Book a ride for just $1.30 on the VIA LINK app. Link to the Pearl, explore Southtown's art and food scene, and get around Downtown with less walking.
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Welcome to Best of San Antonio 2026
Every year, the San Antonio Current bottles up the city and dares you to take a swig.
The Best of San Antonio issue is our annual reminder that “hot” isn’t a onenote flavor — it’s a spectrum. It’s the zing of a taco that sneaks up on you three bites in, sure, but it’s also the buzz around a bartender who remembers your drink, a vintage shop that feels like a secret or a music venue that turns a Tuesday night into something feral and unforgettable.
Like hot sauce, “hot” here means both heat and hype — intensity and intrigue, fire and fascination.
And just like the best hot sauces don’t come from some mega-factory owned by a faceless food conglomerate, neither do the winners you’ll find in these pages. They’re the culinary tinkerers, the DIY lifers, the stubborn dreamers working out of converted houses, food trucks and blink-and-you-miss-it storefronts.
The folks grinding chiles in small batches have a lot in common with the
indie bookstore owners, tattoo artists, baristas and technicians who dominate this list — people who care enough to obsess over the details, who’d rather be distinctive than scalable, and who give this city its unmistakable flavor.
Of course, the real joy of hot sauce isn’t sticking with the same bottle forever — it’s grabbing something new off the shelf just to see what it can do to your taste buds. So, to spice things up, we brought back our Critics’ Picks selections to add a few of our own favorites into the mix.
That same curiosity is what makes Best of San Antonio more than a victory lap. It’s an invitation. Flip through, circle names you don’t recognize and go chase them down. Because the only way to really know your city — and to feel its heat — is to keep tasting.
All the best,
Sanford Nowlin Editor-in-chief, San Antonio Current
Best of SA | Food & Drink
BEST BAKERY/CONCHA
Winner: La Panadería
Multiple Locations lapanaderia.com
La Panadería continues to rack up wins for Best Bakery and Best Concha because it truly understands what so many San Antonians crave, especially those of Latino ancestry: a connection to tradition while embracing creativity. From the moment guests step inside and see the fresh Mexican bread with its unique twists, it becomes clear why this chain has become a go-to sweet spot for so many.
Smoke Shack started as a food truck in 2011 and jumped to its Broadway brick-and-mortar location in 2014, where it’s become a San Antonio barbecue institution. From its famous Smoke Shack Mac — macaroni and cheese piled with brisket
La Panadería
and tangy house-made barbecue sauce — to delectable turkey, ribs, brisket and jalapeno cheddar sausage links, Smoke Shack consistently delivers the big, bold tastes local diners expect from Texas-style ‘cue.
Runners Up:
Pinkerton’s Barbecue
107 W. Houston St. (210) 983-0088 pinkertonsbbq.com
2M Smokehouse
2731 S. W.W. White Road (210) 885-9352 instagram.com/2msmokehouse
BEST BOBA
Winner: Artea Bubble Tea + Eats 7010 W. Loop 1604 North, Suite 201 (210) 888-3820 drinkartea.com
The quality of a breakfast taco’s tortilla can make it or break it — and Tommy’s fluffy flour tortillas are top-notch. The local chain made its debut in 1995 with a single restaurant on Nogalitos Street, which became known for its barbacoa and Big Red specials. But, clearly, readers also love the breakfast tacos, which range from conventional Tex-Mex choices to more exotic options such as the chicharron and egg and the Country Ranchero. As testament to its fanbase, there are now six Tommy’s Restaurants across the Alamo City with a seventh reportedly in the works.
Runners Up: Con Huevos Tacos 1629 E Houston St. (210) 460-2075 instagram.com/conhuevostacos
Las Palapas
Multiple Locations laspalapas.com
BEST BRUNCH
Winner: The Magnolia Pancake Haus
Multiple Locations magnoliapancakehaus.com
Family owned and operated since 2000, the Magnolia Pancake Haus boasts that it serves the World’s Best Buttermilk Pancakes, and our readers seem to agree. Though the pancakes are the main attraction — they’re literally in the name, duh — those who feel like mixing it up can also try the French toast, waffles, farmer’s scramble and other generous options. Just make sure your entire party arrives in time to be seated, or you will
Courtesy Photo / La Panaderia
Best of SA | Food & Drink
lose your place in line. Great breakfast waits for no one.
Runners Up:
Comfort Cafe
6812 Bandera Road, Suite 101 (210) 501-9719 serenitystar.org/san-antonio
La Panadería Multiple Locations lapanaderia.com
BEST BURGER
Winner: Burger Boy Multiple Locations burgerboy.com
Runners Up:
Chris Madrid’s 1900 Blanco Road (210) 735-3552 chrismadrids.com
Mr. Juicy
Multiple Locations mrjuicy.net
BEST CARIBBEAN RESTAURANT
Winner: Real Real Jamaica
6828 San Pedro Ave. (210) 858-3015 instagram.com/realrealjamaica
Runners Up:
The Jerk Shack 10234 TX-151, Suite 103 (210) 776-7780 thejerkshacksatx.com
Bucan Rodeo
521 E. Grayson St. instagram.com/bucan_rodeo
BEST CHARCUTERIE
Winner: Festive and Fine Charcuterie Designs festiveandfine.com
Runners Up:
The Board Couple 2218 N. Zarzamora St. (210) 573-2100 theboardcouple.com
Boards by Ronnie boardsbyronnie.com
BEST CHICKEN FRIED STEAK
Winner: MK Davis Restaurant 1302 N. Flores St. (210) 223-1208 facebook.com/mkdavisrestaurant
ANorthside staple since 1987, Golden Wok’s Wurzbach Road location offers both an experience and a meal. Guests are greeted by a graceful courtyard complete with a waterfall and koi pond, and the interior decor offers a more elegant feel than the strip-mall dining experience available at many of the city’s other Chinese restaurants. Golden Wok was among the first SA restaurants to offer dim sum, and chef specialties such as Hong Kong Roast Duck and Garlic Black Bean Fish are exemplary. Top off your meal with a banana spring roll or a sesame ball magic, the latter comprised of crispy sesame balls stuffed with sweet lotus seed and served over vanilla ice cream.
Runners Up:
Ding How Chinese Restaurant 4531 NW Loop 410 (210) 340-7944 dinghowsa.com
Sichuan House
3505 Wurzbach Road, Suite 102 (210) 509-9999 sichuaneats.com
BEST CHURROS
Winner: Honchos, The House of Churros
Multiple Locations honchoschurros.com
Runners Up: I Love Churros
7007 Bandera Road, Unit 14 (210) 888-1550 ilovechurrosrestaurant.shop
Churro Star
Multiple Locations churrostar.com
Smoke Shack
Tommy’s Restaurant
BEST COFFEE SHOP
Winner: Summer Moon Coffee
Multiple Locations summermooncoffee.com
Summer Moon is committed to creating coffee good enough to “drive across town for” — and boy, does it deliver. The homespun business’ pursuit of excellence comes down to details including an in-house oak roasting process, which imbues
their beans with a rich, balanced flavor to ensure they’re “always better, never bitter.” Born out of late-night alchemy, the chain’s signature sweet cream Moon Milk is another draw, and it’s the secret ingredient that makes the Summer Moon Latte so addictive. Based in the Texas Hill Country, Summer Moon now has locations throughout Texas and in Oklahoma, Colorado, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Illinois.
Christian Coffee Co. 523 Med Court, Suite 103 (210) 504-8529 christiancoffeeco.org
La Panadería Multiple Locations lapanaderia.com
BEST COMFORT FOOD
Winner: Max & Louie’s New York Diner
226 W. Bitters Road, Suite 126 (210) 483-7600 maxandlouies.com
Establishments claiming to serve
“New York-style” anything outside of the Big Apple tend to be a disappointment. But leave it to an actual New Yorker to get the job done. Louie Glick and his great uncle Max Braverman moved to Brooklyn from Russia in the 1920s, eventually building one of the largest kosher butcher-store chains in New York. Fast forward to today and
their grandson Drew Glick is paying homage to his roots with Max & Louie’s New York Diner, which is known not just for its on-target takes on deli fare but the comforting flavors it imparts in everything from golden pancakes to gooey grilled cheese sandwiches.
Bar Loretta 320 Beauregard St. (210) 757-3607 barloretta.com
Critics’ Pick: Mare e Monte Italian Restaurant 9390 Huebner Road (210) 267-1233 mareemonte.com
The wait times are long here for a reason — Mare e Monte is an outstanding demonstration of unreasonable hospitality. Centered on hearty Italian cuisine with Albanian influences (a nod to owner Prince Blakaj’s roots), Mare e Monte hearkens back to an era where Instagram didn’t rule restaurants — the menu did. The team at Mare e Monte greets each guest with the words “Welcome home,” and it feels truly appropriate given the level of service they provide. For a memorable date, try the sole oreganata or the pollo Bronx parmigiana with a bottle of red from the extensive list.
BEST DONUT SHOP
Winner: The Original Donut Shop 3307 Fredericksburg Road (210) 734-5661 facebook.com/theoriginaldonutshop
The first thing folks need to know before heading to The Original Donut Shop is that there’s going to be a wait at the drive-thru. Much of that stems from the fact that this place isn’t just known for its donuts, which it’s
Michael Karlis
Michael Karlis
Best of SA | Food & Drink
Frutería La Mission
been serving up since 1954, but also its breakfast tacos. Setting the tacos aside, let’s stick to the donuts. From classics including chocolate frosted and glazed to rich lemon- and cream-filled pastries, this place serves up breakfast time sugar rushes worth the wait.
722 S. St. Mary’s St. (210) 223-1806 rosariossa.com La Fogata Mexican Cuisine
Multiple Locations lafogata.com
BEST FAMILY-FRIENDLY RESTAURANT
Winner: The Cove 606 W. Cypress St. (210) 227-2683 thecove.us
Runners Up: Sea Island Shrimp House Multiple Locations shrimphouse.com
Backyard on Broadway 2411 Broadway (210) 634-1405 backyardonbroadway.com
BEST FOOD TRUCK/FRIED CHICKEN/HOT CHICKEN
Winner: Pete’s Hot Chicken 2418 S. Presa St. instagram.com/peteshotchicken
ete’s Hot Chicken picked up a win in three categories based on a combination of comforting fare and exemplary service. Regular diners
rave about the crisp and juicy bird that delivers just the right kick of heat. The sides aren’t an afterthought either, with fans praising the bacon mac and cheese along with the freshness of the salads on the menu. Friendly and helpful staff and a relaxed atmosphere help close the deal for many longtime fans.
Food Truck Runners Up: La Elotera SA 1009 Avenue B (210) 816-7734 laeloterasa.com
Wok Wey 1009 Avenue B wokweysanantonio.toast.site
Food Truck Critic’s Pick: Wok Wey 1009 Avenue B wokweysanantonio.toast.site
Chef Jaime Gonzalez proved that culinary masterminds don’t necessarily need a brick-andmortar to thrive. Taking the plunge and leaving the now-shuttered Carriqui to start his own food truck paid off. Wok Wey’s brilliant blend of Chinese cuisine with Mexican elements is fusion food at its finest. Order the taco chinos, spring rolls and spicy garlic chicken. Wok Wey is parked at El Camino, while Gonzalez also serves up a smaller menu from the concept at sister bars Paradise Unknown and Be Kind & Rewind.
Fried Chicken Runners Up: Perfect Tender Hot Chicken 6565 Babcock Road, Suite 9 perfecttender.com
Chatman’s Chicken 1747 S. W.W. White Road (210) 359-0245 facebook.com/p/Chatmans-Chicken-100063501675540
Hot Chicken Runners Up: Dave’s Hot Chicken Multiple Locations daveshotchicken.com
Chi Chi Birds Hot Chicken instagram.com/chichibirdshotchicken
BEST FOOD TRUCK PARK
Winner: El Camino Food Truck Park & Bar 1009 Avenue B elcaminosa.com
Runners Up:
The Block SA 14530 Roadrunner Way (210) 690-3333 theblocksa.com
The Pearl has no shortage of topnotch dining options, but even in that crowd Brasserie Mon Chou Chou stands out with its Paris-style cuisine and exceptional service. Whether one is in the mood for a Maine lobster flambéed with Pernod, melt-in-your mouth Parisian gnocchi, crème brûlėe or the sinful spectacle of a waiter slicing hot raclette off the cheese wheel table side, discerning Francophiles seek out Mon Chou Chou for elegant goodness.
710 S. St. Mary’s St. (210) 973-6050 mavericktexas.com
BEST FRUTERÍA
Winner: Frutería La Mission
553 E. White Ave. (210) 922-2997 facebook.com/p/Fruteria-LaMission-100063465941833
Facebook Fruteria La Mission
Best of SA | Food & Drink
The Dogfather
Accessible via both a drive-thru lane and a walk-up window, Frutería La Mission delivers big on fresh, summery and refreshing flavors. The fruit cups are brimming not just with the expected watermelon, pineapple and strawberries, but delectably sugary honeydew and loads of fresh coconut. Don’t pass up on the tongue-tickling corn in a cup or the vibrant and thirst-quenching aguas frescas either. If you haven’t hit this South Side treasure, you’re truly missing out.
Runners Up:
Frutería La Tropicana Multiple Locations sanantonioicecreamshop.com
Frutería Los Regios #2 4963 Stahl Road, Suite 108 (210) 896-5481 losregiosfruteria.com
Menudo Runners Up: Pete’s Tako House 502 Brooklyn Ave. (210) 224-2911 petestakohouse.com
El Milagrito Café 521 E. Woodlawn Ave. (210) 737-8646 instagram.com/elmilagritocafe
Tlahco Mexican Kitchen 6702 San Pedro Ave. (210) 239-9457 tlahcokitchen.com
BEST HOT DOG
Winner: The Dogfather 6211 San Pedro Ave. (210) 481-4272 sadogfather.com
San Antonio’s never been known for hot dogs like New York City or Chicago, but the Dogfather is putting us on the map. Owners Jenn Alva and Jaime Hoppe — who also own nearby Bang Bang Bar — and Patrick
— at The Pearl, La Cantera and Hemisfair. Lick stands apart because of how it sources its dairy, opting to partner with a fourth-generation family-owned creamery as opposed to a mass-market producer. The best part? The menu is constantly changing, meaning there’s always a new flavor to try.
