 IH-10 Ste 217 sa, Tx | 210-348-8600 sacurrent.com | July 31-August 13, 2019 | CURRENT

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Thank You for Nominating Us, San Antonio!

CLIMB TO THE NEXT LEVEL OF FITNESS

THE ONLY VERSACLIMBER STUDIO IN SAN ANTONIO 5123 N. Loop 1604 W., Ste. 104

210-608-2731

@next.level.core 98

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nextlevelcore.com

sacurrent.com | July 31-August 13, 2019 | CURRENT

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Box mods, e-cigs & e-juice, hookahs, glass & water pipes, scales, detox, & more

5 Locations 5244 Fredericksburg Rd San Antonio, TX 78229 (210) 541–0206 100

7071 San Pedro Ave San Antonio, TX 78216 (210) 267–2920

CURRENT | July 31-August 13, 2019 | sacurrent.com

8827 Texas 151 #104 San Antonio, TX 78251 (210) 447–7714

6307 Wurzbach Rd San Antonio, TX 78240 (210) 254–9875

7915 w loop 1604 North San Antonio TX 89254 (210) 231–0205

Best of SA | Shopping

SA Current File

3. Dandyland Custom Tattoo and

Professional Body Piercing 1620 Fredericksburg Road (210) 432-5747 dandylandtattoo.com

THRIFT SHOP Winner: Texas Thrift Multiple locations buythrift.com

T

hrifting takes patience, endurance, agility and the willingness to occasionally haggle over price. Some may even call this kind of bargain hunting an art form. Whether or not that’s the case, expert thrifters know that the search goes better when you can find a happy hunting ground — a store that’s likely to have good turnover and a constant flow of quality merchandise. Fans who regularly peruse the racks count Texas Thrift’s four San Antonio stores among those potential goldmines. Some even tell us they’ve found clothing, accessories and footwear at Texas Thrift that have become their regular fashion go-tos. From branded pop-culture merchandise to kitschy home goods to oversized sweaters from the ’80s, there’s a likelihood you’ll turn up something worthwhile at Texas Thrift.

You’ve just got to be willing to put in the time.

2. Boysville Thrift Store 307 W. Olmos Dr. (210) 826-2195 boysvillethriftstore.com

SHOWS 3 NIGHTS A WEEK! Thur. 8pm (free show) • Fri. 8pm & 10pm • Sat. 8pm & 10pm 1203 Camden St. (near the Pearl)

BEXARSTAGE.COM

3. Revolution Thrift 8513 Blanco Road (210) 376-8909 revolutionthrift.org

VAPE SHOP Winner: Cloud Craft 15139 Bulverde Road #101 (210) 951-8273 facebook.com/cloudcraftsa

2. Coval Vapes

Multiple locations covalvapes.com

3. Vaping and More Multiple locations vapingandmore.com

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Best of SA | Shopping

HUEBNER COMMONS

STONE OAK

Courtesy of Hello Tallulah

VINTAGE SHOP Winner: Hello Tallulah 1912 Fredericksburg Road (210) 286-8146 hellotallulah.com

N

estled in the quaint Deco District, Hello Tallulah has emerged as one of the most charming vintage shops to grace the Alamo City. Although the space isn’t huge, its flow is open and inviting and never feels claustrophobic — something other vintage retailers could learn a lesson from.

Although Hello Tallulah specializes in vintage party dresses, it also carries a versatile selection of other items, including furniture, art and bling to accessorize those dresses. Owner Kristina Uriegas-Reyes is a former plus-size model and body-positivity advocate, according to the store’s website, so she’s made an effort to curate her collection with many sizes in mind. Although the store’s only been open a couple of years, it’s clearly upping the ante for Alamo City vintage outlets.

@PUREBARRE_HC

@PUREBARRE_SO

2. Grey Moon Vintage 2202 Broadway St. greymoon.online

3. The Come Up

21019 US HWY 281 North Ste 826. SA, TX 78258 | Stoneoak@purebarre.com | 210-529-1728 11703 Huebner Rd. Ste 112. SA, TX 78230 | Huebnercommons@purebarre.com | 210-388-3507

607 W. Hildebrand Ave. (210) 556-0572 facebook.com/shopthecomeup sacurrent.com | July 31-August 13, 2019 | CURRENT

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San Antonio Pets Alive! saves dogs and cats directly from the euthanasia list. We do everything possible to ensure each dog and cat, with no other hope, receives a second chance for life. With our help, homeless pets become family pets. Adopt today!

4710 Highway 151 San Antonio, Texas 78227 | (210) 370-7612 www.sanantoniopetsalive.org 104

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THANK YOU SAN ANTONIO F O R N O M I N AT I N G U S !

LOVE,

7701 Broadway St Ste 139 /LOOKTHESALON

info@look.salon @LOOKTHESALON

210.826.5665 http://look.salon

SUNDAY, AUGUST 4, 1–4 PM | THROUGHOUT MUSEUM & GROUNDS

FIRST COME, FIRST FUN!

For more information, call 210.805.1768 or email education@mcnayart.org.

Modified portrait of our founder, Marion Koogler McNay.

mcnayart.org sacurrent.com | July 31-August 13, 2019 | CURRENT

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VI S I T OR A N G ETH EO RYF ITNESS . CO M TO F IND YO U R NEAR E ST LO C AT I O N 108

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Universal City 106 Rose Garden Dr, Universal City, TX 78148 | 210-658-2251 Stone Oak 1202 E Sonterra Blvd Suite 702, San Antonio, TX 78258 | 210-340-0995 sacurrent.com | July 31-August 13, 2019 | CURRENT

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Best of SA | Around Town

Albert Alvarez

ART GALLERY Winner: Presa House Gallery 725 S. Presa St. (210) 913-5842 presahouse.com

L

aunched in October of 2016 in a homey Southtown locale, Presa House Gallery is technically still in its infancy — which is somewhat hard to believe considering its robust fan base and steady track record of exhibitions. Co-founded by artists Jenelle Esparza and Rigoberto Luna, the aptly named favorite hooked us — and many others — early on with a Morrissey-inspired group show (“November Spawned a Moz Show”) and we haven’t stopped returning for smartly curated exhibitions that get revealed during First Friday celebrations with puro San Anto house-party vibes. Described by McNay Art Museum Director Richard Aste in a 2018 Sotheby’s article as “a wonderful showplace for emerging talent in the city’s thriving arts scene,” Presa House also wins props for recognizing of under-appreciated San Antonio artists and an inclusive bent that’s resulted in collaborations with artists, curators and galleries

from Austin, Brownsville, Corpus Christi, Los Angeles, New York and Mexico.

2. Little Studio Gallery

La Villita Historic Arts Village 418 Villita St. #2300 (210) 227-8893 lavillitasanantonio.com

3. AnArte Gallery

7959 Broadway St. (210) 826-5674 anartegallery09.com

BARBER SHOP Winner: Mane Man Men’s Grooming 2230 S.E. Military Dr. (210) 427-0039 manemanmensgrooming.com sacurrent.com | July 31-August 13, 2019 | CURRENT

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Best of SA | Around Town 2. Los Barberos Classic Barbershop 443 McCarty Road (210) 370-3262 losbarberosbarbershop.com

3. Victory Salon & Barbershop 4745 Fredericksburg Road (210) 281-5808 victoriysalontx.com

BED & BREAKFAST Winner: King William Manor 1037 S. Alamo St. (210) 222-0144 kingwilliammanor.com

2. Inn on the Riverwalk 129 Woodward Place (210) 225-6333 innontheriverwalk.com

BOWLING ALLEY Winner: Bowl & Barrel 17619 La Cantera Parkway, Suite 102 (210) 920-1102 bowlandbarrel.com

2. EVO Entertainment

18658 Interstate 35 North, Schertz (210) 764-6986 evo-entertainment.com

3. University Bowl

12332 Interstate 10 #10 (210) 699-6235 ubbowl.com

CITY PARK & DOG PARK Winner: Phil Hardberger Park 13203 Blanco Road (210) 492-7472 philhardbergerpark.org

Gabby Mata

T

he San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department has prioritized our city’s people and their pups, and the gem in its crown is Phil Hardberger Park. Hardberger’s two massive dog parks, which comprise a total of 3.3 acres of canine paradise, have separate areas for large and small dogs so that they can play safely with one another, plus plenty of shade from live oak trees. The West Side dog park has agility equipment for Type A canines to work off excess energy, while couch-potato pups can lounge in the two-story doghouse located in the small dog area of the East Park. Whether you’ve got Fido on a leash or are own your own, you can also run, hike or bike the park’s seven-plus miles of trails, which connect to the greater Salado Creek Greenway trail system. Additionally, Hardberger features picnic areas with BBQ pits, a bicycle repair station, basketball courts and even free Wi-Fi if you can’t manage to unplug for an afternoon. For the kiddos, there are two playgrounds and a Nature Play Area constructed from reclaimed trees where they can climb, explore and otherwise get dirty in the outdoors.

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1 epic day | 125+ breweries | 450+ Beers

SATURDAY

OCT. 19, 2019 DIGNOWITY & LOCKWOOD PARKS 114

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VIP ENTRY 12 PM GA ENTRY 1:30 PM

event ENDs 6:30 PM

early bird pricing ending soon!

Tickets on sale now at

sanantoniobeerfestival.com

benefiting

Unique. Original. Artists.

From the first traces to a finished design, we’re the best in San Antonio. We’ll do anything from a simple name to full sleeve work, and we won’t rest until all our work is perfect. We pride ourselves in providing a clean, classy and comfortable environment, while also maintaining a wide variety of artists and styles. Come check us out today.

6818 N Loop 1604, Suite 204 | (210) 530-8626 | www.GravesInk.com

/GravesInk /gravesinktattoostudio sacurrent.com | July 31-August 13, 2019 | CURRENT

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Best of SA | Around Town

CITY PARK 2. Hemisfair 434 S. Alamo St. (210) 709-4750 hemisfair.org

3. Brackenridge Park 3700 N. St. Mary’s St. (210) 207-7275 brackenridgepark.org

DOG PARK 2. McAllister Park 13102 Jones Maltsberger Road (210) 207-7275 sanantonio.gov

3. The Bark Park of Alamo Heights Alamo Heights Blvd. & La Jara Blvd. facebook.com/BarkParkAH

COMEDY CLUB Winner: Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club 618 N.W. Loop 410 (210) 541-8805 lolsanantonio.com

I

f you’ve exhausted every standup comedy show on Netflix but just need more, readers agree that the Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club may be the best bet for a fix of live laughs. An offshoot from the now defunct Improv Comedy Club at the Rivercenter, this place has everything: performances from the best local and touring comics, an extensive cocktail menu and Tuesday open mic nights, where locals take the stage to earn their standup stripes.

Boasting past acts such as Ali Wong, Eddie Izzard and even 2020 presidential candidate Ben Gleib, LOL Comedy Club safely lands first prize for pulling in the big names. Before finding your seat, be sure to stop by the bar to wet your whistle with drinks ranging 116

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from a shot of “alien secretion” to a glass of chardonnay. Margaret Cho, Joel McHale and Rick Gutierrez are slated to perform this fall, so it may be a good time to grab your pals, Tinder date or even your good ol’ dad and see for yourself why readers say it’s the top place in the Alamo City for laughs.

2. Bexar Stage

1203 Camden St. (210) 281-4259 bexarstage.com

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

COMMUNITY THEATER Winner: The Magik Theatre 420 S. Alamo St. (210) 227-2751 magiktheatre.org

F

or the past 25 years, the Magik Theatre has brought children’s books to life with colorful costumes, engaging acting and a commitment to enhancing the literacy of San Antonio’s youth through thoughtful education and outreach.

