5 Things You Have to Do This Week
Mon 4/28 Audacity Sometimes it’s best to start a garage band before you know how to play your instrument. Songs come out more fluidly, with less of a self-conscious editing process, most likely ’cause you don’t know any better. The Black Lips did it in Atlanta, the Arctic Monkeys did it in England and the…
Hood Life: A Q&A with Drive-By Truckers’ Patterson Hood
Drive-By Truckers are an alt-country/rock powerhouse from Athens, Georgia. With musical chops aplenty, sonic balls to spare, and two great songwriters at their helm — the Truckers are poised, at this point in their highly indie-successful career, to just keep improving on a good thing. The group’s tenth album, English Oceans released back in March,…
John Oliver Brings Daily Show Formula to HBO with ‘Last Week Tonight’
With Last Week Tonight, John Oliver joins the growing cast of Daily Show alumni that have seen monumental success in their days since leaving Jon Stewart’s program, including Steve Carell, Ed Helms and Stephen Colbert. And like Colbert, who’s dropping the faux-Fox News pundit schtick for Letterman’s spot on the Late Show, Oliver nixed his bumbling Brit…
Truckin’ On: Drive-By Truckers bring ‘English Oceans’ to San Antonio
After nearly 20 years as a band, numerous line-up changes and a few less than impeccable offerings, Athens, Ga.’s Drive-By Truckers released English Oceans in March, one of their best albums to date. A return to the Truckers’ gritty, southern-rock-laced alt-country, English Oceans just feels right. To be sure, the band is kinda doing what…
First Lady Michelle Obama To Stop In San Antonio
Image via Creative Commons First Lady Michelle Obama is expected to make a stop in the Alamo City this week to help promote higher education. On Friday, Obama will join Mayor Julián Castro for Destination College Week’s ‘College Signing Day,’ an event that allows high school seniors to publicly display their college or university plans. The…
Häagen-Dazs Celebrates Free Cone Day on May 13
Free Cone Day is coming up. (Courtesy) Just in time for SA’s hellish summer, Häagen-Dazs will host Free Cone Day on Tuesday, May 13 from 4 to 8 p.m. Customers can stop by the Alamo-Menger Hotel (214 Alamo Plaza South, 210-226-2266) or Riverwalk – San Antonio (207 Losoya Street, 210-226-2006) and enjoy a complimentary scoop of…
Spurs weigh in on Clippers Owner Donald Sterling Controversy
Updated: 4/29 at 3:12pm In the early days of a thrilling playoffs season, the attention of the NBA has largely turned to the scandal of LA Clippers owner Donald Sterling. In the throes of a legal battle with his girlfriend V. Stiviano, a tape emerged in which Sterling allegedly said, among other affronts, “Don’t bring…
Willie Nelson Helps Sen. Wendy Davis Fundraise
Willie and Wendy via Wendy Davis Facebook page Legendary country musician Willie Nelson got on the road again to serenade state Sen. Wendy Davis and supporters during a Sunday campaign fundraiser for the gubernatorial candidate. Nelson (pictured above with Davis) entertained crowds at a Houston backyard BBQ event, effectively endorsing the Forth Worth senator for…
May 6 Is The Big Give, A Day of Charitable Giving
Critic’s Pick for Best Nonprofit Mission: San Antonio Food Bank Critics here at the Current bestowed the San Antonio Food Bank with the “Best Nonprofit Mission” crown for ramping up services amid government food assistance cutbacks. The honor wasn’t voted on by Current readers, but on May 6, San Antonians can cast a ballot in favor of their preferred nonprofit by…
“Field Trip”: Two Absurd Trips Anchor the Latest ‘Mad Men’ Episode
Et tu, Joanie? Don’s back at the office, but with “Stipulations” Mad Men Recap: Season 7, Episode 3 “Call a cab. Get on a plane. Go home. I don’t want you to worry about me anymore. This is the way it ends. It’s going to be so much easier for both of us.” These lines, uttered…
Sunday Night Sound Bite: “Fever” Through the Ages
Exploring the evolution of a song can be fascinating, especially when it’s one as irresistible as 1956’s “Fever.” Written by Eddie Cooley and Otis Blackwell (under the alias John Davenport), the sultry classic is undoubtedly “owned” by Peggy Lee (1920-2002) but was first recorded by Little Willie John (1937-1968) and has been covered by the…
What I Ate: NIOSA’s Mr. Chicken and a quickie beer tasting
Fiesta’s come and gone. Hopefully everyone got their fix of Mr. Chicken with jalapeño, natch. The folks at Silver Eagle Distritibuting were kind enough to send me a beer mix, so I did a brief beer tasting this Sunday Funday. It’s hard work, promise. Follow me on Instagram for more: @JessElizarraras. It’s Popsicle season. #springinsa…
5 Shows You Need To See This Weekend
Bob James, Friday (4/25) Acclaimed drummer Bob James headlines the Fiesta Jazz Festival at St. Mary’s University this Friday, pulling from his 50 year career behind the kit. James began playing as a teenager with the blind multi-instrumentalist Rahsaan Roland Kirk before joining vibraphonist Gary Burton, guitarists Pat Metheny and Larry Coryell and drummer Jack…
RZA Talks ‘Brick Mansions,’ Paul Walker and ‘The Last Dragon’ Remake
A drug kingpin must rock a gold glock Whether it’s trying his hand at directing and screenwriting like he did last year with the action movie The Man with the Iron Fists, remaking a martial arts film like The Last Dragon, which some consider a classic, or hashing out internal conflict with fellow Wu-Tang Clan…
Alamo City Toy Show: Texas’ Largest Toy Expo and Mini Comic-Con
This weekend, comic, toy, and game fans alike have a chance to unite this weekend at Alamo City Toy Show (ACTS) at the Freeman Coliseum April 26 and 27. The event is already touted as Texas’ Largest Toy Expo and a Mini Comic-con. Either way, San Antonians should not miss this event. ACTS has a…
Bonehead Quote of the Week: Cliven Bundy On Slavery
This week, a Nevada rancher set off a firestorm of criticism and disbelief when he pondered aloud whether African-Americans were better off as slaves. (Yes, really.) Cliven Bundy, known for staging a standoff against the federal government for his right to graze cattle on public land sans a fee, is caught dispensing his two-very disparaging-cents…
Video: SA2020 Congratulates “Best of SA” in Tina Turner Style
We’re giving the unofficial award for Best “Best of SA” Team Spirit to the SA2020 team for this video they produced to congratulate all the 2014 BOSA winners. They rock Tina Turner’s hit “You’re Simply the Best,” lip-syncing with ping pong paddles and flaunting pretty badass nerve throughout the office. The crew also share their…
Earth Burger Meets Kickstarter Goal
A photo of the signature Earth Burger. (Courtesy) UPDATE: The Earth Burger Kickstarter has met its goal of $40,000 with 264 backers. The restaurant updated its fans at noon on Friday about the ongoing campaign. “Kickin’ Rockets! We’ve reached our Kickstater goal! Thank you, thank you, thank you! We still have 3 days left for…
‘Magic: The Gathering’ Tournament Weekend for “Journey Into Nyx” Pre-release
Magic: The Gathering newest booster pack “Journey Into Nyx” pre-releases this weekend. To celebrate, San Antonio has a slew of tournaments for MTGers. It’ll be your chance to get these much anticipated cards early, and participate in some friendly competition. Don’t miss this weekend’s opportunity or you’ll have to wait until May 2 when “Journey…
Shot of the Week: Life’s Peachy
This shot is amazeballs. Georgia may think they have the peach market cornered, but in Central Texas we know the best of those furry little fruits come from nearby Fredericksburg. With the unusually long winter this year, experts have predicted this will be the best peach crop in years. That means all the peach pie,…
Ronald McDonald Has Gone Vogue
Yikes, Ronald. via USA Today There’s a new Ronald McDonald in town with a new look and a hashtag. The McDonald’s mascot is back from a hiatus with more zippers than ever and the hashtag #ronaldmcdonald. This apparently in an effort to make Ronald more relevant in the fashion world (Take note, Anna Wintour). The…
10 Things You Have to Do This Weekend
Thu 4/24 – Sun 4/27 Jay Phillips Plenty of comics have speculated about what Obama’s pillow talk might sound like, but Jay Phillips takes the premise further by imbuing his impression with pseudo-inspirational come-ons eerily similar to the man himself’s actual State of the Union seduction lines. But Phillips—whom readers might recognize as Scootsie Double…
First Course: Cured’s Brews & Blues dinner, The Granary’s chef collaborative and a farm dinner at Tuk Tuk
First Course Fodder brings in exciting food news to you in tiny, digestible bits. A cure for the blues. (Courtesy) In honor of blues legend Robert Johnson, Cured (306 Pearl) will host a Brews and Blues dinner on Thursday, May 8. The multi-course dinner will have beer pairings from Brooklyn Brewery and is $75 per…
5 of the Most Interesting Commercials in the World
In case you’ve been living under a rock, The Most Interesting Man in the World, aka Jonathan Goldsmith, is this year’s grand marshal of the Fiesta Flambeau Parade. To get ready for this extremely interesting event, we gathered some of the most delightful Dos Equis The Most Interesting Man in the World Commercials: …
Comic Artist Eddie Nunez Comes To San Antonio
Among the comic book and gaming crowd, Eddie Nunez is a well known penciler/inker and character designer. As luck would have it, Heroes and Fantasies is hosting a book signing with Nunez on April 25 between 2 – 5 p.m. at their 410 and Evers location. Nunez has done work for several well-known comics and…
‘Telling: San Antonio’ to Bring Veterans’ Stories to Life Onstage
The Telling Project – Telling: San Antonio As the number of Americans joining the military has plummeted in the last decade, so too has our understanding of war. We’ve lost touch with the harsh realities of combat and its effect on our soldiers. What we do know we glean largely from corporate-run news affiliates who…
Student Aid San Antonio Can Help You Hit That FAFSA Deadline
Much to the disappointment of college students, modern science has yet to figure out how to make money, or a college education grow on trees. In turn, students must do things the old fashion way, and apply for financial aid. The task itself is tedious, important, and time sensitive. That may be why Student Aid…
Hit It
Welcome to the new and (hopefully) improved Best of San Antonio 2014 I’ve always approached our Best of San Antonio issue with a mixture of excitement and dread. It’s exciting to see what readers choose as their favorite aspects of San Antonio, from shopping to nightlife to the people who make this city shine. But…
Best Sportscaster
1. Greg Simmons KSAT 12, ksat.com 2. Don Harris News 4 WOAI, news4sanantonio.com 3 Joe Reinagel KENS 5, kens5.com What makes them so special? Comment below.
