Don’t Miss a Moment.

Join 30,000 locals who stay current on San Antonio news, culture, and events. Get our free newsletters in your inbox three times a week.

Don’t Miss a Moment.

Join 30,000 locals who stay current on San Antonio news, culture, and events. Get our free newsletters in your inbox three times a week.

The Alamo City’s food scene changed a lot this year. Though there were some closings, 2018 marked a year of a lot of new restaurants, bars, coffee shops and even some breweries. By no means is this a definitive list, but here’s a look at new players on SA’s food and drink scene.

The Jerk Shack 117 Matyear St, (210) 776-7780, facebook.com/thejerkshacksatx Billed as “San Antonio’s first artisan Caribbean restaurant,” The Jerk Shack is a quaint and polished open-air restaurant similar to Dignowity Meats. The menu will feature meats by the pound, starters, Chef’s Specials, and sides. Chicken and pork by the pound will range between $7 and $13; starters will run $3 to $8; entrees, like the jerk tacos, jerk shrimp and grits with maque choux, jerk wings and mac, steamed fish, braised oxtails and curry goat will range from $8 to $23. Photo by Jessica Elizarraras Credit: Jessica Elizarraras

Chi Chi Birds Hot Chicken Pop-up around SA, facebook.com/chichibirds In the craze of Nashville hot chicken, Chi Chi Birds has been popping up around town and serving some sinfully delicious chicken. Whether you love it nice and spicy or not, this chicken hits the spot. Photo via Instagram / chichibirdshotchicken Credit: Instagram / chichibirdshotchicken

Churroholic 4138 S New Braunfels Ave #103, (210) 817-6206, churroholic.com The California-based franchise landed in SA in August, prompting long lines from day one. A look at the menu and you’ll understand why. Located on the city’s Southeast side, you’ll be able to enjoy decked out churros with glazes, as an ice cream sandwich, offered a la mode, and more. Check it soon if you haven’t already. Photo by Jessica Elizarraras Credit: Jess Elizarraras

The Lonesome Rose Honky Tonk & Backyard 2114 N St Mary’s St, (210) 455-0233, thelonesomerose.com Housed inside the former Phantom Room (RIP), Lonesome Rose brought honky tonk to the St. Mary’s Strip with its November opening. Photo via Instagram / mustanglarry

Maverick Texas Brasserie 710 S St Mary’s St, (210) 973-6050, mavericktexas.com Maverick Texas Brasserie, helmed by the folks who brought you Acenar, Biga on the Banks, along with chef Chris Carlson and sommelier Joshua Thomas, opened in early February. The massive restaurant is impeccably designed and already has a winning brunch. Photo via Instagram / joshthomaswine

Barbell Sweets 12682 FM 1560, Helotes, (210) 843-9926, barbellsweets.com Those with fitness goals and a sweet tooth can take comfort in knowing Barbell Sweets opened this September. Offering macro-friendly sweets, these snacks are high in protein, low in carbohydrates and rich in healthy fats. Photo via Facebook / BarbellSweets Credit: Facebook/BarbellSweets

Con/Safos 607 Hemisfair Boulevard, (210) 514-5006, consafos-sa.com Con/Safos officially opened its doors along at Yanaguana Garden and a Neo-Chicano menu of pan dulce burgers, wheacharrones and great beer on tap. Photo by Jessica Elizarraras Credit: Jessica Elizarraras

Playland 400 E Houston St, (210) 908-9362, playlandsa.com Chef Stefan Bowers and restaurateur Andrew Goodman teamed up for a brand-new pizza joint, which opened in August. At this Playland, you’ll find adult food in a cool place. Photo via Instagram / playlandpizza

The Juice Experiment 3438 N St Mary’s St, facebook.com The Art of Donut owners decided to go healthy for their side-venture, located right next to the St. Mary’s Street shop. If you feel guilty about devouring the decadent donuts, stop by The Juice Experiment and choose from slew of salads, juices and smoothies. We promise they’re just as tasty. Photo via Instagram / safood.e

