San Antonio Magazine July/August 2025

Live Bigger andBrighter.

Locatedinthe charming town of NewBraunfels,Texas,Meyer Ranchisaformer workingcattle ranchoriginally settledbyGerman immigrantsovera hundred yearsago.Takingcaretopreserve thespiritofthe original ranch’snatural beautyand use of theland youcan spendyourtimeinthe Hill Countryspacesyou love,exploring trails,dog parksorunwinding at theCommunity Green to thesightsand sounds to concerts on ourevent lawn inspired by Gruene Hall andthe area’s love of live music. This 700-acre masterplannedcommunity makesiteasiertolivebiggerand brighter,beautifully blending thequiet comfortofthe Hill Country with all theconvenience of city living,including excellent shopping anddining, andaward-winning ComalISD schoolsinyourbackyard. Contactustotourthese newhomes forsaleinNew Braunfels,Texas today.

Tour anyone of ourbeautifully-decorated model homesbythe area’s topaward-winning builders: Let’sget social

Welcometothe wonderful world of luxurypower motionseating. Meet Mira,a perfect commingling of form and function. Mira is highdesign supported by excellent quality and boasts aunique power motionrecline system on every seat, fully hiddenwhen closedand easilydispatchedfor the ultimate in comfort. Made in Italy by skilled craftsmenand directly imported by Copenhagen, Mira is availablefor quick delivery in abeautiful, easy-care suede-like protected leather in neutral grey or darkblue.Choose from our luxuriousin-stockcovers, or custom orderfrom avast selection of fabrics and leathers.

Sectional withthree power seats in easy-care, suede-like protectedneutral grey or dark blue leather $10,998

Kidsneedroomtogrow.AtMayfairinNewBraunfels,notfarfromhistoricGruene, ourcommunityisdesignedaroundgraciouspublicparksandarobusttrailwaysystem. Connectingavarietyofnewsingle-family,townandfor-leasehomestonatureand soontoMidtownMayfair—ourplannedshopping,diningandworkplacedistrict Becauseparentsneedtheirspace,too.Weinviteyoutojoinus

Nine builders. Eight model homes to tour. Morecoming soon.

This summer,find Texasplantsfor Texasheat at Milberger’sLandscaping and Nursery, your trusted destination forall your gardening and landscaping needs.

With arichheritage dating backtothe 1970’s, we have been proudlyserving ourcommunity with acommitmenttoexcellenceand apassion for plants that spansgenerations. We inviteyou to experiencethe beauty and bounty of naturewithus, whereknowledge, selection, and servicecome together to create a thriving SouthTexas landscape.

LEARN TOLEAD WITH PURPOSE at sT.MARY’S UNIVERSITY

At St.Mary’s, youwon’t just study —you’ll discover what drives you. With small classes,mentorswho’ve got your back and acommunity thatinspires action, you’ll gain the knowledge, real-world skills and confidence to lead with purpose —whereverlife takesyou. Your futurestarts here. Visit www.stmarytx.edu,orscan the QR code, to learn more.

University in the West forBest Value* *U.S. News and World Report 2025

News and World Report 2025

TheCatholic and Marianist University

CO NT E NTS

36 Great Neighborhoods See the top 10 ZIP codes where people are buying.

48 Mortgage Brokers

Choose aloan officer from these 50 trusted pros.

IN THE LO OP

14 History

Discover underground wonders at Natural BridgeCaverns.

18 Maker

Map It Out offers hand-crafted guides for exploring Texas.

20 Influencer

Go behind the mask of Melissa Cervantes’ Thunder Rosa

EA T+DRINK

24 Imbibe

The Lighthouse Lounge stands as neighborhood anchor.

26 EatHere Now

Magpie serves unforgettable quality at great value.

28 Libations

Five spots to stay cool this summer with an Aperol spritz.

TH EG OOD LI FE

32 Travel

Soak up relaxation on Colorado Historic Hot SpringsLoop.

74 Work of Art

Artist Tony Tasset’s “Deer” towers over McNay grounds. WO RK OF ART

On the cover

Ursula and David Floren moved closer to bustling downtown New Braunfels, the fastest-growing ZIP code.

MakeSpacefor Life

All-newstyles designedtostand up to theeveryday, indoors andout.

SUMMER IS IN FULL SWING.ITISTHE SEASON FORFUN AND STAYING COOL WHILE THE KIDS ARE outofschool.Italsoistraditionally apeaktimetoshopfor ahome. It hasbeenfive yearssince thelastGreat Neighborhoodsissue, andthisinstallmentshows howSan Antoniocontinues to develop.

WriterLilyO’NeillworkedwiththeSanAntonioBoardofRealtorsandthefullcalendaryearof 2024 salesdatatoshowthatSan Antonio'sgrowthisexpanding into surrounding areasasresidentsseek affordability, spaceand newhomes.

ItcomesasnosurprisethatNewBraunfelsisatthetopoftheZIPcodesintermsofgrowth.For thepastcoupleofyears,New Braunfelshas made severalnationallists of topplacestoliveinthe country. Interestingly, it wasalsothe topdestination 10 yearsago when SanAntonio Magazine publishedthislist.

Closer to home,the data showsthatpeopleare moving from thecitycentertothe suburbs wherethere is newbuild inventory. Take alook to seeifyourneighborhood or desiredneighborhood made thelist, whichisaccompaniedbya listofTop Mortgage Brokersinthe area Everyneighborhood hasa localbar,and Imbibe shines alight on TheLighthouseLounge, whereWoodlawn area residentsgather.

SummertimeisalsoAperolspritzseason.CheckoutLibationsforourlistofplacestoenjoythis refreshing cocktail, or learntomakeyourown at home.Orescapethe Texasheataltogetherand head to awellnessjourney alongthe Colorado Historic HotSprings Loop

ForsummerexcursionsthroughoutTexas,turntoSarah Eckert’s company, MapItOut,which givestouriststhe layofthe land viahand-held blue maps

Safe travelsand happy househunting!

Jennifer McInnis Editor-In-Chief &General Manager jennifer.mcinnis@sanantoniomag.com @sanantoniomag

ED ITORI AL Editor-In-Chief

GeneralManager

Jennifer McInnis

Editor Jan Waddy

Contributing Writers

Terry Scott Bertling

Becca Hensley

Abigail Im

Madison Iszler

Jim Kiest

Deborah Martin

Boma Muaka

Lily O’Neill

Melissa Renteria

Paul Stephen

Edmund Tijerina

Copy Editors

Jaundrea Clay

Gary Fulghum

Nancy Floeck Wilson

AR T

ArtDirector

Adrián Alvarez

Contributing Photographers

JoMando Cruz

Dayna DeHoyos

Abigail Im

JosieNorris

Marvin Pfeiffer

Paul Stephen

Chris Stokes

Mike Sutter

BU SINESS OPERAT IO NS

Publisher

Mark Medici

AD VERTIS I NG

ChiefRevenue Officer

Kate Weber

Senior MarketingDirector

Sara Bryant

Director of MarketingRevenue

Maxine Pittman

Events Director

Lauren Sposetta

DI GITAL

Audience Producers Abigail Im Abigail Stewart

CI RCULATION

Audience Development

Director

Tom Nork

Subscriptions, Renewals andAddress Changes

Hearst Texas Media Group P.O. Box 2171 San Antonio, TX 78297-2171 subscriptions@ sanantoniomag.com

CO NTACT US 210-250-3900 sanantoniomag com

AdvertisingInquiries advertising@ sanantoniomag.com

StoryIdeas, Letters to theEditor editor@sanantoniomag.com

UndergroundWonder

Hidden treasureremains ‘a jewelinthe crown of Texasattractions’

OVERSIX DECADES AGO, FOUR CURIOUS college students,determinedto exploreaTexasHillCountrypropertywheretheybelievedacavewas hiddenamong thebrush,found an underground wonder

TheSt. Mary’s University students discoveredacavernthatwas“2milesofchamberafter chamber, each filledwithmagnificent formationsincluding gigantic,toweringcolumns, emeraldpools, anddelicatecrystallinesoda straws,” archives show

What thespelunkers— OrionKnox, PrestonKnodell,JoeCantuandAlBrandt—found offFM1863, just outsideSan Antonio, in the spring of1960 is nowone of thecountry’s largestcommercialcaverns.

