Popular neighborhood bar in downtown San Antonio closes

The Local Bar was open for nearly a decade.

https://www.mysanantonio.com/food/ar...-Editors-Picks

After 10 years of serving San Antonio from the heart of downtown, The Local Bar is closing up shop. Co-owner Luis Munoz says the closure has been emotional for him.

“It wasn’t our decision,” he tells MySA on behalf of himself and his business partner Eric Hanken. “We would be there for the next 30 years if we could.”

Munoz says the lease for the space, which is located not far from the Alamo, was up after nearly 10 years.

“The landlord just decided not to renew because he wanted a different store, concept there,” he says, admitting that a prior business meeting revealed that the landlord thought The Local Bar was moving out of the space about eight years ago.

Additionally, a few years ago the property owner voiced a desire to change up the bar, no doubt a watering hole catered toward San Antonio residents, to deliver a fancier aesthetic with cocktail-loving tourists in mind.

El Paso transplant Coffee House of Hel serving up java with a side of horror in San Antonio

The spooky shop sells coffee drinks, teas, milkshakes and energy boosters — many of which are named for famous horror villains.

https://www.sacurrent.com/food-drink...-up-java-with-

San Antonians with an affinity for horror flicks and gourmet drips can now find both at Coffee House of Hel, an El Paso transplant now serving on the city’s Northwest Side, MySA reports.

Husband and wife duo Helen and Robert Hinojos moved to San Antonio from El Paso earlier this spring to be closer to family, they told the news site. The couple decided to bring along their horror-themed coffee house as well, serving up caffeinated java drinks, teas, milkshakes and more in a little shop of scares at 9386 Huebner Road.

Coffee House of Hel's online menu is awash with drinks named for famous horror film villains, including Pennywise, Frankenstein and Killer Clowns — all of whom have a frappe named after them. Scary names also grace its assortment of muffins and cookies.

Coffee House of Hel is open 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday.

San Antonio's Curry Boys BBQ appears in latest season of Hulu series BBQuest

In the series, barbecue enthusiast Kelsey Pribilski indulges in secret menu items at some of the best barbecue joints in Texas.

https://www.sacurrent.com/food-drink...quest-29564144

San Antonio's Southeast Asia-meets-Texas fusion spot Curry Boys BBQ is heating up the latest season of the Hulu series BBQuest.

On the culinary travelogue, native Texan Kelsey Pribilski undertakes a carnivorous quest to sample secret menu items at some of the state's best barbecue joints. In the program's just-released Season 3, she's joined by Jess Pryles — an Australian meat expert, cookbook author and live-fire cook — and the pair visit Curry Boys in the second episode.

“This is so different than anything I’ve ever seen, barbecue-wise,” Pribilski tells the establishment's three owners — Andrew Ho and Sean Wen of Pinch Boil House and Andrew Samia of South BBQ & Kitchen — as she samples their food with the St. Mary's Strip in the background.

New San Antonio River Walk eatery Fiume Pizzeria & Wine Bar now open

The new eatery features a signature Ferrari-red Fiero pizza oven located on its open-air patio.

https://www.sacurrent.com/food-drink...-open-29564459

Fiume Pizzeria and Wine Bar has opened on the San Antonio River Walk, promising to fuse Texas ingredients with Neapolitan-style pizza techniques.

Fiume's owners uses the term "Texapoletana" to describe its artisan pizzas, which incorporate locally sourced ingredients. Among the menu's offerings are a Texas Heat specialty pie made with smoked bacon and Italian sweet peppers and deserts including homemade gelato with local berries.

Fiume cultivated the first yeast for its pizzas roughly two yeas ago, according to its opening announcement, and a fermented “mother” gives its dough a deep, natural flavor often lacking in commercial yeast.

A signature Ferrari-red Fiero pizza oven provides a focal point on its open-air patio, according to the owners.

Located near the Arneson River Theater at 200 S. Alamo St., Fiume is open daily from 5-10 p.m.

All-you-can-eat Korean barbecue and hot pot chain KPOT eyes San Antonio as part of major expansion

The Northwest San Antonio restaurant is expected to open next June as part of a 22-state growth plan.

https://www.sacurrent.com/food-drink...nsion-29582916

Korean barbecue and hot pot sensation KPOT plans to make its Alamo City debut next summer as part of a 22-state North American expansion.

The California-based chain will build a 6,500-square-foot restaurant at 12485 I-10 West, Suite 100, according to an Aug. 10 filing with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. The Northwest San Antonio spot is near UTSA and the Medical Center.