Runners Up: Dorp Creamery
310 W. Grayson St. (210) 446-6876 dorpcreamery.com
The Booze Brothers Microcreamery
Multiple Locations instagram.com/boozebrothers210
BEST INDIAN RESTAURANT
Winner: Tarka Indian Kitchen
Multiple Locations tarkaindiankitchen.com
WCurel have gotten pretty creative with the American classic, which they describe as a “blank canvas.” The spot draws raves for its house-made sauces and buns and for offering a little something for everyone, from those craving over-the-top creations such as a Frito Pie dog to mustard-only purists. The eatery also offers vegan and vegetarian options.
Runners Up:
Dog Haus Biergarten San Antonio Multiple locations doghaus.com
El Chunky
2620 S. Presa St. (210) 418-2538 elchunky.com
BEST ICE CREAM
Winner: Lick Honest Ice Creams
Multiple Locations ilikelick.com
Alamo City residents can’t seem to get enough of Austin-based Lick
Honest Ice Creams. The business has garnered a cult-like following since being established by co-founders Anthony Sobotik and Chad Palmatier in 2011. It’s expanded to seven brick-andmortar locations across the Lone Star State, including three in San Antonio
ith its second win in the Best Indian Restaurant category, Austin’s Tarka Indian Kitchen has clearly made inroads with San Antonio diners. Eschewing buffets and white tablecloths for counter service, the restaurants offer a stripped-down menu focused on approachable favorites including tikka masala, korma and fragrant biryani. The ingredients are fresh, and Tarka’s is accessible on multiple food-delivery apps for folks who are too tired to leave home but are still craving garlic naan.
Runners Up: India Palace
8474 Fredericksburg Road, Suite 100 (210) 692-5262 indiapalace-sa.com
India Oven
1031 Patricia Drive, Suite 106 (210) 544-5968 indiaovensa.com
BEST INTERNATIONAL MARKET
Winner: Tim’s Oriental & Seafood Market
7015 Bandera Road, Suite 8 (210) 523-1688 timsoriental.com
Runners Up:
Las Americas Latin Market
6623 San Pedro Ave. (210) 340-2747 lasamericaslatinmarket.com
Winner: Mare e Monte Italian Restaurant 9390 Huebner Road (210) 267-1233 mareemonte.com
Mare e Monte feels like such a go-to for Italian fare in the Alamo City that it’s easy to forget it’s only been around since 2024. The restaurant’s name means “sea and mountain” — and its coastal specialties such as calamari all’arrabbiata, lobster ravioli, sole oregenata and black pasta colored with squid ink have drawn copious praise. The hospitality of the eatery’s attentive host and proprietor, Prince Blakaj, and his friendly staff truly elevate the experience.
Runners Up:
Paesanos - Lincoln Heights 555 E. Basse Road (210) 828-5191 paesanos.com
Little Italy
824 Afterglow St. (210) 349-2060 littleitalysatx.com
Winner: Gogi Street 12820 Jones Maltsberger Road, Suite 104 (210) 455-5574 instagram.com/gogistreet210
Runners Up:
Dae Gee Korean BBQ 19186 Blanco Road, Suite 103 (210) 254-9078 daegeesanantonio.com
Lick Honest Ice Creams
Chas Market and Kitchen
1431 N. Pine St. (210) 227-1521 chaskitchen.com
BEST LATE NIGHT PLACE TO EAT
Winner: Elsewhere Garden Bar & Kitchen
103 E. Jones Ave. (210) 201-5595 elsewheretexas.com
There’s a lot to love about Elsewhere’s flagship location downtown. Located along the River Walk, it’s the perfect spot for people watching while sipping a cocktail on one of its fairytale swings. But readers also prize it as a spot for a late-night munch. Part of the appeal is the menu, which includes savory cauliflower wings, chimichurri fries, burgers and more. And then there’s simply the convenience. Elsewhere is open every night of the week, and the kitchen closes just a half hour before the bar every night. As an additional selling point for adults who want a chill night out, the establishment is 18-plus after 8 p.m. on weekends.
Runners Up:
Fried Hard
521 E. Grayson St. (901) 598-7480 instagram.com/fried.hard
El Camino Food Truck Park & Bar 1009 Avenue B elcaminosa.com
BEST LATIN AMERICAN RESTAURANT
Winner: Leche de Tigre Cebicheria Peruana 318 E. Cevallos St. (210) 265-5933 lechedetigretx.com
Runners Up: Luna Rosa Puerto Rican Grill y Tapas 1014 S. Alamo St. (210) 314-2723 lunarosatapas.com
Fat Tummy Empanadas
2922 W. Commerce St. (210) 396-7288 fattummyempanadas.com
BEST MEDITERRANEAN RESTAURANT
Winner: Mina & Dimi’s Greek House
7159 W. U.S. Highway 90 (210) 674-3464 agreekhouse.com
5800 Broadway, Suite 300 (210) 822-6151 palomablanca.net
Runners Up: Rosario’s ComidaMex & Bar
722 S. St. Mary’s St. (210) 223-1806 rosariossa.com
El Mirasol Multiple Locations elmirasolsa.com
Michael Karlis
Best of SA | Food & Drink
Mare e Monte Italian Restaurant Il Forno
BEST NEW RESTAURANT (JANUARY 2025-PRESENT)
Winner: Tacos on the Street 22026 U.S. Highway 281, Suite 101 (210) 257-0532 tacosonthestreet.com
Runners Up:
Katerina Restaurant & Bar 18740 Stone Oak Parkway (210) 972-9200 katerinarestaurant.com
Elsewhere Too
4513 N. Loop 1604 West (210) 201-5595 elsewheretexas.com/elsewhere-too
Perfect Tender Hot Chicken
6565 Babcock Road, Suite 9 (830) 542-8428
perfecttender.com
Critics Pick: Max’s Sister
10003 NW Military Highway, Suite 2115 (210) 383-8416 instagram.com/maxssistersa
Chef Andrew Weissman’s return to fine dining with last year’s opening of Max’s Sister is cause for celebration. As the mind behind Le Reve, Il Sogno and the Sandbar, Weissman repeatedly raised the culinary bar in San Antonio. Max’s Sister capably keeps up the maestro’s tradition of pairing impeccable technique with impeccable service. While Max’s Sister isn’t quite as ambitious as Le Reve — which many extolled as the finest French restaurant in Texas during its run — it’s been a delight to see Weissman back and performing at the highest level.
BEST PERUVIAN
Winner: Leche de Tigre
Cebicheria Peruana 318 E. Cevallos St.
(210) 265-5933 lechedetigretx.com
More than just a restaurant, Leche de Tigre is a showcase of true Texas hospitality and a love letter to family and Peruvian cuisine. The Southtown hideaway greets guests with fresh cebiches, shots of pisco and hearty entrees such as a standout lomo saltado with perfectly cooked beef tenderloin. Book a meal out in the greenhouse or at the cebiche bar and thank us later.
Machu Picchu Peruvian Grill 7007 Bandera Road (210) 708-8156 ordermachupicchuperuviangrill.com
BEST PET FRIENDLY RESTAURANT Winner: Hops & Hounds 1119 Avenue B (210) 259-8221 hopsandhoundsllc.com
Hops & Hounds’ name is the first indication just how dog-friendly it aims to be. Grab a beer or a frozen cocktail and head over to this watering hole’s impressive dog park, complete with tunnels and climbing structures for canine companions. There’s even a second park for small dogs. But the diversions aren’t just for the pooches. Owners can catch a game on the Jumbotron while hanging out with their fourlegged friends. There are also food trucks on-site for when it’s time to grab a bite, and plenty of free-to-use water bowls.
Runners Up: The Cove
Instagram / Mare e Monte
Instagram / ilfornosa
Best of SA | Food & Drink
Bakudan Ramen
606 W. Cypress St. (210) 227-2683 thecove.us
Max & Louie’s New York Diner 226 W. Bitters Road, Suite 126 (210) 483-7600 maxandlouies.com
BEST PHO/VIETNAMESE RESTAURANT
Winner: Pho Kim Long 4230 McCullough Ave., Suite 2 (210) 829-8021 phokimlong.kwickmenu.com
300 W. Bitters Road, Suite 120 (210) 496-6266 tasteofasiarestaurants.com
Vietnamese Restaurant Runners
Up: Singhs Vietnamese 2803 N. St. Mary’s St. singhsvietnamese.square.site
Heavenly Pho Vietnamese Cuisine
19178 Blanco Road, Suite 305 (210) 545-3553 orderheavenlypho.com
BEST PIZZA
Winner: Il Forno 122 Nogalitos St. (210) 616-2198 ilfornosa.com
One of the key things a pizza aficionado looks for in a pie is a bubbly, slightly charred crust, served piping hot from the wood-fired oven. The other is fresh ingredients. Neapolitan-style pizzeria Il Forno honors both of those. The restaurant is known for its scratch-made pizza with house made coppa, prosciutto, pepperoni and other meats. Other fresh ingredients —
including veggies from local farmers — set its flavors apart from the average pie. The pizza can also be enjoyed in a rustic sit-down with both indoor and outdoor dining, and it also makes for a convenient takeout treat.
Runners Up: Lovers Pizzeria 105 E. Ashby Place (726) 247-3831 loverspizzeria.net
For nearly 30 years, we've had the privilege of being part of your story. We're filled with gratitude for every guest, every meal shared, and every memory made around our table. Thank you, San Antonio!
As our way of saying ¡gracias!, please join us Thursday, July 23 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for complimentary chips and queso.
Best of SA | Food & Drink
Garcia’s Mexican Food
Alocal staple since 2018, Bakudan quickly became a go-to spot for comforting, affordable bowls of steaming hot ramen inspired by traditional Japanese recipes. Thanks to Bakudan’s expertise, the San Antonio-based chain consistently delivers across all three locations. The garlic tonkatsu ramen is a masterclass in well-balanced flavor, or opt for the spicy miso or spicy shoyu ramen bowls for just the right kick of umami.
Runners Up:
Ginza Ramen and Poke Multiple Locations ginzaramenpoke.com
Cherrity Bar
302 Montana St. (210) 598-0496 cherritybar.com
BEST RESTAURANT IN BOERNE
Winner: Sunny’s All Day Brunch & Bar 518 River Road (830) 266-0498 sunnysbrunch.com
Exemplary table salsa has an addictive quality. Your stomach is tempted to write checks your tongue (and other body parts) may regret having to cash. That’s certainly the case at long-running interior Mexican dining spot Guajillo’s, which cranks up the heat with its orange-hued salsa brimming with habanero heat. The peppers deliver a fruity bouquet that’s balanced with just enough savory garlic for a combination that’s hard to resist — even when pain and pleasure mingle.
BEST SANDWICHES
Winner: Zito’s Deli Multiple Locations zitosdeli.com
Runners Up:
Gino’s Deli Stop N Buy 13210 Huebner Road (210) 764-0602 myginosdeli.com
Max & Louie’s New York Diner
226 W. Bitters Road, Suite 126 (210) 483-7600 maxandlouies.com
BEST SEAFOOD
Winner: Fish City Grill
Multiple Locations fishcitygrill.com
Runners Up:
Sea Island Shrimp House Multiple Locations shrimphouse.com
Smashin’ Crab
Multiple Locations smashincrab.com
Critics’ Pick: Aguazul
2831 NW Loop 410 (210) 809-4466, aguazul.app
Led by James Beard Award-nominated chef Enrique Lozano, Aguazul made a splash with its comprehensive menu dedicated to authentic coastal Mexican cuisine. A relative newcomer to San Antonio’s restaurant scene, the eatery’s large and ambitious menu includes shrimp and scallop aguachiles, ceviches (try the sampler), handcrafted sushi rolls, fried fish, oysters, seafood platters and plenty more.
BEST SOUL FOOD
Winner: Tony G’s Soul Food
915 S. Hackberry St. (210) 451-1234 tonygssoulfood.com
Runners Up: The Jerk Shack 10234 TX-151, Suite 103 (210) 776-7780 thejerkshacksatx.com
A Chicago Bite
820 Main St., Schertz (210) 481-4200 achicagobite.com
BEST STEAKHOUSE
Winner: Chama Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse Multiple Locations chamagaucha.com
Runners Up: Bohanan’s Prime Steaks and Seafood
219 E. Houston St., Suite 275 (210) 472-2600 bohanans.com
Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille 15900 La Cantera Parkway, Suite 22200 (210) 558-6161 perryssteakhouse.com
Michelin-starred Isidore, one of the concepts inside the Pearl’s Pullman Market, sets the bar for superior steak. Butter isn’t even necessary for Isidore’s fall-off-the-bone, dryaged wagyu ribeye or porterhouse cuts. With meat sourced from Texas farms and superior culinary craftsmanship, Isidore continues to demonstrate why it serves up the best steaks in San Antonio right now.
ASan Antonio staple since 1962, neighborhood gem Garcia’s Mexican Food has stood the test of time. Still family-owned, this spot prides itself on the quality of its tortillas and the quality of its ingredients. Whether it’s brisket tacos, gorditas, great breakfasts or the daily plate specials, which still run just $9.99, this local favorite is a go-to spot for classic Tex-Mex dishes. As sign of its quality, it even ranked a listing in the Texas Michelin Guide, which called it a “vibrant, proud part of the city’s dining fabric.”
Runners Up: Las Palapas Multiple Locations laspalapas.com
Tacos on the Street 22026 U.S. Highway 281, Suite 101 (210) 257-0532 tacosonthestreet.com
Max & Louie’s New York Diner
tongsthai.com
Los Barrios 4223 Blanco Road (210) 732-6017 losbarriosrestaurant.com
Winner: Love Shack Boutique Multiple Locations theloveshackboutique.com
Woman-owned and locally operated, the Love Shack franchise aims to create a fun, safe, all-inclusive space for people to learn about — and explore — their sexuality. Carrying everything from toys to lingerie, Love Shack creates a sex-positive environment that’s also available for private parties, events and mixers. The knowledgeable and helpful staff is also ready to answer the most intimate of questions with no smirks, winks or guffaws.