NaturalBridgeCavernsopened to thepubliconJuly3,1964.Its name is takenfromthe 60-foot naturallimestone slab bridge that spansthe cavern’s entrance.

Thenetworkofcavesandlimestoneformationsisoneofthebiggestnaturalattractionsin Texas, drawinganestimated 400,000 visitors annually,accordingtoits website. Thecaverns includeaboutahalfmileofpavedtrailsthatextend roughly260 feet belowgroundlevel.Its temperatureremains 70 degrees year-round

Before it wasNatural Bridge Caverns, the propertywasaworkingranchownedandoperated by theWuest family,withmatriarch Clara Wuest, awidowed mother of two, running its operations

TheWuest family,which by 1963 also in-

cluded Clara’snew husband, Harry Heidemann, decidedtoput alltheir efforts— and mostoftheirmoney—intodevelopingthestudents’ discovery. Thesiteremains familyownedand -operated.

Amonth afterthe attraction’s 1964 public opening, Gov. John Connally dedicatedthe caverns,callingit“ajewelinthecrownofTexas attractions.”

By1967,morecavernsandstunningformationswerediscovered,leadingtofurtherdevelopment of theproperty. That same year,the TexasHistoricalCommission designated Natural Bridge Cavernsa statehistoricalsite. Four yearslater,the U.S. Department of theInterior namedNatural Bridge Cavernsa national natural landmark.

Furtherdevelopmentthroughtheyearsincludedthecreationoftunnelsandotherwalkwaystomakemoreareasaccessible,andtheintroduction of newtours,eventsand activities to showcase thecaverns’ever-evolving limestoneformations.

NaturalBridgeCaverns is still growing, recordsshow, andportionsofitremainunder exploration. ★

Sproutsplanning store on farNWSide

Thegrocerisaiming to open by late 2026

Sprouts FarmersMarketisplanning to build anothergrocery storeinthe SanAntonio area, whereithas been expandingits footprintinrecentyears

ThePhoenix-basedretailerwantstobuilda 23,299-square-foot storeonthe farNorthwest Sideat13455CulebraRoad,accordingtoafiling with theTexas Department of Licensingand Regulation.Abiso Real Estate LLC is listedas theowner.Anaffiliate of thecompany owns19 acresofvacantlandatCulebraandGalmroads

Construction of the$1.1millionstore is expectedtobegininJuly2026andbecompleted by December 2026,the filingindicates AspokespersonforSproutsconfirmedthat thestoreisslatedtoopenbytheendof2026but didnot providedetails.

Thecompany hasthree stores in theSan Antonioarea, thenewestofwhich is at 9702 Texas151onthefarWestSide.Itopenedin2022.

It also is constructing astore at 275CreeksideCrossinginNewBraunfels,andanotherat FM1626 andKohlers Crossing in Kyle

Sproutshas 443 stores across 24 states,including54inTexas,which is thecompany’s second-largest market afterCalifornia. Itplanstoopenatleast35storesnationwide this year

Sprouts’shareoftheSanAntonio-areagrocerymarketis0.56%,withabout$61millionin sales, accordingtoindustrypublicationChain StoreGuide

H-E-Band Walmartare theregion’sdominantgrocers,withsharesofabout50%and31%, respectively ★

WMappingthe Hill Country

B. Eckert’s business ahand-drawn road to success

henSarah B. Eckert heads outonbusinesstripsinthe Hill Countryand beyond, shedoesn’t have to mapit outonher phone. She’straveledthose blacktop roadsall herlife.

Eckert,a native of Stonewall, is showingothersthewaythesedayswith MapItOut,hercompanythatproduces hand-heldprinted touristmapsfor populardestinationslikeFredericksburg,Boerne, Comfort, Bandera, Bee Cave andTerlingua.

“I driveall thebackroads,” shesaid during arecentinterview.“If technologyweretocrash,I’dprobablybeoneof thefew people whoactually know how to navigate.”

Hermostpopular mapisSip &Savor,whichcovers208breweries,wineriesand distilleries in 25 townsinthe Hill Countryand alittlebeyond. It launched in 2019 andisinits fourth edition.

Eckert,44, bought thecompany in 2016.She’samapmakerandself-taught artist with abachelor’sdegreeinagribusiness from TexasA&M University (2006).Withafull-timestaffoftwoand ahandful of contract workerswho are designersand salesrepresentatives, MapItOutischurningouthundredsof thousandsofmapseachyear. Thefirst onelaunchedinFredericksburgin 1994 when thecompany wasknown as Bird’s EyeViewMaps. Eckert,the company’s thirdowner,changed thename

to MapitOut during thepandemic. Eckert drew herown maps as akid travelingwithher parentsandsiblingsto stateparks.Herfirstjobasateenagerwas atBurg’sCorner,theredbarnonU.S.290 in Stonewall, knownfor itspeaches and freshproduce.Eckert’sfatherwasalongtime school principalinStonewall, and hermotherisa teacher.

Before becoming aprofessional mapmaker,marketer, business owner, designer andconsultant, Eckert workedinvarious jobs in thehospitalitybusinesses, includingeight yearsin Fredericksburgasasalesrepresentative forSysco,afooddistributorandrestaurantsupplycompany.Fredericksburgis whereEckertwenttohighschool,except forthe year shespent in astudy abroad programinSwitzerland.She speaks German fluently,and she’sactiveina localRotaryClub.

“I’vebeenanartistall my life,”said Eckert,who hasmoremapsinthe works.

TheMapItOut.comwebsite allows readerstofilter fortopics— kid-friendly, pet-friendly,placestostay, eat, drinkor shop.Printed maps come with akey with iconsfor livemusic to RV parks, tasting roomsand more.Scenicroutesfor bikes andmotorcyclesarenoted,alongwithhistoricsites,restaurants andstate parks. Mapsareavailableonthewebsitefor$4.95 each (shippingand handlingincluded) Getthe setfor $10.99, or subscribetoupdatesfor$25ayear

TheSip&SavorandFredericksburg maps have scavengerhunts for10hiddenbirdicons,partofthe company logo,oneachside.Lookcloselyandyou canseetinynamesnexttoadrawingof fourpeopleinacanoeonthePedernalesRiver(hernieces),thegoatsorsheep (hernephewsorparents),ahikeratEnchantedRock(afriend) andlittledetails,suchasatranslationforaGerman name or interestingstatistics.

Adsthe size of business cardsand smalleraresoldforspotsallaroundthe maps.The Fredericksburg map, going into its30thedition this November, hasa waitinglistfor newadvertisers.

Morethan1,000locationsgetaversion of themaps, includingTexas DepartmentofTransportationvisitorcenters.Fredericksburggetsabout150,000 copies,and theVisitor Information Center goes throughabout 20,000 a year.WildseedFarms,onU.S.290,goes throughabout12,000 ayear.