KPOT allows diners to select a tabletop hot pot filled with a soup base such as miso, mushroom or Thai tom yum, to which they add sliced meats, seafood, vegetables and noodles. Customers also can cook up Korean barbecue items via tabletop grills.

The chain offers an all-you-can-eat option. However, it may charge customers for wasted food, according to its online menu.

KPOT’s website lists locations “coming soon” in 22 states. In addition to San Antonio, the company has pending Texas stores in Austin, Houston, South Houston, Killeen, Longview, Midland and Webster.

Construction on the San Antonio eatery will begin Nov. 15 of this year, according to its state filing. The expected completion date is June 30, 2023.

California-based Nékter Juice Bar will open location near San Antonio's Camp Bullis

Earlier this year, the company announced a nationwide expansion, including plans for at least 55 new locations by the end of 2022.

https://www.sacurrent.com/food-drink...ullis-29607084

Southern California-based Nékter Juice Bar will open a new location on San Antonio’s far North Side, growing its number of stores here to two as part of a brisk nationwide expansion.

Nékter’s new spot will be just outside Camp Bullis, at 1304 Borgfeld Drive, Suite 200, according an Aug. 12 filing with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Construction on the 1,300-square-foot structure will begin Sept. 1 and run through Oct. 28.

The plans emerge just two months after the company started serving fresh juices, smoothies and açaí bowls in its first SA location, situated in Alamo Heights.

Earlier this year, Nékter announced a major expansion calling for 55 new locations by the end of 2022. At that time, the chain confirmed it was on track to open new stores in Idaho, Chicago, Detroit, St. Louis and San Antonio.

:cucumber: :cucumber: :cucumber: PICKLE JUICE SLUSHES ARE BACK! :cucumber: :cucumber: :cucumber:



San Antonio-area Sonic Drive-In locations now offering Pickle Juice Slushes through Aug. 28

The salty, sweet frozen drink has been one of the most frequently requested menu items by Sonic fans on social media since its debut in 2018.

https://www.sacurrent.com/food-drink...ug-28-29606055

It’s no secret San Antonians love pickle-flavored, well, anything.

Recently, we’ve seen pickle-laced beer, margaritas and seltzers hit the market. Now, the Alamo City-area's 50 Sonic Drive-In locations are bringing back the Pickle Juice Slush for a limited time, serving the salty, dill-flavored treat through Aug. 28.

The salty, sweet frozen drink was first introduced in 2018, and has been one of the most frequently requested menu items by Sonic fans on social media since, according to company officials. In celebration of the drink’s return, guests can snag a Pickle Juice Slush for half price when they order with the chain's app.

Sonic fans can even add pickle juice flavoring to any other beverage for an additional charge. So, if a Pickle-Sprite or Pickle-Limeade sounds tasty to you, now’s your time to go for it.

San Antonio-area restaurant Jacked Potato closes suddenly, citing COVID, escalating food costs

Owner Jacci Castille said she is already working to secure a new location in a higher-visibility area.

https://www.sacurrent.com/food-drink...costs-29614151

Loaded-spud eatery Jacked Potato has served its last tuber to the community of Converse, the Express-News reports. The restaurant's owner cited the COVID-19 pandemic, escalating food costs, limited roadside traffic and a lack of staffing as reasons for the closure.

“We were making money, but only enough to pay the staff and keep the doors open. People would see the McDonald's and the Subway signs and sometimes would forget that we were here since we were sort of tucked away in the strip center,” owner Jacci Castille told the daily.

The disabled U.S. Army veteran opened Jacked Potato in 2020 near Farm to Market Road 78 and Crestway Road. Customers had the option of loading up its baked spuds with toppings including macaroni and cheese, shrimp étouffée, pulled pork, chili and shrimp.

According to the Express-News, Castille is already working to secure a new location — one that’s not so tucked away.

“When we make our comeback, we’ll be more visible for sure,” she told the paper. “There is definitely demand for a good baked potato.”

New bars, pizza pop-up make San Antonio's Lavaca neighborhood the perfect place for a pub crawl now

https://www.expressnews.com/food/bar...a-17377449.php

In less than a year, a vibrant and diverse new drinking district has emerged on a once-fallow block of South Presa Street in San Antonio's Lavaca neighborhood near Southtown. A trio of new bars and a pizza pop-up have transformed a stretch of storefronts anchored by the venerable The Haven Southtown — formerly Taco Haven — into a nightlife destination providing one of the city's best (and shortest) pub crawls.

