DECEMBER 24 - JANUARY 6, 2026
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CURRENT | Dec 24 - Jan 6, 2026 | sacurrent.com
sacurrent.com | Dec 24 - Jan 6, 2026 | CURRENT
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Publisher Michael Wagner Editor in Chief Sanford Nowlin General Manager Chelsea Bourque Editorial Digital Content Editor Stephanie Koithan Contributing Arts Editor Bryan Rindfuss Staff Writer Michael Karlis
in this issue Issue 25-26/// Dec 24 - Jan 6, 2026
Contributors Abe Asher, Bill Baird, Ron Bechtol, Danny Cervantes, Amber Esparza, Brianna Espinoza, Anjali Gupta, Colin Houston, Kiko Martinez, Mike McMahan, Kevin Sanchez, M. Solis, Dean Zach Advertising Senior Account Executive Mike Valdelamar Account Manager Parker McCoy Creative Services Graphic Designer Ana Paula Gutierrez Events and Marketing Events Director Chelsea Bourque Chava Communications Group Founder, Chief Executive Officer Michael Wagner Co-Founder, Chief Marketing Officer Cassandra Yardeni Chief Operating Officer Graham Jarrett Vice President of Operations Hollie Mahadeo Art Director David Loyola Director of Digital Content Strategy Colin Wolf Digital Operations Coordinator Jaime Monzon Project Manager Megan Nally chavagroup.com National Advertising: Voice Media Group 1-888-278-9866, vmgadvertising.com San Antonio Current sacurrent.com Editorial: editor@sacurrent.com Display Advertising: marketing@sacurrent.com The San Antonio Current is published by Chava Communications Group San Antonio Distribution The Current is available free of charge, limited to one copy per reader. Get listed 1. Visit sacurrent.com 2. Click “Calendar” and then “Submit an Event” 3. Follow the steps to submit your event details Please allow 48 hours for review and approval. Event submissions are not accepted by phone. Copyright notice: The entire contents of the San Antonio Current are copyright 2023 by Chava Group LLC. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission of the publisher is prohibited. Publisher does not assume any liability for unsolicited manuscripts, materials, or other content. Any submission must include a stamped, self-addressed envelope. All editorial, advertising, and business correspondence should be emailed to the addresses listed above. Subscriptions: Additional copies or back issues may be purchased at the Current offices for $1. Six-month domestic subscriptions may be purchased for $75; one-year subscriptions for $125.
Sanford Nowlin
23 The 50 Best Bars in San Antonio
From classy cocktail lounges to corner beer bars, SA has no shortage of worthy watering holes
07 News
The Opener News in Brief
Turmoil in ’25
Ten stories that dominated San Antonio’s news cycle this year
Bad Takes
The legislature’s ‘bathroom bill’ isn’t about privacy but humiliating trans Texans
Side(walk) Hustle
San Antonio looking to install rainbow sidewalks along city’s LGBTQ+strip
16 Calendar Approved auditor info as required for public notices per section 50.011(1)(e), F.S. Circulation Verification Council 12166 Old Big Bend Road, Suite 210 St. Louis, MO 63122 www.cvcaudit.com Auditor’s Certification:
Our picks of things to do powerful
19 Arts
Starry-Eyed Mission
San Antonio’s funky art book store Embarrassing Shoes to close 4
CURRENT | Dec 24 - Jan 6, 2026 | sacurrent.com
Exchange of Ideas
Alamo Colleges names San Antonioborn Vincent Valdez as first Artistin-Residence
21 Screens
Cinematic Standouts
DECEMBER 24 - JANUARY 6, 2025
From radical activists to rural vampires, here are our picks for the best films of 2025
35 Food
Bites That Mattered
San Antonio’s food scene made plenty news in 2025
39 Music
Certified SA Bangers
The Current’s music writers pick San Antonio’s best releases of 2025
Critics’ Picks
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n the Cover: The Current’s 50 Best Bars issue has made its return, and Northwest San Antonio’s Rock and Rye, pictured here, is among our favorites of the year. Photo: Jaime Monzon. Design: David Loyola.
sacurrent.com | Dec 24 - Jan 6, 2026 | CURRENT
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CURRENT | Dec 24 - Jan 6, 2026 | sacurrent.com
The Texas Department of Transportation has denied the City of San Antonio’s request to keep its rainbow crosswalks at the intersection of North Main Avenue and East Evergreen Street. City officials filed a request for an exemption from a gubernatorial directive that “social, political and ideological messages” be removed from Texas streets, arguing the intersection had become safer since the rainbow crosswalks were painted seven years ago. The city now has until Jan. 15 to remove the colorful markings. The agency that oversees the U.S. military’s healthcare system could be on its way to San Antonio. City and county officials are working to attract the Defense Health Agency, currently based in Virginia, and have each budgeted $10 million to modernize a structure at Fort Sam Houston to house the agency. The move could bring up to 3,300 new jobs to San Antonio, though it is not yet clear how many people might relocate. The ACLU and other watchdog groups allege that immigrants detained at Camp East Montana at Texas’ Fort Bliss are suffering an array of physical and human rights abuses. The organizations, which sent a letter detailing their allegations to ICE and Fort Bliss officials last week, maintain that migrants are being forced to cross into Mexico or risk being jailed in third countries and are subject to beatings, sexual abuse, medical neglect, hunger and more. The San Antonio Parks Foundation is aiming to break a record with its New Year’s Eve bash. The foundation is aiming for a massive turnout for the World’s Largest Dance Party, which will begin at 6 p.m. across downtown and culminate in a fireworks show. It’s not yet clear how many attendees are needed to set a record, but as many as 75,000 people have attended similar Celebrate SA events in the past. — Abe Asher
news
That Rocks/That Sucks
Shutterstock / Addkm
ASSCLOWN ALERT
Parading out the potty police with the Texas Legislature Assclown Alert is a column of opinion, analysis and snark. Imagine a law so confusing that, within days of its debut, Texas Department of Public Safety troopers were standing outside women’s restrooms at the state capitol to demand people show IDs just to step inside a take a leak. Give a big ol’ Texas “Howdy” to Senate Bill 8, the latest shameful spectacle to float up from the state legislature — a statute that signals what a literal shithow the GOP-controlled body has become. Officially christened the Texas Women’s Privacy Act, SB 8 forces people in public buildings — from government offices to universities — to use multistall restrooms based on their “sex assigned at birth.” Transgender Texans are now the unwitting stars of a law from the “party of small government” that turns bathroom breaks into a Kafkaesque trial.
Here’s the real kicker: the law doesn’t even bother to tell schools or cities how to carry out this dumb idea. Institutions are only required to take “every reasonable step” to stop someone from taking a dump in the “wrong” restroom. It’s vague guidance that seems intentionally engineered to produce chaos and bigoted enforcement theater. Sen. Mayes Middleton and Rep. Angela Orr sponsored the legislation in their respective chambers while Gov. Greg Abbott signed it into law. And while the law’s advocates couched their support as concern for “privacy” and “safety,” it offers neither. SB 8 is a thinly veiled attempt to score culture-war points at the expense of some of Texas’ most vulnerable residents. Legal analysts have called the law one of the most blatantly discriminatory pieces of legislation in recent memory. The result? Cities such as Austin are already scrambling to undo the harm by installing gender-inclusive single-stall bathrooms — essentially taking state government’s scatology-obsessed politics and fixing it on the municipal dime. Because God knows city coffers are overflowing with cash. Call the janitor, fetch a toilet plunger, bring a mop. The assclowns behind SB 8 have created a real mess — one Texans will be cleaning up for quite some time. — Sanford Nowlin
YOU SAID IT!
We don’t understand this administration’s reasons for leaving us in limbo like this. I came to contribute to this country. Why take those possibilities away and force us to leave and put us through this trauma? It deprives you of sleep, takes away your peace, it takes away everything, your dignity as a person. — Venezuelan asylum seeker Sara to the Texas Tribune. She asked not use her last name.
San Antonio police arrested a staffer for Councilwoman Ivalis Meza Gonzalez last Monday over allegations that he threatened first-term Councilwoman Misty Spears. Bryan Naylor, who previously worked for Spears’ predecessor John Courage, reportedly told police he left a note under a desk in Spears’ office with his picture and the message “Die Fascist.” Naylor has been charged with making a terroristic threat and face up to 10 years in state prison and a fine. Disaster survivors gathered in Washington, D.C. last Monday to express their alarm at a report from the FEMA Review Council that proposes slashing the agency’s workforce and cutting federal disaster assistance. Among those who gathered were survi-
vors of last summer’s flooding in Texas. One of those survivors, Brandy Gerstner of Sandy Creek, who lost her home and family farm, said, “We know what it feels like when emergency systems fall short.” Texas’ new “bathroom bill” went into effect earlier this month, prompting a range of responses across the state. Protesters at the State Capitol were barred from entering bathrooms corresponding with their gender identity by Department of Public Safety officers on Dec. 6, while the city of Austin passed a resolution launching a program to investigate replacing multi-occupancy restrooms with single-person restrooms. UTSA, meanwhile, changed the living arrangement of some 30 students living on-campus to comply with the law. — Abe Asher
Find more news coverage every day at sacurrent.com
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CURRENT | Dec 24 - Jan 6, 2026 | sacurrent.com
news
Turmoil in ’25
Ten stories that dominated San Antonio’s news cycle this year BY MICHAEL KARLIS WITH STEPHANIE KOITHAN
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verall, 2025 was a dark year for local, state and national news. Immigrants and U.S. citizens were rounded up and sent into oblivion, while Texas lawmakers targeted the state’s transgender residents for simply existing. Locally, San Antonio taxpayers are on the hook for another publicly financed stadium, while the new mayor continues to struggle to build a consensus on the dais. If there was one word to describe politics in 2025, it’s “turmoil.” But even in the darkest of times, there are glimmers of hope. President Trump and Texas’ Republican leadership tried to rig the 2026 midterms, but even if the redrawn districts are held up by the courts, the five additional Republican seats in Congress they hoped for aren’t a given. And although wealthy out-of-town developers are trying to push through a controversial housing development in far Northwest Bexar County, residents have organized and aren’t giving up. Here’s a look at the 10 biggest stories affecting San Antonio this year.
1. Project Marvel and the Spurs’ new stadium Tired of hearing about this one yet? For the second consecutive year, big (and vague) downtown development Project Marvel dominated San Antonio headlines. Coverage leading up to the November election on whether to publicly finance a new downtown arena for the Spurs, as part of the broader Project Marvel sports and entertainment district vision, reached a fever pitch. Get ready: the story is likely to dominate coverage next year as well. Although financing for the NBA arena is in place, there’s still plenty of work to be done, likely including an
Courtesy Photo Martha Spinks
infrastructure bond package vote in the spring, and the Alamodome and Convention Center expansions, which city officials previously said are among their top priorities.
However, with a late-year vote to move the city’s municipal elections building public support, it appears Jones and city council could be turning the page and becoming more cooperative.
2. New Mayor and new City Hall squabbles
3. San Antonio and Hill Country Floods
San Antonio elected a new mayor this summer, and the turbulence didn’t end with her swearing in. San Antonio residents whittled down a list of 27 potential candidates, resulting in a runoff between progressive Gina Ortiz Jones, a former Under Secretary of the Air Force and Rolando Pablos, a conservative hand-picked by Gov. Greg Abbott. With a second Trump presidency looming large, the people chose Jones. Despite presiding over a largely progressive council, the City Hall outsider’s had a hard time building consensus, whether it’s on approving the term sheet about a new Spurs arena or building agreement on an anti-pet dumping ordinance.
Climate change has consequences, as made apparent by a summer filled with tragedy from Central and South Texas flooding. Indeed, 13 people died on San Antonio’s Northeast side in June when vehicles were swept away during a flash flood at Beitel Creek. Weeks later, another 135 people — many of them children at summer camp — drowned when the waters of the Guadalupe River rose without warning. Politicians from both sides pointed fingers while parents planned funerals. South and Central Texans are no strangers to flash floods, but as these events become more frequent, there’s growing consensus that lawmakers should acknowledge reality, stop playing the blame
game and start taking action to prevent further tragedies.
4. School Vouchers After years of trying, Gov. Greg Abbott and his allies finally managed to force school vouchers down Texas voters’ throats in the most recent legislative session. When applications launch next spring, some 100,000 Texas families will receive $10,000 taxpayer-funded stipends to send their kids to private schools of their choice. Supporters argue the move allows children in failing school districts to get a better education. However, opponents — including a number of education experts — maintain the venture will only raise school tuition and force the state to fund parallel school systems, which begs the question: Wouldn’t it be easier to give existing public school districts more funding?