Hotels arepopular distribution points forthe maps becausepeople arelookingfor places to eatorthings todo.Eckertsaidownersseethevalue in theiremployees usingthe maps as an extensionofcustomerservice.She even hasa tipfor parentswithrambunctiouskids.

“I always tease… if this kid’sbeing rowdy, give them amap andtellthem to find thebirds.Thatwill keep them busy forabout 20 minutes,”Eckert said ★

BY BOMA MUAKA

The Many Faces of Thunder Rosa

Wrestling star fuses Mexicanroots into persona, breaks boundaries

Melissa Cervantesislikemanyofus —she lovesattendingshows and concerts,working out, eating tacos, andspendingtimewith friendsand family.But Cervantesisanything butordinary.She’saprofessionalwrestlerwho formorethanadecadehasputherbodyonthe linetoentertainmillionsofpeopleworldwide.

TheTijuana native,whose ring name is ThunderRosa, hasgainedcriticalacclaimfor herhard-hitting,high-risk wrestlingstyle and energeticperformances. Shehas transcended hersuccess to become apublic figure beyond thering. Butbecominga wrestlingsuperstar didn’t happenovernight.Ittook yearsofhard work anddedicationfor Cervantestoget whereshe is today.

Before taking up grappling, Rosa earned a bachelor’s degree in sociologyfromUniversity of California, Berkeley.She spentyears as asocialworkerforyoungadultsstrugglingwithaddictionand mental health issues.Her ring nameisanodtoThunderRoad,arehabfacility whereshe once worked.Itwas ademanding and, at times, draining career,and Cervantes foundsolacebygoingtolocalwrestlingshows Shewas instantlyhooked andinspiredtotake up prowrestling.

“Professional wrestlinghas allthatI was lookingfor:theater,gymnasticsand allthe action.Plus, Icould be artistic in my gear design andthe creation of my character,”she said Cervantesintegratedher Mexicanroots andculture into herin-ring personathrough hervibrant wrestlinggear, as well as herface paint, whichfeatureselaborate Díadelos Muertoscalaveras (skulls)usually painted across half herfaceinremembrance of those whocamebeforeher

Shedrewher biggest inspirationfromSarahStock,a Canadian wrestler whocameto Mexico andbecameanicon.

Cervantesenrolledina wrestlingschool, learningundercoachesMattCarlosandDylan Drake.TheysawpotentialinCervantes,theonly womaninher class.

“Theydidn’tmakeany accommodations becauseI wasthe only girl in theclass. On the contrary,theyweretough,andtheytreatedme like oneofthe guys,” shesaid.

Thewrestlerpaidher dues by cleaning bathroomsand putting together ringsbefore shows, ariteofpassage formanywrestlers in training

Cervantes’ firstwrestlingmatch wasin 2014,and shehit thegroundrunning,workingvarious promotions on theindependent circuit(thinkminor leagues) as well as internationally in countriessuchasJapan,Mexicoand theUnitedKingdom.Those early yearsarewhenCervantesbegantotakeshape as awrestlerand performer, buildinga loyal fanbasealong theway ThunderRosamadewrestlinghistory,becoming thefirst Mexican-born womantowin theNationalWrestlingAllianceWomen’s Championship,in2020, andthe AllElite WrestlingWomen’s WorldChampionship, in 2021.The latter, ahard-fought andbloodybattle, took placeinSan Antonio, heradoptive

hometownforalmostadecade.Ayearafterher AEWtitlewin,thecityofSanAntoniohonored Cervantesbyproclaiming March16Thunder Rosa Day.

“Being an immigrantchild andfirst-generationcollege graduate,itissuper important that Icontinuetoachieve more in this business, andI have been blessedthatI have worked so hard forthese opportunities,”she said Cervantes’ presence outsidethe ring has growntorival herpresenceinsidethe ring.It isn’tout of theordinarytosee themotherof onegivingmotivationalspeechesatgrade schoolsand institutions likeUniversityofTexasatSanAntonio,volunteeringhertimetounderservedcommunities,singing thenational anthematprofessionalsportsgamesandminglingwithher fans (dubbedThunder Army).

“For me,educating,volunteeringand raisingawarenessofissuesinmycommunityissuperimportant.Beforebecominga wrestler,I wasa social worker,and Icontinuetosee a need in many people,and it breaks my heart. That is whyI volunteer my time,” shesaid.

Even though sheworks forone of thebiggestwrestlingpromotionsintheworldandappearsweekly on internationaltelevision, Cervantes makessurenot to letthatsuccess go to herhead.

“Definitelykeeps me grounded to know that fame is so superficialand that youshould always remind yourself that allofthiscan end withablinkofaneye,”shesaid.“Iwantmyfans to know that Iama real person andI go throughthe same things that they go through.”

Atthetimeofwriting,shewaspreparingfor GrandSlamMexico, an eventco-sponsoredby AEWand therenownedMexican promotion CMLL, markingCervantes’first performance in ArenaMexico, acareer-longgoal. ★

THUNDER ROSA

Visit thunderrosa.net and follow her on social media for future shows and updates.

Instagram: @thunderrosa22

YouTube: @ThunderRosa

Facebook: thunderrosa22

Judson ISD has been aleader in theSan Antonio area andacross thestate of Texas. We takeeachstudent’sunique needs andlearningstyle seriously andwelcomethemtoexploretheir talents andabilities over theyears. Judson ISD is all about options andchoices foryour student.

It’stimefor back-to-school registration! Secureyour child’sspot andbea part of our vibrant learning community.Fromexcellenteducation to asupportiveenvironment, we can’twait to welcomeyou andyour child intothe Judson ISD family

EA T+ DR INK

Neighborhood Beacon

THE LOCAL BAR. IT’S THE PLACEWHERE your usualcocktailisonthe counter before youget to thebar.Where your regularstoolisalwayswaitingforyou. Sure,the pool tablemight be ever so slightly off level, butthatisn’t stopping anyone from having agood time

It’s whereeveryoneknows your name

Everyneighborhood in SanAntonio hasthat onebar.It’snot thetrendiest in town.Your drinks maybeservedina plasticcup.The shot-

and-a-beer combowill only cost you$6. Butit feelslikea home away from home.A placeto swap storieswithyourneighbors.A placetokick back once it hits 5o’clock somewhere.

ForresidentsaroundWoodlawnLake,there’s no more of abeloved localbar than TheLighthouseLounge. Just stepsawayfromwaterfront viewsalong Cincinnati Avenue,thiswatering hole is theembodimentofcommunity

Upon crossing thethreshold of this lowslungroompainted in adeep turquoise, thefirst

BY PAUL STEPHEN

thingthatjumps outisanelaborate ofrenda situated undera neon sign paying tributeto theSelenaclassic“Como la Flor.” Thealtar includes smoldering incense, glowingcandles,flowers andmirrors studdedwithcrisp dollarbills left in memory of lovedones. To quote“TheDude,”a bottleofJackDaniels and1800Tequila on ashelf belowreally tie theroomtogether.

While TheLighthousefeelslikeit’sbeen therefor decades, this relative newcomer opened in 2019.It’shad some growingpains Zoningissuesin2022broughtupnoisecomplaintsandclaimedafrontdeck.Butthedust hassettled,andTheLighthousehasfoundits groove.

It’s an unassuming spot.A vintageSchlitz

beer sign illuminatesthe pool table. Nautical paintingsadorn thewalls.The lineatthe bar is usually at leastthree people deep,but it movesfast. Nobody is coming here forfussy cocktails or VIPbottleservice

On arecentbalmy weekend, good friends KathrynSaucedaandJoaquinVillarrealwere catching up over alibationortwo on the frontpatio.Sauceda lives afew blocks away andhas been aregular at thebuildingcurrently occupied by TheLighthousesince it housed thelatebar Pretty Nice Saloon

Thetwo were thereona nightThe Lighthousewas hostinga listening partyfor the newsoloalbum from SanAntonio musician Rigo Navaira. TheSouth Sidenative, who walked thecrowd througheachofhis fresh

songswitha bitofcommentary, is theson of Tejano icon RaulitoNavaira andthe nephew of thelate, celebrated Emilio Navaira.