Runners Up:
Adult Megaplex Multiple Locations megaplexsa.com
Zebraz 1608 N. Main Ave. (210) 472-2800 zebraz.com
BEST ANTIQUE STORE
Winner: La Segunda
1302 S. St. Mary’s St. (210) 314-2740 instagram.com/la_segunda_bartique-
andgallery
“What an awesome little surprise. A blast from the past,” one Yelper wrote, summing up the appeal of La Segunda Bartique & Gallery. This funky south-of-downtown emporium is your go-to for seeking out cool vintage finds while sipping a stiff beverage and making new friends. Be sure to carve out enough time to browse the vast array of offerings, which range from furniture and knick-knacks to clothing and vinyl albums. It’s the perfect destination for thrifters with an eye for the unusual and an affinity for a good deal. And being able to imbibe at the same time only sweetens the deal.
Runners Up: Karolina’s Antiques 2024 S. Flores St. (210) 731-9787 karolinasantiques.com
BEST BICYCLE SHOP
Winner: Level Up Bike Shop 1409 E. Commerce St., Suite 102 (726) 248-8276 levelupbikeshop.com
Runners Up:
Blue Star Bike Shop 1414 S. Alamo St., Suite 105 C
Nowhere Bookshop is part of a rare breed: an independent bookstore opened in a time when pundits are quick to complain that no one reads anymore. Mindful of the potential bookstores have to create a community of brainy misfits, Nowhere Bookshop stands out by offering genre-specific book clubs, and it regularly invites authors for readings and panel discussions, many of them free to the public. Add to that a coffee, wine and beer selection to enjoy while browsing, and you have a hit on your hands.
Runners Up:
Half Price Books - North Central 125 NW Loop 410, Suite 103 (210) 349-1429 halfpricebooks.com
The Twig Book Shop 306 Pearl Parkway #106 (210) 826-6411 thetwig.com
BEST BRIDAL STORE
Winner: Bridal Connection at Stone Oak 923 N. Loop 1604 East, Suite 106 (210) 967-4696 bridalconnectionsa.com
Bella Bride Boutique 18720 Stone Oak Parkway, Suite 117 (210) 451-9602 bellabrideboutique.com
BEST CAR DEALERSHIP
Winner: North Park Lexus 611 Lockhill Selma Road (210) 308-8900 northparklexus.com
Runners Up:
Cavender Auto Group Multiple Locations cavenderautogroup.com
North Park Toyota of San Antonio 10703 SW Loop 410 (210) 600-5677 northparktoyota.com
BEST CBD SHOP
Winner: Bee’s Wellness Cafe & Juicery
3030 Thousand Oaks Drive, Suite 102 (210) 836-8141 beeswellnesscafe.com
Runners Up: Alamo Bud Co.
2501 Bandera Road (726) 248-9655 alamobudco.com
Mellow Monkey
2286 Bandera Road (210) 432-9333 facebook.com/mellowmonkeysmokeshop
BEST CHILDREN’S STORE (CLOTHING/TOY)
Winner: Crib & Kids
1309 N. Loop 1604 West, Suite 106 (210) 764-2742 cribandkids.com
Runners Up:
Deals N’ Steals at Eisenhauer Market 3903 Eisenhauer Road
Instagram / theloveshackboutique
SUNLIT THRIFT SUNLIT THRIFT
BEST THRIFT STORE • BEST SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS
MOTHER AND DAUGHTER
When my mom and I opened Sunlit Thrift, we When I opened Sunlit Thrift, mom Sunlit weren't just opening another thrift store - opening thrift store just we were creating the kind of place we always were creating the kind always we always wished existed wished existed: one rooted in : one rooted kindness, kindness, kindness, affordability affordability , , sustainability, sustainability, and and community community , where every purchase makes a difference. makes where a difference.
My experience living with severe food allergies experience living with severe food severe inspired us to start our free community food pantry, and that quickly grew into a much bigger , and that quickly grew into a much bigger that quickly grew a much mission. Today, Sunlit Thrift has become a Sunlit Today, has become community gathering place, offering free community place, free place, offering resources, creative pop-ups, local events, and resources, pop-ups, events, opportunities for neighbors to connect and opportunities for neighbors to connect and for neighbors support one another. support one another. support one another. mission. Today, Sunlit Thrift has become a
We believe We We believe sustainability goes beyond sustainability beyond resale! resale! When items don't find a home in a When don't find our store, our we donate them we to local to college closets, birthing centers, and college closets, birthing centers, and and other community organizations to other community organizations to other continue serving those who need them continue them continue serving most. With most clothing priced at $5.99 most. most clothing $5.99 most. With most clothing priced at $5.99 and under - and and and under 50% off all clothing and shoes every First Friday shoes First Friday - we're - we're committed to making affordable, size- committed making committed to making affordable, sizeinclusive fashion accessible. inclusive fashion most. With most clothing priced at $5.99 and
We hope Sunlit Thrift becomes the place San Antonians think of Sunlit San Antonians think We hope Sunlit Thrift becomes the place San Antonians think of when they want to shop secondhand, support local, or give back! want to when they want to shop secondhand, support local, or give back!
VOTED BEST IN SAN ANTONIO - TWICEIN BUSINESS
In just one year, our little neighborhood year, neighborhood just thrift store has grown into a place that thrift store has grown into a place that grown into place people drive across the city to visit - a people drive across the city to visit - a people drive across the city to visit - a place where people of all backgrounds where backgrounds place where people of all backgrounds come together under one roof. Every item come together under one roof. Every item roof. on our racks begins with a donation from on racks a from our community, giving it a second life while it giving a life making affordable shopping possible for affordable affordable for thousands of San Antonians. Built from the Antonians. Built ground up without investors, business business loans, or paid advertising, Sunlit Thrift has loans, or paid advertising, Sunlit Thrift has or Sunlit grown almost entirely through the support grown almost entirely through the support almost entirely through of our community and the power of social of our community and the power of social and of media. As a donation-based thrift store As a store donation-based store rather than a consignment shop, we're than shop, we're a shop, grown almost entirely through the support
Sustainable Business after place to shop - they're looking for
business, extraordinary things can
able to keep our prices affordable while able to keep our prices affordable while prices while giving back to both our community and giving back to both our community and back our the planet. the To be recognized as San be recognized as Antonio's Best Thrift Store and Best Best Store and Best Sustainable Business after Business just one year just is an incredible honor! In a world that is incredible honor! In world often feels disconnected, we've learned often feels disconnected, we've learned often feels disconnected, we've learned that people are craving more than just a that are than a that people are craving more than just a place to shop - they're looking for to - shop community, belonging, and authentic community, belonging, and authentic connection. Our dream is for Sunlit Thrift for Sunlit Thrift Our dream is to become a household name across San name a name San Antonio - not because we're the biggest, not because we're biggest, Antonio the biggest, but because we've become a place where people feel at home. If our first feel If at home. our year has taught us anything, it's that it's taught when a community believes in a small believes a when a community believes in a small business, extraordinary things can business, extraordinary things can things happen. This is only the beginning of our happen. This is only the beginning of our story, and we can't wait to see where it and to where it wait to it leads next. Thank you, San Antonio!! San Antonio!!
Best of SA | Shopping
(210) 653-7592 facebook.com/210dealsnsteals
Learning Express Toys & Gifts
255 E. Basse Road, Suite 340 (210) 930-4442 learningexpress.com
We’re honored to be voted Best Shopping Center by San Antonio Current readers! This recognition wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support of everyone who visits Alamo Quarry Market. Thank you for choosing us as your favorite place to shop, dine, and spend time with family and friends. We’re grateful to be part of so many special moments and look forward to continuing to bring you the best local shopping, dining, and experiences.
There are area flea markets with more acreage, more new stuff and more family attractions, but there’s only one Bussey’s. To set foot inside this homespun bastion of trash and treasures is to experience a fascinating cross-section of South Central Texas trading culture, from vendors with permanent booths hawking antiques and collectibles to families selling Mexican pottery from the back of pickup trucks to local folks with yard-sale goods spread out on the rent-by-the-day tables occupying the open space facing I-35. A day browsing Bussey’s can be exuberant, eccentric and exhausting by turns, but it’s never boring.
BEST FLOWER SHOP
Winner: Brianna’s Boutique - The Flower Market
555 W Bitters Road, Suite 117 (210) 440-5681 briannasuniquegiftsandfreshflowerboutique.com
Runners Up:
Bell Flor 845 Isom Road (210) 987-4699 bell-flor.com
Ray’s Floral Boutique
313 N. Main Ave. (210) 251-3751 instagram.com/raysfloralboutique
BEST FURNITURE STORE
Winner: Period Modern 4347 McCullough Ave. (210) 902-1217 periodmodern.com
On any given day, it’s hard to predict what treasures you might encounter at Period Modern. The owners are constantly on the prowl all over the states and Mexico for period-specific furniture and complimentary artwork. The results of that hard work is immediately apparent in the establishment’s spacious showroom — and even more dangerously appealing, they are priced to move. Helpful hint: establish your budget beforehand and tie one arm behind your back. You may want damn near everything they have to offer.
Paris Hatters
Runners Up: Crib & Kids
1309 N. Loop 1604 West, Suite 106 (210) 764-2742 cribandkids.com
Home Consignment Center
17603 La Cantera Parkway, Suite 130 (210) 558-3968 thehomeconsignmentcenter.com
BEST HAT STORE
Winner: Paris Hatters 119 Broadway (210) 223-3453 parishatters.com
San Antonio has plenty of retail stores that claim to be beloved and respected, but how many can legitimately claim they are pieces of local history? Opened in 1917 and still in the same family’s hands, Paris Hatters has served “presidents, ranchers, celebrities, and tourists alike,” and hell, it even sold a hat to actor and filmmaker John Turturro when he was in town for the Spurs-Knicks finals. The store also looks much like it did a century ago, still boasting a hand-crank cash register and bison heads mounted on its walls. But
before anyone assumes it’s all just for show, this is a spot that takes its Stetsons seriously, offering what it maintains is the nation’s largest inventory along with a full line of repairs and restorations delivered by consummate pros.
Runners Up:
Herb’s Hat Shop 4922 Rigsby Ave. (210) 648-9242 herbshats.com
Wild Pony Hat Bar 16641 La Cantera Parkway (210) 816-2062 wildponyhatbar.com
BEST JEWELRY STORE
Winner: James Avery Multiple Locations jamesavery.com
Runners Up: Son of a Sailor 904 Nolan St. sonofasailor.co
Alamo City Liquor Multiple Locations alamocityliquorblog.wordpress.com
BEST LOCAL CORNER STORE
Winner: Fischer’s Neighborhood Market
Multiple Locations fischersmkt.com
Fischer’s Neighborhood Markets, located in New Braunfels, San Antonio and the Texas Hill Country, prides itself on being a family-owned and operated business venture with a special touch of friendly. Fischer’s
Wikimedia Commons / Corey Leopold
Best of SA | Shopping
Peach Dust Collective
invites everyone to stop in for a fillup, a snack and a smile. Grab a frozen milkshake or smoothie from the stores’ custom machines or an adult treat from the “beer” cave and browse their assortment of souvenirs, river gear and more. Fischer’s is the one-stop shop for many a Current reader.
Data analyst-turned-creative-entrepreneur Casey E. launched her own business to seize a feeling of control in her life, and she rebranded it as Peach Dust Collective in 2024. In addition to helping customers live better-smelling lives through odor-eliminating room sprays and “car freshies,” Peach Dust Collective offers an array of beyond-cute gifts and merchandise ranging from personalized journals to phone wallets printed with cute puppies or pumpkin spice lattes.
Runners Up: CASA Chocolates 555 W. Bitters Road, Suite 127 (210) 570-2225 casachocolates.com
Runners Up: The Shops at La Cantera 15900 La Cantera Parkway, Suite 6698 (210) 582-6255 theshopsatlacantera.com
Shops at Rivercenter 849 E. Commerce St. (210) 225-0000 shoprivercenter.com
BEST MUSIC INSTRUMENT STORE
Winner: Alamo Music Center
425 N. Main Ave. (210) 224-1010 alamomusic.com
Runners Up:
Robot Monster Guitars 609 E. Dewey Place (210) 320-1710 instagram.com/robotmonsterguitars
SpaceTone Music 416 Austin Highway (210) 930-3662 facebook.com/SpacetoneMusic
BEST PET BOUTIQUE/PET SUPPLIES
Winner: Pet’s Barn Multiple Locations petsbarn.com
With locations in San Antonio and El Paso, this boutique outfit is committed to you, your fur babies and the horse you rode in on. Their penultimate commitment, after taking care of your pets’ immediate needs, is the collective health of the surrounding community. Often lending a hand to those in need, Pet’s Barn is also an active advocate for our area’s four-legged friends, bringing a shared sense of purpose and belonging to a much-needed area of service.
Runners Up: Pup Pup & Away
3701 San Pedro Ave. (210) 899-1688 puppupandawaysa.com
Puppychinos Dog Bakery 9815 Culebra Road, Suite 102 (210) 455-0337 puppychinos.com
With two locations, Rainbow Gardens offers a wide variety of product and produce in addition to staffers who can easily guide you no matter what your skill level may be. The nurseries carry a wide selection of climate-appropriate trees, shrubs, vegetables, herbs, fruits, houseplants, ornamentals, succulents, annuals, perennials and ground cover. They also have your long-term needs in mind with a vast selection of soil amendments, fertilizers and pest control along with pottery, statuary, tools, gifts and more.
