San Antonio’s Alamo To Join The List Of World Class Icons
The beloved Alamo and San Antonio Missions could be the 21st century Stonehenge. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) soon will vote whether or not to recognize the San Antonio Missions as a World Heritage site. The journey to recognition has taken over 6 years. The honor represents a unique cultural heritage…
10 Things You Have To Do This Weekend
Thu 5/30 “30 Day Rx” Enigmatic, unpredictable and accomplished are but a few of the words that come to mind when considering Jesse Amado, a San Antonio artist who’s represented in collections stretching from the McNay to the Smithsonian. A former firefighter, Amado’s been known to turn everything from dangling crystals to yards of fringe…
Wanna Give Back, SA? Then Look Into The ‘Big Give’
The Big Give just got bigger. The one-day online fundraising event for local nonprofits and charitable groups is gearing up for its second annual campaign on May 5. The goal when the project launched last year was to raise was $1 million, but at the end of the day, $2.1 million was collected through more…
SA Food Pics: Taqueria Fever
This week on SA Food Pics we have mostly taquerias in the line-up because, honestly, who doesn’t love tacos? The first pick out of our list of places is a chimichurri beef tenderloin taco from Tacos and Tequila (1915 Broadway), followed by a nice hearty bowl of tortilla soup from Sazon Mexican Cafe (9822 Potranco)…
10 Free Events Happening This Week
Tuesday, April 28 Brick Wall Productions Presents Game 5 Cheer on the beloved San Antonio Spurs as they face the Los Angeles Clippers in their fifth game of the playoff season at the eclectic venue, Brick. Free, 9:30pm, Brick at Blue Star Arts Complex, 108 Blue Star, 262-8653. Wednesday, April 29 Open Poetry Night Barrio…
Veteran West Side Activist Joins Idol With Street Named After Him
As he gradually steps away from his decades-long activist leadership post in San Antonio in lieu of younger faces, including his son, Jaime P. Martinez can now say he shares yet something else with his idol, César Chávez. Martinez was front and center in the years-long push to get a street in SA named after…
Humane Society To USDA: Stop Monkey Business At Labs And Roadside Zoos
After several undercover investigations into animal research facilities, including Texas Biomedical Research Institute, and roadside zoos, the Humane Society of the United States submitted a legal petition to the U.S. Department of Agriculture calling for regulatory guidance. “The USDA has a legal responsibility to provide oversight of care of primates — 30 years ago, Congress…
There’s A Lot Of Fiesta Garbage In The San Antonio River
Talk about a trashy way to end Fiesta. The San Antonio River Authority reports that garbage from Fiesta made a mess of the river. “What happens on the streets of #Fiesta, ends up in our creeks and river. We wish everyone a Happy Fiesta, but please be considerate of the environment and keep it clean,”…
Youth Orchestra of San Antonio Announces ‘OK Computer Live’ At The Tobin Center
Hailed as a masterpiece by music publications and music lovers, Radiohead’s OK Computer is a magnum opus that transcends its ’97 release. With lyrics dealing with alienation, coping in a society obsessed with technology and consumerism in an artificial American landscape, OK Computer’s comments seem prescient 18 years later. On June 27, San Antonio musicians Nina…
Wookie Walk Moved To December, But May 4 Star Wars Celebration Still On
If you had your Greedo costume all laid out in preparation for the annual Wookie Walk on May 4, well, we have some sad news for you. This year’s annual show of Star Wars cosplay has been pushed back until December 13, 2015, otherwise known as the release date for the much anticipated Star Wars…
Where Does The San Antonio Tea Party Stand On May 9 Ballot Propositions?
Citing its core principles — personal freedom, economic freedom and a debt-free future — the San Antonio Tea Party is urging voters to reject two transformative conservation programs. The organization is against renewing the Edwards Aquifer Protection Program, which uses sales tax revenue to purchase conservation easements over the aquifer’s recharge and contributing zones, preventing…
3 Things You Have To Do This Week
Monday, April 27 Change The Vote Made up of dramatic media artists creating works that encourage awareness, compassion and a call to action, the local nonprofit Theatre for Change hosts a town hall discussion on arts as an economic engine to revitalize San Antonio. Moderated by KSAT reporter Tim Gerber, “Change the Vote” will give…
5 Shows To See This Week
Monday, April 27 Casa Loma Playboys Austin’s Casa Loma Playboys split the difference between the Western swing of Bob Wills’ Playboys and traditional big band tunes. $10, 7pm, Sam’s Burger Joint, 330 E Grayson, (210) 223-2830 Tuesday, April 28 Cornmeal Describing itself as “jamgrass,” Chicago’s Cornmeal burns through accelerated Americana on the fiddle, double-bass and…
Texas Republicans Continue Pro-Choice Attacks At Capitol This Week
Texas legislators are debating a bill today that would prevent privately-purchased insurance plans from covering abortion. That bill is proposed by Sen. Larry Taylor, R-Friendswood, who says it will protect pro-life Texans from paying for abortion in the private market place and through the Affordable Care Act. NARAL Pro-Choice Executive Director Heather Busby said politicians…
San Antonio AIDS Foundation Board Fires Executive Director
Out In SA is reporting that the San Antonio AIDS Foundation (SAAF) board has fired its executive director, David Ewell, effective April 20. SAAF Deputy Executive Director Jill Rips will take over the position in the interim. “There are many exciting opportunities for growth in the future of SAAF. In order to take full advantage…
Immigration On Stage: Play Educates Youngsters On Serious Topic
Summer’s right around the corner and if you’ve got kids or are entrusted with finding stuff for your nieces and nephews, the spot San Antonio Current readers just picked as one of the top children’s attractions in the city has got something for you. Bonus points if you were looking for them to keep up…
Donella Drive Releases New EP ‘Anomalous’ Tonight At Hi-Tones
On their second EP Anomalous, Donella Drive takes the road less traveled with pure, unbridled rock ‘n’ roll. The raw power of Ella Macias’ anything-but-dulcet vocals, backed by the Andrew Salazar’s funky bass, Aidan Escalante’s face melting guitar riffs and Colt Wrangler Lyons vein-popping drumming gives the band their signature sound: hard rock with multi-genre…
10 Things You Have to Do This Weekend