5. Bexar County voter registration backlog sacurrent.com | Dec 24 - Jan 6, 2026 | CURRENT
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CURRENT | Dec 24 - Jan 6, 2026 | sacurrent.com
news The Bexar County Elections Department had its share of drama this year, most notably a backlog of 53,000 unprocessed voter registrations that piled up the November election. Part of the holdup was a rough transition to a new voter registration processing system. The prior system’s vendor went out of business in August, meaning county officials knew they would need to find a replacement. Nonetheless, commissioners hemmed and hawed about the spending money, resulting a setback to the timeline. The stopgap solution was to join the Texas Secretary of State’s system, even though Elections Administrator Michele Carew admitted it wasn’t equipped to handle a city as large as San Antonio. The system struggled to import the county’s 2 million records. In a scramble to meet the deadline for October early voting, the department hired on dozens of temp staffers and worked long hours and weekends.
6. Guajolote Ranch Development A controversial development by Florida-based homebuilder Lennar in far Northwest Bexar County continued to grab local headlines this year. In October, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) approved a permit allowing the company to build a treated wastewater discharge station on the sensitive Helotes Creek watershed. Opponents point to a 2020 Southwest Research Institute study, which found that such a discharge station could damage the quality of water in the Edwards Aquifer, and have since filed an appeal with the TCEQ . Further complicating matters is Lennar’s petition for a Municipal Utility District at the 2,900-home development, meaning local residents will be forced to pay for the unwanted wastewater station if Lennar’s petition is approved. A special hearing on the matter is scheduled for Jan. 16.
7. ‘Bathroom bill’ and Texas’ punishment of trans residents
Texas Republican lawmakers continued to pass legislation stripping rights and dignity away from the state’s transgender residents this year. Among the most prominent of those measures is Senate Bill 8, the “bathroom bill.” Also known as the Texas
Sanford Nowlin
Women’s Privacy Act, the law requires people use restroom in public buildings that align with their sex assigned at birth — as if the state doesn’t have bigger problems to tackle. Cities and state offices found violating the law can be fined up to $125,000. That law also comes a year after Texas made it nearly impossible to change your gender on your state-issued driver’s license. Opponents worry the ID change could hinder the rights of trans people to vote and engage in other activities.
names of those detained and what happened to them. The Current also reported on grim conditions at South Texas holding facilities, where detainees are reportedly fighting over water while lacking basic healthcare and necessities. The administration denies the allegations, while DHS issues canned statements, often peppered with questionable claims about it targeting the “worst of the worst.”
8. Intensifying immigration raids
As it turns out, so-called “healthcare freedom” and vaccine skepticism can lead to outbreaks of diseases that had largely been eradicated. Texas was ground zero for the worst measles outbreak in 35 years, resulting in 762 confirmed cases, 99 hospitalizations and two deaths. The overwhelming majority of those sickened had either not been vaccinated or received both requires shots. Meanwhile, Trump Health and Human Services Director Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a prominent anti-vaxxer, spread false claims online
Trump made good on his promise to step up mass deportations, and the chaos and cruelty has spilled into San Antonio. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents showed up to immigration hearings in San Antonio, whisking those asylum seekers trying to enter the country “the right way.” Meanwhile, a November raid on what feds called an after-hours club on the city’s North Side has left more questions unanswered, including the
9. Texas Measles Outbreak
about the incident. Although the outbreak is now officially over, many are worried measles or other highly contagious diseases may become a fixture of life in the Lone Star State. Is it 2026, or 1906?
10. Texas redistricting With his approval numbers plummeting and experts predicting a midterm bloodbath for Republicans, Trump this summer demanded Gov. Greg Abbott redraw Texas’ congressional maps to favor the GOP. The outcome went about as well as one might expect. Democrat lawmakers fled the state in a bid to halt the vote, as they have in the past. But there was only so long they could delay the inevitable. Although Abbott and Trump got their new map, the matter is expected to continue to be challenged in the courts throughout 2026. What’s more, whoever drew the maps may have miscalculated Latino support for Trump, which is waning for obvious reasons. sacurrent.com | Dec 24 - Jan 6, 2026 | CURRENT
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BAD TAKES
The legislature’s ‘bathroom bill’ isn’t about privacy but humiliating trans Texans BY KEVIN SANCHEZ Bad Takes is a column of opinion and analysis. “I just don’t know how to go to the bathroom in the free world!” — Ray Durem,“Award (A Gold Watch to the FBI Man Who has Followed Me for 25 Years),” 1964
T
hree weeks ago, the Texas Women’s Privacy Act, or Senate Bill 8, went into effect. Judging a law by its title, one might guess that legislators voted to rescind some of our state’s draconian restrictions on reproductive choice. In fact, the opposite was the case. Last session, in a separate bill similarly dressed up in
delusive euphemism, the Republican-controlled Lege passed [the Woman & Child Protection Act, which empowers self-appointed avengers to sue out-of-state healthcare providers for hundreds of thousands of dollars should they mail women medication to terminate unsought pregnancies. No, instead SB8 represents — after years of failed attempts — Republicans’ successful passage of a so-called “bathroom bill.” The new law proscribes all government buildings, from universities to prisons, to “take every reasonable step to ensure” that transgender men, boys, women and girls be barred from availing themselves of the restrooms and locker rooms to which they’ve grown accustomed to using without incident. The first time a state agency lets trans people access the facilities of the
gender with which they align, they could face a $25,000 civil penalty, and another $125,000 every time after that. “Each day of a continuing violation constitutes a separate violation,” the law reads. And the Texas Attorney General may recover “court costs, attorney’s fees, investigative costs, witness fees” and other financial compensation from the offending institution. Would strip-searching a student to check their “reproductive system” constitute a “reasonable step” to keep restrooms transgender-free? Despite GOP lawmakers wasting nearly a decade to craft this bill, it doesn’t say. We are informed that custodians and maintenance workers are exempt, however, as are emergency technicians and cops, and the ban doesn’t apply to those assisting
young children or the elderly or the disabled, who may need help using the toilet. Nor, presumably, does it apply to those imminently chasing down a purse thief. As of today, “San Antonio is committed to complying with the Texas Women’s Privacy Act,” according to the city’s official website — under a tab cynically marked “Civil Rights.” “This isn’t about protecting girls, it’s about turning neighbors into narcs,” State Rep. Jolanda Jones told the Houston Chronicle back in August. “It’s creating what I call ‘vagina vigilantes’,” she continued, or “strangers empowered to decide gender based on nothing more than their prejudice, ‘Who is man enough, who is woman enough to use a restroom?’” While Jones is largely right, she appeared to miss the larger, more worrisome target: many supporters of legislation such as SB 8 want to erase transgender people altogether. Longtime San Antonio Current hate-reader and right-wing activist Jack Finger, for instance, facetiously expressed his desire to castrate trans women for using their familiar lavatory. “I’ve seen it at least a couple of times in sacurrent.com | Dec 24 - Jan 6, 2026 | CURRENT
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news San Antonio,” Finger said in open testimony before the Committee on State Affairs this summer, “and I was tempted to help that gentleman save money on his transgendered operation by physically helping him get there.” Or consider an indicative headline from far-right online magazine The Federalist: “It’s Time To Eradicate Transgenderism From Public Life.” And how does the publication’s senior editor propose to accomplish that? “We should treat the ideology of transgenderism the way we treated radical Islamism after 9/11 or communism in the 1950s,” he wrote, referring to the racist Bush-era roundups of Muslim Americans and the indecent Constitution-shredding of the McCarthy era, respectively. “Anyone advocating or working to advance gender ideology should be treated as a criminal and an enemy of the people.” Sadly, such villainization goes well beyond idle rhetorical fantasy. Writing for the Texas Newsroom last week, investigative reporter Lauren McGaughy discovered through a records request that the Department of Public Safety “has amassed a list of 110 people who tried to update their gender between August 2024 and 2025,” and
it’s “unclear what the state is doing with this information.” On the flip side though, when have idle government enemies lists ever come back to haunt us? Many Texan parents of transgender children aren’t waiting around to find out. In 2022, after Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton threatened to sic protective services on parents who dare to follow the consensus medical advice of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Medical Association and the Pediatric Endocrine Society regarding age-appropriate gender-affirming care, the intrepid 12-year-old activist Sunny Bryant fled Red America altogether. Her family is no doubt one of hundreds, and we’re a less friendlier state for it. Religious and non-religious people alike have historically stigmatized LGBTQ+ people as perverted delusional freaks. The Republican Party of Texas platform still refers to homosexuality as “an abnormal lifestyle choice.” Yet two of the loudest demands insisted on by the LGBTQ+ civil rights movement in this country were marriage and military service. What could be more normal and middle-of-the-road than that? Well, except perhaps micturating in peace
or participating in interscholastic sports. “Whenever I hear the simplistic edict that there should be ‘no men in women’s sports’, my first instinct is to agree,” prolific author and current PEN America President Jennifer Finney Boylan wrote. “Because transgender women are not ‘really’ men. We are women. ‘No men in women’s sports’ or ‘There are only two sexes’ make great bumper stickers. ‘Common sense’ is what the president calls it. But just because arguments against trans people’s right to exist are easy to make, that does not make them any less wrong.” And what of those serving in uniform? This month, the DC Circuit Court of Appeals let stand Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s ban on trans troops. “I’m very disappointed,” a transgender Marine told the Associated Press in June. “I’ve outperformed, I have a spotless record. I’m at the top of every fitness report. I’m being pushed out while I know others are barely scraping by.” Adding insult to this suspension of merit-based recruitment, the Air Force has announced it will deny full retirement benefits to trans personnel. “I’ve been in this race five days and I’ve had a lot of interviews with national media,
but no one’s ever asked me about the cost of housing, prescription drugs or childcare,” Democratic Texas Rep. James Talarico vented early in his U.S. Senate campaign. “The only thing the media wants to ask me about are trans athletes.” More strategic than the senseless distraction is turning vulnerable communities into culture war wedges. “The only minority destroying this country is the billionaires,” Talarico elaborated. “Trans people aren’t taking away our health care. It’s the billionaires and their puppet politicians.” Or to quote Emmy Award-winning actress Laverne Cox, ”At the end of the day, trans people are less than 1% of the population. We’re not the reason that you can’t buy a house or your rent is too high. I think [this administration is] focused on the wrong 1%.” Maybe you feel called to read the Bible like a science textbook. Maybe you’re not up to date on all the hip new terms and are afraid of faux pas as much as neurotic columnists such as myself. But surely we can all agree there’s a kinder, less humiliating way to treat each other than Senate Bill 8, and far more effective ways of giving folks their privacy.
Side(walk) Hustle
San Antonio looking to install rainbow sidewalks along city’s LGBTQ+strip MICHAEL KARLIS
S
an Antonio city officials are considering painting rainbow sidewalks in the city’s LGBTQ+ nightlife district following Gov. Greg Abbott’s order requiring municipalities to remove queer-themed crosswalks or risk losing millions in state funding. The rainbow sidewalks would be along the intersection at North Main Avenue and Evergreen Street near the rainbow crosswalks’ current location, Assistant San Antonio City Attorney Krista Cover said during an LGBTQ+ Advisory Committee meeting this week. Although staff offered no timeline for when those sidewalks might be put in place, District 1 Councilwoman Sukh Kaur said during the meeting that her
office will lead the way. “We’re going to fund this,” Kaur said. “This is important to us, and … if our office and some of the other council offices have to support it, we will. But we’ve gotten a commitment from the city to execute on this.” Discussion about the rainbow sidewalks comes shortly after the Texas Department of Transportation rejected San Antonio’s request for an exemption allowing it keep its rainbow crosswalks. That exemption request included data showing that the intersection was made safer by the brightly colored crosswalks. The city is now identifying funds and contractors to remove the crosswalks, which must be scrubbed by Jan. 15 to comply with state orders.
