The prospect of a thrilling seven-game battle between the Spurs and the New York Knicks is expected to bring plenty of San Antonio residents out on the town to enjoy the game with other fans.
At the same time, the team’s first trip to the NBA Finals in a dozen years may provide a needed shot in the arm to locally owned bars and restaurants already facing economic uncertainty. What’s more, many also expect a slump in customer traffic once summer sets in.
“There is no doubt that [the NBA playoffs] has made significant impacts across the board,” chef-restaurateur Jason Dady told the Current.
Dady owns multiple restaurants that just happen to be located right in the heart of Spurs watch-party central. Indeed, his Roca & Martillo at the Rock at La Cantera and Mexico Ceaty at Rivercenter have both hosted Finals parties.
“For Mexico Ceaty, our watch parties have grown and grown and we officially announced today that we are doing another River Walk Watch Party alongside the barge parties for Game 3,” he added. “Two big screens right on the River Walk!”
Southtown Bodega co-founder Hannah Brierly recently shared an Instagram clip of a full house in the concept’s bar area this past Wednesday as the Silver & Black faced the OKC Thunder in the Western Conference Finals.
“I used to just move on when a small business owner says they appreciate you,” Brierly wrote. “But now as a small business owner, I truly get how deep it is and how big of an impact [support] makes. I checked the cameras today and cried seeing every seat full on a Wednesday night.”
Nearby, Bar Gimme Gimme emerged as a key place for Spurs fans to watch the team trounce the Thunder. Now that the Silver and Black has entered the Finals, the demand has only increased. Bar co-owner Aaron Peña told the Current he’s added more TVs, increased staffing on game nights and introduced a satellite bar for “easy ordering” when the action heats up.
“It’s been hugely beneficial for the city and for us to have this increased business in the otherwise slow season of summer,” Peña said.
However, the bar owner said he’s already trying to get customers excited about the World Cup in hopes rabid soccer fandom can bolster business once the Spurs’ run comes to an end.
Chef Leo Davila of Anacacho Coffee & Cantina and Esencia at the St. Anthony Hotel said he’s experienced a jump in customer traffic from the playoffs.
“We’ve definitely seen an uptick in business for both Anacacho Coffee & Cantina and Esencia on weekend game days,” Davila said. “During the week, we are seeing an initial surge right before the game starts, and depending on the end time, another nice late night crowd.”
Starting this Friday, Esencia will station TVs upstairs in the mezzanine area and offer food and drink packages starting at $45. On game night, the establishment will even offer specials on apps plus a “slam dunk dinner for two” at $100 per couple.
“After talking with some friends who have left their bar days behind, they want a place with a nicer vibe and great food to watch the game,” Davila added.
Matt Garcia, hospitality director for newly opened St. Paul Square spot Miles, said the shared Spurs playoff experience has helped bolster his bistro and cocktail lounge as it looks to build repeat business.
“Having the games on really helps — it allows us to build camaraderie and a shared sense of unity inside of Miles,” he said.
And the Finals effect isn’t limited to San Antonio. Austin is jumping into Spurs mania, with many bars and restaurants hosting their own watch parties.
“We’ve seen a surge of interest in the Spurs with their impressive season and run to the NBA Finals, and a lot of it has been organic — fans have naturally discovered us as their go-to spot to watch the game,” said Gail Hastings, co-owner of The All Good in Austin’s Cedar Park area.
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