Best Sports bar
1. Ticket Sports Pub 420 E Houston, (210) 222-9722, ticketsportspub.com 2. Slackers 126 W Rector, Ste 136, slackerssa.com 3. Shenanygans Sports Bar 6422 Babcock, (210) 690-1156, shenanygans.com
Best Place for a Date
Cured 306 Pearl Pkwy, (210) 314-3929, curedatpearl.com Meat is sexy. No, not THAT type of meat. I’m talking ribs, charcuterie, sausage, tender cuts of beef. We’re talking all kinds of meat, not just steaks. And Cured is where we go for a sexy, meaty time. The location is gorgeous—exposed brick and soft white lighting. Lovers…
Best Video Game Shop
Propaganda Palace Multiple locations, (210) 400-0240 What makes it so special? Comment below.
Best Cocktail Menu
Arcade Midtown Kitchen 303 Pearl Pkwy, (210) 369-9664, arcademk.com Does Arcade have great bar eats because they have great drinks, or is it the other way around? Regardless, Christopher Ware, formerly with Bohanan’s Bar, has crafted a noteworthy menu that boasts vintage libations, such as the Bumble Bee and Ramos Gin Fizz, along with modern…
Best Hotel Bar
1. Ocho at Hotel Havana 1015 Navarro, (210) 222-2008, havanasanantonio.com 2. Vbar at Hotel Valencia 150 E Houston, (210) 227-9700, hotelvalencia-riverwalk.com/vbar.htm 3. Menger Hotel 204 Alamo Plaza, (210) 223-4361, mengerhotel.com
Best Quick, Cheap Meal
Florio’s Pizza 7701 Broadway, (210) 805-8646, floriospizza.com Look, Florio’s isn’t going to win awards for décor or customer service. It’s cramped and greasy, and the owners can be surly. But is it cheap, fast and good? Hell yes. For about $6, you can get two giant New York-style slices at lunch. Or go for dinner…
Best Raspas or Paletas
1. Las Nieves Multiple locations, lasnievesfruitcups.com The lines at both locations, one on Hildebrand and the other on Blanco, are long for a reason. The perfectly illustrated menu is overwhelming, but you’ll have time to choose your super-fresh snack by the time you get to the counter. The “natural fruit shaved ice” or nieves come…
Best Tattoo Shop
1. Element Tattoo Studio 4741 Fredericksburg, (210) 979-9877, elementtattoo.com Recently, on a busy Saturday afternoon a tattoo artist calmly talked a woman out of a trendy, cartoony owl in favor of a “more classic” option. That’s the kind of service Element provides in their stylish digs. A roster of well-established artists are worth the months-long…
Best Bed & Breakfast
1. King William Manor 1029 S Alamo, (210) 222-0144, kingwilliammanor.com Once known as “The Columns on Alamo,” this 1892 Greek revival mansion boasts a stately bohemian character, with previous reincarnations as a community theater and a bookstore. A modern touch of vintage spans nine distinctly themed guest rooms; a few lead out to the veranda…
Best Dive Bar
1. Oak Hills Tavern 7920 Fredericksburg, (210) 614-8855 Possibly the only dive bar on the planet to offer duck confit on its in-house menu, Oak Hills surprises in other ways as well. For instance, while a scruffy cast of regulars call Oak Hills’ home, so too does DJ Mighty Iris, who hosts her Femme Fatale…
Best Bowling Alley
1. University Bowl 12332 I-10 W, (210) 699-6235, ubbowl.com 2. Bandera Bowling Center 6700 Huebner, (210) 523-1716, banderabowlingcenter.com 3. Oak Hills Lanes 7330 Callaghan, (210) 344-6251, oakhillslanes.com
Best Book Store
1. The Twig Book Shop 306 Pearl Pkwy, (210) 826-6411, thetwig.indiebound.com 2. Nine Lives Books 4907 NW Loop 410, Ste 102, (210) 647-5656, ninelivesbooks.com 3. Imagine Books & Records 8373 Culebra, (210) 236-7668, imaginebookstore.com What makes them so special? Comment below.
Best Old Man Bar
1. Raffle’s 1039 NE Loop 410, (210) 826-7118, rafflesrestaurantandbar.com 2. Bar America 723 S Alamo, (210) 223-1285 3. Esquire Tavern 155 E Commerce, (210) 222-2521, esquiretavern-sa.com
Best Hair Salon
1. Medusa Salon 2102 McCullough, (210) 320-1556, facebook.com/medusasanantonio 2. K Charles & Co Multiple locations, kcharlesco.com 3. Mecca Hair Studio 201 Jackson Keller, (210) 832-8009, facebook.com/meccahairstudiosatx
Best Theater Company
1. The Overtime Theatre 1203 Camden, (210) 557-7562, theovertimetheater.org The mission of this Best of SA veteran winner hasn’t changed since the theater’s move from the Blue Star Arts Complex to a two-stage space near the Pearl. Overtime’s plays and musicals are just as eccentric and original, like the upcoming The Canard of Vaucanson by…
Best Place to Get Expert Wine Advice
Saglimbeni Fine Wines 638 W Rhapsody, (210) 349-5149, jsfinewines.com There’s something to the “where everybody knows your name” nostrum when it comes to wine selection. Decent advice can be had from chain-style stores, but good luck finding the same person twice. Even if you know a name (let’s say the fabulous Joe Baker at Gabriel’s…
Best Resale Shop (Fashion)
1. Texas Trash Clothing Exchange 1710 McCullough, (210) 259-6028, texastrashclothingexchange.yolasite.com Whether you’re trading in clothes or looking for something one of a kind, you can’t go wrong with Texas Trash Clothing Exchange. They’re a little bit retro and a little bit rock ‘n’ roll, and they even stock the occasional business suit for you punks…
Best Vape Store
1. Monster Vape Multiple locations, monstervape.com Monster Vape is blazing a trail as San Antonio’s leader in vaporizing. What sets this shop apart is their desire to inform and educate their customers in addition to selling top-of-the-line products. Their vaping juice bar provides a casual and comfortable experience for new and veteran vapers alike and…
Best DIY Venue
1. SoFlo Market 1344 S Flores, soflomarket.com We admit this is not the answer we expected for this subcategory, but SoFlo is so darn cute it deserves the hype. The one-year-old, pop-up artisan market takes over a warehouse the second Saturday of every month with a small but well curated selection of vendors hawking handmade…
Best Artist
1. Nik Soupé (Soup) (pictured, left) The Paint Yard, 525 San Pedro, (210) 229-1707, thepaintyard.com 2. Lloyd Walsh facebook.com/lloyd.walsh 3. TIE: Robert Tatum tatumoriginals.com Oscar Galvan galvanstudios.org What makes them so special? Comment below.
Best Place for a Sunday Funday
Slackers 126 W Rector, slackerssa.com Homework and weekend chores beware; with Slackers’ double threat as a sports and arcade bar, productivity takes a backseat to Sunday fun. Situated just behind North Star Mall, Slackers boasts a wall of TVs to catch each iteration of ESPN and a long list of old-school cabinet games to suck…
Best County Official
1. Nelson Wolff Bexar County Judge, bexar.org/CountyJudge 2. Tommy Adkisson Bexar County Commissioner, Precinct 4, bexar.org/adkisson 3. Susan Parmeleau Bexar County Sheriff, bexar.org/sheriff/Pamerleau.html What makes them so special? Comment below.
Best Piercing Shop
1. Dandyland Custom Tattoo & Professional Body Piercing 1821 Bandera, Ste B, (210) 432-5747, dandylandtattoo.com 2. Buddha Box Studios 5337 Glen Ridge, #109, (210) 647-2929, buddha-box.com 3. Revolution Ink 5623 Evers, (210) 263-9817 What makes them so special? Comment below.
Best CrossFit Box
1. Blue Star CrossFit 1 Winnco, (281) 687-5560 bluestarcf.com 2. Mission CrossFit 827 E Rector, (210) 865-9348, missioncrossfitsa.com 3. CrossFit925 crossfit925.com
Best Nail Salon
1. Mood Boutique Nail Salon 23 Brees, (210) 277-7096, moodnailsalon.com The modern and sleek Mood Boutique nailed it with a comprehensive menu of pampering services that include pedicures, nail art and facial waxing in a serene parlor. A collection of the latest nail colors and a friendly staff keep clients returning for a quality ‘cure.…
Best Florist
1. Artistic Blooms 7863 Callaghan, (210) 696-8080, artisticblooms.com 2. Statue of Design 509 San Pedro, Ste 103, (210) 829-0636, statueofdesign.com 3. H-E-B Multiple locations, heb.com What makes them so special? Comment below.
Best Place for a Large Group
Rosario’s Mexican Café y Cantina Multiple locations, rosariossa.com For group dining, Rosario’s is hard to beat. The food is solid; the service, attentive; the menu, expansive enough to accommodate diverse tastes; and, perhaps most importantly, both restaurants are friggin’ huge. Large tables are easy to come by and, in our experience, servers don’t bat an…
Best Michelada
1. The Friendly Spot 943 S Alamo, (210) 224-2337, thefriendlyspot.com 2. Ringside Sports 1163 E Commerce, (210) 222-8057 3. TIE: La Gloria 100 E Grayson, (210) 267-9040, chefjohnnyhernandez.com/lagloria Rosarios Mexican Café y Cantina Multiple locations, rosariossa.com
Best Public Place to Have Sex
San Antonio Botanical Gardens 555 Funston, (210) 207-3250, sabot.org Feeling exhibitionist? Too randy to make it home? Digs not suited for bangin’? If you’re caught, sex in public is a Class A misdemeanor, meaning a fine of up to $4,000 and up to a year in the big house. But if Uncle Sam’s discipline adds…
Best Photographer
1. Sarah Brooke Lyons Sarah Brooke Photography, sarahbrookephotography.smugmug.com Sarah Brooke Lyons is the photographer behind the community art project 1,005 Faces. (She also shot the Current’s 2013 primary breadwinners cover story.) This popular collection of black-and-white portraits united diverse, unique San Antonians. “The most rewarding aspect of my job is to help people feel good…
Best Skate Park
1. Lady Bird Johnson Community Park 10700 Nacogdoches, (210) 207-7275 2. San Pedro Springs Park 1415 San Pedro, (210) 207-7275 3. The Rollercade 223 Recoleta, (210) 826-6361, therollercade.com
Best Celebrity
1. Tim Duncan slamduncan.com 2. David Robinson twitter.com/DavidtheAdmiral 3. George Strait georgestrait.com What makes them so special? Comment below.