Sanford Nowlin
sacurrent.com | Dec 24 - Jan 6, 2026 | CURRENT
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calendar
ONGOING - MON | 01.05 VISUAL ART
YOU’RE INVITED TO BIRTHDAY CAKE MOUNTAIN
In honor of The DoSeum’s 10th birthday, San Antonio’s premiere kid’s museum and play space is serving up a lively experience inspired by everyone’s favorite birthday treat: cake. 2025 Artist-in-Residence Liza Fishbone has a knack for creating alternate realities by combining a love of large-scale painting and 3D fabrication into fantastical immersive landscapes. For this installation, Fishbone transforms the festive, symbolic significance of birthday cake into a layered adventure — a stroll through a magical forest with hands-on activities that challenge young minds to celebrate the enchantment of self-guided creative experiences. $18, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, The DoSeum, 2800 Broadway, (210) 212-4453, thedoseum.org. — Anjali Gupta
Instagram thedoseum
WED | 12.31 SPECIAL EVEN T
KIDS COUNTDOWN & CELEBRATE SA AT HEMISFAIR PARK The City of San Antonio is knocking New Year’s Eve Oscar Moreno
out of the park again —
WED | 12.31
Hemisfair Park, that is — with
SPECIAL EVEN T
family-oriented fun at the
CELEBRATE SA NEW YEAR’S EVE
The San Antonio Parks Foundation (SAPF) has repeatedly gone all out on its Celebrate SA New Year’s Eve event. This year, it wants to break a record. For this celebration, the Parks Foundation is staging the World’s Largest Dance Party, urging enough San Antonians to turn up, party and break the record, officials said in a statement. We’re not sure how many people have to show up to do that — the Guinness World Records site lists no such existing record. But 75,000 or so people have turned up at past Celebrate SA events, so it’s a fair guess we’ve got a shot. Events this year will sprawl across downtown’s Market Street, La Villita, Hemisfair and River Walk Districts. At the end of the night, guests will watch a 14-minute fireworks display. The fun will include multiple dancing areas along with food vendors, photo opportunities, carnival rides, party games and more, according to Parks Foundation officials. Bands and DJs including Celebr8, Melange, DJ Men-Yo, DJ Reggie Cruz and other surprise entertainers will perform. Guests of all ages are welcome at Celebrate SA, and there’s no need to reserve tickets. Free, 6 p.m.-12:30 a.m., various downtown locations, saparks.org. — Samara Gerstle
concurrent free events to ring in 2026. Expect all ages, Hemisfair’s Kids Countdown, which kicks off at 6 p.m. in Yanaguana Garden. Chock full of arts, crafts, music and games for the little ones, the event is the perfect parallel to Celebrate SA, San Antonio’s largest New Year’s Eve celebration, which opens at the same time and runs into
Oscar Moreno
the wee hours, culminating in a spectacular fireworks display at midnight. Guests will enjoy live music, dancing, a variety of local food vendors and witness the city’s skyline temporarily transformed into an ethereal spectacle. Free, 6 p.m.-12:30 a.m., Hemisfair Park, 434 S. Alamo St., (210) 709-4750, saparks.org. — AG
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CURRENT | Dec 24 - Jan 6, 2026 | sacurrent.com
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WED | 12.31 SPECIAL EVEN T
CHROMATIQA: A QUEER NEW YEAR’S EVE AFFAIR
Billed as San Antonio’s premier LGBTQ+ New Year’s Eve event, relative newcomer on the scene the Rah! Rah! Room presents CHROMATIQA, a celebration inspired by Beyonce’s Renaissance and Lady Gaga’s Chromatica. Self-described as “glitter-drenched, space disco-fueled, creative-driven queer experience rooted in joy, art and community,” the CHROMATIQA experience includes, drag and burlesque showcases, queer DJs spinning house, disco and club music, art installations, drink and food specials, an “elevated queer makers market” and a disco ball countdown to 2026. If you are looking for a high-octane event to ring in the new year, this may be the one to wear your feather boa to. $25 and up with VIP packages available, 8 p.m.-1 a.m., Rah! Rah! Room, 6322 San Pedro Ave., instagram.com/therahrahroom. — AG
Courtesy Photo Rah! Rah! Room
SUN | 01.04 SPECIAL EVENT
TREE BUDS CITIZEN FORESTER ORIENTATION SESSION
Urban forests are a thing of beauty—not just in terms of enhancing urban design but serving the practical purposes of filtering air and water, energy conservation and providing habitats for animals displaced by urban sprawl. The logistics of creating green spaces aren’t insurmountable, but they do require commitment from professionals and the community at large. Basic skills such as proper pruning methods and hands-on training with tools and techniques from certified arborists are equally essential. Learn the “hows” and “whys” of certain techniques and how they directly benefit our urban canopy. This orientation is the first step to joining monthly volunteer sessions, which run on the first Saturday of each month from October through May. Spots are limited, and registration is required. Sign up to receive full details and confirm your attendance at forms.office.com/r/AkMGDX6qjT. Free, 8:30 a.m.-noon, Sgt. Matthew E. Mendoza Park, 5206 Hillje St., bexarbranches.org. — AG
Instagram / briscoemuseum
THU | 01.08 SPECIAL EVEN T
MAP MAKING WORKSHOP WITH EMMA SCHMIDT
Currently on view at the Briscoe Museum of Western Art, “Going to Texas: Five Centuries of Texas Maps,” charts the practice of cartography from the artistic endeavors of early explorers and naturalists to the militaristic, utilitarian means documenting supply lines, territorial divisions and attempts to establish eminent domain. With the vast collection currently on display, largely borrowed from the Yana and Marty Davis Map Collection at the Museum of the Big Bend, cartographer Emma Schmidt aims to re-engage audiences with the artistic roots of cartography. Using hand-drawn mapping techniques, Schmidt will focus on the San Antonio River and how it bisects downtown. No experience is necessary to participate, and all materials will be provided. The current exhibition should provide ample inspiration, since it covers nearly 500 years of Texas history including the path from New Spain to colonial rule and, eventually, statehood. $20 for members and $35 for non-members, 6-8 p.m., Briscoe Western Art Museum, 210 W. Market St., (210) 299Courtesy Photo Bexar Branches Alliance
4499, briscoemuseum.org. — AG
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CURRENT | Dec 24 - Jan 6, 2026 | sacurrent.com
San Antonio’s funky art book store Embarrassing Shoes to close BY STEPHANIE KOITHAN
P
erhaps it was a concept too cool for San Antonio. Photo and art book store Embarrassing Shoes announced its impending closure with a recent Instagram post. “We are closing in late January 2026 due to bad business idea,” the quirky business revealed in equally quirky fashion. The unique shop is the brainchild of visual artist Emiko Badillo and photographer Chad Miller. Specializing in photography books, art prints, vegan candies and other curated gift items, the shop was a small space with a big idea: “Stay creative and frisky, meet some folks, support some folks, and make ends meet.”
Instagram Embarrassing Shoes
Or at least that’s what the “About Us” page on the business’ website states as its starry-eyed mission. The afterthought about “and making ends meet” seemed to be the hardest part, for such an out-there business with an even more inscrutable name. But for its clientele, that was part of its appeal. Embarrassing Shoes opened in February of this year in a small room within coffee house San Antonio Gold. Since then, the small shop has hosted events in collaboration with the cafe, including photographer and punk rock historian Pat Blashill’s book launch event for
arts
Starry-Eyed Mission
Someday All the Adults Will Die! in August. Punks with pedigrees came out to speak at the book release’s “Punk Rock Storytelling Hour,” including Brad Perkins of influential San Antonio punk outfits Marching Plague and Fearless Iranians from Hell. It was the type of event that didn’t quite make sense at any other bookstore, and that’s the niche that Embarrassing Shoes filled — albeit, a niche as tiny as its storefront. Embarrassing Shoes also launched in an already harsh environment for independent booksellers. It’s not the only bookstore to close in San Antonio this year, for those who recall the short-lived San Antone Books, which lasted less than five months. “We are gonna be slowly going out of business and trying to clear out inventory in the least painful way possible,” Embarrassing Shoes added in its Monday morning Instagram post. “Any pity purchases you can throw our way would be most appreciated.” The store is running a discount to clear its inventory. Use the code RIP20 on embarrassingshoes.com, with the option to pick up in person. Embarrassing Shoes is located at 1913 S. Flores St., and its hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday.
Exchange of Ideas Alamo Colleges names San Antonio-born Vincent Valdez as first Artist-inResidence BY SANFORD NOWLIN
T
he Alamo Colleges District has selected Vincent Valdez as its inaugural Artist-in-Residence for the 20252026 school year, enabling him to lead immersive learning experiences with district students and the larger community. San Antonio-born Valdez is known for his large-scale — and often cinematic — paintings that explore social justice, identity and under-examined historical narratives. He splits his time between Houston and Los Angeles, and his work has appeared in the collections and exhibitions of the Ford Foundation, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Smithsonian Museum of American Art and the National Portrait Gallery. Throughout his year-long residency, Valdez will work with Alamo Colleges students to
Courtesy Alamo Colleges
“deepen critical thinking, encourage artistic expression and promote meaningful dialogue through the arts,” according to a statement from the district. Texas Commission for the Arts will help cover costs associated with the spring 2026 portion of his residency. “I look forward to engaging with the Alamo Colleges District community, faculty, and students,” Valdez said in a statement. “This partnership offers an important opportunity — an exchange of ideas, personal stories, social histories, in a moment when building community and supporting our youth matters most.” Valdez’s residency will encompass classroom visits and student talks during the fall and
spring semesters, including guest lectures, studio visits and discussions with students. As part of the residency, Valdez also will work on an exhibition scheduled to be held at the Common Ground Gallery located at ACCESS in Summer 2026. The exhibition will present new pieces from Valdez honoring his late great-grandfather, who was also an artist. In April 2026, Valdez will also serve as the featured keynote speaker at the Alamo Colleges District Visual and Performing Arts Summit, according to district officials. Alamo Colleges, founded in 1945, has grown into a network of five campuses serving 88,000 students annually.
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CURRENT | Dec 24 - Jan 6, 2026 | sacurrent.com
From radical activists to rural vampires, here are our picks for the best films of 2025
screens
Cinematic Standouts
Warner Bros
BY KIKO MARTINEZ
A
nother year has come and gone, and with it emerged a cinematic landscape that was satisfying to navigate — from a breathtaking 16th century tragedy to a fearlessly inventive retelling of a gothic classic. As the Current’s film critic, these were my favorite movie releases of 2025.
1. One Battle After Another
Loosely inspired by Thomas Pynchon’s 1990 novel Vineland, 11-time Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson (There Will Be Blood) tells the story of Bob Ferguson (Leonardo DiCaprio), a former member of a revolutionary group who sets out to find his kidnapped daughter (Chase Infiniti) before harm comes to her at the hands of a ruthless military colonel (Sean Penn) from his past and an elite alliance of white supremacists. The black comedy-action film is viciously clever as it unmasks the façade of American idealism. Nuanced performances inject humanity into every scene. Anderson has never won an Oscar, but that streak finally may end at March’s ceremony.
2. Sentimental Value
Norway’s selection for Best International Feature Film at the upcoming Academy Awards, this emotionally resonant drama follows Gustav Borg (Stellan Skarsgård), a celebrated filmmaker who reunites with his estranged daughters (Renate Reinsve and Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas) after their mother dies. One of the daughters is an actress, and Gustav fails to cast her in his new film about his traumatic childhood. Director and co-writer Joachim Trier (The Worst Person in the World) guides the character-driven narrative with tender restraint into some uncomfortable places where family resentment quietly festers.
3. Hamnet
Co-written with poetic elegance by Oscar-winning filmmaker Chloé Zhao (Nomadland) and original author Maggie O’Farrell, this historical drama tells the story of the romance between William Shakespeare (Paul Mescal) and his wife (Jessie Buckley) and the effect the death of their young son, Hamnet (Jacobi Jupe), has on their marriage. Zhao transports viewers inside late 16th century England
with meticulous attention to detail and a screenplay that brims with sorrow, while exploring how that grief impacts creativity. The final scene inside the Elizabethan theatre is profound and cathartic.
4. Marty Supreme
The sport of table tennis has never been so entertaining, not even when Forrest Gump was playing it on the big screen 30 years ago. Set in New York City in the 1950s — and loosely based on real-life table tennis player Marty Reisman — the pulsating drama stars two-time Oscar nominee Timothée Chalamet (Call Me by Your Name) as the title character, an arrogant ping pong pro blinded by ambition. Directed by Josh Safdie (Uncut Gems), the film is wildly unpredictable and branded with a visceral energy that drives the tension to a breaking point — all while swinging a paddle.
5. Nouvelle Vague
Oscar-nominated filmmaker Richard Linklater (Boyhood) does a phenomenal job fully embracing both the spirit and visual language of the French New Wave in his charming and stylistically flawless dramedy. Linklater tells the story of how French director Jean-Luc Godard (Guillaume Marbeck) made the 1960 French crime drama Breathless — and does so within the same mold as the French Swiss auteur himself. Depending on your knowledge of the revolutionary film movement, the vision behind every seemingly improvised scene will feel effortless. Its spontaneity and playfulness are irresistible.
tosses in to keep mainstream audiences from straying too far. Ambitious and metaphorically compelling, Coogler delivers his blood-soaked message with deep-rooted history and bold storytelling.