Pluckers 14881 I-35, Selma, (210) 655-9464, pluckers.com The wait was finally over for many anxious San Antonians when Pluckers opened in July. Though all the way out in Selma, the Alamo City can enjoy freshly-made wings and Holy Macaroni without driving all the way up to San Marcos or Austin. Photo by Melissa Skorpil Credit: Photo by Melissa Skorpil

Still Golden Social House 1900 Broadway St, (210) 616-2212, stillgoldensa.com Still Golden Social House, the successor to Stay Golden Social House, opened this March at the corner of Grayson and Broadway. The sprawling patio is already a crowd favorite. Photo by Jessica Elizarraras Credit: Jess Elizarraras

Alamo BBQ Co. 511 E. Grayson, (210) 994-8099, facebook.com The Bin is gone and in its place? More Texan barbecue from chef Jason Dady and co. Two Bros. BBQ without making the drive? We’re into it. Photo via Instagram / alamobbqcompany

Kimura at Freight Gallery 1913 S Flores St, (210) 332-5005, facebook.com/kimurasoflo Brought to you by the folks at Kimura, the ramen bar at Freight is a must-visit for noodle and art lovers alike. Photo by Jessica Elizarraras Credit: Jess Elizarraras

Bubble Waffle Bar 19141 Stone Oak Pkwy., Suite 501 Less than a year after opening the first location on the North West side of town, a second Bubble Waffle Bar opened in mid-April. Stone Oak can now enjoy over-the-top milkshakes, bubble tea, and bubble waffles topped with ice cream, mochi, Pocky and more. Owner J.R. Gallegos hinted at upcoming items like Dole Whip soft serve and Mexican gelato. Photo via Instagram / bubblewafflebar

El Gaucho Pancho 1141 E Commerce St, (512) 387-1141, facebook.com If you’ve been craving Argentinian food, crave no longer. Food stand El Gaucho Pancho has been serving up treats like traditional empanadas and choripan since opening on April 20. For something truly delicious, try the choripán, which has chorizo or Italian sausage and chimichurri nestled on a fresh baguette or hoagie. Photo via Facebook / El Gaucho Pancho

Fugu Poke House 23702 W Interstate 10 Frontage Rd Ste #101, (210) 267-5504, fugupokehouse.com The poke craze continues with the opening of Fugu in late June. The shop features DIY bowls, poke burritos, poke salads and a few soups and larger items such as udon, lo mein and yakisoba. And perhaps the coolest part of all is that some tables have swing seats! Photo via Instagram / _accordingtocharlie

Roadmap Brewing Co. 723 N Alamo St, (210) 254-9962, roadmapbrewing.com San Antonio got another brewery this September, this time in the form of Roadmap Brewing Co. Nestled right in the heart of the city, this is a prime spot for beer lovers exploring downtown. Photo via Instagram / roadmapbrewing

Acu Bistro Bar 21715 I-10 #111, (210) 530-1190, acubistrobar.com Acu Bistro Bar, a pan-Mediterranean restaurant opened near the Dominion area with a collection of paellas, pizzas, salads and more. Photo via Instagram / s.a.foodie

Cherrity Bar 302 Montana St, (210) 559-0421, cherritybar.com Cherrity Bar, a new bar concept that helps three charities raise funds on a monthly basis, opened on the city’s Eastside. Stop in to the 22,000 square-space for cocktails and soon enough, ramen and deli sandwiches. Photo by Jessica Elizarraras Credit: Jessica Elizarraras

SoHill Cafe 1719 Blanco Road, (210) 455-2177, sohillcafe.com Sohill Cafe prides itself in being a neighborhood eatery in Beacon Hill since its early November opening. The new European cafe is the brainchild of restaurateur Jean-Francois Poujol, who previously owned Tribeca 212 and Soleil Bistro & Wine Bar before that. Photo by Kody Melton

