Luther's Cafe celebrates 73 years at heart of San Antonio's 'gay strip'

https://www.mysanantonio.com/food/ar...p-17289924.php

Luther's Cafe, now on Main, has been around since 1949. To put things in perspective, that's about two decades before the Tower of the America's emerged in our skyline, even before the commercial development of the River Walk as we know it. It's the year Oscar-winner Meryl Streep and Billy Joel were born.

Much like the two stars, at 73 years old, Luther's Cafe is still kicking.

It's been a long journey for the San Antonio College-area eatery. While people of all walks of life eat and drink at Luther's — it is certainly not explicitly a gay restaurant and it never has been — its history is inextricable from the revitalization of what is known today as San Antonio's "gay strip." A major operator in the redevelopment is Luther's current owner, Randy Cunniff, who also owns Heat Nightclub and bars Sparkey's and Knockout.

Before Cunniff started opening businesses on Main Street and it became a colorful nightlife destination, the area looked a lot different.

Early Luther's and the 'Gay Strip'

Luther's first began cookin' on the corner of Locust Street and Main Ave in 1949, and ran operations there until about 1976. From there, it relocated to Main and Evergreen to colonize an old 1,150 square-foot Texaco station that had recently closed down. In the early days, Luther's was the sort of roadside joint where folks get something called a "red top." They would bring in their old coffee cans and have them fill it half with chili and half with beef stew, then would bring it back home to feed their families.

You can still order a red top at Luther's today, but you should probably leave your Folgers can at home. From what I'm told, the Luther's of yesterday had more of a rustic, truck stop diner feel. An aesthetic through-line that can be seen in Luther's interior to this day as it's covered in relics of Americana, from rusty road signs to license plates.

Previous to acquiring Luther's in 2007, Cunniff had lived across from the burger joint for about eight years, and had been frequenting the area and the restaurant for the last 20.

Before he opened Heat in 2001, the neighborhood was still known to harbor some gay bars, and a portion of Luther's patrons were subsequently gay. But at that time, everything was more spread out and discrete, says Cunniff. Being gay was something that, more often than not, happened behind closed doors. There were no blatant LGBTQ signifiers, there was no rainbow crosswalk on Main Street, no rainbow flags.

In 2007, a few years after Heat found success and people began frequenting the area in higher numbers, Cunniff acquired Luther's at the old Texaco. The old eatery had fallen into disrepair, so he gave it a makeover and built it out, doubling it in size. A few years later, after San Antonio College saw what was happening to that stretch of Main Street, seeing it transform into a more "happening" area, they made an offer on Luther's and converted the land into a mixed-use building, with student apartments and space for a new Luther's. During construction, Cunniff temporarily operated Luther's across the street, where Knockout is today. In 2012, Luther's opened at its current location.

Luther's today/ Post-Covid world

Something Cunniff is steadfast about is the staying open late on weekends to accommodate bar traffic. Until 3 a.m., burgers, homemade fries, and bar snacks like crispy Southwestern egg rolls are available at the Luther's bar. Given its walking-distance proximity to other gay strip offerings, Cunniff engineered it to be a natural destination for a post-Sparkey's late night bite.

Like any restaurant, COVID-19 was hard on Luther's and Cunniff, the unofficial architect of the inclusive night-life corridor.

"Believe me, it was not easy, and I was scared. But, you know, I couldn't let the gay strip go during COVID," shares Cunniff, who has been happy to see people steadily venturing back out.

A few months back, Cunniff hired new manager Duane Adams to get the restaurant back on track. The regulars were quick to introduce themselves, says Adams, and those who had been previously burned by the restaurant under different management were quick to wish him "good luck."

Adams, who moved here from Ohio for the job, was quick to observe how diverse the restaurant's patronage is.

"I've just noticed how Luther's is sort of this place for everyone. Even in the gay community, so to speak. We have lesbians that come in, a lot of gays younger and older, we collect every demographic from within our community. And then outside of that, it mixes with the straight communities," Adams says. " Luther's is like, the heart of the strip."

