San Antonio Current City Guide 2016

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SAN ANTONIO CITY GUIDE 2016

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THE SUCCESS YOU WANT.

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Contents

W E L C O M E

JUSTIN MOORE

15 DAWN From yoga to birding to breakfast at Jim’s, here’s how to set yourself up for a great day.

19 MORNING

We can’t choose between juiceand breakfast tacos — neither should you. Learn where to find both for your morning fix.

31 MID-MORNING

Head to the nearest trail for a hike, visit The DoSeum or chill at the San Antonio Botanical Garden before lunch

41 LUNCH

From pizza to daily specials, we’ve got your lunch options right here, plus where to sneak in a noon-time brew.

52 CALENDAR

Can’t miss events for winter, spring, summer and fall in San Antonio

57 COFFEE BREAK

Get a post-lunch boost at the city’s indie coffee shops, get your nails did or sneak out for some records with these suggestions.

67 HAPPY HOUR

Drink away the day at some of our favorite happy hour joints or hit a CrossFit box — we’ve got you covered with both.

79 EARLY EVENING Explore the art world wtih our roundup of galleries in SA, destress with your pup or go bat-watching around town.

87 DINNER Don’t sleep on these can’t-miss cuisines and eateries.

101 SHOWTIME

San Antonio knows how to put on a show. Find out where the spotlight shines brightest in town.

109 LATE-NIGHT

Get your dance on and find great late-night fare in one fell swoop.

On the Cover The perfect San Antonio day is attainable with this year’s City Guide. Build your own adventure inside.

Illustration by Ray “Tattooedboy” Scarborough Art Direction by Rick Fisher and Sarah Flood-Baumann

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W E L C O M E

City Guide 2016 E

xperience all that San Antonio has to offer in a day?

Impossible.

Our city is too big and too diverse for that. Even for longtime residents, finding the perfect way to spend a day in the Alamo City can be overwhelming — forget about it if you’re just passing

Seguin, Tx

through or new to the area.

But that’s what this handy-dandy City Guide is for. No, we haven’t tried to capture everything to do, see and eat in San Antonio. Nor is this a stepby-step instruction guide for what we think you should be doing.

Instead, we’ve assembled a collection of ingredients for what could be the perfect San Antonio day — whatever that means to you. We’ve broken it down into sections for each part of the day. From dawn to dusk, to dead of night and back again, City Guide has suggestions on where to eat and what to do.

The guide goes beyond killer happy hours and where to find great Chinese (though there’s plenty of that, too). It’s also got the scoop on info you never knew you needed until now: where to sneak in a post-work workout, where to get your beard

trimmed, where to grab some early morning hair of the dog (or just keep the night going), or where to buy gifts for your deadhead uncle.

Of course, that must-have knowledge is also included.

Suggestions on Mexican cuisine, concert venues, hike-and-bike trails and coffee shops all made the cut.

Regardless of when you’re in San Antonio (or if you’re a resident and need a reminder of what happens when), there’s almost always a one-ofa-kind event happening somewhere.

We’ve included details for seasonal events like Fiesta, the San Antonio Cocktail Conference, the Pride Festival and more.

Whether you’re a night owl, an early riser or just looking for a new place to grab lunch, this is the book you need. Keep it close day and night, all year ’round.

- est. 1838 by Texas Rangers

ExplorE Historic sEguin 35 milEs East on i-10 visitsEguin

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.com

D A W N

•Find a moment of peace through morning practice.

Find Tranquility through Yoga

L

et go of the stressors of every day life before starting your day. Whether you’re trying to figure out work-life balance, need to shape up your practice or just nail tree pose, there are plenty of studios to enjoy an early morning yoga sweat sesh.

MBS FITNESS • Though MBS Fitness (multiple locations, mbsfitness.net) features a plethora of other classes — everything from barre to pilates — morning yogis will want to spend the wee hours with instructor Katie Goodman (often at the King William Studio) for Sunrise Power Flow, an all-levels practice that gives participants a natural burst of morning energy while overlooking a tranquil city landscape. Rates start at $15 for drop-ins, $65 for a five-pack and $125 for a 10-pack.

SYNERGY STUDIO • If you’re hoping to jazz up your practice, Synergy Studio (300 E. Grayson St., 210-8244225) offers 6:45 a.m. Nia, a barefoot technique that combines modern and jazz dance, aerobics, martial arts, yoga and body integration therapy. Rates start at $15 for

DAWN

drop-ins, $50 for a four-class card, $88 for an eight-class card and $180 for a 20-class card.

SOUTHTOWN YOGA LOFT • Blending meditation and breathing exercises with yoga poses to awaken your soul, the Root to Rise and Shine classes at Southtown Yoga Loft (724 S. Alamo St., #2, 210-838-0643) are led by Stacie Orsagh from 6 to 7:15 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Classes are held in this dimly lit exposed brick studio that serves as a refuge from bustling Alamo Street and rates vary from $70 for a fiveclass pass to $250 for a 20-class pass or $17 for drop-ins.

THE UNION • Yogis who want to turn up the heat during their power flow before heading into work will want to check out Alamo Heights and Huebner Oaks studios of The Union (multiple locations, theunionsa.com). Hot Yoga 90-minute classes at Alamo Heights are offered Monday through Friday at 6 a.m. with a 60-minute version available Monday through Friday at Huebner Oaks. Rates start at $20 for drop-ins, $139 for a 10-class card and $159 for a one-month unlimited membership.

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→ It’s tough to appreciate everything Downtown has to offer in the middle of the day. Whether you’re inching through traffic, accidentally turning down one-way streets or trying to cut through herds of people looking for the Alamo (“Do ya’ know where I could get my hands on a coonskin cap?”), just existing in the city’s urban core during peak human activity time can be rough.

Here’s a solution: Enjoy the look and feel of Downtown first thing in the morning with a brisk walk or a bike ride.

Experiencing some degree of serenity in the center city can be a little unsettling at first, but tooling through Downtown with no one else around is a perfect way to start the day. If you don’t have your own wheels, stop by one of the B-Cycle stations that are in and around Downtown. And if you’re out way early, wearing some bright clothing is useful. Zig-zag across the city from the Alamodome to City Hall, or take a north-south route from Travis Park to Yanaguana Garden at Hemisfair Park.

BIRD WATCH AT OLMOS BASIN

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→ The views in Olmos Basin Park (651 Devine Road) are some of the best in the city. The trees and open spaces make you feel lost in nature even though you’re not far from great restaurants and top coffee shops. Some of the main attractions are the kick ass birds that populate the park. Give birding a try and start knocking species off your life list, even if they don’t seem so exotic. Spot the beauty of Texas’ state feathered friend, the Mockingbird. Embrace the peace motif of the White-winged Dove. There are cardinals and goldfinches and grackles galore. You might spot a Mallard waddling around or try to spy a Cedar Waxwing. But if birds are a bore, check out Olmos Basin Park anyway because it is one of the most beautiful areas of the city.

D A W N

JUSTIN MOORE

•Comanche Lookout Park

fourth highest point in Bexar County, standing at an elevation of 1,340 feet. Comanche Lookout — a prominent landmark for 18th and 19th century travelers, and a vantage point used by Native Americans in warfare and hunting — features a medieval-ish tower that stands four stories tall. The old Spanish road from the Alamo City to East Texas ran by the base of the hill, which also stood watch on Native American travel routes. The park opens at 5 a.m.

BREAKFAST AT JIM’S

WATCH THE SUNRISE FROM A HISTORIC HILL

→ San Antonio can be loud. But before the day breaks and the sun rises, prior to thousands upon thousands of commuters taking to the Alamo City’s network of highways and streets causing a cacophony of traffic sounds, there’s a serene quiet across the city. San Antonio’s not known for dramatic views from high points in this rather flat landscape, but there are places to break away from the hustle and bustle with a hot cup of coffee and contemplate life by meditating during that brief silence while enjoying a vibrant Texas sunrise. Take the historic Comanche Lookout Park (15551 Nacogdoches Road, 210-207-7275), for instance. This 96-acre city-owned park contains the

→ There’s something comforting about knowing that Jim’s Restaurants (multiple locations, jimsrestaurants.com) exist, and that you can visit most of the locations at any time. The diner is a beacon of basic breakfast, available at dawn, noon, midnight or any point in between.

There are 16 San Antonio-area Jim’s, 13 of which are open 24 hours a day. The other three open at 6 a.m. The fare is precisely what you’d expect: steak and egg plates, an array of omelettes (Western, ham and cheese, and Spanish varieties all make an appearance), as well as migas and huevos rancheros. Pancakes and waffles are also available, as are platters in seemingly endless combinations of ham, sausage, hash browns, bacon, grits and biscuits.

There are no surprises. There are no risks involved. And in the early morning — after the drunks have filtered out, but before the pre-work crowd shows up — sometimes that’s just what you need. Endless coffee, a booth to yourself and a hearty breakfast you’ll never tell your doctor about.

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JESSICA ELIZARRARAS

Nourish with Juice MORNING

W

hether you’ve been out the night before and want a fresh start or want to start the day with 17 servings of vegetables, there are juice shops out there for you. Each has carved out an audience within SA, but here’s a rundown of where to get your fresh-pressed beets and then some.

Fresh-pressed and raw juice is the way of life at Farm to Juice (18730 Stone Oak Pkwy., Suite 100, 210-3325853). Stop in to this sleek shop for granola, coconut yogurt, brownie bites, shots, nut milks and kefir (fermented milk drink), or a Nuttin’ Butter smoothie made with peanut butter, banana, agave or honey, and chocolate or vanilla almond milk. Juices tackle everything from detoxing to memory aids. Don’t miss the Butterfly Kiss with pear, mint, pineapple and strawberries.

For Drew Taylor and sons Jason and Josh, juicing is life.

The trio are responsible for Juicer Heroes (15701 San Pedro Ave., 210-233-9958), where along with Dr. Michael Boss, they share wellness information with the community to help bring balance to people’s bodies. Stop into the original location (which is a former Popeye’s) for a juice or two such as their Kaleman Creation with apple, pear, grapes, kale, red cabbage and strawberries or pick up a three-day cleanse, which features instructions on when and how to drink your juices.

Want a bite with your beverage? Juice Central (4718 Broadway, 210-257-8223) in Alamo Heights features

artisan juices, smoothies and salads aimed at helping the drinker glean as many nutrients as possible through 16-ounce pours. Rejuvenate features carrot, green apple, kale, spinach and ginger, or choose a Metabolism Booster with chard, spinach, cucumber, mint, pineapple and lime.

Need an immediate boost? Pick up a 1-ounce shot of wheatgrass while there.

Get a fresh juice or smoothies from One Lucky Duck (303 Pearl Pkwy., 210-223-3825), originally based out of New York City, but don’t go hungry as the location also carries vegan, gluten-free fare such as surprisingly addicting spicy Thai lettuce wraps and zucchini and kale chips. If One Lucky Duck is good enough for Pauly Shore, then it’s good enough for you.

With three locations up and running (in Alamo Heights, Southtown and Austin), and two more on the way (in Hemisfair Park and Houston), San Antonio’s own Revolucion Coffee + Juice (multiple locations, revolucionsa.com) is steadily expanding into a healthy little empire. Launched by Manny and Angie Carral, the company prides itself as the first establishment to introduce the Alamo City to cold-pressed juice and a totally vegetarian take on coffee culture. Along with other customers, the ’09 flagship easily won us over with concoctions like Mean Green (an easy-drinking blend of cucumber, celery, kale, lemon, ginger and apple) and The Cure (a hangover-helping mix of carrot, apple, beet, lemon and ginger) but sealed the continued on page 21 →

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← continued from page 19 CASEY HOWELL

I t ’s

g n i t t e G Juicy fresh, o t f l e s r T r e at yfoaut, h i g h - e n e r g y low-

t keva smoo

hies

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OME S E V A H WANNA IN YOUR deal with signature honey lavender lattes (try one with the house-made almond milk), insanely addictive acai and pitaya bowls (go for for the protein-packed peanut butter variety), and a laptop-friendly atmosphere that’s both laid-back and focused — with an eclectic playlist to boot.

Spelled out by their punchy color scheme, cartoonish logo and quirky juice names (Hot Lei, Purple Rain, Xanadu, the list goes on), Urth Juice Bar (multiple locations, urthjuicebar. com) .maintains a playful spirit while turning locally grown produce into “a healthy alternative to fast food.” Beyond crowd favorites ($7.50-$8) like Grassy Knoll (combining ginger, apple, parsley, spinach, cucumber and kale) and Twang (a tart blend of pineapple, carrot, grapefruit and orange), Urth puts its signature spin on smoothies ($7-$8) like Pina Turner (made with pineapple, yogurt, coconut oil and pumpkin seeds) and Sublime (an unlikely mix of avocado, banana, yogurt, orange juice, honey and ice) that can be enhanced with an array of healthy add-ons. Naturally, detoxes and cleanses (lasting from three to seven days and costing between $105 and $250) are among the offerings at Urth, which boasts locations in Olmos Park, Southtown and Stone Oak.

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G LINDA ROMERO

•

Power meetings call for serious coffee.

POWER THROUGH YOUR MORNING MEETING → Time to make some big decisions? Interviewing for a new position? Making calls on big-time projects that’ll re-energize San Antonio? It’s time for a power meeting. Thankfully, San Anto is currently replete with coffee shops for the “get shit done” set.

Here are a few of our go-to joints for sealing any deal.

Rosella Coffee Co. (203 E. Jones Ave., 210-277-8574) is easily one of the top-rated, hippest coffee bars in the city of San Antone. Featuring high ceilings, a spacious two-story interior and industrial décor, Rosella provides the perfect ambiance for your next meeting and/or study-session.

During one of those rare, clement weather days in Texas, Rosella also has outdoor patio seating for a serene spring coffee venture. Bottomless coffee with a purchase of a large order, free Wi-Fi, a communal water station, craft beer AND avocado toast — what’s not to love?

Imagine your ideal morning. If it happens to include sipping coffee and watching the sunrise, Paramour Coffee Bar (102 9th St., 210-340-9880) is your go-to. The establishment is the only rooftop bar in Downtown, and as of December 2015, Paramour now offers a supreme coffee program. Their installment features beans from local roasters such as Heart Coffee Roasters, PT’s Coffee Roasting Company and a recent addition, Sightglass Coffee. So order a honey lavender latte, take a load off on one of

Paramour’s comfy couches and enjoy the view.

For all you Southtowners who love pour over coffee and Bakery Lorraine pastries, Halcyon Southtown (1414 S. Alamo St., Suite 101, 210-277-7045) is a must for your Monday morning — or any morning — meeting. From their “Guest Roasters of the Month” and free Wi-Fi, to the animal crackers they serve with all hot beverages, Halcyon is guaranteed to suit your power-business needs and brighten your day in the process.

Whether you’re taking a stroll through the historic Pearl, bike shopping along Broadway or venturing up to the North Side, there’s a Local Coffee (multiple locations, localcoffeesa.com) location near you, serving up best-in-SA cortados and housemade vanilla syrup. Local Coffee originated in the Alamo City and features a variety of fine beans, roasted at Merit Roasting Co. in Southtown. Stop by for the complimentary Wi-Fi or a Bakery Lorraine pastry; you’re bound to get shit done.

After 10 years of roasting within the City of San Antonio, The Brown Coffee Company (multiple locations, browncoffeeco.com) has established itself as the premier provider of serious coffee and espresso beverages. Owner Aaron Blanco and his staff take dedication to fine coffee beans to the next level. With two locations in the 210 area (off Kings Hwy. and Broadway), a Slayer espresso machine and beans from all over the world, Brown is the place for coffee lovers and coffee fanatics alike to convene.

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→ For 15 years, the City of San Antonio has been chipping away at a hike-and-bike trail — a ring of green within the city — that is accessible from nearly every side of town. The Howard W. Peak Greenway Trails System winds through the South, East, West and North Sides of SA, with 1,400 acres containing 52.6 miles of hiking-and-biking trails.

Fitness enthusiasts, or nature lovers, can easily access these linear parks in a short amount of time on any side of town. Take the Salado Creek Greenway on the Southeast Side of town. This 2.3-mile multi-use trail follows Salado Creek through bottomland hardwood trees with springs that trickle from a hillside into the creek. Trailheads can be found at Covington and Comanche parks and, on the southern end, found just east of the lake at Southside Lions Park (3100 Hiawatha St.). Runners and bicyclists on the far West Side can access the Leon Creek Greenway at Rodriguez County Park (2060 Rodriguez Road) or Levi Strauss Park (6100 Old Hwy. 90 W.), which provides 2.6 miles of trail and an outdoor fitness station. Way out on the far Northwest Side of town, people can enjoy a morning run or hike at the newest addition to the greenway system: Culebra Creek – Helotes Greenway Trail. This 1.6-mile path follows Helotes Creek to its confluence with Culebra Creek, then passes outside 1604, tying in with trails at Culebra Creek Park. The trailhead is across from Burke Elementary (10104 Terra Oak). For those living inside the loop on the North Side, there’s the Salado Creek – Loop 410 to Rittiman Road segment. This 2.8-mile multi-use asphalt and concrete recreational trail connects James Park (3910 Rittiman Road) with McAllister Park (13102 Jones Maltsberger Road). Trailheads can be found at Loop 410 east of Salado Creek in Robert L.B. Tobin Park (150 Ira Lee Road). There is no shortage of trails for the early morning runner or bicyclist in San Antonio thanks to the Howard W. Peak Greenway Trails System that connects many of the city’s parks. For more info on all the trails and maps, visit sanantonio.gov/parksandrec/home.aspx.

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YOUR ONE STOP WESTERN WEAR SHOP. DRINK YOUR BREAKFAST

→ Whether you are fully committed to rocking and rolling all night and partying every day, or just need some liquid courage to face your boss and the carrot on the end of the stick that is your livelihood, sometimes you wanna tie one on before life has had an opportunity to grind you into spiritual slurry. Here are some places to keep the party going, or start it a little early.

The Cobalt Club (2022 McCullough Ave., 210-734-2244) is the infamous Tobin Hill dive that opens at seven and is pleased as spiked punch, hence the single embellishment slapping against the face of the den-of-sin advertising as much. Be warned, this is a real dive. Like, a real motherfucking dive.

A few miles up is Highlander Bar & Grill (5562 Fredericksburg Road, 210-340-4577). This place really isn’t too shabby. The all-wood décor gives it the pub feel that the name suggests. It borders on a sports bar as the bevvy of boobs behind the bar and boob tubes above eye level suggest.

I Don’t Know Yet Lounge (1229 Babcock Road, 210-7351276) is a lounge I didn’t know about yet, so I went in at 9:30 a.m. Etta James was on the box and my screwdriver was strong and $3.25. A nice little hole in the wall with plenty of seating, several pool tables and a clientele dominated by regulars, reminiscent of former Balcones Heights heaven Bunratty’s.

QUALITY SERVICE VALUE

GO FISHING

→ If you’re an angler, you don’t have to leave the city limits to find a place to fish.

Spend a cool morning on the bank of Woodlawn Lake (1103 Cincinnati Ave.), where you’ll find carp and channel catfish. You’ll also find channel cats in Miller’s Pond (6175 Old Pearsall Road) on the South Side, which is stocked annually with rainbow trout as well. The San Antonio River runs through Brackenridge Park (3700 N. St. Mary’s St.), where you can drop a line for bass and sunfish.

Make sure to check with the Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife (tpwd.state.texas.us) about picking up appropriate fishing licenses beforehand. The site also has information about when local bodies of water have been stocked.