The Lavaca nightlife renaissance began in October with the launch of Bar Ludivine. Owner Mike Abad created a French-inspired space where paintings of San Antonio's iconic Tower of the Americas stands next to the Eiffel Tower in a mural on one wall. Another wall features a ceiling-high painting of 18th-century French monarch Marie Antoinette next to a neon sign reading, "Don't lose your head."

Customizable drink chain FiiZ Drinks plans first San Antonio-area location in Converse

FiiZ stores have the potential to offer thousands of drink combinations via the addition of purees, syrups and fresh juices.

https://www.sacurrent.com/food-drink...verse-29662918

Utah-based customizable drink chain FiiZ Drinks is planning its first San Antonio-area location in the nearby suburb of Converse, an Aug. 18 filing with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation shows.

Founded in 2014, FiiZ Drinks serves up specialty carbonated and non-carbonated sips such as sodas, energy drinks, smoothies and frozen drinks. Each location also offers a variety of snacks, including pretzels and nachos.

The chain aims to put a “fun and delicious modern twist on the old soda fountain shop,” a press release states. To that end, FiiZ stores have the potential to offer tens of thousands of different drink combinations via the addition of purees, syrups and fresh juices.

FiiZ currently operates locations in Spring and League, near Houston, with forthcoming locations in Corpus Christi and Jordan Ranch, also near Houston. The new San Antonio-area store is slated to open in the Autumn Run shopping center, at 7215 E. Loop 1604 N. in Converse.

The TDLR filing notes construction on the $150,000 new build will begin on Sept. 1. It is slated to be completed early next year.

Salad restaurant Sweetgreen set to open San Antonio spot at The Quarry

https://www.mysanantonio.com/food/ar...P-CP-Spotlight

Sweetgreen, the national brand of health-focused fast-casual restaurants, appears to be finally preparing for San Antonio. According to filings with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, the restaurant has a project in the works for the Quarry area.

The Sweetgreen team was not immediately available to comment on the expansion into San Antonio. The company has locations in Austin, Dallas, and Houston. Sweetgreens dot the U.S. from its hometown in Washington, D.C., up to New York City and across to Chicago and Los Angeles. San Antonio's Sweetgreen is planned for the Quarry Village, in the former home of Max's Wine Dive, filings show.

Construction on the $550,000, nearly 3,000-square-foot space is expected to start in December and wrap in April 2023, though project filings are subject to change. It will be located at 340 E Basse Road Suite 101, San Antonio, TX 78209.

GiGi's sandwich truck announces upcoming closing on St. Mary's Strip

It opened with a 'Sopranos'-themed party last August.

https://www.mysanantonio.com/food/ar...-Editors-Picks

After a year of serving up deli-style Italian sandwiches, GiGi's has announced its final day of service on the St. Mary's Strip. Chef Matt Garcia and business partner Harrison Civick took to Instagram over the weekend to share the news.

"Well the time has come, folks," the post read. "Our residency at @littledeathwine is coming to an end soon. Isn’t it crazy that we’ve been here slanging sandos for a year now?"

Permanently parked outside midtown wine bar Little Death, the chrome food truck debuted in late August 2021 with a Sopranos-themed end-of-summer party . The truck's menu features everything from the bodega classic, "Bacon, Egg, and Cheese," to prestige-television inspired offerings like "The Fat Tony" with sopresatta, pepperoni, salami, mozzarella and parmesan, peppers, basil, and special sauce.

To celebrate hitting the one year mark, GiGi's is throwing one final party, "The Last Bite" on September 3 at Little Death. Until then, the sandwich truck will continue operations as usual. Specific times for the imminent closing party have not yet been announced.

"Huge thank you to our friends at LD for having us and putting up with us for the year and a huge thank you to everyone that’s supported us! What’s next for GiGi’s? Who knows. We need a vacation," the post reads. "Come by and see us before we’re gone!"

San Antonio's Omni La Mansión del Rio will unveil newly renovated restaurant on Thursday

Four Brothers will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner in the space that previously housed brunch hotspot Las Canarias.

https://www.sacurrent.com/food-drink...rsday-29679900

Downtown luxury hotel Omni La Mansión de Rio will unveil its newly renovated onsite eatery Four Brothers on Thursday.

Four Brothers held a soft opening Tuesday, giving select guests a taste of chef Andres Farias’ new menu, which focuses on Southern and South Texas cuisine with both Latin American and French influences. Items available at the event included a roasted half chicken with red chile sauce, roasted purple potatoes, charred leeks and crema blanca.

Farias became executive chef of Omni La Mansión del Rio and Mokara Hotel & Spa in May of this year. He has training in French and Asian cuisines and experience at luxury restaurants in Caracas, Venezuela.