8. Frankenstein
The cinematic reinvention of iconic characters is a bottomless cavern that directors will continue to mine, but in the hands of Oscar-winning filmmaker Guillermo del Toro (The Shape of Water), a return to Mary Shelley’s early 19th century novel becomes a welcome standout. Del Toro has crafted the most empathetic version of the Creature (Jacob Elordi) ever put on screen.
9. The Perfect Neighbor
Director Geeta Gandbhir strips away the sensationalist nature of the true-crime documentary to make this unnervingly realistic film a cinematic achievement. Through police body cam footage, the murder of 35-year-old Ajike “A.J.” Owens at the hands of her volatile neighbor in 2023 unfolds like a slow-burning nightmare.
10. The Life of Chuck
Directed and adapted by Mike Flanagan (Doctor Sleep) from a Stephen King novella, this fantasy drama follows the title character (Tom Hiddleston), an accountant whose entire existence is at the center of a sprawling narrative told in reverse order — from a global catastrophe to Chuck’s tragic yet hopeful childhood. It’s haunting and life-affirming.
6. Sirāt
Spain’s selection for Best International Feature Film at the upcoming Oscars, the mesmerizing drama by French-born Spanish film director Oliver Laxe (Fire Will Come) follows a father (Sergi López) and his young son (Bruno Núñez Arjona) searching for their missing daughter and sister, respectively, at a rave in the Moroccan desert. Set to a relentless techno soundtrack that takes the narrative into devastatingly emotional terrain, Laxe has created a hypnotic soundscape that shrouds the viewer into a state of disorientation — like seeing a dreamlike mirage in the distance.
7. Sinners
Director Ryan Coogler’s Jim Crow-era vampire film is such a unique contribution to the horror genre, it’s easy to forgive some of the tropes he
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RING IN 2026 AT THE
1 HOTEL BAR ININ SAN ANTONIO
##
R
aise a glass to the new year at Sternewirth at
Hotel Emma, set inside the original 1894 Pearl Brewhouse. Join us in the heart of the Pearl for our annual New Year’s Eve celebration, complete with flowing Moët & Chandon Champagne, live music by our friends DJ Jevonchi and Diego Martinez, and chefcrafted culinary surprises. General admission tickets are $35 per person, with a limited number of private VIP seating areas available by reservation.
Scan to Learn More & Buy Tickets Today
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136 E Grayson St, San Antonio, TX 78215 Located inside of Hotel Emma
CURRENT | Dec 24 - Jan 6, 2026 | sacurrent.com Sternewirth-NYE-2025-FINAL-2.indd 1
12/19/25 9:04 AM
food
Amor Eterno
Michael Karlis
The 50 Best Bars in San Antonio From classy cocktail lounges to corner beer bars, SA has no shortage of worthy watering holes
I
f you think San Antonio nightlife begins and ends with oversized River Walk margaritas, you aren’t just missing the point — you’re missing the party. This city gets its drink on in varied ways. Round these parts, meticulously hand-cut ice cubes can coexist peacefully with frosty Lone Star bottles. Mezcal flights at James Beard-nominated dining destinations and mystery wells at neighborhood dives are equally at home. In an effort to chronicle our wildly varied bar scene, the Current once again took on the task of picking our 50 favorite bars of the year and presenting them in alphabetical order. And as with years past, we had to make tough calls and omit many a worthwhile establishment. To narrow it down, we tried to avoid establishments where the music is the main draw and drinking is just ancillary. The same goes for
places where the food or the site-brewed beer are the star and the bar may not have the requisite atmosphere to grab our attention. That said, if your favorite didn’t make the cut, there’s a likelihood things may play out differently next year. This is a subjective list, and our city’s bar scene is in a state of constant evolution. Contributing writers for this piece include Michael Karlis, Stephanie Koithan, Sanford Nowlin, Travis E. Poling, Bryan Rindfuss and Kat Stinson.
1. 2015 Place
Billed as “Monte Vista’s best kept secret,” this unassuming haunt could easily be mistaken for an old house in need of some TLC. But once through the front door, the 2015 reveals itself as a cozy dive with all the bare necessities: long happy hours with cheap well drinks and pitchers of beer, not to mention billiards, a jukebox and a small dance floor. Whether you visit this gay-friendly favorite for a lazy afternoon or a late-night tipple, you’ll likely be in the company of some of 2015’s diehard regulars — a delightfully diverse mix informed by its convenient location between the Main Strip and the St. Mary’s Strip. While the 2015’s proud of its powerful air conditioner, the vibe here is anything but cold, which makes it an ideal spot to unwind and forget your troubles. 2015 San Pedro Ave., (210) 733-3365.
2. Amelia Social Lounge
The first bar to open in the Creamery District next to the Pearl, Amelia Social Lounge lives up to its promise as an intimate, New York-style cocktail destination. Martinis flow freely as live music fills the space — while thoughtfully arranged seating and a sophisticated baby grand piano invite small gatherings and romantic nights out. Named for trailblazing aviatrix Amelia Earhart, the lounge leans classic with its cocktail program, offering French 75s finished with cognac pearls, New York sours, an array of martinis and Old Fashioneds with customizable spirits along with well-known sips such as the Aviation and the Paper Plane, all handled capably by expert bar staff. 875 E. Ashby Place, Suite 1120, ameliasatx.com.
3. Amor Eterno
This swanky cocktail spot from SA bar-scene daddy Aaron Peña is popular — so much so that lines form to get in on the weekend — and deservedly so. Apparently, the allure of its neon lighting and velvet wallpaper leaves folks with FOMO. Whether you’re looking to dance, kick back in elegant Old San Antonio vibes or indulge in craft cocktails like the Brown Sugar Old Fashioned or Hemingway Daiquiri, Amor Eterno is a great spot to begin or end a night out with friends or a significant other. The craft beer selection isn’t too bad either. This spot also hosts an array of one-off events, so be sure to follow it on Instagram to keep that FOMO
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COMING SOON 2026 FINE SUSHI, SIGNATURE SIPS & LOUNGE VIBES. 17803 LA CANTERA TERRACE #1104, SAN ANTONIO, TX 78256 IG @UNIKOJAPANESE
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BY THE ROCK
16102 OLD FREDERICKSBURG RD. SAN ANTONIO, TX 78257
food further at bay. 540 S. Presa St., instagram. com/amoreterno_sa.
4. The Bang Bang Bar
Despite its wide open floor plan, The Bang Bang Bar offers plenty of intimate seating arrangements thanks to its arrangement of vintage furniture finds into living room-style hangout spots. An arcade off to the side offers entertainment for those looking to do more than lounge. Although the owners have moved live music to the Rah! Rah! Room, which they own down San Pedro Avenue, the always-inviting dive still oholds popular trivia nights on Wednesdays and Karaoke on Sundays. Bartenders are adept at whipping up the Bang Bang’s creative takes on classic cocktails such as the Orange-Blossom Old Fashioned, the Kahlua-based Pick me up Buttercup and the Black Cherry Daiquiri, but they’re also more than happy to pull the tab on a cold one. Food is available from the adjacent Dogfather for a late-night snack or happy-hour dinner. 119 El Mio Drive, (210) 320-1187, thebangbangbartx.com.
5. Bar 1919
Located in a basement at the Blue Star Arts Complex, Bar 1919 is easy to miss, but it’s destination serious spirits aficionados will want to find. The place is steeped in class and old-time charm. Whether it’s the dark, decidedly elegant atmosphere, the array of cigar and whiskey offerings or the vested mixologists expertly going about their craft, Bar 1919 truly feels like a hidden speakeasy from the Prohibition era. While it’s hard to go wrong with the extensive spirits menu or the house cocktails, this spot also excels at off-menu drinks. Just tell the bartender what you like and they’ll concoct something that you’ll never find anywhere else but here. 1420 S. Alamo St., (210) 227-1420, bar1919.com.
6. Bar 414
This cozy classic decked out in wood and brass has a timeless feel, which is appropriate given that it’s the speakeasy-style bar in downtown’s Gunter Hotel, which hosted iconic blues artist Robert Johnson ’s first recording session in November 1936. The cocktail list is short and well-focused, and recent visits have featured acoustic performers focused on rustic American-roots music, again sticking to the theme. The hotel’s previous ownership let the venue ride off the rails pretty quick, first booking
hang, karaoke to burlesque shows. 1014 S. Presa St., instagram/barludivine.
The Bar at Mixtli
10. Beethoven Männerchor
Billed as home to oldest German choir west of the Mississippi, this longtime gathering place for the immigrants who built San Antonio’s King William neighborhood has been a fixture since 1867. While it boasts hundreds of members, the venerable beer hall and garden is open to the public, and it offers frequent fests that bring together a wide sampling of San Antonians to sing, raise a stein and engage in gemütlichkeit, the German concept of coziness and belonging. The place feels stuck in a time warp — we mean that in the best of ways — and its wide selection of German beers on tap is not to be missed. 422 Pereida St., (210) 222-1521, beethovensanantonio.com.
11. Be Kind and Rewind
Michael Karlis
frat daddies playing “Hotel California” and Jimmy Buffet covers, then letting the music component die off altogether. Here’s hoping the current management, which seems to understand the magical allure of Johnson’s legacy, keeps things on track. 205 E. Houston St., thegunterhotel. com/bar-414.
7. The Bar at Mixtli
Rare is the restaurant, no matter how highly reviewed, whose bar stands alone as a night-out destination. The bar at Michelin-star lauded Mexican eatery Mixtli is one of those exceptions. For one, the restaurant’s rep for innovation carries over to the cocktails. The Black Charro, made with mezcal, tequila and the bitter Italian digestif Cynar is rimmed with a tomatillo, huitaloche and shallot salt that not only complements its vegetal notes but could be sold as a gourmet seasoning blend. With its Mexican whisky blend, olorosso, fig and porcini, Manos de Barro delivers a rich and alluring essence of nuts and dried fruit. Bar manager Lauren Beckman won an Outstanding Service award in the inaugural Michelin Texas Guide, and her attentiveness and expertise clearly spilled over to the rest of the staff. A brief menu of bar bites maintains Mixtli’s rep for innovation and quality. 812 S. Alamo St., Suite 103, (210) 338-0746, restaurantmixtli.com.
8. Bar Loretta
Although some known Southtown staple Bar Loretta best for its elevated take on Texas-inspired cuisine, it certainly lives up to the “bar” part of its name. Neighborhood-rooted, classy yet unfussy, Loretta’s bar scene attracts a clientele all its own. After the dinner crowd begins filtering out, the lights dim and volume on the sound system edges up. The impressive cocktail list includes creative house originals plus an array of drinks with Texas-made spirits at the forefront. The special occasion-worthy Mexican Old Fashioned is billed as a “three-state artisanal ensemble of Mezcal Amarás Cenizo, Cupreata & Azul blended in house” embellished with a special bitters blend. The extensive drink menu also includes well-curated old- and new-world wines along with beers on tap. Little wonder Bar Loretta remains a popular stop for casual drinks, nightcaps and date nights. 320 Beauregard St., (210) 757-3607, barloretta.com.
9. Bar Ludivine
This eclectic bar in San Antonio’s Lavaca neighborhood has emerged as a fave among locals looking for a relaxed place to settle in with a craft cocktail, locally produced brew or glass of fine French wine. Bar staff are friendly and knowledgeable, and the menu features rotating seasonal cocktails often centered around Texas-grown or -produced ingredients. Patrons also have an array of entertainment options at this neighborhood
Be Kind and Rewind isn’t about fancy cocktails — it’s about dancing the night away with drinks in hand and an extra dose of ’80s, ’90s and early-2000s nostalgia. True to its name, the two-level Alamo Plaza destination invites guests to turn back the clock with immersive throwbacks to bygone eras — and don’t worry, no creepy Tom from MySpace is included. Expect arcade games, themed drinks and shots with names including Spring Break ’89, Risky Business and The Pink Ranger, plus murals honoring late legends such as the Queen of Tejano — all set to on-theme music that keeps the dance floor going well past midnight. 115 Alamo Plaza, (210) 951-1980, bekindandrewindsa. com.