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→ There are but a handful of things better than access to great breakfast tacos. Thankfully, this is San Antonio and most of us are but a hop, skip and jump away from our nearest taco joint. Let’s be honest, few will go out of their way to pick up a carne guisada taco on their way to work.

Picking faves is tough. There’s El Rafa’s Café (1535 W. Hildebrand Ave., 210-733-5475), a quaint joint that’s hard to squeeze into come weekends. We’ll blame their peppery and tender carne guisada for the hordes. Go for broke at Rolando’s Super Tacos (919 W. Hildebrand Ave., 210-7326713) where the tortillas are bigger than your face and filled with fresh-scrambled eggs, garlicky refried beans and more.

The Rolando, which combines beans, potato and egg, cheese and guacamole is one such breakfast beast.

If you’ve got a bit of a sweet tooth, why bother choosing between donuts and tacos when you can have both at The Original Donut Shop (3307 Fredericksburg Road, 210-7345661). Be sure to bring plenty of cash and stock up on classic bacon and egg tacos and gooey apple fritters. Or head to Apetitos Mexican Restaurant (1615 Meadow Way, 210675-8020) for thin flour tortillas, chicharrones in a spicy green sauce or fajita and egg tacos.

The Tobin Hill area isn’t hard-up for tacos — you’ll find El Milagrito Cafe (521 E. Woodlawn Ave., 210-737-8646) curing hangovers on weekends with a plethora of options and spicy salsas, and Taqueria Chapala Jalisco (1902 McCullough Ave., 210-735-5352) where the corn tortillas rival flour for tastiest taco vessel.

Southtown eaters hold a special nook that features interior Mexican foods. At Cascabel Mexican Patio (1000 S. St. Mary’s St., 210-212-6456), you’ll find fresh hand-made corn tortillas enveloping machacado, nopales and egg, or chilaquiles.

If you’re near the city’s Northeast Side, the original location of Thousand Oaks Café (multiple locations) is clutch for some seriously addictive breakfast tacos, including brisket, pork chop tacos and more. And if you’re feeling in the mood for mystery, Tacos & Salsa (multiple locations) has a Trashcan taco, with “a little of everything,” that’s not to be missed.

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•Find •Phil a lovely

momment Hardberger relative Park offers tranquiity in the morelittle than cute caption 5 miles of hiking and biking trails.

Take a Hike

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uthor and naturalist John Muir once said: “In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.” In San Antonio, we are fortunate to live in a fairly large metropolitan area that still has a number of lush green spaces that are perfect for getting that same feeling Muir mentions. In the last 10 to 15 years, city government has made it a priority to provide residents with enough places to get back in touch with nature, as well as places to stretch our legs and get a bit of exercise. Here are some of the best hiking spots in the city, regardless of skill level.

DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER PARK • Formerly part of Camp Bullis, Eisenhower Park (19399 NW Military Hwy.) opened to the public in 1988, and has since become popular among locals. The park has more than five miles of hiking and walking trails of varying degrees. The highlight is an observation stand near the summit of one of the park’s tallest hills, which looks out onto Loop 1604. Visitors to the park can expect to see a mix of wildlife on the trails, ranging from native whitetail deer to raccoons to armadillos. It is also a popular spot for bird watching.

FRIEDRICH WILDERNESS PARK • Situated on the bank of the Balcones Escarpment, Friedrich Wilderness Park (21395 Milsa Drive) is a 240-acre natural park created in 1978 on more than 180 acres donated to the city. Thanks to its location, the park is known for its hilly terrain and dense outcroppings of juniper trees. Bird watchers also head to the park since it’s the nesting site for two federally listed endangered species: the black-capped vireo and the golden-cheeked warbler. Because of this, the park is open to pedestrians only, no skating or cycling.

GOVERNMENT CANYON STATE NATURAL AREA • Government Canyon (12861 Galm Road) is one of the city’s crown jewels in terms of green spaces. It first opened in 2005, and the 12,000-acre park is a perfect example of what the rugged Texas Hill Country looks like in its natural, untouched state. There are more than 40 miles of hiking and biking trails ranging from remote, rugged canyons to gently rolling grasslands; there’s something for every skill level. Hikers can spend all day (and all night for that matter, as camping is an option) on the land, which is also home to the only known dinosaur footprints on public land in Bexar County. continued on page 33 →

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•Rustic trails abound in Friedrich Wilderness Park.

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National state historic O.P. SCHNABEL PARK • Huddled away on the city’s bustling northwest side is O.P. Schnabel Park, which consists of 202 acres of oak- and mountain-laurel-laden natural beauty.

It is one of the area’s oldest parks, opened in 1964, and offers visitors 4.5 miles worth of trails perfect for hiking, biking and cycling. The paths are carefully marked to show what skill level is required to traverse them. It has often been called “the cleanest little park in Texas,” thanks to the constant efforts of its founders to preserve and beautify the grounds. Hikers will enjoy how remote it feels, even though it’s in the heart of one of the city’s busiest areas.

PHIL HARDBERGER PARK • Phil Hardberger Park (8400 NW Military Hwy.) is arguably the city’s premier green space. Built on the grounds of a former dairy farm, the 311-acre park has been naturally and respectfully preserved. Since its opening in 2010, Hardberger Park has been a top destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to take advantage of the park’s more than 5 miles of hiking and biking trails. This is also one of the area’s most dogfriendly facilities, with two dog parks on the grounds. For hikers, the Geology Trail and the Water Loop are two favorite spots, both in terms of difficulty and scenery.

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→ The San Antonio Botanical Garden might just be one of the most beautiful places in the entire city. The 38-acre park, with a tall hill at its center that provides a great view of San Antonio, features all kinds of nature, from native plants found throughout the garden in a variety of displays to a sensory garden where touch and smell are stimulated; or, for the romantics, a beautiful and fragrant rose garden; or, for self reflection, there’s the peaceful Kumamoto En garden — a gift from San Antonio’s sister city Kumamoto, Japan; or there’s the cactus and succulent garden; and on and on. Art lovers should also rejoice. There’s always something special at the Botanical Garden. Through June 5, garden-goers can enjoy “Wings of the City,” a sculpture garden by Mexican artist Jorge Marín, who is known across the globe. This exhibit has made its way through Mexico and is now touring the United States. Another treat that’s coming soon is “Storybook Houses,” which are kid-sized, family-friendly houses created by area architects and designers. The exhibit opens March 5 and runs through July 10. $7-$10, 9am-5pm daily, San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston Pl., (210) 536-1400, sabot.org.

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Imagine It! (a story creation center). Fusing elements often thought of as opposites, The DoSeum’s exhibits and programming meld cultural education with arts education and a deep STEM focus with a push for creative and critical thinking. $12, 10am-5pm Mon-Thu, 9am-6pm Fri-Sat, noon-5pm Sun, The DoSeum, 2800 Broadway, (210) 212-4453, thedoseum.org.

REACH FOR THE RIVER DO THE DOSEUM

→ Since opening its doors back in June 2015, The DoSeum, the new incarnation of the San Antonio Children’s Museum, with its cutting-edge technology and focus on learningthrough-doing, has wowed, engaged and educated visitors of all ages. Sure, it’s a wonderful place to take the kiddos — a place where they can burn as much energy exercising their brains as their feet — but it’s also a place where mom or dad can enjoy a rejuvenating lift in their own curiosity and inspired wonder at the world we inhabit. The stunning facility, designed by local architects at Lake Flato to meet rigorous standards of sustainability and green building, features six distinct and permanent interactive centers for play/learning: The Big Outdoors, Little Town, Sensations Studio, Explore (a geography and culture exhibit), Innovation Station, Spy Academy and

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→ Completed in 2013, the Museum and Mission Reaches give Alamo City residents a part of the River Walk they can own, one with far fewer visitors and attractions than the tourist-saturated portion of the San Antonio River. And they’re perfect places for a stroll. The Museum Reach — four miles soaked with native flora — is north of Downtown and connects the hip Pearl with the San Antonio Museum of Art to the south, passing VFW Post 76 (the oldest post in Texas) and continuing on into the heart of the city. There’s plenty of signage along the way so you won’t get lost. Starting in Southtown, the Mission Reach boasts an 8-mile walk complete with art portals and, of course, Texas’ only World Heritage Site, the San Antonio Missions. While there’s a recreational aspect to this stretch on the river, there’s also an impressive doing-right-by-nature story, including restoration of 113 acres of aquatic habitat and 334 acres of riparian habitat, and the planting of more than 20,000 young tress and shrubs. Whether you’re looking for a long walk or just a short jaunt, there’s plenty to do along the Museum and Mission Reaches.

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FORAGE FARMERS MARKETS

→ Picking up fresh produce for the week at one of the city’s farmers markets makes you feel good about yourself. There’s something about getting outside, walking around and selecting healthy, locally grown food that sets a positive tone for the rest of the day. Here are three to take in around town: OLMOS BASIN FARMERS MARKET • Smaller than other markets but a favorite among its faithful, Olmos Basin Farmers Market features vendors from rural areas surrounding San Antonio, with producers from Natalia, Devine and Fredericksburg. It’s located across from the Quarry Market on the other side of Highway 281. 7:30am-1pm Tuesday and Saturday, 100 Jackson Keller Road.

PEARL FARMERS MARKET • The dog-friendly Pearl Farmers Market runs every weekend, with all vendors located within 150 miles of San Antonio. Stock up on fresh produce, meat and bread for dinner, or snack on crepes and tamales while listening to live tunes. 9am-1pm Saturday, 10am-2pm Sunday, 312 Pearl Pkwy.

MAIN PLAZA FARMERS’ MARKET • The Main Plaza Farmer’s Market runs from March 15 through December 20. In addition to local, organic produce offerings, soaps, tamales and household goods, the market also holds cooking demonstrations and Q&A sessions with chefs and farmers.

10am-1:30pm Tuesday, 115 N. Main Ave.

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→ Uuhhh … it’s that time again. The quiet consolation of evening has passed and we’re back in the shuffle of the mortal coil. But, alas! There is herb of which to partake! Herb for all humankind! This is the first toke, first drag, pull, hit, touch: The first time that we’re putting our lips to Mary Jane’s sweet kiss. Like the junkie on their first hit, or the alky on their first sip (without all of the depressing dependence … this is the jubilant, angelic crux of the day.

Now that the mota’s out of the bag, let’s discuss where the most ideal of tokes are partaken.

Some San Antonians come here to move their bodies along at a cardio-calibrated tempo, slapping time to and with their jovial flanks, jogging to the internal beat of their ideal physique.

Others come to get stoned and then do the same, propelled by the motivational properties of the plant: to pass themselves along the designated corridor of fitness, ordained by the City.

It’s not Woodlawn Lake, however, so don’t go to Woodlawn Lake and smoke weed. Marijuana is illegal. And weed is a gateway drug and stuff. Again, Woodlawn Lake is beautiful and a real treat to behold, but pot and beautiful, idyllic scenery don’t mix. DON’T SMOKE WEED AT WOODLAWN LAKE.

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→ It’s a weekend tradition for hardcore pickers and casual browsers alike, but there’s no need to wait for Saturday or Sunday to peruse the packed aisles of antiques, collectibles and vintage finds that line the funky little strip of Hildebrand Avenue between San Pedro and Beacon. While certain spots come and go, mainstays Antiques on Hildebrand (501 and 521 W. Hildebrand Ave.) and Lasting Impressions Antiques (600 W. Hildebrand Ave.) offer veritable mazes that can turn shopping for retro furniture, light fixtures, period decor and tchotchkes galore into a full-fledged treasure hunt.

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thentic Italian Cuisine thentic Italian Cuisine talian & Californian W talian & Californian W Authentic Italian Cuisine Extensive Italian & Californian Wine List

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•For when those empty-wallet blues hit, pick up a cheap, but delicious slice.

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Score a Slice

isten, we’ve all been there. You left your bag lunch on the counter, you’ve got less than 10 buckaroos in your wallet and you’re starving. Though New York City this ain’t, there are plenty of places to find a solid slice around town, on the cheap, and on the fly.

From customizable pies to pre-set specialty slices, we’ve got you covered.

If you’re Downtown and in a rush, you’ll want to stop by Central Park Pizza of N.Y. (103 S. Flores St., 210-2395002) where a slice, side salad and drink will set you back $5.95 inside this casual and fast-paced nook. Choosing between ready-made pies like cheese, pepperoni, pepperoni and sauce, and chicken-black olive-bacon will break the monotony of jury duty at least for an hour.

Lincoln Heights might come away the victor in this pizza challenge with Florio’s Pizza (7701 Broadway, 210-8058646), a lunchtime stop for office workers down Broadway.

Known for signature New York-style foldable slices, Florio’s also delivers by way of great and fast service, so don’t dilly-dally with your order. The slices are available for lunch with more than 10 toppings to choose from, so go nuts.

Residents in the Northeast Side know Pizza Italia (3023 Thousand Oaks Drive, Suite 101, 210-494-8646) packs a wallop. Choose from specialty slices like the Maui Mia with Canadian bacon, pineapple chunks and extra cheese or

LUNCHTIME

build your own. Though thicker and chewier than the other slices on this list, Pizza Italia’s iteration holds our heart for it how easy it is to pair with more than 200 beers available by the bottle at the shop.

If you’re about slices as big as your face, portraits of Dean Martin and Ol’ Blue Eyes, and Pacino film posters on the wall, then Ray’s Pizzaria (multiple locations, rayspizzaria.com) should be on your short list. Get a pair of slices and a drink for $5.95 and you’ll be set through the rest of the day (if not the evening). With 19 toppings to choose from your pie can mirror your layered personality, or stay chill with plain cheese.

We’re not kidding when we say these slices are massive — two will easily take over a 10-inch plate.

Though they’re known for their stellar sandwiches, Station Café’s (108 King William St., 210-444-220) slices are also worth noshing on. Vegetarians can build eclectic pies with fresh poblanos and onions or stick with a perfectly thin slice of pepperoni. At $2.25 to $2.75 a slice, you will not go for broke at this Southtown institution.

If you’re not about that lactose life, but still want to enjoy a great slice, Whole Foods Café (555 E. Basse Road, Suite 130, 210-826-4676) is your spot. At $3.50 for a slice or two for $6, options include a rotating lineup of pizzas all made by team members. It’s the most portable option if you’re in a rush or need to eat on the run.

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EAT ON THE CHEAP → San Antonio has always been a city that loves food.

And in recent years, with places like the Pearl and its restaurants making national foodie news, the Alamo City seems to have made an unequivocal mark on the culinary map. While diners should be ready to drop at least 100 bucks to enjoy a solid dining experience in the city’s finer restaurants, there is no lack of great food for a great price in San Anto.

Take Tito’s Mexican Restaurant (955 S. Alamo St., 210-212-8226), for instance. This Southtown favorite is a Tex-Mex treasure. With 16 express lunch menu plates, there’s no shortage of faves, like the cilantro cream enchilada and crispy beef taco plate. Or maybe you’re jonesing for a burger.

Try the classic Burger Boy (2323 N. St. Mary’s St., 210735-1955). The ‘50s-style burger joint has a Bates Special, which includes the famous burger with crinkle-cut fries and a regular drink for $4.95.

Or maybe you’re in the mood for pizza. San Antonio has too many slices to choose from when it comes to the classic pie. But in terms of penny-pinching, try Florio’s Pizza (7701 Broadway, 210-805-8646). Known for New York-style pizza and a laid-back atmosphere, Florio’s pizzas range from small, 12 inches for $8.40 with toppings

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costing $1.40 apiece, to an 18-inch large pizza with toppings costing $1.90 a pop. However, it’s their Cold Italian, a gourmet sandwich stuffed with all the good stuff, like thin-sliced genoa salami, pepperoni, provolone cheese, lettuce, tomato and onion, for just $7.95, is a crowdpleaser.

Over at Capos Pizza (17676 Blanco Road, Suite 400, 210-362-1901), find giant slices of New York-style pizza that dive straight to your wallet’s heart. Two slices of pizza and a soda costs just $4.50.

While it’s easy to grab a cheap bite at the wide variety of great Mexican joints, burger spots and pizza places, the Alamo City offers plenty for eaters looking to try something new. We recommend an adventurous outing to Sichuan Cuisine (2347 NW Military Hwy., 210-525-8118). If you’re feeling hungry and just need relief before choosing an entrée, try eight pot stickers for $4.95. Lunch plates like lemon chicken, beef and broccoli and sweet and sour chicken cost $6.95 and are served with steamed rice, an egg roll and a soup. Our next stop is a place you will not want to pho-get about.

Pho Sure (741 W. Ashby Pl., 210-733-8473) is a popular spot for San Antonio College students, which lends to its cheap eats credentials. Known for, you guessed

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Pizza by the slice!

•Lunch doesn’t have to break the bank.

it, pho bowls, Pho Sure also offers the traditional California roll for just $4.75, which makes a great appetizer for a pho steak slice and chicken bowl that will run you $7.25.

If seafood is your jam, try Rudy’s Seafood (4122 S. Flores St., 210-532-1315). The gigantic fish and shrimp combo, which includes fish, shrimp, fries, coleslaw, tartar sauce and two slices of bread costs just under $12. The daily special of two pieces of fish and three jumbo shrimp should also do the job. With so many options for Alamo City diners to choose from, sometimes the simplest course is a great sandwich.

Try The Station Cafe (108 King William St., 210-4442200, the stationsa.com). While sandwiches are often considered boring, The Station Cafe spices them up.

Take the Turkey Chupacabra, with smoked turkey, sweet and spicy chupacabra Serrano sauce on a homemade sandwich roll with melted chedder, lettuce and tomato for $4.95. Don’t forget to ask about a soup or salad.

Lastly, we’d be remiss to not talk about barbecue.

Great ‘cue doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. Over at Augie’s Barbed Wire Smoke House (3709 N. St. Mary’s St., 210-735-0088), $ 5.99 gets you a chopped barbecue sandwich. And barbecue plates — everything from brisket to pork ribs — range from $9.99 to $12.99

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LUNCH IN THE PARK

→ Forget eating lunch at a desk or in a breakroom.

Forget about the hustle and bustle of finding some quick grub to chow down during that all-too-short lunch hour.

Instead, pack a lunch and escape the workday in one of San Antonio’s endless number of parks. There’s no way to do justice to them all here, so we chose a handful of popular spots to suggest — starting with the newest edition: Yanaguana Garden (434 S. Alamo St.). This gem opened late last year, and is part of the Hemisfair Park revitalization. For Downtown workers, this is a great spot to escape for a quick lunch. Just north of Downtown, find lunchtime relief at the second oldest park in the United States at San Pedro Springs Park (1315 San Pedro Ave.). Another great spot that’s just north of Downtown is Brackenridge Park (3910 N. St. Mary’s St.), where serenity seekers can visit the Japanese Tea Garden for a post-sandwich walk. If the goal is to bring the whole family out for lunch, and maybe even grill a little, visit Orsinger County Park (2230 Huebner Road) on the Northwest Side where there’s plenty for the kiddos to stay busy with after a nice lunch under sunny Texas skies.

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Indulge in a lunchtime beer at the Granary Brew & ’Cue.

San Antonio’s Oldest Authentic Full Menu Japanese Restaurant Open Seven Days a Week Since 1970

HAPPY HOUR MON-THURS 5pm-6:30pm Sushi Bar Area Only • DINE-IN ONLY

LUNCH

Sat - Sun 12 - 3PM Mon - Fri 11AM - 2:30PM |

DINNER

| Sun: 3- 9:30PM 5 - 11PM | Sat: 3 - 11PM Mon -Thu: 5 - 10PM | Fri:

9030 Wurzbach Rd. 78240

210.615.7553

www.FujiyaJapaneseGarden.com

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SNEAK A BEER

→ It’s already such a perfect day. You’ve sipped sangria in the park and fed animals at the zoo, but now it’s your turn to grab a bite and sneak a beer (or two). The spots named below offer solid grub selections and open their taps by noon, so you’ll have no trouble nursing a lunchtime coldie during the heat of the day.