Thu 4/23 – Sun 4/26 A Night in Pinche San Antonio Do you have a love/hate relationship with all things Fiesta? Is maddening traffic and getting beer poured over your head at NIOSA not your idea of a fun night out, but Selena music, funnel cakes and drunk girls are? Local sketch comedy troupe Comedia…
PETA To Fly Over Battle Of Flowers Parade To Protest SeaWorld
If by chance you look up to the sky during the Battle of Flowers Parade tomorrow, you might see a plane carrying a massive banner that will say “Captivity: No Fiesta 4 Orcas #SeaWorldSucks.” The message will be brought to Fiesta revelers by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). “Fiesta commemorates the fight…
San Antonio May Require Pet Owners To Microchip Cats And Dogs
Next Thursday, San Antonio City Council will vote on a proposal to require owners of cats and dogs to obtain microchip implants. Right now, all pet owners need to do is obtain a metal license tag showing the animal has been vaccinated for rabies and pay a fee. The proposal deletes that language from city…
SA Activist Group Accuses Joaquin Castro Of Being A “Sell Out”
Is SA’s own Joaquin Castro a “sell out” to liberal causes? That’s at least how one leading San Anto activist is labeling the Texas congressman, whose twin brother Julián is the city’s former mayor and now serves in President Obama’s cabinet as housing secretary. The Southwest Workers Union is protesting outside of Congressman Castro’s San…
Steakhouse
1. Bohanan’s Prime Steaks and Seafood219 E. Houston St.(210) 472-2600bohanans.com Bohanan’s is located in one of the most vibrant parts of downtown San Antonio, in the East Houston Street entertainment district. The restaurant, with a chic atmosphere and old-world charm, has developed a strong following with the downtown work/live crowd, local jazz fans and people…
Burger
1. Chris Madrid’s1900 Blanco Rd.(210) 735-3552chrismadrids.com 2. Longhorn CaféMultiple locationsthelonghorncafe.com 3. Chester’s Hamburger CompanyMultiple locations
Place To People Watch
1. The San Antonio River Walkthesanantonioriverwalk.com Perhaps it’s not a coincidence that the place San Antonio Current readers voted as the Best Place to People Watch was also voted the city’s top spot to get high. Because what better way to welcome SA’s throng of tourists than to creep them out with an uncontrollable giggle…
Smoke Shop
1. Smokerz Paradize Multiple locations smokerzparadize.com 2. Your Vaping Store 8015 Bandera Rd. #101 (210) 409-9101 yourvapingstore.com 3. Supreme Smoke 5807 Babcock Rd. (210) 233-8844 instagram.com/supremesmoke
Photographer
Scott Martinmartinphoto.com Developing a recognizable aesthetic can be one of the biggest challenges for an artist, but celebrated local photographer Scott Martin has done so with flying colors. Although he also shoots people, interiors and abandoned buildings, Martin is arguably best known for his distinctive night photography. Created via high-resolution digital equipment, light painting techniques…
Meteorologist
1. Bill TaylorKENS5facebook.com/billtaylorkens5 2. Steve BrowneKSAT12facebook.com/meteorologiststevebrowne 3. Albert FloresWOAI-News4SAtwitter.com/woaiweather
Exotic Dancers (Males)
1. Hardbodies Ladies Club2726 N. St. Mary’s St.(210) 736-4865hardbodiesclub.com 2. Club Essence1010 N. Main Ave.(210) 223-5418
Place To Work
1. USAA Ranked No. 11 on Forbes’ list of “America’s Best Employers” and No. 1 among the nation’s insurers in the magazine’s March listing, USAA is clearly riding a wave of support from its employees. The company employs more than 27,000 people. Most live in the San Antonio area, serving 10.6 million military families with…
Comedy Club
1. Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club618 NW Loop 410(210) 541-8805lolsanantonio.com It should be noted that the San Antonio City Council received one vote in this category, probably from a disgruntled Uber driver, but not nearly enough to top a venue that books impressive talent throughout the year. Since January, Laugh Out Loud has seen the…
Chinese Food
1. Golden WokMultiple locationsgolden-wok.com Golden Wok is a mainstay when it comes to Asian cuisine in San Antonio. The 43-year-old restaurant is known for being the only SA eatery to offer dim sum. A koi pond welcomes patrons upon arrival at the original Golden Wok at 8822 Wurzbach Road. The interior of the original location…
Tamales
1. Tejas Tamales and Barbacoa12932 Bandera Rd.(210) 695-3501 Tamales, typically, are a treat that most San Antonians leave for the holidays. But what if you had a chance to chow down on tamales every other day? While Helotes-based Tejas specializes in making its own barbacoa, it offers tamales – daily. All tamales at Tejas are…
Bakery/Dessert
BAKERY 1. Bakery Lorraine 306 Pearl Pkwy., Suite 110 (210) 862-5582 bakerylorraine.com Even after relocating to the Pearl Complex in October, Bakery Lorraine still holds on to its title of best bakery and dessert in SA. The new location made room for buttery sandwiches, flavorful salads and more seating, but the essence of the bakery…
Video Game Shop
1. Game OverMultiple locationsgameovervideogames.com 2. Propaganda Palace2100 McCullough Ave.(210) 400-0240
Spurs Player
1. Tim Duncan Duh! Even as we enter the age of Kawhi, you’re a fool not to imagine Tim Duncan as the best Spur of all time (our apologizes to the amphetamine-eyed coyote mascot). Five rings, 15 All-Star appearances, an impossible-to-shake-demeanor, a fucking tattoo of Merlin! Yes, the wizard of Arthurian lore, Merlin! Somehow, Tim…
Community Activist
1. Patti Radlefacebook.com/patti.radle Since moving to the Alamo City from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 1965, this community organizer has made a difference that few achieve in a lifetime. After studying in Milwaukee following a stint at Our Lady of the Lake University, Patti Radle committed herself to a simplistic lifestyle and helping the poor. Radle and…
Hotel Bar
1. Ocho at Havana1015 Navarro St.(210) 222-2008havanasanantonio.com/ocho.shtml Located in what feels like a secret garden, Ocho beckons patrons to enter through a small door on the side of Hotel Havana. Vines cover the exterior building walls and the upstairs bar resembles a cozy green house, with the addition of chandeliers and cyan seating. The riverside…
Retro Jukebox
1. Bar America723 S. Alamo St.(210) 223-1285 Some things will never die, and the old jukebox at Bar America is one of them. When Brian Correa took over his uncle’s Southtown dive last year, he may have brought a new internet player with him, but that didn’t mean he gave up on the preservation of…
Hair Salon
1. Hair by Eileen10803 Nacogdoches Rd.(210) 710-4239hairbyeileen.com Hair by Eileen has been open more than two years and already owner Eileen Perez has gotten rave reviews and lots of business. How much business? According to her Facebook page, she’s booked until June. Hair by Eileen specializes in blending the art of dimensional color and artistic…