12. Bonham Exchange
More than four decades after its 1981 opening in a German athletic club built in 1891, the Bonham Exchange has managed to stay relevant amid San Antonio’s ever-shifting nightlife scene. Naturally, evolution has played a vital role in the Bonham’s staying power — and it’s not uncommon to hear early fans griping about how the gay mainstay used to be back in their day. Old-schoolers reminisce about the wild concerts that used to light up the upstairs ballroom that hosted everyone from Tina Turner to Iggy Pop. Others pine for the days of 25cent drinks on Wednesday night, which was once billed as “straight night.” And many grumble that the storied club isn’t nearly as gay as it once was. But some of us are simply grateful for the things that sacurrent.com | Dec 24 - Jan 6, 2026 | CURRENT
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THURSDAY REVERSE HAPPY HOUR 9 PM – Midnight
$5 Margaritas $10 Margarita Flight $18 Ultimate Margarita Flight $2 All Shots $3 Domestic $4 Import
$3 MIMOSAS — ALL DAY / EVERYDAY
The Shops at La Cantera 15900 La Cantera Pkwy, San Antonio, TX 78256 @tinycantinasipnshop 26
CURRENT | Dec 24 - Jan 6, 2026 | sacurrent.com
Baybrook Mall 500 Baybrook Mall Friendswood, TX 77546 @tinycantina.baybrook
La Plaza Mall McAllen, TX 78503 @tinycantina_plazamall
food brews up exceptional beer while also turning out elevated pub fare. Ample seating is available inside and out, and while Dos Sirenos gives off neighborhood bar vibes thanks to all the condos, apartments and homes that have popped up in around the Lone Star district, it’s also earned its reputation as a destination drinking spot. Heavier brews such as the Magnus Scotch Ale and the Tobinator Doppelbock grace the 20-beer menu in the winter, but easy drinking favorites such as the Giuseppe Italian Pilsner and the Dreamsicle Cream Ale balance things out. 231 E. Cevallos St. dossirenosbrewing.com.
haven’t changed here. The building is still a maze-like architectural gem that’s incredibly fun to explore. The well drinks are still cheap by any comparison. Drag divas still rule the roost during weekly shows. And the main dance floor is still an energetic melting pot on weekend nights. Pro-tip: if you only visit the Bonham once a year, make it during Fiesta, when a wildly mixed cross section of San Antonio floods the dance floor and spills out onto the patio for the unofficial Battle of Flowers Parade after party. 411 Bonham St., (210) 224-9219, bonhamexchange.com.
13. Casa Hernan This Southtown spot created by San Antonio celebrity chef Johnny Hernandez transports visitors to a colorful scene that’s part Mexico City and part Wizard of Oz. From the massive and elaborate wooden bar to the eclectic light fixtures, the decor at this spot is just as interesting as the house margaritas, made with topshelf Herradura Blanco tequila, Cointreau and passion fruit, then topped off with Sal de Gusano. The mezcal-based La Pasion is also a house specialty. Weekdays, Casa Hernán is more of a casual sit-down hangout, while a nightclub atmosphere pervades on the weekend. 411 E. Cevallos St., (210) 255-1342, casahernan.com.
14. Cellar Mixology
One of San Antonio’s true speakeasies, Cellar Mixology is home to some of the most inventive cocktails in town. Tucked beneath Toro Kitchen and Bar in St. Paul Square, this hip drinking destination occupies a basement dating back to the 1920s, lending it an authentic Prohibition-era feel. Inside, Cellar unfolds as a hidden oasis, where the glow of liquid-nitrogen cocktails and the precision of its bartenders bring the space to life with music and inventive drinks you won’t find anywhere else. Just look under the rose to find your way in. Those familiar with Latin will get the play on words, erm, imagery. 1142 E. Commerce St., (210) 305-6066, cellarmixology.com.
15. Chifladas Cocktail Bar
With a multipurpose Spanish name that can mean “crazy” or “spoiled brat” depending on where you are and whom you ask, Chifladas Cocktail Bar bills itself as a “little West Side gem” and succeeds with flying colors. Decked out in fairy
19. Double Standard
Casa Hernan Michael Karlis
lights, kitschy decor and neon signs — including a hot-pink one celebrating “Cocktails and Dreams” — the playful bar attracts all walks with a winning blend of signature cocktails, nostalgic jams, DJ and karaoke nights, and some of the finest local food vendors in town. As part of its mission to function as a community-based bar, Chifladas also hosts regular events that feel tailor-made for San Antonio. Case in point: a recent outdoor screening of Isabel Castro’s 2025 documentary Selena y Los Dinos was deliciously complemented by a Fideo Loco popup on the patio. That community-minded spirit also carries over into charitable endeavors such as a Thanksgiving-adjacent food pantry for those in need, and a coat and blanket drive for individuals experiencing homelessness. 1804 W. Martin St., (210) instagram.com/ chifladas_sa.
16. Copa Wine Bar and Tasting Room Copa co-owner Angie Bridges died last year, leaving the Stone Oak staple in the capable hands of her husband Jeff. While she’s missed as an affable host, wine enthusiasts are grateful this two-decade old institution is still around. Among the city’s first wine bars, the Bridges recognized that bringing a successful one to the Alamo City meant making wine affordable, approachable and fun. To its credit and longevity, Copa remains just that. “I want people to come into Copa, and whether it’s been a year or 15 years
since they’ve been, I want them to have a sense of comfort and familiarity,” Jeff Bridges told the Current in an interview earlier this year. 19141 Stone Oak Parkway, Suite 704, (210) 495-2672, thecopawinebar. com.
17. Dakota East Side Ice House
Since opening the Dakota East Side Ice House in 2018, owner and longtime neighborhood resident Kent Oliver has established his appropriately chill spot as a place for everyone. In addition to a banner on the Dakota’s website announcing that “We welcome all races, ethnicities, sexual orientations, genders, ages [and] religions,” the building’s facade reminds patrons to “Just be nice, damnit!” That thoughtful and inclusive spirit is also reflected in funky, art-filled interiors, an eclectic event schedule that spans from live music to bellydancing and LGBTQ+ gatherings, and beverage options that go beyond a solid beer list to include wine and frozen drinks. But many flock to the Dakota just for the food. While discounted bar bites like pizza and wings fly out of the kitchen during happy hour, the East Side favorite is better known for its signature pork queso and bacon-topped wedge salad, both of which received glowing reviews in Texas Monthly. 433 S. Hackberry St., (210) 375-6009, thedakotasa.com.
18. Dos Sirenos Brewing Co.
Dos Sirenos offers the best of dos mundos in several ways. The operation
Locals who venture downtown for concerts at the Aztec and Majestic theaters look to Double Standard as a nearby refuge for a pre- or after-show cocktail — and maybe some oysters or a really good burger. This classy, timeless-feeling establishment’s efficient bar service, strong drinks and sense of easygoing camaraderie make it a perfect place to show up in pre- or post-show finery when looking to sate your thirst. 114 E. Houston St., (726) 444-5163, doublestandardsatx.com.
20. The Edison Experiment
Finding a decent drink and lively atmosphere in the strip-mall confines of Loop 1604 can be tricky. With a vintage feel imparted by plush furnishings, jazz-age wall photos and weekend live tunes, the Edison Experiment serves up a retro-style cocktail experience that feels both welcoming and organic. Classic tipples — including multiple riffs on both the Old Fashioned and the margarita — dominate the menu, and the bar staff is quick and cordial. Bonus: the $10 happy hour specials include both cocktails and wines by the glass. 1846 N. Loop 1604 West, (210) 479-9600, theedisonexperiment.com.
21. Elsewhere Garden Bar & Kitchen
The opening of Elsewhere Garden’s second location earlier this year came after a long wait, but the owners clearly wanted to make a statement. The 6-acre location off Loop 1604 took the concept to the next level, featuring a Ferris wheel, a Victorian-style greenhouse and a flower tunnel. Indeed, the new location was such a hit that it ran out of beer and food during its grand opening weekend. Elsewhere’s original location on the River Walk’s Museum district still packs sacurrent.com | Dec 24 - Jan 6, 2026 | CURRENT
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food in locals and visitors thanks to its palms, vegetation and relaxed atmosphere. Of course, no matter which Elsewhere one favors, the establishments serve nearly 30 drafts beers and ales as well as their own renowned boozy lemonades and an array of seltzers. Multiple locations, elsewheretexas.com.
As exemplified in its mission statement, “To serve as a gathering place for the Barrio and Beyond,” Jaime’s Place is all about celebrating West Side cultura. Although relatively new — it opened in 2020, during the height of the pandemic — this community gem feels timeless thanks to its welcoming-to-all atmosphere and loving embrace of its neighborhood’s Mexican American culture. Murals and artwork by Latino creators adorn the walls, and an expansive outdoor patio plays host to DJs and performances by old-school favorites ranging from Little Joe y la Familia to West Side soul pioneers the Royal Jesters. Special events including Show Us Your Stacys gatherings and Ladies and Lowriders Mercados also keep the West Side spirit flowing. 1514 W. Commerce St. (210) 564-9083, jaimes.pub.
22. Esquire Tavern
If you’re looking for a piece of San Antonio history served in a cozy cocktail setting, look no further than downtown’s venerable Esquire Tavern, home to the longest wooden bar top in Texas. Opening its doors the day after Prohibition ended in 1933, the Esquire holds the distinction of being the oldest bar in San Antonio — yet its cocktail program is anything but dated. Guests can choose from a thoughtful mix of unique signature cocktails and classic drinks, alongside hearty and handmade bar fare — the Esquire Cheeseburger is a customer favorite — all enjoyed in an atmosphere that pays tribute to the bar’s storied past while feeling very much alive today. 155 E. Commerce St., (210) 222-2521, esquiretavern-sa.com.
23. Faust
San Antonio was once known as the Heavy Metal Capital of the World, but thanks to Faust, the dingy dive a few steps from the north end of the St. Mary’s Strip, it still feels like the city made a deal with the devil to keep it that way. This year, Austin shock-punk band Tear Dungeon put on one of San Antonio’s wildest punk shows inside Faust’s cramped, gothic interior, but the dark environs drip with mystery and intrigue even when it’s not hosting live music. Regular DJ sets in the courtyard also deliver the deep cuts, from thrash to black metal to post-punk and beyond. 517 E. Woodlawn Ave., (210) 257-0628, instagram.com/fausttavernsa.
24. Floore’s Country Store
Sometimes it can be easy to forget that San Antonio’s most legendary country venue is actually just outside city limits. Countless legends have graced this stage in this historic Helotes venue, including Willie Nelson, Bob Wills, Ernest Tubb, Waylon Jennings, B. B. King, Little Richard, Merle Haggard, George Jones, Kacey Musgraves, Luke Combs, Parker McCollum and more. You haven’t experienced Alamo City music until you have experienced Floore’s. 14492 Old Bandera Road,
Lighthouse Lounge
29. Jue Let
Michael Karlis
Helotes, (210) 695-8827, liveatfloores.com.
25. Heat
A change in ownership in 2024 hasn’t changed the things that LGBTQ+ club-goers love about Heat. The dance floor still rages on until 4 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights, well drinks and domestic beers are still wallet-friendly and — importantly — it’s still the spot on the Main Strip to get dolled up to see and be seen. One unexpected development, however, is an amped-up focus on Gothy, underground drag shows. Facilitated by San Antonio’s so-called “undead urban legend” Miss Taint and her partner in crime Bloody Blush, these ghoulish events have included watch parties for the Boulet Brothers’ Drag Race alternative Dragula along with performances by the likes of Asia Consent, who won the grand prize of $100,000 on season six and was crowned “The World’s Next Drag Supermonster.” But it’s not all fake blood and horror drag at Heat, honey. The nightclub recently hosted A Night of a Thousand Kristi Waters — a glamorous, all-star fundraiser benefiting the local drag legend, who is thankfully in remission following cancer treatment. And in keeping with tradition, Heat is pulling out all the stops for a New Year’s Eve bash, this year featuring a black-and-gold theme and party beats by touring DJ Tyler Moore. 1500 N. Main Ave., heatsa.com.
26. High Street Wine Co.
While the Pearl’s nationally lauded High Street Wine Co. is plenty stylish and attracts folks who know their vino, it wins points for its approachability and inviting environs. Wine education is at the top of the menu here, and staff members excel at explaining nuances to experienced tasters and newcomers alike. Glasses start at $9, offering an accessible price point to those just embarking on their wine journey, and customizable wine flights offer the chance to mix, match and explore. The food menu, which ranges from charcuterie boards and shareable flatbreads to “bottomless” truffle popcorn, makes a nice foil for a curated wine list that’s creative enough to offer something new for even the best-traveled connoisseurs. 302 Pearl Parkway, Unit 104, (210) 908-9144, highstreetwine.com.
27. Holy Diver Tiki Lounge
One need not wade into a tourist trap for a tiki experience. Located on the second floor above St. Mary’s Strip mainstay Hi-Tones, Holy Diver offers an environment that’s something between a highend speakeasy and a tiki bar. Entering this opulently decorated time capsule of space feels like stepping into another world — one that’s decidedly exotic and retro with elaborate drinks that are complex as they are sweet. 621 E. Dewey Place, instagram.com/holydivertikilounge.