Almost immediately after he assumed his position, Luther's successfully took part in the first Main Avenue Pride parade after a two year COVID-19-related hiatus, and serviced more people than Pride 2019. Under Adams, the restaurant has also instated a new bar program, and added events to the calendar every night of the week to bring people in. The entertainment roster includes movie screenings on Mondays, video game nights on Tuesdays, karaoke on Wednesday, and drag dinners and brunch on the weekends. The drag shows are led by a local queen who goes by the name "Elizabitch," who was unavailable for comment.

The drag shows are a big draw across the spectrum of humanity, and really demonstrate just how inclusive a space Luther's is.

Patrons run the gambit, from elderly couples who have been lunching there for years to gay guys pre-gaming Heat, even straight guys ("not closet cases or down low guys,"says Adams) and family's enjoying eggs benedict and chicken and waffles during drag brunch.

"I get phone calls every week where people tell me that they need to come to the show. And then they bring their grandma or they bring their auntie and their children," Adams says. " The whole family comes for the show."

Luther's is open seven days a week. Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 a.m. Find it at 1503 N Main Avenue.

San Antonio's Rumble nightclub to expand footprint, add bathrooms

https://www.sacurrent.com/food-drink...rooms-29338613

San Antonio nightlife fixture Rumble will expand its St. Mary’s Street footprint this fall with the addition of bathrooms, according to a regulatory filing.

The nightspot will drop $350,000 to add 180 square feet to accommodate new restroom facilities, according to a July 6 filing with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Construction will begin in August and wrap up Oct. 31, the filing states.

The Current reached out to the club to confirm details and ask whether it would close during any part of the construction. The paper received no reply by press time.

Rumble opened in spring of 2016 to significant fanfare. The nightspot was established by Empty Stomach Restaurant Group (Barbaro and Hot Joy) and Boulevardier Group (Three Star Bar and the now-defunct Brooklynite and Stay Golden Social House).

Rumble shares outdoor space with music venue Paper Tiger on the corner of Ashby and North St. Mary’s streets, where it serves up cocktails along with pre- and post-show vibes.

San Antonio chef Michael Sohocki closes newest eatery, 5 Points Food & Drink

https://www.sacurrent.com/food-drink...drink-29347080

San Antonio's Michael Sohocki is the latest restaurant owner to feel the post-pandemic squeeze. The nationally lauded chef is closing 5 Points Food & Drink, his newest venture, due to lack of staff, MySA reports.

The European-dining concept at 1017 North Flores St. opened in January, sharing space with Sohocki’s ramen shop Kimura and new loft bar Dash. 5 Points was touted as a casual bistro reincarnation of the chef's electricity-free Restaurant Gwendolyn, which closed last December.

Sohocki didn't tell MySA whether he plans a return for Five Points or whether that's even a consideration.

“The restaurant industry is going through a violent change,” Sohocki told the news site. “I closed the 5 Points side because we just couldn't handle it mechanically. Many of my staff are doing the work of 1.5 to two people more days than not.”

Sohocki will reconfigure the dining room — the seating of which was split between 5 Points and Kimura — to create an expanded space for the ramen spot, MySA reports. The chef says he'll also grow the menu to include tempura and sashimi.

Eastside San Antonio soul food staple Mr. & Mrs G's officially closing at end of July

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

Mr. & Mrs. G's, the beloved mom-and-pop soul food and pastry spot on San Antonio's Eastside, announced their upcoming closure over the weekend after 32 years of service.

"The decision to close down wasn’t easy, but due to the impact of COVID-19 and other factors, the losses suffered are too much," wrote the restaurant owners in a social media message.

In March 2021, the community mourned the loss of William Garner, one half of the husband and wife duo that opened the restaurant in July 1990. Known to loyal customers as "Mr. G," he survived his wife Addie by four years. "Mrs. G" died in 2017 after a lengthy battle with illness.

"Mr. & Mrs. G were proud to serve the community through these glorious years and they were so thankful to San Antonians for all of the support," the announcement continues.

With no money in their pockets for advertising or a kitchen staff, the Garner's first opened their restaurant to little fanfare. Thank's to word of mouth and their Southern-style meals, customers began lining up.