Runners Up:
Milberger’s Landscaping and Nursery
3920 N. Loop 1604 East (210) 497-3760 milbergernursery.com
Fanick’s Garden Center 1025 Holmgreen Road (210) 648-1303 fanicknursery.com
BEST RECORD STORE
Winner: Hogwild Records 1824 N. Main Ave. (210) 733-5354 instagram.com/hogwildrecords
Runners Up:
Batcave Vinyl 555 W. Bitters Road, Suite 122 (210) 990-0071 facebook.com/batcavevinylllc
Rainbow Gardens
Southtown Vinyl 1112 S. St. Mary’s St. (210) 231-0512 southtownvinyl.com
BEST SMOKE SHOP
Winner: Alamo Bud Co. 2501 Bandera Road (726) 248-9655 alamobudco.com
Self-proclaimed pioneers of the legal cannabis market, Alamo Bud Co. have your needs covered. Anxiety? Check. Chronic insomnia? Trade that baseball bat in for a Nerf football and endless pizza deliveries. These peeps are literally looking down the pipeline, waiting for our legislators in Austin to finally wise up and give them a green light. Proclaiming a passion for the healing properties of hemp-derived products, this business’ in-house specialties are
crafted specifically for quality and sustainability, one bud at a time.
Runners Up:
Mellow Monkey 2286 Bandera Road (210) 432-9333 facebook.com/mellowmonkeysmokeshop
Planet K Multiple Locations planetktexas.com
BEST THRIFT STORE
Winner: Sunlit Thrift
6645 San Pedro Ave. (210) 846-9039 instagram.com/sunlit.thrift
Sunlit Thrift is a family-owned treasure that proudly presents size-inclusive, affordable items for
men, women and children. Also offering a free community food pantry, the retailer is digging its roots deep into the surrounding community, assuring repeat customers loyal to its mission. Also adding to the appeal for the bargain- and community-conscious, the store offers 50% off merchandise on First Fridays and a “trade a treasure” trinket box in addition to featuring nonalcoholic beverages from neighboring businesses.
Runners Up:
Texas Thrift - Windcrest 7500 N. Interstate 35, Suite 104 (210) 654-7222 texasthrift.com
Traders Village 9333 SW Loop 410 (210) 623-8383 tradersvillage.com
Wikimedia Commons / Corey Leopold
Thank You for Naming Us...
Best Mental Health Provider, Bexar County
Therapy & counseling
Psychiatry, medication & TMS
IOP & psychoeducational testing
Four San Antonio locations, accepting new patients of all ages!
Best of SA | People
BEST ALL-TIME SPURS PLAYER
Winner: Tim Duncan instagram.com/duncanlegacy
Runners Up: Victor Wembanyama instagram.com/victor.wembanyama1
David Robinson
BEST ATTORNEY
Winner: Lance Jay Luchnick, Luchnick Law Firm
23119 I-10, Building 1 (210) 342-9310 luchnicklawfirm.com
Runners Up:
Lee Young III, Esq. Thomas J. Henry Law 5711 University Heights Blvd., Suite 101 (210) 874-2615 thomasjhenrylaw.com
Angel L. Reyes, III, Angel Reyes & Associates Multiple Locations reyeslaw.com
BEST BARTENDER
Winner: Anna Leal, Longtab Brewing longtabbrewing.com
Runners Up: Mike Anthony, The Spot Bar instagram.com/thespotbarsatx
Caroline Fenner, 1902 1902satx.com
BEST CHEF
Winner: Sofia Sada, Culinary Experiences sofiasada.com
How long has Graciela Sánchez been standing up for the poor and marginalized in San Antonio? How long has she been advocating for women’s rights? For voting rights? For empowering people whom our city, state and national leaders often try to cast aside? Longer than most of us, and
Julián P. Ledezma
Best of SA | People
longer than many of us have been alive. From her work with MALDEF and the Southwest Voter Registration Project in her early career to her co-founding of the Esperanza Peace & Justice Center, Sánchez deserves recognition for being a constant and vital voice in making San Antonio a more just, equitable and vibrant place.
Kristi Waters has won this Best of San Antonio category for seven years and counting, which is a testament not just to her skill, energy and humor but to her inspirational story. Versatile and hardworking, the Corpus Christi native has shown a tireless ability to blend humor and glamor with one-woman comedy shows and campy Golden Girls spoofs while turning heads as a performer, entertainment director and source of inspiration for so many in the LGBTQ+ community. Last year, the community came together for her as she faced down Stage 3 cancer, taking on grueling chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Thankfully, the disease is now in remission and Waters is back onstage shining a guiding light for the Alamo City.
Runners Up:
Anita Verga instagram.com/anita_verga_
Maria G instagram.com/respar5
BEST LOCAL FILMMAKER
Winner: Manuel Navarro Jr. instagram.com/supermacht151
Agraduate of McCollum High School and UT San Antonio, Manuel Navarro Jr. will make his directorial debut with the short film Garden Valley at the San Antonio Film Festival (SAFILM). The short, which is based on the Mann family murders in San Antonio in 1988, follows two friends lost in a haze of rock, drugs and toxic romance. Navarro was in 6th grade when the crimes took place, and it clearly left an impression. “What resonated with me was the horrific descriptions of that case and the hardrock culture at that time,” Navarro, 49, told the Current. “I hope viewers learn to never forget the past that shaped us
— the good and the bad. And never forget the victims.” Garden Valley screens at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts at 9:30 p.m. on July 25.
Runners Up: Alec Dyer instagram.com/s_mart_alec
Marcus Davila facebook.com/FleetwoodMarcus1
BEST LOCAL CLOTHING DESIGNER
Winner: Devonna KaDavan St James instagram.com/devonnast_james
Runners Up: Tony Stacks instagram.com/playmakerapparel1
Gabby Congrains congrainsdesign.com
BEST LOCAL POET
Winner: Eddie Vega tacopoet.com
Runners Up: Andrea “Vocab” Sanderson andreavocabsanderson.com
300 W. Bitters Road, Suite 160 (210) 245-0519 fwldogbar.com
BEST PLASTIC SURGEON
Winner: Dr. Garza Plastic Surgery 540 Madison Oak Drive, Suite 240 (210) 801-8585 drgarzaplasticsurgery.com
Runners Up:
Alamo Plastic Surgery - Dr. William Albright, MD 941 Proton Road (210) 670-5302 alamoplasticsurgery.com
Advanced Aesthetics Lopez Plastic Surgery - Dr. Manuel A. Lopez Multiple Locations lopezplasticsurgery.com
BEST PODCAST
Winner: The JK But Gay Show jkbutgay.com
Runners Up: Mazi’s World instagram.com/mazisworldofficial
Bops and Bangers instagram.com/bopsandbangers
BEST POLITICIAN
Winner: Ron Nirenberg voteron.com
Runners Up: Joaquin Castro castro.house.gov
Jalen McKee-Rodriguez votejalen.com
Critics’ Pick: Joaquin Castro
U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro lived in the shadow of his twin brother, former San Antonio Mayor and Obama White House Housing Chief Julian Castro, for part of his political career. Not anymore. As former head of the House Hispanic Caucus, Joaquin Castro has grown into a significant voice in advocating for Latinx media representation, and he’s emerged as one of the most outspoken and visible critics of Trump’s inhumane immigration policies, having successfully fought for the release of 5-year-old Minneapolis boy Liam Conejo Ramos and others swept up in the cruelty.
BEST PHOTOGRAPHER
Winner: Briney brineyphoto.com
Runners Up: Emma Lou Photography emmalouphotography.mypixieset.com
Runners Up: Alyssa Oliver instagram.com/alyssaknowsrealestate
Miguel Yutani instagram.com/wolfgangmyke
BEST SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCER
Winner: PuroPincheSA instagram.com/puropinchesa
Latina content creator Stephanie Guerra is addicted to all things San Antonio. The marketing pro uses her social media channels to share everything she knows about what’s happening in the Alamo City — from sports and entertainment to cultural events and where to get the best breakfast tacos. She also collaborates with local businesses including H-E-B, VIA Metropolitan Transit and Twang to keep followers engaged. In one of her latest videos, Guerra visits the Briscoe Western Art Museum to see the Selena Forever/Siempre Selena exhibit, featuring photos of the queen of Tejano. “Round up your amigas or make it a Puro date night and get there pronto,” she writes. “Because you already know… anything for Selenas!”
Runners Up: Mary Rominger, KSAT instagram.com/maryromingertv
Don Harris, News 4 SA
Joaquin Castro
Stephanie Koithan
Alvin Perry
Instagram _ comedianalvinperry
Best of SA | People
Ray Tattooed Boy
instagram.com/donharristv
BEST STAND-UP COMIC
Winner: Alvin Perry comedianalvinperry.com
Alvin Perry’s comedy journey has been unlike any other. After serving time in a Texas prison, the East Side San Antonio native found his place behind a microphone, where he transformed his life through stand-up. Since he began pursuing a full-time comedy career in 2012, Perry has built a following with authentic storytelling and relatable humor. He’s shared the stage with comics including TK Kirkland and Kountry Wayne. In 2024, he made history when he became the first Black comedian to win the Current’s Best Standup Comic honor. This October, Perry will film his first comedy special, Dreams to Reality, at the Woodlawn Comedy Club.
Artist and printmaker Ray Scarborough, known colloquially as “Ray Tattooed Boy,” has an instantly recognizable style moored in classic comic book illustrations and steeped in puro San Anto culture. If you have lived in the Alamo City for any length of time, there’s a good chance you’ll find the humor in it — even if that humor can be a little dark at times.
From the Jim’s logo redone with Wemby’s grinning mug standing in for the cowboy to a skeletal hand clutching a fizzy Topo Chico bottle, Scarborough’s work resonates because it’s familiar yet carries just enough punk spirit to make it irreverent, and most of all, fun.
2191 NW Military Highway, Suite 2191 (210) 236-5862 essenceacupuncturewellness.com
Whether patients suffer from addiction, pain, headaches, digestive disorders or infertility, Essence Acupuncture is ready to step up with a treatment. Indeed, that’s just a tiny sampling of the issues the licensed acupuncturists and massage therapists at Essence are willing to address. The clinic blends Eastern medical wisdom with modern precision to provide a holistic approach to wellness, according to Clinical Director Dr. Chasity Hancock. Beyond acupuncture, Essence can provide cupping, reflexology and foot therapy, massage therapy, facial rejuvenation, Chinese herbal medicine and nutrition.
Runners Up:
Aloe Me Integrative Health 21518 Blanco Road, Suite 101 (210) 761-6379 aloemeintegrativehealth.com
4247 Industrial Center Drive (210) 257-0366 sanantoniocollisioncenter.com
Runners Up:
Crash Champions Collision Repair Multiple Locations crashchampions.com
Chad Miller Auto Care 6011 De Zavala Road (210) 934-1582 cmautocare.com
BEST AUTO REPAIR SHOP
Winner: Sam’s Hybrid Auto Repair
102 New Laredo Highway (210) 400-1000 facebook.com/SamsAutoRepairSA
Runners Up:
Hollywood Park Automotive 16607 San Pedro Ave. (210) 494-2188
Essence Acupuncture Wellness
hollywoodparkautomotive.com
Chad Miller Auto Care 6011 De Zavala Road (210) 934-1582 cmautocare.com
BEST BANK OR CREDIT UNION/INSURANCE COMPANY OR AGENCY
Winner: USAA
Multiple Locations usaa.com
Over recent years, San Antonio-based USAA has taken hits to its once-sterling reputation. Financial regulators have slapped the financial giant’s bank with penalties and demanded overhauls of its technology and information security protections. Even so, readers’ confidence in USAA appears unbowed. Maybe they love the military connection — you or a family member must have served to be eligible. Maybe it’s the award-winning app. It could be the refunds on ATM fees from non-USAA machines. Whatever the case, many show loyalty to this homegrown enterprise.
Best Bank or Credit Union Runners Up:
Security Service Federal Credit Union
Multiple Locations ssfcu.org
Frost Bank Multiple Locations frostbank.com
Best Insurance Company or
Agency Runners Up: Affordable Health Insurance Agency
849 E. Commerce St., Suite 748 (210) 523-1200 urbancitybarbershop.com
Turns out a shave and haircut are among the best reasons to go to the Shops at Rivercenter. The downtown mall is home to the Urban City Barbershop, whose beard experts know their way around your
face and can sculpt it into a shapely statement. No beard? No problem. Urban City is also happy to pamper you with a hot towel followed by a straight razor shave. You won’t find that at your strip-center haircutter. Urban City offers super-clean cuts with sharp edges and absolutely no strays.
Runners Up: The Gents Place 23718 I-10, Suite 114 (210) 503-9444 thegentsplace.com
914 E. Elmira St. (726) 245-5977 alphabarbershoptx.com
BEST CAR WASH
Winner: The Wash Tub Multiple locations washtub.com
Runners Up: The Bubble Bath Carwash Multiple locations thebubblebathcarwash.com
The Car Wash Express Multiple locations thecarwashexpress.com
BEST CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY OR FIRM
Winner: Ramos & Del Cueto, PLLC 823 Hoefgen Ave.
Best of SA | Services
Urban City Barbershop
(210) 761-6004 ramosdelcueto.com
The “Get out of jail free” card may work in Monopoly, but it doesn’t cut it in real life. Current readers in the know trust Ramos & Del Cueto to get them out of the clink and past real-world legal problems. The firm boasts a roster of experienced defense attorneys and former felony prosecutors who know how to push back against the tricks cops and DAs use to clear their caseloads and put people bars.