Sushi
1. Sushi ZushiMultiple locationssushizushi.com 2. Godai Sushi11203 West Ave.(210) 348-6781godaisushi.com 3. Sushihana1810 NW Military Hwy.(210) 340-7808sushihanasan.com
Food Truck
1. Singhs Vietnamese7331 W. Loop 1604facebook.com/singhsvietnamesetrailer With no shortage of food trucks parked around the city, the difficult choice of picking this year’s best led us to one that stands apart from the crowded lot. You won’t find Singhs Vietnamese at one of the city’s food truck parks or regular downtown, bar-adjacent locales. The city’s…
Sandwiches
1. The Station Café701 S. St. Mary’s St.(210) 444-2200thestationsa.com Since moving into its roomier digs in late 2011, the sandos at this King William joint have remained consistently delicious. The art-friendly space makes for a perfect lunchtime meeting spot with clients, colleagues or a quick pick-up for those busy days. Though the sandwiches range from…
Ethnic Market
1. Las Américas Latin Market6623 San Pedro Ave.(210) 340-2747www.lasamericaslatinmarket.com Sure, there’s typically a foreign goods section at your regular grocery store. And maybe you’ve even dabbled in pursuits of certain items in smaller shops, perhaps particularly when searching for something from Mexico. But what if you’re trying to expand your culinary horizon deeper into Latin…
Public Swimming Pool
1. San Pedro Springs Park1415 San Pedro Ave.(210) 207-7275sanantonio.gov/parksandrec San Pedro Springs Park is America’s second oldest public park and boasts 46 acres of family-friendly recreation area that doubles as a romantic outdoor make-out spot. Sharing the same length of a mile as San Antonio College, just north of downtown, the park offers a tennis…
Local Designer
1. Angelina Mataangelinamata.com In the kingdom of Alamo City fashion, Angelina Mata is queen. So when she unveiled her Spring/Summer 2015 collection at San Antonio’s 2014 fashion week, we bowed down to the mastery of texture, material and color represented by the enchanting garments. Known for her contemporary feminine designs and high customer satisfaction, the…
Meat-Market Bar
1. The Mix 2423 N. St. Mary’s St. (210) 735-1313 facebook.com/themix.sa 2. Tie: The Blue Box 312 Pearl Pkwy. (210) 227-2583 blueboxbar.com 2. Tie: Bottom Bracket Social Club 1603 N. Colorado St. (210) 267-9160 facebook.com/BottomBracketSocialClub
Yoga Studio
1. Southtown Yoga Loft 724 S. Alamo St., Suite 2 (210) 838-0643 southtownyogaloft.com “It’s edgy with a dash of zen!” is the welcoming statement on Southtown Yoga Loft’s website. The studio offers Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Kundalini and children’s yoga, with classes available seven days a week. The aim is to create a non-competitive atmosphere in a…
Chicken Fried Steak
1. Lulu’s Bakery and Cafe 918 N. Main Ave. (210) 224-5001 luluscafeinsa.com Lulu’s has long prided itself in offering what it calls “Texas-sized” portions of Southern-style home cooking. So who could resist Texas-sized chicken fried steak? The signature item — along with the three-pound cinnamon roll – is arguably the most popular item on Lulu’s…
Place To Indulge Veggie Cravings
1. Señor Veggie620 S. Presa St.(210) 228-0073senorveggie.us Guarded by a cartoon Aztec mural, the marigold building housing Señor Veggie hosts some of the best vegan chow in San Anto. Run by the husband and wife team of José Alfredo Cruz and Tiffany Cruz, the restaurant began in 2012 as a booth in the Quarry Farmer’s…
Raspa
1. Chamoy City LimitsVery mobile(210) 744-0000chamoycitylimits.com The competition was fierce for this one. Needless to say, San Antonio has found a way to keep cool come sweltering summer months with salty, briny, sweet and sour treats. A relative newcomer to the raspa game, Chamoy City Limits has built a loyal following using fresh syrups and…
Breakfast Tacos
1. El Milagrito521 E. Woodlawn Ave.(210) 737-8646elmilagritocafe.com Is it actually a milagrito that this tiny eatery has retained fans for the past 46 years? Not if you’ve ever tried the breakfast tacos. Readers and area eaters flock to the bright orange edifice on North St. Mary’s on weekday mornings for a solid start to the…
Music Instrument Store
1. Robot Monster Guitars517 E. Woodlawn Ave.(210) 320-1710robotmonsterguitars.com The reader’s choice of instrument store says a lot about San Antonio — this is a guitar town, through and through. And Robot Monster is just the badass guitar store to cater to its needs. With guitars literally hanging from the ceiling, Robot Monster has everything from…
Local Celebrity
1. Bam Bam HeardYou can find this four-legged celeb at Cinnabar1420 S. Alamo St., Suite 147(210) 557-6073cinnabarart.com 2. Michael Carrillo aka Mikey Vibefacebook.com/themusicofmikeyvibe 3. Rey Lopez (Rey Lopez Entertainment)facebook.com/reylopezentertainment
Cocktail Bar
1. The Brooklynite516 Brooklyn Ave.(210) 444-0707thebrooklynitesa.com The craft cocktail scene keeps growing, but The Brooklynite is still keeping patrons boozed-up and happy since its October 2012 opening. Could it be the bumpin’ Friday evenings, the music-filled Saturday nights, the tropical Tiki Tuesdays, cheap-ass Mondays or ridiculously priced happy hours? The varied food trucks parked out…
Lesbian Bar
1. Sparky’s Pub1416 N. Main Ave.(210) 320-5111sparkyspub.com With warm-colored wall-to-wall paneling, Sparky’s looks like a gay version of Cheers. (For Best Lesbian Bar, there sure is a whole lot of wood!) It has an incredible wine menu and a tapas café, two patios and three bars. A pint-sized well drink will put you back $2.25…
Playground
1. Brackenridge Park3700 N. St. Mary’s St.(210) 207-7275brackenridgepark.org Sure, there’s the Alamo and one could easily count various others, but it would be hard to dispute that Brackenridge Park doesn’t belong on the list of venerable San Antonio institutions. Well, at least, come every Easter when seemingly the park’s 343 acres are filled with families…
Ice Cream
Brindle’s Awesome Ice Creams 11255 Huebner Rd., Suite 210 (210) 641-5222 Two words: “cake batter.” No shop has come closer than Brindle’s Awesome Ice Creams to replicating that lick-the-batter-off-the-spoon experience, which is why this dessert mash-up is one of its signature ice creams. Located in The Strand Shopping Center in Huebner Oaks, Brindle’s features dozens…
Coffee Shop
1. Rosella Coffee 203 E. Jones Ave., Suite 101(210) 277-8574rosellacoffee.com While choosing the best coffee shop in San Antonio, we took into consideration all the roles a java joint should fulfill besides just a tasty caffeine jolt — a place for meetings, for music and art as well as to break up with someone. In…
Paletas