Meadow Neighborhood Eatery and Bar 555 W Bitters Road #110, (210) 481-4214, meadowsanantonio.com “Southern Foodways claims ‘Our work sets a welcome table where all may consider our history and our future in a spirit of respect and reconciliation.’ If food, Southern or otherwise, can help to do that, bring more of this on.” – Ron Bechtol Photo by Jessica Elizarraras Credit: Jess Elizarraras

Koffee Kup 1025 Donaldson Ave, (210) 635-0400, facebook.com/thekoffeekupco Koffee Kup reopened as a coffee shop once more, now under the direction of owner Marisol De La Cruz. Expect espresso drinks including a Cubano, and El Bombon. Photo via Instagram / michael_chavarria

South BBQ & Kitchen 2011 Mission Road, (210) 437-0070, southbbqkitchen.com Located on the South Side, South BBQ & Kitchen opened just in time for Memorial Day shenanigans. Offering a mixture of Tex-Mex and barbecue, the Mission Road eatery’s menu features options like brisket, St. Louis spare ribs, pulled pork and chicken quarters, and a selection of pickled items and sides, namely frijoles a la charra and Spanish-style rice. Photo by Jessica Elizarraras Credit: Jess Elizarraras

Tropic Cup 1160 N Loop 1604, (210) 999-7989, facebook.com/tropiccup.stoneoak Tropic Cup, a new bubble tea shop that carries Vietnamese che opened in Stone Oak this March. Che features mixture of beans, pandan jelly, coconut milk nuts, shaved ice and sticky rice. Photo via Instagram / tropiccup.sanantonio

Buddy V’s Ristorante 15900 La Cantera Pkwy Ste 11200, (210) 462-1167, buddyvsrestaurants.com Cake Boss Buddy Valastro set his eyes on San Antonio, bringing his family-style Italian restaurant to La Cantera in late January. Photo via Instagram / stine.eats

Villa Rica 403 Blue Star, (210) 635-0036, chefjohnnyhernandez.com Johnny Hernandez’s latest, Villa Rica, opened next to Burgerteca on the ground floor of The Big Tex Flats. The restaurant brings Veracruz-style flavors to the area. Photo by Jessica Elizarraras

Smoke Shack Meat Market 3710 Broadway St, (210) 549-1090, smokeshackfamily.com While not a restaurant per se, Chris Conger did right by San Antonio opened a meat market on par with the restaurant of the same name – and located right next door. The market offers bread and produce from local vendors as well as house-made meats available by the pound. Photo via Instagram / safoodnstuff

The Dakota East Side Ice House 433 S Hackberry, (210) 375-6009, thedakotasa.com Open earlier this year, The Dakota brings ice house vibes to the East Side. Operating out of an old convenience store, this drinking spot serves up cool beer that you’ll more than likely want to sip on while hanging on the patio. So go on, fam – treat yo’ self. Photo via Instagram / sip_sa

Go Vegan San Antonio 14530 Roadrunner Way, (210) 591-5012, govegansa.com What began at the monthly Vegan Stop Shop hosted at Brick comes food truck Go Vegan. The family-owned business takes on favorites like mac ‘n’ cheese, tostones, sandwiches and smoothies. Photo via Instagram / govegansa

Shotgun House Coffee Roasters 1333 Buena Vista St, (254) 913-9031, shotgunhouseroasters.com The West Side is on the up, with a new coffee shop opening in mid-April. Owner Eddie Laughlin uses a San Franciscan roaster that can process 20 pounds in an hour. Satisfy your coffee needs here. Photo via Instagram / shotgunhouseroasters

Panadería Jimenez 1846 Fredericksburg Road, (210) 973-5050, panjimenez.com An off-shoot of Lubbock’s Jimenez Bakery and Restaurant, Panadería Jimenez landed in SA’s Deco District via owners Frank Jimenez and Ramiro Jimenez. The location has focused on pastries and bolillos since its early November opening, but an expansion of beverage options is in the works. Photo via Instagram / stxfoodie