If you’ve been kicking around in Tobin Hill already, hoof it over to the Pearl to hoist a pint at either of the brewhouses doing Otto Koehler proud. Hit up the Granary Brew & ’Cue (602 Avenue A, 210-228-0124) for the fraternal pairing of Tim Rattray’s barbeque and Alex Rattray’s beers.

I advise ordering a flight, but if there can be only one, make it the rye saison.

Perhaps you and/or the squad are more inclined to snapper throats than smoked beef. If so, take a short stroll over to Southerleigh Fine Food and Brewery (136 E. Grayson St., 210-455-5701) where Les Locke and his team keep dropping bangers from the upstairs brew-works.

From the mint-tinged Texas Uncommon to the entire range of barrel-aged beauties they’ve started rolling out (doublecheck for the Shellfish Porter), awesome ales await you.

Southtown was built on day drinking. Take advantage of this at Stella Public House (1414 S. Alamo St., 210277-7047) whose taps glisten with the dankest IPAs and funkiest farmhouses available to accompany your pizza.

And, to drink as locals have drunk for the past 20 years, stroll around the corner to Blue Star Brewing Company (1414 S. Alamo St., 210-212-5506, bluestarbrewing.com).

Cruise on up 1604 to The Hoppy Monk (1010 N. Loop 1604 E., 210-545-3330) for reliable shelf whale (or draft orca) sightings — if the beardos are bragging about it on Untappd, they probably drank it here.

And, if your perfect day entails actual orcas, dip into Hills & Dales (15403 White Fawn Drive, 210-695-2307) — conveniently located across the street from the visionary Vietnamese food truck Singh’s — before you go see Shamu.

ROBERT LERMA

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•Reward yourself with a mid-day craft brew at The Cove’s open-air bar

Affordable Health Insurance Plans CALL TODAY 210.800.9710

MULTITASK AT THE COVE

→Time is of the essence during a lunch break. With typically just an hour or less to spare, performing eat-or-errand triage is often a necessity. The Cove (606 W. Cypress St., 210-2272683) helps solve that problem by offering not just fresh and delicious burgers, fish tacos, nachos and sweet potato fries (pair with the Sriracha mayo), but also resources for pesky chores like car cleaning, dog grooming and laundry washing.

And if you’ve got the kids or fido in tow, no worries — the onsite playground and dog park will satisfy them, too.

There are ample washers and dryers in the laundromat, open from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., but the 24-hour outdoor car wash stations can fill up fast. In either case, bring plenty of quarters.

If you’ve got some time to linger or the inclination to indulge (or feel like rewarding yourself for being so productive), treat yo’self to a mid-day craft brew or ice cream scoop.

Life changes, our excellent care doesn't.

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HealthMarkets Insurance Agency is the d/b/a, or assumed name, of Insphere Insurance Solutions, Inc. which is licensed as an insurance agency in all 50 states 210-800-9710 BEN are AND BILLto/small and the District ofISMEAL, Columbia.HUNG, Not all agents licensed sell all products. business/ self employed/ 20availability somethings Licensed Service and product varies by state.

There’s no better combination than Beer & Bowling!

GET GROOMED

→You know, sometimes filling yourself up with confidence and comfort can be a whole lot more beneficial than stuffing your face with some greased-caked burger or boring lunch plate.

Why not use that lunch hour to treat yourself? You might find, refreshed and looking oh so fresh, that you become more of a treat to those around you in the process. If you’re in the Midtown area, dip in to the All American Barber Shop (421 Howard St., 682-224-9969), which was 2015’s Best of SA winner, as voted by our readers. Downtown, we’d recommend stepping into Matador Men’s Grooming (215 E. Commerce St., 210-222-9858, matadorgrooming.com), a refined and updated take on the old-school barber shop experience, where you can be luxuriously pampered in a totally dude-tastic kind of way. If you find yourself in the Quarry area, hit up Boardroom (7322 Jones Maltsberger Road, 210-774-4311, boardroomsalon.com), the kind of barber shop that’s so plush and wide-ranging in its services it has to call itself a salon for men.

Proudly serving Texas Spirits & Beers!

Happy Hour everyday from 5pm till 7pm. Located inside the center at

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to get blo-wn away?

Blo, America’s original blow dry bar is coming soon to Dominion Ridge!

FEAST AT FOOD TRUCKS

→ Need to grab and go, or like to have several options in one

place? Food truck parks are a good option. Roll on through or sit and stay awhile at these three SA parks.

THE POINT PARK AND EATS • Come for the grub, stay for the kid- and pet-friendly environs and craft beer. The lineup changes regularly (so be sure to check the website if you’re looking for a specific type of chow), but regulars include Tex-Mex from Caliente Grill and shaved ice and coffee from North Shore Tiki Hut. 24188 Boerne Stage Road, parkatthepoint.com.

just wash, blow, go. $40 Blo Domion Ridge 22211 IH-10 West Suite 1107B San Antonio, Texas 78256 Blo Lincoln Heights (The shops at Lincoln Heights) 999 E Basse Rd. Suite 182 San Antonio, Texas 78209

THE BLOCK • If you’re a UTSA student, you already know about The Block. The park features a full bar and shows Spurs games on its giant outdoor screen. Find some of the best tacos in town at Chela’s Tacos, and stuffed, fried goodness from Gus’ Empanadas. Check The Block’s Facebook page for special events and drink specials. 14530 Roadrunner Way, theblocksa.com.

PORT SAN ANTONIO • Port San Antonio sounds more like a food desert than a food haven, but that’s not true.

Its food truck court is open from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., although it typically features just one or two trucks per day.

The trucks rotate often, so check the website before you go.

339 General Hudnell Drive, portsanantonio.us/food.

GET YOUR NAILS DID

→ When your cuticles are just wrecked and it’s time for a new coat of OPI’s fiercest red, get thee to your nearest nail salon. Our Best of San Antonio 2015 issue would suggest giving Vanity Room (11703 Huebner Road, Suite 202, 210-414-6985), where artist Priscilla Charbel can make any of your Pinterest nail art dreams come true, a try. Head to the north central area for a visit to Mood Boutique (23 Brees Blvd., 210-277-7096) which offers manis, pedis and hard gel enhancements. Pop into Alamo Heights’ fave Holly’s Nail Bar (4002 Broadway, 210-821-7070) for a quick post-work Shellac or hang with the Phams at Nails Studio (16111 San Pedro Ave., Suite 107) for Stiletto-shaped acrylics and fun geometric designs.

SAN ANTONIO’S #1 STOP FOR CORSETS AND WAIST TRAINERS SPECIALIZING IN ANN CHERY WAIST TRAINERS LOCATED AT

UptownGypsy.com • (210) 978-6546 • 4522 Fredericksburg Rd. sacurrent.com • San Antonio City Guide • CURRENT 51

CALENDAR ANDREW LOPEZ

•

Cocktail always brings out the costume enthusiasts.

Summer

RICK CANFIELD

→ COCKTAIL Previous years of the San Antonio Current’s Cocktail party have subscribed to the Gatsby model of decadence, featuring top-shelf drinks at the gorgeous McNay. With the party held at The DoSeum this year, the attitude is closer to Willy Wonka — if the chocolatemanufacturer built a factory dedicated to booze and not cocoa. The bash includes food, beer, wine and, of course, cocktail samples from San Antonio’s most creative bars and bartenders.

With a drink to shake off the adult blues, the interactive kids’ museum opens up for the 21-plus crowd to explore its science-themed and teambuilding exhibits. Just try not to splash too much water on your date at the Water Works. $45, July 23, The DoSeum, 2800 Broadway, sacurrent.com. → PRIDE FESTIVAL

CAN’T-MISS EVENTS July 4 celebrations and concerts Filmapalooza SA Burlesque Festival

Jazz’SAlive Folklife Festival International Accordion Festival

A week after the nation celebrates the one-year anniversary of same-sex couples being able to marry, San Antonio’s Pride Festival hits the streets with the Pride Bigger Than Texas Festival and Parade. On Saturday, the festival begins with an 11 a.m. kickoff at

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Crockett Park. Throughout the day, food and activities like the high heel race give the just-north-of-Downtown park the feel of a booming block party. At 9 p.m. the festival goes mobile, routing toward the Main Strip. With a day’s drinking under the belt, the parade tends to be the most fun, rowdy and proud moment of the evening, when a costume becomes armor and San Anto feels like the LGBT hub it was meant to be.

Free, July 2, Crockett Park, pridesanantonio.org. → TEJANO CONJUNTO

FESTIVAL If you’re ever

worried that San Antonio is changing too quickly, buy a ticket to the Tejano Conjunto Festival. That’s not a dig — the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center’s annual fest showcases the finest of San Anto and South Texas’ musical heritage, the stuff that was here before your trendy neighbors moved in and will remain long after they’re gone. Every year, director Juan Tejeda hits the Goldilocks zone of festival lineups, providing a perfect balance of young innovators and classic headliners to fill out the bill. Now in its 35th year, expect the

May celebration to deliver the baddest and boldest sounds from the accordion and bajo sexto. To borrow from Augie Meyers, their corazón is real. Prices vary, May 11-15, Guadalupe Theater and Rosedale Park, guadalupeculturalarts.org. → SAN JAPAN The flight

alone from San Antonio to Tokyo costs somewhere in the ballpark of $1,500 — in other words, a deal breaker for the average nipponophile. Luckily, every September, San Japan offers a deep dive into anime and Japanese culture for those who aren’t looking to travel farther than Downtown SA. Last year, almost 20,000 nerds descended upon the festival, dressed in various levels of commitment to cosplay. In 2016, San Japan welcomes voice actors Cristina Vee, Michele Knotz, director Kirk Thornton and a load of other unannounced guests involved in anime, horror and video games. A tip for significant others: If you go with and don’t act like a buzzkill the whole time, you will be rewarded. $50-$165, September 2-4, Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, 900 E. Market St., san-japan.org.

CALENDAR RICK CANFIELD

→ ALAMO CITY COMIC

→ FOTOSEPTIEMBRE

You’d be hard-pressed to find wall space in September that isn’t filled with photographs, and you can blame Michael Mehl for that. The local artist and curator started Fotoseptiembre USA back in 1995 with a small offering of exhibits and conferences.

Since then, the festival has grown to draw international interest in its exhibitions of photography and photography-based art forms around San Antonio and the Texas Hill Country. Expect the curation to be vast (and the content blushworthy), with mid-career and internationally renowned artists showing alongside local students and hobbyists. Previous shows include Cecilia Paredes, Harvey Wang, Jay Gould and photographic explorations from the students of Say Sí. Free, September, fotoseptiembreusa.com.

Fall

SIYON JIN

• The lights

are brighter during Luminaria

RICK CANFIELD

CAN’T-MISS EVENTS

*

SAAF WEBB Party Artpace Chalk It Up Oktoberfest Una Noche en la Gloria Fright Fest Wurstfest Día de los Muertos

→ LUMINARIA With torrential downpours washing out the 2015 festival, and local discontent with the sprawling 2014 footprint, it’s safe to say that Luminaria has had a rough couple of years. Despite this bad luck, the festival perseveres in its mission to light up San Antonio as an unparalleled city of art.

Established in 2008, the nighttime festival crafts a gallery out of the cityscape, cramming murals, live music, projections, film screenings, theater and dance into a corridor of the Alamo City.

Previous artists include Siyon Jin, Chris Sauter, Gary Garay, Dr. Lakra and more.

So, rain be damned, this is one arts festival you can’t make quit. Free, October, luminariasa.org.

CON Get out your spandex, swords and face paint, because San Antonio is home to one of the largest and fastest-growing comic and pop-culture conventions in the country. During this three-day celebration of all things comic, participants have the opportunity to mingle with their favorite celebrities, purchase art and collectibles and attend panels covering a wide variety of subjects.

This year’s celebrity guest stars include original Darth Vader David Prowse, hunky Power Ranger Jason David Frank, Lucasfilm and Jim Henson puppeteer Tim Rose, DC, Marvel and Image artist Greg Capullo and Karen Gillan of Dr. Who acclaim. Oh, and did we mention there’s a costume contest? $15$80, October 28-30, Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, 900 E. Market St., alamocitycomiccon.com. → SAN ANTONIO BEER

FESTIVAL If you fancy yourself a connoisseur of craft ales, then the one-day San Antonio Beer Festival is your must-attend event this fall. With over 300 beers on tap from nearly 100 breweries around the world, the festival offers live music, games, a wine garden, food trucks, local vendors and more. Visitors receive sampling cards upon entry to try the unbelievable assortment of libations to this ticketed event. Snag a VIP pass for early entry, access to a catered VIP zone and a branded swag bag. But you’ll want to call your sitter for this one — all guests must be 21+, rain or shine. Prices vary, October, sanantoniobeerfestical.com.

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CALENDAR LINDA ROMERO

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Pencil in the Ford Holiday River Parade

Winter

→ FORD HOLIDAY RIVER

PARADE Rain stopped the

DREW PATTERSON

annual winter event from taking place in 2015 for the first time in its 34-year history. So it’s guaranteed that parade-goers will be extra excited after patiently waiting a whole year to claim their seats along the River Walk to enjoy the Christmas lights and colorful floats with their friends and family.

The H-E-B Christmas tree lighting ceremony makes the evening more special, so everyone’s holiday spirit should be at full gleam. We would say the Paseo del Rio Association might invite former San Antonio Mayor Julián Castro back as the Grand Marshal since the weather cut his parade route short last year, but there’s a good chance he’ll be a little too busy come November.

Prices vary, November 25, thesanantonioriverwalk.com.

CAN’T-MISS EVENTS CineFestival Cowboy Breakfast The Nutcracker Valero Alamobowl

Tamales at Pearl Rock ‘N’ Roll Marathon DreamWeek Asian Festival Celebrate San Antonio

→ DIWALI The San

Antonio Festival of Lights will celebrate its eighth year at La Villita with entertainment, a fireworks display, craft vendors and Indian cuisine. Last year, a number of restaurants attended, including Pavani Express, Café Bahar and

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Biryani Pot. This year, an estimated 15,000 patrons from around the state of Texas will come together for the free event, which got its name from an ancient Hindu festival that signifies “the triumph of good over evil, knowledge over ignorance, hope over despair.” Sounds like a good set of principles to live by, if you ask us. Plus, if you’ve never tried chicken tikka dosa, you don’t know what happiness is. Free, November, La Villita, 418 Villita St., diwalisa.com. → SAN ANTONIO

STOCK SHOW & RODEO

Making its debut in 1950, the rodeo has become one of the go-to events in the Alamo City, bringing in more than one million visitors annually. Whether you’re a traditional dusty cowboy or a jaded teenager who just wants to take a selfie with a llama, there is always an impressive lineup of entertainers and attractions for everyone to enjoy. The 2016 edition included performances from musicians such as Martina McBride, Pitbull and Brad Paisley. For families, attractions range from petting zoos to a Texas

Wildlife Expo to a BMX stunt show and more. The rodeo is much more than ropin’ and ridin’, although there’s plenty of that, too.

Prices vary, February, AT&T Center and the Freeman Coliseum, 3201 E. Houston St., sarodeo.com. → SAN ANTONIO

COCKTAIL CONFERENCE Shake

things up with this popular conference that was referred to by Paste magazine as “the future of cocktails.” Going on its sixth year, SACC features the best bartenders and cocktail aficionados joining forces to lead a series of libation-themed seminars, tastings, and, yes, many, many cocktail parties.

In the past, this multi-event conference has included “Waldorf on the Prairie” at the St. Anthony Hotel and “Stroll on Houston Street” in the Downtown area. If you’re a down-home beer drinker, SACC probably won’t be your style unless you want to get a little more adventurous, sip some fancy craft drinks and maybe attend a class on the complexities of Blanche Armagnac. Prices vary, Downtown, sanantoniococktailconference.com.

JIMMY JAMES CANALES

CALENDAR

•Contemporary Art Month keeps us on our toes in March.

→ CONTEMPORARY

ART MONTH For the past 30 years, Contemporary Art Month (CAM) has provided San Anto with a yearly, month-long opportunity to feast on some of the best contemporary art from our city and far beyond. With its main objectives being fostering community among SA artists and providing a larger audience for upand-coming talent, CAM must be seen as one of the primary drivers of this city’s thriving artistic identity. This year’s kickoff party, which is always spectacular, will be at Blue Star Contemporary Art Museum (116 Blue Star) on Thursday, March 3, from 6 to 9 p.m. Keep an eye on the CAM website for a plethora of exhibitions and art events.

Free with few exceptions, March, locations vary, contemporaryartmonth.com.

Spring

FESTIVAL Hosted at San

KODY MELTON

• The bigger

→ SAN ANTONIO BOOK

the hat, the closer to Jesus.

GEORGE SALISBURY

CAN’T-MISS EVENTS Maverick Music * Festival San Antonio Flavor Twisted Taco Truck Throwdown SA Book Festival Hot Wells Harvest Feast

Antonio’s Central Library and The Southwest School of Art, the relatively young San Antonio Book Festival is a daylong “celebration of ideas, books, libraries and literary culture.” The bibliophilic fest, presented by the San Antonio Public Library Foundation, has found itself a beacon of cultural and social luminance in SA. Last year’s stacked slate of happenings, which included over 80 acclaimed regional and national authors, featured readings, panel discussions, book signings, events for children and much more. Free, April 12, San Antonio Central Library, 600 Soledad, (210) 207-2500; Southwest School of Art, 300 Augusta St., (210) 224-1848, saplf.org/festival.

→ FIESTA You know you

live in a badass place when, once a year, everything halts as the city engages, for more than a week, in an event simply dubbed Fiesta (literally: “Party”). This year’s Fiesta, which marks the 125th anniversary of the citywide shindig, promises to cram even more confetti, food, booze, flair and fun into its 10 days than ever.

This is, after all, our answer to the sprawling Dionysian abandon of festivals like Mardi Gras in New Orleans and Carnival in Brazil. But, amid all the ravishing revelry and myriad multicultural celebrations, it’s important to remember that much of the proceeds from Fiesta help keep our city strong. A party with a purpose? Bring it on. Prices vary, April 14-24, locations vary, fiesta-sa.org.

→ CULINARIA FESTIVAL

WEEK As San Antonio continues blossoming into one of the finest places in the world to live and/or visit, it seems like festivals fill up every single day on the calendar. This, of course, is a wonderful problem to have. Certainly the most delectable festival offering in town is Culinaria Festival Week. Presented by Culinaria, “an independent, not-for-profit organization, committed to promoting San Antonio as a premier food and wine destination, while fostering community growth,” the festival is chockfull of opportunities to try new foods and experience the cutting edge of the SA culinary scene. Prices vary, May 19-22, locations vary, culinariasa.org.

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Hand cra f ti n g

and

beer bourbon

San Antonio’s own

“brewstillery”

F RO M gr a i n to gla s s

Come take a tour of the only combined brewery/distillery in Texas! Learn more and RSVP at: www.drinkrangercreek.com

delight

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Support local at these quaint coffee joints.

Indulge in Indie Coffee COFFEE BREAK

T

he coffee explosion doesn’t stop with power meetings. Sometimes the lattes and cortados come in sweet little locally grown packages. Here’s a list of a few joints we love to while away an afternoon in.

