Around Town
Best of San Antonio 2023
That means our favorite things about the community are also in a state of evolution. New people arrive, bringing along new ideas. Old fixtures close or change hands. We also discover new trends and styles that alter our outlook.
That’s why the Current offers its Best of San Antonio, or BOSA, issue annually: to provide a snapshot of where the Alamo City’s tastes lie at that stage of its evolution. We invite residents to vote on the people, places, restaurants, nightlife locations, retailers and service providers that stand out as the community’s finest.
As with the past two issues, you — our readers — made 100% of the winning selections. No critics’ picks or staff-decided categories here. After all, you live here, you experience the city on the daily and you have your finger on its pulse. Plus, we provide plenty of criticism during the rest of the year, whether it be of food, music or the arts.
So, thanks to you for once again helping tell the story of San Antonio’s growth, evolution and expansion. Enjoy BOSA 2023, and if one your favorites didn’t win, remember this is a city on the move — there’s always next year.
Food & Drink
Nightlife
People
Services
Shopping
Winner: Frost Bank
Multiple locations
Banks can be hard to love. But Current readers clearly have a crush on San Antonio-based Frost Bank. The 155-year-old financial institution has won 14 J.D. Power Awards for "Highest Customer Satisfaction with Consumer Banking in Texas," which explains a lot. Beyond that, its customer service representatives are in-state, and they're available 24/7. It's clear Frost's "based here, best here" history gives customers a lot to feel good about.
2. Lone Star National Bank
Multiple locations
3. USAA Federal Savings Bank
Multiple locations
Winner: Townsend Barbershop
1014 Townsend Ave.
(210) 473-2033
instagram.com/townsendbarbershop
Alamo Heights' tiny Townsend Barbershop has just three chairs and two barbers, but it's clearly got an outsized following. Owner Sweet Ayala and her hair-cutting compatriot Chris the Barber draw online raves for their skills with clippers and scissors. The shop's intimate, old-time vibes also helps explain the loyalty of its customers. There's no TV, and Ayala discourages cell phone conversations inside the small shop's confines. The end result is a business that captures the feel of barbershops of old — a spot where folks can catch up and engage in camaraderie. "People like our laid-back vibe," Ayala said. "We keep it true to the old barbershop way. Nobody talks about politics and religion. We're just chill."
2. Matador Men's Grooming
Multiple locations
3. North Star Barber Shop
Multiple locations
Winner: The Bubble Bath Car Wash
Multiple locations
2. Club Car Wash
Multiple locations
3. New Shine Auto Bath & Detailing
1216 Hoefgen Ave.
(210) 270-8218