Best Public Swimming Pool
1. San Pedro Springs Park Pool 1315 San Pedro, (210) 207-7275 2. Alamo Heights Pool 250 Viesca, (210) 824-2595, heightspool.com 3. Woodlawn Park Pool 1103 Cincinnati, (210) 207-7275
Best Place to People Watch
1. The River Walk thesanantonioriverwalk.com 2. The Shops at La Cantera 15900 La Cantera Pkwy, (210) 582-6255, theshopsatlacantera.com 3. Pearl Brewery 303 Pearl Pkwy, #300, atpearl.com
Best Bartender
Andy Hack, Minnie’s Tavern & Rye House 328 E Josephine, (210) 220-1890, twitter.com/ShakeStirChip The best bartender is not the one with the sexiest shake, the coolest vest or the baddest tattoos; the best ‘tender is the one who can read your mood, interpret your desires and deliver a drink to match: mixologist meets psychologist. Recently,…
Best Jeweler
1. Americus Diamond 12362 I-10 W, (210) 561-1000, americusdiamond.com 2. James Avery Multiple locations, jamesavery.com 3. Dennis Jewelry Co. 14701 San Pedro, (210) 499-1212, dennisjewelry.com What makes them so special? Comment below.
Best City Official
1. Julián Castro Mayor, sanantonio.gov/mayor 2. Diego Bernal City Council member, District 1, sanantonio.gov/council/d1 3. William McManus Chief of Police, sanantonio.gov What makes them so special? Comment below.
Best Tamales
1. Tellez Tamales & Barbacoa 1737 S General McMullen, (210) 433-1367 2. Delicious Tamales Multiple locations, delicious-tamales.com 3. Ruben’s Homemade Tamales 1807 Rigsby, (210) 337-0025 What makes them so special? Comment below.
Best Urban Legend
The Haunted Railroad Tracks Corner of Shane and Villamain Roads Featured on Unsolved Mysteries and Fact or Faked: Paranormal Files, the haunted railroad tracks (aka “the ghost tracks”) on the city’s South Side carry a spooky legend that draws thrillseekers to the intersection of Shane and Villamain Roads. A school bus accident on the tracks…
Best Theme Parties
The Brooklynite 516 Brooklyn, (210) 444-0707, thebrooklynitesa.com A pioneer of SA’s toddler-stage craft cocktail scene, The Brooklynite is now leading the pack as the premier host of a rotating schedule of zany and fun theme parties. Some of the creative ideas from The Brooklynite’s roster: Cross-Fit and Gym, Pajama, ’80s Cocktail, Tacky Sweater, Hawaiian Christmas…
Best Fashion Designer
1. Agosto Cuellar agostocuellar.com With his key role in Una Noche en la Gloria’s Runway en la Calle (above), DJ gigs, the pop-up studio Espacio and a custom-made Cornyation gown for Queen Anchovy, Agosto Cuellar is boldly proving there’s life after Jive Refried. Likely among the reasons readers elected him Best Local Fashion Designer, Cuellar…
Best Bakery
1. Bakery Lorraine 511 E Grayson, (210) 862-5582, bakerylorraine.com 2. Bird Bakery 5912 Broadway, (210) 804-2473, birdbakery.com 3. Broadway Daily Bread Multiple locations, broadwaydailybread.net What makes them so special? Comment below.
Free Will Astrology
ARIES (March 21-April 19): If for some inexplicable reason you are not simmering with new ideas about how you could drum up more money, I don’t know what to tell you — except that maybe your mother lied to you about exactly when you were born. The astrological omens are virtually unequivocal: If you are…
Best Wine List
Dough Pizzeria Napoletana 6989 Blanco, (210) 979-6565, doughpizzeria.com This is by now a familiar theme, but the best wine list is not necessarily the biggest or the one most dressed to impress; if that were the case then steakhouse stalwarts such as Bohanan’s, Morton’s and Fleming’s would be considered tête de cuvée. No, for dyed-in-the-wool…
Best Authentic Ice House
Sanchez Ice House No. 1 819 S San Saba, (210) 223-0588 Yes, there are ice houses with a better beer selection or a nicer atmosphere, but we wanted to strip the ice house culture back down to its essentials: cheap, ice-cold beer (properly dressed with real lime and salt, please), friendly folks, a big-ass patio…
Best Rock Club
1. Bond’s 007 Rock Club 450 Soledad, (210) 225-0007, bonds007rockbar.com 2. The White Rabbit 2410 N St. Mary’s, (210) 737-2221, sawhiterabbit.com 3. 502 Bar 502 Embassy Oaks, (210) 257-8125, 502bar.com
Best Thai Restaurant
1. Thai Dee 5307 Blanco, (210) 342-3622, thaideesa.com 2. Tong’s Thai 1146 Austin Hwy, (210) 829-7345, tongsthai.com 3. Thai Chili Multiple locations, thaichili.net What makes them so special? Comment below.
Best Beer/Wine/Liquor Store
1. Gabriel’s Wine & Liquor Multiple locations, gabrielsliquor.com 2. Pig Liquors 712 S St. Mary’s, (210) 226-OINK (6465), pigliquors.wordpress.com 3. Don’s & Ben’s Multiple locations, donsandbensliquor.com What makes them so special? Comment below.
Best Yoga Studio
1. Southtown Yoga Loft 724 S Alamo, #2, (210) 838-0643, southtownyogaloft.com An airy, light-filled loft on South Alamo, Kristal Cuevas’ studio is beloved by locals and out-of-towners for its wood floors, exposed brick and windows in lieu of mirrors. There’s an organic sense of space and practice. Friendly and relaxed, classes include Vinyasa, Ashtanga and…
Best Specialty Shot
Fernet Branca As tasted at Blue Box, 312 Pearl Pkwy, (210) 227-2583, blueboxbar.com It may be cheating to choose straight liquor, but trust us on this one: Skip the nonsense fruity shots and go straight for the Fernet Branca. This amaro is the perfect after dinner stomach settler, palate cleanser, taste bud awakener, breath freshener,…
Best Place to Entertain a Kid
Morgan’s Wonderland 5223 David Edwards, (210) 495-5888, morganswonderland.com Water, sand, swings and trains are as universal as it gets for child’s play. Billed as “the world’s first ultra-accessible theme park,” Morgan’s Wonderland was designed specifically for special needs children, but it easily appeals to all kids. Only a few years old, the 25-acre park is…
Best Steakhouse
1. Bohanan’s Prime Steaks and Seafood 219 E Houston, (210) 472-2600, bohanans.com Is it the swanky setting that makes Bohanan’s the best? The downtown backdrop? The excellent service? Or the succulent steaks, plethora of seafood, grilled vegetarian platters and rich sauces? Perhaps the classic cocktails? Whatever it is, Yahoo Travel seems to agree—the site named…
Best Gay Bar
1. Sparky’s Pub 1416 N Main, (210) 320-5111, sparkyspub.com 2. Heat 1500 N Main, (210) 227-2600, heatsa.com 3. Bonham Exchange 411 Bonham, (210) 271-3811, bonhamexchange.com
Best Pet Grooming
1. Bark of Southtown 1032 S St. Mary’s, (210) 380-8824, barkofsouthtown.com While pets might consider baths torture, leaving our four-legged babies at the groomer can be stressful for us, too. Thankfully for those with separation anxiety, Bark is operated by compassionate animal lovers who go the extra mile—recently evidenced when they offered free nail trims…
Best Fiesta Event
1. A Night in Old San Antonio (NIOSA) La Villita, niosa.org 2.King William Fair S Alamo between Pereida and Probandt, kwfair.org 3. Oyster Bake St. Mary’s University, One Camino Santa Maria, oysterbake.com
Best Menudo
1. Taco Taco Café 145 E Hildebrand, (210) 822-9533, tacotacosa.com 2. Tellez Tamales & Barbacoa 1737 S General McMullen, (210) 433-1367 3. Mi Tierra Restaurant & Bakery 218 Produce Row, (210) 225-1262, mitierracafe.com What makes them so special? Comment below.
Best Korean Restaurant
1. Ilsong Garden 6905 Blanco, (210) 366-4508, ilsonggarden.com 2. Koreana 2458 Harry Wurzbach #5, (210) 804-0019, facebook.com/koreanasa 3. Kiku Garden 4527 Goldfield, (210) 662-6699 What makes them so special? Comment below.
Best Public Art Installation
1. F.I.S.H. Artist: Donald Lipski San Antonio River Walk, Museum Reach, I-35 underpass 2. Giant Paleta Bike Rack Artist: Casey Cooper and students San Anto Cultural Arts, 2120 El Paso 3. Ballroom Luminoso Artists: Joe O’Connell and Blessing Hancock Theo & Malone underpass at I-35
City Skeptic
Randy Bear concernedinsa.com Seemingly always on the scene, blogger and activist Randy Bear makes us think twice about major City of San Antonio developments with his critical insight and natural curiosity. He’s an old school citizen—asking tough questions, attending mundane council meetings and hearings on nitty gritty policy—guided by his evident passion to make San…
Best Local to Follow on Social Media
1. Puro Pinche twitter.com/puropincheSA 2. Nina Duran twitter.com/thisninagirl 3. Robert Rivard twitter.com/rivardinsa What makes them so special? Comment below.