"It was a dream for William & Addie to open a restaurant," the post reads. "They wanted to give back and help the community."

San Antonio will still have a chance to get their home-cooked soul food before Mr. & Mrs. G's closes doors for good. The fried chicken destination — also known for its smothered steaks, okra gumbo, and banana pudding — will continue operating through the end of July with an adjusted menu to deplete inventory.

"We’ll never forget the amount of support received. More than anything, we appreciate the positive feedback, accolades and community service awards that we’ve received over the past 32 years. San Antonio, we thank YOU for your support and the great memories and for allowing us to serve YOU for 32 years," the announcement closes.

The restaurant will remain open Wednesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m until the end of the month. Find it at 2222 South WW White Road.

San Antonio staple Thai Dee reopens dining room after two-year pandemic hiatus

The restaurant also offers free BYOB service, meaning it doesn't charge a corkage fee for popping bottles customers bring in.

https://www.sacurrent.com/food-drink...iatus-29354611

To the delight of local Southeast Asian food lovers, San Antonio staple Thai Dee reopened its dining room this week after a two-year pandemic hiatus.

The North Central eatery shared the news Monday on social media, saying it's now open for dine-in, takeout and delivery from noon-8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and noon-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Its lunch specials — including pad Thai, curry fried rice and ginger chicken — are available noon-2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

"We are so grateful to all our customers who stuck with us during the past two years," the post read. "We look forward to welcoming everyone and providing our great food and service."

The restaurant, located at 5307 Blanco Road, also offers free BYOB service, meaning it doesn't charge a corkage fee for popping bottles customers bring in.

San Antonio's first Sugar Factory restaurant is now open at The Shops at Rivercenter

The new restaurant also features a retail space boasting more than 50 types of candy, shown off on the chain’s signature floor-to-ceiling display wall.

https://www.sacurrent.com/food-drink...enter-29368998

Though Sugar Factory’s claim to fame is its Instagram-worthy sweet treats, the 7,900-square-foot River Walk restaurant also offers a full food menu for brunch, lunch and dinner.

Sugar Factory identifies as an “American Brasserie,” according to the chain's website. However, the menu's array of cuisines includes not just French soups and crêpes but Asian-inspired stir fries and a pasta section.

An option that could be considered more “American” includes the 24K Gold Burger meal, which is “dripping” in 24k gold leaves and served with gold dusted french fries.

Nothing says “America” quite like excess, after all.

San Antonio rooftop lounge The Moon's Daughters' holding lunar phase-inspired events

The next Cosmic Night will honor the Full Sturgeon Moon on Thursday, August 11.

https://www.sacurrent.com/food-drink...vents-29362787

New-ish rooftop lounge The Moon’s Daughters is taking further inspiration from the Greek goddess of the moon for its latest event series: Cosmic Night.

The series will take place at The Moon's Daughters monthly, honoring that cycle's full moon. Sounds a little on-the-nose, right?

The series kicked off Thursday, July 13 as this month's full Buck Moon — the biggest and brightest supermoon of the year — cast its glow over the Alamo City.

The next Cosmic Night will take place Thursday, August 11, featuring a specialty cocktail in honor of the Full Sturgeon Moon. Astrologer, Feng shui expert and tarot card reader Kate Wind (now, there's a resume) will curate live music and "tarot insight" for the evening.

...

The Moon's Daughters is situated on the 20th floor of the Thompson San Antonio luxury hotel, 115 Lexington Ave. The restaurant and bar offers terrace seating with 360-degree skyline views. Guests and locals alike can attend the Cosmic Night events.

Postino's all-day wine cafe pours up a second San Antonio spot near Pearl

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

Postino is giving San Antonio something extra to wine about. The Phoenix-based brand of wine cafes is adding San Antonio to its list of locations nationwide, not only at The Rim but also near Pearl.

Last week, Postino confirmed a Rim location, a 5,000-square-foot cafe, slated to open next spring, but it appears a second Postino is planned on Broadway. Representatives for Postino were not available for comment. However, plans submitted to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation show Postino is working on a 4,000-square-foot installment at 2600 Broadway, which is less than a mile away from Pearl.