Musiccelebratingthespiritandcultureof SanAntonio is aregular featureatThe Lighthouse, be it from aliveband, acurated DJ set or an albumrelease partylikeNavaira’s

“I really likethe musictheyhavehere,” Saucedosaid.“Itfeelslikeit’sintunewiththe neighborhood.”

Villarreal wasintroducedtoThe LighthousebySaucedo.The space’scharm,which includes aceilinglined with mirrors anda jumbo-size painting of dogs shootingpool overhead,has wonhim over

“Thisisthe placewegotoafter theplace we’ve been to,” he said.“This is my spot.” ★

OneResilient Bird

Five years afterpandemicpivot, TheMagpie is thriving

It’sjustamatteroftimebeforeThe Magpie receives theJames Beard nominationsand Michelin recommendations it so richly deserves.For now, this restaurant serves as an exampleofwhatittakes to surviveintoday’s market—andhowtothrilldinerswithexciting, thoughtful anddelicious dishes

When Ilastwrote aboutThe Magpie,the restaurant ownedbySue Kimand herhusband,EugeneSanchez,hadbeenopenonlya fewweeksbeforeclosing forthe pandemic EarlyreviewspraisedKim’ssmalldishes,creativemenuand high-level culinaryskill. But shutdownsforceda change of plans.

“Wehadtopivothardorfacedeath,”Kim notedinanemail interview.

Insteadofmultilayeredflavors in complex dishes,theyinstead went hard on Kore-

anfriedchickenwithbanchan,pastaandother dishes that traveled well andhintedofKim’s skill. Theswitchkepttheminbusiness. But when they reopened,the dining culturehad changed, andtheyhad to adaptagain.Instead ofanarrayofmostlysmallplates,nowit’satight menu of larger andsmallershareable dishes

Kimdescribes herstyle as “FreeformKoreanCosmopolitan.”Anotherwayofdescribingit is simply brilliant

Thebraised king oyster mushroom,richly caramelizedwithdeepsoysauceflavor,risesto anew levelwitha redmisobeurre blancthat feelsbothfamiliarand surprising.A savory, slightly sweet andtartsourcherry saucecombineswiththinlysliced,coffee-curedsmoked duck andpickled long beansfor an unforgettableserving of charcuterie. Then there’sthe unforgettableporkbelly ssam,crisp chunks of meatthatdinersnestleinRomaineheartswith fennelslawfor thebestlettuce wrapsever.

What makesthisperhaps even more amazingisthatamealofthisquality,withwines,area greatvalueandoftencostlessthanatcomparablerestaurants in SanAntonio,and they area veritablebargainwhencomparedwithdestina-

THE MAGPIE

1602 E. Houston St. magpie.us

EATTHIS

King Oyster Mushroom

Ricotti Gnocchi

Crispy Pork Belly Ssam

Butter Cake

Crispy Pork Belly Ssam with pickledserrano

chile oil, peanut, cilantro and fennel slaw.

tion places in othercities.

“Ourdishesareengineeredverythoroughly with cost effect andqualityinmind, andour winesaren’tpricedcrazy by restaurant standards,”Kim said.“This is so thecustomercan enjoyaninterestingmealatanaffordableprice, with food they wouldn’t normally expect.”

Meanwhile,the couple opened Golden Goose,aplaceonthewesternsideofdowntown (100 N. SantaRosaSt.,No.140) that evokes the spirit of theirtakeout pivot.

“After oneyear, ourGooseisfully hatched andpaddling,”Kim said.

Withseveraloptionsofsoju,alongwithfun beersandwines,it’sa“sooljib,”orKorean-style bar. Go foreitherthe beef or pork bulgogi, but especiallyforeithertheKoreanhotfriedchickenortheyuringi,orpepperfriedchicken.Even thoughthedishesarefunandaccessible,thisis food wortha specialtrip.

Onenote: If andwhenthe Missionsmove downtown,thecouplewouldliketooffersome Golden Gooseitems at thenew stadium.

Korean friedchicken in theheart of San Antonio— what couldbemoreall-American than that?

SipIntoSummer

Wheretofind the bestAperol spritzes in San Antonio

here’s just somethingabout an Aperol spritz that makeseverythingfeel alittlemorelikevacation.Maybe it’s thevibrant orange color, thefizzy popofProsecco,orthe wayit seemstailor-made forsunny afternoons and good company. Whatever thereason, this Italianclassichas foundits moment in SanAntonio, andlocal bars andrestaurants areleaning in.We’ve roundedupthe topspots doingit bestsoyoucanspritzyourwaythroughtheAlamo City this summer.

TNorth Italia (The Rim)

This favorite at TheRim nails that upscalecasual Italianvibewitha bigopen-airpatio,

Craving an Aperol spritz but don’t feel like going out? Here’s asimple waytomake one at home. It’s all about the 3-2-1rule.

Ingredients

3parts Prosecco (or anydry sparkling wine)

2parts Aperol

1part soda water (Topo Chico works perfectly)

Instructions: Build it over plenty of ice in alarge glass, garnish with an orange slice, give it agentle stir, and boom! You’ve got summer in aglass.

sleek interiorsand pastathatnever misses. TheAperolspritzislightandrefreshing,with ahintoflemon that brightensthe usualbittersweetflavor.Bonus:Theexpansivebrunch menu makesitanideal weekendstopwhen you’re cravingeggs anda spritz 5822 Worth Parkway, Suite108

Barbaro

Barbaroisthe brunch andhappy hour hero we allneed. Thevibe? Cozy,eclecticand alittlefunky,but in thebestway.The $8 Aperol spritz is asteal,withjustthe rightamountof bitter-meets-bubbly. Youcan also pair it with $20“keep ’emcoming” mimosasorbloody marys, becausewhy not? It’s thekindof

placewhere onedrink turnsintoa wholecatch-upsession with friends. 2720 McCulloughAve

Piatti

Aftera freshremodel,Piatti feelslikea breezylittlegetaway tucked into the Quarry.It’spretty inside,but thebar is therealstarhere. Itstakeonthe spritz swapsout Prosecco forsparklingRosé, givingitasofter,slightlyfruitytwist.Try itduringhappyhour,when$10mussels andshrimpscampimakeiteasytolingera littlelongerwitha spritz in hand 255E.Basse Road,Suite 500

TreTrattoria

If youhaven’t sippeda spritz while overlookingthe riveratTre,you’re missing out. It hashiddengem vibes anddefinitelydeservesa spot on your Aperol spritz list. The“Flip theSpritz” specialisplayful anddelicious:Just before youfinishyourdrink,your server adds asplashofSauvignon Blancforafresh,zippyfinish.Notinto Aperol?Try TheHugomadewithStGermain, mint andTopoChico.As serverEricHillputit,“TheHugoisthe perfectcocktailfor thesummer. It’s

ALEGACYOF EXCELLENCEIN SANANTONIO

WHAT IT TAKESTOBETHE BEST

Achieving“Best Of”statusisn’t a fluke—it’s theresultof relentless hard work anda commitment to excellence. IndiaOven’s consistencysetsitapart. Each dish is prepared with care,using authentic recipesand the finestingredients. Thechefsbalance bold spices and flavors to deliver dishes like chickentikka masala, lamb vindaloo, and saag paneer that have become iconic in SanAntonio

Butgreat food is only part of theequation. IndiaOvenisa place whereguests aretreated like family.Fromthe warm smilesatthe door to theattentiveservice throughout your meal, everyvisit feelsspecial They don’tjustdeliver meals; they deliver memorableexperiences

Postino

superrefreshingandafuntakeonthe Aperol spritz.” We couldn’t agree more 200W.Jones Ave.,Suite 501

Postino

Postino’spatio haseverythinggoing forit— shade, fans,people-watching anda menu full of snacks andsips. TheAperolspritzstickstothe classic formula(andnails it), making it aperfect pick me up forthese hotTexas summers.Addabruschettaboardand oneoftheir $6 happy hour winesor beers, andyou’vegot everything you need fora laid-backafternoon 2600 Broadway ★

Forten consecutiveyears,India Oven hasreigned as SanAntonio’s Best Indian Restaurant in the YourSA competition. This family-run establishment hasbecome acornerstoneofthe community,serving authentic North Indian cuisinethatkeeps customerscomingback.