What started in 1994 as a handful of actors putting on The Jungle Book has become a staple in every young San Antonian’s childhood. If you’re under the age of 30, there’s a good chance you spent at least a few spellbinding afternoons at the Magik as a kid. Over the years, the Magik has played host to a number of lovable characters, including Charlie Brown, Bunnicula, Ella Enchanted and, most recently, the Very Hungry Caterpillar. With three locations, a summer performing arts camp and year-round classes for preschoolers through high school students, the Magik Theatre binds the city together while instilling a sense of wonder and love for the arts in children and adults alike.

2. The Woodlawn Theatre 1920 Fredericksburg Road (210) 267-8388 woodlawntheatre.org

3. Bexar Stage

1203 Camden St. (210) 281-4259 bexarstage.com

CROSSFIT Winner: Elite Crossfit 18847 Redland Road #201 (210) 490-9348 elite-crossfit.com

2. Crossfit San Antonio 5337 Glen Ridge Dr. #119 (210) 825-3613 crossfitsanantonio.com

3. Jones N4 Crossfit & Personal Training 3131 Thousand Oaks Dr. (210) 997-1600 jonesn4crossfit.com

Best of SA | Around Town

Courtesy Extreme Escape

Courtesy o fMagik Theatre

ESCAPE ROOM Winner: Extreme Escape Multiple locations extremeescape.com

2. Escape the Room

t their heart, escape attractions are more or less the same: don’t let the evil aliens or teeth-gnashing zombies devour you before your team can show off its puzzle-solving skills. With two locations in San Antonio (Colonnade and Stone Oak), Extreme Escape features eight different scenarios for participants who enjoy intense games that challenge the minds. These escape rooms include “The Undead,” a scenario where players take on the roles of scientists trying to break into a bunker to retrieve a zombie antidote; “Encounter,” in which players work to restore power to their spaceship before an intergalactic creature destroys them; and “Trapped Below,” where players journey to the center of the earth to find a legendary treasure. By using critical thinking, players communicate with their teammates to solve clues before time runs out. Extreme Escape’s website advises that “a participant may exit a live room-escape game at any time if things get too real.” So rest assured, claustrophobes, the locked door is all in good fun.

3. San Antonio Panic Room

A

315 E. Commerce St. #100 (210) 764-4415 escapetheroom.com 12770 Cimarron Path #104 (210) 802-8958 texaspanicroom.com

FIESTA EVENT Winner: A Night in Old San Antonio 227 S. Presa St. (210) 226-5188 niosa.org

I

t’s no surprise A Night in Old San Antonio, or NIOSA, has dominated this category for the past decade. In fact, if NIOSA was a stack of plastic beer cups, it would tower over the competition.

Sponsored by the San Antonio Conservation Society, the popular Fiesta event, which started in 1938, includes live music — German polka to Irish folk to Tejano and everything in between — and enough chicken on a stick, gorditas and funnel cakes to feed a

SA Current File

Texas-sized army. During the four-night celebration, the downtown historic arts village known as La Villita swells with more than 85,000 attendees, who visit culturally themed sections of the venue, all representing the city’s diverse heritage. Among the stops are the French Quarter, Mexican Market, Irish Flats, Sauerkraut Bend and Villa España. Whether NIOSA is 119 6 sacurrent.com | July 31-August 13, 2019 | CURRENT

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Best of SA | Around Town

(210) 223-0111 jonesandriosanantonio.com

MED SPA Winner: Nova Aesthetics 6483 Blanco Road (210) 348-9164 novaaesthetics.com

2. The Skin Elite

2108 N.W. Military Highway (210) 800-9696 theskinelite.com

3. Doll House MedSpa & Anti-Aging Clinic 1205 N. Loop 1604 West #225 (210) 437-2759 dollhouseantiaging.com

MOVIE THEATER Winner: Alamo Drafthouse Multiple locations (210) 677-8500 drafthouse.com

T SA Current File

6 117 just an excuse to people-watch or a vital stop along the homestretch of your Fiesta adventure (right before your liver begins to despise you), it’s an essential experience. That said, there are only 38 weeks left until NIOSA 2020, so start working on your grito.

HAIR SALON Winner: Hair by a Blonde 11503 N.W. Military Hwy. #106 (210) 810-6800 facebook.com/hairbyablondee

2. King William Fair

2. Avalon Hair Designs

122 Madison St. (210) 227-8786 kwfair.org

3. Cornyation

Venue varies (210) 227-5191 x 108 fiestasanantonio.org

GYM Winner: Camp Gladiator Multiple locations campgladiator.com

2. Elite CrossFit

18847 Redland Road #201 (210) 490-9348 elite-crossfit.com

3. Gold’s Gym

Multiple locations goldsgym.com

20079 Stone Oak Parkway, Suite 1107 (210) 481-7672 avalon-hairdesigns.com

3. Look

7701 Broadway St. #139 (210) 826-5665 look.salon

LIVING/APARTMENT COMMUNITY Winner: 1221 Broadway Lofts 1221 Broadway St. (210) 899-4574 1221broadway.com

2. The Abbey at Dominion Crossing 21626 Stonewall Parkway (210) 775-5057 abbeyresidential.com

3. Jones & Rio

111 W. Jones Ave.

here’s a reason Alamo Drafthouse keeps coming out on top. Yes, the Bijou, Palladium and others have full menus and loaded bars too, but they don’t hold a candle to the Drafthouse’s mojo. The theater chain puts film-lovers first to make the movie-watching experience très magnifique — from the gleefully enforced no talking or texting rule to the themed food and drinks dreamed up for major film releases — and, boy howdy, do they pull it off. In addition to a full slate of the latest releases, the Drafthouse hosts regular screenings of movies that appeal to fans of all niches: ’80s hits, anime blockbusters, pop-music singalongs and more. Best of all, no second spent at the Drafthouse feels wasted, even if you show up early. Each pre-show sizzle reel is filled with a selection of themed oddities dredged up by the Drafthouse’s in-house movie experts to get you into the perfect mood for the main event.

2. Santikos Palladium 17703 W. Interstate 10 (210) 798-9949 santikos.com

3. Santikos Embassy 13707 Embassy Road (210) 496-4957 santikos.com

MURAL Winner: Cardi B 802 San Pedro Ave.

U

ndeniably, 2018 was Cardi’s year, so it wasn’t much surprise when Colton Valentine adorned a wall with her visage this spring.

The local visual artist is also behind the popular murals of Soulja Boy and 21 Savage, but it’s his rendition of Cardi that really popped off, and for good reason. The onomatopoetic rapper behind hits 123 6 sacurrent.com | July 31-August 13, 2019 | CURRENT

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NEW LOCATION NOW OPEN!

5010 RITTIMAN RD 8213 BROADWAY (INSIDE LOOP410) 1733 SW MILITARY DR. @ IH35

2710 IH-10 WEST @ DE ZAVALA

2808 THOUSAND OAKS @ JONES MALTSBERGER

8141 PAT BOOKER RD @LIVE OAK

6620 FM 78 @ FOSTER RD

18360 BLANCO RD @ 1604 STONE OAK

Thank you for voting us

Best Smoke Shop in SA THE BEST SELECTION E-CIGS, VAPORIZERS, TOBACCO PRODUCTS & ACCESSORIES! 1-888-403-7638 | SMOKERZPARADISE@GMAIL.COM | SMOKERZPARADIZE.COM 120

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A n e w d e g r e e o f fi t n e s s, h e a l t h & b e a u t y.

6486 N New Braunfels Ave | alamo Heights| (210) 375-9087

nominated

The Best FUll body recovery

In town! Thanks san antonio!

Mon-Fri 10am-7pm | Sat 10am-4pm | Sun 12pm-4pm

VISIT MARKET SQUARE! SHOPS OPEN DAILY AT 10AM

Enjoy the sights, flavors and sounds of old Mexico as you explore over 100 locally owned shops filled with exotic curios and handcrafted gifts.

SHOPS

DINING

ART

WEEKEND FIESTA STARTS AT 12PM EVERY SATURDAY & SUNDAY 514 W. Commerce St. | www.marketsquaresa.com |

@marketsquaresa sacurrent.com | July 31-August 13, 2019 | CURRENT

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210.227.8893

AT LA VILLITA HISTORIC VILLAGE | BLDG 23 Since 1 9 6 7

DO YOU LOVE SAN ANTONIO CULTURE? ARE YOU LOOKING TO ADVANCE AND DEVELOP YOUR ADVERTISING & MARKETING CAREER?

SAN ANTONIO’S OLDEST ORIGINAL FINE ART & JEWELRY GALLERY IN DOWNTOWN LA VILLITA

WE’RE HIRING!

San Antonio Current is hiring ambitious, hard-working Advertising Account E xe c u t i ve s to c re ate a n d s e l l m a r ke t i n g s o l u t i o n s to l o c a l b u s i n e ss e s .

J O I N O U R PA S S I O N AT E T E A M

REPRESENTING henry cardenas, karen mcCauley, Teri Jo McReynolds, Sean ParrotT, Margaret Smith & Frank gonzales

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s e e d e t a i l s a t b i t . l y/s a c u r r e n t c a r e e r s

Best of SA | Around Town

6 119

Siggi Ragnar

Carlos Aguilar

6 119 like “Bodak Yellow” and “I Like It” is known just as much for her trills, sound effects and catchphrases — from “yesh” to “okurr” — as she is for her flow.

To celebrate her unique style, Valentine depicted Cardi in all her glory, tongue out and happily shouting her signature “Eeeoowww!” Although Cardi’s 2019 has been tumultuous to say the least, with frequent appearances both in court and on the red carpet, she is as popular now as ever. When not embroiled in legal battles, she’s been dropping singles from her upcoming sophomore album, plus the trailer for her new movie Hustlers, in which she stars alongside J. Lo and Constance Wu.

2. Essex Modern City 51 Essex St. (916) 520-6424 essexmoderncity.com

3. Beastie Boys

Paper Tiger 2410 N. St. Mary’s St. papertigersatx.com

MUSEUM Winner: McNay Art Museum 6000 N. New Braunfels Ave. (210) 824-5368 mcnayart.org

A

n undeniable Alamo City icon housed in a Spanish Colonial Revival mansion outfitted with a sprawling contemporary wing, the McNay boasts a broad permanent collection that runs the gamut from post-impressionist paintings to contemporary Latino prints and flexes big-city muscle with signature exhibitions such as this year’s groundbreaking “Transamer-

ica/n: Gender, Identity, Appearance Today.” Under the direction of Richard Aste, the museum has concentrated efforts to usher in a new era of diversity, inclusivity and openness that’s materialized in unique programming for all ages, a “Mi McNay Es Su McNay” anti-bullying initiative and the advent of Spanish-language wall labels for exhibitions. A popular destination for portraits and picnics amid outdoor sculptures and water features, the McNay’s picturesque grounds spring to life each month during free, kid-friendly Second Thursday celebrations that combine live music and art-making activities with beer and food truck fare.

2. Witte Museum 3801 Broadway St. (210) 357-1900 wittemuseum.org

3. The DoSeum

2800 Broadway St. (210) 212-4453 thedoseum.org

NON-FIESTA FESTIVAL Winner: Luminaria Contemporary Arts Festival Hemisfair 434 S. Alamo St. (210) 721-1670 luminariasa.org

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ust over a decade since it launched under the guidance of former mayor Phil Hardberger, Luminaria has evolved in tandem with the growth of San Antonio. Devised as a localized take on illuminated nighttime festivals across Europe, the multimedia mélange of art installations, live music, light projections 126 6

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“FORWARD! MARCHES THAT MOVE US” An exhibition that focuses on inspiring change by sharing images of activism CALL FOR ENTRIES

Many of us have marched for something —whether it is civil rights, racial equality, an end to war or nuclear weapons, LGBTQ+ rights, women’s rights, or an end to gun violence. Whether you’ve cheered from the sidewalks, followed along or led the advance, Planned Parenthood South Texas is looking for photos from the marches that have moved you.