Runners Up:
Michael & Associates Criminal Defense Attorneys
321 S. Flores St., Suite A (210) 791-7356 zealousadvocate.com/criminal-defense/ texas
Shawn Brown Law
540 S. St. Mary’s St. (210) 224-8200 shawnbrownlaw.com
BEST CRYOTHERAPY
Winner: Total Regen Whole Body Cryo 17910 Bulverde Road, Suite 103 (210) 701-8822 totalregencryo.com
Runners Up: bioworX Alamo Heights 6486 N. New Braunfels Ave. (210) 375-9087 mybioworx.com
2815 N. Loop 1604 East, Suite 102 (210) 590-6945 beautybarloungesa.com
BEST FAMILY LAW ATTORNEY OR FIRM
Winner: Tess House Law 6840 San Pedro Ave. (210) 249-2985 tesshouselaw.com
Runners Up: Carrington Smyth PLLC, Lauren Smyth 405 South Presa St. (210) 660-9207 carringtonsmyth.com
Instagram / urbancitybarbershop
The Wash Tub
Instagram / thewashtub
Best of SA | Services
War House Gym San Antonio
Paula Perez Law
11550 I-10, Suite 100 (210) 729-2029 pauladperezlaw.com
BEST FINANCIAL PLANNER OR FIRM
Winner: New York Life Multiple Locations sanantonio.nyloffices.com
Runners Up:
National Financial Alliance 901 NE Interstate 410 Loop, Suite 100 (210) 737-7800 tnfa.net
Imperium Wealth Management 112 E. Pecan St., Suite 2910 (210) 332-9533 imperiumwealth.com
BEST GENERAL CONTRACTOR
Winner: Home Pros for Texas 318 W. Nakoma Drive (210) 987-3429 homepros4tx.com
Home Pros for Texas has been around since 2007, and its primary focus is on helping homeowners make improvements that boost energy efficiency, cut utility costs and
Winner: Studio 27 Hair Salon 15737 San Pedro Ave. (210) 952-7877 studio27satx.com
Runners Up: The Color Studio 5714 NW Loop 410 (210) 325-5269 thecolor-studio.com
Ysassi and Co. 6405 Blanco Road (210) 849-8141 instagram.com/ysassiandcompany
BEST HOME BUILDER
Winner: BK Hudson Custom Builders 23535 IH-10, Suite 1206 (210) 389-1393 bkhudson.com
Westerly Air 12051 Starcrest Drive (210) 361-2722 westerlyair.com
Critics’ Pick: Wright Home Services 16018 University Oak (210) 899-2950 wrightac.com
This family-owned HVAC repair business may not be the biggest in town, but regular customers vouch for its honesty and professionalism. It’s refreshing to deal with technicians who are willing to take the time to explain one’s options and don’t immediately try to sell a complete replacement when an old unit may still have a few years left. Wright’s office crew also deserve kudos for communicating well with customers and keeping things rolling on time.
BEST IV HYDRATION
make things feel more comfortable. The business’ specialties include roofing, solar installation, water filtration systems, HVAC repair and electrical work. Home Pros for Texas only employs licensed professionals who are experts in their fields, so you know you’re getting seasoned pros, not just two Chucks and a truck.
Runners Up:
Apex Roofing and General Contractors
8131 W. Hausman Road, Suite 103 (726) 727-7663 apexroofing.biz
Winner: UT Health San Antonio Multiple Locations uthscsa.edu
Runners Up:
Alamo Primary Care 12047 Potranco Road, Suite 105 (210) 571-1338 alamoprimarycare.com
Tailored MD
You have a couple of options when it comes to building a new home. You can go with a boring cookie-cutter template or spend big on a custom job that seems to have an ever-expanding timeline thanks to constant decisions and delays. Against that backdrop, BK Hudson Custom Builders prides itself in customer service and communication — two things often in short supply when it comes to homebuilding. This company combines superior design with high-quality materials and concierge service.
9725 Datapoint Drive, Suite 106 (210) 585-2020 sanantonio-lasik.com
Runners Up:
San Antonio Eye Specialists
2810 N. Loop 1604 West, Suite 200 (210) 822-9800
mysaeyes.com
Manrique Custom Vision Center
15900 La Cantera Parkway, Suite 20215 (210) 354-2020 sa.manriqueeye.com
BEST LAW FIRM - OVERALL
Winner: Angel Reyes & Associates
Multiple Locations reyeslaw.com
Readers clearly agree that Angel Reyes & Associates is the legal advocate you want in your corner if you have been injured in a car or truck accident. The state’s highways are busy and dangerous, and the insurance companies have a host of attorneys working to represent their interests. Obviously, plenty of folks in San Antonio are looking for a law firm that has their clients top of mind any time they get behind the wheel.
Runners Up:
Luchnick Law Firm
23119 I-10, Building 1 (210) 342-9310 luchnicklawfirm.com
Jim Adler & Associates
7330 San Pedro Ave., Suite 700 (866) 219-4395 jimadler.com/san-antonio
BEST MOVERS
Winner: Einstein Moving Co. 3400 Nacogdoches Road (210) 794-6753 einsteinmoving.com
Runners Up:
Veterans Best Movers 10869 Hillpoint Drive (210) 761-6595 veteransbestmover.com
3 Men Movers
3407 Steen St. (210) 682-9726 3menmovers.com
Critics’ Pick: Veterans Best Movers
Whether you’re moving across town to a new home or relocating your business, Veterans Best Movers stands out for the care and consideration it shows customers and their belongings. Leading by values learned through military service, this business strives to bring reliability and attention to detail a job that warrants both. From packing with care to efficiently unloading, Veterans Best excels at the important job of making sure customers’ valuables and lifetimes of memories arrive safely and in one piece.
BEST MENTAL HEALTH
PROVIDER
Winner: Family Care Center Multiple Locations fccwellbeing.com
Family Care Center practices compassionate, evidence-based mental health care with prov-
en results. The center’s professionals work with clients to help them achieve meaningful improvements to their lives through coordinated personalized care. Offering fast access in-person and online therapy as well as outpatient psychiatric services, Family Care Center’s rate of improved mental health far exceeds the national average, according to the company. While the national average for treatment of anxiety and depression sits at 52%, 84% of Family Care patients experience clinically significant reductions in depression and anxiety symptoms within six months.
Runners Up:
Tiffany Frias, Blackbird Counseling & Wellness 16170 Jones Maltsberger Road, Suite 110 blackbirdcounselingandwellness.com
Luchnick Law Firm 23119 I-10, Building 1 (210) 342-9310 luchnicklawfirm.com
BEST PERSONAL TRAINING STUDIO
Winner: War House Gym San Antonio
119 W. Lachapelle (210) 636-9655 warhousegyms.com/satx
The War House doesn’t just have regular equipment, according to its website, it also has “WAR MACHINES,” including “KICK ASS, KICK ASS GEN 2, ASS TO GRASS, THE JAEGER, THE JUGGERNAUT, THE HOWITZER AND THE MANTIS.” However, the gym prides itself in an inclusive atmosphere and strives to work with anyone looking
Facebook / Roof Chiefs TX Inc
Best of SA | Services
to improve their physical fitness.
Runners Up:
JK Fitness
17006 San Pedro Ave. (210) 888-2092 jk-fit.com
The Union Fitness Multiple Locations theunionsa.com
BEST PEST CONTROL
Winner: ABC Pest Control 10644 I-35 Frontage Road (210) 599-9500 abchomeandcommercial.com/sanantonio
Runners Up:
Blessed Pest Control (979) 328-9418 blessedpestcontrol.com
Lonestar Pest Solutions 8209 Rough Rider Drive, Suite 100A (210) 653-4250 lonestarpestsolutions.com
BEST PHYSICAL THERAPY CLINIC
Winner: Puckett Physical Therapy
4000 Pond Hill Road, Suite 101 (210) 742-9423 puckettpt.com
The professionals at Puckett Physical Therapy don’t want injuries to get in the way of active lifestyles. Whether the patient is a young athlete, a full-fledged sports star or just someone who just wants to stay mobile, this clinic is ready to step up. The folks at Puckett know that not everyone deals with the same injuries, so the recovery won’t be the same for everyone. Patients can look forward to a custom plan to gets them back on the court, the track, the bike or whatever else they love doing.
Runners Up:
Method Wellness & PT
4726 Shavano Oak, Suite 101 (210) 526-2428 methodwellnesspt.com
Momentum Physical Therapy
Multiple Locations wegetyouhealthy.com
BEST PLUMBING COMPANY
Winner: Big City Plumbing 4274 GateCrest (210) 499-1010
bigcityplumbingsa.com
Runners Up: Air & Drain Works
8106 NE Loop 410, Suite 2 (210) 809-6360 drainworkstx.com
7543 Grissom Road, Suite 126 (210) 414-0128 roofchieftx.com
Runners Up:
Home Pros for Texas
318 W. Nakoma Drive (210) 987-3429 homepros4tx.com
Apex Roofing and General Contractors
8131 W. Hausman Road, Suite 103 (726) 727-7663 apexroofing.biz
BEST SOLAR CO.
Winner: Solar Edge Pros 318 W. Nakoma St. (210) 401-9030 solaredgepros.com
Runners Up:
Apex Roofing and General Contractors 8131 W. Hausman Road, Suite 103 (726) 727-7663 apexroofing.biz
Stephens Solar 11801 Warfield St. (210) 785-0994 stephenssolar.net
San Antonio Glasshouse
Roof Chiefs 7543 Grissom Road, Suite 126 (210) 414-0128 roofchieftx.com
BEST VETERINARIAN OR VETERINARY CLINIC
Winner: Alamo Heights Pet Clinic 6488 N. New Braunfels Ave. (210) 821-5544 alamoheightspetclinic.com
Runners Up: The Ark Pet Hospital 21518 Blanco Road, Suite 103 (210) 495-8387 thearksa.com
Dr. Lauren Leckie, CareVet of San Antonio - Loop 410 3100 Nacogdoches Road, Suite 103 (210) 824-7344 carevet.com
BEST WAXING SALON
Winner: Diamond Wax Bar 22211 Interstate 10 West, Suite 1201 (210) 552-6681 diamondwaxbar.square.site
Runners Up: Prickly Peach Wax Bar & Spa 3820 FM 3009, Suite 156 (210) 267-9517 instagram.com/pricklypeachwaxbar
Beauty Haus 119 Heiman St., Suite 300 (210) 600-3373 instagram.com/beautyhaus.sa
BEST WEDDING VENUE
Winner: San Antonio Glasshouse 3847 Grosenbacher Road (210) 584-7527 sanantonioglasshouse.com
It would be cool if we could tell you that Taytay and Travis had to settle for Madison Square Garden for the wedding of the century because the Glasshouse was booked, but that would be a stretch. But what isn’t a stretch is saying that plenty of Current readers have had great nuptial experiences with San Antonio Glasshouse. The venue hall’s open floor plan with floor-to-ceiling glass offers both elegance and the appearance of unlimited space. What’s more, owners Vanessa and Sean Gibson have the facilities and equipment necessary to accommodate 200 people. There’s nothing else like it in San Antonio.
The Tobin Center for the Performing Arts 100 Auditorium Circle (210) 223-8624 tobincenter.org
Courtesy Photo / San Antonio Glasshouse
Pterosaurs: Flight in the Age of Dinosaurs at the Witte Museum is presented by PNC Bank and is generously supported by Mary West and Richard Traylor and the Mary Pat and Michael Bolner Exhibition Endowment Fund.
Pterosaurs: Flight in the Age of Dinosaurs is organized by
American Museum of Natural History, New York (amnh.org).
143 E. Commerce St. (830) 264-7961 thefloodgateliving.com
BEST ART GALLERY
Winner: Interloper Gallery
1906 S. Flores St., Unit B interlopergallery.com
Runners Up:
Enzminger Studio
1906 S. Flores St. instagram.com/enzminger.studio
Presa House Gallery
725 S. Presa St. (210) 913-5842 presahouse.com
Critics’ Pick: Un Grito Gallery
1420 S. Alamo St. (210) 992-0585 instagram.com/ungritogallery
Established in 2019, Un Grito Gallery, located in the Upstairs Studios at the Blue Star Arts Complex, presents experimental artwork from around town and beyond. Un Grito’s guiding lights Verena Gaudy, an Austrian ceramicist and performance artist, and her partner, Puerto Rican interdisciplinary artist Martín C. Rodríguez, bust their butts to bring challenging contemporary art to the public on a regular basis. They also welcome artists whose work reflects real-time issues regardless of academic pedigree.
BEST ASTHMA AND ALLERGY PRACTICE
Winner: Dilley Allergy & Asthma Specialist
7835 W. Interstate 10 (210) 614-4405 dilleyallergy.com
Runners Up: Alamo Asthma and Allergy
Associates 115 Gallery Circle, Suite 200 (210) 499-0033 alamoasthma.com
Bandera Bowling Center 6700 Huebner Road (210) 523-1716 banderabowlingcenter.com
Main Event Multiple Locations mainevent.com
BEST BURLESQUE TROUPE
Winner: The DollHaus instagram.com/thedollhaussatx
This marks the second year San Antonio’s vivacious The DollHaus has won Best Burlesque Troupe. Cultivating a cult-like “if you know, you know” backroom vibe, the troupe has gone even further underground since the closing of the Havana Hotel, their main venue for performances and early evening workshops. Describing themselves online as dark, moody, vulnerable and unapologetically real, one need only check out the tantalizing images on their Instagram account to see what all the excitement is about.
Runners Up: Haus of Erotique instagram.com/hausoferotique.tx
Pastie Pops Burlesque instagram.com/pastiepops
BEST CHARTER SCHOOL
Winner: IDEA Carver
217 Robinson Place (210) 223-8885 ideapublicschools.org
Runners Up:
BASIS San Antonio Shavano 4114 Lockhill Selma Road (210) 874-9250 enrollbasis.com
Great Hearts Northern Oaks 17223 Jones Maltsberger Road
3700 N. St. Mary’s St. (210) 207-7275 brackenridgepark.org
With a history that goes back more than 12,000 years, it makes sense that so many residents love the wonders of Brackenridge Park. Brackenridge Park Conservancy, established in 2008 by the City of San Antonio and San Antonio Conservation Society, is committed to preserving and enhancing the north-of-downtown greenspace’s natural, historic, educational and recreational resources for current and future generations. Their ultimate goal is to create an immersive, nature-based and inclusive playscape for all of San Antonio to enjoy.
Runners Up: Hemisfair
434 S. Alamo St. (210) 709-4750 hemisfair.org
Phil Hardberger Park 8400 NW Military Highway (210) 492-7472
Winner: Second Act Productions 20318 Huebner Road, Suite 125 (330) 354-1587 secondactsa.com
Kelly Lepeska, the owner and director of Second Act Productions, has spent the past 40 years using the power of theater to bring people together. Her program in Stone Oak offers performers of all ages and experience levels a place to hone
Instagram ungritogallery
SAVING LIVES SINCE 1934
Best of SA | Around Town
their skills. Through workshops and live productions, Lepeska’s longtime dream continues to provide San Antonio talent a welcoming space to discover their voices and celebrate the joy of theater. Next on the Second Act playbill: Father of the Bride in August and Dear Evan Hansen in September.