1. SA Pops3420 N. St. Mary’s St.(210) 736-2526 Nothing beats South Texas heat like a paleta. Since 2013, SA Pops has been offering Alamo City residents looking to fight those scorching temperatures the best paletas in town. With adventurous flavors like hibiscus rasberry and Mexican chocolate, SA Pops also offers staples like mango, strawberry and…
Urban Legend
1. The Ghost Tracks/p> Step aside Donkey Lady and Dancing Devil of El Camaroncito. San Antonio’s favorite urban legend is still the Ghost Tracks on the city’s South Side near Mission Espada. If you believe a train killed a school bus filled with children back in the late 1930s and now ghost kids haunt the…
Flea Market
1. TIE: Trader’s Village9333 SW Loop 410(210) 623-8383tradersvillage.com 1. TIE: Bussey’s Flea Market18738 I-35 N. (Schertz)(830) 609-0800busseysfm.com 2. Mission Open Air Market707 Moursund Blvd.(210) 923-8131missionopenairmarket.com 3. Eisenhauer Road Flea Market3903 Eisenhauer Rd(210) 653-7592
Nail Salon
1. The Vanity Room11703 Huebner Rd., Suite 202(210) 414-6985thevanityroomsa.com Thanks to Pinterest and Instagram, fingernails have become more than a space to slab a dollop of fire engine red. And in this new world where your hands are a canvas for crystals and intricate design, Priscilla Charbel is a Rembrandt. Tucked inside Salons by JC,…
Micheladas
1. The Friendly Spot943 S. Alamo St.(210) 224-2337thefriendlyspot.com Half of the equation for a good michelada involves having good Mexican beer on hand, something that The Friendly Spot has en masse at its Southtown patio. For its secret recipe, the icehouse finds that perfect spot between a too-spicy cocktail and one too closely resembling tomato…
Cocktail Program/New Bar
The Last Word 229 E. Houston St. (210) 314-1285 thelastwordsa.com Some savants have suggested that there’s something special about descending into a space: Think a hint of danger, a whiff of indiscretion, a soupçon of seduction. If this is so, The Last Word, the latest creation by the team helmed by Jeret Peña y familia,…
Patio
1. TIE: The Friendly Spot943 S. Alamo St.(210) 224-2337thefriendlyspot.com 1. TIE: Alamo Ice House802 N. Alamo St.(210) 758-5151alamoicehouse.com San Antonians love to sit outdoors. Come summertime (aka the minute Fiesta is over), we’ll don our coolest linens, seersucker and any fashion of shorts to drink a few cold ones under big pecan trees. It only…
Savage Love: Virgin Territory
I’m an American woman living abroad and have started a relationship with a wonderful man from a Middle Eastern country. We are having a great time exploring what is a foreign country for both of us. The looming issue is sex, of course. He is a moderate Muslim, but he grew up in a strict…
Place For A Date
1. Barbaro2720 McCullough Ave.(210) 320-2261barbarosanantonio.com Discerning readers should have discerning tastes in mates (or at least casual dates … let’s have some standards, people!). That’s why a date to Barbaro, where we’ve witnessed many a romantic-awkward-sexy evening, is in order. For starters, what sort of beer does your date order? Are they adventurous eaters or…
Vegetarian Restaurant
1. Green Vegetarian CuisineMultiple locationseatatgreen.com Although some may wax nostalgic for Green’s quainter days over on North Flores Street, the eatery’s expansion into an airy space at the Pearl and addition of two other locations (one at Alon Market, one in Houston) hasn’t changed the name of the game — serving up vegetarian comfort food…
Wine List
1. TIE: Copa Wine Bar19141 Stone Oak Pkwy.(210) 495-2672thecopawinebar.com 1. TIE: Bliss926 S. Presa St.(210) 225-2547foodisbliss.com Copa’s wine list is sprawling and inclusive — from sweet to bold, in the words of owners Jeff and Angie. Bliss’s is small and focused, the opposite but equally appropriate approach. Copa’s bubblies are bountiful (try the Raventos Cava),…
Liquor Store
1. Pig Liquors712 S. St. Mary’s St.(210) 226-6465pigliquors.net 2. Gabriel’sMultiple locationsgabrielsliquor.com 3. TIE: Don’s & Ben’s LiquorMultiple locationsdonsandbensliquor.com 3. TIE: Saglimbeni Fine Wines638 W. Rhapsody Dr., Suite 1(210) 349-5149jsfinewines.com
Jeweler
Lorena Angulolorenaangulo.com If you’re plugged into the local art scene or pay close attention to the San Antonio Current, the name Lorena Angulo won’t be unfamiliar. Born in Ciudad Victoria, Tamaulipas, Mexico and based in San Antonio since 2003, Angulo nods to Mexican culture and folk art via wearable works she crafts from sterling silver,…
Music Venue
1. Sam’s Burger Joint330 E. Grayson St.(210) 223-2830samsburgerjoint.com It’s amazing what clean bathrooms will do for a music venue. Among all the new spots in San Antonio music, the stalwart Sam’s Burger Joint cleaned up as the best venue around. Serving blues, rock ‘n’ roll, Americana and an old-fashioned burger, Sam’s is a welcome outpost…
Country Bar
1. Wild West San Antonio21025 Encino Commons Blvd., Suite 111(210) 496-9453wildwestsanantonio.com 2. Cowboys Dancehall3030 NE Loop 410(210) 646-9378cowboysdancehall.com 3. Thirsty Horse Saloon2335 NW Military Hwy.(210) 348-1513thirstyhorse.net
Public Place To Get High
1. San Antonio River Walk<brthesanantonioriverwalk.com We imagine the River Walk took the THC honor for its reaches into the South Side and around the Pearl. North of the city, try burning one in that fake-looking cave, or geeking out at Donald Lipski’s school of fish art installation hanging from the overpass. And, if the munchies…
Free Will Astrology, Week of April 20
ARIES (March 21-April 19): If you’re stumped about what present to give someone for a special occasion, you might buy him or her a gift card. It’s a piece of plastic that can be used as cash to buy stuff at a store. The problem is, a lot of people neglect to redeem their gift…
Seafood
1. Silo Terrace Oyster Bar22211 I-10 W.(210) 698-2002siloelevatedcuisine.com Silo’s upstairs-downstairs shtick survives at the latest outpost, Silo Terrace on I-10. There’s no bar downstairs (it occupies the actual outdoor terrace), but before ascending in another copper-clad elevator, you can peruse wines while snagging a sample from a techy dispenser. Think crisp Loire Valley whites —…
French Fries
1. The Luxury103 E. Jones Ave.(210) 354-2274 For fans of quantity and quality, you can’t mess with The Luxury’s massive bins of French fries. The outdoor eatery loads up their crispy eats with sea salt, garlic aioli and fresh-cut white onions, with ketchup and sriracha available on the side. This year’s win proves that you…
Barbacoa
1. Tejas Tamales and Barbacoa 12932 Bandera Rd. (210) 695-3501 tejasbarbacoa.com On Sunday mornings, many San Antonians cannot resist the powerful allure of barbacoa. It’s a local staple, especially paired with Big Red. Randy Garibay even wrote a song about it. Tejas Tamales and Barbacoa has been operating in Helotes for 14 years but it…
Place To Get A Piñata