Best Hookah Bar
1. The Raven Hookah Lounge 1255 SW Loop 410, #133, (210) 673-3650, ravenhookah.com The Raven Hookah Lounge has taken your idea of what a smoking lounge should be and made it “nevermore.” By creating an alt-Victorian, steampunk ambiance and filling the space with local entertainers, the Raven presents a truly one-of-a-kind experience. Not only does…
Best Dog Park
1. Phil Hardberger Park West: 8400 NW Military Hwy; East: 13203 Blanco; (210) 226-8339, philhardbergerpark.org Dogs love it and you love it (they exercise while you chill). Your furry loved ones can enjoy two dog parks, each divided into separate areas for small and large dogs. Plenty of water fountains are available, providing a perfect…
Best Bike Shop
1. Bike World Multiple locations, bikeworld.com 2. Blue Star Bike Shop 1414 S Alamo, (210) 858-0331, bluestarbikeshop.com 3. Bicycle Heaven 1931 NW Military Hwy, Ste 121, (210) 342-2453, bicycle-heaven.com What makes them so special? Comment below.
Best Indian Restaurant
1. India Palace 8474 Fredericksburg, (210) 692-5262, indiapalacesa.com 2. India Oven 1031 Patricia, Ste 106, (210) 366-1030, indiaoven.biz 3. Simi’s Indian Cuisine 4535 Fredericksburg, (210) 737-3166, simisindiacuisine.com What makes them so special? Comment below.
Best Place to Work On Your Laptop
1. Local Coffee Multiple locations, localcoffeesa.com 2. Halcyon 1414 S Alamo, (210) 277-7045, halcyonsouthtown.com 3. Geekdom 112 E Pecan, #11, (210) 373-6730, geekdom.com
Best Country Bar
1. Thirsty Horse Saloon 2335 NW Military Hwy, (210) 348-1513, thirstyhorse.net Nightly live music keeps the cowboy boots sliding heel-toe-heel-toe on the dance floor at the Thirsty Horse Saloon. There’s pool tables for the dance-averse and enough bars that a cold brew is never more than a two-step away. No cover means the only lines…
Best Ethnic Market
Seoul Oriental Food Market 1027 Rittiman, Ste 101, (210) 822-1529 Don’t try finding a website for this joint—you won’t. But you will find just about everything else inside the warehouse-like Seoul Oriental Food Market, and at bargain prices. Its selection of dried seaweed snacks is unparalleled, and you’ll find your fair share of instant ramen…
Best Art Curator
Hills Snyder, Sala Diaz director/curator hillssnyder.com He rarely gives himself marquee billing on the many solo and group exhibitions he puts together every year, but Hills Snyder gets our vote for San Antonio’s best curator. Snyder is the guiding force behind the consistently unique offerings at Sala Diaz, one of SA’s premier contemporary project spaces.…
Best Place to Nurse a Hangover
El Milagrito Café 521 E Woodlawn, (210) 737-8646, elmilagritocafe.com You’ll often find the previous night’s revelers holding their heads, sunglasses still on, sipping coffee and slowly eating the barbacoa plate or bean and chorizo tacos at this St. Mary’s Strip staple. The service is a bit on the sporadic side, but who cares? When the…
Best Karaoke Night
1. Dad’s Karaoke 2615 Mossrock, (210) 267-5703, facebook.com/dadskaraoke 2. Oak Hills Tavern 7920 Fredericksburg, (210) 614-8855, facebook.com/oakhillstavern 3. Bootleggers 2407 N St. Mary’s, facebook.com/sabootleggers
Best Cocktails
1. The Brooklynite 516 Brooklyn, (210) 444-0707, thebrooklynitesa.com 2. Bar 1919 1420 S Alamo, Ste 001, (210) 227-1420, 1919bar.com 3. Blue Box 312 Pearl Pkwy, (210) 227-2583, blueboxbar.com
Best-Dressed Man
Mike Casey “If he ever quit dressing up, I might go home and cry,” fellow best-dressed winner Polly Lou Livingston told the Current about her longtime pal Mike Casey and his distinctive sense of style. A practicing attorney who rides a one-speed bicycle as his primary source of transportation, Casey has been called many (good)…
Best Best-Looking Bartenders
1. Richard Hunter at Oak Hills Tavern 7920 Fredericksburg, (210) 614-8855 When informed that many people had voted him the “best-looking bartender” in San Antonio, Richard Hunter said, “What? Like, as a joke?” We don’t know, hon, but our brief interaction convinced us that Hunter is a ’tender to be recognized, smoldering bedroom eyes or…
Savage Love: Virgin bro
My brother is 22 years old and mentally ill with social anxiety on the scale of agoraphobia (officially diagnosed). He’s made significant progress in the past few years, but he’s stuck on the fact that he’s a virgin and is convinced that he’s not going to make any real social progress until that’s no longer…
Best Chinese Restaurant
1. Golden Wok Multiple locations, golden-wok.com 2. Hsiu Yu 8338 Broadway, (210) 828-2273, hsiuyu.com 3.Formosa Garden 1011 NE Loop 410, (210) 828-9988, formosagarden.com What makes them so special? Comment below.
Best Jogging Trail
1. Phil Hardberger Park West: 8400 NW Military Hwy; East: 13203 Blanco; (210) 226-8339, philhardbergerpark.org 2. Leon Creek Greenway sanantonio.gov/parksandrec/greenway_trails_leon.aspx 3. Mission Reach sanantonioriver.org/mission_reach/mission_reach.php
Best Place to Find a Birthday Card
Sloan/Hall 5424 Broadway, (210) 828-7738, sloanhall.com Housed in an Alamo Heights landmark beneath one of the few surviving Mobil Pegasus neon signs, Marcus Sloan and Shannon Hall’s “multi-category lifestyle store” tackles specialized gifting from various angles (jewelry, books, clothing, housewares, fragrance, etc.) but truly takes the cake with its carefully curated wall of refined greeting…
Best Bar Outside 1604
1. TIE: Freetail Brewing Co. 4035 N Loop 1604 W, Ste 105, (210) 395-4974, freetailbrewing.com The Green Lantern 20626 Stone Oak Pkwy, (210) 497-3722, facebook.com/thegreenlanternsa 2. Big Hops Gastropub 22250 Bulverde, Ste 106, (210) 267-8762, bighops.com 3. The Silver Fox 24802 Ima Ruth Pkwy, (210) 363-2613, silverfoxsa.com
Best Interior Mexican Restaurant
Cascabel Mexican Patio 1000 S St. Mary’s, (210) 212-6456 Let’s face it folks, San Antonio has been so influenced by Tex-Mex that any cuisine beyond the Mexamerican border has never had a fighting chance—despite proclamations on restaurant signs all over town. In retaliation, it’s tempting to nominate the boys at Mixtli with their ethereal, seasonal…
Best Boutique (non-fashion)
1. Nine Tails 4522 Fredericksburg, (210) 330-8690, nine-tails.com Every once in a while you find one of those unforgettable little shops. You know the kind: It features items that are equal parts unique and nostalgic, that tug at something inside you, conjuring all sorts of memories and experiences. Nine Tails is one of those places.…
Best Plant Nursery
1. Rainbow Gardens Multiple locations, rainbowgardens.biz 2. Milberger’s Landscaping & Nursery 3920 N Loop 1604, (210) 497-3760, milbergernursery.com 3. Shades of Green 334 W Sunset, (210) 824-3772, shadesofgreensa.com What makes them so special? Comment below.
Best Culture Maven
Roberta “Nina” Hassele, CAM co-chair facebook.com/ninafrombrooklyn In a city with an art scene as inclusive as San Antonio’s, maybe it’s counterintuitive to single out one person as worthy of this title. Plus, what’s a maven, exactly? Well, Nina Hassele is a damn good example. The Brooklyn native and passionate San Antonio convert is co-chair of…
Best Museum
1. The Witte Museum 3801 Broadway, (210) 357-1900, wittemuseum.org 2. McNay Art Museum 6000 N New Braunfels, (210) 824-5368, mcnayart.org 3. San Antonio Museum of Art 200 W Jones, (210) 978-8100, samuseum.org
Best U.S. Congressperson/Senator
1. Joaquín Castro U.S. House of Representatives, District 20, castro.house.gov 2. Ted Cruz U.S. Senate, cruz.senate.gov 3. Lloyd Doggett U.S. House of Representatives, District 35, doggett.house.gov What makes them so special? Comment below.
Best Outdoor Place to Watch a Movie
San Antonio Museum of Art 200 W Jones, (210) 978-8100; (210) 212-9373, samuseum.org; slabcinema.com Rick and Angela Martinez’s Slab Cinema has been “building community through outdoor movie events” since its inception in 2004 (on its namesake concrete slab across from La Tuna) and continues to expand its scope by screening kid-friendly, nostalgic and grown-up films…
Best Bike Swap
Frankenbike Location varies, (210) 305-1557, sanantonio.frankenbike.net Living up to its Shelley-influenced name, Frankenbike is like the SA Craigslist bicycle page come alive, with pro and amateur vendors dealing ready-to-ride bikes, parts, accessories and service at competitive prices. Founded in 2005, the swap established itself in San Antonio in 2010 and has been serving the DIY…
Best Breakfast Taco
1. Taco Taco Café 145 E Hildebrand, (210) 822-9533, tacotacosa.com 2. Taco Haven Multiple locations, tacohaven.info 3.Bill Miller Bar-B-Q Multiple locations, billmillerbbq.com What makes them so special? Comment below.
Best Chef
TIE: Stefan Bowers Feast, 1024 S Alamo, twitter.com/StefanBowers Tim Rattray (pictured) The Granary, 602 Avenue A, twitter.com/ChefTimmyR Choosing best chef during SA’s gastro-renaissance is basically the culinary version of Sophie’s Choice. Not only do these two chefs exemplify a passion for food in all its forms, both are adding an extra element to the growth…
Best Lesbian Bar
1. Sparky’s Pub 1416 N Main, (210) 320-5111, sparkyspub.com 2. Pegasus Nightclub 1402 N Main, (210) 299-4222, pegasussanantonio.com 3. Wax Club Lounge 2211 San Pedro, (210) 737-9191, facebook.com/waxclublounge
Best Patio
1. The Friendly Spot 943 S Alamo, (210) 224-2337, thefriendlyspot.com 2. The Cove 606 W Cypress, (210) 227-2683, thecove.us 3. La Gloria 100 E Grayson, (210) 267-9040, chefjohnnyhernandez.com/lagloria
Best Radio Talk-Show Host
1. Billy Madison KISS 99.5 FM, kissrocks.com 2. Joe “Pags” Pagliarulo WOAI 1200 AM, joepags.com 3. David Martin Davies Texas Public Radio KSTX 89.1 FM, tpr.org What makes them so special? Comment below.