Runners Up:
House Party Improv 1900 Fredericksburg Road, Suite 102 (210) 978-6044 housepartyimprov.com
Winner: Phil Hardberger Park 8400 NW Military Highway (210) 492-7472 philhardbergerpark.org
Runners Up:
Hops & Hounds 1119 Avenue B (210) 259-8221 hopsandhoundsllc.com
McAllister Park 13102 Jones Maltsberger Road (210) 207-7275 mcallisterpark.org
BEST DOGGIE DAYCARE
Winner: Dog Days San Antonio 1031 Patricia Drive, Suite 114 (210) 236-7111 dogdayssa.com
Camp Bow Wow at Dog Days San Antonio offers four-legged daycare and boarding that Current readers clearly trust. The camp is a fun, safe, upscale place for dogs to romp and receive lots of love and attention. The business’ counselors are extensively trained in dog behavior, canine first aid and CPR, putting your mind at ease over where you’re leaving your beloved fur baby. Dog Days even offers live webcams so you can watch your pup in real time from anywhere you choose.
Runners Up:
Hounds Town San AntonioNortheast 13215 Judson Road (210) 812-4806 houndstownusa.com
Pup Pup & Away
3701 San Pedro Ave. (210) 899-1688 puppupandawaysa.com
BEST DRAG SHOW
Winner: Maria G instagram.com/respar5
Runners Up: The DollHaus instagram.com/thedollhaussatx
Cinemonsters instagram.com/cinemonsters.satx
BEST EVENT VENUE
Winner: Boeing Center at Tech Port
3331 General Hudnell Drive (210) 600-3699 boeingcentertechport.com
Runners Up:
The Red Berry Estate 856 Gembler Road (210) 223-2680 theredberryestate.com
The Ivy by AE Premium Rentals 215 Coca Cola Place, Suite 219 (210) 504-9401 experienceaequilibria.com
BEST FAMILY ATTRACTION/ TOURIST ATTRACTION
Winner: San Antonio Zoo
3903 N. St. Mary’s St. (210) 734-7184 sazoo.org
The San Antonio Zoo has another accolade to add to its impressive resume: winning two categories in this year’s Best of San Antonio. However, Alamo City residents’ love for their local zoo shouldn’t come as much of a surprise. Led by President and CEO Tim Morrow, the San Antonio Zoo has, in just the past 12 months, opened the Congo Falls gorilla exhibit, the Ralston event center and launched Conserfair tours. And the ambitious Morrow isn’t done yet. The zoo is now exploring ways to bring elephants back into the fold.
Family Attraction Runners Up:
Six Flags Fiesta Texas 17000 IH-10 West (210) 697-5050 sixflags.com
LEGOLAND Discovery Center 849 E. Commerce St., Suite 910 (210) 610-1150
legolanddiscoverycenter.com
Tourist Attraction Runners Up: San Antonio River Walk thesanantonioriverwalk.com
The Pearl 303 Pearl Parkway (210) 212-7260 www.atpearl.com
BEST FARM/FARMER(S)
Winner: Herd on the Street 19617 Somerset Road (726) 234-5239 herdonthestreettx.com
Runners Up: Owl Creek Farm 12355 Military Drive West (210) 968-1524 owlcreekfarmsa.com
Braune Farms Fresh Produce 1300 Link Road
(830) 643-9974 braunefarmsfreshproduce.com
BEST HOSPITAL
Winner: University Hospital 4502 Medical Drive (210) 358-4000 universityhealth.com
Runners Up:
Methodist Hospital - San Antonio 7700 Floyd Curl Drive (210) 575-4000 sahealth.com
Methodist Hospital - Stone Oak 1139 E. Sonterra Blvd. (210) 638-2000 sahealth.com
BEST KIDS CAMP
Winner: Spurs Sports Academy 1 Frost Bank Center Drive (210) 444-5021 spurssportsacademy.com
Instagram / thedollhaussatx
The DollHaus
Join us for an unforgettable evening as we celebrate this historic milestone and honor the countless lives the YMCA has impacted across Greater San Antonio.
Pedrotti's Ranch 13715 FM 1560, Helotes, TX 78023 Saturday, September 26, 2026 6:00 pm - 11:00 pm
SUITS, SATIN & SNEAKERS
Dress to impress, and bring your favorite pair of sneakers as we blend elegance, energy, and community spirit for one extraordinary night.
Doors Open at 6:00 PM
Enjoy an evening featuring:
• Interactive experiences and activations showcasing 150 years of YMCA history
• Signature cocktails, exceptional dining, and entertainment
• Exclusive live auction experiences
• Inspiring stories of impact
• Special moments celebrating the generations who have shaped the YMCA's legacy
Uniting Generations
Presenting Sponsor:
Best of SA | Around Town
Spurs Sports Academy gives young athletes more than just an opportunity to work on their basketball skills. The hometown NBA franchise’s camps gives kids confidence and character while building lifelong memories. The program provides expert instruction in shooting, passing and ball handling. Led by longtime camp director Nevil Shed, a member of the 1966 Texas Western (now UTEP) championship team immortalized in the 2006 film Glory Road, Spurs Sports Academy fosters a supportive environment for boys and girls of all skill levels.
Runner Up: YMCA
Multiple Locations ymcasatx.org
T Bar M Camp 2549 TX-46 (830) 620-4263 tbarm.org
BEST LOCAL GYM/FITNESS CENTER
Winner: War House Gym San Antonio 119 W. Lachapelle (210) 636-9655 warhousegyms.com
Runners Up: JK Fitness
17006 San Pedro Ave. (210) 888-2092 jk-fit.com
Vertica Fitness
12415 Bandera Road, Suite 208 (210) 527-4155 verticafitness.com
BEST MED SPA
Winner: Magnolia Medical & Aesthetics
19141 Stone Oak Parkway #504 (210) 600-3335 magnoliamedskin.com
Runners Up:
DermaTouch RN
222 W. Cypress St. Suite 100 (210) 664-0960 dermatouchrn.com
Advanced Aesthetics Lopez
Plastic Surgery: L Med Spa Multiple Locations lopezplasticsurgery.com/l-med-spa
HydraHive IV & Med Spa
Spurs Sports Academy
1802 N. St. Mary’s St. (210) 255-1593 hydrahivesa.com
The Alamo Drafthouse theaters are more than places to watch the latest Hollywood blockbuster. The Texas-born chain has built a loyal following with its themed screenings and curated programming, including the up-
coming De Palma Summer, which incudes films by director Brian De Palma such as Casualties of War and The Untouchables. The Drafthouse’s menu also includes anything from burgers and salads to churro popcorn and boozy milkshakes. The business has even taken its love of cinema to the next level with the launch of Alamo Exclusives, a new program that will bring independent festival films to theaters nationwide. That includes the documentary Butthole Surfers: The Hole Truth and Nothing Butt about the chaotic rock band that formed in San Antonio in the early 1980s.
Runners Up: Flix Brewhouse
845 Loop 1604 (726) 800-7500 flixbrewhouse.com
Santikos Palladium
17703 W. Interstate 10 Frontage Road (877) 691-0734 santikos.com
BEST MURAL
Winner: El Segundo de Febrero Mural
67 S. Hamilton Ave.
Runners Up: Rosario’s Comida Mex Bar & Lounge
722 S. St. Mary’s St.
Freedom is NOT Free by Abraham “Ghost” Cazares at VFW post 76 10 10th St.
BEST MUSEUM
Winner: Witte Museum 3801 Broadway (210) 357-1900 wittemuseum.org
Runners Up: San Antonio Museum of Art 200 W. Jones Ave. (210) 978-8100 samuseum.org
The DoSeum 2800 Broadway (210) 212-4453 thedoseum.org
BEST NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION
Winner: San Antonio Food Bank 5200 Historic Old Highway 90 West (210) 431-8326 safoodbank.org
The San Antonio Food Bank has been a lifeline for families across Southwest Texas for more than four decades. Since its founding in 1980, the nonprofit has fought food insecurity across a 29-county service area. Today, the Food Bank feeds some 100,000 people weekly while offering programs to help those in need achieve long-term stability. From rescuing millions of pounds of fresh produce to collecting surplus meals through its Second Servings program, the Food Bank is doing great work for some of community’s most vulnerable residents.
Winner: Hyper Inkers Tattoo and Piercing Studio 8045 Callaghan Road (210) 997-9737 hyperinkers.com
Instagram ungritogallery
Best of SA | Around Town
Hyper Inkers, established in 2023, is a business built by enthusiastic Gen Z owners with an eye for advanced techniques and high-quality equipment. Every piece its artists create is a heartfelt embrace of the new and the next — all while offering clients a first-rate experience in terms of comfort and safety. Hyper Inkers understands the connection between its artists and clients and the service it provides a community that genuinely believes in the interconnectivity of tattoos, body art and self-care.
Piercing Studio Runners Up:
Twisted Tattoo
7142 San Pedro Ave., Suite 112 (210) 923-8618 twistedtattootx.com
You never know who — or what — you’ll see or hear at the Corn Pound. Located on the edge of Windcrest and the “Wild Northeast,” this brainchild of native San Antonian Jeff Smith of Hickoids fame is home to Flagship Records, Jett Bass Studio and the nonprofit organizations High Voltage Music and Tex Pop. Best bet is to attend one of this spot’s frequent music showcases or just STFU and overhear bizarre and mind-warping conversations from fellow crate diggers and vinyl hounds at Flagship.
BEST PLACE TO WATCH A MOVIE OUTSIDE
Winner: The Rock at La Cantera 1 Spurs Way therockatlacantera.com
San Antonians have long sought out places to watch movies under the stars. To be sure, the city once boasted multiple drive-in movie theaters. Those days are long gone, but new venues have popped up. Among those is The Rock at La Cantera, a mixed-use space spanning 45 acres that includes stores, offices, parks and a state-of-the-art performance center for the San Antonio Spurs. The development’s Frost Plaza features a 40-foot LED screen where visitors can watch anything from Spurs games to film favorites. Next up on the free movie schedule: Nacho Libre (July 23) and How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (July 30).
ith more than 175,000 employees, which H-E-B refers to as “partners,” the grocery chain isn’t just big – it’s also got a great rep as a place to work. H-E-B offers its employees annual stock grants, 10% discounts on all H-E-B branded products and access to “Partner Lodges” in the Hill Country and on the Gulf Coast, where their workers can take much-needed vacations. In return for these perks, folks working at H-E-B are arguably the friendliest and most helpful in the industry. It just goes to show that treating workers well leads to better results.
Runners Up: USAA
9800 Fredericksburg Road (800) 531-8722 usaa.com
University Health Multiple Locations universityhealth.com
BEST PLAYGROUND
Winner: Yanaguana Garden at Hemisfair
434 S. Alamo St. (210) 709-4750 hemisfair.org
Since opening in 2015, Yanaguana Garden at Hemisfair has transformed its vicinity of downtown San Antonio into a destination where people of all ages can gather, play and relax. The 4.1-acre park features splash pads, playgrounds, adaptive play equipment, games, public art and shaded spaces surrounded by the history and culture of Hemisfair. Named after the Payaya Indian village that once occupied the area, Yanaguana Garden celebrates community through design, recreation and culture. Its win in this category shows it’s a beloved gathering place for both San Antonians and tourists.
Runners Up: Brackenridge Park
3700 N. St. Mary’s St. (210) 207-7275
Jaime Monzon
Best of SA | Around Town
brackenridgepark.org
Pearsall Park
4838 Old Pearsall Road (210) 207-7275 sa.gov
BEST PRESCHOOL/DAYCARE
Winner: The Pillars Christian Learning Centers Multiple Locations thepillarsclc.com
Runners Up: Pre-K 4 SA
Multiple locations prek4sa.com
Imagination Child Development Center
Multiple Locations imaginationcdc.com
BEST PRIVATE SCHOOL, K-12
Winner: St. James the Apostle Catholic School
907 W. Theo Ave. (210) 924-1201 stjamesschoolsa.org
Built on the tenants of Salesian philosophy, which favors kindness over punishment, St. James the Apostle Catholic School is a Christ-centered community where children can grow in faith while learning the values of public service and academic excellence. In St. John Bosco’s own words, the campus helps shape children to be “good Christians and upright citizens, empowering them with a joyful vision and hope of a better world” while emphasizing their God-given individual talents.
Runners Up:
Central Catholic High School 1403 N. St. Mary’s St. (210) 225-6794 cchs-satx.org
Marvelously Made - The School for Young Children
14837 Old Bandera Road, Helotes (210) 338-5699 marvelouslymadeschool.com
BEST SALSA DANCE STUDIO
Winner: Esta Noche Dance Company
7007 Bandera Road, Suite 10 (210) 984-3976 estanochedance.com
Runners Up: Framboyan Dance Studio
Yanaguana Garden at Hemisfair
6504 Bandera Road, Suite 2 (210) 330-2627 instagram.com/framboyandancecompany
Salsa On2 School 4902 Golden Quail, Suite 103 (210) 328-9592 salsaon2school.com
BEST SAN ANTONIO UNIVERSITY OR COLLEGE
Winner: University of Texas at San Antonio 1 UTSA Circle (210) 458-8000 utsa.edu
While not the flagship school in the University of Texas franchise, the University of Texas at San Antonio offers a unique perk specific to our city: free tuition. Those who meet the campus’ economic criteria — a household gross income of $100,000 or less and Texas residence — are in. This aid is open to incoming first-year students in addition to those who transfer from the Alamo Colleges system. No separate financial paperwork is necessary. It’s easy to see why that kind of innovation and inclusion gets a thumbs up from Current readers, whether or not they’re Roadrunners.