1. Alamo Fiesta On Main2025 N. Main Ave.(210) 591-8144alamofiesta.com Welcome to a land where Frida is queen and the party lasts year-round. Fiesta on Main is crammed wall-to-wall, room-to-room with everything flamboyant and ornamental. It consists of numerous indoor and outdoor sections, including an all-white room where you can find wedding dresses and paper flower…
Local Author
1. Nan Cubanancuba.com San Anto resident Nan Cuba wins the top prize not just for her lucid writing, but for her work with Gemini Ink, encouraging authors to pick up the pen and hone their talents into a storytelling force. As executive director of the nonprofit, Cuba is responsible for the program’s community writing classes,…
Puro Ice House
1. Alamo Ice House802 N. Alamo St.(210) 758-5151alamoicehouse.com 2. The Friendly Spot943 S. Alamo St.(210) 224-2337thefriendlyspot.com 3. Sanchez Ice House819 San Saba St.(210) 223-0588facebook.com/sanchezicehouse
Craft Beer Selection
1. TIE: The Cove606 W. Cypress St.(210) 227-2683thecove.us 1. TIE: Big HopsMultiple locations HONORABLE MENTIONS: The Friendly Spot 943 South Alamo St. (210) 224-2337 thefriendlyspot.com
Gym/Crossfit
1. Mission CrossFit San AntonioMultiple locationmissioncrossfitsa.com Some may still think that the CrossFit craze is a passing fad, but that seems hard to believe with the unbelievable growth of gyms and outlets opening their doors. It almost looks as if a new one opens every day. Mission CrossFit is no exception — in fact, it’s…
Indian
1. India Palace8474 Fredericksburg Rd.(210) 692-5262indiapalacesa.com With a lunchtime buffet perfect for subcontinent stoners and a long menu for more discerning audiences, India Palace is a Medical Center delight. The strip mall spot has a wide array of spices as well to sati too, holding the hands of newcomers or providing veterans with heavy bhut…
Pet Boarding
1. Lucy’s Doggy Daycare and SpaMultiple locationslucysdoggydaycare.com The people have spoken again in favor of the reigning doggie day care champ, Lucy’s. Whether you’re just going to work or planning a two-week vacation, leaving anxious four-legged Fluffy in trusted hands is essential to combat anxiety for both parent and animal. The staff at Lucy’s is…
Florist
Statue of Design4347 McCullough Ave.(210) 829-0636statueofdesign.com Composed of Laredo native David Garcia and a small team of freelancers versed in everything from photography to event planning, Statue of Design champions a modern aesthetic that’s miles away from traditional Texas. Accentuated by textural juxtapositions and untraditional elements (think succulents, feathers and fruit), Statue of Design’s custom…
Sex Toy Shop
1. Love Shack Boutique1580 Babcock Rd.(210) 767-9411theloveshackboutique.com Empowerment is the magic word at Love Shack Boutique. Owned and locally operated by Amy Gonzalez and her squad of knowledgeable ladies, the classy, non-intimidating shop is anything but your typical adult novelty store. With toy testers on display, lingerie (from small to 4x plus-size) and classes taught…
Local Poet
1. Naomi Nyebarclayagency.com/nye.html Naomi Shihab Nye — much renowned, awarded and revered for her novels, short stories and (especially) poetry — may have been born in St. Louis and raised as a citizen of the world, but, as a Trinity grad and longtime Saytown resident, she belongs to us. This is where she works, and…
Bartender
Elisabeth ForsytheBarbaro2720 McCullough Ave.(210) 320-2261barbarosanantonio.com Labeling Forsythe a pro is a bit of an understatement. The 14-year service industry veteran took the reins of the Barbaro cocktail program a year ago and thoroughly made it her own. There’s something for all levels of cocktail lovers on her menu – The Good made up of lighter…
Karaoke Bar
1. Dad’s Sing Along Club2615 Mossrock(210) 267-5813 A few words of advice for braving the stage at Dad’s karaoke bar, or for performing karaoke in general: Sing with gusto into the mic, but don’t slobber all over it (think of how many drunk, winter cold-carriers have busted out “Dreaming of You” over the past few…
Bowling Alley
1. University Bowl12332 I-10 W.(210) 699-6235ubbowl.com There wasn’t a 7-10 split in this category. We’d like to think The Dude would find himself at home at this year’s Best Bowling Alley winner. Locally-owned University Bowl, which also took the top spot in this category last year, offers the classic 10-frame experience with 32 lanes of…
Barbecue
1. Rudy’s “Country Store” And Bar-B-Q Multiple locations rudysbbq.com 2. The Big Bib BBQ 104 Lanark Dr. (210) 654-8400 thebigbib.com 3. Smoke Shack Restaurant 3714 Broadway St. (210) 957-1430 smokeshacksa.com
Pizza
1. Dough Pizzeria Napoletana6989 Blanco Rd.(210) 979-6565doughpizzeria.com It’s been seven years since Doug and Lori Horn opened Dough inside a small strip center off Blanco Road. A visit from Guy Fieri and a few expansions later, the Neapolitan-style restaurant has reached institution status with San Anto diners and it’s easy to see why. Chef Horn,…
Tattoo Shop
1. Element Tattoo Studio4741 Fredericksburg Rd.(210) 979-9877elementtattoo.com Element Tattoo Studio owner Jedidiah Reid prides himself in his shop’s well-balanced combination of old-school and new-school tattoo philosophies. With a roster full of talented artists and a space so clean you’d think they were delivering babies there, the studio has a strong following from customers looking for…
Music Store
1. Hogwild Records1824 N. Main Ave.(210) 733-5354facebook.com/hogwildrecords 2. Propaganda Palace2100 McCullough Ave.(210) 400-0240 3. TIE: Robot Monster Guitars517 E. Woodlawn Ave.(210) 320-1710robotmonsterguitars.com 3. TIE: CD ExchangeMultiple locationscdexchange-sa.com
Social Media Personality
1. Puro Pinchepuropinche.com 2. Tori Johnsonthestoribook.com 3. Christina Cokercokerschampagnetaste.com
Gay Bar
1. Heat Nightclub1500 N. Main Ave.(210) 227-2600heatsa.com Whether you want to dance, watch a drag show, tip a male dancer or just toss a few back with your friends, Heat Nightclub has you covered. The club is open Wednesdays through Sundays at 9 p.m. It’s 18+ and the DJs spin until at least 3 a.m.…
Dive Bar
1. Oak Hills Tavern7920 Fredericksburg Rd.(210) 614-8855 Ah, the dive bar. It’s a term that now gets bandied about to describe just about any place that lacks decorative taste and ambition, or isn’t scene enough, or doesn’t offer absurdly overpriced cocktails to upscale pretenders who can’t even smell the liquor over their own bullshit. But…
Spa
1. DASA SpaHyatt Regency San Antonio River Walk123 Losoya St., Suite 18210) 224-4340dasaspa.com
Drag Queen
1. Tencha La Jefafacebook.com/tencha.lajefa There’s no preparing for the spectacle that is Tencha la Jefa. Your eyes try simultaneously to take in the hair curlers, blacked out teeth and body-ody-ody. She’s one of the area’s most popular camp queens, and her comedic style of drag is one of a kind. What started out as a…