Oasis Tavern brings cold poolside drinks at San Antonio's former Jefferson Swim Club space

https://www.mysanantonio.com/lifesty...o-17308123.php

If you've been looking for a way to cool down this summer, you may find a solution in Oasis Tavern, the new private poolside bar and grill concept that's taken over the old Jefferson Swim Club/Laguna Del Rio.

If you haven't heard, Oasis has been open and operating since the beginning of June under the same green awning, gated building off Donaldson on the Westside. The space's rebirth has been in the works since November, when four longtime friends and Marshall High School veterans — Eric Miester, Joe Stegman, James Hernandez, and Jason Rip — took over the lease.

When you first walk in it'll feel just like an unaffected old school icehouse. You'll clock the mounted TV playing VH1-era music videos on the wall, and soon notice the whirring metal fans perched like gargoyles working to offset what is inevitable in South-Central Texas in July (sweat).

...

"We're hoping we can be a good family-friendly pool during the day, but maybe become more of an adult bar-like atmosphere at night that's actually busy enough to stay open through the winter," says Rip.

Oasis is open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday. On Wednesday nights, a DJ takes over the space around 5 p.m. The guys are also looking into establishing trivia nights and a poker tournament.

You can find it at 1409 Donaldson Ave., San Antonio, TX 78228. Don't forget the $10 cover at the door.

Kingbythe... - appreciate all the updates you've been posting in the SA threads. Living away from home, great to catch up with what's progressing in the city.

You, are welcome. :)

Random restaurant fight.

Watch: Brawl breaks out at River Walk restaurant over dinner bill

https://www.expressnews.com/news/art...t-17311974.php

In a video posted to Twitter on Sunday, half a dozen individuals can be seen throwing punches, hitting one another with chairs and throwing glasses on the outside patio before San Antonio police officers run up and tackle several people to the ground. Terrified screams can be heard as patrons in a Go Rio River Walk boat stop and watch the events unfold.

When they don’t bring the shredded cheese fast enough…#Puro #Riverwalk #SanAntonio pic.twitter.com/yXP7K28lD3

— BootlegBentley (@UTSABootleg) July 18, 2022
A 30-year-old man was arrested on assault charges.

No major injury was reported.

https://twitter.com/UTSABootleg/stat...80241426415617

New brunch restaurant Full Goods Diner from Austin coming to San Antonio's Pearl this fall

https://www.expressnews.com/food/res...o-17316037.php

The operation will include a full bar with brunch cocktails, local tap beers and a small wine list. The garden-style setting will pull in natural light and incorporate wood accents, with a patio that extends into a planned new plaza space at the Pearl.

Full Goods Diner is a project from the team behind Austin’s Paperboy diner, in partnership with San Antonio’s Potluck Hospitality. The Pearl has another project with Austin ties in the works, the Mediterranean restaurant Ladino from Austin’s Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group, scheduled to open this summer.

An exact opening date and hours for Full Goods Diner will be announced as the opening comes closer.

While Full Goods Diner has a strong Austin connection, its San San Antonio roots run deep as well. Owner Ryan Harms is a San Antonio native who started Paperboy as a food truck in Austin in 2015 before moving into a brick-and-mortar space in East Austin in 2020.

“Having grown up in San Antonio, I am particularly excited to be back here, contributing to the city’s dining scene,” Harms said in a news release. “We are so proud of what we’ve created with Paperboy in Austin and can’t wait to bring this fresh, yet familiar style of food and hospitality to our guests.”

Full Goods Diner, 200 E. Grayson St. at the Pearl, fullgoodsdiner.com

Irish pub The Cottage opening in old Picante Grill space on San Antonio’s Broadway corridor

Co-owner Gina Bentley, a native of Ireland, told the Current that the pub will emulate the bars back home.

https://www.sacurrent.com/food-drink...ridor-29406627

Transplants Phil and Gina Bentley will bring Ireland to the Alamo City next month with the opening of The Cottage, a cozy Irish pub near the Witte Museum.

The Bentleys, who also operate Waxy O’Connors on the River Walk, have gutted the defunct space at 3810 Broadway — former home of enchilada haven Picante Grill — and injected it with Emerald Isle charm.