We are particularly interested in photos of the signs that have expressed your hopes or demands, and photos of you and your sisters (and brothers) in arms.

SUBMIT GUIDELINES

Our goal is to create a digital archive to serve as an online march living beyond a single gallery exhibition. To submit, post your photos to Instagram, tag @MarchesThatMoveUs and @PPSouthTexas and share something about why the march moved you. You can also submit your photos by emailing MarchesThatMoveUs@gmail.com. And if you’d like to drop off a photo, or maybe an actual sign, call 210-572-5279.

DEADLINE

A selection of the images we receive will be featured in a September exhibition at the Blue Star Arts Complex. The exhibition will be curated by Ethel Shipton with support from Casie Lomeli and will also include original artwork from ten of San Antonio’s leading artists. To be considered for this exhibit, please submit your entry by August 31, 2019.

EXHIBIT OPENS FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 @ BLUE STAR ARTS COMPLEX, UNIT 134

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SERVICES INCLUDE GENDER CARE SERVICES • PREP & PEP PRIMARY CARE • INFECTIOUS DISEASE CARE • ONSITE PHARMACY

All Major Health Insurances Accepted.

If You Are Uninsured, We Can Help Determine If You Are Eligible For Medical & Drug Assistance Programs.

Health Equity Clinic | 303 N. Frio San Antonio, TX 78207 210.688.5792 | Mon–Fri 8AM–4:30PM | For More Info, Visit AARCSA.COM sacurrent.com | July 31-August 13, 2019 | CURRENT

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Best of SA | Around Town

SA Current File

6 123 and performances of all stripes spent its first three years in a footprint surrounding the Alamo and then set off to light up Hemisfair, the Museum Reach and Dignowity Hill to the tune of slightly mixed reviews. Under the direction of curator Kathy Armstrong, Luminaria has expanded its programming, reinstated an open call for artists, struck up a partnership with the Artist Foundation of San Antonio and added a multidisciplinary Curatorial Committee that’s reconfigured each year. In the midst of a five-year commitment to its former stomping grounds in Hemisfair, the free, kid-friendly festival returns this year on Saturday, November 9.

2. Síclovía

Locations vary ymcasatx.org

3. Día de los Muertos at La Villita La Villita Historic Arts Village 418 Villita St. (210) 207-8614 muertosfest.com 126

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

2. Haven for Hope

1 Haven for Hope Way (210) 220-2100 havenforhope.org

3.CASA

406 San Pedro Ave. (210) 225-7070 casa-satx.org

PATIO Winner: Paramour 102 9th St. #400 (210) 340-9880 paramourbar.com

P

aramour has made one thing clear since its opening in 2015: this bar was made for Instagram. Between its lushly furnished interior, selection

Best of SA | Around Town

Jeffery Burton

of hard-to-find spirits and menu of classy AF hors d’oeuvres, this is the place to go when you’ve got something to celebrate (and commemorate with selfies). Even the bathrooms are social media-worthy. The cherry on top is the rooftop bar’s glorious view of downtown, with SAMA, Central Catholic and the leisurely stretch of the River Walk’s Museum Reach all in sight. It’s a killer place to watch the sunset while lounging on comfortable chairs, but if you’re more into boozy brunches, Paramour is day-drinking friendly too. Teetotalers needn’t worry either — the bar also has an espresso machine on hand for your caffeine needs, and the selection of fancy nibbles means you won’t feel left out while people around you imbibe cocktails aplenty. Yes, parking in the area is kind of a pain, but that’s all the more reason to play it safe and grab an Uber or Lyft for your night on the town.

2. La Gloria

100 E. Grayson St. (210) 267-9040 chefjohnnyhernandez.com

3. La Fonda on Main 2415 N. Main Ave. (210) 733-0621 lafondaonmain.com

PET BOARDING Winner: Lucy’s Doggy Daycare Multiple locations lucysdoggydaycare.com

I

n the Alamo City, you’re almost as likely to see an “Arfin’ Awesome” bumper sticker on someone’s trunk as “Johnson High School Honor Student.” That’s because pet parents are loud and proud about the No. 1 place to drop off their “fur kids.” Dog-boarding mecca Lucy’s Doggy Daycare added a massive new complex on the far North Side last fall in addition to its two original locations, all of which provide daycare, boarding and grooming services to pamper pups. While at Lucy’s, canines get to frolic for up to seven hours daily in large yards under the supervision of dog-loving employees. Playtime is enhanced by agility equipment, wade-in pools and splash pads, and the summer heat is abated by plenty of shade. Overnight guests can even stay in climate-controlled indoor luxury suites that have comfortable raised beds as well as webcams that allow anxious owners to check in from afar. If your pooch doesn’t play well with others, don’t worry — Lucy’s staff provide walks and enrichment four to six times daily to make sure they still can get out their wiggles.

Visit 1 of our 3 Locations and

receive One of Our “Thank You” Offers: • (1) free day of daycare, or; • (1) free self-serve dog wash, or; • 20% off full service groom One offer per family. Temperament test and vaccinations required for daycare.

Please bring in this coupon for redemption.

Call or make a reservation Online today!

lucysdoggydaycare.com | (210) 495-3647

Here at SouthPaw Waggery, it’s about QUALITY over quantity. Our goal isn’t to have the most options for our customers,

PET ADOPTION Winner: San Antonio Pets Alive!

Multiple locations sanantoniopetsalive.org

but the RIGHT options.

Thank You to all of our customers and fur-fam for the continued support, and to

2. God’s Dogs Rescue

everyone who nominated and voted our

Von Ormy godsdogsrescue.org

shop as the Best in SA!

3. Animal Defense League of Texas Multiple locations adltexas.org

SA Current File

317 Lexington Ave Suite 4, San Antonio, TX 78215 | (210) 444-9140 | Tue-Sat 10a-7p Sun 12p-5p sacurrent.com | July 31-August 13, 2019 | CURRENT

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WE ARE HERE TO HELP WITH ALL YOUR HOME & GARDEN NEEDS.

LAWN CARE LANDSCAPE PLAN & INSTALL TREE TRIMMING & REMOVAL BRUSH & DEBRIS REMOVAL FENCING & MORE FIND US ON

CALL TODAY (210) 313-4264 128

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Best of SA | Around Town

CHECK OUT FRESH DAILY CONTENT AT

Wikimedia Commons

2. Tails Are Wagging

18965 Redland Road, Suite 105 (210) 403-3647 tailsarewaggingtx.com

3. Camp Bow Wow Multiple locations campbowwow.com

PLACE TO GET PAMPERED Winner: FLOAT Wellness Center 4835 Fredericksburg Road #201 (210) 562-3310 floatsa.com

2. Hiatus Spa + Retreat

312 Pearl Parkway, Building 4, Suite 4112 (210) 202-3355 hiatusspa.com

3. The Day Spa at Folawn’s 17851 Rogers Ranch Parkway (210) 408-0101 folawns.com

TOURIST ATTRACTION & BEST PLACE TO PEOPLE-WATCH Winner: The Pearl 312 Pearl Parkway (210) 212-7260 atpearl.com

S

easoned San Antonians may recall a time when there was a big question mark hovering over the Pearl. Following its long run as a large-scale brewery (1883 to 2001), the 22-acre campus got snapped up by Silver Ventures to be slowly but surely transformed into a mixed-use complex with a preservationist bent. The first tenants — the Aveda Institute and a cooking school that evolved into the Culinary Institute of America — arrived in 2006 but gave the public few reasons to visit.

Fast-forward 13 years and it’s surprisingly hard to imagine San Antonio

before the Pearl. Case in point: our readers apparently deem it more important than both the River Walk and the Alamo. As any concierge will tell you, the ever-evolving, multipurpose destination is a no-brainer whether you’re looking for a taste of our local food scene (Bakery Lorraine and Cured are consistent faves), nightlife (from Sternewirth to Jazz, TX) or retail therapy (Dos Carolinas, Tiny Finch, the Twig, the list goes on). Reinforced in 2015 by the arrival of the worldclass, industrial-chic Hotel Emma — a must-see gem in its own right — the Pearl has made concerted efforts to establish public spaces that serve the broader community. This open-door policy has taken the people-watching experience to an amusing portrait of San Antonio — whether it be kids frolicking on the splash pads in Pearl Park, hipsters officing out of Local Coffee, yoga nerds stretching on artificial grass or unconditioned tourists trying to find their way to the River Walk.

TOURIST ATTRACTION 2. The River Walk 849 E. Commerce St. (210) 227-4262 thesanantonioriverwalk.com

3. The Alamo

300 Alamo Plaza (210) 225-1391 thealamo.org

PLACE TO PEOPLE-WATCH 2. The River Walk 849 E. Commerce St. (210) 227-4262 thesanantonioriverwalk.com

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3. Market Square

541 W. Commerce St. (210) 207-8600 getcreativesanantonio.com

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Best of SA | Around Town PLACE TO WATCH A MOVIE OUTSIDE Winner: Stars and Stripes Drive-In Theatre 1178 Kroesche Lane, New Braunfels (830) 620-7469 driveinusa.com/nb

,

Thank You San Antonio For Nominating Rainbow Gardens in The Best of San Antonio 2019

2. Hemisfair

434 S. Alamo St. (210) 709-4750 hemisfair.org

Gabby Mata

Multiple locations

swings, a butterfly garden and beautiful animal-shaped mosaic artwork kids can climb on. If that’s not enough, there are also stone ping-pong tables, a set of giant chess and checker pieces, a sand pit, an outdoor dining area and a splash pad to cool off with. As an added bonus, Yanaguana is a stone’s throw from Paleteria San Antonio, where ice pops make for an even more refreshing afternoon at the park. Plus, throughout the year, Slab Cinema holds outdoor movie screenings at the site. Next on the schedule: the 2012 documentary Flight of the Butterflies on October 19.

3. The Friendly Spot

2. Phil Hardberger Park

PLACE TO WORK Winner: H-E-B 646 S. Flores St. (210) 938-8000 heb.com

3. Pearsall Park

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

PLACE TO WATCH THE SPURS Winner: AT&T Center 1 AT&T Center Parkway (210) 444-5000 attcenter.com

2. At Home

943 S. Alamo St. (210) 224-2337 thefriendlyspot.com

2. USAA

9800 Fredericksburg Road (800) 531-8722 usaa.com

3. Southwest Airlines

San Antonio International Airport 9800 Airport Blvd. southwest.com

PLAYGROUND Winner: Yanaguana Garden at Hemisfair 434 S. Alamo St. (210) 709-4750 hemisfair.org

Y

anaguana Garden has been one of the most popular downtown family attractions since it became the first redeveloped section of Hemisfair. Nearing its fourth anniversary, the four-acre playground in the park’s southwest corner is an outdoor wonderland of amusement filled with public art, lush greenery, playground structures,

13203 Blanco Road (210) 492-7472 philhardbergerpark.org 4838 Old Pearsall Road (210) 207-7275 sanantonio.gov

PUBLIC SWIMMING POOL Winner: San Pedro Springs 2200 N. Flores St. (210) 732-5992 sanantonio.gov

HEMISFAIR

T

here are about a thousand reasons why San Pedro Springs Park Pool is San Antonio’s favorite, not least of all because of its cold water, central location and history dating back to the early 1700s. If you normally shy away from public pools because of dirty lukewarm water and hot cement, you may want to plan a trip to this glimmering downtown oasis. While locals have 25 other public pools to choose from, San Pedro Springs stands out among the crowd.

Lined with massive, leafy cypress trees and boasting a number of barbecue grills, this pool also remains one of the best spots in the city to settle in for a Sunday cookout. The skate park, tennis courts, library, nearby San Pedro Playhouse and myriad snack and drink options within walking distance only add to this spot’s allure.