Best-Dressed Woman
Polly Lou Livingston Although she claims she’s been playing dress up since before she was born, it’s safe to say Victoria native Polly Lou Livingston’s keen fashion sense developed in her father’s bygone department store, M.O. Simon. Growing up around clothes led to Livingston working as a buyer for the store, taking trips to New…
Best Mexican Restaurant (Cheap)
1. Taco Taco Café 145 E Hildebrand, (210) 822-9533, tacotacosa.com 2. Taco Cabana Multiple locations, tacocabana.com 3. Las Palapas Multiple locations, mylaspalapas.com What makes them so special? Comment below.
Best Children’s Store
1. Crib & Kids 1309 N Loop 1604 W, #106, (210) 764-2742, cribandkids.com 2. Go, Baby, Go! 6104 Broadway, #4, (210) 313-4239, gobabygoshop.com 3. Nursery Couture 434 N Loop 1604 W, (210) 494-2627, blog.cadenlane.com/nursery-couture What makes them so special? Comment below.
Best Pizza
1. Dough Pizzeria Napoletana 6989 Blanco, (210) 979-6565, doughpizzeria.com Keep calm and make awesome pizza. At least that seems to be the motto Lori and Doug Horn, owners of Dough, have ascribed to since opening their restaurant to a flood of hungry San Antonians. The eatery has expanded its digs several times over, most recently…
Best Music Store (Instruments, Gear, Repairs)
1. Robot Monster Guitars 517 E Woodlawn, (210) 320-1710, robotmonsterguitars.com Robot Monster Guitars is as much a museum as it is a store. The mind-bending mixture of vintage guitars and rock ‘n’ roll attitude presents an amazing array of hard-to-find guitars as well as basses, amps and other instruments. The staff, comprised of avid musicians…
Best Exotic Dancers (Females)
1. Sugar’s 2731 NW Loop 410, (210) 340-1289, sugarsperfect.com 2. The Palace 2482 NE Loop 410, (210) 599-6011, thepalacemensclubsa.com 3. Allstars Gentleman’s Sports Club 9440 I-10 W, (210) 593-0576, allstarstx.com
Best Restaurant to Take Tourists
1. Mi Tierra Restaurant & Bakery 218 Produce Row, (210) 225-1262, mitierracafe.com 2. Taco Taco Café 145 E Hildebrand, (210) 822-9533, tacotacosa.com 3. La Gloria 100 E Grayson, (210) 267-9040, chefjohnnyhernandez.com/lagloria What makes them so special? Comment below.
Best Reason to Read the San Antonio Express-News
Josh Baugh, twitter.com/jbaugh Gilbert Garcia, twitter.com/gilgamesh470 Brian Chasnoff, twitter.com/bchasnoff Kolten Parker, twitter.com/KoltenParker Impressing us here at our humble-sized alt-weekly are a few stand-out reporters at the SA daily: Josh Baugh, who gets all up in City Hall’s face; columnist Gilbert Garcia, who refused to overlook former councilman David Medina’s multiple failings; columnist Brian Chasnoff, who…
Best Smoke Shop
1. Finck Cigars Multiple locations, finckcigar.com 2. Lazy Daze Multiple locations, lazydazeco.com 3. Club Humidor Multiple locations, clubhumidor.com What makes them so special? Comment below.
Best Meteorologist
1. Steve Browne KSAT 12, ksat.com 2. Albert Flores News 4 WOAI, news4sanantonio.com 3. Bill Taylor KENS 5, kens5.com
Comic Book Shop
1. Heroes & Fantasies Multiple locations, heroesandfantasies.com 2. Dragon’s Lair 7959 Fredericksburg, Ste 129, (210) 615-1229, dlair.net/sanantonio 3. Alien Worlds Multiple locations, alienworldscomics.com What makes them so special? Comment below.
Best Bike Route
1. Mission Reach sanantonioriver.org/mission_reach/mission_reach.php 2. Leon Creek Greenway sanantonio.gov/parksandrec/greenway_trails_leon.aspx 3. McAllister Park 13102 Jones Maltsberger, (210) 207-7275
Best Place to Get High in Public
Vacant Building Anywhere (but mainly Downtown) We’ll level with you, this was a toughie because being high in public can be kind of a nightmare for some folks, present company included. But, it struck us that there’s a place where you’re unlikely to run into anyone else, yet which lacks the heavily policed vibe even…
Best Massage Therapist
1. Jeni Spring Heeling Sole Barefoot Massage and Yoga, 1864 Nacogdoches, (210) 560-1992, heelingsole.com Jeni Spring uses Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy, which means all her massages are done with her bare feet for the deepest and most relaxing massages—hands free, folks! Using two overhead bars for balance, Spring moves along your back applying pressure that…
Best Happy Hour
1. Lüke 125 E Houston, (210) 227-5853, lukesanantonio.com 2. Liberty Bar 1111 S Alamo, (210) 227-1187, liberty-bar.com 3. TIE: Cured 306 Pearl Pkwy, Ste 101, (210) 314-3929, curedatpearl.com Luce Ristorante E Enoteca 11255 Huebner, (210) 561-9700, lucesanantonio.com
Best Juice Shop
URTH Juice Bar 5317 McCullough, (210) 272-0467, urthjuicebar.com URTH Juice Bar packs pounds of fresh produce into each 16-ounce beverage. Smoothies are blended to order with soy, almond, coconut or whole milk and offer an even more filling meal replacement with around 250 calories per serving, versus the juices’ 180- to 200-calories. Drinks such as…
Radio Station, Music
1. San Antonio College Radio KSYM 90.1 FM, sacrtfnet.alamo.edu/ksym Living left of the dial in public radio land, student-operated KSYM brings eclectic programming unmatched on the FM airwaves. The core of their sound lies in the Blues/Americana of flagship shows The Sauce and Third Coast Music Network, but KSYM also broadcasts hip-hop, metal, indie rock…
Best Brunch
1. Candlelight 3011 N St. Mary’s, (210) 738-0099, candlelightsa.com 2. Magnolia Pancake Haus Multiple locations, magnoliapancakehaus.com 3. Feast 1024 S Alamo, (210) 354-1024, feastsa.com What makes them so special? Comment below.
Best Bar to Drink Alone In
TBA 2801 N St. Mary’s, tbasatx.com You may start off drinking alone, but by the night’s end, you’ll be sitting amongst a wild cast of regulars and service industry-types just out of work and ready to enjoy one of Jonny Yumol’s latest cocktail concoctions. Perhaps it’s because TBA strikes that perfect balance of neighborhood haunt-meets-cocktail…
Best Vegetarian
1. Green Vegetarian Cuisine Multiple locations, eatatgreen.com Even after relocating from its original location in favor of a spot at the Pearl, Green has kept its veggie game strong. Must be all the plant-based proteins. Veggie burgers, Asian bowls, Italian favorites and satisfying brunches—there’s something for everyone at either location. Don’t miss the 100 percent…
Best Farmers Market
1. Pearl Farmers Market 312 Pearl Pkwy, (210) 212-7260, pearlfarmersmarket.com 2. Quarry Farmers & Ranchers Market 255 E Basse, (210) 722-5077, quarryfarmersmarket.com 3. The RIM Farmers Market 17503 La Cantera Pkwy, (210) 854-1116, hillcountryfarmersmarket.org What makes them so special? Comment below.
Best Local Beer
1. Ranger Creek Brewing & Distilling 4834 Whirlwind, (210) 775-2099, drinkrangercreek.com 2. Freetail Brewing Company 4025 Loop 1604 W, Ste 105, (210) 395-4974, freetailbrewing.com 3. Blue Star Brewing Company 1414 S Alamo, Ste 105, (210) 212-5506, bluestarbrewing.com
Best French Fries
1. The Luxury 103 E Jones, (210) 354-2274, twitter.com/theluxurysa The beefed up sammies are great and all, but the crunchy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside fries make this riverside eatery amazing. Try them plain or with “special sauce,” a healthy portion of ketchup, garlic aioli and fresh-cut white onions. Don’t worry about them getting soggy—these fries can hold their…
Best Local Activist/Watchdog/Nonprofit Leader
1. Manny Diotte The Ferrari Kid, 17114 Blanco Park Cove, (210) 404-1185, theferrarikid.org 2. Molly Cox SA2020, 112 E Pecan, Ste 1100, (210) 704-1025, sa2020.org 3. Eric Cooper San Antonio Food Bank, 5200 W Old US Hwy 90, (210) 337-3663, safoodbank.org What makes them so special? Comment below.
Best State Congressperson/Senator
1. Leticia Van de Putte State Senator, District 26, vandeputte.senate.state.tx.us She ain’t happy with the political direction of Texas. But I bet choosing her as Best State Congressperson/Senator is sure to cheer LVDP right up. After more than two decades serving the Texas Legislature, the Democratic state senator from San Antonio, Leticia Van de Putte,…
Best Place to Buy Vinyl
Alamo Records & Sheet Music 125 Broadway, (210) 212-4200 Located among several centuries’ worth of cultural detritus, Alamo Records & Sheet Music sits in a corner of Alamo Antique Mall’s top floor, patiently awaiting vinyl collectors and devotees of pop cultures past. With thousands of records pouring off the shelves and onto the floors, Alamo…
Best Barbecue
1. Rudy’s Country Store Multiple locations, rudysbbq.com 2. Two Bros BBQ 12656 West, (210) 496-0222, twobrosbbqmarket.com 3. The Granary 602 Avenue A, (210) 228-0124, thegranarysa.com What makes them so special? Comment below.
Best Author
1. Jenny Browne jennybrowne.com With three collections under her name, poet and Trinity University professor Jenny Browne has eked out a quiet but commanding career as a bard (it can still be done, English majors!). Just as impressive as her literary oeuvre is her work as a teacher around SA, sharing her talents with the…
Best Puffy Taco
1. Taco Taco Café 145 E Hildebrand, (210) 822-9533, tacotacosa.com 2. Henry’s Puffy Tacos Multiple locations, henryspuffytacos.com 3. Ray’s Drive Inn 822 SW 19th, (210) 432-7171, raysdriveinn.net What makes them so special? Comment below.