Family-Friendly Restaurant
1. Big’z Burger JointMultiple locationsbigz-burgerjoint.com When we say “family-friendly restaurant” we mean a place where mommy and daddy can get a little buzz on while the kids can be safely let loose to wreak havoc in a designated play area. Big’z Burger Joint’s West Side location off 151 and North Side location off Loop 1604…
Puffy Tacos
1. Henry’s Puffy TacoMultiple locationshenryspuffytacos.com This puro San Anto institution shows no sign of being dethroned. Opened in 1978, Henry’s Puffy Tacos has two locations to serve up signature puffies delicately topped with various fillings — including shredded chicken, carne guisada, spicy beef fajita, chicken fajita and guac. And while there’s no denying the puffy…
Non-Fiesta Festival
1. Maverick Music Festival maverickmusicfestival.com San Antonio just wants to rock, if this reader’s choice is any indication. The Maverick Music Festival — the only music festival of its kind in the city — took over La Villita for its third year earlier this month with Cake, Cypress Hill, Toadies and Portugal. The Man as…
Boutique
1. Camilla Crown427 N. Loop 1604 W., Suite 105(210) 497-5406camilla-crown.shoptiques.com Teresa Carmona’s new trendy, intimate oasis of feminine styles and sweet customer service brings Stone Oak a little piece of Rodeo Drive without the snooty shop girl vibe. The racks at Camilla Crown are a wonderfully whimsical yet surprisingly affordable assortment of celeb-worthy rompers ($52-$79),…
Visual Artist
1. Catherine Leecatherinelee.net There’s no such thing as a quick read of Catherine Lee’s résumé. Aside from ringing in at a jaw-dropping 2,467 words, it highlights a professional art career that’s so far encompassed everything from early group shows in New York City (circa 1979) to a solo exhibition at the Irish Museum of Modern…
Local Brewery
1. Freetail Brewing CompanyMultiple locationsfreetailbrewing.com Like a bat out of hell, the beers this brewing company puts out fuel many good nights for nocturnal folks in San Antonio. With 16 beers on tap, including the tasty Bat Outta Helles, local craft brew enthusiasts can now find Freetail Brewing Company’s products throughout our area. This puro…
Bar Food
1. The Esquire Tavern115 E. Commerce St.(210) 222-2521esquiretavern-sa.com It’s not always easy to stand behind what our readers collectively elect in our Best of San Antonio poll, but top-notch bar food at the oldest watering hole on the River Walk is something we can agree on. Short of a five-year hiatus, The Esquire has been…
Art Gallery
1. Cinnabar1420 S. Alamo St., Suite 147(210) 557-6073cinnabarart.com Based on the fairly freakish number of votes that poured in for Cinnabar, it’s safe to say the gallery either has a small army of supporters or a network of dedicated fans. Whatever the case, the win doesn’t come as much of a surprise. Founded by jeweler/curator…
Psychic
1. They already know they won
Brunch
1. Feast1024 S. Alamo St.(210) 354-1024feastsa.com During SA’s all-too-brief spring, brunch outdoors at Feast is where you want to be — with all the other beautiful people. Throw on a little bling. And order from chef Stefan Bowers’ eclectic menu of dishes such as handkerchief crepes with raspberries, cocoa-dusted eggs with spicy tomato sauce, a…
Thai
1. Thai Topaz Multiple locations thaitopaz-sat.com We don’t know if TT’s Medical Center location inspired the menu of seemingly salubrious teas, but who’s complaining? If lemongrass doesn’t really detox, butterfly pea fails to enhance memory or hibiscus strikes out in controlling cholesterol, any and all would be a better companion to Spicy Crazy Noodles than…
Thrift Store
1. Second Looks1804 Nacogdoches Rd.(210) 826-6121secondlooksformen.com With its neat, well-organized racks and designer suiting displays, it’s easy to forget you’re thrifting when you step inside Second Looks. Boasting a carefully cultivated collection from “the closets of Texas’ best-dressed men,” the shop has suited the gentlemen of San Antonio in top designer labels since 1981. Renowned…
Book Store (New)
1. The Twig Book Shop306 Pearl Pkwy., Suite 106(210) 826-6411thetwig.com At first, it may be hard to make the direct connection between 18th-century British poet Alexander Pope and San Antonio literary circles. Enter the Twig Book Shop. One of the best-known names among local bookstores for decades, apparently it was one of Pope’s poems that…
Radio Talk-Show Host
1. Tony Cortezktfm.com/tony-cortez The on-air afternoon host and assistant program director at 94.1 KTFM celebrates his quinceñera this year as a San Antonian after moving from Austin to the Alamo City in 2000. He’s been in the radio industry since 1996 and at KTFM since 2011. Listen to Cortez from 3-7 p.m. Monday through Thursday…
Margaritas
1. El Mirador722 S. St. Mary’s St.210) 225-9444elmiradorrestaurant.com Local entrepreneur Chris Hill’s purchase of El Mirador has meant change for the venerable spot — glacially, but, we hope, surely. Esquire Bar’s manager Houston Eaves, slated to revamp the booze program at El M, took a temporary job with a mezcal producer in Oaxaca, suggesting agave…
Wine Bar
1. Copa Wine Bar19141 Stone Oak Pkwy., Suite 704(210) 495-2672thecopawinebar.com 2. Zinc Bistro & Bar207 N. Presa St.(210) 224-2900
Community Theater
1. The Overtime Theater1203 Camden St.(210) 557-7562theovertimetheater.org In business since 2007, the Overtime Theater is no stranger to the Best of San Antonio title for its original works and unconventional adaptations. Conveniently located near the Pearl and just a stone’s throw from the River Walk, the two-stage theater provides entertainment that is accessible, affordable and…
Massage Therapist
1. Jeni SpringHeeling Sole Barefoot Massage1864 Nacogdoches Rd.(210) 560-1992heelingsole.com 2. Robert BaldwinMission CrossFit SA8842 Broadway St.(210) 865-9348missioncrossfitsa.com 3. Jeanelle StinesElite CrossFit(480) 276-0195elite-crossfit.com
Restaurant To Take Tourists
1. Mi Tierra Restaurant & Bakery 218 Produce Row (210) 225-1262 mitierracafe.com 2. Rosario’s Mexican Café y Cantina Multiple locations rosariossa.com 3. Halcyon 1414 S. Alamo St. (210) 277-7045 halcyonsouthtown.com
Vietnamese
1. Pho Cong Ly300 W. Bitters Rd.(210) 499-5572 Pho Cong Ly is so pho king good, y’all. Fans of this Vietnamese joint located in North Central San Antonio at the corner of West Avenue and Bitters, praise their lettuce-wrapped fried spring rolls, a crispy appetizer that disappoints at other places more often than not. Others…
Comic Book Shop
1. Bazinga Comics2941 Thousand Oaks Dr., Suite 101(210) 404-9174bazingacomics.com Gone are the days when comic-book nerds were labeled as the dateless geeks holed up in their parents’ basement, sewing up their own superhero costumes and fantasizing about Vampirella. OK, so maybe a few of them are still dateless geeks, but now they’re business owners, too!…