THANK YOU

FOR VOTING FOR BLUE CAT YOGA IN BEST OF SAN ANTONIO 2019!

615 E NUEVA ST | BLUECATYOGASATX.COM | (210) 367-7764 sacurrent.com | July 31-August 13, 2019 | CURRENT

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HOURS

MON-SUN 4PM-2AM

LATE NIGHT MENU + DAILY HAPPY HOUR

LIVE MUSIC EVERY SATURDAY | OPEN MIC EVERY WEDNESDAY NIGHT

210.369.9192 | FRANCISBOGSIDE.COM | 803 S ST. MARY’S STREET | 132

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Best of SA | Around Town 2. Landa Park Aquatic Complex 350 Aquatic Circle, New Braunfels (830) 221-4360 nbtexas.org

3. Alamo Heights Pool 250 Viesca St. (210) 824-2595 heightspool.com

SHOOTING RANGE Winner: A Place to Shoot 13250 Pleasanton Road (210) 628-1888 aplacetoshoot.com

2. Bullet Hole

2715 Grosenbacher Road (210) 679-6781 bullethole.com

3. Nardis Gun Club Multiple locations nardisgunclub.com

TANNING SALON Winner: Glow on the Go Tan SA Mobile facebook.com/glowonthegotansa

2. Palm Beach Tan Multiple locations palmbeachtan.com

3. Bronzed Bodyz Mobile Spray Tanning Mobile (832) 878-7833 bronzedbodyz.com

URBAN LEGEND Winner: Ghost Tracks 2902 Shane Road

W

ell, San Antonio, we’re here to burst your Urban Legend bubble yet again. For decades, peo-

ple have thrown baby powder on their trunks and shifted into neutral on this storied segment of railway tracks to see if they’ll be pushed across the intersection to safety by well-meaning spirits who leave evidence behind in the form of tiny handprints. According to the tale, the push comes from wee ghosts of children who met an untimely end in the early 1900s when a train rammed into a bus at the location. However, in 2003, archivist Matt De Waelsche traced the story’s origin to a 1938 bus accident all the way out in Salt Lake City, Utah. Even worse, the tracks were “exorcised,” if you will, by a construction project last fall. When Union Pacific added a second track to the intersection, they levelled out the elevation, removing the downward slant that vehicles would gently roll down when they were supposedly being “pushed” by the ghosts. Turns out it was just a trick of physics the whole time.

2. La Llorona

South Side San Antonio

6483 Blanco Rd

San Antonio, TX 78216

210-348-9164

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3. San Antonio’s “Wall” City Perimeter

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

(210) 223-3101 toweroftheamericas.com

2. Hays Street Bridge

803 N. Cherry St. (210) 207-0970 facebook.com/HaysStreetBridge

3. J.W. Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa 23808 Resort Parkway (210) 276-2500 marriott.com

LINGERIE• CORSETS • LOTIONS ROMANTIC GIFTS BOOKS & MORE! WINNERS OF

WINNER

1580 BABCOCK RD | 210.767.9411 Justin Moore

SHOP ONLINE THELOVESHACKBOUTIQUE.COM sacurrent.com | July 31-August 13, 2019 | CURRENT

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CURRENT | July 31-August 13, 2019 | sacurrent.com

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Best of SA | Around Town

@Rulypondio4life

WEDDING VENUE Winner: Hotel Emma 136 E. Grayson St. (210) 448-8300 thehotelemma.com

BARRE STUDIO Winner: Pure Barre Stone Oak 21019 U.S. Highway 281 North, Suite 33 (210) 529-1728 purebarre.com

2. San Antonio Botanical Garden

2. Smart Barre

555 Funston Place (210) 536-1400 sabot.org

3. McNay Art Museum

6000 N. New Braunfels Ave. (210) 824-5368 mcnayart.org

Multiple locations smartbarrebody.com

3. Pure Barre Huebner Commons 11703 Huebner Road, Suite 112 (210) 388-3507 purebarre.com

YOGA STUDIO Winner: Black Swan Yoga 914 E. Elmira St. #201 (210) 888-9641 blackswanyoga.com

BOUTIQUE FITNESS STUDIO Winner: Soft Sensuous Moves 6441 Blanco Road (210) 863-3591 ssmfit.com

2. Blue Cat Yoga & Healing Arts

2. North Pole Dance Studio

3. Southtown Yoga Loft

3. R.A.W. Fitness

IV HYDRATION Winner: CryoFit San Antonio Multiple locations mycryofit.com

CRYO THERAPY Winner: CryoFit Alamo Heights 6486 N. New Braunfels Ave. (210) 375-9087 mycryofit.com

2. Drip IV Lounge

2. K2 Cryoyspa

615 E. Nueva St. (210) 367-7764 bluecatyogasatx.com

724 S. Alamo St. #3 (210) 931-3301 southtownyogaloft.com

1020 Navarro St. (210) 998-2348 dripivtx.com

3. ThrIVe Hydration Mobile (210) 405-3747 thrivedripspa.com

20626 Stone Oak Parkway, Suite 104 (210) 454-8558 northpoleds.com riseaboveweakness.com

946 N. Loop 1604 East #125 (210) 616-2295 k2cryospa.com

3. Alamo City CryoTherapy

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815 S. St. Mary’s St. (210) 222-2796 alamocitycryotherapy.com

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voting r o f you Thank OGS IN

TD O H T BES

us

SA

2 81-427 (210) 4 e, e d ro Av P n a S 1 621 X 78216 T , o i n o San Ant

ST E B E E T H LS IN SA V A H WE ECIA OUR SP H HAPPY

136

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s ting u o v r o you f k n a SA h T N I R A EB

BEST

DIV

y: 2 - Sunda y a d n o M

PM - 2 AM

7 20-118 (210) 3 io St , 119 El M 78216 nio TX o t n A n Sa

Nightlife

HAPPY

HOUR

A L L D AY SUN-MON

C O L D D R A F T & H A N D C R A F T E D C O C K TA I L S .

LOCATED IN THE PEARL.

312 PEARL PARKWAY | BLUEBOXBAR.COM | HOURS: MONDAY - SUNDAY, 4PM - 2AM

HAPPY HOURS: MONDAY - SUNDAY, 4PM - 8PM

COLD BEER

GOOOD TIMES

BAR EATS

The Best Little Ice House In Texas 16080 SAN PEDRO AVE | (210) 462-1894 | FACEBOOK.COM/LUCYCOOPERSTEXASICEHOUSE 138

CURRENT | July 31-August 13, 2019 | sacurrent.com

Thank you for nominating Best Bar Food + Best Happy Hour!

2950 Thousand Oaks ste 5

Mon - Fri 3P-2A | Sat - Sun 12P-2A (210) 495-0970

Best of SA | Nightlife

BAR GAMES + HAPPY HOUR Winner: Little Woodrow’s Multiple locations littlewoodrows.com

W

ith a sprawling outdoor area perfect for cornhole and ring toss, not to mention pool tables and electronic dart boards inside, Little Woodrow’s allows you to get competitive while enjoying happy hour specials on weekdays. Guests can partake in discounts at the Babcock and Stone Oak locations from 3-7 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 3-9 p.m. on Fridays. Little Woodrow’s offers $3 well beverages and domestic pints, $4 select shots, $5 select appetizers and $3 house wines, so there’s something cheap for everyone to sip on. Well-placed TV screens help you keep up with basketball, baseball, boxing and more during their respective seasons if you need to stay occupied while getting boozy.

Seriously, there’s something to do for everyone, and that’s on top of a solid selection of drinks. Be sure to check out the bar’s social media pages for special theme nights like Texas Thursdays with discounted Texas beers and turtle racing for extra fun.

BAR GAMES 2. Slackers Multiple locations slackersbars.com SA Current File

3. Bonham Exchange

411 Bonham St. (210) 224-9219 bonhamexchange.com

HAPPY HOUR 2. Evil Olive 2950 Thousand Oaks, Suite 5 (210) 495-0970 facebook.com/EvilOliveSA

3. Ocho

1015 Navarro St. (210) 222-2008 havanasanantonio.com

KARAOKE BAR Winner: Dad’s Karaoke Bar 2615 Mossrock (210) 267-5703 facebook.com/dadskaraoke

W

ith its lively atmosphere and variety of song choices, Dad’s Karaoke Bar provides the perfect environment to test your vocal chops. If you need help building up the courage to get on stage and sing, this mainstay also boasts a solid well and beer selection.

Hey, sometimes it takes a little liquid confidence to convince participants they’ve got the range and showmanship to step up to the mic, right? Adding to the eclectic fun, performers sing to the crowd on a library-themed stage — fun fact: the shelves hold real books. Part of the appeal also comes in 141 6

Courtesy of Dad’s Karaoke Bar

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Best of SA | Nightlife

SA Current File

6 139 Dad’s ability to cater to diverse musical tastes. Expect a wide-ranging catalog, from country to pop to R&B, and for energetic audience support, no matter the genre. Reserve a table in advance for a comfortable view of the stage and show up early to get your name high on the list and avoid long wait times.

2. Who’s Who Cocktails

1711 Babcock Road (210) 973-5055 facebook.com/whoswhococktails

3. Hidden Tavern

11407 West Ave. (210) 541-0001 hiddentavern.com

WINE BAR Winner: Max’s Wine Dive 340 E. Basse Road, Suite 101 (210) 444-9547 maxswinedive.com

D

on’t let the name fool you, Max’s isn’t much of a dive, even if it does have a jukebox.

It’s more of a relaxed gathering place for people who aren’t wine snobs — although we doubt the place turns away many of the latter. The menu features 101 moderately priced selections from all over the world, and the wait staff are happy to walk customers through the extensive list. Among Max’s offerings: Argam Tempranillo from Spain, menu-described “badass” red wines from France such as Réserve du Palais and a selection of eco-friendly tap wines for the green imbiber. Patrons can also purchase vino at retail prices to enjoy later. Keeping with its slogan “Fried

chicken and champagne... Why the hell not?!” Max’s also serves up a variety of comfort foods to pair with its pours, its signature crispy bird among them.

While the food’s tasty, wine is definitely the main attraction.

2. High Street Wine Co. 302 Pearl Parkway #104 (210) 908-9144 highstreetwine.com

3. Copa Wine Bar

19141 Stone Oak Parkway, Suite 704 (210) 495-2672 thecopawinebar.com

MARGARITAS Winner: La Gloria Multiple locations chefjohnnyhernandez.com

W

ith locations in the Dominion, the Pearl and the airport, Mexican street food spot La Gloria has also won a following for its margaritas. Whether you prefer yours frozen or on the rocks, La Gloria’s got you covered with three staple margs, all featuring El Jimador Reposado tequila and Patrón Citrónge. You can’t go wrong with the classic lime flavor of the Margarita de la Casa, while the Margarita La Gloria features blue curacao for a fun, citrus-infused pop of color. For a sweet, melon-like twist, try the prickly pear variety. La Gloria also periodically offers special and seasonal takes on San Antonio’s signature drink. This summer’s La Fresa, Mango Picoso and Coco Loco, for example, bring extra cooling vibes because each one is topped with a paleta.