Theirdedicationtoquality, hospitality, andtradition hassolidified theirplace as a localfavorite— making historywitha tenthwin in the2025 YourSA Awards!

WHAT INDIAOVENOFFERS

IndiaOven’smenu is packed with variety, ensuringthere’s somethingfor everyone. Whether you’re alongtimefan of Indian cuisineortryingitfor the firsttime, theirofferings are approachable, flavorful, andauthentic

• LunchBuffet: AvailablefromTuesdaytoSunday, 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.,the buffet showcasesa rotating selectionofdishes,makingita fantasticway to sample themenu.

• Dinner Service: From 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.,enjoy theirfull menu in awelcoming atmosphere. Whether it’s acasualdinner or aspecial occasion,India Oven is theperfect choice

• Catering Services: Hostinganevent?India Oven provides catering foreverythingfromintimategatherings to large celebrations.Theircustomizableoptions ensureevery guest leaves happy

• Delivery: Prefer to stay in?Theirdeliveryservice brings the same amazing flavorsstraight to your door

• Holiday Dining: Open forholiday meals, IndiaOvenmakes festiveoccasionsstress-free anddelicious.Reservationsare accepted,ensuringa smoothand enjoyable dining experience.

AFAMILYLEGACY

As afamily-run restaurant,India Oven brings apersonaltouch to everything they do.Theirrootsinthe community rundeep, andtheirdedicationtoserving SanAntonio goes beyond just providinggreat food.They’vecreated aspace wherefamilies gather,friendsreconnect, andtraditionsare celebrated

This connection to thecommunity is whythey’vebeen voted Best Indian Restaurant tenyears in arow.Customers know they’renot just supporting abusiness—they’resupporting a family that givesbacktothe city throughtheirhardwork andhospitality.

HoursofOperation:

•LunchBuffet:

Tuesday–Sunday,11:00 a.m.–2:30p.m

•Dinner:Tuesday–Sunday,5:00p.m.–10:00 p.m.

•ClosedonMondays

Whether you’re stopping by fordinner,hosting acatered event,orcelebrating theholidays, IndiaOvenisready to serveyou

BY BECCA HENSLEY

Unwind in Colorado

Soak, stargaze and rejuvenate in healing hotsprings

TJOYFUL JOURNEY HOT SpringsSpa,inthe heart of southern Colorado’s “darksky”country,I bathebeneath ahalooftwinkling starsinthe retreat’smagnesium-and calcium-abundant spring-fed pools, thewatersfiltered throughtravertine from thecenterofthe Earth.

Near GreatSandDunes National Park andPreserveinthe SanLuisValley, thehideawayliesamida vast expanseofgoldengrassland. Thesaw-

toothedSangredeCristoMountains pierce thehorizon beyond.Staying in oneofthe retreat’sstand-alone yurts, I’monlya fewsteps from asecluded labyrinth built from chunky stones, andfar enough away from thepool housetobeimbuedwitha mystical feelingofbeingtuckedawayinthewilderness. Nature’s quietude prevails here,but Joyful Journey’smineralrich waters take repose to thenth degree. Awellnessdestination in itself, theretreat is just onerestorative

stop on an 800-mile road trip alongthe curative Colorado Historic HotSprings Loop theultimatewellnessdriving adventure.

While most travelersheadtoColorado with visionsofwintertimesnowskiingor summerhikes (and cooler nights)intheir heads, wellnessbuffs canexperiencethe statefroma more watery perspective. With a mission to highlight 23 (ofsome100) hot springsfound in eightdestinationsacross Colorado,fromPagosaSprings to Carbondale,the Colorado Historic HotSprings Loophasmappedoutascenicandexperiential circuitfor road warriorswho have apenchantfor healthyliving.

Snakingthrough westernColorado, the loop’s path passesghost towns, national parks, monuments, trailheads andrushing rivers.Found in (ornear) some of Colorado’s most appealingtowns,its suggested soaking stopsrange from vintagehotelsequipped with outdoor spring-fed tubs wovenintothe hillsidetocontemporaryaquatic centers with waterslides andlap pools. Some hot springsare resortlikewithfullservice spas, restaurantsand upscalehotel rooms. Others retain aheydayhippievibe. Oneboaststhe deepesthot springsinthe world, while anotherwowsasthe largesthot springs-filled swimming pool on Earth. Some springslie amid cabins in thewoods. Ahandful have

COLORADO HISTORIC HOTSPRINGS LOOP cohotspringsloop.com

subterranean chambers.All featurehealing geothermalwaterfromtheEarth’score,each springenrichedwithitsuniquecomposition of curative minerals,including potassium, calcium, silica, lithium andmagnesium Just beingnearwater brings well-being, anda senseofhappiness andtranquility. Dunkinginmineral-richhotspringssoothes tiredmusclesandbooststheimmunesystem Meltingintospringwater canlower blood pressure,spark creativity,helpwithdeep sleep —and much more.

Readytofireupyourenginefor afourwheeled wellness trek?Whether youtakea week or twofor theentireroute or choose justonesalubrioussubmersion,we’vegotthe skinny on some of ourfavoriteH20hot spots in theColoradoHistoricHot SpringsLoop Please checkout thecircuit’s websitetodiscoverdetails on each hotspot.

Glenwood Springs

Take adip at historic Glenwood HotSprings Resort,justanhourfromAspen,where the

world’s largesthot springspool stretchesthe lengthoftwocityblocks.Builtin1888,theimpressive pool complexhas free swim areas, laplanes,divingboards, therapeuticsoaking sections,waterfall-edgedmineralbathsanda thrillingsplashzone, with riverridechutes. Across town,IronMountainHot Springs rims theshore of theColoradoRiver.With hotdatevibes,itflaunts16 soakingpools, onsitebarsandrestaurants.Funfact:Thequaint town of Glenwood operates on 100% renewableenergy,whichmakesforanoverallguiltfree stay

WHERE TO STAY: Sleep whereTeddy Roosevelt didwhenhecametosubmergeinGlenwood’s healingpools. Renovatedbut pleasinglynostalgic HotelColorado, planted acrossthestreetfromGlenwoodHotSprings Resort,openedin1893.

Pagosa Springs

In thecharmingtownofPagosaSprings, yieldtowater-bornministrations that hail from theworld’s deepesthot springs. With 13 therapeuticminerals, itstoastywaters, firstdiscoveredbytheUtes,sootheandsatisfy.Located in farsouthwesternColorado amongverdant forestland on thevergesof theSan Juan Mountains, Pagosa offers avarietyofyear-round, soakingspa facilities.

