Fresh off opening Stylus Mixology and Boombox Pizza Bar earlier this year, San Antonio’s Gusto Group will close out 2025 with another new concept — Books: A Whiskey Society.
The library-themed nightspot, located at 115 N. Loop 1604 E., Suite 1105, is opening in the original Toro Kitchen + Bar location in Stone Oak and will feature upscale, old-world decor, including shelves of cloth- and leather-bound tomes. Toro has since located to Suite 1100 in the same mixed-use center.
In addition to Sylus, Boombox and the forthcoming Books, Gusto Group owns the Toro Kitchen + Bar chain along with Cuishe Cocina Mexicana and Cellar Mixology.
With the grand opening weekend for Books: A Whiskey Society slated for Friday, Dec. 13, and Saturday, Dec. 14, Gusto Group CEO Gerardo de Anda teased what guests can expect during an interview with the Current.
“Think vintage library vibes, a killer selection of whiskeys from around the world and mixology that’ll blow you away,” he said. “We’ve got a cigar-locker program for true enthusiasts. And, for the foodies, pomme frites with 12 chef-made sauces and more.”
The pomme frites in question are part of a customizable “Provisions” menu focused on straightforward bar bites, which include pommes frites, fried mussels, onion rings or fried chicken. Guests can order those seasoned one of four ways: lemon-pepper, parmesan-herb, Nashville hot or a signature Books blend.
From there, diners may choose to accompany their orders with one or more of 12 house sauces, which include a mango-habanero blend, a pink-truffle sauce, a chorizo-based sauce with salmoretta and more.
Books: A Whiskey Society wont have a full dinner menu, according to de Anda. Instead, the Gusto Group team opted for a lengthy list of fine whiskies, bourbons and scotches from around the world.
From Macallan Scotch selections, Irish pours and American whiskeys, including Pappy Van Winkle and WhistlePig Double Malt, Books aims to be the first true whiskey-centric bar in Stone Oak, de Anda said.
The nightspot also will include a cocktail menu centered around vodka, bourbon, tequila and mezcal. Its signature drinks will keep with the book theme with names such as Gentleman’s Rouge, London Velvet and Ethreal Ink, an Elderflower-based creation.
Subscribe to SA Current newsletters.
Follow us: Apple News | Google News | NewsBreak | Reddit | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter| Or sign up for our RSS Feed
Related Stories
San Antonio group behind Toro Kitchen + Bar, The Cellar Mixology plans multi-concept expansion
Toro Kitchen + Bar serving Spanish fare at new location in far North San Antonio
San Antonio tapas spot Toro tapped by Spanish Trade Commission for dinner event
San Antonio chef with Down syndrome launching The Mermaid Cafe
San Antonio’s new pink-accented cowgirl bar La Honky Tonk opens Wednesday
San Antonio’s Cuishe at St. Paul Square rebranding as ‘laid-back cantina space’
Gerardo de Anda of San Antonio’s Toro and Gusto Group let a near-fatal encounter with a bull change his life
Restaurateur behind San Antonio’s Toro opening new cocktail-driven concept near the Pearl
This article appears in Nov 13-26, 2024.