Fairview Coffee (3428 N. St. Mary’s St., 210-7318009) is located in a small, unassuming strip center near the San Antonio Zoo. Don’t let that fool you, though — Fairview is bright and inviting on the inside, with communal seating and retro-chic decor. Their house blend is rich, smooth and invigorating, with or without cream and sugar.

Try one of their toasts if you’re feeling peckish; the cheddar, apple and chive toast is especially tasty, and their avocado toast has inspired rave reviews.

Press Coffee (606 W. French Pl., 210-602-6590) is a relative newcomer, but it’s hard to imagine the San Anto coffee scene without them. The helpful staff really knows their stuff, and Press’ small menu shows off the best that coffee has to offer. Whether you’re a latte lover or a French press devotee, Press has something for you, and you can bet your beans that it’s good. In warm weather, make sure to stop by their charming outdoor seating area to enjoy your caffeine of choice and a pastry.

Positioned perfectly on the outskirts of the University of Texas at San Antonio’s Main Campus, Indy Coffee Company (7114 UTSA Blvd., 210-233-9203) has opened their door for college students and SA residents alike to explore their caffeinated palates and indulge in the intricate

art of espresso bean roasting. In their own words, Indy owners have described their product as “the juiciest lil fruit bombs you and your buds have encountered.” They couldn’t be more right. You’ll feel like an honorary bro here, sipping on your straight-up ’spresso and surrounded by their rustic 100-year-old Texas longleaf pine paneling, skateboard collection and knowledgeable staff.

CommonWealth Coffeehouse (118 Davis Ct., 210560-2955) is so beautifully engineered and curated that you will find yourself hard-pressed to devote enough attention to each and every aspect of the establishment. The coffeehouse maintains a spacious, yet sweet, exterior seating section that evokes an authentic aura of Paris, and the interior is complete with comfortable couches and cutesy décor. Apart from the furnishing, CommonWealth features a variety of menu items ranging from Austin-native Cuvée coffee beans to buttery almond croissants.

A relatively new addition to the San Antonio coffee competition, Southtown gem White Elephant Coffee Company (1415 S. Presa St., Suite 107, 210-465-9478) has already earned a name for itself in serving up housemade coffee beans, freshly squeezed organic juices and savory breakfast and lunch items to suit any preference.

Coined the “baby blue” – and rightfully so – due to the establishment’s fun-loving baby blue exterior, White Elephant invites both coffee connoisseurs and coffee novices alike to come out and experience the novel brews for themselves.

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BLOC K BLOCK

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ReDo Recess: Rubik’s Edition

Learn to Cube Workshops

March 24 For ages 21 & up!

April 2, 9, 23 & 30

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World Speed Cubing Competition May 1

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•Cool down at

FRESHEN UP WITH A FRUIT CUP

→ Satisfying a sweet tooth doesn’t always mean a trip for some ice cream. This is San Antonio, where Mexican culture brought us the fruit cup and raspas. Chamoy City Limits (multiple locations, chamoycitylimits.com), a food truck, takes the traditional raspa to the next level with selections like The Anaconda and Lochness Monster, which are filled with sweet fruit, chamoy and other flavors to smack your taste buds around.

Las Nieves (1118 W. Hilderbrand Ave., 210-767-2694) has all kind of sweets, such as shakes and smoothies, but you’ll want to stick with the fruit cups. For those who don’t mind a little wait, Big Daddy’s Eats & Treats (multiple locations, facebook.com/bigdaddyseatstreats) has raspas and shaved ice to satisfy your need for sugar.

Los Valles Fruteria y Taqueria (3915 Nogalitos St., 210927-9595) is the place to go if you want some good Mexican food and equally good Mexican sweets. Sit down to a nice plate of enchiladas or crispy tacos and stick around to enjoy a fruit cup or corn in a cup.

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San Antonio’s premier LGBT destination

Plenty of parking in surrounding lots and in the Tobin Garage 7 nights a week

Friendly Pub Style atmosphere

Happy Hour

Featuring

the Wine Bar

Starting at 3pm daily

with over 60 choices by the bottle or by the glass

THREE BARS

LARGE OUTDOOR PATIO

NIGHTLY DRINK SPECIALS

NEVER A COVER

San Antnio’s #1 Dance Club

14 Years and Counting

NIGHTCLUB

• Two dance floors • Nightly drink specials • 2000 sq ft outdoor patio • Nightly shows

Featuring

Open Wednesday- Sunday 9 pm till 3am

video bar

Sp ort s ov view er 20 ing TV on s

By the Slice or Buy the Pie STARTING AT

$3.00

Open 11am to Late Night Daily! corner of 62 CURRENT • San Antonio City Guide • sacurrent.com

Sports Bar • Backroom Bar • Pizza

www.TheStripSA.com

Main and Evergreen, just North of Dowtown

San Antonio’s premier LGBT destination

Plenty of parking in surrounding lots and in the Tobin Garage 7 nights a week

Friendly Pub Style atmosphere

Happy Hour

Featuring

the Wine Bar

Starting at 3pm daily

with over 60 choices by the bottle or by the glass

THREE BARS

LARGE OUTDOOR PATIO

NIGHTLY DRINK SPECIALS

NEVER A COVER

San Antnio’s #1 Dance Club

14 Years and Counting

NIGHTCLUB

• Two dance floors • Nightly drink specials • 2000 sq ft outdoor patio • Nightly shows

Featuring

Open Wednesday- Sunday 9 pm till 3am

video bar

Sp ort s ov view er 20 ing TV on s

By the Slice or Buy the Pie STARTING AT

$3.00

Open 11am to Late Night Daily! corner of 62 CURRENT • San Antonio City Guide • sacurrent.com

Sports Bar • Backroom Bar • Pizza

www.TheStripSA.com

Main and Evergreen, just North of Dowtown

San Antonio’s premier LGBT destination

Plenty of parking in surrounding lots and in the Tobin Garage 7 nights a week

Friendly Pub Style atmosphere

Happy Hour

Featuring

the Wine Bar

Starting at 3pm daily

with over 60 choices by the bottle or by the glass

THREE BARS

LARGE OUTDOOR PATIO

NIGHTLY DRINK SPECIALS

NEVER A COVER

San Antnio’s #1 Dance Club

14 Years and Counting

NIGHTCLUB

• Two dance floors • Nightly drink specials • 2000 sq ft outdoor patio • Nightly shows

Featuring

Open Wednesday- Sunday 9 pm till 3am

video bar

Sp ort s ov view er 20 ing TV on s

By the Slice or Buy the Pie STARTING AT

$3.00

Open 11am to Late Night Daily! corner of 62 CURRENT • San Antonio City Guide • sacurrent.com

Sports Bar • Backroom Bar • Pizza

www.TheStripSA.com

Main and Evergreen, just North of Dowtown

’s o i n o t n A n Sa ! t n i o J r e g r Original Bu Full Menu, ht! g i N e t a L n Eve

b

ng

Jazz Brunch

Every Sunday from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

live jazz by

Midtown Jazz Sound

TIO! OOR PA

OUTD OY OUR

ENJ

1503 N. Main Ave • (210)223-7727 Open Daily from 11:00 a.m. to Late Night!

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210 .86 2 . 55 8 2 www.BAKERYLORRAINE.com

306 Pearl Parkway, Suite 110

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Visit these shops when you’re hoping to beef up your record stash

BROWSE FOR BOOKS AND VINYL → For the literate individual whose free time is not spent just Netflix-and-chilling, or the audiophile with the insatiable appetite for all things vinyl, what better way to spend an afternoon than among the stacks and rows of some of your closest companions: books and records.

Luckily, San Antonio has some exceptional opportunities to score that first edition Kerouac, rare Selena y Los Dinos 45 or tie-dyed Brown Acid LP. Hogwild Records (1824 N. Main Ave., 210-733-5354) possesses the best metal and punk selection of vinyl in town. Whether you are looking to blow your paycheck or want to thriftily browse the rows of discount boxes for that Charlie Rich or Huey Lewis record that nobody seems to want.

Janie’s Record Shop (1012 Bandera Road, 210-735-2070) is a gem of an establishment, known well to collectors and those who just want to peruse — particularly of the sounds of Texas and Mexico: Conjunto, norteño, tejano, country and a growing catalog of American rock ‘n’ roll — Janie’s has been a San Antonio landmark for decades, with the awards to prove it. Janie’s is an absolute must for anyone looking for authentic articles of that San Anto sound.

For South Siders, the record store cum head shop known as Flip Side Record Parlor (840 SW Military Drive, 210-9237811) has been many San Antonians go-to spot for vinyl and other rock ‘n’ roll accessories for years.

Although the grand opening date continues to be pushed back, Southtown’s only record store, Southtown Vinyl (1010 S. Flores St., 210-730-6941) complete with turntables and all your record playing necessities, has local vinyl heads rapt with anticipation.

Another strip staple, Robot Monster Guitars (517 E. Woodlawn Ave., 210-320-1710) “fell from outer space in 2008” and has been providing local musicians with accessories, trinkets, vintage music equipment, books on all things rock ‘n’ roll and a serious collection of rare vinyl.

Now, for the bookworms among us, there are few places in Texas that will have you salivating more than the strip of bookstores on Broadway that includes Cheever Books (3613 Broadway, 210-824-2665), specializing in quality used books since 1986, Antiquarian Book Mart (3127 Broadway, 210-828-4885), whose selection is so impressive that if you can’t find it at one of these two neighboring bookstores, it may not exist, and Half-Price Books (3207 Broadway, 210-8224597) whose stacks of used books and reissues of classic vinyl records surely holds some victorious rare find for anyone with some time to kill.

These three shops, conveniently strung along Broadway like fraternal triplets, are also great places for celebrity book-lover sightings, including amateur historian Glenn Danzig, most recently.

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TEXAS

BARBACOA BARBACOA, TAMALES, MENUDO

12932 BANDERA RD, HELOTES, TX • (210) 695-3501 • TejasBarbacoa.com

TUE - SAT: 6:30A - 2:30P • SUN: 7A - 2:30P

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1702 PINN RD, SA,TX • (210) 674-4325 • M is R einas . net FRI:6A-12P, SAT & SUN:5A-2P

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JONATHAN ALONZO

•These happy hours will do away with any workrelated stress.

Make Happy Hour Count

HAPPY HOUR

B & D ICE HOUSE • We were told that we’d love this little hole in the wall bar and barbecue joint, and we do.

Its position between Hot Joy and The Friendly Spot to the south, Rosario’s to the north and Madhatter’s across the street makes it all the more appealing as the what-you-see-is-whatyou-get tends to run low in the blossoming Southtown ‘hood. The beer selection is solid and all draft beers, crafts as well as crap, are $4 during happy hour, which runs from the time the bar opens to 4 p.m. daily. The picnic tables

smell of roasting animal flesh and shareable portions will have you believing you’re at a roadside motorcycle bar/barbecue joint off of one of Texas’ many serene Hill Country highways — even if your khaki-clad yuppie ass only ever ventures as far away from the Blue Star lofts as your $2,000 beach cruiser and whiny, spoiled paramour will allow.

Their sides, from mac and cheese to coleslaw and baked beans — the staples of a balanced Texas day-drinking diet — are top notch. The bartenders and cooks are true blue

and the simple décor and bar oddities along the wall make it a getaway for those that like a little white trash-icana with their ’cue’ and brew. The honky tonkstocked jukebox, although it is not currently operational, is also reminiscent of another little Southtown dive’s famous quarter-eating disc jockey.

Tip: Ask Michelle to pump the Supertramp and you’re in like Flynn. 1004 S. Alamo St., (210) 225-9801, banddicehouse.com.

CURED • Should you find yourself out of work

between 3 and 6 p.m., let Cured lure you in with their specials — half-priced craft cocktails (usually priced $9 to $12), beers ($3 to $11), with the exception of the miscellaneous brews listed on the menu, and wine by the glass. Or heck, sneak out of work and load up on usual happy hour bite specials of 50 cent quail legs and more. 306 Pearl Pkwy., (210) 314-3929, curedatpearl.com.

KONA GRILL • If you love a great deal and a challenge, check out Kona Grill’s happy hour. Monday continued on page 69 →

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Open 12p-2a Daily

Happy Hour 12p-7p Every Day!

Weekly Dart & Pool Tournaments

Great Draft & Bottle Beer Selection

11807 West Avenue @ Blanco | 210.616.2144| FatRacksSportsBar.com

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through Friday from 3 to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 3 to 11 p.m., Kona Grill offers fresh sushi, delicious appetizers, and wines and booze at incredible prices. Here’s where the “challenge” part comes in: Kona Grill is always packed during happy hour. Beat the crowd by coming early and in a small group, and be prepared to make friends with your neighbor — happy hour prices are only valid at the bar and a few prime tables. And for all you night owls, stop by their reverse happy hour Monday through Saturday from 9 to 11 p.m. 15900 La Cantera Pkwy., (210) 877-5355, konagrill.com.

LÜKE • Once you’re over the inconvenient hurdle of parking in Downtown San Antonio in the midst of rush hour, celebrity chef/ restaurateur/Louisiana legend John Besh’s River Walk outpost Lüke calms the nerves with a rightfully award-winning happy hour.

As if $1 gulf oysters on the half shell and half-priced drafts, wines and cocktails (the exception being the notoriously tricked-out bloody mary) weren’t enough reason to visit the airy space and its breezy patio, consider bonuses like budget sliders, extended happy hours (not to mention free parking at meters and city-operated lots) on Downtown Tuesdays and Spurs games on the flatscreens behind the bar. 125 E. Houston St., (210) 2275853, lukesanantonio.com.

PALENQUE GRILL • Make your way to the North Side between 4 and 7 p.m. (you’re going to be hard pressed to make it there after work

coming from Downtown, but it is possible), pay the Grill a happy hour visit. Happy hour snackin’ begins with chips and salsa, naturally, but also with an addictive refried bean and chorizo dip. A boozy and refreshing Jose Cuervo Especial margarita on the rocks for $3.49 is a great place to start your drinking.

straight-friendly “Gayrish” pubs Sparky’s welcomes all walks for happy hours that are both ultra-casual and wallet-friendly. Offered daily, the hotspot’s happy hour promises $2 wells and domestic beer between 3 and 9 p.m. (and until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays). And if

and Sunday, the prices are slashed on just about every sushi roll on the menu. Not feeling fish? The Sushihana wings, available in spicy sweet chili or teriyaki are $5.95, while a six-piece gyoza order will set you back $3.95 and a five-piece spring roll is only $2.95.

Take $1 off all beers, and enjoy house wines — red or white — for $5 a glass. 1810 NW Military Hwy., (210) 340-7808, sushihanasan.com.

WURZBACH ICE HOUSE

• Nestled between Loops

410 and 1604 along Wurzbach Parkway, Wurzbach Ice House is a few-frills spot to watch the game, shoot pool, play darts and bend an elbow. Its happy hour is both lengthy and easy on your wallet, running from the time the bar opens its doors (noon on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 4 p.m. the rest of the week) until 8 p.m. Swing by for $2 domestic beers, $3 imported beers and $2.50 well drinks. 10141 Wurzbach Road, (210) 8772100, wurzbachicehouse. com

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After you’ve had a few drinks and moved past the chips and dip hunger level, turn your attention to the panchitos and tacos al pastor. An order of panchitos for $2.99 presents a heaping plate of nachos topped with fajita meat and guacamole. Multiple locations, palenquegrill.com.

SPARKY’S PUB • A favorite on the Main Strip for a variety of reasons, the

their oversized cocktails leave you loopy, grab some grub and a coffee from the onsite cafe. 1416 N. Main Ave., (210) 320-5111, sparkyspub.com.

SUSHIHANA • Castle Hills has a well-kept secret: A happy hour so joyous you’ve gotta sit down for it. From 5 to 6:30 p.m.

Monday through Friday and 4 to 6:30 p.m. Saturday

ZINC BISTRO & WINE BAR • The quiet little sister of Boudro’s, Zinc is tucked away on North Presa — just a short walk north from the small $5 or $6 manned parking lot across from La Villita. Happy hour runs from 3 to 7 p.m. on weekdays, cutting prices in half for house specialty cocktails and most shared plates, and knocking the house red and white down to $5 each.

Don’t miss the prickly pear margarita or the hummus.

207 N. Presa St., (210) 224-2900, zincwine.com.

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BETTER DOG OR SANDWICH THAN WISEGUYS FUGHETTABOUTIT

CHEESESTEAK

BURGERS

GYRO

PIZZA COMING SOON

CHICAGO DOG

ITALIAN BEEF

441 W NAKOMA DR & WEST AVE

New 2nd location

2895 thousand oaks @ Jones Maltsberger

210-248-9609| WiseGuysChicago.com

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B U P T S TEXA OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK MONDAY-SATURDAY • 8AM-2AM SUNDAY • NOON-2AM POOL•DARTS•SPORTS•FREE WIFI

ALL DRAFTS $2.50

$2 DOMESTICS

$2.50 WELLS

DAILY DRINK & SHOT SPECIALS!

GET JACKED AT CROSSFIT → People are busy, and their days offer precious few opportunities to hit the gym. Instead of unwinding with a few 12-ounce lifts, get your post-work decompression from a crossfit session. There are more crossfit gyms in town than you can shake a stick at (or a dumbbell, if it’s light enough), so finding a place to quench your squat, medicine ball and pull-up thirsts is easy. Here are a few options in different parts of the city:

121 BROADWAY • 210.271.1058

There can only be one!

MISSION CROSSFIT • Crossfit classes are available every weekday at 4:30 and 5:30 p.m. and last one hour.

Reservations can be made online. Drop-ins are available, but try to book as early as possible. 8842 Broadway, (210) 865-9348, missioncrossfitsa.com.

CROSSFIT LACKLAND • Work out on the West Side at Crossfit Lackland. The gym offers one-hour classes starting at 4:30 and 5:30 p.m. every weekday and also at 6:30 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. If you’re just starting, two week-long beginner classes run from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., with a new session starting every other Monday. 7121 U.S. 90, Suite 104, (210) 765-7210, crossfitlackland.com.

CROSSFIT LOBO • Crossfit Lobo is located on the North Side and is easily accessible from the Medical Center, UTSA and other hubs. Hour-long classes are available every weekday at 4, 5 and 6 p.m. If you’re not sure whether to commit, drop-ins cost $15 (or you can buy a shirt), or purchase a 10-visit punch card for $165. 12710 Mayhill Drive, (210) 328-0830, crossfitlobo.com.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinks!

Open 7 days Sun: 11 am - 2 am | Mon-Sat: 7 am - 2 am 5562 Fredericksburg Rd. In the Medical Center

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These dives keep San Anto real.

BARWARE SPIRITS FOLK ART LOTERIa

JEWELRY CURIOS CLOTHING TREASURE

Ask about delivery service!

712 South St. Mary’s @ Cesar Chavez Blvd.

226-OINK

(210)

Anet alaniz

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COOL DOWN WITH A COLD ONE

→On certain days the workplace feels like a monotonous inferno of crumpled sticky notes and forgotten to-do lists in a nightmare straight out of Office Space. These long days unfold into even longer weeks, leaving us world-weary and in dire need of a place where our frazzled hair and tattered business casual aren’t targets of judgment — a place like happy hour at a dive bar.

Settled in a tiny strip mall off Harry Wurzbach is the Thursty Turtle (1626 NE Loop 410, 210-820-3600). Only a stone’s throw away from the perpetually bustlin’ Magic Time Machine, the Turtle presents itself as the perfect respite from the office, complete with billiards, couches for kicking back and friendly regulars.