Unequivocally,The SpringsResort& Spa reigns as itspièce de résistance.Positioned on ahill downtown that overlooksthe San Juan River, theretreat boasts 52 soaking tubs andcoldplunges wovenintoa manicuredlandscape —aswellaseateries, bars andanon-site spa. Ajaw-dropping playground,itoffers both daypassesand overnighthotel-style accommodations.

WHERE TO STAY: ChooseThe SpringsResort &Spa forits chic roomsand 24-houraccess to thepools, aboon forearly risers andall nighters.For thosewho prefer to stay off property,TheNightingaleMotel,anadorable refurbishedmotor inn, fits thebill.

Avalanche Ranch

Lowkey,casual, earthy andaffable, Avalanche Ranchoccupies 36 leafyacres near theartsy town of Carbondale.Family-owned and-operated,far from city lights,ithas cabinsofvarious sizes, caravan-stylewagon suites,friendlyfarmanimals,a fishingpond, alabyrinthandhikingpaths.Guestscanstargaze,soakatleisure,picnicand play.

WHERE TO STAY: We love theDog House, a pet-friendly studio cabinwitha canine theme. TheRanch House, athree-bedroom cabinwitha full kitchenand washer-dryer is idealfor family vacations. Fora romantic trystorsolostay, take oneofthe cozy wagons ★

TOP10 BOOMING AREAS AROUND SANANTONIO

BY LILY O’NEILL

SANANTONIOISGROWING

BEYOND

ITS CITY LIMITS.

More people are moving away from theheart of theAlamo City andinto surroundingareas in search of more land,new construction homesand affordability. We worked with theSan AntonioBoard of Realtors,orSABOR,tocreatea listofthe most boomingZIP codesand neighborhoodsinthe area basedonhomesales data from 2024.

Reagan Williamson, SABORchairman, said thereare a multitudeofreasons forthisexpansion beyond downtown.“The cost of livingislessthanlivinginthe city center,” he noted. “All services needed formanagingdaily life, as well as ahousehold,are typically a10-minute driveorless. Rentersare becoming homeowners with thedream anddesireofcreatinggenerational wealth.The choice of schoolsisgreater forthose whohave childrenorfamily lookingfor grades K-12.And,ofcourse, space! Folkseventually tire of thebusynessofcitylifeand desire alife with alittlemoreelbow room.”

Butthatdoesn’t mean downtown is desolate.“Thereisplenty of residentialinvestmentbeing made in downtown SanAntonio, with additional multifamilyapartmentsbeing built as well as professional office spaces beingconverted to condominium living,” he added. “While some folksdesirethe suburban lifestyle, thereare many that appreciate andseek outcityliving.”

Whetheryou’reonthe hunt foryourforever home or just readyfor achangeofpace, consider these10San Antonioareas as younarrowdownyoursearch:

New Braunfelsisa rapidlygrowing area knownfor itssmall-town charmand proximitytoSan Antonioand Austin.Moreand more people are beingdrawn to theareafor itshistoric downtown,access to theGuadalupe and Comalrivers, andfun activities,including SchlitterbahnWaterpark,Natural Bridge Cavernsand liveshows at Gruene Hall

Donna Cowey, arealestateagent with KellerWilliams,has lived in theareafor 32 years. “The population used to be 32,000 when Ifirst movedhere,”she said.The population is nowestimated to be more than 110,000. “Ithas just exploded here.” NewBraunfels waslistedasone of thebest places to liveinthe countryinMoney’s 2024 “50Bestplacestolive” listand Liveability.com’s2025“Top100 Best Places to Live”list.

Ursula andDavid Floren have lived in theareafor eightyears andmadethe move from theoutskirts of town to aforever home in the78130 ZIPcodelastyeartobe

1. NEW BRAUNFELS 78130

closer to thebustlingdowntown. “Wewere in asubdivision in thesuburbs before this, butoncewefound outthe Downtown Associationisalwaysputting on events and festivalsdowntown, we wanted to be closer, whichiswhy we startedlookingand found ahouse that really suited us,” Ursula said Thecoupleare avid paddleboardersand

love making theirway down thecrystalclearwatersofthe ComalRiver.“We’reonly five minutesfromthe I-35 bridge with a boat launch rightunder there, so every Tuesdaynight,I meet afriendand we paddle,”she added. They also enjoycatching liveperformancesatthe downtown restaurants, theSaturdaymorning farmersmarket andGrueneHall.

2.

NEIGHBORHOODS ALAMORANCH,WESTPOINTE, NORTH SANANTONIO HILLS

MEDIAN PRICE AVERAGEDAYSONTHE MARKET 1,140 $345,000 67

Far West SanAntonio ranked third nationally in popularity forhomebuyers in 2024, jumpingupthe list from No.9 in 2023.The ZIPcodeencompassesthe AlamoRanch neighborhood and is just outsideLoop 1604,between Culebra andPotrancoRoads.

“Alamo Ranchisa littlefarther northof (Texas)151,and that sectionthere is likea wholeother city,” Williamson said.“The amount of growth is insane.” Thefar West Side, sitting rightoutside thecitylimitsin BexarCounty, is teemingwithfamilyfriendly amenities, includingstrongschools within theNorthside IndependentSchool District,likeHarlanHighSchool,and is closetoSeaWorldSan Antonio. The sought-after subdivisions have avariety of housingoptions,including amix of new construction andestablishedproperties, at affordable pricepoints. With threemajor highways nearby,there’s easy access to the city forthose whocommute to work and shopping centersfor everyneed,including anew H-E-Bopening in thefall.

Ursulaand DavidFloren in New Braunfels.

3. WEST SANANTONIO 78245

Another ZIPcodefromthe farWest Sideoftownhad some of thehighest number of homessales last year.The 78245areaisborderedbyLoop 410and Highway90and closetoLoop 1604,offering an easy commute to nearby hubs,likeJoint Base SanAntonio-Lackland, downtown San Antonioand theSouth TexasMedical Center.It’sa close-knit community that’s home to ahandful of NISD schools, includingBehlau, Fisher andForesterelementaryschools. Therapidly growingsuburboffers amix of newerdevelopmentsand establishedcommunities

BrandonRufle is in theAir Forceand movedtoSan AntoniolastyearfromAlbuquerque, N.M. The25-year-old airman bought hisfirst home,inthe 78245area, with aVAloan. He chosea newconstruction property andliked howitwas only a 10-minutedrive to JBSA-Lackland. “I’vegot adog park nearby,a Costco,and Marbach Road haseverythingyou need,” he said Rifle’sneighbors arealsomilitary, and he said thefamily-friendly community with surrounding parksisperfect forhis 3-yearoldLabradormix,Hank, whichheadopted from theSan AntonioHumaneSociety

Thefar West Side,around Government Canyon, Culebra Road and Alamo Ranch, is amongthe fastest-growing areas in Bexar County.

4. NORTHWEST SANANTONIO 78254

Northwest SanAntonio,located off Loop 1604 between BanderaRoad andCulebra Road,isbrimming with newconstruction. Thesuburbanareahas a mixofolder andnew communities,includingWildhorse, BraunStation,Helotes Crossing andKallison Ranch. Residentsget thebestofbothworldswiththe opportunity to enjoythe surrounding outdoors, as well as easy access to majorshopping centers.Localscan pitcha tent at Lost Woods Campground nearby,playa game at Helotes Disc Golf Course andtakea hike or bike ride throughthe trails at Government Canyon.It’salsoa quickcommute down Loop 1604 fora fun-filledfamily dayatSix FlagsFiestaTexas or TheShops at La Cantera,recentlynamed No.1 shopping center in theU.S.inUSA TODAY10BestReaders’ Choice Awards.

was named No 1 shopping center in the U S in USA TODAY 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards.