Children’s Store
1. Crib & Kids1309 N. Loop 1604 W., Suite 106(210) 764-2742cribandkids.com Courtney Santillano says she’s usually not prone to take risks. Yet she knows that’s precisely what she was doing when she opened Cribs & Kids on the far North Side of town two years ago. She credits it all on her daughter. She was…
News Anchor
1. Randy Beamernews4sanantonio.com Although his serious newsman persona always comes across as extremely professional and is well-respected in the anchor’s chair at News 4 San Antonio, it’s his whip-smart humor and playfulness (not to mention how identifiable he is as a journalist to the San Antonio community) that makes Randy Beamer one of the media’s…
Place To Nurse A Hangover
Liberty Bar1111 S. Alamo St.(210) 227-1187liberty-bar.com Even if the breakfast options can’t do much to exorcise your hangover, you’ve still got God on your side at the Liberty Bar, located in the bright pink former convent on South Alamo. The 9 a.m.–2 p.m. weekend brunch is a spectacular spot to post up, tap into an…
Barber Shop
1. All American Barbershop421 Howard St.(682) 224-9969facebook.com/allamericanbarbershopjoseluis 2. Diesel BarbershopMultiple locationsdieselbarbershop.com 3. Clippers Barber ShopMultiple locationsclippersbarbershop-tx.com
Public Mural
“VORTEX”Nolan Street (I-37 underpass)sananto.org It’s actually along a highway underpass, but all the talk has been about how it has served as a bridge. Culturally bridging San Antonio communities, that is.But how did a public mural with the rather eccentric name of “Vortex” accomplish such a feat? “It was all about bringing the East Side…
Chef
Pieter SypesteynThe Cookhouse720 E. Mistletoe Ave.(210) 320-8211cookhouserestaurant.com Though it may seem logical for Best Chef to mirror the Best New Restaurant category, San Anto’s culinary boom makes it hard to choose just one best of anything. Yet, the case for Sypesteyn is simple. He and partner-in-crime Susan Sypesteyn are restaurant owners beloved by eaters and…
Pan Dulce
1. La Panaderia8305 Broadway(210) 375-6746lapanaderia.com Hailing all the way from Mexico City, the Cáceres brothers opened this gem only about a year ago following a well-received six-month courting period at the now-defunct Quarry Farmers & Ranchers Market. The bakery and café seeks to reclaim the cultura of fresh bread with a commitment to only natural…
Movie Theater
1. Alamo Drafthouse Park North 618 NW Loop 410 (210) 677-8500 drafthouse.com 2. Santikos Palladium 17703 I-10 W. (210) 496-2221 santikos.com 3. Santikos Bijou 4522 Fredericksburg Rd. (210) 734-4552 santikos.com Related Stories
Adopt A Pet
1. San Antonio Pets Alive!Multiple locations (210) 370-7612 sanantoniopetsalive.org Working to make San Antonio a no-kill city, San Antonio Pets Alive! has saved the lives of more than 20,000 pets since January 2012, making it an Alamo City favorite. The organization works to mitigate issues leading to euthanasia at the city shelter and also offers…
Running Store
1. Soler’s Sports Multiple locations rogersoler.com The running boom is well underway in San Antonio, as the city seems to be quite literally dashing from its seemingly perennial moniker as one of the country’s fattest cities. Consequently, the volume of running shops around town has also grown tremendously. It’s certainly a stark contrast to when…
Politician
1. Leticia Van de Putteleticiaformayor.com Former state senator Leticia Van de Putte has been a staple of Texas politics for 25 years. After a rough loss against Dan Patrick in the race for Texas lieutenant governor, Van de Putte — not to the surprise of Alamo City political junkies — announced she was running for…
Sunday Funday/Arcade Bar/Best-Looking Bar Staff/Happy Hour/Sports Bar
1. Slackers Arcade & Sports Bar 126 W. Rector St., Suite 136 (210) 233-6263 slackerssa.com Slackers they may be, the staff at this two-year-old arcade bar has established a fierce and loyal following of fellow layabouts who are into whiling away here after work. Happy hour (2 to 9 p.m. daily) is perfect for falling…
Farmers Market
1. Pearl Farmers Market 312 Pearl Pkwy. (210) 212-7260 pearlfarmersmarket.com The city’s culinary mecca backs up its foodie paradise claim with a serious farmers market that curates more than 30 vendors with local produce, artisan goods and ready-to-eat foods on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. In March, the market announced the addition of…
Museum
1. Witte Museum3801 Broadway St.(210) 357-1900wittemuseum.org 2. Blue Star Contemporary Art Museum116 Blue Star(210) 227-6960bluestarart.org 3. McNay Art Museum6000 N. New Braunfels Ave.(210) 824-5368mcnayart.org
Burlesque Troupe
1. Stars and Garters Burlesquestarsandgartersburlesque.com Despite the bittersweet departure of longtime troupe member/fire-eating gender bender Foxxy Blue Orchid (aka Dino Foxx), the show must go on for Stars and Garters Burlesque. A perennial Best of San Antonio favorite, Stars and Garters recently inaugurated its 2015 season by shaking things up (and off) with 17.5 Sexy…
Italian Food
1. Little Italy824 Afterglow St.(210) 349-2060 2. Il Sogno Osteria200 E. Grayson St.(210) 223-3900atpearl.com 3. PaesanosMultiple locationspaesanositalianrestaurant.com
Juice Shop
1. Urth Juice Bar5317 McCullough Ave.(210) 272-0467urthjuicebar.com Whether you’re serious about your cleanses or just need to load up on veggies with a smoothie or juice, our readers voted for their favorite spot to fuel up. Going on its third year, Urth Juice Bar is hoping to replicate the magic of its juices with two…
Plant Nursery
1. Rainbow Gardens Multiple locations rainbowgardens.biz 2. Shades of Green 334 W. Sunset Rd. (210) 824-3772 shadesofgreensa.com 3. Milberger’s Landscaping & Nursery3920 N. Loop 1604 E.(210) 497-3760milbergernursery.com
Antique Store/Discount Store
1. Karolina’s Antiques 1709 Blanco Rd. (210) 731-9787 Located in very close proximity to a few other discount/antique/thrift stores in the Beacon Hill neighborhood, Karolina’s Antiques manages to stand out like a bright beacon (pun intended) of nostalgic and strange goodness. Looking for an old-school NIOSA poster signed by the artist? Or a vintage Remington…
Sports Personality
1. Sean Elliotnba.com/spurs Sometimes, when you’re reveling in the Spurs’ nonchalant dominance, you just want a voice on TV to stand with you in salute of the beautiful game. Sean Elliot, Spurs’ legacy from 1989-2001 (playing all but one of his seasons with the Silver and Black), is never afraid to be that voice. I…
Dance Club
1. Bonham Exchange411 Bonham(210) 271-3811facebook.com/bonhamexchange 2. The Brass Monkey2702 N. St. Mary’s St.(210) 480-4722twitter.com/brassmonkeytx 3. Heat1500 N. Main Ave.(210) 227-2600heatsa.com