Four Brothers, 112 College St., will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner in the river-level space that previously housed brunch hotspot Las Canarias. It will be open 7 a.m.-10 p.m. daily.

Burger joint Mark's Outing to open second spot in downtown San Antonio

https://www.mysanantonio.com/food/ar...P-CP-Spotlight

One of San Antonio's most loved burger joints is cooking up another location in the city's downtown area. On Wednesday, August 24, Mark's Outing announced on Instagram how it's branching out and opening a spot at Rivercenter Mall soon.

Mark's Outing did not disclose the opening date or timeframe but wrote in its caption that it's "coming soon." The burger joint added how you can be the first to know by signing up for its newsletter at the link in its Instagram bio or by clicking here.

The restaurant, previously named Fatty's Burger, has been an Eastside staple since 2005. It became Mark's Outing in 2012. It's located at 1624 E. Commerce St., San Antonio, TX 78205. In 2017, the owner, Mark Outing, told his customers via a Facebook video that he would have to close his restaurant if customers didn't begin to stop by.

La Ruina, a new bar from former owners of San Antonio's The Modernist, opening next month

The new concept promises a menu of cocktails made with specialty rums, tequilas and mezcals.

https://www.sacurrent.com/food-drink...month-29687930

New cocktail spot La Ruina will open Saturday, Sept. 3, bringing a “Tropical American ambiance” to a historic building at 410 Austin St., east of downtown.

The new concept comes from former owners of Pearl-area cocktail haven The Modernist, who promise a menu of cocktails made with specialty rums, tequilas and mezcals as well as house-made sangrias. La Ruina's Latin American-originated specialty cocktails — such as mojitos and piña coladas — will be served by mixologists with more than 20 years of combined experience, according to partners in the venture.

"Coming from many years of experience in bartending, we know how important it is for our guests to fully enjoy a well-crafted cocktail," La Ruina co-owner Olaf Harmel said. "We decided to specialize in the staple drinks because they will always be a part of our tradition. More importantly, we want all of our guests to feel special as we carefully craft their spirit in an intimate and historical space, while adding something new to San Antonio's nightlife."

Decor-wise, La Ruina will feature a blend of modern and traditional decor, including dimly lit booths and touches of pink and floral patterns, according to its owners. The space also boasts a striking brass chandelier obtained from downtown’s recently shuttered Cadillac Bar to set the mood.

In addition to a cozy indoor space, the bar will include a sizable patio for imbibing.

La Ruina partners Harmel and Gerry Shirley previously operated The Modernist, the East Grayson Street drinkery known for its creative cocktails as well as an impressive offering of zero-proof drinks incorporating non-alcoholic spirits. The pair recently sold the cocktail spot, and the bar’s original staff will cease service Saturday, Aug. 27, with the expectation that the new owners will resume with a reconfigured crew.

La Ruina will hold its grand opening Saturday, Sept. 3, operating on a first-come, first-served basis. The bar will take reservations upon opening, but they won't be available opening day.

It will operate Monday through Saturday, 4 p.m.-2 a.m.

Tropically inspired cocktail bar La Ruina to open in downtown San Antonio

https://www.mysanantonio.com/food/ar...-Editors-Picks

There's a new bar preparing to open in downtown San Antonio. La Ruina is an incoming concept from the previous owners of mid-century styled cocktail bar, The Modernist. While The Modernist lives on under different ownership, Gerry Shirley and Olaf Harmel are now switching gears to curating a cocktail bar with "tropical American ambiance."

Situated in a historic brick building, the bar is fashioned with cozy, dimly-lit booths, and pink and floral accents. La Ruina debuts with a cocktail menu highlighting "revitalized" staple cocktails made with specialty tequila, rum, wine, and mezcal. Latin American mojitos and piña coladas will take center stage, carefully crafted by seasoned mixologists.

"Coming from many years of experience in bartending, we know how important it is for our guests to fully enjoy a well-crafted cocktail," Harmel says in a press statement. "We decided to specialize in the staple drinks because they will always be a part of our tradition. More importantly, we want all of our guests to feel special as we carefully craft their spirit in an intimate and historical space, while adding something new to San Antonio's nightlife."

La Ruina, or "The Ruins" was designed to incorporate a mix of old architectural elements with modern flourishes (including a big brass chandellier obtained from the recently closed San Antonio Cadillac bar). The bar's name suggests its own composition.

Similar to The Modernist, the bar will have both indoor and outdoor seating.

La Ruina will host its first night of swanky service on September 3

Find it: 410 Austin St., San Antonio, TX 78215.

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