Gina Bentley told the Current that The Cottage will channel the vibe of drinking spots in her native Ireland, replete with a showpiece bar visible from any point in the building, cozy gathering spaces and a menu of hearty, rib-sticking eats.

“In an Irish pub, it's all about the bar, so we’ve got a huge wooden bar, floor to ceiling. It basically the spans the entire wall. So, that's kind of the focal point,” she said. “We did a lot of work to [the building]. But it just had those good bones, it had a lot of character. And I think what we were going for was this old-school Irish pub that had been around for decades — that kind of feel. And I think we wanted to embrace that it just felt lived in.”

The 3,500-square-foot space will offer multiple vignettes, including an area with high-backed booths, a “living room” with a fireplace and small stage, a bright and airy sun room and a walled-in courtyard patio. Months into opening, the couple will transform an onsite storage space into a games room with pool, darts and additional gathering space.

“We wanted to give it that cozy kind of feel, like you’re going into someone's house. That welcoming feel,” Gina Bentley said of the space. “For me, growing up in Ireland, that was very important. The pubs were where everyone would gather as a community and get together, and it was just that kind of safe, home-away-from-home kind of feel.”

The kitchen will serve Irish comfort food including bangers and mash, corned beef and cabbage, beef stew and boxtys, or potato pancakes. The bar will offer an extensive selection of Irish whiskey, imported beers and select craft cocktails.

Longtime bartenders from the couple’s booming River Walk drinkery Waxy’s will take up management positions at the new spot. Both Phil and Gina Bentley plan to be on hand for The Cottage’s day-to-day operations.

The couple's tentative plan is to open the first week of August, depending on the outcome of a few remaining kitchen inspections. Following a grand opening, The Cottage will open daily at 11 a.m., serving lunch and dinner. The owners haven't yet decided what time the pub will close.

San Antonio hospitality fixture Dan Ward stepping away from Piatti restaurants after 24 years

https://www.sacurrent.com/food-drink...years-29405956

Dan Ward, the operating partner at the helm of San Antonio’s two Piatti restaurants, is stepping down own after 24 years in that role.

Ward will leave Piatti this month to launch Holistic Hospitality, a new venture focused on supporting business owners, operators, restaurateurs and investors with his experience in the development and hospitality industries.

During his time in the Alamo City hospitality scene, Ward also helped develop and open Camp Outpost in Southtown, Polos at the Fairmount Hotel and eateries La Buca and Presidio.

“The last twenty-four years have been amazing. It was a hard decision to move on from my leadership role in operating both Piatti in San Antonio,” Ward said in a release. “I am most thankful for my two Piaitti teams and incredible guests. Together we served generations; I hope I helped make lasting memories for families and friends.”

Through Holistic Hospitality, Ward intends to draw on his experience and industry knowledge to mentor younger talent in concept building, systems development and cost controls.

Ward’s longtime outpost, Piatti at the Alamo Quarry Market, will host a farewell soiree on Wednesday, July 27 from 4-7 p.m. That restaurant is located at 255 E. Basse Road, Suite 500.

Southtown San Antonio's Francis Bogside Irish pub to relocate at the end of the month

Francis Bogside's last day of service at its current location will be Sunday, July 31.

https://www.sacurrent.com/food-drink...month-29415399

Southtown Irish pub Francis Bogside will relocate to new digs soon, though details surrounding the proposed move are scarce.

A meager Thursday press announcement noted that Francis Bogside's last day of service at its current 803 S. Saint Mary’s Street location will be Sunday, July 31.

“Patrons don't need to worry as the establishment is moving to a new location, which will be announced soon,” the statement read.

Okie dokie, then. We guess this is news enough for folks who may have wanted to visit on August 1, but we were hoping for a bit more information.

Ahead of the relocation, Francis Bogside will be open Sunday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to midnight and Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m.-1 a.m.

Top U.S. brunch spot Comfort Cafe is opening a second San Antonio location

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

Comfort Cafe has earned a list of recognition since opening in San Antonio in 2019. Yelp calls the pay-what-you-can cafe the top brunch spot in the U.S. and come August, Comfort Cafe will call downtown San Antonio home.

