San Antonio’s nightlife scene, long the hub of icehouses, dive bars, and scruffy cocktail haunts, has been feeling Jovani latelyas yet another upscale lounge argues for more genteel debauchery. Elsewhere, the city’s fast casual juggernaut continues its charge. While we doubt locals will ever give up their shorts, maybe some flip-flops will be traded for closed toe shoes.
Openings and closings
Curry Boys BBQ co-owner Andrew Ho spilled the beans on a second location during an appearance on KENS 5’s Great Day SA. Business partner Sean Wen had earlier teased the build-out to MySA, but kept mum on the location and timeframe. While Ho was not forthcoming on the opening date, he did reveal that the new restaurant would settle at 19903 Stone Oak Pkwy #101, once home to Tacos Don Manolito.
San Antonio’s current fascination with fancy-pants cocktail lounges continues with a new spot at 8338 N Loop 1604 W. Privilege Social Lounge will annex the one-time home of PK’s Sports Pub & Grub with a food menu developed by Taste of the Republic empresario Brian West. According to an Instagram teaser, the bites will be paired to spirits. Guests can nosh on caviar and crème fraîche pommes frites with vodka, or coconut shrimp ceviche with rum. Grand opening details are still forthcoming.
Austin-based chain P. Terry’s Burger Stand continues its rapid expansion with its first outlet in central San Antonio. The eatery officially took over the former home of King’s Palace Chinese Restaurant at 3304 Broadway on May 22, according to a social media announcement. This is the fifth Alamo City location for the rapidly expanding fast-food empire, known for its Populuxe-style architecture and affordable prices.
Yet another Nashville-style hot chicken chain is roosting in River City. In an Instagram post, California-based chain Richie’s Hot Chickendivulged that it had the keys to a space at 11745 I-10 in the Huebner Oaks shopping center. There’s no word yet on the opening schedule.
The Hangar Bar and Grill has landed a third location. Via Facebook, the popular watering hole announced it would soon be redeveloping a former Dog Haus location at 9330 Potranco Rd. Owner Doug Ackerly gave further details via a comment, saying the team were eyeing a July opening date. The new outpost will be an “upgraded” experience from the other two locations and will launch a new menu across the mini chain.
Snack shop Elotitos Corn Bar has scaled back their operation. In a May 17 Instagram Reel, owner Jesus Arreagashared that he was immediately closing the Government Hill location of the business in order to focus on the Fredericksburg Road flagship. The East Side location opened in December 2022 with a focus on aguas frescas and elotes flights.
Other news and notes
Sweet Baker is asking for community support to help co-owner Stephanie Padilla recover from a devastating car crash. Business partner Angel Encarnacion has started a GoFundMe to help cover medical bills. The three locations of the chain will remain closed while the team regroups.
The annual Fredericksburg Peach Fest is taking the show on the road. The fruity festival will hold a pop-up at the Shops of La Cantera from 11 am to 6 pm on June 15. The preview for the big event will include live music, artisan vendors, and bushels of the coveted stone fruit.