Cibolo, located30minutes from downtown SanAntonio on theNortheast Side,isa family-friendlysuburbin GuadalupeCountywitharound200 acresof parkland,including Niemietz Park,AlRich Park,Schlather Park andVeterans’ Memorial Park.Partofthe top-performing SchertzCibolo-Universal City IndependentSchool District,CiboloishometoByron P. Steele High School andCiboloValleyElementary School.The area also encompasses Crescent Bend Nature Park,a 190-acre park wherevisitorscan spot wildlifeand 250 speciesofbirds from blinds,ortakea stroll on thetrails.For even more bird-watching, residentscan visitWarbler WoodsBird Sanctuary. When theoutdoorsisn’t calling, residentsand familiescan catcha film or bowl at EVOEntertainment Schertz, race around at thenearbySan AntonioKarting ComplexorheaddownI-35tovisit the exotic roadside attraction Animal World& SnakeFarmZoo

WestoverHills hasseen an explosion of housinginventory since2000, a mixofupscale apartmentcommunities,new buildsand gatedcommunities, likeStonegate Hill. Theneighborhood offers aquick routetodowntownwithout an overflow of trafficand hasattracted plenty of big-name retailers,including Target,HomeDepot andH-E-B.It’slocated within a10-mile radius of JBSA-Lackland, oneofSan Antonio’slargest employers, and is home to kid-friendly attractions, like SeaWorld SanAntonio andits waterpark, Aquatica SanAntonio

tone Oakisa master-plannedcommunity nestledalong thelandscape of TexasHill Countryand just 30 minutes northofdowntownSan Antonio. Theaffluentareaisknown forits top-ratedschools within theNorth East IndependentSchool District,including Reagan High School and HardyOak Elementary School.“Alot of militarymovetoStone Oakeventhoughit requires a25-minute commute because they canget anew construction houseora newerhome,”Williamson said.The suburbanneighborhood offers thetranquil setting of rollinghills,while still embracing theconvenientamenities of acitycenter, includinga varietyofshopping anddining at theVineyardShopping Center,Village at StoneOak andStone RidgeMarket.

The SoutheastSan Antonioareais diverse,with amix of historical homes, especially in theHot Wells neighborhood,named afterthe historic Hot Wells ruinsthatonceboasted abathhouse whereSan Antonians— andcelebrities wouldsoakinhot sulfuric waters in thelate 19th andearly 20th centuries. It hassince been transformedintoa luxury venue knownasCampHot Wells with aprivate garden,soaking tubs,and restaurant and bar. TheZIP code is also home to SanAntonioMissionsNationalHistoricalPark, the only UNESCO WorldHeritageSiteinTexas, wherefourSpanish frontier missionsare preserved, giving visitors thechanceto discover the18th-centurychurches. Not only does theareaembrace itshistory,but it hasa strong militarypresencesince it surrounds Brooks, aformerAir ForceBase that hasbeen transformedintoa 1,308-acre mixed-usecommunity.

For thosewho want to escape thehustle and bustle of thecity, yetstill be able to hopona majorhighway andexplorethe amenitiesofSan Antonio, the Northeastsideoftownoffersthe perfect respite. Theareaboastsa plethora of affordable housingoptions,which appeal to the growingmilitarydemographic,given its proximitytobothJBSA-Fort Samand JBSA-Randolph. Thesuburbanneighborhood also drawsinfamiliesfor itsselection of earlylearningcenters andprivate andpublic schools, includingSaint Mary’s Hall, Woodlake Hills MiddleSchool and Wagner High School.Nearby, enjoythe greeneryatConverseCityPark, where residentscan cycledownthe paths, visitthe playground andbaseballfieldsorstrollby thepond.

ThisNorthwest neighborhood is ahub forhealthcareworkers duetoits closevicinitytoSouth TexasMedical Center,which is made up of sevenmedical institutions,including UT Health SanAntonioand MethodistHospital. “Investors really liketobuy in that area becausethese medicalstudentsand medicalstaff kind of rotate in andout everycoupleofyears,as they'reprogressing througheithertheir degrees or rotating throughtheir careers, ” Williamson said Robert Ramos, 39,moved to thearealast year from St.Hedwigonthe east side of town

“One of thebig reasonsI sold my last home andrelocated wasthe trafficonI-10, whichbecamea bighasslefor me,” he said Themilitaryveteran,who retiredtwo years ago, liked howthe neighborhood wascloser to theVAhospitaland JBSA-Lackland, wherehereceivesmedical care.Itwas also within amile of thehighschool hisgirlfriend’s sonattends, andhe’snow able to walk to classevery morning. Ramosand his girlfriend,SandraOlivarez,enjoy thefiveminute drivetothe nearby OP Schnabel Park,where they ride bikesand walk down thetrails.The quietneighborhood is tightknit,where everyone seemstoknoweach other. “Whenwemoved in,our neighbors jokedthatwe’re theyoung couple in the neighborhood,since alot of thepeoplein ourcul-de-sacare theoriginalownersof theirhomes,” he said ★

•Donatetosupport ourmission andthe childrenweserve throughout BexarCounty!

•Becomea Member/Volunteer andpositivelyimpactthe lives of childrenthrough ourprograms! (Smilesand Hugs included)

•The Thrift Houseisnow 8,000 square feet of treasures.

AssistanceLeague Member/ Volunteers expressjoy as achildgives abighug to amember afterreceiving hisjacket, newsneakers, and newclothes,during an Operation School Bell® program visit.

ASSISTANCE LEAGUE OF

Transforming lives of children and adultsthrough communityprograms

Thrift HouseHours: Tues.– Fri. 10 a.m. –2 p.m. Sat. 11 a.m. –3 p.m.

SAN ANTONIO’S TOPMORTGAGE BROKERS 2025

These50 peer-nominated brokersare thebestinthe city

SANANTONIO’S

TOP50 MORTGAGE PROFESSIONALS

Buying anew homeorlooking to refinance?

Consider our list of the city’s top mortgage professionals to help streamline the process

Buyinga home requires ateamoftrusted professionalswho canwalkyou throughthe complexprocess, especially when it comestohomeloans.

Thefirst step toward purchasing your foreverhomeis to choose theright loan officer, onewho fits your financial situation, cansecureyou acompetitive interest rate andoutlinea budget withoutany surprises. Loan officers help borrowers make informed decisions, streamlinethe preapproval processand translatethe pile of paperwork youmustconquer before youcan unlock thedoor to your dreamproperty.Instead of searchingthrough onlineads or acceptingthe firstname that comesacrossyourdesk, we’veput together alistof50options in San Antoniofor youtoconsider.

Whetheryou’rerefinancing,movingorbecominga first-time homeowner,takea look throughthe listofthisyear’stop mortgage professionalsin theAlamo City:

LISA LOZANO

Absolute Mortgage &Lending

4801 NW Loop 410, Suite305

210-744-5001

MARK DREW

AmegyBank

10001Reunion Place Blvd 3rdFloor 210-343-4441

SCOTTCURTIS

CapitalFarmCredit

2330 Loop 1604 W. Suite110 210-348-6681

MICHELLE NOBLE

CertaintyHomeLending 7550 W. I-10,Suite 800 210-216-1745

BECKYVILLASEÑOR

ChesmarHomes

211N.Loop1604E., Suite155 210-598-7171

CARLOCOLANTONIO

CMGFinancial

211N.Loop1604E Suite140 210-313-6196

ELLENSCHULER

Cornerstone Home Lending

3239 N. Loop 1604 W., Suite300

210-860-0031

TRACY TYLMAN

CrossCountry Mortgage,LLC

10401W.I-10, Suites 200 &201

210-246-3979

JANSEN CARNLEY

DHIMortgage Company, Ltd.