Boozehounds (8531 Perrin Beitel Road, 210-5903223) is housed in yet another unassuming strip mall across from Loop 410. Distinguished by a smattering of electronic dartboards and a stage for live music, the massive bar serves as a safe haven for blue collar workers with a mind for drinking booze on a tight budget. Expect lots of swearin’ and loud yellin’ during football season.

Unpretentious karaoke digs, Me and CA Karaoke Bar (8373 Perrin Beitel Road, 210-590-6322), await customers on the other side of the overpass. While the tavern’s Sunday Funday is the best bet for thrifty drinkers — think $2.75 wells, $3.25 imports and $4.25 calls all day — an evening spent serenading a room of average-looking 30-somethings is always a win.

Affordability meets prototypical bar entertainment at Sir Winston’s Pub (2522 Nacogdoches Road, 210-829-5933), a social hub for clocked-out employees during happy hour, which features $2 wells Monday through Friday from noon to 3 p.m. Boasting a cozy atmosphere and a diverse clientele, Sir Winston’s is further proof that strip malls and happy hour at the bar go together like hops and grains in the city of San Antone.

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GABRIELA MATA

•Vintage fashion is

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Puerto Rican Grill Y tapas GO RETRO

→ Although random vintage duds and furnishings can still be be spotted hiding on the racks and shelves of San Antonio’s many thrift stores (Thrift Town, Boysville Auxiliary Thrift, Community Thrift and Texas Thrift, among the local favorites), a handful of dedicated shops are happy to do the hunting for you. While Period Modern (4347 McCullough Ave.) leads the pack when it comes to high-end midcentury finds, furniture, accents and oddities from eras past, relics can also be found at Mod Pad (2615 Broadway), Ironside Mall (10211 Ironside Drive), Karolina’s Antiques (1709 Blanco Road) and the multilevel Alamo Antique Mall (125 Broadway). Apparel-wise, the Buffalo Exchange Outlet (145 W. Olmos Drive) traffics in “fantastic fashion all for $7 or less” mere blocks away from Otra Vez Couture Consignment (4222 McCullough Ave.), an immaculately merchandised resale boutique dedicated to finding second homes for fashionable frocks, luxury handbags and chic accessories. And if its ever-changing mix of affordable fashions (menswear and accessories included) isn’t enough to lure you to Montage (423 W. Grayson St.), the Tobin Hill mainstay hosts stylish mixers enhanced with cocktails, DJs and photo booths.

LUNCH - DINNER - SUNDAY BRUNCH Phone: 210-314-3111 210-577-8774 2603 SE MILITARY DR #106 SAN ANTONIO,TX 78223 SUNDAY BRUNCH 12PM-2PM HAPPY HOUR 3-7PM TUE-FRI

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NO COVER

Voted

BEST PURO ICE HOUSE

&

BEST PATIO

Finalist

BEST NEW BAR

TAKE A JOYRIDE

→ Aptly billed as the “healthiest happy hour of your day,” JoyRide Cycle Studio (multiple locations, joyridestudio. com) puts a decidedly modern spin on the group fitness concept. Led by motivating instructors in a sleek space tricked out with a killer sound system, JoyRide’s “calorietorching, endorphin-surged, high-energy” sessions get riders amped up with amusing themes (from “Mashup Monday” and “Beast Mode” to musical duels like Britney vs.

Justin) and keep them coming back with goals like 100-ride benchmarks and weight-loss challenges.

HOURS: WED–THURS: 3PM – 11PM FRI & SUN: 11PM-12AM | SAT: 11AM-1AM ALAMOICEHOUSE.COM

RACK 'EM UP

→ Shoot stick? If you’ve ever seen the Swayze arthouse flick Roadhouse or Paul Newman in The Hustler, you know what kind of badassery goes down in the pool hall. However, if your billiard goals are slightly lower than running the table on some poor, unsuspecting schmuck, there are plenty of places to brush up on your know-how without burning a hole in your pocket. Get it?

One favorite for local students is the Greek Life-approved watering hole Bombay Bicycle Club (3406 N. St. Mary’s St., 210-737-2411). For aspiring sharks, this college hangout provides ample opportunities to finagle headstrong millennials out of mom and dad’s book money.

Right down the street from Bombay is Joey’s (2417 N. St. Mary’s St., 210-733-9573). The bar/pizza joint/pool hall has an entire room dedicated to billiards and provides plenty of pool tables free of charge. However, you’re going to have to withstand the eyesore of a Michelangelo-inspired mural and the unbearable aught rock that dominates the Internet jukebox.

Although the pool hall equivalent of an Olive Garden in the pantheon of Italian cuisine, Fast Eddie’s (multiple locations, fasteddiesbilliards.com) is always showing any and every game, UFC premier fights and possesses free pool tables as far as the eye can see. Also, with the growing demand for craft beers, they are capable of satisfying the choosey beer snob that finds themselves among the prole ranks of Bud Light drinkers.

1010 N. Main Ave. |

facebook.com/clubessencesa

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Pints &s

Pretzel Monday d l o f o w T s y a d s e u T

Pet Friend ly Patio, Damn Goo d Pizza, Killer Cr aft Brew selection & Very Gluten-Fr ee/Veggie friendly!

115 North Loop 1604 East • (210) 370-9219 • mellowmushroom.com | HOURS: Sunday-Thursday 11am-10pm | Friday-Saturday 11am-11pm

Voted san antonio’s best Sports Bar

2 SAN ANTONIO LOCATIONS 126 W. RECTOR DR, & 12234 NACOGDOCHES @ THOUSAND OAKS OPEN 7 DAYS- MON-FRI: 2PM-2AM SAT-SUN: 1PM-2AM 76 CURRENT • San Antonio City Guide • sacurrent.com

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DRINK AT HOME → Sometimes, you just want to go where everybody knows your name. And the surest way to do that is to stay planted on your own couch while sporting your best elastic waistband.

Here are some of the spots around town to stock up on craft brews to enjoy in the comfort of your own home: GABRIEL’S LIQUOR & WINE SUPERSTORE • There are several Gabriel’s scattered throughout San Antonio, but the one along 1604 has the best craft selection. It’s a little out of the way, but worth the trip. Its broad array of choices — which change regularly — features brews you can’t find anywhere else in town. 1309 N. Loop 1604 W., Suite 109, (210) 492-8585, gabrielsliquor.com.

BIG HOPS • Get a 64- or 32-ounce growler filled with a delicious local selection or from a nationally renowned craft brewery. The taps at Big Hops’ three locations rotate regularly, but their handy-dandy website lists all of their current selections so you can decide before you even enter the store. Multiple locations, bighops.com.

CENTRAL MARKET • Central Market sits atop the craft beer market for local grocery stores. Easily accessible along Broadway, Central Market offers a solid selection at reasonable prices. The store specializes in Texas breweries, but has a broad enough selection (in both six packs and bombers) to satisfy most craft lovers. 4821 Broadway, (210) 368-8600, centralmarket.com.

+

20% off for S! industry, ALWAY

TUESDAY IS $3 PINT NIGHT ON A SELECTION OF MORE THAN 20 DRAFT BEERS! OPEN SAT-SUN AT NOON FOR SUNDAY FUNDAY!

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Ten Favorite Reasons to Visit the...

SAN ANTONIO MUSEUM of ART Art makes you smart.

You can see the world without leaving the city.

So many conversation starters.

If you’re feeling old, we’ve got older (5,000 years older).

We put the art in PARTY every 2nd Friday.

FREE DAY General Admission March 15

A Botero Venus, a Korean Buddha, an Indian Yogini … we've got it all!

This is your art collection, San Antonio.

Send us your favorite reasons.

On now!

Where else are you going to take your in-laws? @SAMAart

@SAMA_art

200 West Jones Avenue | San Antonio, Texas 78215 | 210.978.8100 | samuseum.org

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•Eclectic crowds flock to Artpace for exhibition openings throughout the year.

Go Gallery Hopping

EARLY EVENING

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hile the monthly mainstays of First Friday and Second Saturday routinely get the Alamo City art scene out en masse for animated — and often boozy — evenings of gallery hopping, art openings are almost a weekly occurrence in San Antonio.

Membership has its privileges at institutions like the San Antonio Museum of Art (200 W. Jones Ave.) and the McNay Art Museum (6000 N. New Braunfels Ave.), which don’t typically host public exhibition openings, but both

offer free admission on a weekly basis (4-9 p.m. Thursday at the McNay; 4-9 p.m. Tuesday and 10 a.m.-noon Sunday at SAMA). Surcharges often apply for traveling shows.

And although always free to visit, Artpace (445 N. Main Ave.) packs perks into its membership, including discounts at various locations across town, roof access, drinks and nibbles during opening receptions and free entry to the Rooftop Jazz Concert Series.

Come First Friday, Blue Star Contemporary Art Museum (116 Blue Star) functions as the bustling base continued on page 81 →

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STATUS:

San Antonio Treasure De-Classified OPERATION:

CASE NO:

McNay Art Museum Outreach

178423671895431-001

DETAILS: We used to be San Antonio’s best-kept secret, now we’re telling all. The McNay is an intriguing destination offering world-class art, as well as diverse and diverting experiences for everyone. Avenues to hike and bike, lawns for picnics, quiet courtyards for relaxing, , surprise and inspiration around every corner. Now that you know, welcome to The McNay.

REFERENCES:

OIL ON CANVAS, 24 X 18 ¼ IN. BEQUEST OF MARION KOOGLER MCNAY, 1950.99.

EDWARD HOPPER

Corn Hill (Truro, Cape Cod) 1930

AMEDEO MODIGLIANI

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Girl with Blue Eyes 1918

OIL ON CANVAS, 28 ½ X 42 ½ IN. MARY AND SYLVAN LANG COLLECTION, 1975.35.

CONTACT: 6000 North New Braunfels Avenue San Antonio, TX 78209 mcnayart.org / (210) 824-5368

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•Blue Star Contemporary Art Museum functions as the central hub for First Friday celebrations.

for a network of receptions and happenings throughout the Blue Star Arts Complex and environs. FL!GHT Gallery (134 Blue Star), Terminal 136 (136 Blue Star), Cinnabar (1420 S. Alamo St., Suite 147), Hello Studio (1420 S. Alamo St., Suite 209) and R Gallery (725 S. Presa St.) all champion local artists and regularly draw crowds.

First Friday’s alternative little sister, Second Saturday, similarly lights up neighboring South Flores/Lone Star Arts District with monthly art crawls. Anchored by the 1906 S. Flores arts complex (where you’ll find street-smart spaces like Gravelmouth and Silkworm Studio and Gallery), the entirely free outing often encompasses openings at Freight Gallery & Studios, 3rd Space Art Gallery (both at 1913 S. Flores St.) and Dock Space (107 Lone Star Blvd.).

Outside the bubble of Southtown, other spots to keep a close eye on include Tobin Hill stalwarts REM Gallery (219 E. Park Ave.) and High Wire Arts (326 W. Josephine St.), Beacon Hill’s Clamp Light Artist Studios and Gallery (1704 Blanco Road), Monticello Park’s Bihl Haus Arts (2803 Fredericksburg Road), Olmos Park’s Ruiz-Healy Art (210 E. Olmos Drive) and Alamo Heights’ AnArte Gallery (7959 Broadway, Suite 404).

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JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR: LYRICS BY TIM RICE MUSIC BY ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER

FEB 5 – MAR 6 FRIDAY & SATURDAY AT 8 P.M. STAGE KISS: AND SUNDAY AT 3 P.M.

TICKETS: $12 - $30

BY SARAH RUHL JAN 22 – FEB 14

800 WEST ASHBY PLACE, SA, TX 78212 • (210) 733-7258 • THEPLAYHOUSESA.ORG

YOUR HOME FOR LIVE, AND ORIGINAL THEATER. MONTHLY CABARET

ZANE TO GATE 69: JAN 22- FEB 20 OT SERIAL BOX: OPENS JAN 29 THE DENIALS IMPROV: SATURDAYS AT 10:30 P.M. THEATER FOR THE PEOPLE

TICKETS: $5 - $15

1203 CAMDEN STREET, SA, TX, 78215 • (210) 557-7562 • OTSATX.ORG

ROCK OF AGES FEB 5 - MAR 6

FRIDAY & SATURDAY AT 7:30 P.M. SUNDAY AT 3 P.M. TICKETS: $17 - $26 1920 FREDERICKSBURG RD, SA, TX 78201 • (210) 267-8388 • WOODLAWNTHEATRE.ORG

THE SEAGULL

BY ANTON CHEKHOV FEB 12 - MAR 6 FRIDAY & SATURDAY 8 P.M. AND SUNDAY 3:00 P.M.

TICKETS: $10 - $25 1924 FREDERICKSBURG RD, SA, TX 78201 • (210) 589-8450 • CLASSICTHEATRE.ORG 82 CURRENT • San Antonio City Guide • sacurrent.com

GET BATTY

→ Mexican free-tailed bats are oft-unheralded saviors of South Texas. They prevent the region’s crops from being overrun by pests, and the rest of us from being perpetually bothered by mosquitoes, gnats and other buzzy little beasts.

Watching them emerge from their daily slumber is also a fantastic and mesmerizing sight, and there are several places around San Antonio to do it. Within the city limits, tens of thousands of bats annually roost under I-35 near the intersection of Camden Avenue and Newell Street along the Museum Reach. The bats are there from roughly May through October, usually starting their ascent a little before dusk (though sometimes as late as 9:30 p.m.).

A bit further out of town near Natural Bridge Caverns, Bracken Cave houses over 20 million Mexican free-tailed bats — the world’s largest colony. Check Bat Conservation International’s website (batcon.org) for public viewing nights, which should be booked at least five days in advance.

DISCOVER THE FOUR SOUTHERN MISSIONS

→ Ignore this if you haven’t visited San Antonio’s Spanish missions before. If that’s the case, you’ll want to see their interiors too, which close each day at 5 p.m. But if you’re a veteran of mission tours — which, not counting the Alamo, include Missions Concepcion, San Jose, San Juan and Espada — the best time to go is around dusk.

The temperature drops a little, and the tourists disperse.

Walking or biking the grounds has an eerie feel around sunset, and it’s easy to get from mission to mission along the hike-and-bike trail. There are B-Cycle stations at each of the missions, and the trail from Mission Concepcion in the north to Mission Espada to the south is about 5 miles. Visit the National Park Service’s website (nps.gov/saan) for maps and other information to plan your visit.

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JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR: LYRICS BY TIM RICE MUSIC BY ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER

FEB 5 – MAR 6 FRIDAY & SATURDAY AT 8 P.M. STAGE KISS: AND SUNDAY AT 3 P.M.

TICKETS: $12 - $30

BY SARAH RUHL JAN 22 – FEB 14

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TICKETS: $10 - $25 1924 FREDERICKSBURG RD, SA, TX 78201 • (210) 589-8450 • CLASSICTHEATRE.ORG 82 CURRENT • San Antonio City Guide • sacurrent.com

GET BATTY

→ Mexican free-tailed bats are oft-unheralded saviors of South Texas. They prevent the region’s crops from being overrun by pests, and the rest of us from being perpetually bothered by mosquitoes, gnats and other buzzy little beasts.

Watching them emerge from their daily slumber is also a fantastic and mesmerizing sight, and there are several places around San Antonio to do it. Within the city limits, tens of thousands of bats annually roost under I-35 near the intersection of Camden Avenue and Newell Street along the Museum Reach. The bats are there from roughly May through October, usually starting their ascent a little before dusk (though sometimes as late as 9:30 p.m.).

A bit further out of town near Natural Bridge Caverns, Bracken Cave houses over 20 million Mexican free-tailed bats — the world’s largest colony. Check Bat Conservation International’s website (batcon.org) for public viewing nights, which should be booked at least five days in advance.

DISCOVER THE FOUR SOUTHERN MISSIONS

→ Ignore this if you haven’t visited San Antonio’s Spanish missions before. If that’s the case, you’ll want to see their interiors too, which close each day at 5 p.m. But if you’re a veteran of mission tours — which, not counting the Alamo, include Missions Concepcion, San Jose, San Juan and Espada — the best time to go is around dusk.

The temperature drops a little, and the tourists disperse.

Walking or biking the grounds has an eerie feel around sunset, and it’s easy to get from mission to mission along the hike-and-bike trail. There are B-Cycle stations at each of the missions, and the trail from Mission Concepcion in the north to Mission Espada to the south is about 5 miles. Visit the National Park Service’s website (nps.gov/saan) for maps and other information to plan your visit.

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y d e m o C Live A Week augh Your L

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UNLEASH THE HOUNDS

→ Show some love to your four-legged friends by taking a paws during your busy day to spend some time with the pups at one of San Antonio’s many dog parks. Two popular spots include Phil Hardberger Park West (8400 NW Military Hwy.) and East (13203 Blanco Road), where the mutts can roam off-leash in separate areas for large and small dogs.

Perks include obstacle courses and play shelters. McAllister Park Dog Park (13102 Jones-Maltsberger Road), near the Starcrest entrance, is another popular spot where Fido can romp, with exercise equipment, a picnic area, benches and a walking trail. Over at Tom Slick Dog Park (7400 Texas 151), there’s an acre of dog-park heaven, with separate areas for large and small dogs. There are benches, picnic tables, a fountain for people and pets, and a special doggie shower for the mud-prone pooches. Dog park connoisseurs shouldn’t forget to visit San Antonio’s first dog park, Pearsall Park Dog Park (4700 Old Pearsall Road), which has play features all pups will love. All of the above places are off-the-leash destinations for your four-legged loved one; just remember, clean up after your dog and if it gets too excited, do everyone a favor and put it back on its leash.

Shops, Restaurants, Bars & Galleries on the Hill Country Mile Open ‘til 9:00pm

Shop late in Boerne on the Second Thursday of EVERY MONTH!

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520 E GRAYSON 210.236.7422

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WORK IT OUT

→ San Antonio is often (and sadly, deservedly) known

for being a city on the “husky” side. The city has undertaken several initiatives to help curb this situation, including the Fitness in the Park program. The citywide initiative offers a number of free — that’s right, free — exercise and fitness classes at nearly every park, community center and library.

Since its inception, instructors have helped thousands of area residents meet and achieve their fitness goals and attain healthier lifestyles. In 2013, Fitness in the Park was one of the programs recognized by the National Recreation and Park Association when it earned the Excellence in Innovative Programming Award. Fitness in the Park was again honored when it received the Community Health & Safety Award from the International City/County Management Association in 2014.

The Parks and Recreation Department has a full slate of events for participants seven days a week. There is no cost to participate in the classes, which feature everything from high-impact boot camps and CrossFit to low-impact yoga and tai chi. The department has a complete rundown of their schedule online and at all city park facilities. Visit them at sanatonio.gov/parksandrec.

WIND DOWN AT WOODLAWN

→ For more than a century, San Antonians have blown off steam by enjoying time at Woodlawn Lake (1103 Cincinnati Ave.), with its decorative lighthouse watching over them. The artificial lake was built by George W. Russ, president of the Rhode Island-based West End Town Company, in the 1880s.

According to the city, visitors used streetcars to enjoy “the finest artificial lake in the south,” illuminated by electric lights.

There were also outdoor movies and vaudeville acts. Today, runners, walkers and joggers can be seen closing out their days traversing the nearly two-mile path that hugs the lake’s shores. However, if peace and quiet is your goal, don’t bother taking that walk on July 4. That’s when the city holds its annual Fourth of July blast featuring fireworks and a parade, which draws in huge crowds.

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•Drooling yet?

Savor Can’t-miss Cuisines DINNER

AMERICAN • The Big Bib (104 Lanark Drive, 210-654-8400) takes its service and home-cooked barbecue seriously. Brisket, ribs, turkey and sausage are all available to satisfy your carnivore needs.