SA Current File

2. Rosario’s

910 S. Alamo St. (210) 223-1806 rosariossa.com

3. El Mirasol

Multiple locations elmirasolsa.com sacurrent.com | July 31-August 13, 2019 | CURRENT

141

Your Favorite Neighborhood Bar,

! e n p O o w N

1160 E Commerce St, San Antonio, TX 78205 Open Daily 'Til 'T il 2 a m • H a p py H our A l l D ay Sun + M on, 4- 8 PM T u e s - S at

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Best of SA | Nightlife BARTENDER Winner: Vikki Buchanan Bonham Exchange

2. Leah Sparks

John T. Floore’s and Sam’s Burger Joint

3. Paul Hernandez

Pico de Gallo Restaurant

MUSIC VENUE Winner: Aztec Theatre 104 N. St. Mary’s St. (210) 812-4355 theaztectheatre.com

COUNTRY BAR Winner: John T. Floore’s Country Store 14492 Old Bandera Road, Helotes (210) 695-8827 liveatfloores.com

2. Thirsty Horse Saloon

2335 NW Military Highway (210) 348-1513 thirstyhorse.net

3. The Lonesome Rose 2114 N. St. Mary’s St. (210) 455-0233 thelonesomerose.com

2410 N. St. Mary’s St. (210) 841-3771 papertigersatx.com

HOOKAH BAR Winner: Hookah Harem 6862 Ingram Road (210) 455-9499 hookahharem.com

3. Majestic Theatre

2. Sultan Cafe and Grill

2. Paper Tiger

224 E. Houston St. (210) 226-5700 majesticempire.com

Jaime Monzon

5625 Babcock Road (210) 641-5544 facebook.com/SultanCafe.SA

SA Current File

3. Shisha Cafe

5500 Babcock Road #101 (210) 694-4800 shishacafesa.com

LESBIAN BAR Winner: La Botanica 2911 N. St. Mary’s St. (210) 716-0702 vivalabotanica.com

2. Sparky’s Pub

1416 N. Main Ave. (210) 320-5111 sparkyspub.com

3. Pegasus Courtesy of Sanchos Cantina & Cocina

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

BAR FOOD Winner: Sanchos Cantina & Cocina 628 Jackson St. (210) 320-1840 sanchosmx.com

B

ar food may have the reputation of being overly greasy and under seasoned, but that’s not the case at Sanchos. Though prized for its happy hour margaritas and rooftop patio, the bar serves up a respectable selection of Mexican dishes.

You won’t just find an uninspired plate of tacos or bowl of mediocre salsa here.

And when it comes to nachos, Sanchos offers 11 different varieties, from carnitas and camaron to bistec and lengua guisada, not to mention a few vegetarian options such as the calabaza y 145 6

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slackersbars.com/

KITCHEN OPEN TIL 1 AM DAILY!

HAPPY

Charlie Brown’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill

HOUR

M ON - SAT 2-7PM

NOMINATED BEST

sports bar & bar games KARAOKE + TRIVIA

august 3

DENNIS DIETZ DUO

AUgust 10

FRI, AUG 2TH

SMOKIN CUCARACHAS The Prof.Fuzz 63 + Jean Caffiene

RIGHT ON RED

august 17

AUSTIN FORREST 11888 STARCREST | 210 496-7092 CHARLIE-BROWNS.COM

SUN, AUG 4TH

HOUSE OF STARK

Anette Stark’s B-day show

OPEN OPEN 77 DAYS DAYS AA WEEK WEEK mon-fri 2pm-2am • sat-sun 11am-2am

SAT, AUG 10TH

SICK CITY DAGGERS The Cramp, Pavel Demon + the Reveant

your

city through our

lens

THUR, AUG 15TH

CLIFF AND IVY

Spook San Antonio W/ DJ Ely Bat

2809 N St Mary's St. San Antonio, TX 78212 / 126 W Rector St. Ste 136 San Antonio, TX 78216 12234 Nacogdoches Rd. San Antonio, Tx 78217 144

CURRENT | July 31-August 13, 2019 | sacurrent.com

MON–FRI | 4pm – 2am SAT–SUN | 5pm – 2am 2423 N St Mary’s St | TheMixSA.com

VISIT SACURRENT.COM/ SLIDESHOWS

Best of SA | Nightlife

6 143 elote. The sausage balls (or the shrimp balls, if you’re fancy) and the empanadas make for great sharing at the table.

Whether you’re trying to sober up a bit before heading home or are looking for delicious grub to savor with your drinks, this neighborhood joint continues to draw raves for its entrees and small plates alike.

2. Oak Hills Tavern

7920 Fredericksburg Road (210) 614-8855 oak-hills-tavern.business.site

3. The Esquire Tavern 155 E. Commerce St. (210) 222-2521 esquiretavern-sa.com

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

T

he best kind of cocktail bar is one that’s a secret. Plenty of San Antonians know about the wonder that is Bar 1919 — hey, it’s the winner after all — but part of the place’s fun is the speakeasy feel it cultivates via a basement location at the Blue Star Arts Complex. The lack outside signage also adds to the clandestine image. Inside the swanky spot you’ll find knowledgeable, hipster-esque bar staff stirring, shaking and pouring a variety of cocktails, from storied classics to house creations. While Bar 1919 has been recognized for its unbeatable cocktails, it’s also a place to sample spirits straight up. The menu is full of whiskey, scotch, wine, gin, beer and agave selections, making it an attractive spot for parties with a variety of drink preferences. Though the Bar 1919’s dark space, sleek aesthetic and live weekend jazz give it an elevated feel, it never loses that welcoming spirit. Whether you dress up for a sexy date night or dress down so you can relax and post up with a quality cocktail, this place has got you covered.

Courtesy of The Bang Bang Bar

2. The Modernist

516 E. Grayson St. (210) 446-8699 facebook.com/themodernistsa

3. SoHo Wine & Martini Bar

214 W. Crockett St. (210) 444-1000 facebook.com/sohowineandmartinibar

DIVE BAR Winner: Bang Bang Bar 119 El Mio Dr. (210) 320-1187 thebangbangbartx.com

S

an Antonio has no shortage of dives, yet a handful of local haunts rise above to become citywide faves. Self-described as “your friendly neighborhood vinyl-spinning, cocktail-slinging, vintage dive bar heaven,” Bang Bang Bar knows that it’s exactly what you’re looking for in a downmarket watering hole. Decorated with a mish-mash of old furniture to drive home its retro theme, the local favorite keeps the bar aspect top-notch, offering solid happy hour specials and

Matt Kelley

sacurrent.com | July 31-August 13, 2019 | CURRENT

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We appreciate the San Antonio Current and its readers for nominating Ocho at Hotel Havana for Best Happy Hour, Best Place for a Date, Best Hotel Bar, and Best Patio.

Join us for cocktails after your next visit to the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts or come by to taste our new lunch menu.

havanasanantonio.com

check us out at sacurrent.com

FRIDAY & SATURDAY AUGUST 9 & 10 MAJESTIC THEATRE SIGN UP FOR EXCLUSIVE PRESALES & ANNOUNCEMENTS! TEXT MAJESTICEMPIRE TO 22828

800.982.2787

146

CURRENT | July 31-August 13, 2019 | sacurrent.com

Best of SA | Nightlife

DRINK SPECIALS/CHEAP DRINKS 2. Hi-Tones 621 E. Dewey Place (210) 785-8777 hitonessa.com

3. Bang Bang Bar

119 El Mio Dr. (210) 320-1187 thebangbangbartx.com

HOTEL BAR Winner: Ocho 1015 Navarro St (210) 222-2008 havanasanantonio.com

P Steven Gilmore

fun drinks such as a chicken-on-a-stick michelada (or Bloody Mary if you prefer).

Add arcade games, a pool table, special events such as Taco Tuesday and Sunday Brunch plus an array of local and touring live music and you’ve got the cherry on top.

2. Faust Tavern

517 E. Woodlawn Ave. (210) 257-0628 facebook.com/TheFaustTavern

3. El Luchador

622 Roosevelt Ave. (210) 272-0016 facebook.com/luchadorbarsa

DANCE CLUB + GAY BAR + DRINK SPECIALS/CHEAP DRINKS Winner: Bonham Exchange 411 Bonham St. (210) 224-9219 bonhamexchange.com

T

hough located deep in the heart of downtown rather than San Antonio’s Main Street LGBTQ+ nightlife district, the Bonham Exchange remains an icon.

Decades after its establishment by the late Hap Veltman, the club is still

prized for dependable DJs spinning everything from hip-hop and Latin to EDM and Top 40, not to mention drag shows that bring folks together inside the historic three-story, 25,000-squarefoot landmark. There’s something going on nearly every night too — karaoke on Wednesdays and dance parties on Thursdays and Fridays, the TakeOver with Energy 94.1 on Saturdays and drink specials throughout the week. Some argue the bar has been “straight-washed” in recent years, but pride in the Bonham’s history remains strong, even after the passing of owner Kenneth Garrett, who died this February. Whether you’re part of the city’s LGBTQ+ community or just looking for a dance club that’s welcoming to all, the Bonham remains steadfast to its mission of serving both audiences.

GAY BAR 2. Heat Nightclub 1500 N. Main Ave. (210) 227-2600 heatsa.com

3. Sparky’s Pub

1416 N. Main Ave (210) 320-5111 sparkyspub.com

erfect for a boozy brunch, special lunch date or as the backdrop for a fire Instagram photoshoot, Ocho continues to wow locals as much as it does visitors. Found inside the aesthetically pristine Hotel Havana, Ocho serves up a variety of Pan-Latin fare, including dishes inspired by Cuba, Mexico and Texas, from a riverside lounge reminiscent of a glass conservatory and full of old-world charm. Appropriately, mojitos are one of Ocho’s most popular drinks, but the cocktail menu also highlights San Antonio’s roots with plenty of tequila-based libations alongside the rum. If you don’t go for the mojito, consider ordering the Havana Mule, Martinique Punch, Hemingway Daiquiri, Havana Margarita, Old Cuban and Santiago Painkiller to experience Ocho’s twists on traditional cocktails.

Clearly, both the quality of the drinks and the beauty of the space make Ocho a favorite for San Antonians playing tourist in their own city.

DANCE CLUB 2. Brass Monkey 2702 N. St. Mary’s St. (210) 480-4722 facebook.com/brassmonkeytx

3. The Squeezebox

2806 N. St. Mary’s St. (210) 314-8845 facebook.com/TheSqueezebox

Jaime Monzon

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Best of SA | Nightlife

Courtesy of Lucy Coopers

2. Menger Bar

204 Alamo Plaza (210) 223-4361 mengerhotel.com

3. Sternewirth

136 E. Grayson St. (210) 223-7375 thehotelemma.com

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

W

ith Texas craft breweries continuing to proliferate, some have wondered whether there’s enough space on grocery shelves and bar taps to accommodate them all. Alamo Beer Company apparently can rest easy, as it’s managed to muscle its way into both venues in addition to selling onsite via its own tap room. The near East Side location has emerged as a dependable spot to pair craft draft and fun events. The venue offers plenty of green space for the kids to run around while Mom and Dad sit back at a picnic table and sip brews. There’s also space to play a few rounds of cornhole with a cold one in hand. Live music and periodic festivals round out the offerings.

Just remember to take a selfie with the on-site cannon before you head out.

2. Freetail Brewing

Erik Gustafson

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

A

fter opening on a whim in December 2018, Lucy Cooper’s Ice House appears to have quickly made its way into the hearts — and bellies — of San Antonio food and drink lovers. Calling itself the “best little icehouse in Texas,” this newcomer aspires to be that relaxed neighborhood establishment with a bar-food menu ranging from the standard (fried pickles) to the more elaborate (a Low Country boil including snow crab and coastal shrimp). An extensive beer list spanning Bud Light to Left Hand Milk Stout Nitro will keep the hop heads happy, while those favoring the harder stuff will find signature drinks and Texas-focused spirits. Also on tap is an eclectic mix of entertainment, including live music on Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons.