Runners Up: San Antonio College 1819 N. Main Ave. (210) 486-0000 alamo.edu
Texas A&M University - San Antonio One University Way (210) 784-1000
BEST TANNING SALON
Winner: Golden Hour Tan 18771 FM 2252, Building 17 (210) 454-8414 goldenhourtantx.com
Runners Up: Tansations
19141 Stone Oak Parkway, Suite 802 (210) 499-4123 tansationsusa.com
TonicX
6391 De Zavala Road, Suite 1203 (210) 802-1964 tonicx.store
BEST URGENT CARE CENTER
tamusa.edu
BEST SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY
Winner: The Waterford at Thousand Oaks 4243 Thousand Oaks Drive (726) 201-9356 sonidaseniorliving.com
Adante Independent Living 2702 Cembalo Blvd. (210) 791-7004 adanteindependentliving.com
Independence Hill Retirement Community 20450 Huebner Road (210) 591-0013 independencehill.com
BEST SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS
Winner: Sunlit Thrift 6645 San Pedro Ave. (210) 846-9039 instagram.com/sunlit.thrift
Runners Up: Pharm Table 611 S. Presa St., Suite 106 (210) 219-2652 pharmtable.com
Sweet Land of Litter Free Eco Boutique & Refillery 18771 FM 2252, Building 19 (210) 900-2379 sweet-land-of-litter-free.square.site
Winner: Texas Med Clinic Multiple Locations texasmedclinic.com
Runners Up: NextCare Urgent Care Multiple Locations nextcare.com
University Health ExpressMed Multiple Locations universityhealth.com
BEST VIEW
Winner: Tower of the Americas
739 E. César E. Chávez Blvd. (210) 223-3101 toweroftheamericas.com
Runners Up: Japanese Tea Garden
3853 N. St. Mary’s St. (210) 559-3148 saparks.org
San Antonio Botanical Garden 555 Funston Place (210) 536-1400 sabgtx.org
BEST YOGA STUDIO Winner: Method Wellness and Physical Therapy
4726 Shavano Oak, Suite 101 (210) 526-2428 methodwellnesspt.com
Runners Up: Black Swan Yoga Multiple locations blackswanyoga.com
House of RhythOM
7302 Louis Pasteur Drive, Suite 105 (210) 902-8337
Courtesy Photo / Hemisfair
Best of SA | Nightlife
BEST BAR/NEW BAR (JANUARY 2025-PRESENT)
Winner: Elsewhere Too 4513 N. Loop 1604 West (210) 201-5595 elsewheretexas.com
It’s rare for a spot to win Best New Bar and Best Bar in the same year, but it makes sense here, given the instant classic Elsewhere Too has become. A sister location to the flagship Elsewhere on the River Walk, Elsewhere Too is a whimsical, immersive outdoor bar that sprawls across a 6-acre property in north San Antonio. Among its features: a 52-foot Ferris wheel, fire pits, a flower tunnel and a spacious greenhouse for private events. Drinks include a San Antonio River Water margarita and a Drink Me potion with fermented vodka and blue raspberry. The place
(210) 265-1420 bubblesandbourbonsa.com
BEST BAR FOOD/SUNDAY FUNDAY
Winner: Bubbles and Bourbon 1417 Austin St. (210) 265-1420 bubblesandbourbonsa.com
Bar Food Runners Up: Elsewhere Too 4513 N. Loop 1604 West (210) 201-5595 elsewheretexas.com
Vino Grotta 19338 Babcock Road, Suite 209 (210) 512-8466 vinogrotta.com
Sunday Funday Runners Up: River North Ice House 317 W. Jones Ave. (210) 277-0088 rivernorthicehouse.com
Vino Grotta 19338 Babcock Road, Suite 209 (210) 512-8466 vinogrotta.com
BEST BAR GAMES/ICE HOUSE/ KARAOKE BAR
Winner: River North Ice House 317 W. Jones Ave. (210) 277-0088 rivernorthicehouse.com
Ralso serves up boozy lemonades in a pouch, perfect for outdoor drinking.
Best Bar Runners Up: Rock & Rye
17631 La Cantera Parkway, Suite 103 (210) 721-7753 rockandryebar.com
Rumors Mixology Bar
220 E. Olmos Drive (210) 787-1117 instagram.com/rumorsbarolmospark
Best New Bar Runners Up: Pour Cocktail Collective 5123 N. Loop 1604 West, Suite 108 (210) 231-0088 instagram.com/pour.cocktail.collective
Bubbles and Bourbon 1417 Austin St.
iver North Ice House is doing something right if it can land simultaneous wins in three categories — and may we suggest that the thing it does right is appealing to a broad range of customers without putting on airs. This north-of-downtown party destination opened in 2024 and quickly became a go-to for meetings, happy hours, game nights and more thanks to its combo of great drinks, a karaoke-ready stage, fun bar diversions and a welcoming vibe. It doesn’t hurt that the spacious back lawn offers food truck options and there are plentiful dining spots nearby.
Bar Games Runners Up: Elsewhere Too 4513 N. Loop 1604 West (210) 201-5595 elsewheretexas.com/elsewhere-too
Little Woodrow’s Multiple Locations littlewoodrows.com
Ice House Runners Up: The Friendly Spot 943 S. Alamo St. (210) 224-2337 thefriendlyspot.com
La Tuna
100 Probandt St. (210) 224-8862 latunasa.com
Karaoke Bar Runners Up: Bubbles and Bourbon 1417 Austin St. (210) 265-1420 bubblesandbourbonsa.com
Runners Up: Naara Café and Hookah 9329 Wurzbach Road, Suite 101 (210) 558-9800 naaracafe.com
Alchemy Cocktail Lounge & Hookah 829 N. New Braunfels Ave. (775) 319-7020 alchemy-satx.com
BEST BLOODY MARY
Winner: DJ’s Bar & Grill 1806 N. 1604 West (210) 479-9700 djsbarandgrill.com
The perfect bloody mary is a subjective thing. How spicy should it be? How salty? Go big on the lime or let the tomato take the front seat? And how much is too much when it comes to garnishes? Elevated sports bar DJ’s Bar & Grill clearly earned its votes in this category by understanding just how personal a thing bloody marys are. It offers an impressive — and popular — weekend mimosa and bloody mary bar that lets the imbiber fine tune their brunch cocktail just the way they see fit.
Runners Up: Social Spot
930 Broadway (210) 263-9009
Instagram / elsewhere.too
Best of SA | Nightlife
instagram.com/socialspotsatx
Chiflada’s Cocktail Bar 1804 W. Martin St. instagram.com/chifladas_sa
BEST COCKTAIL BAR
Winner: The Modernist 516 E. Grayson St. instagram.com/themodernistsa
Runners Up:
Bar 1919
1420 S. Alamo St. (210) 227-1420 bar1919.com
Pour Cocktail Collective 5123 N. Loop 1604 West, Suite 108 (210) 231-0088 instagram.com/pour.cocktail.collective
BEST COUNTRY BAR
Winner: Thirsty Horse Dance Hall & Saloon
2335 NW Military Highway (210) 348-1513 thirstyhorse.net
Runners Up:
Lonesome Rose 2114 N. St. Mary’s St. (210) 455-0233 thelonesomerose.com
John T. Floore’s Country Store 14492 Old Bandera Road, Helotes (210) 695-8827 liveatfloores.com
1010 N. Loop 1604 East (210) 545-3330 thehoppymonk.com
Critics Pick: Flying Saucer
Draught Emporium 11255 Huebner Road, Suite 212 (210) 696-5080 beerknurd.com/san-antonio-flying-saucer
It’s been 25 years since the Flying Saucer Draught Emporium landed in San Antonio, bringing the city’s beer-curious a selection of 85 taps and a selection of 150 cans and bottles. As the appreciation for craft beer and deep-cut imports grew, so did the number of craft beer-centric bars. While there might be a great neighborhood taproom closer by, the Saucer is still a destination visit for its constantly rotating taps from independent brewers across Texas and the U.S. The boisterous gastropub also is one of the few surviving places that pays homage to great Belgian ales, German lagers and other European classics.
BEST DANCE CLUB/GAY BAR
Winner: The Bonham Exchange 411 Bonham (210) 224-9219 bonhamexchange.com
Timed perfectly for Madonna Summer, the Bonham Exchange has won both Best Dance Club and Best Gay Bar. And now, thanks to the diva’s recently released Confessions II, the club that was already the place to be is going to be straight-up transcendent. Sometimes, no matter who you are, you just need to dance with abandon without worrying about the creeps, and Bonham Exchange is that spot. That’s why it’s stood the test of time since 1981, much like the Material Girl herself.
Dance Club Runners Up:
Thirsty Horse Dance Hall & Saloon 2335 NW Military Highway (210) 348-1513 thirstyhorse.net
Be Kind & Rewind
115 Alamo Plaza (210) 951-1980 bekindandrewindsa.com
Gay Bar Runners Up: Pegasus 1402 N. Main Ave. facebook.com/ThePegSA
Chiflada’s Cocktail Bar 1804 W. Martin St. instagram.com/chifladas_sa
BEST DIVE BAR
Winner: The Bang Bang Bar 119 El Mio Drive (210) 320-1187
Best of SA | Nightlife
Boeing Center at Tech Port
thebangbangbartx.com
Runners Up:
Pour Cocktail Collective
5123 N. Loop 1604 West, Suite 108 (210) 231-0088 instagram.com/pour.cocktail.collective
among active duty and retired military personnel, who come from all over the city to imbibe, dine and get their coffee fix. While not strictly a brewer of Belgian-beer styles, that category is where Longtab shines the brightest, culminating this year in a silver medal at the prestigious World Beer Cup for its Jedburgh Belgian Blonde ale.
Runners Up:
Breakaway Brewing Co. 1518 E. Grayson St. (210) 255-1149 breakawaybrewing.us
Künstler Brewing
302 E. Lachapelle (210) 688-4519 kuenstlerbrewing.com
BEST MARGARITAS
Winner: El Mirasol Multiple Locations elmirasolsa.com
Runners Up: Nicha’s Multiple Locations nichas.com
Winner: Sternewirth at Hotel
Emma 136 E. Grayson St. (844) 845-7384 thehotelemma.com
Runners Up:
Bar 414 at The Gunter Hotel 205 E. Houston St. (210) 585-9999 thegunterhotel.com
The Monarch San Antonio, Curio Collection by Hilton 222 S. Alamo St. (210) 714-8200 themonarchsa.com
BEST LOCAL BREWERY
Winner: Longtab Brewing Company
4700 Timco West, Suite 105 (210) 947-4766 longtabbrewing.com
The veteran-owned and -operated Longtab Brewing Co. offers a worthy homage to the U.S. Army Special Forces. It’s a theme that extends from the brewpub’s décor to its beer names to the nonprofit causes supported by the sale of its special-edition brews. Opened in 2020, Longtab has built a loyal following
Rosario’s ComidaMex & Bar 722 S. St. Mary’s St. (210) 223-1806 rosariossa.com
BEST MICHELADAS
Winner: Chiflada’s Cocktail Bar 1804 W. Martin St. instagram.com/chifladas_sa
Runners Up: El Mirasol Multiple Locations elmirasolsa.com
3331 General Hudnell Drive (210) 600-3699 boeingcentertechport.com
Landing in a 3,000-seat sweet spot between massive arenas and intimate concert halls, Boeing Center at Tech Port holds some of the hottest concerts in town. This year alone, that roster has included Bush, Killswitch Engage and Kodak Black
Jaime Monzon
El Mirasol Instagram / elmirasolsa
Named Best Cocktail Bar three Years in a Row! Cheers, San Antonio!
Best of SA | Nightlife
Best of SA | Nightlife
with more to come, including Danzig, Modest Mouse and others. Glowing reviews also mention stellar acoustics, state-of-the-art technology, great food options, a reasonably priced game room and sparkling clean bathrooms.
Runners Up:
Frost Bank Center
1 Frost Bank Center Drive (210) 444-5140 frostbankcenter.com
Paper Tiger
2410 N. St. Mary’s St. (817) 630-1279 papertigersatx.com
Best Rooftop Bar
Winner: The Moon’s Daughters 115 Lexington Ave. (210) 942-6032 themoonsdaughters.com
Runners Up:
1Watson 111 Soledad St. (210) 222-8300 1watsonrooftop.com
505 Rooftop Bar
505 E. Travis St. (210) 416-5324 505rooftop.com
BEST SPORTS BAR
Winner: McIntyre’s Southtown 1035 S. Presa St. (210) 957-1385 mcintyresusa.com
Runners Up:
River North Ice House
317 W. Jones Ave. (210) 277-0088 rivernorthicehouse.com
The sophisticated wine bar that the Northwest Side of town needed, Vino Grotta evokes seaside Italian vibes with a globally inspired wine list. The food pairings are spot-on: from a sun-dried tomato hummus big on terroir to an elegant chateau sourdough plate, Vino Grotta proves you can have your wine and enjoy a great meal too. Imported wines dominate the drink list — from French Cabernets to an Australian Shiraz and even a German Pinot Noir. But don’t worry, plenty of stateside wines are also available for indulgence. The list is so long and varied a return visit is warranted.
Runners Up:
Bubbles and Bourbon 1417 Austin St. (210) 265-1420 bubblesandbourbonsa.com
Copa Wine Bar & Tasting Room 19141 Stone Oak Parkway, Suite 704 (210) 495-2672 thecopawinebar.com
Hi! I’m Cookie, the salon official greeter! I work alongside my team here at The Color Studio. I take my job very seriously greeting clients when they walk in the door. I can’t wait to meet you at your next appt!