28. Jaime’s Place
Though new on the scene, Jue Let — a new cocktail concept from Best Quality Daughter chef-owner Jennifer Hwa Dobbertin — has already made waves for its beautiful decor, private karaoke rooms and cheekily named signature drinks like the Soup for my Family. But cheeky only goes so far if they drinks aren’t quality, and as could be expected from Best Quality Daughter’s deft hand with cocktails, they are. Located in the Pearl where Blue Box used to be, Jue Let offers up a perfect place to grab a yuzu- or lychee-infused cocktail after a farmers market or show at Stable Hall. 2107 Emma Koehler, juelet.com.
30. King William Wine Co.
Another newcomer on the scene, King William Wine Co. is an instant classic thanks to its extensive and smartly curated wine list, gorgeous decor and its prime location at Blue Star Arts Complex in a space once occupied by South Alamode Panini & Gelato Co. After making its debut in mid-November, the spot has also already expanded its offerings to include champagne brunch. Get a caviar bump or side of escargot with your evening vino if you feel like gilding the lily. 1420 S. Alamo St., Suite 102B, (210) 600-9033, kingwilliamwine.com.
31. Künstler Brewing
Born from the shared passion of co-founders and husband-wife duo Vera and Brent Deckard, Künstler Brewing (German for “artist”) is a veteran-owned brewpub that pays homage to traditional German beer halls with unmissacurrent.com | Dec 24 - Jan 6, 2026 | CURRENT
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FROM SAUCY WINGS TO SEAFOOD PLATTERS, WE’VE GOT SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE AT THE TABLE.
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food takable San Antonio flair. Known for limited-time collaborations with local restaurants such as Mixtli, an impressive list of both experimental and traditional brews and a welcoming sense of hospitality, Künstler has become a favorite watering hole for locals who appreciate thoughtfully crafted beers and comforting German fare, including a standout jägerschnitzel. 302 E. LaChapelle, (210) 688-4519, kuenstlerbrewing.com.
Mary’s St., (210) 735-1313, themixsa.com.
The Modernist
32. The Lighthouse Lounge
The Woodlawn Lake area’s Lighthouse Lounge is the kind of cozy neighborhood spot that seems like it’s been around for decades, even though it debuted in 2019. It’s cool, dark, welcoming, and when it’s not featuring eclectic live music, its sound system blasts a similarly eclectic playlist. A neon-lit ofrenda pays tribute to Tejano queen Selena, and friends shoot pool on the single table. The drinks are no-frills, and the menu features chupitos tailored to Alamo City tastes, such as the Watermelon Paleta and chamoy shots. Those seeking a late-night snack can also tear into a $5 sausage wraps, yet another San Antonio delicacy. If there’s one word to describe Lighthouse, it’s “puro.” 1016 Cincinnati Ave., instagram. com/thelighthouselounge.
33. Little Death
With its eye-popping murals, St. Mary’s Strip location, picnic-table seating and Airstream trailer hosting pop-up kitchens, Little Death is engineered to remove any remaining sediment of snootiness from the wine experience. Restaurateur Chad Carey’s colorful gathering space imports bottles from across the globe, both affordable and not so, and serves them up with a solid selection of snacks, including $1 oysters every Wednesday. Although it can be hard to get a seat once the Strip gets hopping, its early opening hours offer plenty of opportunity to unwind with an afternoon bottle and cheese plate. 2327 N. St. Mary’s St., (210) 264-6472, littledeathwine.com.
34. The Lonesome Rose
Even if the Lonesome Rose wasn’t doing a bang-up job booking Americana, real-deal country and even occasional underground rock shows, this homey and timeless St. Mary’s Strip honky-tonk would warrant a spot on the list. Its Western decor, heavy on rustic wood and classic beer signs-not to mention its
36. The Modernist
Even though The Modernist sits among the growing hotbed of bars along East Grayson near the Pearl district, it continues to hold onto its identity as a first-wave craft-cocktail innovator. Dim lighting, plush furniture and a location inside a converted house give this nightspot an ambiance all its own. Classy and refined yet decidedly relaxed. That said, the drinks are the star here, and you’re in good hands with its capable mixologists, who can serve up a classic of your choice or whip up something tailored to your particular mood of the evening. Take a chance. You’ll probably be glad you did. 516 E. Grayson St., instagram/themodernistsa.
37. The Moon’s Daughters
Michael Karlis
vintage photos of beloved Texas roots performers—make it look like a movie set. It doesn’t hurt that its patrons are as eclectic as its beer menu. Barkeeps serve up Lone Stars, Shiners and fancy-pants IPAs to a crowd that can include folks in Stetsons or those in patch-covered heavy metal battle vests. You never know who you might walk through the door at the Lonesome Rose, or who might end up onstage, and that’s what keeps folks coming back. 2114 N. St. Mary’s St., (210) 455-0233, thelonesomerose.com.
35. The Mix
Opened in 1996 on the St. Mary’s Strip — a location that’s chewed up and spit out more nightspots than can be counted — The Mix should win a medal for its longevity, if nothing else. But it wouldn’t have lasted this long if it didn’t have something valuable to offer. The no-frills corner bar has served as a near-downtown happy-hour favorite, a college hangout, a hipster haven and a music venue known for serving anything from barely competent upstart bands to touring acts — all at the same time. The drinks are cheap, the vibes are chill and the camaraderie is authentic. The Mix doesn’t put on airs, which is why it continues to thrive amid all the curveballs thrown at the Strip, from lousy parking to angry neighbors. Long may it reign. 2423 N. St
Drinks with a view are guaranteed at The Moon’s Daughters. This elegant rooftop bar on the 20th floor of the Thompson Hotel San Antonio pays homage to the Greek goddess of the moon, other goddesses and the Mediterranean with expertly concocted cocktails such as Persephone’s Wish and Mykonos Lavender. Beyond its deft hand with tipples, The Moon’s Daughters offers a full menu for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner, along with a Helios coffee pop-up, giving visitors plenty of reasons to stop by and enjoy more than a breathtaking view. 115 Lexington Ave., (210) 942-6032, themoonsdaughters.com.
38. Pastiche
It’s great to have a great, go-to cocktail spot no matter what side of San Antonio you’re on, and for those who find themselves on the East Side, Pastiche is that bar. Supremely classy and downright sexy, this cozy spot inside a converted house goes down smooth thanks to a well-appointed interior, DJs spinning R&B grooves and creative artisanal cocktails. This is absolutely a place to bring your date if you hope to get lucky. Respectfully. 1506 E. Houston St., (210) 884-8396, pastichesa.com
39. Pegasus
Come for the drag, stay for the karaoke at Pegasus — a deliciously unfussy LGBTQ+ watering hole that welcomes patrons every day of the week beginning at 2 p.m. No small feat, the gritty haunt stages down-home drag shows every night in a fenced-in parking lot
that’s been charmingly converted into a makeshift cabaret. Often hosted by local drag veterans such as Layla LaRue and Tersa Mathews with performances by the likes of Chevelle Brooks, Toni Cavalli, Naomi Evans and Just Lexi, Pegasus shows regularly go beyond lip-synching and dancing to include a bit of playful audience roasting from the night’s emcee (straight attendees beware). On the back patio, aspiring vocalists — many who have taken full advantage of the Peg’s cheap and potent cocktails — belt out radio hits old and new as twinks and leather daddies cruise the space, often congregating in the cramped, TV-filled front bar to refuel over gay-centric music videos. 1402 N. Main Ave., (210) 299-4222, instagram.com/thepegasussa.
40. Pink Shark
Those looking for an instant mood boost may want to grab a drink at Pink Shark, owned and operated by San Antonio bar power couple Jessica Marinez and Amber Hernandez. This downtown treasure overflows with whimsy and fun, from its eclectic décor to its unorthodox cocktail menu. In the not-so-secret speakeasy aptly dubbed The Shark Side, you’ll find a dance floor, even more creative drinks, and, of course, a disco ball shark adding to the party vibe. Want a take home shark mug? Order the Sharktail. 203 N. Presa St., (210) 834-3372, pinksharkbar.com.
41. RD Hidden Speakeasy
Sure, the “hidden” part of the name is redundant to the point of goofiness to anyone who understands the origin of the word “speakeasy.” But it’s easy to forgive this Alamo Heights cocktail spot for its choice of monikers. First, RD actually lives up to the “speakeasy” part of its name — advance reservations and a password are required to gain entry. Second, it delivers clandestine atmosphere in spades. The mismatched furniture, odd assortment of vintage baubles and bathroom hidden behind a bookcase impart the needed mystique. Third, the cocktails are worth going through the trouble for. Whether you’re opting for a classic or one of the house creations, expect top-notch service, top-shelf booze and handmade ingredients. 8400 N. New Braunfels Ave., (210) 605-2292, mixed4u.com.
42. Rock and Rye
Don’t let the shopping center location scare you off. This drinking destination at Northwest San Antonio’s The Rim comsacurrent.com | Dec 24 - Jan 6, 2026 | CURRENT
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Celebrate with us at the New Year’s Eve Block Party!
Named Best Cocktail Bar Two Years in a Row! Cheers, San Antonio!
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food plex takes its spirits seriously. A veritable wall of bourbons, Scotches, tequilas and more spans the length of the place, and a wide variety of sampling flights offer a chance to sip, savor and learn. The attentive bar staff is happy to recommend a house cocktail or concoct something based on your particular tastes. On a recent visit, the delightfully funky Without a Trace pleased palates by doctoring up a classic Gold Rush cocktail of bourbon, lemon and honey with Amaro Nonino and a flamed absinthe rinse. Craft beer fans will also find something to celebrate thanks to a smartly curated list that includes abundant taps and bottles, including plenty of Trappist ales. Keeping with its theme of delightful decadence, Rock and Rye also offers an extensive cigar list and a patio on which to smoke them. 17631 La Cantera Parkway, Suite 103, (210) 721-7753, rockandryebar.com.
“exceptional stay.” 136 E. Grayson St., (844) 845-7384, thehotelemma.com.
43. The Rose of San Antonio
Tony’s Siesta — or Gigi’s Palace? The latter is Tony’s famous bar cat, keeping a watchful eye on guests sipping Tony’s signature boozy aguas frescas and taking advantage of happy hour deals. Calling Tony’s Siesta truly puro San Antonio is an understatement — it’s the city’s very own Cheers, where everyone knows your name and no one judges your drink. Adding to the Old San Antonio vibe, the exterior of the building — including an iconic, decades-old replica of the Tower of the Americas — remains largely untouched from its former life as longtime watering hole Tony’s Bar. However, the interior gained warmth thanks to rich splashes of color along with accents of both rich wood and bright neon. And don’t forget to give Gigi a pet on your way out. 206 Brooklyn Ave., (210) 592-1199, tonyssiesta.com.
This downtown spot for cocktails, small bites and happy hour specials has thrived since taking over the old Maddy McMurphy’s Irish Sports Bar space last year. Upscale without feeling stuffy, it’s managed to attract the right mix of regulars looking for a before-dinner or after-show drink and tourists seeking something a little more fulfilling than the theme bars and sugary fishbowl-sized margaritas on the River Walk. Although the name gives a playful nod to the C&W classic “San Antonio Rose,” the live music offerings are more varied, ranging from light jazz to blues and soul. 420 E. Houston St., (210) 255-8124, therosesa.com.
44. Slow Ride
For those looking to take it easy, and maybe a little bit sleazy, Slow Ride is the spot. This pseudo-biker bar pays homage to velvet paintings, wood paneling, fast cars, loose ladies and other lowbrow wonders. The jukebox is well stocked, the beer is cold and the pool table is perfect for quality hangs with the homies. And with hip new vinyl bar Volta located next door, this Government Hill strip is becoming its own nightlife destination. 1524 E. Grayson St., instagram.com/slowride_sa.
45. Southtown House of Spirits
A little more than a year old, Southtown House of Spirits wants to be your new favorite “secret gothy vampire bar” on South Alamo. And, for our money, it’s filling that niche nicely. Accessed by spindly outdoor stairs, this second-floor drinkery actually looks like it’s haunted by the cast of What We Do in the Shad-
48. Tenfold Rooftop
San Antonio’s year-round, all-weather rooftop escape, Tenfold Rooftop offers 360-degree views of the skyline and a hidden tropical oasis vibe on the 10th floor of the Kimpton Hotel San Antonio — Riverwalk. The cocktail menu matches the lush ambience. The frozen Brave the Hurricane offers a true love letter to tiki drinks thanks to its blend of Angostura five-year rum, Bacardi, passionfruit, papaya and tart cherry. Meanwhile, while offerings such as the Lost in the Jungle and Last Known Oasis bring the same island-inspired flair without tipping into kitsch. For Tequila lovers, the agave flights are a must-try. 431 S. Alamo St., (210) 759-7446, tenfoldrooftop.com.