Best Drag Queen
1. Tencha La Jefa facebook.com/tencha.lajefa While most drag performers spend countless hours and gobs of cash trying to emulate glamazons, Tencha La Jefa takes a comedic approach to her alter ego—a dentally challenged queen with foam rollers in her wig. Since entering the drag pantheon a decade ago (on a dare), La Jefa has landed…
Best Barber
1. Chris the Barber Clippers, 6991 Blanco, (210) 525-8292, clippersbarbershop-tx.com 2. Jose Luis Granados Rene Roberts Hair Studio, 1207 McCullough, (682) 224-9969, styleseat.com/joseluisgranados 3. Jordan Rangel Diesel Barbershop, 11255 Huebner, Ste 104, (210) 745-1255, dieselbarbershop.com What makes them so special? Comment below.
Best Margarita
1. La Fogata 2427 Vance Jackson, (210) 340-1337, lafogata.com Nothing is more refreshing than a good margarita, especially during the summertime, and La Fogata knows how to make one mean marg. This restaurant also doesn’t mess around with teensy 12-ounce cups. Nope, all of their ‘ritas are served in 16-ounce glasses with an edible orchid…
Best Nonprofit Mission
San Antonio Food Bank 5200 W Old US Hwy 90, (210) 337-3663, safoodbank.org Hungry families have been additionally strained by recent cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), or food stamps, and the nonprofit SA Food Bank is feeling the hit as they try to feed the 58,000 residents a week that visit them…
Best Place to Find Quirky Collectibles
Yeya’s Antique’s & Oddities 1423 E Commerce, (210) 827-5555 If you know exactly what you’re looking for, you’ll probably have better luck finding it at the maze-like Alamo Antique Mall (125 Broadway) or maybe the fascinating Antiquarian Book Mart (3127 Broadway). But if you want the obscure collectibles to jump out and find you—Yeya’s Antiques…
Best Pan Dulce
Horno Mission San Jose Bakery Multiple locations, simtrom.wix.com/hornomsjbakery With four locations across SA, Horno Mission San Jose makes it hard to resist its pan dulce varieties. Make your way through the menu of large buttery sugar cookies, giant croissants, molasses- and ginger-filled pig-shaped marranitos and flavorful empanadas replete with pumpkin, apple, pineapple or strawberry fillings.…
Best Ice Cream
1. Brindles Awesome Ice Cream 11255 Huebner, #210, (210) 641-5222 2. Justin’s Ice Cream Company 245 E Commerce, Ste 150, (210) 222-2707 3. SA Pops 3420 N St. Mary’s, (210) 736-2526 What makes them so special? Comment below.
Best Hairdresser
1. Sam Paniagua Medusa the Salon, 2102 McCullough, (210) 320-1556, facebook.com/medusasanantonio 2. Raul Lopez Mint Salon, 1016 S Presa, (210) 224-8522, mintsalon.me 3. Belle Howard Salon Boutique, 11503 NW Military Hwy, #106, (210) 215-9458, salonboutique.net/salon_sanantonio.html
Best Pool Tables
1. Joey’s 2417 N St. Mary’s, (210) 733-9573, joeyssa.com 2. Bombay Bicycle Club 3506 N St. Mary’s, (210) 737-2411, bombaybicycleclubsa.com 3. TIE: Bar America 723 S Alamo, (210) 223-1285 McFinnigans 7210 Blanco, (210) 314-4194, facebook.com/mcfinnigans
Best Non-Fiesta Festival
1. Luminaria luminariasa.org We assume you based your choice on last year’s Luminaria, because this March came and went without the City-sponsored evening extravaganza of arts for all. Last year, news broke that the six-year-old fest was considering major changes like moving the one-night event to the fall and expanding it to 10 days, plus…
Best Burger
1. Chris Madrid’s 1900 Blanco, (210) 735-3552, chrismadrids.com A San Antonio favorite, Chris Madrid’s has been dishing out massive burgers with some serious fries since 1977. The famous tostada bean burger proves memorable, combining a juicy burger patty, beans and crisp chips with a whole lot of cheese. Madrid’s sweet mango margarita is a perfect…
Best Exotic Dancers (Males)
1. Hardbodies 2736 N St. Mary’s, (210) 736-4865, hardbodiesclub.com 2. Essence 1010 N Main, (210) 223-5418, facebook.com/ClubEssenceSA 3. TIE: Bonham Exchange 411 Bonham, (210) 224-9219, bonhamexchange.com Heat Nightclub 1500 N Main, (210) 227-2600, heatsa.com
Best Playground
1. Phil Hardberger Park West: 8400 NW Military Hwy; East: 13203 Blanco; (210) 226-8339, philhardbergerpark.org 2. HemisFair Park 600 HemisFair Way, (210) 207-3677 3. Landa Branch Library 233 Bushnell, (210) 207-9090, mysapl.org
Best Thrift Store
Boysville Auxiliary Thrift 307 W Olmos, (210) 826-2195, boysvillethriftstore.org Due a steady flow of donations culled from the old-school neighborhood of Olmos Park, Boysville Auxiliary Thrift Store can be a well-rounded goldmine, depending on when you hit it. On first glance, the place resembles most thrift stores (with racks of clothing organized by size and…
Best City Park
1. Phil Hardberger Park West: 8400 NW Military Hwy; East: 13203 Blanco; (210) 226-8339, philhardbergerpark.org 2. Brackenridge Park 3700 N St. Mary’s, (210) 207-3000, brackenridgepark.org 3. Woodlawn Lake 1103 Cincinnati, (210) 207-7275
Best Middle Eastern Restaurant
1. Pasha Mediterranean Grill Multiple locations, gopasha.com 2. Jerusalem Grill 3259 Wurzbach, (210) 680-8400, jerusalemgrill.net 3. Turquoise Grill 3270 NW Loop 410, (210) 736-2887, turquoisegrill.com What makes them so special? Comment below.
Best View In The City
1. Tower of Americas 739 E Cesar Chavez, (210) 223-3101, toweroftheamericas.com 2. HemisFair Park 600 HemisFair Way, (210) 207-3677 3. Hays Street Bridge 803 N Cherry
Best Barbacoa
1. Taco Taco Café 145 E Hildebrand, (210) 822-9533, tacotacosa.com 2. Tellez Tamales & Barbacoa 1737 S General McMullen, (210) 433-1367 3. Rio’s Barbacoa Multiple locations What makes them so special? Comment below.
Best Sandwiches
1. W.D. Deli 3123 Broadway, (210) 828-2322, wddeli.com The quaint and cozy W.D. Deli, housed in a 1920s home, serves soups, sandwiches and salads all made from scratch daily. W.D. has 20 different sammies, including a tasty chicken salad with spinach and a Southwest roast beef with jalapeño cream cheese. Service is quick but waiting…
Best Movie Theater
1. Santikos Bijou 4522 Fredericksburg, (866) 420-8626, santikos.com 2. Santikos Palladium 17703 I-10 W, (866) 420-8626, santikos.com 3. City Base Cinema 2623 SE Military, (210) 531-3000, citybasecinema.com
Best Personal Trainer
1. Stephanie Lynn Rodriguez R.A.W. Fitness, 827 E Rector (inside Mission Crossfit), (956) 744-7210 riseaboveweakness.com 2. Drew Bignall Mission CrossFit San Antonio, 827 E Rector, (210) 865-9348 missioncrossfitsa.com 3. Jennifer Trimmier Strong Body San Antonio, (210) 445-0448, strongbodysa.com What makes them so special? Comment below.
Best Sunset Spot
Pearsall Park 4700 Old Pearsall, (210) 207-7275 Watching the sunset can be so romantic … which is why you should do it at a former dump on the South Side. Seriously, Pearsall Park, formerly known as Mt. Trashmore when it was the site of a landfill from the 1960s to ’80s, now boasts the best…
Best Bar Trivia Night
1. The Lion & Rose (Alamo Heights) 5148 Broadway, (210) 822-7673, thelionandrose.com 2. Freetail Brewing Company 4035 N 1604 W, Ste 105, (210) 395-4974, freetailbrewing.com 3. Southtown 101 101 Pereida, (210) 263-9880, southtown101sa.com
Best Ladies’ Night
1. Cowboys Dancehall 3030 NE Loop 410, (210) 646-9378, cowboysdancehall.com 2. Big Hops Growler Station Multiple locations, bighops.com 3. Cooter Browns Saloon 11881 Bandera Rd, (210) 695-5200, cooterbrownssaloon-tx.com
Best New Bar/Club
1. Big Hops Growler Station Multiple locations, bighops.com With three locations and more than 25 brews on tap at each spot, Big Hops has pulled off the small, integrity-maintaining chain to popular acclaim in its first year. With beers, many of them Texas’brewed, available in 16-, 32- and the full-on jug of 64-ounces, Big Hops…
Best Bar Food
Arcade Midtown Kitchen 303 Pearl Pkwy, (210) 369-9664, arcademk.com Surely you know this already: The best bar food (no, we’re not talking variations on a theme of pretzels and mixed nuts) isn’t necessarily at the best bar; the best bar food is at a very good bar with an equally good kitchen attached. Or vice-versa.…
Best Music Selection
Tucker’s Kozy Korner 1338 E Houston, (210) 320-2192, tuckerskozykorner.com Though the Eastside mainstay recently changed ownership, Tucker’s Kozy Korner hasn’t dropped its reputation as a dancer’s paradise. And with a roster of the best DJs spinning in SA, don’t expect any breaks to be dropped either. From DJ Pakman’s raucous hip-hop mixes to DJ Cortez…
Best Place to Adopt a Pet
1. San Antonio Pets Alive! Animal Care Services, 4710 Hwy 151; Paul Jolly Center for Pet Adoption, 210 Tuleta, (210) 370-7612, sanantoniopetsalive.org Keeping our furry friends out of harm’s way, San Antonio Pets Alive! ensures dogs and cats evade or be removed from kill shelters by offering pet adoption, pet fostering, one-time or monthly donating…
Best Bang for Your Buck
Chicho Boys Fruit Market 1631 S Laredo, (210) 225-7557, chichoboys.com With its intoxicating aromas of fresh fruit and its farm-stand appeal, Chicho Boys has a rare, nostalgic quality that’s driven home by hard-to-beat prices on produce. Although we’ve arrived with a full-on list in hand (especially when cooking for a crowd is in the cards),…
Best Italian Restaurant
1. Il Sogno Osteria 200 E Grayson, (210) 223-3900 2. Paesanos Multiple locations, paesanos.com 3. Little Italy 824 Afterglow, (210) 349-2060, thelittleitalysanantonio.com What makes them so special? Comment below.