Vino Grotta
Instagram vinogrottasa
ONGOING - SUN | 05.30.27
EXHIBITION
‘PURO CONJUNTO: BORDER(LESS) SOUND’
“Puro Conjunto: Border(less) Sound” celebrates a distinctly Texan genre born of global migration and creative co-mingling along the U.S.-Mexico border. Conjunto music has served as the soundtrack of the Tex-Mex working-class since the 19th century. Equally shaped by indigenous, Spanish and Mexican cultures along with those of German and Czech immigrants — who brought the polka, the waltz and the accordion — this cultural confluence gave form to a hybrid sound that exists nowhere else in the world. Museum visitors will experience historical retellings that highlight the genre’s progenitors as well as an exhibition of photographs and artifacts, some of which are on public display for the first time. Free-$10, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily, UT San Antonio Institute of Texan Cultures, 111 W. Houston St., (210) 458-2300, texancultures.utsa.edu — Anjali Gupta
SUN | 07.26
THE MAN WITH THE BIG HAT
Even though he’s venerated by music legends including Willie Nelson and Lyle Lovett, Steven Fromholz remains a largely unrecognized figure in the canon of progressive country music of the 1970s. Fromholz’s story borders on a cautionary tale rife with self-sabotage and just plain shit luck, including a stroke that ostensibly erased his musical memory. Director Austin Sayre salvages fragments of Fromholz’s life and career from obscurity with the documentary The Man With the Big Hat, piecing back together portions of Fromholz’s artistic journey through archival images and never-before-heard recordings. Presented by the San Antonio Film Festival, the documentary is an illusory filmic sketch of an otherwise unsung Texas troubadour. $6.50, 3-5 p.m., The Radius Center, 106 Auditorium Circle Suite 120, (210) 885-5888, themanwiththebighatfilm.com. — AG
(NATIONAL DAY OF THE COWBOY)
The mythology of the American West doesn’t begin with the archetypal American cowboy. It surfaced centuries earlier through the people, cultures and traditions that shaped ranch culture before the U.S. was established. In its most ambitious exhibition to date, the Briscoe presents “Tejano Legacy: Another American Origin Story,” an exhibition that covers 400 years of culture and history. This collection of art, artifacts and ephemera opens just in time to celebrate Día Nacional del Vaquero (National Day of the Cowboy), a community celebration that kicks off the run of “Tejano Legacy” with charro demonstrations, folklórico performances, roping activities and full access to the exhibition, which runs through Jan. 18, along with “Selena Forever/ Siempre Selena,” which runs through Jan. 4. Free with online registration, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Briscoe Western Art Museum, 210 W. Market St., (210)299.4499, briscoemuseum.org. — AG
calendar
Courtesy Image / Three Chords and the Truth
Courtesy Photo / University of Texas at San Antonio
Courtesy Image / Briscoe Museum
TUE | 07.28SUN | 08.09
MUSICAL
HAMILTON
Whether you’re a die-hard who can rap every word of “Guns and Ships” or one of the last holdouts wondering what all the fuss is about, here’s your latest — but certainly not last — chance to find out why Broadway has been living in Hamilton’s shadow for more than a decade. Lin-Manuel Miranda’s culture-shifting juggernaut is returning to San Antonio, delivering rapid-fire rhymes, cabinet-level clashes and founding-father flow, not to mention enough coat flapping to last a lifetime. $80.73 and up, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 28-Friday, July 31; 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1; 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 2; 7:30 p.m.Tuesday, Aug. 4-Friday, Aug. 7; 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8, 1 p.m. Aug. 9, Majestic Theatre, 224 E. Houston St., (210) 226-3333, majesticempire.com. — Sanford Nowlin
THE DONKEY LADY: A GRAPHIC PARABLE
The Ghost Tracks, the fearsome goat sucker El Chupacabra, the Dancing Devil of El Camaroncito — San Antonio’s local folklore runs deep and dark. Few stories, however, grip the collective imagination more profoundly than the tragic tale of the Donkey Lady, La Callada. Join author Carmen Tafolla, illustrator Thelma Ortiz-Muraida and publisher Juan Tejeda for a reading and engaging discussion about The Donkey Lady: A Graphic Parable, a germane modern reframing of a classic cautionary fable. This event is presented in partnership with the Mexican American Civil Rights Institute. Free, 2-4 p.m., Collins Garden Branch Library, 200 N. Park St., (210) 207-9120, mysapl.org. — AG
Joan Marcus
Sonic Gamblers
Powdered Wig Machine celebrates release of new album with back-to-back shows
BY JEPH DUARTE
San Antonio’s Powdered Wig Machine isn’t about rock ’n’ roll conventions. Does the trio play art-rock or noisy punk? Exactly what bizarro subgenre is it aiming for? And what’s up with the crossdressing singer-guitarist who insists on playing a character named Patricia?
Given that proclivity for coloring outside the lines, it kinda makes sense the band would book not one, but two, release parties for its new album Place Your Bets
To that end, Powdered Wig Machine is taking over Crazy Rhythms Records on Thursday, July 23, for an all-ages show then performing at 502 Bar on Friday, July 24.
If you didn’t immediately clear your schedule, message your friends and book your tickets, then you have fallen behind on keeping up with the lunatic fringe of the San Antonio music scene.
Let’s get you caught up.
Powdered Wig Machine is the brainchild of Brandon Pittman, the crossdressing singer and guitarist. Yes, the same one who performs as a character named Patricia.
The role originated as part of a performance group Pittman was in called Black Sheep. Through the evolution of the role, Patricia has morphed from being a cooking show host who moonlights as a serial killer into her current job as a rock star. When asked why schedule two album release parties, Pittman gave a typically dadaesque response: “One release party for me and one for my twin that I absorbed in the womb.”
Drummer Daniel Raigoza has known Pittman since Patricia’s inception and joined the band in 2022. The two have been in musical lockstep since.
Powdered Wig Machine has been in a perpetual search of a bass player, and most are rumored to have met a gruesome fate at the hands of Patricia. (At least that’s how the mythology goes.)
Patricia’s latest treasure, Derek Penrod, has turned out to be the perfect fit, apparently making him safe from termination.
Continued adventures
Place Your Bets chronicles the continued adventures of Patricia introduced in It’s What I’ve Always Wanted, the band’s debut. While sticking with the exploits of the same character, the songs musically venture into new directions,
exploring elements of jazz and metal while sticking with the abstraction at the band’s core.
Defining Powdered Wig Machine’s sound isn’t exactly easy. It can make drastic stylistic jumps, not just tune-to-tune but within songs themselves.
Penrod, who has a jazz background, credits the bassists who came before him with laying a foundation for him to build on. Meanwhile, Raigoza, who admits jazz isn’t a genre he’s played before, acknowledged the new blood had him rethinking his approach.
Penrod’s background “brings out more of a jazzy side to my drumming,” Raigoza added.
Place Your Bets is a semi-concept album about emotional gambling and its consequences told from both fictional and personal perspectives. The references to gambling initially emerged from Pittman’s relationship with his father, an unsuccessful gambler who died in 2022.
Still struggling with the loss, Pittman discovered multiple songs he’d written had gambling references, and he finally leaned into it as a central theme. To illustrate just how dark that theme can go, he pointed to the scene in Martin Scorsese’s Casino where the central character smashes a thief’s hand.
“It’s about overplaying your hand,” Pittman said.
Between releases, Powdered Wig Machine found a home as the house band for Clown Church, a live variety show featuring comedians, magicians, fire hoopers and other present-day vaudeville acts. During that time, the band has cultivated additional followers while continuing to hone its sound in front
music
of a fresh audience.
Trial by fire
Just four years removed from its genesis, Powdered Wig Machine — however unconventional its approach — now finds itself at the epicenter of the local music scene.
The recording of Place Your Bets features a Who’s Who of San Antonio-based musicians, including Benjamin Lopez of Bitter Critter, Chesca Umeno of Mypilotis, Chris Malacara of Bexar Brass, Kyle Kunkel of Schreins, Mikey Vibes of Deer Vibes, Natalie Vargas of Stillbefriends and Valerie Champion of Cosmic Crush.
To differentiate between its back-to-back album release shows, Powdered Wig Machine will try to make each stand apart. While it will perform tracks from the new album both nights, each gig will have a different setlist that also draws on new and older material.
For Pittman, playing new songs before they are recorded “helps them in a trial-by-fire sort of way.” While far from being a jam band, Powdered Wig Machine has been known to alter compositions’ dynamics based on audience reaction.
Thursday night’s all-ages show will feature Clovers as opening act, while Friday’s 21-and-up event will feature Attic Ted and Clown Church on the bill.
Free, 7 p.m. Thursday, July 23, Crazy Rhythms Records, 3617 Broadway, Suite 402, (210) 9982700, instagram.com/crazyrhythmsrecords.
$10, 8 p.m. Friday, July 24, 502 Bar, 502 Embassy Road, Suite 138, (210) 257-8125, 502bar.com.
Find more music coverage every day at sacurrent.com
Courtesy Photo / Powdered Wig Machine
Thursday, July 23
Pat Travers
Rock guitar god Pat Travers’ over-the-top shredding may have fallen out of fashion, but he’s still out there melting faces. A major influence to Metallica’s Kirk Hammett and other giants, Travers may have trouble resonating with a younger crowd, but the guy still possesses powerful chops. $35, 8 p.m., Sam’s Burger Joint, 330 E. Grayson St., (210) 223-2830, samsburgerjoint.com. — Bill Baird
Friday, July 24
Lord Huron
Lord Huron music
Call it indie-rock, Americana or country-tinged slow jams, but Lord Huron has a knack for creating tracks that prompt listeners to ponder the meaning of life or yearn for lost love. The California act hit big when its song “The Night We Met” was included in a significant emotional scene of the popular — and controversial — Netflix series 13 Reasons Why . The band’s latest album, The Cosmic Selector Vol. 1 , shows it experimenting with its sound by leaning into psychedelic and even goth sensibilities. $97-$358.50, 8 p.m., Majestic Theatre, 224 E. Houston St., (210) 226-5700, majesticempire.com. — Brianna Espinoza
Alex Maas, Mohama Saz, Ponder Maas is best known as frontman for Austin’s Black Angels, but as a solo artist he treads more varied ground, incorporating both Eastern scales and unconventional instrumentation, while bringing an emotional and personal tone to the songs. Spain’s Mohama Saz, meanwhile, explores a similar vibe — hypnotic, enveloping, extended jams — all while incorporating melodies and scales that veer far from blues-based rock conventions. $18, 8 p.m., Lonesome Rose, 2114 N. St. Mary’s St., (210) 455-0233, thelonesomerosesa.com — BB
AC/DC
When it comes to crowd-pleasing hard rock, AC/DC is beyond legendary, having perfected its formula back in the ’70s, updated it again circa Back in Black and otherwise left it well alone. Yes, guitarist Angus Young is the sole original member, and no, they’re not as spry as they once were, but you might want to see them now, while you still can. $90 and up, 7 p.m., Alamodome, 100 Montana St., (210) 207-3663, alamodome.com. — BB
The Fixx
The Fixx carved out a space on FM rock radio that landed it on the rock side of the early-’80s new wave boom. Songs such as “One Thing Leads To Another,” “Saved By Zero” and “Red Skies” still resonate today, and the band continues to create new music, having
dropped the album Every Five Seconds in 2022. The concert will be held on the outdoor patio behind the Tobin, so be prepared for a steamy showcase. $63, 7:30 p.m., Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, 100 Auditorium Circle, (210) 223-8624, tobincenter.org. — Danny Cervantes
Saturday, July 25
The Black Keys, Eddie 9V
The rockin’ duo of Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney offer a satisfying retort to the all too familiar lament that “rock ‘n’ roll is dead.” The amount of sound put out by The Black Keys continues to impress, and it should be fun to witness them on an outdoor stage along the banks of the Guadalupe River. $78.31-$477.51, 8 pm, Whitewater Amphitheater, 11860 FM 306, New Braunfels, (830) 964-3800, whitewaterrocks.com. — DC
Tuesday, July 28
Lionel Richie, Earth, Wind & Fire
Billed as the Sing A Song All Night Long tour, this pairing of two of radio’s biggest hitmakers should have everyone “Dancing on the Ceiling.” Richie is best known for his solo superstardom of the ’80s, but this tour also features hits from his time with the Commodores, such as “Easy” and “Three Times a Lady.” Meanwhile, Earth, Wind & Fire deliver soulful grooves with classics such as “Shining
Star” and “September.” $38.40-$553.90, 8 p.m., Frost Bank Center, One Frost Bank Center Drive, (210) 444-5140, frostbankcenter.com. — DC
Wednesday, July 29
Coheed and Cambria
New York natives Coheed and Cambria have carried the modern prog-rock torch for more than 30 years and show no sign of slowing down. The band released its 10th concept album, The Father of Make Believe , last year, which continues its ongoing sci-fi epic known as the Armory Wars. Even so, vocalist Claudio Sanchez described the latest album’s content as more personal than concept-driven. Don’t worry, there’s still much to digest, since Coheed and Cambria has evolved from the post-hardcore sound it had in the early 2000s. $59-$212.40, 7 p.m., Aztec Theatre, 104 N. St. Mary’s St., (210) 812-4355, theaztectheatre.com. — BE
Saturday, Aug. 1
Cumbiatron
It was only a matter of time before cumbia culture and rave culture met up. Both are rooted in dance, of course, but also, more generally, in a life-affirming embrace of the communal catharsis possible when folks actually get out there and shake it. Bring your dancing shoes. $15, 8 p.m., Aztec Theatre,
104 N. St. Mary’s St., (210) 812-4355, theaztectheatre.com — BB
Sunday, Aug. 2
Queen Serene, Commercial Breaks, Elnuh Austin band Queen Serene crafts compelling shoegazey rock, throwing in elements of classic Stereolab and My Bloody Valentine for good measure. Commercial Breaks, meanwhile, are comprised of Austin’s younger stock of garage-rock veterans, including folks from star in-the-making Gus Baldwin’s band. San Antonio opener Elnuh creates deeply moving rock of their own: atmospheric, majestic and, yes, also shoegazey. $10, 8 p.m., Lonesome Rose, 2114 N. St. Mary’s St., (210) 455-0233, thelonesomerosesa.com. — BB
Tuesday, Aug. 4
Corpse Pile
Self-proclaimed purveyors of “hardgore death metal,” Houston band Corpse Pile packs a lot of intensity into its songs, which generally end in two minutes or less. Trashcan snare drum sounds and guttural growls mix with distorted guitars and horror movie sound bites. The group is gaining traction with fans of extreme music and has quite a few festival appearances lined up this year. $17.93, 7 p.m., Paper Tiger, 2410 N. St. Mary’s St., papertigersatx.com. — BE WIkimedia Commons / strangebiology