The cafe is not moving out of its space in the wooded oasis at Los Patios, but is extending its lauded food and mission to a historic downtown building. Comfort Cafe's outpost will be a food truck with space to accommodate guests who want to eat at the location.

Comfort Cafe owners Rosie and Teri Lopez tell MySA that the new extension of the restaurant will park at the Heidgen House which is a few blocks from the Alamo. The building that now houses event space and offices was built in 1882 and was included in the National Register of Historic Places in 2004.

The owners say the landlord of the property was able to experience the Comfort Cafe hospitality and menu. Enamored by the menu and the charity-charged concept, she offered them space at 121 Star St. Since the building is historic, adding a kitchen was not feasible. A food truck seemed to be the solution.

"The stars aligned," Teri Lopez says. "This location has a courtyard and inside dining."

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Find it at 121 Star St, San Antonio, TX 78205. Can't wait to try the food truck? Visit the full restaurant at 2015 N.E. Loop 410, San Antonio, TX 78217.

22 San Antonio-area restaurants we said goodbye to so far in 2022

https://www.sacurrent.com/sanantonio...15731/29416058

Though it looks like San Antonio's restaurant scene is finally recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, it's the nature of the foodservice business that we see businesses close annually as new ones open.

We went back to the beginning of the year and tallied at least 22 Alamo City eateries that have shut down or plan to in coming weeks. While some of those departures are related to the pandemic, lease adjustments and other factors played roles as well.

Started in S.A. 75 years ago, Luby’s keeps serving up memories

https://www.expressnews.com/lifestyl...d-17323658.php

Rick Melendrez’s first meal at Luby’s was something of a religious experience.

It was a Sunday evening in 1967, and the then-13-year-old altar boy had just secured the chalice and washed the cruets after Mass at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in downtown San Antonio. As he headed out to catch his bus, Father Isidore Garcia invited him to grab some dinner around the block, so the two made the short trek to a cavernous basement cafeteria at 517 N. Presa St., the site of the first Luby’s.

There Melendrez discovered a paradise of piping hot comfort food, all served by smiling waitresses in angel white uniforms. He’d never seen such a beautiful bounty, and he could ask for anything — just like a grownup. So he savored every morsel, from that first forkful of a square fried fish with a mound of tartar sauce to that last bite of strawberry cheesecake Fr. Garcia treated him with for dessert.

Chances are every Texas child has had a similar tray-sliding rite of passage in the land of the LuAnn platter that has led to regular visits as a adult, whether an extended lunch break with coworkers, a payday dinner with family or a special occasion that calls for a little together time with a lot of down-home cooking.

In the 75 years since Bob Luby opened that first cafeteria in San Antonio at the corner of College and North Presa streets, the brand has become so beloved, its very name and signature dish became an integral part of the hit animated TV series “King of the Hill,” with its cafeteria chain called Luly’s and a main character named Luanne Platter.

Of all the San Antonio Luby’s that have come and gone, none is more beloved than North Star Mall’s

https://www.expressnews.com/lifestyl...e-17323722.php

If San Antonians had to pick the most memorable Luby’s location that’s come and gone, it would have to be the one at North Star Mall. Talk about big boots to fill for all the other locations.

The former glass-enclosed restaurant by what’s now Macy’s was one of North Star’s original tenants when the mall opened in 1960. It also was Luby’s longest-running restaurant when it closed in 2011.

For decades, the North Star Luby’s served all manner of mall-goers and was something of a beacon for those tired, huddled masses yearning to be free. A waiting room for dutiful husbands eager for wives to wrap up their shopping sprees. A respite for worn-out parents who finally got their children’s picture with Santa. And home away from home for everyday folks who needed a little LuAnn love after scouring the packed parking lots for a spot.

The Luby’s at North Star Mall was most often the best of times, but sometimes it was the worst.

Sherry Brewer has happy memories. “My mother and I liked to go shopping at North Star Mall. We would always plan our shopping trips so we could have lunch there at Luby’s,” said said the retired school district bus driver.