2. Sandbox

Multiple locations freetailbrewing.com

7280 UTSA Blvd.

(210) 277-0970 thesandboxsa.com

3. Weathered Souls Brewing Co.

3. The Modernist

606 Embassy Oaks #500 (210) 313-8796 weatheredsouls.beer

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BLOODY MARY + PLACE TO NURSE A HANGOVER Winner: Liberty Bar 1111 S. Alamo St. (210) 227-1187 liberty-bar.com

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an Antonians who don’t know their alcohol limit are apparently well acquainted with the Liberty Bar, which came out on top both for its Bloody Mary and as the prime place to seek out the hair of the dog. It’s easy to see the appeal. The bright pink Southtown outpost has the kind of laidback vibes and attentive service that tend to aid a successful recovery. Consider yourself lucky if your hangover falls on a Saturday, because that’s when Bloody Marys, made with the bar’s own spicy mix, are half-price. Seldom does a $4 Bloody Mary taste this good. Liberty’s brunch is also a good way to kickstart your sobriety.

Chef-prepared items such as the house French toast, chilaquiles Norteños or the huevos “New Braunfels” certainly hold their own with the libations.

BLOODY MARY 2. The Pigpen 106 Pershing Ave. (210) 267-9136 thepigpensa.com

POOL • DARTS • PING PONG

ENJOY OUR PATIO AREA

3. Whiskey Cake Kitchen & Bar

15900 La Cantera Parkway, Suite 21200 (210) 236-8095 whiskeycake.com

PLACE TO NURSE A HANGOVER 2. Southtown 101 101 Pereida St. (210) 263-3753 southtown101.net

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3. Flying Saucer Draught Emporium

11255 Huebner Road #212 (210) 696-5080 beerknurd.com/locations/san-antonio-flying-saucer

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Best of SA | Nightlife 3. The Hoppy Monk

1010 N Loop 1604 East (210) 545-3330 thehoppymonk.com

Be Yourself and Live

MICHELADAS 2. Sanchos Cantina & Cocina 628 Jackson St. (210) 320-1840 sanchosmx.com SA Current File

ICE HOUSE + CRAFT BEER SELECTION + MICHELADAS + SUNDAY FUNDAY Winner: The Friendly Spot 943 S. Alamo St. (210) 224-2337 thefriendlyspot.com

W

hat helped the Friendly Spot take the top spot in so many categories?

Best guess, it’s a combo of the spacious outdoor patio, massive craft beer menu, carefully crafted drinks and chill vibes. The Southtown staple has proven a perfect spot for relaxing with the family, taking in a boozy outing with drinking buddies or even holding a political victory party. In addition to being dog-friendly, it boasts a cool outdoor playground and a large screen showing anything from movies to Spurs games. Folks from across the city, and even some from outside, regularly make the drive to pick from Friendly Spot’s list of more than 300 bottle and can brews plus an armada of taps. But it’s not just the craft brews that draw fans. The micheladas that have a delectable spiciness that just won’t quit, and the Mexican and American bar bites are a cut above typical pub grub.

ICE HOUSE 2. The Dakota East Side Ice House 433 S. Hackberry St. (210) 375-6009 thedakotasa.com

3. La Tuna

100 Probandt St. (210) 212-5727 latunasa.com

CRAFT BEER SELECTION 2. Flying Saucer Draught Emporium 11255 Huebner Road #212 (210) 696-5080 beerknurd.com/locations/san-antonio-flying-saucer

3. Pico De Gallo Restaurant 111 S. Leona St. (210) 225-6060 picodegallo.com

SUNDAY FUNDAY 2. Hills & Dales Ice House 15403 White Fawn Dr. (210) 695-2307 facebook.com/centeroftheuniversesatx

3. The Rustic

17619 La Cantera Parkway, Suite 204 (210) 245-7500 therustic.com

SPORTS BAR Winner: Slackers Multiple locations slackersbars.com

T

he three-bar Slackers chain apparently holds a commanding lead when it comes to folks who like getting boozy while they watch sports — or play sports of the indoor variety. Each Slackers location features a dozen large-format flatscreen TVs airing anything from football and hoops to soccer and cycling plus a badass sound system. For those not content just to be spectators, however, the bars also offer the chance to play Soccer Pool on what the chain bills as a life-size pool table and Floor Board on a massive shuffleboard square. If those sound a little too physical, there’s always pool, beer pong, air hockey and other diversions. The bars are also stocked with vintage arcade games ranging from NBA Jam to Mortal Kombat 2, and an impressive beer list. Just a word of warning, however: your motor skills may not be at their best after you’ve slammed back a few cold ones.

2. Cover 3

1806 N. 1604 West (210) 479-9700 cover-3.com

3. Ticket Sports Pub

420 E. Houston St. (210) 222-9722 theticketsportsbarsa.com

Thank You For Crowning The Bonham Exchange

The Queen of Nightlife In San Antonio!

Thank you for Nominating us!

Best Dance Club • Best Bar Games Best Gay Bar • Best Bartender Best Cheap Drinks / Drink Specials

Friday Nights with DJ COBWEB & The Hot Chest Contest with Alayna Marquez & Natasha Capri!

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2019 bEsT oF sAn ANt OnIo NOmInEe:

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HAPPY HOUR SUNDAY & MONDAY All DAY | TUESDAY- FRIDAY: 4-7PM | REVERSE HAPPY HOUR EVERYDAY:11PM-2AM sacurrent.com | July 31-August 13, 2019 | CURRENT

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THU | 8/1 – FRI | 8/2

Ashley Mireles

ART

‘APPARENT DRAWINGS’

The joys of looking at art are immeasurable, and for many it can be a transformative experience. Ashley Mireles’ latest exhibition at the newly minted Brick House Gallery, “Apparent Drawings,” explores this very concept.

Her series of drawings features portraits of people in the midst of viewing art, focusing on their self-reflection and all-around captivation. With portraits capturing the reactions of everyone from children to the elderly, “Apparent Drawings” is a playful series of illustrations that appeals to the curiosity and wonder of viewers. An artist and educator, Mireles is known for exploring cultural themes, gender issues and the human condition in her drawings, prints and murals. Her exhibition will inaugurate the Brick House Gallery, an experimental art space housed on the second floor of Brick at Blue Star, and will be on view through August 30. Free, 6 p.m., Thursday and Friday, Brick House Gallery, Brick at Blue Star, 108 Blue Star, (832) 259-3530, ashleymireles.com. — Marco Aquino

the script” of classic scenes known and beloved by many. If opposite day is your jam, then this reversal of theatrical — and gender — roles may be right up your alley. Free, 6:30 p.m., Leeper Auditorium, McNay Art Museum, 6000 N. New Braunfels Ave., (210) 8245368, mcnayart.org. — Kelly Merka Nelson

THU | 8/1 – FRI | 8/2 ART Courtesy of McNay Art Museum

THU | 8/1 TH EATER

FLIP THE SCRIPT: EXPLORING GENDER IN CLASSIC DRAMA L

From seasoned connoisseurs of Othello and Hamlet to anyone who’s casually watched the 1998 Oscar bait Shakespeare in Love, one fact about Elizabethan theater is painfully clear: when our boy Will first penned his plays (which he did, in fact, do — check your conspiracy theories at the door), only men would go on to play the roles onstage. While it can be argued that the scales have long since been balanced by actually casting women in the female roles of Shakespeare’s expansive oeuvre, a pesky thought remains — what might it look like if women also embodied the male characters onstage? The answer may lie in a performance hosted by the McNay, in which actresses will don the mantles of Shakespeare’s leading men to “flip 156

CURRENT | July 31-August 13, 2019 | sacurrent.com

‘LOW-TECH INNOVATIONS (DONE AT A LEISURELY PACE) #2’ AND ‘NOW EVEN BETTER!’ 5

Newly transplanted artist Jeff Wheeler has wasted no time putting together a full slate of upcoming exhibitions, featuring solo work as well as collaborations with friends both old and new. This month he’s in rare form, with not one but two openings in Blue Star on First Thursday and Friday. At FL!GHT, he unveils the latest from “The Infamous Wheeler Brothers,” an exhibition titled “Low-Tech Innovations (Done at a Leisurely Pace) #2” that showcases works that integrate his collage-drawing style with his brother Bryan’s large-scale paintings. The best part? Wheeler convinced his bro to throw down some sweet jams to set the mood for both nights. A hop, skip and a jump away in the upstairs Blue Star studio spaces, Wheeler’s “Now Even Better!” will take over DAMAS Gallery with a series of Frankensteined sculptures crafted from ceramic forms that he rescued from thrift and antique stores around

Bryan Wheeler and Jeff Wheeler

the city. Once he brought them back to his laboratory — uh, I mean studio — he combined them into new shapes and adorned them with bright colors, historical references and pop art-inflected humor. Free, 6-10 p.m. Thursday and Friday, FL!GHT Gallery, 112R Blue Star, (210) 872-2586, facebook.com/flightSA, DAMAS Gallery and Studio, 1414 S. Alamo St. #202, (207) 6537608, facebook.com/damas.space. — KMN

Courtesy of Cirque du Soleil

together from household objects. Together, the works evoke both memory and fantasy, a tangible reminder to the viewer that the dreamlike wonder and fanciful capers of childhood need not be cast aside when we grow up. Free, 6-9 p.m. Thursday and Friday, on view noon-5 p.m.

Thursdays-Saturdays through August 17, Terminal 136, 136 Blue Star, (210) 458-4391, art.utsa.edu/ terminal-136. — KMN

THU | 8/1 – FRI | 8/2 SUN | 8/4 ART

‘LUDUS ANTIQUA’ L

The latest opening at Terminal 136 plays on the dichotomy between childhood and adulthood, drawing its title from the Latin words “ludus,” for “play,” and “antiqua,” a form of the adjective meaning “old” or “traditional.” Artists Joan Fabian and Roberta Masciarelli have compiled a body of work that reconciles the imaginative child with the reflective adult, from Fabian’s vividly colored mixed-media paintings to Masciarelli’s playful and inventive sculptures pieced

calendar

Courtesy of Terminal 136

FILM

JUNIOR BONNER p

The final entry in the Briscoe Museum’s Summer Film Series is an atypical work from Sam Peckinpah’s oeuvre, the modern Western Junior Bonner. A box office failure that was overshadowed by The Getaway, Peckinpah’s other collaboration with leading man Steve McQueen, Junior Bonner features McQueen in the titular role as an aging rodeo rider who returns to his hometown of Prescott, Arizona, for an Independence Day parade and rodeo.

Solar Productions

Between family drama and his rivalry with an obstinate bull ironically named Sunshine, Bonner gets bruised in more way than one in his less-than-auspicious homecoming. Filmed on location in Prescott, the movie features authentic Arizona vistas as well as locals populating the background as extras, but what’s notably missing from the movie is the brutality for which Peckinpah earned the nickname “Bloody Sam.” To close out the film series with a bang, there will be food trucks on site and free beer from Ranger Creek Brewing. $5-$10, 1 p.m., Briscoe Western Art Museum, 210 W. Market St., (210) 299-4499, briscoemuseum.org. — KMN

THU | 8/8 – SUN | 8/11 SPECIAL EVEN T

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL: CORTEO L

Cirque du Soleil’s touring show Corteo is centered on Mauro the Dreamer Clown, from whose imagination springs angels and acrobats as he conjures a “world of fun, comedy and spontaneity situated in a mysterious space between heaven and earth.” The show features the trademark glamour and artistry of all of Cirque du Soleil’s productions, with intricate costumes and makeup accentuating the performers’ every twist and turn. The myriad of intricately choreographed acts include flying performers on bouncing beds, a living marionette, spinning cyr wheels, music performed on crystal glasses and Tibetan bowls and even acrobats swinging from chandeliers. Because it’s never enough for the Cirque to simply put on a show with world-class acrobatic talent, Corteo features a unique turntable stage developed specifically for the production. The audience, seated on both sides, will be able to see both the performers and fellow attendees. $55-$149, 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 3:30 p.m.