49. Tony’s Siesta
Rock and Rye Sanford Nowlin
ows. Chairs are placed as if in a Victorian parlor, while skulls and other creepy objects abound. In addition to arsenal and arcane cocktails, the bar also offers bites including pizza and charcuterie plates for those who can’t subsist on the vampire diet alone. 727 S. Alamo St., upstairs, instagram.com/southtownspirits.
dive the Silver Dollar. Sparky’s thoughtfully preserves a bit of that old-school nostalgia in the form vintage photos and memorabilia on the walls, highlighted by a pinup of late San Antonio drag icon Tandi Andrews aptly emblazoned with the word “goddess” in all caps. 1416 N. Main Ave., sparkyspub.com.
46. Sparky’s Pub
At Sternewirth, the mainstay bar at Hotel Emma, history and cocktails collide in the best way, making it a popular destination not just for hotel guests but for locals seeking an elevated and atmosphere-packed experience. Original brew tanks and a chandelier made from an old bottle-labeling machine set the scene for everything from working lunches to birthdays. Sip on the Three Emmas, a cheeky nod to the hotel’s scandalous past, or explore rotating signature drinks, classic cocktails, and wines — all while channeling the Sternewirth privilege, a 19th-century perk that let Pearl Brewery employees enjoy beer on the job. It’s history you can drink to, and the bar’s quality certainly lives up to Emma’s coveted Michelin Two Key designation as a hotel offering an
Thanks to the pub-inspired decor and Cheers-like atmosphere, there’s a casual warmth to Sparky’s that one might not expect from an LGBTQ+ establishment. While that vibe is arguably most noticeable during happy hour — typically 3-9 p.m. with hard-to-beat prices on well drinks and domestic beers — the spacious layout, booth seating and sports-bar trappings like pool tables and flatscreen TVs make Sparky’s feel comfy and familiar well into the night. Thanks in part to high-octane cocktails served in pint glasses, Sparky’s is a popular starting point for a busy night of bar-hopping along the Main Strip. Veterans of the Alamo City’s LGBTQ+ scene will undoubtedly recall that this so-called “gayrish pub” was once home to the country-fried
47. Sternewirth
50. Volta
Perhaps the newest bar on this list, Volta is mere days old, but it already feels like it has a deep past. Maybe it’s the sumptuous-yet-lived-in vintage decor, or maybe it’s the collection of 3,000 vinyl records behind the bar. Jumping on the vinyl listening room craze sweeping cities worldwide, Volta is named after Alexander Graham Bell’s Volta Laboratory, which invented the first phonograph. San Antonio audiophiles now have a new spot to find their groove — one where bartenders and DJs select the records and play them on a turntable built into the bar itself. Catch you on the flipside. 1522 E. Grayson St., instagram.com/voltasatx. sacurrent.com | Dec 24 - Jan 6, 2026 | CURRENT
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food
Bites That Mattered
bases: acid, umami, bitter, and sweet. Even glazed skewers of Wagyu accompanied by a candied foam manage to fit into the all-dessert format — with a little flexibility on the part of the diner.
San Antonio’s food scene made plenty news in 2025
Small but mighty
BY RON BECHTOL
T
he most dramatic headlines in 2025 were political. Fortunately, there was no shortage of food news to keep us distracted, from restaurant closures to transitions to consequential openings — especially, as if in some kind of year-end, Oscars-like rush. If we’re taking San Antonio’s culinary temperature, all three categories are important.
Closures, some surprising Closures were for the usual reasons: financial, personal, conceptual, legal. The biggest of them, from an investment and aspirational standpoint, was surely Carriqui at Pearl. The expense involved in moving and lavishly reconstructing the old Liberty Bar must have been considerable, yet its food never seemed to catch fire. The restaurant was neither exceptional in its Mexican offerings nor particularly convincing in its ties to South Texas — not that this necessarily mattered to its intended audience. At the other end of the spectrum, there was Barrio Doggs, a cheeky, low-rider themed hot dog joint from San Diego that really should have worked given its near-downtown location, comparatively low overhead and more-than-decent dogs. Are we perhaps at peak pooch? Newcomer El Chunky, farther down South Presa Street, appears to be hanging on, so something else must have been in play. And in between there were places such as Cascabel, an unassuming Southtown restaurant featuring credible, interior Mexican food. It may simply have run its course. Seemingly still on an upward curve was Dashi, a frequently inspiring regional Chinese place by Kristina Zhao, whose enduringly popular Sichuan House shows no obvious signs of distress.
Robert J. Lerma
But also note that the recent closing of The Good Kind, another Southtown outpost featuring natural-leaning foods and an appealing outdoor setting, has paved the way for Zhao to move in with a new concept: the Ciao & Zen Collective. Its website is sufficiently vague and aspirational to allow for many different outcomes. In another transition involving the closure of a popular location, James Beard-nominated chef Leo Davila shuttered his cozy, creative Stix and Stone to focus on a new position as head food honcho at the venerable St. Anthony Hotel. His debut gambit there was the opening of Anacacho Coffee & Cantina in May. Its crafty cocktails and Mex-Asian menu presage some of what to expect at Esencia, the adjacent restaurant replacing Rebelle. In the words of the PR pundits, “Esencia … will reflect the culinary spirit of modern-day San Antonio,” assuming foodies are wondering what that is. Look for an answer in early 2026.
Elevated openings Perhaps the answer is already with us, as evidenced by the abundance of new dining places, mostly from familiar faces, which cuts across a spectrum of cuisines. Topping the list is a duo from the
Emmer & Rye team that brought us the Pullman Market and its first restaurant, Fife & Farro, in 2024. The latest to open there, Isidore and Nicosi Dessert Bar, each won a single star in 2025 from the vaunted Michelin Guide Texas, and though this international recognition is nice icing on the cake, the restaurants’ impact on the city’s culinary makeup as a whole may be even more important. Isidore, for example, calls itself “a showcase of the bounty of Texas,” with all produce sourced from within the state. This isn’t a new claim, and it’s one sometimes hard to perceive from simply looking at the menu. But combine this with well-honed service, meticulous presentation and a welcoming atmosphere, and it’s no wonder even the French are seeing stars. Nicosi, the brainchild of chef Tavel Bristol-Joseph, is an even more singular experience. The prix fixe evening takes place in the equivalent of a theatrical black box surrounded by dark curtaining. Here, a twenty-seat audience is arranged in a U shape around a kitchen-laboratory stage, and the master of ceremonies becomes a stand-up raconteur presenting and explaining the evening’s offerings. The menu consists of eight dessert courses, four “bites” and four “mains,” which attempts to cover the sensory
It’s this stretching of our culinary intelligence quotient that may be the most exciting aspect of the year’s openings. And the setting doesn’t have to be highly capitalized and elaborately conceived in order to further the trend. In contrast to Nicosi’s black box, Petit Coquin is a tiny white box operation. Taking over the diminutive space vacated by quirkily inventive Hands Down bar, Petit Coquin is another creation by prolific restaurateur Chad Carey of the Empty Stomach Group. (He also recently opened Houston Street noodle bar Kaedama Battleship.) As with Nicosi, Petit Coquin is prix fixe, but the menu is smaller and more focused: two choices each in First Course, Second Course and To Finish categories. Diners may want to consider the add-on paté option and take a serious look at the unique wine list — primarily French, as is the menu itself. The table is yours for the evening, so prepare to settle in. Even less concerned with elevated atmosphere is Tucker’s Italian, a takeover by chef Michael Sohocki of the iconic Tucker’s Kozy Kitchen space on East Houston Street. No stranger to the San Antonio culinary scene, Sohocki impressed early on with Restaurant Gwendolyn, which featured an even more tightly focused sourcing ethos than Isidore. Kimura Ramen and pizza-proud Il Forno followed. At Tucker’s, Sohocki and chef Jason Garcia have elected to focus on housebaked focaccias, lunchtime sandwiches on house ciabatta and evening specials such as pasta — consider the full-flavored gnocchi with Italian sausage — and roast porchetta. House sausages are already curing in the adjacent deli, a work in progress that should soon stock up more fully. In the end-of-year rush, I never made it to a new restaurant by an established master of both fine and fast dining in San Antonio: Andrew Weissman’s Max’s Sister. I’m imagining that it will feature prominently in next year’s roundup.
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All vehicles listed below were impounded by the San Antonio Police Dept. and will be scheduled to be sold at public auction via auturamarketplace.com
AUTO AUCTION
JANUARY 7, 2026, AT 3:00 PM AT SAN ANTONIO VEHICLE IMPOUND FACILITY 3625 Growdon Rd, San Antonio, TX. (210) 881-8440
Registered owners may pick up vehicles with proof of ownership, valid ID and payment all impound, towing and storage fees & applicable taxes prior to Auction.
ID
VIN
YEAR
MAKE
MODEL
FEES TO DATE
DAILY STORAGE AMOUNT
ID
VIN
YEAR
MAKE
MODEL
FEES TO DATE
DAILY STORAGE AMOUNT
6299326
1GCEK14H8CS123897
1982
CHEVROLET
C/K SERIES
$16,642.35
$21.65
8366590
TYKA320232
1999
OTHER-NOT FOUND
OTHER
$2,411.60
$21.65
8105916
A6HPCMLCCLB207273
2000
OTHER-NOT FOUND
OTHER
$4,215.25
$21.65
8173547
LUAHYC1C7A1005001
2000
OTHER-NOT FOUND
OTHER
$3,760.60
$21.65
8111241
CVB37321M741C
1900
BOAT-GENERIC
BOAT
$4,193.60
$21.65
8098646
L2BB2BCH2RB605178
2024
OTHER-NOT FOUND
OTHER
$4,280.20
$21.65
8269825
LVTCPMETALC1
2000
OTHER-NOT FOUND
OTHER
$3,111.10
$21.65
7959858
HZ2TBCND4R1008728
2024
OTHER-NOT FOUND
OTHER
$5,189.50
$21.65
8289784
L2BB5AAK6SB119060
2025
OTHER-NOT FOUND
OTHER
$2,981.20
$21.65
7851241
L2BB2BCH6RB605152
2024
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music
Certified SA Bangers The Current’s music writers pick San Antonio’s best releases of 2025
S
an Antonio musical acts had a prolific year, dropping releases across a wide variety of genres, from cumbia and country to metal and alt-rock. Some of those releases did an admirable job representing their genres on an international stage, while others mixed those genres into new and exciting musical fusions. Hell, some even seemed to obliterate genre limitations altogether. As per usual, we tasked our music writers with selecting their favorite albums and EPs of the year and ended up with this list of 10. Since it was tough to narrow down, we even threw in a list of honorable mentions at the end. Let’s run them down in alphabetical order.