B&B Smokehouse 2619 Pleasanton Road, (210) 921-2745, bbsmokehouse.com Though not completely new, B&B Smokehouse got a major facelift. Demolished earlier this year to make way for a much roomier facility, this South Side staple is plenty more accomodating for plenty of hungry visitors at a time. Don’t worry, the grub is just as good. Photo by Sarah Martinez

Poke Planet 7302 Louis Pasteur Dr., Ste 103, (210) 627-6060, pokeplanetsa.com If poke is your style, hit up Poke Planet to make this goodness all on your own. With a full bar with dozens of ingredients, you’ll have a blast finding your perfect combination. Photo via Instagram / jesselizarraras

Carlo’s Bakery 15900 La Cantera Pkwy, (210) 888-0110, carlosbakery.com Along with Buddy V’s Ristorante, Buddy Valastro set up San Antonio with a proper Italian bakery. Stop by for cannolis and lobster tails and let this Jersey-based bakery blow your mind. Photo via Instagram / safoodnstuff

TBD Social + Bar 938 N Loop 1604 W, (210) 494-3371, tbdsa.com TBD Social + Bar took over the space formerly occupied by Houlihan’s Blanco location. Expect more of the same with an updated look, strong drinks and fun bar snacks. Photo via Instagram / tbdbarsocialsa

El Ojo 3000 N. St Mary’s, instagram.com/elojosananto The team behind Hi-Tones, Faust, Phantom Room, Lowcountry, Squeezebox and the also-new El Buho comes El Ojo. Opened in early July, the club-like spot features obscure punk, 80s goth, and industrial music and has all the sass you miss at Phantom Room. Photo via Instagram / cherylthrogmorton

PRESS Coffee 4035 Broadway St, (210) 602-6590, presscoffeesa.com PRESS is back after a nearly 10-month hiatus. A dramatic spike in rent forced the owners out of the French Place shop, but they’re back with a vengeance at the Boardwalk on Broadway. Fresh coffe and treats from local shops are just waiting to be enjoyed on the patio. Photo via Instagram / 0hshittheregoestheplanet

Singhs Vietnamese on St. Mary’s 2805 N St Mary’s St, (512) 940-9662, facebook.com Announced earlier this year, Singhs finally opened a brick-and-mortar in August. Visitors on the St. Mary’s Strip can now enjoy late-night bites from the prized Vietnamese joint. Photo by Jessica Elizarraras Credit: Jess Elizarraras

Kuma near Schaenfield Road 7915 W Loop 1604 N, (210) 641-2888, facebook.com/kuma.shaenfield Kuma opened a second outpost just north of Alamo Ranch back in October. Get your fix of bubble waffles and unique ice cream flavors. Photo via Instagram / kuma.satx

Hip Peaz Vegan Eats 13469 Wetmore Road, instagram.com/hippeazveganeats Found inside Munch On Co-Op, Hip Peaz dishes out house-made vegan meats like corned beef, ham, beet patties, along with frozen shrimp. Score one for all the vegans in SA! Photo by Enrique Lopez for Hip Peaz Vegan Eats Credit: Enrique Lopez for Hip Peaz Vegan Eats

Summer Moon Coffee Bar in Alamo Ranch 11831 Culebra Road #106, (210) 338-5544, woodfiredcoffee.com Alamo Ranch got a whole lot more caffeinated with the September opening of the city’s second Summer Moon location. This outpost features grab-and-go items, as well as a sizable space for co-working or studying. Breakfast tacos, and sandwiches will be available as well as pastries from Bird Bakery. Photo via Instagram / steph.hrdz

Frida’s Corner 1407 Bandera Rd, (210) 900-4077, snacksbyfridas.com Snack shops may be all over SA, but not all of them are made in fashion of the great Frida Kahlo. Sit back and admire the colorful aesthetic inspired by Frida while you choose a treat from the menu: smoothies, smoothie bowls, ice cream and popsicles, and fruit-infused drinks alongside a few spicy concoctions. Photo via Instagram / fridascornersa

