Downtown’s historic Esquire Tavern has changed hands, and the new owner is a familiar face: longtime operator and beverage director Stephan Mendez.
Mendez took ownership of both the Commerce Street landmark — home to Texas’ longest wooden bar top — and its basement haunt Downstairs from architect and developer Chris Hill.
Hill bought and restored the Esquire in 2011, and Mendez started as a bartender before rising up the ranks. In his new role, he’ll continue to serve as director of operations for Hill’s Spot On Hospitality, which also owns downtown’s Hugman’s Oasis and Tokyo Cowboy.
“We have no plans to change anything at the Esquire,” Mendez told the Current in a phone interview. “I first started in 2013, and I fell in love with it from when I first stepped in the door. … I don’t want to be the guy who screws anything up.”
Mendez declined to say how much he paid for the Esquire, but said the transaction involved the business only and not the building.
Following Hill’s revamp, the Esquire became a fixture in San Antonio’s craft cocktail scene, earning praise for its food and beverage menus along with its service and old-school vibes. It also managed to stake out a rare place as a downtown destination prized by both locals and tourists.
Mendez said Hill decided to sell the Esquire because its long operating hours require “nonstop” attention. Mendez added that the developer recognized his hands-on commitment to the business and his resolve to keep it locally owned.
“I’ve been involved for so many years, everything’s kind of been under my creative control anyway,” Mendez added.
Mendez was also part of The Boulevardier Group, which opened and eventually sold off Alamo City drinkeries Still Golden Social House, Three Star Bar and Hello Paradise. He told the Current he’s working on a new project with former partners in those ventures but added that it’s too early to divulge details.
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