Saturday, 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Sunday, AT&T Center, 1 AT&T Center Parkway, (210) 444-5140, attcenter.com. — KMN

800.982.2787 SIGN UP FOR EXCLUSIVE PRESALES & ANNOUNCEMENTS! TEXT MAJESTICEMPIRE TO 22828

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possible outcomes at the end of the play. McDowell’s comedic take on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s iconic character stars Ashley Deleona as Holmes and Michael Goodwin as Watson, and will run August 9-31, offering plenty of chances to view all of the possible endings. $10-15, 8 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays through August 31, The Gregg Barrios Theater at the Overtime, 5409 Bandera Road, Suite 205, (210) 557-7562, theovertimetheater.org. — KMN

SAT | 8/10 SPECIAL EVEN T

SCIENCE FRIDAY LIVE 5

Courtesy of the Overtime Theater

FRI | 8/9 – SAT | 8/10

NPR’s long-running show Science Friday brings science to the people at the end of each workweek via fascinating stories on subjects from archaeological wonders to interstellar anomalies. Hosted by award-winning journalist Ira Flatow, the show officially spun off of Talk of the Nation upon the former’s 2013 cancellation and remains popular both on the radio and in podcast form. For its live tours, the SciFri crew takes full advantage of the ability to expand into the visual medium, integrating props, video screenings and live demonstrations into the program. But the best part is that each show is personalized for the city where it’s presented. The San Antonio show will showcase three topics: the avian ecology of Texas, from the roadrunner to the American Kestrel;

Courtesy of Tobin Center for the Performing Arts

an Alamo City biolab that’s one of a handful in the nation rated to contain lethal viruses like Ebola; and the beautiful “batnado” that erupts from Bracken Cave each night as its massive colony of Mexican freetailed bats leave to feed. If you possess an enduring love for both science and San Anto, then this is the perfect event for you. $29.50-$65, 7 p.m., H-E-B Performance Hall, Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, 100 Auditorium Circle, (210) 223-8624, tobincenter.org. — KMN

TH EATER

SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE CASE OF THE CURIOUS CANDY MURDER L

Scott McDowell is back at it again with a brand-new case for genius detective Sherlock Holmes to crack with a bit of help from crime-solving collaborators in the audience of the Overtime Theater. In Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Curious Candy Murder, Holmes and loyal sidekick Dr. John Watson must enter the seedy criminal underworld of 1902 London to prevent the murder of none other than the city’s QueenPin of Crime. As the plot advances, the audience will help steer the story toward one of four

COMEDY

GEORGE LOPEZ

Television’s favorite Mexican American comedian is visiting the Majestic Theatre for a performance of his latest stand-up routine, George Lopez: The Wall. Though our freshest memories of George Lopez may date all the way back to his self-produced, eponymous TV sitcom, he’s kept himself sharp since the show ended in 2007. His late-night talk show Lopez Tonight aired for two seasons, he’s made several appearances in films since and, most recently, TV Land ran two seasons of his semi-autobiographical sitcom Lopez, which concluded in 2016. If you’re a fan of Lopez’s stand-up but haven’t had a chance to catch his most recent HBO special, which first aired two years ago, you may want to keep it that way and see him live instead. $40.50-$100.50, 7 p.m. and 10 p.m.

Friday and Saturday, The Majestic Theatre, 224 E. Houston St., (210) 226-3333, majesticempire.com.

— Daniel Conrad

FRI | 8/9 – SAT | 8/10

Courtesy of the Majestic Theatre

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Open Tues - Sat 10a-7p i Sun 11a-7p i 210-927-7422 i picapicaplaza.com

EVERYTHING UNDER ONE ROOF! An to ni o, TX 78 21 4 91 0 SE Mi li ta ry Dr , Sa n Fo ll ow us on ___ ___ ___ __

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calendar | art pick FRI | 8/2 JOIN US THUR SDAY F OR

¡Vamos a Tequila!

SPEC IA LS ON F INE TEQUILA A ND TEQUILA C OC KTAILS

Jesus Treviño ART PICK

‘BEHIND OUR WALLS’ & ‘CASA DE CAMBIOS’

A

s we mentioned in the Around Town section of this year’s Best of San Antonio issue, Southtown’s award-winning Presa House Gallery has distinguished itself not just with consistently solid exhibitions but by championing underrepresented talents and organizing cultural exchanges that welcome non-local artists. Those qualities promise to coalesce in a big way with the gallery’s August pairing of Jesus Treviño and Alán Serna.

A San Antonio native who grew up in Brownsville, graduated from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and is headed for grad school at UT Austin in the fall, Treviño excels at representational painting but often takes his portraits into surreal territory by incorporating obscuration, fragmentation and elements of abstraction. A prime example, his puzzle-like painting installation Fragmentation of Self — which took home best in show at the Brownsville Museum of Art’s 47th Annual International Exhibition — depicts the artist dissected and scrambled between six mismatched window frames. Treviño’s creative exploration of fragmentation carries over into his debut solo show “Behind

Our Walls,” which also tackles “physical and metaphorical boundaries — from the border to the walls of our home and emotional façades.”

Born in the Mexican state of Zacatecas, Serna earned a BFA from the University of Texas at San Antonio and an MFA in printmaking from the University of Kentucky and is presently working as a professor of drawing and painting at UTSA. Among the many talented artists featured in Freight Gallery’s excellent 2018 exhibition “Images of Power,” Serna draws inspiration from personal experiences, pop culture and digital technology to address “locational identity, personal and political immigrant narratives and themes of biculturalism, acculturation and assimilation.” Nodding somewhat conceptually with its title to currency exchange outposts, his “Casa de Cambios” conjures urban slices of borderland life through photo-based prints of cityscapes and sculptural work informed by everyday ephemera.

Free, opening reception 6-11 p.m., Friday, Aug. 2, on view by appointment through Aug. 31, Presa House Gallery, 725 S. Presa St., (210) 9135842, presahouse.com.

— Bryan Rindfuss

DJ Biig Mike 10 P.M. - 2 A.M.

Open Mic Night!

E V E R Y T U E S D AY | 9 P M - 1 2 A M

WITH BRIAN HECKLER

DJ Therapy

E V E R Y F R I D AY | 1 0 P M - 2 A M

17101 La Cantera Pkwy | San Antonio, TX 78256 | (210) 310-3733

Alán Serna

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The exclusive food service provider of the SAVOR is the food and beverage provider of the Alamodome, home to UTSA Roadrunner football, Monster Jam, Valero Alamo Bowl, concerts, and many more. Non-Profit Organizations (NPOs) partnered with SAVOR have the opportunity to share in the profits of the concessions stands while gaining exposure for their organization.

Our company’s commitment to partnering with organizations in our community allows SAVOR to give back to the local community in San Antonio, and surrounding areas.

Rather than putting together car washes or bake sales, SAVOR’s NPO program allows maximize volunteer time and effort by working directly with our Coordinator.

SAVOR is looking to create partnerships with local organizations in the San Antonio area, holding 501C3 designation. Volunteers must be 18+ and will receive orientation, training, and scheduling. In our facility, all groups’ volunteers are required to be certified with the Food Safety Training and Certification, as well as, obtaining their TABC permit.

We look forward to connecting and working together to help your organization reach your financial goals!

If you are interested in learning more please contact our HR Coordinator: Holly Tag, at 210-704-6351 or htag@savorbt.com

r o v S a es! the

Dat

AUG. SEPT Cheers to 20 Years 10 24 THRU

2 6 THRU 29

S a n An t o n i o Restaurant Week

See participating restaurants at culinariasa.org

WINE + FOOD F E S T I VAL

BECKER VINEYARDS+ LA CANTERA RESORT & SPA

Tickets + Details At Culinariasa.org 162

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SLAVIC

SOUL

PARTY!

CHARLINE MCCOMBS EMPIRE THEATRE

AUGUST 24, 2019 7:30 P. P M.

TUE | 8/13

the

Four

Universal Pictures

Italian

Tenors

FILM

THE BLUES BROTHERS

Texas Public Radio is rounding out this year’s Cinema Tuesdays — the San Antonio NPR affiliate’s weekly film screening spree that highlights artistic and otherwise notable movies each summer — with the quotable classic The Blues Brothers.

The comedy-musical pairs Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi as blood brothers who turn their backs on petty crime and set out to save a Catholic orphanage from foreclosure, a mission — from God, you might say — that will run them afoul of the Chicago P.D., but not before the audience is treated to myriad R&B, soul and blues numbers on the way. This one’s always worth a rewatch, if only for the incredible car chase sequence toward the end. Plus, Cinema Tuesdays host Nathan Cone promises a rare short film featuring Cab Calloway as a bonus preceding the evening’s main feature. $10-$15, 7:30 p.m., Santikos Bijou Cinema Bistro, 4522 Fredericksburg Road, (210) 614-8977, tpr.org. — DC

LAURIE AUDITORIUM at TRINITY UNIVERSITY

SEPTEMBER 7, 2019 7:30 P. M .

THIS MODERN WORLD BY TOM TOMORROW

at the McNay!

August 8 | 6 - 9 pm

6000 North New Braunfels San Antonio | mcnayart.org

MUSIC BY: BIDI BIDI BANDA Real Ale Brewing Co. available for purchase

FREE SHUTTLE SERVICE Park @ public lot on Emporia Blvd & Vanderheck St

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JERRY FEST 2019

THREE DAY EVENT! AUG 2 - AUG 4

FRI. AUG 2 - MINGLEWOOD | DOORS: 7:30 P | SHOW: 8:30 P SAT. AUG 3 - JOSH PEARSON GOES PHISH PLUS S.A. WOMAN| DOORS: 7 P | SHOW: 8 P SUN. AUG 4 - DEADEYE | DOORS: 6 P | SHOW: 7 P

PROXIMA PARADA

THE HAYRIDE HOP WITH LINDSAY BEAVER MON. AUG 5 | DOORS: 7:30 P | SHOW: 8 P

THU. AUG 1 | DOORS: 7:30 P | SHOW: 8:30 P

FRI • AUGUST 2 CLAY HOLLIS W/ SARAH HOBBS

S AT • A U G U S T 3 SOLDIER SONGS AND VOICES

IAN MOORE BAND + ZACK WALTHER BAND

TUE. AUG 6 | SHOW: 7 P

THU. AUG 8 | DOORS: 7 P | SHOW: 8 P

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music | music Picks Wednesday, July 31

that will cap each bands’ 30-minute set. Free, 8 p.m., Imagine Books & Records, 8373 Culebra Rd, (210) 239-7380, imaginebookstexas.com. — Jay Nanda

AMY LAVERE AND WILL SEXTON

These two fine Americana artists, who also happen to be husband and wife, have joined forces to release a joint album. They’ll celebrate the release of Hallelujah, I’m a Dreamer with a show at Sam’s Burger Joint. $10-$45, 8 p.m., Sam’s Burger Joint, 330 E. Grayson St., (210) 223-2830, samsburgerjoint.com.

— James Courtney

JOSH WARD

Houston honky-tonker Josh Ward’s motto is “All grit and no quit,” and it’s hard to argue with the results. He’s racked up nine consecutive No. 1 singles and continues to ride the momentum from his fourth album More Than I Deserve, which dropped in May 2018.

His tunes “Whiskey & Whitley,” “Hard Whiskey,” “One More Shot of Whiskey” should give you a good idea what to expect, as does his cover of Gary Stewart’s 1975 offering “Brand New Whiskey.”