Best Start-up
1. Heartfire Media 4242 Woodstock, #260, (800) 235-3964, heartfiremedia.net 2. San Antonio Made by Hand Mercado Travis Park, 301 E Travis, (210) 331-3200, facebook.com/samadebyhand 3. Belle and Bold PR (210) 802-9072, facebook.com/belleandboldpr What makes them so special? Comment below.
Best Seafood Restaurant
1. Sea Island Multiple locations, shrimphouse.com 2. Sand Bar Fish House & Market 200 E Grayson, Ste 117, (210) 212-2221, sandbarsa.com 3. Mariscos El Bucanero 16505 Blanco, (210) 408-9297, elbucanerosa.com What makes them so special? Comment below.
Best Real Estate Agent
1. Danny Charbel Keller Williams, 10999 I-10 W, Ste 175, (210) 887-7080, dannycharbel.com 2. Maggie Wilmoth Keller Williams, 10999 I-10 W, Ste 175, (210) 573-6979, sellsanantoniohomes.com 3. Lorena Peña RE/MAX Preferred Realtors, 1846 N Loop 1604 W, Ste 205, (210) 483-5043, sanantoniofamilyhomes.com What makes them so special? Comment below.
Best Place to Sleep in Public
San Pedro Springs Park 1415 San Pedro, (210) 207-7275 The nearly 50-acre historic San Pedro Springs Park has ample room to get lost in reverie, take a quick nap or just pass out among the verdant scenery. Let the sun rays wash over you while you lay out by the gigantic pool, get some shut…
Best Wine Bar
1. Copa Wine Bar 19141 Stone Oak Pkwy, (210) 495-2672, thecopawinebar.com 2. Zinc Bistro & Bar 207 N Presa, (210) 224-2900, zincwine.com 3. 20Nine Restaurant & Wine Bar 255 E Basse, Ste 940, (210) 798-9463, 20ninewine.com Related Stories
Best Bathroom to Sneak into as a Non-customer During Fiesta
Starbucks Multiple locations, starbucks.com We’re going to break our own rule here and nominate a non-local business as the best place to sneak into as a non-customer during Fiesta. For one, locally owned businesses downtown have it tough as it is without your cheap, stanky asses fouling up their joints. For two, Starbucks is known…
Best Inventor
TIE: Ryan Beltrán, co-founder of Elequa elequatech.com Tim Jenison, founder of NewTek (pictured) newtek.com Elequa is a water purifying startup company that utilizes electrocoagulation, a simple, inexpensive, chemical-free process that kills bacteria and separates other water contaminants using an electric current. Beltrán, a go-getter who’s dabbled in photography, film, travel and activist causes like Occupy…
Best Bar You Can Still Smoke In
1. The Lion & Rose (Alamo Heights) 5148 Broadway, (210) 822-7673, thelionandrose.com
Best News Anchor
1. Randy Beamer News 4 WOAI, news4sanantonio.com 2. Steve Spriester KSAT 12, ksat.com 3. Isis Romero KSAT 12, ksat.com What makes them so special? Comment below.
Best Chicken-Fried Steak
1. DeWeses’s Tip Top Café 2814 Fredericksburg, (210) 732-0191, tiptopcafe.com 2. Lulu’s Bakery and Cafe 918 N Main, (210) 224-5001, luluscafeinsa.com 3. Good Time Charlie’s 2922 Broadway, (210) 828-5392, gtcsatx.com What makes them so special? Comment below.
Best Radio Station, News
1. Texas Public Radio KSTX 89.1 FM, tpr.org The NPR-affiliated local station feeds our brains via the airwaves with the latest need-to-know info, sans spin. From one-hour weekday talk show The Source’s selection of interesting interviews to the state politics-centered Texas Matters, TPR’s reportage delivers the facts, breathes context into topics and opens up the…
Best Burlesque Troupe
1. Stars and Garters Burlesque starsandgartersburlesque.com 2. Scarlet Darlings facebook.com/scarletdarlings 3. The Pastie Pops facebook.com/pastiepops What makes them so special? Comment below.
Best Pet Boarding
1. Lucy’s Doggy Day Care and Spa Multiple Locations, (210) 495-3647, lucysdoggydaycare.com 2. Pawderosa Ranch Doggie Play and Stay Multiple Locations, pawderosaranch.com 3. Green Dog Kennels 610 E Josephine, (210) 930-8600, greendogkennels.com
Best Place to Indulge Carnivorous Cravings
TIE: The Big Bib 104 Lanark, (210) 654-8400, thebigbib.com The Granary (pictured) 602 Avenue A, (210) 228-0124, thegranarysa.com After relocating from its original spot, Big Bib still garners impressive lines. There are several reasons why, but not all of them fit on your plate. Sure, the brisket is thick and flavorful, the turkey tender and…
Best Place to Obtain Obscure Ingredients
Central Market 4821 Broadway, (210) 368-8600, centralmarket.com On any given morning, one can spy a chef or a foodie standing in aisle five of Central Market before rows of salts, rubs and sugars like an old man in a hardware store—examining and contemplating. Are you dreaming of black truffle salt or a coarse pink salt?…
Best Place to Work
1. Rackspace 1 Fanatical Place, Windcrest, (800) 961-2888, rackspace.com 2. USAA 9800 Fredericksburg, (210) 531-8722, usaa.com 3. Institute for Women’s Health Multiple locations, (210) 349-6626, ifwh.org
Best Craft Beer Selection
1. Big Hops Growler Station Multiple locations, bighops.com 2. The Friendly Spot 943 S Alamo, (210) 224-2337, thefriendlyspot.com 3. Freetail Brewing Company 4035 N 1604 W, Ste 105, (210) 395-4974, freetailbrewing.com
Best Athlete
1. Tim Duncan San Antonio Spurs, nba.com/spurs 2. TIE: Manu Ginobili & Tony Parker San Antonio Spurs, nba.com/spurs 3. Drew Bignall Mission CrossFit San Antonio, 827 E Rector, (210) 865-9348, missioncrossfitsa.com What makes them so special? We want to hear from you in the comments below.
Best Romantic Restaurant
1. Grey Moss Inn 19010 Scenic Loop (Helotes), (210) 695-8301, grey-moss-inn.com 2. Bliss 926 S Presa, (210) 225-2547, foodisbliss.com 3. Biga on the Banks 203 S St. Mary’s, (210) 225-0722, biga.com What makes them so special? Comment below.
Best Sports Fan
Shea Serrano, Spurs fan and writer twitter.com/SheaSerrano Much like his man-crush Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio native (though now Houston resident) Shea Serrano became a breakout star for media-obsessed Spurs fans during last season’s NBA Finals. The Highlands alum flexed his writing chops for ESPN’s Grantland and True Hoop blogs in often comedic musings celebrating his…
Best SA Place That Feels Like NYC
Lawrence Markey Gallery 311 6th, (210) 228-9966, lawrencemarkey.com Next time your East Coast-loving relations turn up their snotty noses at San Antonio’s perceived lack of posh, take them to Lawrence Markey Gallery. Markey, a SA native, did in fact spend several years in NYC’s art world, operating his eponymous gallery there from 1990-2004, first in…
Best Meat Market Bar
1. The Mix 2423 N St. Mary’s, (210) 735-1313, facebook.com/themix.sanantonio According to our enlightened readership, the most promising place to board the midnight train to pound town is The Mix. With most drinks under $5, this St. Mary’s strip marquee offers the most consistent and promiscuous clientele down for a casual bang. Plus, there’s the…
Best Food Truck
1. Say.She.Ate (210) 446-8257, facebook.com/saysheatetx 2. Rickshaw Stop (210) 902-9308, rickshawstop-sa.com 3. Where Y’at Food Truck (210) 420-0069, whereyatsa.com What makes them so special? Comment below.
Best Vietnamese Restaurant
1. VietNam Restaurant 3244 Broadway, (210) 822-7461 2. Pho Ha Long 6424 NW Loop 410, (210) 521-4507, phohalong.webs.com 3. Pho Cong Ly 300 W Bitters, (210) 499-5572 What makes them so special? Comment below.
Best Public Mural
1. Underneath It All Artists: David “Shek” Vega and Nik Soupé San Antonio Current building, 915 Dallas 2. Dare to Be Powerful Artists: GirlZone, Jane Madrigal, Andrea Figueroa Westfall Bridge, Westfall & Hackberry 3. The Spirit of Healing Artist: Jesse Treviño Christus Santa Rosa Children’s Hospital, 333 N Santa Rosa
Best Locally Crafted Clothing
The Richter Co. 616 Broadway, therichterco.com Not only has The Richter Co. become a source for men’s and women’s luxurious basics, tailored button-downs and trendy staff T-shirts for a host of new restaurants (see: Grayson Street Eatery, SoBro Pizza and Tuk Tuk Tap Room, just to name a few) designed and crafted right here in…
Best Dance Club
1. Brass Monkey 2702 N St. Mary’s, (210) 480-4722, facebook.com/brassmonkeytx Before the Beastie Boys made it funky circa 1987, Brass Monkey was the moniker for a cocktail named after an alleged WWII spy. About as unpretentious as a dance club can get, SA’s own translation—a hip little melting pot with a solid sound system—playfully nods…
Best Authentic Jukebox
1. Bar America 723 S Alamo, (210) 223-1285 The votes came in before the announcement that Bar America’s new owner would switch the vintage, LP-playing juke box for a streaming number, so let’s consider this a eulogy to the best juke in town. But don’t worry—Roger Miller, Patsy Cline, Ella, various Fats-es and all the…
Best Coffee
1. Local Coffee Multiple locations, localcoffeesa.com Serious about coffee, the neighborhood java brewmasters at Local treat bean roasting like an art. Self-admittedly “obsessed” with crafting the best cup of joe, baristas offer a rotating lineup of new coffee from different roasters around the country on a weekly basis. The sleek, modern space and relaxed ambience…
Best Unique Attraction
South Texas Popular Culture Center 1017 E Mulberry, (210) 792-1312, stpcc.org San Antonio is home to several eccentric museums and attractions. They’re all charming and earnest and DIY in that puro San Anto way, plus they’re marvelously affordable and accessible. While by now places like the Toilet Seat Art Museum and the Magic Lantern Castle…
Best Restaurant Service Staff
Biga on the Banks 203 S St. Mary’s, (210) 225-0722, biga.com Ask serious, local food folk which restaurants have the best overall service and these names consistently appear: Bliss, Boudro’s and Chez Vatel Bistro. Also touted, and getting the nod for sheer longevity of its core staff, is Biga on the Banks; some of the…
Best Sex Toy Shop
1. Love Shack Boutique 1580 Babcock, (210) 767-9411, theloveshackboutique.com 2. Shades of Love 300 W Bitters, Ste 150, (210) 494-3006, shadesoflove.com 3. Adam & Eve 6957 San Pedro, (210) 348-6902, adamevesanantonio.com What makes them so special? Comment below.