Berry to Bean Coffee House 3900 Broadway St, (210) 549-2222, facebook.com/berrytobean More joe came to Broadway, Berry to Bean leading the season with an opening in mid-May. The shop features a menu of espresso drinks, juices and smoothies geared toward promoting a healthy lifestyle. Photo via Instagram / dcampaa

Duck Donuts 11703 Huebner Rd #113, (210) 476-5500, duckdonuts.com The North Carolina-based chain opened its (first) San Antonio location in late January with made-to-order donuts and customizable toppings. Photo by Jessica Elizarraras Credit: Jessica Elizarraras

Koifin Poke 7211 Green Glen Drive, Suite 102, koi-poke-sushi-restaurant.business.site The team at Koi Kawa dipped into the world of poke and sushi burritos in late August with the opening of Kofin. Located near UTSA, this trendy spot offers DIY bowls with either two or three protein choices. Photo via Instagram / koifinpoke.sa

Dos Quality & Flavor 6511 Ingram Road Ste. 101, (210) 267-5143, dos-satx.com This small but determined burger joint packs in the flavor, marking one of our favorite new restaurants this year. Stop by and try the Tejano Burger. Photo via Instagram / s.a.foodie

Clementine 2195 NW Military Hwy, (210) 503-5121, clementine-sa.com Clementine, the first concept by chef John Russ and wife Elise Russ, opened in mid-January in the Castle Hills area. The sleek restaurant serves a new take on Southern cuisine, drool-worthy desserts and an impressive wine list. Photo by Jessica Elizarraras Credit: Jessica Elizarraras

Folklores Coffee House 5007 S Flores St, (210) 455-7829, facebook.com/southsidecoffeehouse The city’s South Side got a much-needed coffee spot with the fall opening of Folklores. Stop by for a decked out cup of joe that you’ve probably already seen in your Instagram feed. Photo via Instagram / wicklessbabe Credit: Instagram / wicklessbabe

#getfried Fry Cafe 7400 San Pedro Ave (inside North Star Mall), (714) 932-7590, getfried.com Working out of a mall kiosk, #getfried serves up sinfully delicious fries topped with all sorts of drizzles and extra treats that is literally making our mouth water right now. There’s also finger foods if you need to balance out your fry intake. Photo via Instagram / julielamyeung

Don Martin’s Coffee 540 S Presa St, donmartinscoffee.com Get your espresso-based drinks with fresh beans courtesy of White Elephant Coffee Co. and pan dulce from Cinderella Bakery. You can also enjoy beer and wine here, either on tap or from a can. Photo via Instagram / jesselizarraras

Tre at the Museum 200 W. Jones St #501, (210) 805-0333, tretrattoria.com Jason Dady’s latest restaurant, a reinvention from Tre Trattoria at The Boardwalk on Broadway, opened inside SAMA for some Tuscan-marinated beef tenderloin, deviled eggs and other Tre faves. Photo via Instagram / tre_trattoria Credit: Photo via Instagram / tre_trattoria

Hawx Burger Bar 700 E. Sonterra Blvd., Suite 318, (210) 320-4299, hawxburgerbar.com Burgers and asiago truffle fries have found their way to the Sonterra area. Owner Christian Hawx is still remodeling during off-hours, but those on the far North Side can enjoy everything Hawx has to offer. Photo via Instagram / hawxsonterra Credit: Instagram / hawxsonterra

Philocoffee 606 W French Pl, (210) 314-8450, philocoffeesa.com The new French-themed shop features a custom espresso blend from What’s Brewing Roasters in San Antonio made of Vienna, Red Sea and Ethiopia Yirgacheffe beans. Photo via Instagram / philocoffeesa

Sushi Express 12055 Vance Jackson Road, (210) 474-0012, sushiexpresssa.com The new location features more of the same Japanese/Korean menu inside a 2,300-square-foot space. Photo via Instagram / xochitl375