Calcraft — Reborn Through Torture The brainchild of Jake Wayman and Semir Ozerkan, this death metal outfit named after a famed British executioner made quick headway in the scene, likely due to Ozerkan’s ties to other Texas outfits Oceans of Slumber and Necrofier. Don’t get it twisted, though. As a debut album, Reborn Through Torture holds its own as a solid piece of modern death metal with classic twists. Synths, sampled movie quotes and washes of atmospheric black metal are all part of the album’s slick production. Brutality and beauty dance throughout, just like watching an old-school slasher or giallo movie but in 4K. — Brianna Espinoza
Garrett T. Capps — Life is Strange San Antonio’s crown prince of Krautrock-infused cosmic country has given us a Petty-esque Americana confessional with his spring EP Life is Strange. This is also Capps’ darkest release to date lyrically, as evidenced by the tracks “Endless Hole,” “I’m Afraid to Go Outside” and “Toxic Serenity.” Even a rollicking fiddle-driven stomper called “Happy Birthday” has the fatalistic refrain “Happy birthday, we’re all gonna die.” But our fave is the title track, which somehow makes all the ennui and paranoia of the album OK with the refrain “Life is strange, but it’s cool.” — Stephanie Koithan
Donella Drive — Axon San Antonio’s resident heavy progressive act Donella Drive continues to surprise listeners with every album release, and this year’s
Courtesy Image Los Juanos
Axon is no different. Left behind is the staccato chord work the band was once known for. Emerging in its place are slow, flange pedal-warped riffs a la Mastodon or Sleep, which melt listeners like ice cream exposed to scorching desert heat. Axon showcases Donella’s technical post-hardcore chops while also turning up the spotlight on the band’s funky and emotionally charged compositions. — BE
The Grasshopper Lies Heavy — Heavy The members of this veteran art metalmeets-noise rock act weren’t kidding when they named their latest album. Although past Grasshopper releases tended to strike a mix between the band’s bludgeoning, off-kilter riff workouts and atmospheric tracks that explored a quieter kind of chaos, this release is mostly about the aggression. From the opening track “Human Claymore” on, this sucker delivers one rhythmically complex, misanthropic gut punch after another. It’s akin to being run over by a dump truck with one square wheel. But, you know, in a good way. — Sanford Nowlin
Las Hijas de la Madre — Diatribas Punk Though a late-year release, Las Hijas de la
Madre’s Diatribas Punk had time to endear itself, partly owing to the fact that it features five songs released as singles earlier in the year. The feminist, anti-capitalist, queer, Chicanx punk band, helmed by poet and performance artist Amalia Ortiz, is the exact band we need right now. “Dayglo” is the standout album track. Its pop-punk bop is the most fun you’ll ever have while lamenting the ubiquity of microplastics. But other standouts include “Hocicona, Peleonera,” “Too Drunk to Consent” and “Periphery,” all of which, steeped in righteous rage, exemplify Las Hijas’ rare ability to make music about issues of dire import that is also fucking awesome. — James Courtney
Los Juanos — La Llegada At four tracks and 15 minutes, the La Llegada EP hits like a Tejano tornado, wild on arrival and not letting up until it’s over. It colors exuberantly and defiantly outside the lines of the golden age Tejano blueprint that serves as a launchpad for Los Juanos. For this first extended release, which follows a slew of stellar singles, producer David Beck did a masterful job of capturing all that’s best about the band. What stands out most, however, is the masterful songwriting, which is pure nuevo-Tejano gold. Right now, “Razón
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music Suficiente,” a big-vocals waltz about existential crisis, is my favorite track, but they take turns — por la neta, every track here is a standout. — JC
Vanita Leo — Cumbiamante With the EP Cumbiamante, Vanita Leo cemented her rising star status in the most satisfying way, delivering a song set that feels cohesive in both music and sentiment. My favorite local song of the year, Leo’s unstoppable banger “Cumbia Wepa,” isn’t even on this EP, and yet it’s still perfect — that’s the kind of run this cumbia queen is on right now. This one features the hometown love letter “San Antonio,” a stunning bolero, and other fast favorites “Caballito” and “Kais Mal,” both killer cumbias. — JC
Harvey McLaughlin — Peña Many people best know Harvey McLaughlin for his keyboard contributions to SA bands including the Hickoids and Eddie & The Valiants. Turns out the guy can also uncork darkly funny material of his own that hits like a lost lo-fi recording of Warren Zevon fronting Tom Waits’ band circa Bone Machine. Demented blues, off-kilter New Orleans grooves and raw energy pervade in songs such as “A Bag of Shrunken Heads” and “A Dead Body in the Backseat,” all showing off McLaughlin’s chops as both a musician and a storyteller. — SN
Sunjammer — Sunjammer It’s appropriate that this country-rock jam band’s fourth album is self-titled, because with this release, it feels like the collective has gelled and truly arrived at its quintessence. This album is all killer, no filler, so we recommend listening to the whole thing straight through, but we’re kind of partial to “Lunch Break,” “Step Outta Line,” “I Wanna Quit” and “Real One.” Homegrown like a pot plant growing in the backyard, this group is somehow supremely chill and rock ‘n’ roll at the same time. Not quite cosmic cowboys, they veer in the indie-Americana direction with more than a microdose of psychedelia thrown in. — SK
Virtual Limbs — Big Time Crime The biggest crime we see here is that more people don’t know about
Courtesy Image Sunjammer
OTHER 2025 SAN ANTONIO FAVORITES:
Tenure — Aspects Of Mexstep — Tráfico Street Lamp — Guillotine Joaquin and the Glowliners — ‘¡Hijole!’ (Single) New Attractions — Holding Onto You (Single) Very Old Morris — Last of the Rodeo Clowns Chavela — s/t Harvey McLaughlin — Peña Favorite Son — Juniper Elnuh — Entropy
experimental San Antonio noise and Krautrock duo Virtual Limbs, which released its EP Big Time Crime this spring. Standouts on the release include “Roach Neck,” “Reasonable Grandmother” and the album’s eponymous track. Josh Borchardt lays down harsh, looping guitar effects and monotonous spoken vocals while Mason Griffin Macias absolutely annihilates the drums. — SK
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critics’ picks The Toadies
Jaime Monzon
Friday, Dec. 26 The Hawks (of holy rosary), Honeybunny The Hawks have been plying their San Antonio garage-pop for a good minute now, and have toured with Dr. Dog, if that gives any indication of what to expect. This is a band that specializes in rootsy indie-rock with a wild streak and a distinct Alamo City flavor. Honeybunny, meanwhile, is a newer group on the rise, having just played at the locally renowned Wizard Rodeo. They bring a refreshing female-fronted energy to their take on raucous garage rock. $10, 9 p.m., Lonesome Rose, 2114 N. St. Mary’s St., (210) 455-0233, thelonesomerosesa.com. — Bill Baird
Saturday, Dec. 27 The Last Bandoleros Tex-Mex rockers the Last Bandoleros made mainstream headway thanks to tours with Sting and a major label push from Warner Music Nashville. The SA-originated group, founded by Diego and Emilio Navaira — sons of late Tejano legend Emilio Navaira — and their friend Jerry Fuentes are back together after a hiatus and sharing their South Texas-based sound with the wider world. $10, 8:30 p.m., Sam’s Burger Joint, 330 E. Grayson St., (210) 223-2830, samsburgerjoint.com. — BB
The Toadies, Jaret Ray Reddick North Texas alt-rockers the Toadies are back for their annual December pilgrimage down I-35. Some 30 years after the band’s breakthrough “Possum Kingdom” pierced the college rock bubble into heavy MTV airplay, Todd Lewis’ vocals still cut through the guitar-forward sound and the band’s defining album Rubberneck still continues to strike a chord with fans. $45-$118.50, 8 p.m., Aztec Theatre, 104 N. St. Mary’s St., (210) 8124355, theaztectheatre.com. — Danny Cervantes
Sunday, Dec. 28 Chaparelle Catchy male-female duo Chaparelle seems tailor-made for the resurgent interest in classic country-inspired sounds. The voices of Jesse Woods and Zella Day remind one of Lee Hazlewood’s best collaborations or even the duets of George and Tammy. Day’s previous incarnation was more in the straight pop vein, including major-label deals, duets with Lana Del Rey and millions of social media followers. Meanwhile, Woods has carved an impressive path in the world of underground Americana and soundtracked a few beer commercials. Together, they constitute a catchy Americana throwback package. $30, 8 p.m., Paper Tiger, 2410 N. St. Mary’s St., papertigersatx.com. — BB
Kitten Mitten Though new on the scene, San Antonio’s woman-fronted Kitten Mitten has turned heads with a moving, emotive indie-rock sound. Seems like Echo Bridge, whose echoes add an emotional depth and resonance, would be a great place to check them out. $20, 5 p.m., Echo Bridge, 310 Riverside Drive, instagram.com/echobridgeappreciationsociety. — BB
Tuesday, Dec. 30 Drab Majesty, Urban Heat, Holy Wire, Night Ritualz The mystery of Drab Majesty is buried behind the identity of the androgynous Deb DeMure, an alter ego of LA musician Andrew Clinco. The act channels ’80s-era synthwave with drum machines and reverb-drenched guitars through a lo-fi filter. The approach stands in stark comparison to Clinco’s other work with the post-rock band Marriages. $40.67, 8 p.m., Paper Tiger, 2410 N. St. Mary’s St., papertigersatx.com. — DC
Wednesday, Dec. 31 The Texases What better way to bring in 2025 than by hootin’ and hollerin’ with classic-country cover act the Texases deep in the heart of the Pearl. The band is known for its energetic takes on classic mate-
rial, which sounds like an unforgettable way to ring in the New Year. $19.92-$76.21, 8 p.m., Stable Hall, 307 Pearl Parkway, stablehall.com. — DC
Friday, Jan. 2 Nathan Felix, Hamell on Trial, The Whale, Garrett T. Capps An excellent and varied local lineup makes this show a must. Nathan Felix has made a name for himself with ambitious multi-media operas, which he’s staged across the globe, but he’s recently tried his hand at Americana to similarly stellar results. Hamell on Trial, meanwhile, plays anti-folk – punk attitude on an acoustic guitar, basically. The Whale perform adventurous jazz, while Garrett T. Capps is one of SA’s primary musical ambassadors. $10, 9 p.m., Lonesome Rose, 2114 N. St. Mary’s St., (210) 455-0233, thelonesomerosesa.com. — BB Dirty River Brass Band San Antonio’s own Dirty River Brass Band will give audiences a taste of New Orleans right here in River City. Originally formed at Texas Lutheran University, the band was inspired by local legend Jim Cullum, who devoted his life to trad jazz. Expect these folks to showcase a pure, earnest take on true American music. $49.84$70.44, 7:30 & 9 p.m., Jazz, TX, 312 Pearl Parkway, (210) 332-9386, jazztx.com. — DC sacurrent.com | Dec 24 - Jan 6, 2026 | CURRENT
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Employment Business Accountant. Req’d: Bachelor’s in Accounting, Bus. Admin., or a rel. field, or any educational combination equivalent to a U.S. Bachelor’s degree. Wage: $56,867/Yr. Mail Resume to Mega Furniture USA Distribution LLC, 8627 NE Loop 410 #100, San Antonio, TX 78219
“The Freemix”--a themeless puzzle for you. by Matt Jones © 2025 Matt Jones Across 1. It’s represented by an octothorpe 8. “Count me out” 13. Slow cuisine? 15. Apres-ski drink 16. Laugh during a monologue? 18. “Crying in ___: A Memoir” (2021 Michelle Zauner book) 19. 9 of 12, for short 20. Printouts 22. It’s somewhere below 2 or 3 24. Corrida creature 25. Like some key soccer shots 28. Vacuum-seal, as a steak, maybe 29. ___ Grand (David Copperfield’s Vegas venue) 32. Quarters sharer 33. Is being awful online? 34. Fireplace residue 36. Old United rival 37. Official 39. What rappers rock 41. Pt. of some three-day weekends 42. Bangers 44. Lobbyist gp. 46. Harem ___ (Toronto hard rock band, not to be confused with an Elvis film) 48. Deep-fried general 49. Hamburger complaint? 50. Screen part 51. “Let’s be honest” 54. Dr. ___ Skoda of the “Law & Order” franchise
55. Go for a spare? 60. “Alias” equivalent 61. Fuming 62. Streamline, in a way 64. Billiards bounce 65. Meme caption once described as “arguably the most loathed Far Side strip ever” 66. Performs excellently 67. Highly abbreviated sign-off Down 1. Surname of three acting brothers 2. Within human discovery 3. Blame bearers 4. “I doubt it!” 5. Corner 6. Title for a Turkish military leader 7. Lose it 8. Blood of Greek gods 9. Knit hat toppers 10. Palm fruit 11. Miffed 12. H.S. seniors’ exams 14. “There She Goes” band 17. Sketcher’s eraser 21. Live in harmony 23. Day, in Hebrew 26. What some filters filter 27. Actor who plays villainous leader McCone in 2025’s “The Running Man” 30. Follow the first part of an itinerary, perhaps 31. With higher chances 35. Photo that takes a while to capture 38. Surfaces 40. XLI times V
43. Plushie for the little ones 45. President of France, 19952007 47. “All the Devils ___ Here” (2025 film) 52. Attention-getting noises 53. Vulcan on “Star Trek: Voyager” 55. Camera roll contents 56. ___ history 57. “Trooper” prefix 58. “Eye of ___ and toe of frog ...” 59. “___ & Kim” (2000s Australian sitcom with a failed U.S. remake) 63. World Series winners in 2004 or 2005, briefly Answers on page 21.
Whataburger Restaurants LLC seeks IT QA Analyst in San Antonio, TX to establish and maintain effective working relationships/partnerships across all business units, emphasizing Quality Assurance functions. BS in CS, CA or related field. 3 yrs exp. Req’d exp incl: End-to-End Testing, including Test Strategy, Test Estimation, Test Design, Test Execution; Developing and designing automation framework for web applications; Performance Bottleneck Analysis; MySQL, RDBMS, MongoDB and ETL Tools. Email resume to Jose Garib, Talent Acquisition Partner, jgarib@wbhq.com.
Notice Application has been made with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for a BG permit by SR cafe group LLC, dba Voila Cafe, to be located at 1803 Broadway Street, San Antonio, Bexar, Texas 78215. Officer of said corporation is Stephane Raveneau, owner.
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