City Park/Dog Park
1. Phil Hardberger Park13203 Blanco Rd. & 8400 NW Military Hwy.(210) 207-3284philhardbergerpark.org One of the Alamo City’s biggest and newest parks, Phil Hardberger Park — named after the former mayor who fought to get it off the ground — gets the double distinction of being voted Best City Park and Best Dog Park (again). And…
Public Place To Have Sex/Bathroom to Sneak into During Fiesta
1. Sexology Institute & Boutique 727 S. Alamo St. (210) 487-0371 sexologyinstitute.com Just so we’re clear: You know you can’t actually have sex at Sexology Institute & Boutique, right? Sure, the recently opened, adults-only Southtown shop offers an array of products and workshops to help reenergize your lovemaking, but you can’t put on Genuwine’s “Pony”…
Welcome To Best Of San Antonio 2015
I was dutifully warned. Then I was reminded again. And as if to make sure the third time was the charm, yes, you guessed it, they told me to get ready, lest dare I say later I had no idea what was coming my way. No, not talking about the apocalypse. Merely the task of…
New Restaurant
1. The Cookhouse702 E. Mistletoe Ave.(210) 320-8211cookhouserestaurant.com Though some may miss the allure of fresh sangria at the old Carmens De La Calle location, it’s hard to argue with The Cookhouse’s appeal. As a lunch time joint, the eatery is often filled to the brim with eaters in the mood for comforting Creole and Cajun…
Fiesta Event
1. A Night in Old San Antonio (N.I.O.S.A)niosa.org Did any of the other events really stand a chance? As the big daddy event of Fiesta, the San Antonio Conservation Society’s N.I.O.S.A. delivers with four nights of festival frivolity. Each year, more than 80,000 revelers squeeze into La Villita, casting aside caution and calorie concerns to…
Bike Shop
1. Bike WorldMultiple locationsbikeworld.com It was the news that shocked the world. Well, OK, just the biking world. Let’s say at least the Texas cycling scene, which is still saying something. Talking about when San Antonio launched its now well-known B-Cycle program in 2011. It was a first for Texas — and surprising to many…
Local Filmmaker
Sam Lermamix-minus-media.com Self-taught filmmaker and educator Sam Lerma has proven himself a capable director and screenwriter over the past six years, but it’s his most recent short film, Squeezebox, that debuted at the 37th Annual CineFestival in February, which confirms his originality, imagination and artistic sensibility. “I believe a good storyteller can entertain their audience…
Athlete (Non-Spurs)
1. Drew BignallMission CrossFit SA 2. Becky HammonSpurs assistant coach and former Silver Star point guard 3. Andrea DukeOiselle elite runner
Hookah Bar
1. The Raven Hookah Lounge1255 SW Loop 410, Suite 133(210) 673-3650ravenhookah.com 2. Naara Café and Hookah9329 Wurzbach Rd.(210) 558-9800naaracafe.com 3. Shisha Cafe5500 Babcock Rd., Suite 101(210) 694-4800shishacafesa.com
Nonprofit Organization
1. Artist Foundation Of San Antonio(210) 262-8653artistfound.org This year, Current readers chose to single out the Artist Foundation of San Antonio from among the dozens of organizations that make up the city’s vibrant and robust nonprofit community. Founded by Bettie Ward and Patricia Pratchett, the foundation sets itself apart from SA’s rich tradition of arts…
View In The City
1. Tower of the Americas739 E. César Chávez Blvd.(210) 223-3101toweroftheamericas.com The Tower of the Americas, designed by San Antonio architect O’Neil Ford and built for the 1968 World’s Fair, has long been a favorite local spot for panoramic, bird’s-eye city gazing. And, over the years, its charm hasn’t waned a bit. Sure, being the tallest…
Mexican/Salsa
1. Rosario’s Mexican Café y CantinaMultiple locationsrosariossa.com From its outpost in Southtown, Rosario’s made San Antonio safe for serious salsa — the kind that comes complete with charred bits of tomato and chile, the kind that lasts all the way through a bountiful bowl of fresh chips, the kind that can outshout even Rosario’s famously…
Late Night Place To Eat
1. Crossroads Kitchen517 E. Woodlawn Ave.(210) 257-0628facebook.com/crossroadkitchen Do street-style tacos and giant nachos still have a stronghold in San Antonio’s late night cuisine? Yes. We can’t deny that. But inroads are being made to satiate past-midnight cravings. The aroma of fried chicken has been wafting out of the small window inside Faust Tavern for the…
Menudo
1. Los Roberto’s Taco ShopMultiple locationslosrobertostacoshop.com At the original Los Roberto’s Taco Shop, the salsas were the initial hook — along with the excessive burritos stuffed with chile relleno (yes, really) and the tacos de tripa con guac. But menudo? From a place with a California bent? Not so much. Yet here it is on…
Book Store (Used)
1. Nine Lives 4907 NW Loop 410, Suite 102 (210) 647-5656 ninelivesbooks.com Tucked inside an unassuming plaza off Loop 410 lies enough used literature to last several lifetimes, though from the outside you’d never know it. Step inside Nine Lives Books, and you enter a beacon of enlightenment, complete with a life-size Yoda acting as…
Bed & Breakfast
1. Eva’s Escape at GardeniaInn307 Beauregard St.(210) 223-5875evasescape.com Just steps away from Southtown favorites like Mad Hatters Tea House, Tito’s Mexican Restaurant and The Friendly Spot, this five-room bed and breakfast in the King William Historic District features rooms with flowery names like Lily, Blue Bonnet, Desert Rose, Lavender and Magnolia. Surrounded in a peaceful…
Realtor
1. Danny CharbelKeller Williams10999 I-10 W., Suite 175(210) 887-7080dannycharbel.com 2. Tiffany StevensTStevens Real Estate/Phyllis Browning Company14855 Blanco Rd., Suite 403(210) 364-6862tstevensrealestate.com 3. Connie P. RaubInvestment Realty Company16350 Blanco Rd., Suite 114(210) 314-7838investmentrealty.com
Exotic Dancers (Females)
1. The Palace2482 NE Loop 410(210) 599-6011thepalacemensclubsa.com 2. Sugar’s2731 NW Loop 410(210) 340-1289sugarsperfect.com/ssa 3. XTC Cabaret2023 Sable Lane(210) 822-3104xtcsanantonio.com
Children’s Attraction
1. San Antonio Children’s Museum/DoSeum(Opens June 6)2800 Broadway St.(210) 212-4453thedoseum.org Though it’ll soon change, the location of San Antonio Children’s Museum seemed for years to be both a boon and a curse for the venerable kid-gathering spot. In a way, it seemed ideally located just a couple of blocks from the Alamo — great in…
New Business
1. Brick at Blue Star108 Blue Star(210) 262-8653brickatbluestar.com Taking over the space formally occupied by the Sterling Houston Theater at Jump-Start, Brick at Blue Star has quickly become the go-to Southtown event venue/gallery space for the city’s creative class since opening its doors in 2014. By transforming the dark theater space into a bright, open…