Ceviche Ceviche 18360 Blanco Road #120, (210) 538-5016, cevichecevichesatx.com Sangria on the Burg Chef Ceasar Zepeda finally opened his much-anticipated ceviche spot this year. These bites are fresh as heck, letting you choose from a signature ceviches to a build-your-own option. Photo via Instagram / cevichecevichesa

Chela’s Tacos 3420 N St Mary’s St, (210) 535-7340, chelas-tacos.com “I took home two of Chela’s tamales Oaxaqueños, a package that wouldn’t be harmed by reheating. If you order nothing else here, make sure you have these. Banana leaf wrapped and the size of a small torta, these are not your tía’s tamales. A goodly amount of well-seasoned masa encases chicken, pork en salsa verde, veggies, or rajas, your choice. The puerco version is particularly fine, the tender meat playing nicely against a piquant green sauce and the faint perfume of the steamed banana leaf.” – Ron Bechtol Photo by Ron Bechtol Credit: Ron Bechtol

Hula Poke in Helotes 11830 Bandera Rd, Helotes, (210) 281-4049, facebook.com/HulaPokeBandera Hula Poke has been popping off this year with their most recent opening in Helotes in early June. From the owners behind Rolling Fish Sushirritos and Poke, the shop offers refreshingly tasty DIY poke bowls and salads. Photo via Instagram / stine.eats Credit: Photo via Instagram / stine.eats

Southerleigh Oyster Bar 136 E Grayson St #120, (210) 455-5701, southerleigh.com Photo courtesy of Giant Noise Credit: Giant Noise

Revolucion Coffee + Juice on Houston 300 E Houston St #105, (210) 607-1818, revolucionsa.com With an outpost on Broadway, Revolucion’s second location headed into Downtown inside the former Moshe’s Golden Falafel. Though smaller, fans can still find espresso drinks, juices, “not milks,” smoothies, acai bowls, and grab-and-go salads and sandwiches here. Photo via Instagram / naga_viper

Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen 17907 I-10, (844) 853-7335, pauladeensfamilykitchen.com “I visited, begrudgingly, and sat through an hour of over-the-top cheerful service. For $22.99, guests are invited to pick three entrees and four sides, and no take-out is allowed. Drinks are extra. The food itself isn’t the problem. The chicken is great, the catfish well-seasoned, the mac and cheese is as good as you would hope given the amount of cheese and butter. But I can’t go back.” – Jessica Elizarraras Photo by Jessica Elizarraras Credit: Jessica Elizarraras

Chris Madrid’s 830 W Hollywood Ave, (210) 735-3552, chrismadrids.com Though a fire made this San Antonio staple move out to a food truck operation, Chris Madrid’s is keeping the cheesiness coming. You can still order up their signature tostada burger AND get it macho-style at just $9.75 (that’s with tax!). Or you can try the new Flaming Jalapeño Cheddar Cheesy burger regular-style for $8.75. Photo via Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/scream_one/

Earth Burger on Nacogdoches 2501 Nacogdoches Road, (210) 476-5010, eatearthburger.com A former Church’s Chicken is now the second Earth Burger location in SA as of early June. The newest space is three times as big as the original location, but serves up the same vegetarian and vegan-friendly menu. Photo via Instagram / narthnilym Credit: Instagram/ narthnilym

Pieology Pizzeria 849 E Commerce St, (210) 617-7013, pieology.com The California-based franchise allows pizza lovers to build personally-made pies with toppings piled high and without restrictions from a menu. The restaurant’s pricing focuses on the size of the pie instead of its contents, so those wishing to add more flavor to their pizzas can do so without worrying about additional prices. Photo via Instagram / pieology

The Roost 1221 Broadway St #116, (210) 251-3184, theroostsa.com GS1221 is now The Roost with a neighborhood bar vibe, classic cocktails and a lineup of three curries, tacos, and sandwiches choose from. Hours will remain the same: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday. Photo via Instagram / theroostsa