At Smoke Shack (3714 Broadway, 210-957-1430), the barbecue is traditional, and the sides have some additional flavors you didn’t realize you loved.

The Filling Station (701 S. St. Mary’s St., 210444-2200) offers a large selection of more-thansatisfactory hot sandwiches and fresh, simple pizzas.

It doesn’t get more American than a hot dog from the Original San Antonio Hot Dog House (1218 Bitters Road, 210233-1139). Nosh on Chicago, New York and even SA-style dogs.

ASIAN • Asian fusion at Hot Joy (1014 S. Alamo St., 210-368-9324) uses the framework of traditional Asian cuisine to experiment with ingredients you’d never expect to find paired with fried rice.

For traditional Sichuan style Chinese food, Sichuan House (3505 Wurzbach Road, 210-509-9999) and Sichuan Cuisine (2347 NW Military Hwy., 210-5258118) will give your taste buds a jolt of bold flavor.

If you’re in the mood for Korean food, Ilsong Garden (6905 Blanco Road, 210355-3508) and Arirang Korean Restaurant (2154 Austin Hwy., 210-650-3845) both offer traditional Korean dishes and barbecue. For curries, try Thai Dee (5307 Blanco Road, 210-3423622). Bonus: It’s BYOB. Don’t let the looks fool

you as Niki’s Tokyo Inn (819 W. Hildebrand Ave., 210-736-5471) offers some of the best Japanese food in SA, even if the building isn’t much to look at. For a larger selection of sushi and noodles, Fujiya Japanese Garden (9030 Wurzbach Road, 210-615-7553) will satisfy your cravings.

GLOBAL • The Medical Center gets its fill of naan and tikka masala at India Palace (8474 Fredericksburg Road, 210-692-5262), and you should too. Visit Café Bahar (10227 Ironside Drive, 210558-8289), which focuses on Indian and Pakistani cuisine using halal meats.

For Puerto Rican fare, head to Luna Rosa Puerto Rican Grill y Tapas (2603 SE Military Drive, #107, 210314-3111) for beachy drinks

and can’t-miss pernil.

Peruvian fan? Visit El Ceviche De Waldito (5526 Evers Road, 210-681-8100) where chef Waldo Castro’s legit ceviche is more than enough reason to visit.

When it comes to Mediterranean cuisine, options abound. Visit Pasha Mediterranean Grill (multiple locations, gopasha. com) for great vegetarian plates and even better grilled meats. The second location of Jerusalem Grill (multiple locations, jerusalemgrill.net) opened last fall and is already lining up fans on Wurzbach with creamy hummus and more. But if you’re jonesing for magical moussaka, John the Greek (16602 San Pedro Ave., 210-403-0565) should be your go-to.

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the essence and art of Italian cuisine through his restaurants Tre Enoteca (555 W. Bitters Road, 210-496-0555) and Tre Trattoria (4003 Broadway, 210-805-0333), and his concoctions are nothing short of masterpieces. The Tres feature hand-made pastas daily, sauces and wood-fired pizzas in addition to fine wines and cocktails.

With three locations, Paesanos (Multiple locations, paesanos.com) has killed the Italian food game since 1969. Their signature dishes include beautiful blends of seafood and Italian flavors, such as shrimp Paesano and jumbo calamari.

Fratello’s Market & Deli (2503 Broadway, 210-4440277) evokes the warm and inviting sense of authentic Italian via to-die-for pizzas, deli sandwiches and salads.

Dine in or take out.

Little Italy (824 Afterglow St., 210-349-2060) offers the perfect NYC-style slice for a reasonable price.

The altogether adorable Italian music ties the whole experience together.

At Dough (6989 Blanco Road, 210-979-6565), the word “fresh” really means something. The pizzeria proudly serves gourmet pies crafted with the mentality that “there are no shortcuts taken.”

Brunch at Barbaro (2720 McCullough Ave., 210-3202261) is on another level.

Where else could you get baked eggs, bacon, smoked mozzarella and garlic cream, or even a Parmesan biscuit with Italian sausage gravy?

Stella Public House (1414 S. Alamo St., 210277-7047) prides itself in locally grown, creative creations from the Blue Star Art Complex. In addition to a diverse menu — try the wild

mushroom mac and cheese — Stella features tapped craft beers from across the country. And brunch!

A visit to II Sogno Osteria (200 E. Grayson St., 210223-3900) is a must. Its mastermind, SA native chef Andrew Weissman, has gone above and beyond the traditional Italian food standard. From the antipasti, to the recent addition of Sunday brunch, II Sogno has elevated Italian cuisine.

MEXICAN • La Gloria (multiple locations, chefjohnnyhernandez.com) serves up interior Mexican street food that won’t break

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the bank. Locations at both The Pearl and The Dominion offer classic tacos along with seafood specialties.

Los Barrios (4223 Blanco Road, 210-7326017) is a family-friendly joint where you’ll find the combination plate you’re searching for. Except the nachos agrios (topped with beans, jalapenos, red peppers, and provolone and Swiss cheeses), there are no real surprises on the menu. In this case, that’s a good thing.

Cascabel Mexican Patio’s (1000 S. St. Mary’s St., 210-212-6456) dining room is an intimate space. Its

humble environs in Southtown match the restaurant’s authentic Mexican fare. Try the caldo tlapeno.

Rosario’s Mexican Café y Cantina’s (multiple locations, rosariossa. com) large menu has you covered. And their locations — both north and south of Downtown — are handy, too Head to SoLuna (7959 Broadway, Suite 204, 210-930-8070) for a full complement of Mexican classics, and even some gluten-free and vegetarian options. Stop in on Sunday for the paella Valencia.

El Mirador (722 S. St. Mary’s St., 210-225-9444)

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While Feast is the Southtown mainstay, Rebelle (300 E. Travis St., 210-352-3171) pleases palates inside the St. Anthony Hotel where Bowers leads a team of culinary badasses in a haunting setting. Stop in for fresh takes on seafood, sexy cocktails and excellent service.

Brigid (803 S. St. Mary’s St., 210-263-7885) has already found a niche for itself by delivering Insta-worthy food — oh, and it’s also freakin’ delicious. A recent Valentine’s Day special of sous vide and fried duck confit was luxurious and

colorful, and yielded an intoxicating crunch.

A relatively new restaurant on the block, Grayze (521 E. Grayson St., 210-4818776) is brought to you

by James Moore (TBA, formerly with Boiler House and Max’s Wine Dive). Don’t let Grayze’s neighborhood café vibe fool you. The food, created by chef Pedro Cuellar, brings back familiar flavors once found at Arcade Midtown Kitchen.

Toss most of what you know about Mexican food out the window. At Mixtli (5251 McCullough Ave., 210-338-0746), chefs Diego Galicia and Rico Torres deliver themed tasting menus to 12 diners four days

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a week that help reinvent Mexican dining. Named after the Nahuatl word for “cloud,” this boxcar restaurant created elaborate menus for Oaxaca, the D.F. Metro and, most recently, La Conquista, which merged ingredients from Spain and the New World to fantastic and historically accurate results.

At Tobin Hill’s Creole kitchen The Cookhouse, (720 E. Mistletoe Ave., 210-320-8211) chef Pieter Sypesteyn and crew whip up classic po’boys by day and illustrious dishes come dinnertime. The charbroiled oysters and barbecue shrimp are can’t-miss items.

When you want to get your daily serving of vegetables, DAVID RANGEL

serves up Mexican comfort food in Southtown. If you enjoy the occasional stogie, you’re in luck: El Mirador also houses the Puro Social Club, a cozy spot to smoke a cigar.

Ray’s Drive Inn (822 SW 19th St., 210-4327171) is the place for puffy tacos. Whether the puffy, deep-fried concoction began at the late Arturo Lopez’s establishment (or at his brother Henry’s) is up for debate. But there’s no argument about whether Ray’s puffies — beef, avocado or another variety — get a thumbs-up.

Here there be cheap eats.

Teka Molino’s (multiple locations, tekamolino.com) specialties will only cost you a few bucks, and the restaurant prides itself on its house-milled masa.

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MODERN • The only semifinalist for a James Beard Foundation Award in town also happens to own Cured (306 Pearl Pkwy., 210-314-3929) inside a historic building that serves as one of the Pearl’s epicenters. Find seasonal fare focused on Texan flavors inside this airy eatery.

A visit to Hotel Emma isn’t complete without a stop at Supper (136 E. Grayson St., 210-448-8351). The gnudi, gnocchi-like dumplings made with ricotta, are heavenly, while the burger is made for big appetites after a walk through the Museum Reach.

Chef Stefan Bowers might be toiling away at his latest restaurant with Andrew Goodman, but the original flavors of Feast (1024 S. Alamo St., 210-354-1024) are still kicking — hard. The perennial brunch favorite also features off-menu specials on weeknights by chef Cody Clark, like a 30day aged Wagyu N.Y. Strip continued on page 90 →

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chef Elizabeth Johnson and her team at Pharm Table Café (106 Auditorium Circle, 210-802-1860) use panLatin and Asian techniques to turn local produce into delectable bowls and entrees that adhere to an Ayurvedic lifestyle. No sugar, no dairy, no gluten — no problem.

SEAFOOD • A chef Jason

Dady joint, Shuck Shack (520 E. Grayson St., 210236-7422) is now an SA seafood destination. Shuck Shack’s open and inviting patio includes children’s toys and umbrellas, as well as humble inside seating if the weather doesn’t cooperate.

The concise menu features oyster options to mix and match, jalapeño hush puppies and crab cakes.

Las Islas Marias (Multiple locations, lasislasmarias.net) blends Mexican culinary innovation with seafood to create unique marine cuisine.

Whether you’re looking for octopus, paella or simply a

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top-notch Sangria, Las Islas Marias is a deserving staple.

El Bucanero (Multiple locations, bucanerosanantonio.com) serves up some of the best micheladas in town. Their most memorable creations includes the MolcaCampechana appetizer, which features an array of sharp-edged cucumbers, avocados, tomatoes, lime, seafood and spice. Their hot seafood stew overflows with cheesy, seafood-y goodness – and it’s served out of a sliced, grilled pineapple to boot.

Andrew Weissman has done it again with The Sandbar (200 E. Grayson St., Suite 117, 210-2122221) located in the historic Pearl Brewery. The restaurant delivers a seafood experience that makes the bill well worth it. The Sandbar boasts an extensive, diverse menu, featuring items such as sushi and mussels next to plates of steak and roasted eggplant.

DINING

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Di Frabo Offers Delivery • To-Go Orders • Catering • Meeting Room • Gift Cards • Sunday Brunch 22211 IH-10 West Suite 1101 - Dominion Ridge Shopping Center • San Antonio, TX 78257 ph. 210.272.0758 - www.difrabo.com

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Visit Supper for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

EAT YOUR WAY THROUGH THE PEARL → It’s entirely possible to visit San Antonio without stepping foot outside The Pearl Brewery Complex, which opened the doors to Hotel Emma (136 E. Grayson St., 210-448-8300) in November 2016. Though the boutique hotel added a posh grocer with Larder and a full-service restaurant with the John Brand-helmed Supper, along with Sternewirth, the hotel’s new bar, the rest of the complex isn’t falling behind on its mission to feed SA and its visitors.

Start your day with juice from One Lucky Duck (303 Pearl Pkwy., 210-223-3825), which caters to the healthy set, or a chai latte from Local Coffee (multiple locations, localcoffeesa. com). Take in a lunch — or several pastries — at Bakery Lorraine (306 Pearl Pkwy., Suite 110, 210-862-5582) where you’ll find dozens of French macarons, hearty quiches and bountiful salads. If you’re trying to get your fill of veggies, visit Green Vegetarian Cuisine (200 E. Grayson St., Suite 120, 210-320-5865) for its meat-free entrees and fresh smoothies.

Visit James Beard Award semifinalist Steve McHugh at Cured (306 Pearl Pkwy., 210-314-3929) for a charcuterie plate or po’boy of the day, take in a margarita on the patio overlooking the Museum Reach at La Gloria Ice House

(multiple locations, chefjohnnyhernandez.com) or visit the Rattray brothers at The Granary (602 Avenue A, 210-2280124) for house-made beer, a chill patio and barbecue which has garnered accolades from several national publications.

Take a seat at the Culinary Institute of America’s NAO Latin Gastro Bar (312 Pearl Pkwy., 210-554-6484) where chef Zachary Garza is helping lead a staff of students and service industry professionals in delivering pan-Latin fare. Next door at Boiler House Texas Grill & Wine Garden (312 Pearl Pkwy., 210-354-4644) you can nosh on expertly grilled fare, specialty craft cocktails and more on their covered patio.

Learn the history of the Pearl at Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery (136 E. Grayson St., Suite 120, 210-455-5701), which is housed inside the former brewery itself, while taking in a dark porter or sassy saison and one of chef Jeff Balfour’s daily specials.

Visit chef Andrew Weissman for dinner at Il Sogno Osteria (200 E. Grayson St., 210-223-3900) for molto bene Italiano in the way of pizzas and fresh-made pastas. Or head to Sandbar Fish House & Market (200 E. Grayson St., Suite 117, 2233900) for oysters straight from Prince Edward Island and more.

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HOTTEST

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Start your Southtown traipse at Liberty Bar.

WHERE TO WOW OUT-OF-TOWNERS → Whatever your people are here for — a graduation, a birthday or a niece’s quinceañera — they’re going to need to eat eventually. Here are three spots to take your guests before they get hangry and you need to get them out of your house: LA FOGATA • If you’re spending a ton of time with family, chances are you’ll need a margarita. La Fogata has what you need, plus the classic Mexican fare that people expect when they come to SA. If the weather’s nice, hang out on the patio and order some camarones enchilados to share.

2427 Vance Jackson Road, (210) 340-1337, lafogata.com.

LIBERTY BAR • Rare is the restaurant that offers something for everyone, every meal of the day. But Liberty Bar is such a place. Even the pickiest — vegans, paleo adherents, children encased in hypoallergenic bubbles — can come away satisfied. From pear and stilton salad to steak tartare, Liberty Bar serves crowd pleasers. 1111 S. Alamo St., (210) 227-1187, liberty-bar.com.

TWO BROS. BBQ MARKET • Smoked meat for you, a playground for the kids. Two Bros. offers no-frills ’cue in the form of brisket and pork sausage, but options such as the cherry-glazed baby back ribs are worthy of consideration, too. Plus, all the traditional fixin’s you desire to go along with items such as deep-fried mozzarella logs and quarter-pound smoked and chilled jumbo shrimp. 12656 West Ave., (210) 496-0222, twobrosbbqmarket.com.

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JAIME MONZON

•Share a pile of brisket nachos with the kids.

TREAT THE TOTS

→ Going out to eat with kids doesn’t mean you’re stuck going to McDonald’s or Chuck E. Cheese’s. There are plenty of restaurants in San Antonio that have great food and distractions for the kids. The Cove (606 W. Cypress St., 210-227-2683) has a unique menu featuring bison, lamb and grass-fed beef dishes with plenty of beer for parents to enjoy as they watch the kids have fun on the playground.

Parents in need of a barbecue fix can go to Two Bros BBQ Market (12656 West Ave., 210-496-0222). Enjoy the lauded brisket as the kids play in a giant sandbox and a Rainbow Play System, but get there early because the brisket goes quick and once they’re out, they’re out.

For those rambunctious kids who need a lot of space to run around, MoMak’s Backyard Malts & Burgers (13838 Jones Maltsberger Road, 210-481-3600) has a 10,000-square-foot field to play on. Order a bucket of burgers for the kids to keep them occupied. Dave and Buster’s is always a fun option for families with food and games along with booze for the adults. Visit the original location at 440 Crossroads Blvd. or the brand new location at 849 E. Commerce in Rivercenter Mall.

If families want some interaction with the restaurant staff then Magic Time Machine’s (902 NE Loop 410, 210-8281470) wait staff is happy to oblige. Dressed in silly outfits, including some Disney characters the kids will recognize, the staff will create a fun atmosphere that the kids will not have anywhere else.

Fans of great barbecue and chill patios who want to stay on the Broadway corridor will want to take the kiddos to The Pigpen (106 Pershing Ave., 210-267-9136). Here, you’ll find owner Chris Conger of the Smoke Shack adding brisket to micheladas and bloody marys to fun and salty results.

Or take the wee ones to The Friendly Spot (943 S. Alamo St., 210-224-2337) where you can nosh on casual bar snacks while downing a cold craft brew, and they can frolic on Southtown’s most kid-friendly patio.

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1610 NE Loop 410 | SA, TX 78209 | Mon-Sat: 11-9P inside the Loop across the highway from McArthur Park

/BBQStation_SA

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www.barbecuestation.com

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A stop at SA Pops is mandatory on the way to the zoo.

SATISFY YOUR SWEET TOOTH

→ After a savory dinner or a particularly trying day, we can’t think of anything better than a sweet treat or two. But why wait until the end of the day to satisfy those sugary cravings when San Antonio’s got a multitude of dessert options ranging from delicate macarons to decadent conchas stuffed with ice cream?

If you’re feeling decadent, head to Bliss (926 S. Presa St., 210-225-2547) where classic seasonal desserts, such as the flourless chocolate cake and goat cheesecakes wow eaters.

While still in Southtown, visit Liberty Bar (1111 S. Alamo St., 210-227-1187) and nosh on their velvety coconut custard.

Of course, when it comes to bakeries, both twee and tasty, head to these three San Anto go-tos: After relocating to the Pearl, Bakery Lorraine (306 Pearl Pkwy., Suite 110, 210862-5582) is still delivering artful tarts, drool-worthy eclairs and quality macarons to the masses. Stop here for holidaythemed pastries come Valentine’s Day, Easter and even Spurs playoff season. If you’re looking for an insane grilled cheese to pair with pecan bars and teensy cupcakes, stop by Bird Bakery (5912 Broadway, 210-804-2473), owned by Elizabeth Chambers and Armie Hammer. The newest bakery to hit the block (at least with a brick-and-mortar locale) is The Bread Box (555 W. Bitters Road, Suite 115, 210-277-8612) a new addition to the Alley on Bitters. It’s hard to not stock up on loads of brownies and perfectly decorated birthday cake after finishing off a bowl of their soup du jour.

Options abound if cool treats are what you’re after. Head to South Alamode Panini & Gelato Company (1420 S. Alamo St., 210-788-8000) where you’ll find more than a dozen seasonal flavors of gelato, including a heavenly pistachio, ricotta and blackberry, and a slew of dairy-free sorbettos. Visit SA Pops (3420 N. St. Mary’s St., 210-882-8903) on your way to the San Antonio Zoo and find real fruit popsicles, soft serve and shaved ice all created by chef Andrew Gutierrez.

Finally, if you’re in the mood for a gluttonous pick-me-up, visit The Old Main Assoc. (2512 N. Main Ave., 210-562-3440) where chef Lorenzo Morales and co. created the concha ice cream sandwich that pairs vanilla ice cream, a pink concha from El Folklor Bakery on Ingram, cinnamon-laced whipped cream and a Abuelita-flavored chocolate syrup. Yes, please.

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When you need to feed a horde of hangry people, these local spots have your back.

RALLY THE TROOPS After the graduation caps have been tossed, and that intense training seminar at work has ended, nothing feels more necessary than succulent food and drinks enjoyed with good company. We know a thing or two about feeding large masses of people here in SA, and some restaurants have refined this to an art form by catering to the experience and indulgence of dining en masse.