Best Mexican Restaurant (Fancy)
1. Paloma Blanca 5800 Broadway, Ste 300, (210) 822-6151, palomablanca.net Paloma Blanca continues to be regarded as one of the best Mexican restaurants in the city, serving distinct but familiar dishes. For proof, just check out their gluten-free and paleo menus, which manage not to feel like dietary compromises in the least. Top shelf margaritas,…
Best Sushi
1. Sushi Zushi Multiple locations, sushizushi.com With a menu so extensive, Sushi Zushi pleases just about everyone from sushi fanatics to skeptical diners who like their fish cooked. Delightful flavors are found in the LIR roll, concocted with the sweet and spicy house-made LIR sauce and the soulful katsu curry. The daily happy hour offers…
Best Spa
1. Spa Black 7272 Wurzbach Pkwy, #804, (210) 615-6625, spablack.com 2. Spa D’Sante Multiple locations, spadsante.com 3. The Spa at Folawn’s 14353 Blanco, (210) 408-0101, folawns.com
Best Antique Store
1. Charlott’s Antiques 2023 Austin Hwy, (210) 653-3672, charlottsantiqueshop.blogspot.com 2. Karolina’s Antiques 1709 Blanco, (210) 731-9787 3. Alamo Antique Mall 125 Broadway, (210) 224-4354, alamoantiquemall.com What makes them so special? Comment below.
Best Music Store (Records, CDs, Tapes)
1. Hogwild Records 1824 N Main, (210) 733-5334, facebook.com/hogwildrecords 2. CD Exchange Multiple locations, cdexchange-sa.com 3. Flip Side Record Parlor 840 SW Military, (210) 923-7811 What makes them so special? Comment below. Related Stories
Best Boutique (Fashion)
1. Dirt Cheap Distro 600 E Amber, facebook.com/dirtcheapdistro More than a decade ago, Debi Lambright graduated from selling patches at punk shows to owning Dirt Cheap Distro—a snug Southside shop catering to the alternative set. While burlesque/rockabilly/horror fans might find larger emporiums elsewhere, Lambright clearly knows her customers and keeps them coming back for specialties…
Best Art Gallery
1. Blue Star Contemporary Art Museum 116 Blue Star, (210) 227-6960, bluestarart.org Despite the “museum” moniker, San Antonio’s longest-running contemporary art space has always felt more like a big gallery. Last year, amid a swirl of leadership changes, Blue Star managed to host the gargantuan centerpiece group show for the Texas Biennial. More recently, the…
Best Childcare
1. Block and Dreeban School for Young Children Barshop Jewish Community Center of San Antonio, 1200 NW Military Hwy, (210) 302-6846, jccsanantonio.org The JCC’s daycare and pre-school covers children ages six weeks to five years old. The program is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), and Jewish culture and…
Best Bar Service
1. Big Hops Growler Station Multiple locations, bighops.com 2. The Brooklynite 516 Brooklyn, (210) 444-0707, thebrooklynitesa.com 3. Bar 1919 1420 S Alamo, Ste 001, (210) 227-1420, 1919bar.com
Best Place to Eat Late Night
Barbaro 2720 McCullough, (210) 320-2261, barbarosanantonio.com Eating late doesn’t always mean heading for the closest taco stand (we still love you, Hardbodies taco truck). Sometimes you want something more … refined. Enter Barbaro, which stays open to midnight Sunday through Thursday and until 1 a.m. on weekends. Sure, you can get an excellent pie on…
Best Place to Bargain
Mission Open Air Market 707 Moursund, (210) 923-8131, missionopenairmarket.com With tacky imports, new plastic toys and other landfill-destined unnecessaries now being the norm at most flea markets, veteran junkers are hard-pressed to find anything a flea would bother burrowing into—sad truths that make a dusty destination like Mission Open Air Market all the more appealing.…
Best Locally Crafted Accessories
Bexar Goods Co. bexargoods.com The definitive source for high quality, handcrafted leather goods made right here in Bexar County is none other than Bexar Goods Co. Established by three young men of the Rubio family, brothers Falcon and Christian and cousin Guy, Bexar Goods’ products are sold online as well as in a few stores…
Best Comedy Club
1. Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club 618 NW Loop 410, #312, (210) 541-8805, lolsanantonio.com 2. The Overtime Theater 1203 Camden, (210) 557-7562, theovertimetheater.org
Best Dessert
1. Bakery Lorraine 511 E Grayson, (210) 862-5582, bakerylorraine.com 2. Bird Bakery 5912 Broadway, (210) 804-2473, birdbakery.com 3. Cupcake Couture Multiple locations, cupcakecouturebakeries.com What makes them so special? Comment below.
Best Filmmaker
1. Bryan Ortiz facebook.com/bryanortizdirector It’s not often that a locally made film makes it to national distribution. Director Bryan Ortiz is part of the team that made this happen for the horror film Sanitarium, starring cult icon Malcolm McDowell. Previously, Ortiz received acclaim for his horror spoof Doctor S Battles the Sex Crazed Reefer Zombies:…
Best Salsa
1. Taco Taco Café 145 E Hildebrand, (210) 822-9533, tacotacosa.com 2. Rosario’s Mexican Café y Cantina Multiple locations, rosariossa.com 3. Paloma Blanca 5800 Broadway, Ste 300, (210) 822-6151, palomablanca.net What makes them so special? Comment below.
Best New Restaurant
Cured 306 Pearl Pkwy, (210) 314-3929, curedatpearl.com If the Pearl is the current culinary zenith of San Antonio, then Cured is its nucleus. What’s not to love about the stylish, modern details that honor and enhance the 109-year-old former Pearl Brewery administration building? Chef Steve McHugh, wife Sylvia and their dedicated staff, both front and…
Best Puro San Anto Festival
Tejano Conjunto Festival Rosedale Park, 340 Dartmouth, (210) 271-3151, guadalupeculturalarts.org/tejano-conjunto-festival There’s no better place on Earth to catch conjunto than San Anto, the regional mother of the genre. Among the many, many festivals held throughout San Antonio each year, nothing elicits quite the grito that the Tejano Conjunto Festival does. For the past 33 years,…
Best Small Market
Gaucho Gourmet 935 Isom, (210) 277-7930, gauchogourmet.com Don’t be confused by its warehouse digs—a stop at Gaucho means visiting the entire Ciorciari family. Brothers Juan Manuel and Luciano will walk you through the aisles of espresso coffee, authentic balsamic vinegar and wee drums of olive oil, while Luciano’s wife Sylvia rings up your basket. Try…
Pride Center SA Finds a New Home
After searching for a brick-and-mortar home since its inception in 2009, Pride Center SA has recently settled into offices in the Monte Vista neighborhood— a temporary stop in the journey to find permanent digs. Pride Center gets new digs in Monte Vista. “The goal is for it to be a permanent space until we raise…
Turntable Tuesday: Devo’s Q. Are We Not Men? A. We Are Devo!
Though we spend most of our time in the music section writing about new material, Turntable Tuesday allows us to look back, and look closely at some captivating albums in our catalog. This week’s column hones in on Devo’s fantastic 1977 debut Q. Are We Not Men A. We Are Devo!. “This is the band…
5 Ways to Get Your Drink/Grub on this Week
Venture into Market Square during Fiesta de los Reyes like these gals. (Courtesy) Wednesday, April 23: Pick up lunch or dinner at Market Square through Sunday as the city’s center celebrates Fiesta de los Reyes. The menu includes 30 booths of Mexican cuisine, Cajun shrimp, burgers, aguas frescas, funnel cakes and more. Free admission, hours…
Popovich Is NBA Coach of the Year, Humblest Man of the Year
Today, Gregg Popovich won the 2013-2014 NBA Coach of the Year award and, in turn, received the Red Auerbach Trophy again this year. Along with Don Nelson and Pat Riley, this is the third time each of them have won this award. Previous wins includes 2002-03 and 2011-12 seasons, according to a press release. During…
SoBro Pizza is Open for Business
Sobro’s now open at the Mosaic apartments. (Courtesy) I find that much like prolific Jaliscos, there’s always room for one more pizzeria. Lucky for the Lo Bro area, SoBro Pizza Co. has finally opened its doors at 1915 Broadway, #101 inside the Mosaic apartments. Owned by Mon and Gerry Shirley of Mon’s Thai and Paul…
Booze News: Austin Eastciders, Cooking Up Culture and Homebrew Happy Hour
Booze News slings up the latest gulp downs around town every Tuesday. All for the drinking. (Courtesy) Here’s the latest in summer swigs: Austin Eastciders has announced their first cider, Eastciders Original, to be sold in cans at select H-E-B stores throughout Texas beginning in late April. Gold Top cider, which has been available on…
What I Ate: A five-course meal at Gwendolyn and too many Peeps
Another busy week of eating is in the books. I somehow survived two Hot Joy visits, a five-course dinner at Gwendolyn and way too many Easter sweets. I also managed a visit to Fiesta Arts Fair at the Southwest School of Art where I found no gorditas! Blasphemy! Follow me on Instagram for food adventures:…