Toro Kitchen + Bar 1142 E Commerce St, (210) 592-1075, torokitchenandbar.com Spanish fare and cocktails are moved into St. Paul’s Square with the city’s second Toro location, which opened in August. Photo via Instagram / stine.eats Credit: Christine Wong / @stine.eats

From our review: African Village is located in a commercially and culturally diverse shopping center at Vance Jackson and Wurzbach. Its neighbors include a donut shop, a bagel outlet, a tamal tienda, a pizza joint and a halal “fashion” store and grocery, among others. I swear that I have reviewed at least two different restaurants in the same location over the years. There is nothing about African Village’s marigold-hued décor that will especially set it apart from any of those; the excitement here is in the food and in the manner of its presentation. Almost everything is served either on or with teff-based injera bread. It’s springy in texture, lacy, slightly sour — and it serves as a kind of spongy spork. Yes, aided by injera, you eat with your fingers. Curry will linger there. Just saying. By all means order the sambuusa. These tiny dough-encased triangles are similar to Indian samosas, the veggie-stuffed version was jalapeño accented, and the serving of six came with a warm lentil salad that was just as good as the flaky packets. At $2.99, this is the deal of the decade — and it is presented with spoons. Save at least one for later. Another must-order is the tibis/tibs in its rendition with awazie/awaze, a spice mix using “false” cardamom. The warmly spiced sauce (we asked for it “spicy”) was anything but imitation, however, and the tender cubes of beef it bathed were excellent. We kept going back to this as the metal platter, lined with a full, flat injera, spun round and round. All other entrées were served atop the injera on that same platter. The lightly curried alicha wot/wat, a beef stew with onion, ginger and garlic, utilized a slightly different cut of less-tender beef. Problematic at first, the dish grew on us as the subtle curry spicing began to more than make up for the chewy beef. Also of the challengingly chewy genre, the drumsticks forming the core of the traditional doro wot at first created a how-to-eat-it dilemma for diners unused to the subtleties of employing injera as a utensil. Problem solved by using that saved spoon to prize the meat from the bone in pieces. The easy-to-eat boiled egg that shared sauce with the chicken prompted one diner to speculate on which came first … In fact, the robust sauce with red onion, black pepper and more of the cardamom came first; it was different enough from the first two to be its own thing, yet similar enough to be family. – Ron Bechtol Photo by Jessica Elizarraras Credit: Ron Bechtol

Seersucker Distillery 8501 Cover Road, (210) 817-1580, seersuckergin.com Seersucker Distillery opened in mid-February to the public. The space is made for lounging and sippin’ gin cocktails. Photo by Jessica Elizarraras Credit: Jessica Elizarraras

Just the Drip 24188 Boerne Stage Rd, facebook.com The Point Park & Eats added more java to the mix with the opening of Just the Drip in mid-August. The shop features coffee by Quantum Coffee Roasters, cookies and baked goods by Chocollazo, and macarons by Dreamy Sweets by Blondee. Photo via Instagram / eatablemedia Credit: Photo via Instagram / eatablemedia

Kung Fu Tea 5231 Broadway St, (210) 455-0092, kungfutea.com New York-based chain added a second tea spot, this time in the already super caffeinated Broadway corridor. Photo via Instagram / Kung Fu Tea San Antonio Credit: Kung Fu Tea San Antonio

Smashin Crab in Stone Oak 700 E Sonterra Blvd #1117, (210) 402-3337, smashincrab.com Get your seafood fix at Smashin Crab’s second location as of early April. Venturing further north from their Bandera Road location, this Sonterra-area spot brings the usual menu of boiled seafood & sauces, po’ boys, cajun fries and more. Photo via Instagram / larrydeanbloomquist

KEEP SA CURRENT!

Since 1986, the SA Current has served as the free, independent voice of San Antonio, and we want to keep it that way.

Becoming an SA Current Supporter for as little as $5 a month allows us to continue offering readers access to our coverage of local news, food, nightlife, events, and culture with no paywalls.

Join today to keep San Antonio Current.

Best of San Antonio Nominations are Now Live