If you like the vibrancy and pace of urban nightlife, the everblossoming neighborhoods of Downtown San Antonio offer various options for your large party needs. Rosario’s Mexican Café y Cantina (multiple locations, rosariossa.com) is a Mexican food icon of Southtown and the North Side, with banquet options for parties from 10-70 people. If you aren’t up for a fajita or queso-induced food coma, The Pearl Brewery offers both Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery (136 E. Grayson St., Suite 120, 210-455-5701) and The Granary ‘Cue & Brewery (602 Avenue A, 210-228-0124), two establishments renowned for their unique and original menu items. From Southerleigh’s fried snapper throats to the Granary’s barbecue, a fresh and modern atmosphere is guaranteed for your festivities. Reservations for large parties can be made on each restaurant’s respective website.

Just above midtown is The Barn Door (8400 N. New Braunfels Ave., 210-824-0116), a beloved steakhouse, keen on providing joyous dining experiences for all occasions. Leaving Downtown and trekking to the far West Side, one will find

Viola’s Ventanas (9660 Westover Hills Blvd., 210-6849660) the newest venture in the Los Barrios family of restaurants.

To ensure you and your party have all the space you need to enjoy the signature puffy tacos, arrange your reservations by calling ahead of time. Reservations are only required for parties of 15 people or more.

If the hustle and bustle of Downtown or urban expansion isn’t your scene, Paesanos 1604 (3622 Paesanos Pkwy., 210-4931604) rests on a hill overlooking Shavano Park in Northwest San Antonio. Six different spaces are offered for a private or semiprivate dining experience. Eight special banquet menus offer options ranging from penne puttanesca with shrimp to oak-grilled quail. Menu selections can be made in the banquet reservation process.

In the farthest reaches of the San Antonio city limits, nestled quietly into woods and wild is Scenic Loop Cafe (25615 Boerne Stage Road, 210-687-1818). A hill country gem, the 25-year-old establishment offers a large group package for private parties of 20 guests or more. Along with a variety of dining rooms and service options, the Scenic Loop Cafe offers such delectable dishes as flank steak with wasabi, shrimp en brochette and Butterfinger brownies.

No matter your party size or preference of location, there is something to be found throughout the wide expanse of San Antonio for you, your posse and your culinary preferences.

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•Roundabout Theatre Company’s production of Cabaret plays at The Majestic October 25-30

It’s Showtime, San Antonio SHOW TIME

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one are the days when entertainment on your perfect day meant a paleta by the television set.

Now, with a rapidly growing arts scene and more tourists to entertain than ever, when the sun goes down on the Alamo, the curtains must come up on stages across this destination city. From a steady rotation of highprofile touring acts to homegrown entertainment, there’s something to be found almost any night of the week. So grab a ticket and cozy up to world-class theater, dance and music at any of these local venues.

From Diana Ross to Bob Dylan, The Majestic Theatre has hosted some of the biggest names in music. This former movie theater turned national historic landmark is now home to the Broadway in San Antonio series, presenting the hottest touring productions of New York’s award-winning shows. 224 E. Houston St., (210) 226-3333, majesticempire.com.

Once a vaudeville hall, the Charline McCombs Empire Theatre also enjoyed a stint as a B-movie theater before it was shuttered back in 1978. Redeveloped alongside the Majestic back in the ’90s, thanks to funds raised by the Las Casas Foundation, the intimate theater now hosts comedians, concerts, local performances and private events in its flexible seating space. 226 N. St. Mary’s St., (210) 226-3333, majesticempire.com.

With a revolving door of touring acts and three spaces

to house them, the state-of-the-art Tobin Center for the Performing Arts is the place to find anything from Tupperware-toting drag performers to master puppeteers direct from Italy to Chaka Khan, just off the River Walk.

And with 10 companies in residence, including Opera San Antonio, Ballet San Antonio and the San Antonio Symphony, the stage is sure to sizzle with some of the best local talent the city has to offer. 100 Auditorium Circle, (210) 223-8624, tobincenter.org.

Since 1992, ARTS San Antonio has brought the finest performances from around the world to various venues around town. But the artistic impact doesn’t end at the close of the performance; the organization also works to coordinate education and outreach opportunities for community engagement with visiting artists. Future events include Cirque Mechanics’ Pedal Punk, a steampunk circus spectacle where cycling is the only escape from a technodriven world. 418 10th St., (210) 226-2891, artssa.org.

Originally housed in Trinity University’s Attic Theatre, AtticRep found a new home for its esoteric, challenging dramas when it became one of the 10 resident companies at the Tobin back in 2014. There’s no such thing as an easy night with these guys; with a mission to “challenge the creative imagination of our community,” expect to leave the theater thinking. Previous productions include The continued on page 102 →

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ARTS San Antonio brings Cirque Mechanics’ Pedal Punk to town on April 1.

Amish Project, a play about forgiveness in the wake of an unthinkable school shooting. 100 Auditorium Circle, (210) 223-8624, atticrep.org.

Do you like your plays to stick to the dramatic canon? If so, the Classic Theatre of San Antonio’s productions of popular classics and forgotten masterpieces is the space where you can let your theater geek flag fly. All performances include a free educator preview night where education professionals can drink wine and eat appetizers while receiving credit for the event. And remember, teachers aren’t the only ones that get to have fun around here; Thursday nights are reserved as education nights, and you’ll find students of all ages in the audience of these late-night fieldtrips that include a talk back with the cast and crew. 1924 Fredericksburg Road, (210) 589-8450, classictheatre.org.

For over 75 years, the Carver Community Cultural Center has welcomed groundbreaking performers like Esperanza Spalding and Poncho Sanchez into its cultural hub on the East Side of the city. Through challenging performance, community outreach and education, the Carver seeks to celebrate diversity with an emphasis on African-American heritage with its namesake George Washington Carver’s words always in mind: “Start where you are with what you have. Make something of it. Never be satisfied.” 226 N. Hackberry, (210) 207-7211, thecarver.org.

For quality fun for the whole family, visit The Woodlawn Theatre for popular toe-tapping musicals that will leave you singing in the shower for days. Previous productions include the unbelievable flying antics of Mary Poppins and the notorious Halloween run of The Rocky Horror Show starring reality stars from RuPaul’s Drag Race. And for trivia buffs: originally a movie theater designed by architect John Eberson (of Majestic fame), John Wayne hosted the world premiere The

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Alamo at The Woodlawn back in 1960. 1920 Fredericksburg Road, (210) 267-8388, woodlawntheatre.org.

If you’re into the unconventional, then The Overtime should be your jam. Voted Best Local Theater Company by San Antonio Current readers six years in a row, Overtime is dedicated to new and original (and often unusual) works written primarily by local playwrights. Constantly growing in popularity, the company received 994 submissions from 40 states and 15 countries for its 2016 season. Expect to find monsters, Martians, dog-food-eating humans, serialized performances and more on either of the two stages in their convenient location near the Pearl and the River Walk. 1203 Camden St., (210) 557-7562, theovertimetheater.org.

If your preference errs on the conventional side, The Playhouse offers quality live theater that seeks to “reveal the truth in the human experience.” And thousands of thespians have attempted to do just that since its founding way back in 1912 as San Antonio Little Theatre. Today, The Playhouse hosts two stages: the Russell Hill Rogers Theater for larger musicals and the Cellar theater for intimate dramas, comedies and experimental works. Plus, The Playhouse is the only destination for Senior Theatre, an eight-week program that pairs senior citizens with master teaching artists as they develop a one-day showcase performance. 800 West Ashby Pl., (210) 733-7258, theplayhousesa.org.

To step into the Cameo Theatre is to step into another time.

With deep burgundy walls and gilt columns, the Egyptian art Deco space was a vaudeville stage and a movie screen before its resurgence as a multifunctional performance space. In its heyday, you’d find Louis Armstrong or Fats Domino on stage.

Today, expect locally produced family-friendly musicals such as Annie or The Buddy Holly Story. 1123 E. Commerce St., (210) 325-8702, cameocenter.com.

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COZY UP WITH THE BURLESQUE SCENE

→ Burlesque in the Alamo City is an unsurprisingly eclectic and refreshingly body-positive affair that takes shape in themed, seasonal spectacles filled with bumping, grinding, glitter and tassels, and during the young but promising San Antonio Burlesque Festival (the fifth edition is set for September 16 and 17 at the Woodlawn Theatre). Spearheaded by the lovely ladies of Stars and Garters Burlesque (San Antonio’s oldest and longest-running troupe) and the ever-playful Pastie Pops, the local scene encompasses everything from classic tease and sideshow stunts to drag and “boylesque” performed by both familiar faces and a steady stream of special guests hailing from South Texas and beyond. Stay tuned to starsandgartersburlesque.com, pastiepops.com and sanantonioburlesquefest.com for details.

→ The beautiful thing about karaoke is that there’s no one way to succeed.

Nothing pulls strangers together like an entire room joining in, pained expressions across their joyous faces, as they belt out “Don’t Stop Believing.” Or the guy who gets super agro on Pantera and then comes back next round to wail on Miley’s “Wrecking Ball.” With the focus being on the singer, the room is only as good as the clientele. Dad’s (2615 Mossrock) is a perfect example, as is Sir Winston’s (2522 Nacogdoches Road) and Thirsty Camel (5307 McCullough Ave.) — three different bars with three different vibes — Dad’s being a lot like dad’s den; wood-paneled, dimly lit and peculiar smelling, Sir Winston’s and Thirsty Camel taking on a classic sports dive and black-light club vibe, respectively. Like all karaoke establishments, these three bars do what only the best bars can do; bring folks together.

DAN PAYTON

BE A KARAOKE STAR

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maverick music festival 2016 La Villita Maverick Plaza

april 8&9

The Flaming Lips PUBLIC ENEMY THE CHURCH THE DRUMS REVEREND HORTON HEAT YOUNG FATHERS WILD CHILD

BRIGHT LIGHT SOCIAL HOUR

MOTHER FALCON

MORE TO BE ANNOUNCED!

maverickmusicfestival.com

AN ANTONIO

TEXAS 104 CURRENT • San Antonio City Guide • sacurrent.com

→ Once a thriving stretch of nightlife packed with live music and weekend revelers, due to a stream of bar purchases, renovations and the influx of Downtown dwellers, the St. Mary’s Strip is poised to return to its former position as the primary destination for live music seekers.

We shall start at The Mix (2423 N. St. Mary’s St.), where most of the best/worst nights begin and/or end. The Mix has long been the Strip’s resident rock ‘n’ roll dive. With the recent renovations: Raising and installing new ceilings, adding atmospheric lighting, a pristine stage and a second bar in no time, the never-a-cover venue should be making good use of those extra taps.

Just a stone’s throw from The Mix is Amp Room (2407 N. St. Mary’s St.). This bar has changed hands numerous times in the last decade but is now getting new life as a club devoted to all things rock ‘n’ roll, from the ’50s to today.

Heading further south you’ll eventually hit Hi-Tones (621 E. Dewey Pl.). Touted as the original home of the chamoy and pickle shots, this San Anto gem brings in the city’s best talent, from conjunto legends to hip-hop upstarts, and packs in the kids.

Back up north lies Phantom Room (2106 N. St. Mary’s St.), two venues in one with a DJ booth up front and live music in the back room, complete with a wood deck and chandeliers.

Paper Tiger (2410 N. St. Mary’s St.), once the address of the primary rock venue in town, is now returning to its former glory and then some. Paper Tiger is the venue that will drag SA into distinction as one of the best places to catch mid-level rock ‘n’ roll acts in the state, if not the country.

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•The San Antonio Museum of Art is one of many local venues hosting outdoor screenings in partnership with Slab Cinema.

CATCH A FLICK PALLADIUM THEATER • This movie house will celebrate its 10-year anniversary in December 2016 as one of the most impressive of the theaters in the locally owned Santikos chain.

From its Greek-influenced architecture to its state-of-the-art IMAX theater to its newly installed Barco Escape that uses multiple screens to present a film, the movie-going experience at the Palladium (17703 I-10 W.) is like no other. Along with first-run movies, the theater also screens special events, concerts and classics like The Maltese Falcon. The theater also likes to work with local filmmakers who want to screen their movies in a professional setting. Let’s also not forget the Express Café, arcade, full bar upstairs for the adults and concession stands, which include a gelato and coffee bar.

ALAMO DRAFTHOUSE • There are three locations in San Antonio (Westlakes, Park North and Stone Oak) and all of them deliver the one-of-a-kind style and service you’d expect from this popular movie chain that started in Austin in the late ‘90s.

In addition to their first-run movies, the Drafthouse (drafthouse. com) is known for its Signature Series of movie events like quotealongs and sing-alongs, Afternoon Tea (period films served with tea and treats), Tough Guy Cinema, Girlie Night and, of course,

as many obscure and bizarre movies as you can handle. Pair your flicks with some serious cuisine and libations, served to you in the comfort of your theater seat and table.

BIJOU THEATER • If you’re cinematic palate needs more than your average superhero movie or blockbuster hit to get by, take a trip to the Wonderland of the Americas Mall where San Antonio’s only independent/arthouse theater lives in the lower level of the shopping center. Here, you can check out the newest foreign films, documentaries and indie movies that usually get a lot of love during awards season. Along with standard concession food, the Bijou (4522 Fredericksburg Road) offers full meals as well as a nice selection of wines. Children under 12 are not allowed, so don’t worry about crying babies.

SLAB CINEMA • Since the Mission Drive-In theater (now the Mission Marquee Plaza) closed up shop a few years ago, the local outdoor movie-going experience has evolved into something different, but as equally fun and communal. There are many organizations that host outdoor screenings around the city, but what Slab Cinema (slabcinema.com) owners Angela and Rick Martinez have been able to do with their events is a great way for people to create new memories with their friends and family. Along with outdoor screenings at the Mission Marquee, other sites include Travis Park, Woodlawn Lake, Bulverde Community Park and La Villita, among other venues.

Grab your blankets, chairs and snacks and make a night of it.

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SHERLOCK’S BAKER ST. PUB & GRILL NEW FOOD. NEW HANDCRAFTED COCKTAILS. SAME GREAT LOCAL BREWS. Full Menu until 2 a.m.

Located in Park Oaks Shopping Center 16620 US 281 N • 210.572.9307 sherlockspub.com

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Historic Floore’s Country Store has fine-tuned the concert experience over the past 70 years.

TAKE IN A SHOW → If you’re looking for great live music of the local and touring variety, chances are you’re thinking of hitting the St. Mary’s Strip. And you’re not wrong. Our fair city, however, boasts plenty of other great spots around town to dig live music of all types. So let’s say you decide to skip the Strip, where should you go?

The Downtown area is home to four solid venues in particular. The Aztec Theatre (104 N. St. Mary’s St., 210-812-4355, theaztectheatre.com), The Majestic Theatre (224 E. Houston St., 210-226-3333) and The Empire Theatre (226 N. St. Mary’s St., 210-226-3333, majesticempire.com). Obviously, these venues are theaters, which means they host all types of shows, but each, in their own way, contributes something unique to SA’s live music milieu. The Aztec Theatre, which recently sold booking rights to Live Nation’s House of Blues Entertainment, is a beautifully restored historical building that first opened its doors back in 1926.

Meanwhile, the Majestic and Empire Theatres (which are owned and run by the same folks) offer classical music, opera, big-name comedians, traveling and local shows for children, and legacy shows by folks like Graham Nash, Blind Boys of Alabama and John Fogerty.

The Korova (107 E. Martin St., 210-995-7229, thekorova. com) is a loosely Clockwork Orange-themed punk bar, with a sweet riverside location and a penchant for bringing in your older tío’s favorite rock bands On the Museum Reach, DIY punk venue and longtime favorite of many of SA’s finest local music lifers, The Ten Eleven (1011 Avenue B, 210-320-9080, theteneleven.com) is the grimiest establishment you could hope to find yourself in and still be on the River Walk. Unpretentious: check. Loud as hell: on the best nights.

One of the best places to catch live music outside of Loop 410 is 502 Bar (502 Embassy Oaks, 210-257-8125, 502bar. com), which boasts one of the best sound systems in town.

Also outside the loop, Fitzgerald’s Bar (437 McCarty, Suite 101, 210-629-5141), Alamo City Music Hall (1305 E. Houston St., alamocitymusichall.com) and Floore’s Country Store (14492 Old Bandera Road, Helotes, 210-695-8827, liveatfloores.com) all feature consistently full show schedules.

At Fitzgerald’s, you might find a local hip-hop benefit, some local alt-rock would-have-beens or a singer-songwriter showcase on any given night. On the other hand, Alamo City Music Hall and Floore’s, respectively, boast the best of touring hip-hop/R&B and country/Americana fare.

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maverick music festival 2016 La Villita Maverick Plaza

april 8&9

The Flaming Lips PUBLIC ENEMY THE CHURCH THE DRUMS REVEREND HORTON HEAT YOUNG FATHERS WILD CHILD

BRIGHT LIGHT SOCIAL HOUR

MOTHER FALCON

MORE TO BE ANNOUNCED!

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or a fun-filled night of dancing, boozing and entertainment, head on over to the strip on Main Avenue. Located just north of Downtown, San Antonio’s “gayborhood” is currently “on the rise” with new additions to the neighborhood (check out Ouch Underwear and the soon-to-open Boxer Bar) and recent renovations and expansions to many of its long-standing businesses. From the trendy Heat nightclub to Club Essence (where almost anything goes), the strip on Main Avenue is sure to have something for all tastes and personalities.

HEAT • Located on the corner of East Evergreen and North Main, the Heat nightclub is a towering figure in the city’s gay nightlife. Don’t forget your dancing boots if you’re headed here, as the club’s website claims it to be one of the city’s “premiere dance clubs.” Along with the main room and bar, the club includes a video lounge and recently renovated outdoor patio.

Not only does Heat have a reputation for dancing, the club is also known for its infamous drag performances. Heat, once the stomping ground of the late Erica Andrews and recently retired Shady Lady, is now home to Rey Lopez Entertainment, who brings many of the nationally recognized drag performers from RuPaul’s Drag Race to the Alamo City. On Sunday nights, Heat becomes “Club Sin,” with no cover all night and plenty of drink specials. 1500 N. Main Ave., (210) 227-2600, heatsa.com.

LUTHER’S CAFE • Serving up Texas-style burgers and a variety of homemade stews since 1949, Luther’s Cafe has been a staple in the community even before the arrival of the gay nightlife on Main Ave. Located on the first floor of the Tobin Lofts at San Antonio College, this ever-evolving

LATE-NIGHT

restaurant and bar has grown by leaps and bounds (literally moving across the street and back) and is now the strip’s go-to place for dining and people-watching. On game night, come here and catch a football game on one of the many flat screen TVs. 1503 N. Main Ave., (210) 223-7727, lutherscafe.com.

SPARKY’S PUB • Sparky’s is the strip’s “Old-English-style” pub, located smack in the middle of all the excitement on Main. The well-lit bar and casual atmosphere is perfect for meeting friends both gay and straight. Head out to the back patio for conversation with friends, or enjoy a game of pool or darts in the game room. Open daily at 3 p.m., the Café at Sparky’s features an extensive list of wines, and a variety of sandwiches and coffee selections. Get there early for happy hour specials every day from 3 to 9 p.m. 1416 N. Main Ave., (210) 320-5111, sparkyspub.com.

PEGASUS NIGHTCLUB • As one of the oldest bars on the strip (established in 1994), the Pegasus Nightclub retains some if its older “charm” while pushing forward with recent renovations. The outdoor patio and stage, located at the front of the bar, was once the drinking hole’s parking lot.