Giddyup! $20, 9 p.m., Gruene Hall, 1281 Gruene Rd., New Braunfels, (830) 6061281, gruenehall.com. — JN

Thursday, August 1

PRINCE DADDY & THE HYENA

Prince Daddy & the Hyena’s quirk-ometer is off the charts, as witnessed by the group’s music videos and social media posts, which are chock full of Adult Swim humor. Beyond that, this outfit is an authentic-yet-modern callback to the ’90s emo scene that unites both today’s disenchanted youth and the previous generation’s emo kids who grew up to become apathetic adults. $12, 8 p.m., Paper Tiger, 2410 N. Saint Mary’s St., papertigersatx.com. — Shannon Sweet

Friday, August 2

GRUPO BRONCO

Grupo Bronco has risen to international fame by paying homage to Norteño, a traditional music style that originated in Northern Mexico, and adding in modern touches like keyboards, electric guitars, and arena-sized performances. Indeed, the band has set the gold standard for the grupera genre, which fuses new and old, classic and cutting-edge. $39-$154, 7:30 p.m., Aztec Theatre, 104 N. St. Mary’s St., (210) 8124355, theaztectheatre.com. — SS

LUNA LUNA

Dallas-based Luna Luna delivers high-energy indie-pop with a mature sense of melody and earworms aplenty.

Dive into the band’s catalog at lunalunaband.bandcamp.com for a taste of what they can deliver. $10-$12, 8 p.m., Paper Tiger, 2410 N. St. Mary’s St., papertigersatx.com. — JC

JERRY FEST 2019

Sam’s weekend-long “Jerry Fest 2019” will feature a trio of bands paying tribute to late Grateful Dead singer-guitarist Jerry Garcia. Austin-based Dead tribute Minglewood performs Friday, jam band stalwart Josh Pearson Goes Phish takes the stage Saturday and Deadeye, another Dead tribute hailing from Austin, will close things out on

Sunday, August 4

BILLY BOB THORNTON AND THE BOXMASTERS

Thursday, August 1 Whenever famous actors try their hand at releasing music, there’s a tendency to see their efforts as little more than ego writ large, taking away a share of the spotlight from musicians without a big name or a big budget. That said, actor Billy Bob Thornton’s band the Boxmasters reads more like the genuine article.

First, the group, which plays old timey rock ’n’ roll mixed with hillbilly swing, is the result of Thornton’s lifelong practice of and enthusiasm for music — it’s not an ego-driven flight of fancy. Second, just ask Willie Nelson. Thornton and crew have opened for the Texas legend on multiple tours over the years.

And, if Willie co-signs anything you know it’s the real deal. Anyone still looking for confirmation that the Boxmasters can verify it via Spotify or YouTube. You’ll find that, over the course of eight albums, including this year’s Speck, the Boxmasters have built up a fine collection of music that crackles with the mystery and intrigue of a bygone vision of America. $37.50, 8pm, Gruene Hall, 1281 Gruene, New Braunfels, (830) 606-1281, gruenehall.com. — James Courtney

Sunday. Sounds like a nice shortcut back to Shakedown Street. $10-$50, 8:30 p.m., Sam’s Burger Joint, 330 E. Grayson St., (210) 223-2830, samsburgerjoint.com. — SS

Saturday, August 3

SPIES LIKE US

A veteran local ska act known for its rousing (and skanking) live shows will play a gig billed as “25 Years of Spies Like Us,” celebrating — as the name suggests — a quarter century as a band. $5, 10 p.m., Bang Bang Bar, 119 El Mio Dr., (210) 320-1187, thebangbangbartx.com. — JC

AARON WATSON, MIKE RYAN AND RANDALL KING

Watson, touring to support his new album, Red Bandana, is bringing his take on country music to Whitewater Amphitheater. The new record has flown out of the gate, landing Watson at a career high No. 2 on the Top Country Album charts. He’s performed in a Whataburger T-shirt, so you know he’s good Texas peeps. $23.10-$753.81, 8:30 p.m., Whitewater Amphitheater, 11860 FM 306, New

MDC, VERBAL ABUSE, THE ELECTED OFFICIALS

Three stalwarts in the hardcore punk scene — a couple of which boast CVs dating back to the early ’80s — will descend on SA for a night of pissed-off, politically charged mayhem. If that’s not enough, a roster of solid local punk acts will also get in on the action. $10, 9 p.m., Limelight, 2718 N. St. Mary’s St., thelimelightsa.com. — JC

Braunfels, (830) 964-3800, floattheguadalupe.com. — Mike McMahan

SUNDAY DRIVE RECORDS SHOWCASE

No, this isn’t a Sunday event — in fact, it’s a Saturday. The name of the label is Sunday Drive Records. They’re indie.

They’re Texas-based. And this, their third annual event, will showcase Anxious Arms, Donna Hayward and Frontage — the last of which is playing its final show. $15-$18, 5:30 p.m., Paper Tiger, 2410 N. St. Mary’s St., papertigersatx.com. — MM

NV3: BRAINWAVVE, CORDUROI, XIAN, BRAGGLIGHTS, STAR FIGHTER DREAMS

“The Loudest Bookstore in Texas” is going pop — at least for one evening.

Night Visuals 3 is the mastermind of Brainwavve, aka “solo glitch synthpop” headliner Benjamin Crowley, who recently left Longhorn Country for the Alamo City. Crowley mixes drum patterns, hardware samplers, melodies and analog video accompaniment. The result is a highly energetic performance

CARLY RAE JEPSEN

The description “cult pop star” may seem like the ultimate oxymoron, but it seems to fit for Canada’s Carly Rae Jepsen. Despite her sugary-sweet, butterfly-inducing sing-along bangers, the “Call Me Maybe” singer has brought enough indie sensibilities to her music to give it a wider appeal than the teen market. $31-$125, 7 p.m., Aztec Theatre, 104 N. St. Mary’s St., (210) 8124355, theaztectheatre.com. — SS

Wednesday, August 7

SASAMI

L.A.’s Sasami has a serious resume. She possesses a fancy-pants music school education, which is one thing, but she’s also paid her dues on guitar, bass and French horn (!) for studio and live work with myriad orchestras and bands. In addition to her live work with the Breeders, Liz Phair and Blondie, her premier solo outing, grounded in a classic indie rock sound, won raves from tastemaker Pitchfork. A definite up-and-comer. $12$14, 8 p.m., Paper Tiger, 2410 N. St. Mary’s St., papertigersatx.com. — MM

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top pick

PEDRO THE LION AND MEWITHOUTYOU

Sunday, August 11 Prolific Seattle singer-songwriter David Bazan is returning to San Antonio with his seminal band Pedro the Lion, which he reformed in 2017 after dissolving it a decade or so earlier.

Formed in the mid ’90s, Pedro the Lion’s endlessly pliable, lo-fi emo sound had an important impact on what indie rock became in the early aughts. Early this year, the band released the appropriately, if obviously, titled Phoenix, its first new album since 2004. Now local fans have a chance to catch the revived band in action and experience both new material and old favorites. As if that’s not swell enough, Pedro the Lion comes to town with popular post-hardcore/art rock act mewithoutyou. Taken all together, it promises to be a great show for everyone that’s been stubbornly holding on to their sadcore 1990s angst. $25, 8 p.m., Paper Tiger, 2410 N. St. Mary’s St., papertigersatx.com. — JC Ryan Russell

Wednesday, August 7

MIDNIGHT RIVER CHOIR

Farruko, who describes his music as a mix of “Latin, reggaeton and urban,” is touring to support a new album called Gangalee. Beyond his music, Farruko is worth noting for his strikingly geometric hair and beard. Stylin’. And if you don’t like it, take that up with his 15 million Facebook followers. $36.50, 7:30 p.m., Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, 100 Auditorium Circle, (210) 223-8624, tobincenter.org. — MM

This act bills its music as “raw and natural and soaked up from the earth through their bare feet.”

Intriguing indeed. But don’t be fooled. Church won’t be in session, and no middle-school choruses will be on hand. Just good ol’ country guitars and feel-good dance music lighting up one of New Braunfels’ fave hangouts on a hot summer night. $10, 8 p.m., River Road Ice House, 1791 Hueco Springs Loop Road, New Braunfels, (830) 626-1335, riverroadicehouse.com. — JN

Thursday, August 8

Saturday, August 10

808 DAY WITH CAMP LO AND FAT TONY

THE LOST PROJECT, THE HAWKS (OF HOLY ROSARY), TERA FERNA, COLLECTIVE DREAMS

FARRUKO

The date of this bill (8/08) celebrates the iconic Roland TR-808 drum machine behind so many hip-hop classics, and the acts involved have certainly done their part to celebrate it as well. It doesn’t get much better than hanging with a pair of certified NYC rap OGs and a rad upstart from H-town (now relocated to Brooklyn). $12, 7 p.m., Aztec Theatre, 104 N. St. Mary’s St., (210) 812-4355, theaztectheatre.com. — JC

The Hawks’ video for “It’s Just Work” might make one think twice about that next drive-thru visit, but of course, it’s all in good fun. Creativity may be lacking with a fair share of musical acts these days, but as

they like to say, “The Hawks remain the enemy of fashion and image, but not imagination.” Does that mean they’ll be performing naked? Only one way to find out. After all, what’s not to like about a band that releases music on Texas Is Funny Records? $5, 9 p.m., Limelight, 2718 N. St. Mary’s St., thelimelightsa.com. — JN

Sunday, August 11

MIYAVI

Although a key player in the Japanese rock scene for two decades, first as the guitarist in a visual kei band — Japan’s answer to hair metal — then as a solo musician, Miyavi is probably known to most Americans as an actor. He’s appeared in the blockbuster Kong: Skull Island and as the lead in Angelina Jolie’s Unbroken.

Luckily, he hasn’t given up the rock, though, and is bringing his golden fingers and silver tongue to San Antonio. $30, 7 p.m., (210) 255-3833, 1211 E. Houston St., vibeseventcenter.com. — SS

HOMESHAKE, KEITH CHARLES

Homeshake is making his way to SA following the February release of his Helium album. The one-man project, a nom de plume of Peter Sagar, pulls from a number of genres, from indie rock to hip hop to everything in between. Plus, he’s name checked Japanese lit legend Haruki Murakami as a lyrical influence, showing some serious ambition. $20-$25, 9 p.m., Paper Tiger, 2410 N. St. Mary’s St., papertigersatx.com. — MM

Friday, August 9

TO WHOM IT MAY, SILENT MINORITY, SEQUENCES, RENDERED HEARTLESS

To Whom It May, a Galveston trio that once opened for SA favorites Nothing More at the Aztec, will headline this metal-filled evening. The middle-billed acts are hometown bands in the alternative and metalcore styles, while Aransas Pass natives Rendered Heartless will kick off the show. In other words, it’s a smorgasbord of South Texas metal that’ll reverberate all the way out in Fitzgerald’s Yard. No wonder neighboring Rosario’s shuts down once the music starts up. $10, 8 p.m., Fitzgerald’s, 437 McCarty, Suite 101, (210) 607-7007, fitzrockssa.com. — JN 170

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Courtesy of Okilly Dokilly

MAC SABBATH, OKILLY DOKILLY

Paul Koudounaris

Monday, August 12 Apparently, getting noticed in this media-oversaturated age requires a gimmick — even to play heavy metal. Take, for example, this tour pairing Mac Sabbath, who dress up like burger-shilling clown Ronald McDonald and his costumed friends to play old Sabbath tunes, and Okilly Dokilly, an outfit where every member dons a mustache and sweater a la Ned Flanders, Homer Simpson’s neighborhood nemesis. Naturally, both bands bring along lyrics appropriate to their schticks. Mac Sabbath reworks “Paranoid” as “Pair-a-Buns” and “Iron Man” as “Frying Pan,” while OD’s “White Wine Spritzer” and “Godspeed Little Doodle” embody Flanders’ milquetoast mindset. How’s their music sound? Both acts are competent at what they do, though demanding metalheads are unlikely to consider either on the genre’s cutting edge. Your mileage will probably be determined by how long it took you to tire of Dread Zeppelin. $15-$20, 9 p.m., Paper Tiger, 2410 N. St. Mary’s St., (210) 841-3771, papertigersatx.com. — Sanford Nowlin

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