Inside, you’ll find a variety of themed bars, from the “country bar” to the main “video room,” where the DJs happily take requests. With a reputation as one of the most welcoming bars on the strip, here you’ll find everyone from shirtless twinks, to bears and grandpas. Known for its nightly karaoke performances, the Pegasus has also established itself as one of the best places to catch a drag show (as the recent Layla LaRue birthday bash demonstrated). Think of this place as the “Cinderella” of the strip — it’s one of the few bars continued on page 110 →

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under separate ownership from the mini-monopoly of bars located within the block. 1402 N. Main Ave. (210) 299-4222, pegasussanantonio.com.

CLUB ESSENCE • Just a short walk down the road from the main hub is Club Essence. Come here to catch male dancers working a pole or dancing on top of the bar. The usual clientele here range from drag queens, gay to straight girlfriends, and the occasional creep who can’t stop staring.

The action here centers on a large, rectangular bar located near the center of the room, where patrons gather to watch the weekly parade of dancers and amateur male strip-off contests. Can’t take the heat inside? Head to the outdoor patio for a break from the scenery and start a conversation with some of the regulars. Afterward, walk on over to Lulu’s Bakery and Café, located next door, for some late night treats and eats. 1010 N. Main Ave., (210) 223-5418, facebook.com/ clubessencesa.

SILVER DOLLAR SALOON • The Silver Dollar is supposed to be SA’s country bar, but really, it’s just another gay bar with plenty of dancing, karaoke and drag performances. And that’s OK. As one of the largest gay bars on the strip, the Silver Dollar is divided into several rooms for drinking, dancing, drag performances and competition shows. Come here for a wide variety of music, from country to Tejano to all the latest trends.

Afterward, stop for tacos at the truck located out front. 1812 N. Main Ave., (210) 227-2623.

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•We’ll have what

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•Toss back an Aviation, Manhattan or Roy Rogers at any of these fine establishments.

TIPPLE COCKTAIL CREATIONS → Sure, Lone Star and one-and-one mixed beverages still hold a place in our hearts, but sometimes you really want a great Manhattan. Step into Slam Antonio where the daiquiris are cold and the large format ice is even colder. Get your drink on at any of these fine joints across the city.

STAY CLASSY, STAY DOWNTOWN • When you’re hoping to impress with your cocktail knowledge, make friends with serious bar personnel or spend a pretty penny on high-end Scotch, SA’s got you covered with several options. Head to one of the first bars to whet educated whistles at Bohanan’s Bar (219 E. Houston St., 210-472-2600) and gaze at The Majestic from your barstool. Wander downstairs to The Last Word (229 E. Houston St., Suite 10) for cocktails on tap or a $35 Last Word. Just a ways away, you’ll stumble onto the re-opened Juniper Tar (244 W. Houston St., 210-229-1833) where you’ll find cocktails named after famous affairs. Downtown also holds the recently opened Haunt (300 E. Travis St., 210-352-3172) where cocktail themes veer into spooky specter territory. If you’re hoping to soak in more San Antonio history, a visit to The Esquire Tavern (155 E. Commerce St., 210-222-2521) where you can overlook the San Antonio River Walk while sipping on classic cocktails. Rub elbows with tipsy tourists at SoHo Wine & Martini Bar (214 W. Crockett St., 210-444-1000). Aside from Downtown proper, there are plenty of area establishments that bring the cocktail quota up. Visit Jeret Peña’s first solo bar, The Brooklynite (516 Brooklyn Ave., 210-444-0707) on Tuesday nights for Tiki libations or head to Sternewirth (136 E. Grayson St., 210-223-7375) and sit inside former brew tanks that have been converted into posh seating. While at The Pearl, visit Blue Box (312 Pearl Pkwy., 210-227-2583) for a serious happy hour. If you’re hoping for better views, you can’t do better than Paramour (102 9th St., Suite 400, 210-340-9880) and their barrel-aged program.

WASH IT DOWN WITH SOME SNACKS • If you need a few bites to pair with those cocktails head to Barbaro (2620 McCullough Ave., 210-320-2261) for pizza and house-made sodas. Southtown’s Francis Bogside (803 S. St. Mary’s St., 210-988-3093) is a heavy-hitter for its potato bread and blue cheese plate alone … but definitely add an Irish Old Fashioned to that equation. Pair Tiki-style cocktails with Asian fare at Hot Joy (1014 S. Alamo St., 210-368-9324) or stick with San Antoinspired bites at The Old Main Assoc. (2512 N. Main Ave., 210-562-3440), or satiate your appetite for legit Mexican cuisine with a little copita at Mezcalería Mixtli (5313 McCullough Ave., 210-320-1660). Don’t forget you can order from the dinner menu at Park Social (224 E. Olmos Drive, 210-822-0100).

LOOPY LIBATIONS • Looplanders need cocktails, too. Visit George’s Keep (17101 La Cantera Pkwy., 210-310-3733) for patio sippers and views of the North Side; The Green Lantern (20626 Stone Oak Pkwy., Suite 101) for intimate rendezvous; or sip on shaken and stirred cocktails at Stir (14355 Blanco Road, 210-444-9495).

COCKTAILS AND CHILL • If you need fewer vests and more laid-back atmospheres head to Ocho (1015 Navarro St., 210-222-2008) for a Martinique Punch and dazzling patio.

TBA (2801 N. St. Mary’s St., 210-320-1753) is the St. Mary’s Strip’s answer to a cocktail lounge — chill, inexpensive and plenty potent. Wear your flimsiest flip-flops while drinking rum-filled drinks at Concrete Jungle (1628 S. Presa St., 210-884-6455). Or make yourself at home at Alchemy Kombucha and Culture (1123 N. Flores St., 210-320-1168) where fizzy fermented tea combines with spirits for fun patio pounders. And, finally, the party often gets started on Stay Golden Social House’s (401 Pearl Pkwy.) gravel-lined patio.

Now, who’s up for a daiquiri?

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409 E COMMERCE www.coyoteuglysaloon.com

(210) 465-UGLY

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Dance yourself clean at these spots.

TWERK IT OUT BRASS MONKEY • If you’re looking to dance on the St. Mary’s Strip, then the place to be is Brass Monkey. With a combination of ‘80s new wave, indie and dance music, this oddball venue knows how to pack the dance floor. Here, hipsters and dancing queens unite to pay tribute to the worstdressed decade, one most of these patrons are too young to remember. There is never a cover and the drinks are always cheap. 2702 N. St. Mary’s St., (210) 480-4722, facebook. com/brassmonkeytx.

CLUB RIO • Club Rio offers a truly international vibe with spacious dance floors, club lighting and thumping music. The main room features EDM, hip-hop and Top 40. To hear the best in Latin music head to the Latin room where DJs play salsa, merengue and bachata. From Paul Oakenfold to Skrillex and Steve Akoi, Club Rio brings in some of the top performers from around the country. Come here to catch a show or simply to dance the night away. 13307 San Pedro Ave., (210) 4032582, club-rio.net.

BONHAM EXCHANGE • The stories about the Bonham Exchange are legendary. If only the walls here could speak!

From celebrity sightings to drag performances to sexy male dancers, the Bonham has always given its clientele a reason to come back. In the 34 years since it was established, the club has evolved while managing to stay true to its mission: “To maintain a space where all individuals can get along and

enjoy each other’s company regardless of sex, race, ethnicity, age or sexual preference.” Today the club caters to a diverse clientele both gay and straight. Saturday nights are its busiest night when the radio station Energy 94.1 broadcasts live from the dance floor. 411 Bonham St., (210) 224-9219, bonhamexchange.com.

COWBOYS DANCEHALL • This joint offers more than just a spacious dance floor. With over 70,000-square-feet, it’s one of the largest entertainment venues in the city with seven different bars, an indoor rodeo area for bull riding and cage fights, and monthly concerts featuring some of the biggest DJs and names in country music. On nights when there are no concerts, get here early for free dance lessons ranging from the “Cha Cha” to “East Coast Swing.” Thursdays are ladies’ nights, when women 21 and up get in free. 3030 NE Loop 410, (210) 646-9378, cowboysdancehall.com.

INDUSTRY NIGHTCLUB • If you’re feeling nostalgic, then Industry Nightclub is the place for you. Here, the DJs play a mix of ’80s, ’90s and “y2k.” The crowd here tends to be 30 plus and the dance floor gets packed. Many come for the “freestyle” music the club has become known for. The décor here could use a little updating, but who’s really paying attention when you’re here to dance? This year marks the 10th anniversary for the club. 8021 Pinebrook Drive, (210) 374-2765.

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ON TAP Serving San Antonio since 1972

HOME OF THE ORIGINAL TEXAS TEA PITCHER Food on Sundays during all NFL Games (While Supplies Last) $2.25 Domestic Bottles, $2 Wells, $3 Fireball 8 Draft Beers on Tap

Pool , Darts Jukebox & Patio 6310 Callaghan Rd • 342-7321 | 11am to 2am Everyday

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“GIFT” SHOP AT PLANET K

→ I get high with a little help from my friends … at Planet K. High on tobacco products emanating from the plethora of pipes (many made by local blowers), one-hitters, vapes, Medusa-like hookahs and bongs of all shapes and sizes that make up the merchandise of this Texas staple of civilization.

You can always buy your Tinkerbell-delicate bodega bowls from the local family-owned convenience store, but you can’t also pick up an issue of High Times, Low Rider, Barely Legal, a French tickler, novelty penis straw or discreet giant black dildo, now can you? Whether you need to restock on hair oil for your dreads, tattoo needles for your gun, plugs for your scenester kid sister, black lights for your “chill room,” papers for the dude on the couch, potions to fix your cloudy piss or nag champa for your crusty roommate, there’s one place that’s got it all, and they’re open late: 420-friendly hours. Tell ‘em Mary sent-cha.

Mary … Jane. Don’t really say that. Or talk about weed at all for that matter. That shit’s illegal and they’ll kick your narc ass out.

Multiple locations, planetktexas.com.

SNAG A NAUGHTY NOVELTY

→ If you want to spice up your post bar-hopping activities, San Antonio has a few great stores to help you fill your goodie bag. A local favorite, The Love Shack (1580 Babcock Road, 210-767-9411) sets the bar high with clean, friendly, helpful and shame-free adults-only shopping. Besides toys, Adult Video Megaplex (multiple locations) boasts a surprising book selection as well as cool vintage porn and video viewing rooms. Conveniently located close to several truck stops, Texxx Adult Novelty and Gifts (5521 I-10 E.) carries everything from buttplugs and DVDs to Bettie Page collectibles and sex swings. Although heavy on the lingerie (including super-cute stuff up to a size 4X), Cindie’s (7067 San Pedro Ave., 210-447-7158) also features a partially enclosed BDSM area and a fun gag-gift section complete with oddities. Dreamers (2376 Austin Hwy., 210-653-3538) offers a huge video selection, vintage Playboys, hilarious pins, magnets and bumper stickers, plus a large stock of inexpensive panties — perfect for wearing once and having ripped off.

Newest Rooftop NightClub in San Antonio!

Let your night out come alive.

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(210) 858-9028 @lushrooftop lushrooftop.com

4553 N Loop 1604 W, Ste 1201 | San Antonio, Texas sacurrent.com • San Antonio City Guide • CURRENT 117

SOM021816140

Microbiology & Immunology Graduate Programs University of Texas Health Science Center Master of Science in Immunology & Infection: Basic Principles and Clinical Translation • A 2-year program in an extraordinary biomedical setting • Train with world-class scientists • Excellent classroom preparation and robust laboratory research experiences • Graduates are prepared for many rewarding science-related careers or advanced academic training

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INFORMATION: Contact Kay Eskew, Academic Coordinator (210) 567-3921 • Immunity@uthscsa.edu http://uthscsa.edu/micro-immunology/index.asp 118 CURRENT • San Antonio City Guide • sacurrent.com

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Help yourself and others.

Volunteer for a metabolism study, today!

You may qualify for studies that will evaluate how a probiotic (good bacteria) and food composition affect the metabolism.

•How many minis can we fit on our plate?

GRAB LATE-NIGHT TACOS

→ When out drinking, nothing satisfies that early morning hunger like a taco from a taco truck. A good after-bar taco truck combines tastiness, quickness and cheapness.

Located right next to Hardbodies, Tacos El Regio (2726 N. St. Mary’s St.) is ideally situated in walking distance from all of the bars along the St. Mary’s Strip. This taco truck opens at dusk to specifically cater to the area’s late-night crowds, and features some of the best green salsa in San Antone (Yelp users heartily agree). The tortas are humungous; the tacos are bursting with spice and flavor, but the elote … oh, the elote.

You will be dreaming about it long after that first bite, trust me.

If your night out has left you with an unbearable craving for heat, Taqueria Datapoint (multiple locations) can certainly satisfy that desire — given that you have a willing driver or Uber monies. Datapoint’s menu items embody the exact opposite of stingy, and almost all dishes are prepared with copious cilantro, grilled onions and meat. For the heat, we advise you to look no further than the complimentary red salsa. Fair warning, though, that shit is hot.

For Taquitos West Ave. (2818 West Ave., 210-5259888), authenticity is everything. Taquitos’ diversified options for meat and spice, alongside their bona fide Mexican drinks and desserts elicit tastes and sentiments of home, or your home away from home if you lack Latin American descent. The entire joint is set up outside, so it’s perfect for a little late night adventure, regardless if you have any sobering up to do. All for under $10, the experience is unbeatable.

Study participants should be: • • • •

Between 18 and 65 years old Persons with or without diabetes Diabetics not taking insulin or metformin Non-smokers

Study participants will receive: • Blood work • A physical exam • Compensation for time

Select study participants will receive: • Home meals while on study medication

For more information, call:

210-617-5243 OR

210-949-3706

Principal Investigator Nicolas Musi, MD

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LIVE LIFE ALASKAN

Brewed and Bottled in Juneau, Alaska alaskanbeer.com 120 CURRENT • San Antonio City Guide • sacurrent.com

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•Great bites to soak up potent booze

EAT GREAT LATE → Used to be that local denizens of the dark had limited late-night feeding options: Mi Tierra pairing enchiladas and mariachis and Earl Abel’s mating insomniacs to fried chicken.

MI TIERRA RESTAURANT & BAKERY (218 Produce Row, 210-225-1262) still soldiers on. But a new breed of night owls has emerged, encouraged in part by upscale bars intent on serving more than pickled eggs and beef jerky. Here are more than a few and their late kitchen hours.

BARBARO • (2720 McCullough Ave., 210-320-2261): Salads, sure, but late at night you likely want pork belly with navy beans, one of the well-tailored pizzas and/or a pear tart with pine nuts.

On Friday and Saturday after 11, take your chances with the Late Night Special menu. Enjoy late night pies Sunday-Thursday through midnight and Friday-Saturday to 1 a.m.

CROSSROADS SOUTHERN KITCHEN • (517 E. Woodlawn Ave., 210-257-0628): You order at the patio window outside Faust Tavern, then head inside for a cheap beer or a wellmade Old Fashioned as you wait for the likes of smoked-fried mushrooms, Not Texas chili or a fried chicken “sammich.” Chow down Tuesday-Sunday ’til 2 a.m.

THE ESQUIRE TAVERN • (155 E. Commerce St., 210-2222521): Esquire’s kitchen is open seriously late on weekends for tacos con papas, hearty pozole rojo, bison burgers and fancy chicken and dumplings. We couldn’t do a 16-ounce Texas Wagyu after midnight, but maybe you can. The kitchen stays open through 1 a.m. Thursday-Saturday.

FRANCIS BOGSIDE • (803 S. St. Mary’s St., 210-988-3093): Bogside borrows from next-door Brigid’s kitchen for its own barcentric menu of rustic fare in the bacon and cabbage and corned beef hash vein. Lately, specials seem to be veering in an Asian direction with curries and noodle salads. Pizza, too. Get your fill Monday-Saturday to 2 a.m. and Sunday through midnight.

HOT JOY • (1014 S. Alamo St., 210-368-9324): If you need a shot of spice to keep the system functioning, Hot Joy can provide jolts from its regular menu most nights. Friday

and Saturday, a late-night menu may include dishes such as butternut curry rice and black curry with pork belly. Stop by Sunday-Thursday ’til 11 p.m. and Friday-Saturday ’til 1 a.m.

LIBERTY BAR • (1111 S. Alamo St., 210-227-1187): Liberty’s late menu is served from 10 p.m. onward and includes popular faves such as pear and stilton salad, steak tartare, a build-yourown pizza, pot roast and, of course, the enduring classic, Virginia Green’s chocolate cake. Take in a pie through midnight.

MEZCALERÍA MIXTLI • (5313 McCullough Ave., 210-3201660): Mezcalería’s comida has been catching up to its cocktails.

Consider small plates such as esquites, larger ones on the order of chicharron en salsa verde or selections from the traditional evening eats section: the sincronizada with cheese and ham, molletes with black bean, chicken and more. The kitchen is open Tuesday-Thursday to midnight and Friday-Saturday to 2 a.m.

THE OLD MAIN ASSOCIATION • (2512 N. Main Ave., 210562-3440): Old Main’s food menu is as eclectic as they come, spanning a gamut from fried sweetbreads and chicharron fries to the now-famous concha burger and the should-be-famous bangers and kraut. Had a lot to drink? Time for cauliflower and crispy pig’s ear. The eats are served Monday-Friday to midnight and Saturday to 1 a.m.

SOUTHERLEIGH FINE FOOD & BREWERY • (136 E. Grayson St., 210-455-5701): Boozing at Blue Box? Stagger on over to Southerleigh for a foodcap from their “mid-shift/ late-shift” menu. Chicken cracklins with hot sauce, smothered chicken wings with red-eye gravy or wake-you-up iced oysters with balsamic-shallot mignonette should do the trick. Stop in Monday-Thursday to midnight and Friday-Saturday to 1 a.m.

ZINC BISTRO & WINE BAR • (207 N. Presa St., 210224-2900): The “crack burger” for sure. Then consider calamari worth the calories, Gulf blue crabcakes, Texas lamb pappardelle or the ancho crusted short rib sandwich. Molten chocolate cake with cajeta will provide a useful, if brief, sugar jolt. Eat great late until 2 a.m. nightly.

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Go home with this big-ass chicken fried steak in your tummy.

Hard Rock Cafe San Antonio Hiring for the following postitions

STREET TEAM MARKETING SPECIALIST

SOAK UP YOUR BOOZE

→ It’s late. You’ve had a cocktail or five, and your Uber driver asks, “Where to?” Rather than have him pull through the Mama Margie’s drive-thru so you can pass out at home midbean and cheese bite, make a pit stop at one of SA’s 24-hour eateries. Chains like Denny’s, IHOP and Jim’s are scattered throughout the city, but consider these locally owned establishments, too: PIG STAND • The Pig Stand is an institution. Its sign is like a beacon shining forth to beckon the city’s insomniacs and beer-soaked citizens. Pig Stand offers breakfast all day (and night) to go with pork chops, barbecue platters, fried chicken and burgers. The most expensive item on the menu is $16.99 (the steak and shrimp), so you’ll probably have a couple coins left over for the booth-side jukebox. 1508 Broadway, (210) 222-9923 sanantoniopigstand.com.

LULU’S BAKERY AND CAFE • Yes, they serve massive chicken fried steaks and cinnamon rolls. But if your hunger isn’t hyperbolic (or your squad isn’t feeling the culinary team building session eating one of these dishes entails), then opt for a burger (with options like avocado, bacon and cheese or the Railroad Burger, featuring double meat and a full complement of toppings), tortilla soup, grilled cheese or fried chicken breast smothered in queso. 918 N. Main Ave., (210) 224-5001, luluscafeinsa.com.

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