5419 N. Loop 1604 E., Suite250 210-582-0792

EASTON CRAFTS

Directions Home Loan 2915 W. BittersRoad, Suite102 210-325-4073

MARCUS SPITZER

Directions Home Loan 2915 W. BittersRoad, Suite102 210-872-0544

JAMALTOWNSEND

Edge Home Finance Corporation Company 816MainSt.,Suite E, Schertz 210-630-7917

TY WALL

FairwayIndependent Mortgage Corporation 30235HeimerCove, Suite4,Bulverde 903-841-0396

TERRENCE BUTLER

GFSHomeLoans

2822 N. Loop 1604 W., Suite101 210-372-3916

ALANNATRUITT

Gold Financial Services 2822 N. Loop 1604 E. Suite101 210-248-4876

JEFFREYCRUZ

GuildMortgageCompany 14100San PedroAve., Suite760 210-504-3847

FRANK PAREDEZ

IntegrityHome Mortgage Corp. 1718 DryCreek Way, Suite 108B 210-362-0064

CHARLIEBRADEN

J. CharlesLending 13750San PedroAve., Suite730 210-209-6792

KERI MOSES

JeffersonBank 1900 Broadway,Suite 900 210-736-7808

MARIOGALDOS

Legacy Mutual Mortgage 3820 FM 3009,Suite 148, Schertz 210-476-5523

TOMROMANELLO

Legacy Mutual Mortgage

23705IH-10 W.,Suite 301 210-999-5955

JOSHUA SIGMAN

Legacy Mutual Mortgage 18402U.S.Hwy 281N Suite258 210-999-5963

MARSHALLMOODY

Lennar Mortgage 100N.E.Loop410,Suite 1125 210-403-6240

JP WATKINS

LGIMortgage Solutions, LLC 3106 DraytonEstates Converse 210-837-3006

JOHN HEARD

LoanPeople,LLC 2722 W. BittersRoad, Suites 230&231 210-988-0372

BRAD DAWSON

Movement Mortgage

2806 W. BittersRoad, Suite219 210-667-5875

JUSTIN HAMILTON

Movement Mortgage 2806 W. BittersRoad, Suite219 815-908-9363

PATRICIA SANCHEZ

Neighborhood Housing Services SA 851StevesAve 210-798-2396

JULIEVELASCO

NetworkFunding 1350 N. Loop 1604 E. Suite103 210-213-2630

AFRICA GIBB

NewAmerican FundingLLC 18585Sigma Road, Suites 100-101 956-227-3478

STEWARTANDERSON

NewHorizon Mortgage,Inc 11106WestAve 512-807-0770

NICOLASANDERSON

NewHorizon Mortgage,Inc 11106WestAve 210-341-5626

STEVEANDERSON

NewHorizon Mortgage,Inc. 11106WestAve 210-341-5626

RAESALDANA

NewFed Mortgage Corp. 13333 Blanco Road Suite104 210-241-5885

CANDYWILLIAMS

NEXA Mortgage -Candy Williams Home Loans 3522 Paesanos Parkway, Suite302 210-987-8943

DAYLON BRADY

PilgrimMortgage 1270 N. Loop 1604 E. Suite1101 210-601-2866

JEFF MOTES

PreferredRate

21720Hardy OakBlvd., Suites 91,102 &111 210-535-2385

ERIKASLAYTON

PreferredRate

21720Hardy OakBlvd. Suites 91,102 &111 210-219-7608

DANIEL BONNEY

PrimeLending 270N.Loop1604E Suite310 210-317-0486

JOSE MARTINEZ

PrimeLending 270N.Loop1604E., Suite310 210-483-4928

KALENA CASTILLO

Randolph-Brooks Federal Credit Union

1IKEA-RBFCUParkway, LiveOak 210-945-3300

VANESSAHARWELL

Randolph-Brooks Federal Credit Union

1IKEA-RBFCUParkway LiveOak 210-637-4523

JOEMERLO

Randolph-Brooks Federal Credit Union

1IKEA-RBFCUParkway, LiveOak 210-650-1727

JAIMESPANLEY

RegionsBank

4085 Cibolo CanyonsSt. Suite100 210-274-5011

CLEO GARZA

Summit FundingInc. 4372 N. Loop 1604 W. Suite308,Shavano Park 210-386-0732

MARK JONES

SynergyOne Lending -iThinkMortgage 15900LaCantera Parkway, Suite26230 210-683-1481

ANAALMANZA

TexasHeartland Mortgage 1175 W. BittersRoad, Bldg.1,Suite 101 210-545-5556

AUBREY CAVAZOS

Thrive Mortgage LLC 18585Sigma Road Suites 100-101 210-627-7250

JESUSCASTILLO

United TexasCreditUnion 5500 UTSA Blvd 210-561-4644

MEGANCLOUD

V.I.P. Mortgage,Inc 7010 W. Loop 1604 N., Suite107 210-381-3707

How This List Is Made

Usinganonline survey,San Antonio Magazine solicited peer nominations from mortgage professionalsinthe greaterSan Antonio area,askingthemto nominate up to three professionalsthey would trustwiththe care of theirortheir family’s loan needs. To ensure the nomination processis peer-based,full contactinformation wasrequested.San AntonioMagazine andour verified-data partners talliedthe nominationsand finalized ourlistof50 mortgage brokers, and ensuredall nominatorsand nominees have an active license Thelistwas then reviewed by thirdpartyfact-checkers Professionalsdo notand cannotpay to be apartofthe list, as it is editorialcontent We recognizethat many good mortgage professionalsare not included on thelist; this is only asampling of ahugearrayof talented professionals within theregion. We encourageall consumers to do their ownresearchbefore selectinga mortgage professional Allrightsreserved.Nocommercial useofthe informationinthislist maybemadewithout writtenpermission from SanAntonio Magazine.Ifyou see an errorinthe informationlisted, please contact editor@sanantonio mag.com. Mortgage brokers: Congratulations! If you’dliketodisplay this accomplishment with aplaque, please visitour official store at sanantoniomag. com/plaques.

Howto Price Your Home For a Perfect Sale

BY AJ DELLINGER BANKRATE.COM

Yourhomeisa majorinvestment, and naturally youwanttomaximizethe asset as much as possiblewhenitcomes time to sell.

Thereare alot of factorstoconsiderwhen choosing theright list pricefor your house, though.Sure, you’dliketoget thehighest pricepossible, butifyou overpriceityou risk it sitting on themarketwithnooffers.Onthe otherhand, if youprice it toolow,you might endupleaving moneyonthe table.

What is it worth?

Thereare anumberoftoolsavailable to help determinehow much your houseisworth, from automatedonlinesystems to expertswho canprovide essentialinsight into thelocal market.Hereare threemethods that canease theprocess of figuring outwhatdollaramount to putonyourhome.

1. Automated valuation model

When preparingtosellyourhome, online priceestimatorscan offera ballparkideaof howmuchyourhomeisworth.The most commonversion of this tool is an automated valuationmodel,otherwise knownasanAVM (Zillow’s“Zestimate” is onepopular example) Theseonlinealgorithmsestimatethe value of your home by taking into accountmany criteria andpublicly availabledata, including lotsize, number of bedroomsand bathrooms, andinformation aboutrecentnearbysales It’s worthnotingthatwhile AVMs are useful tools, they arefar from perfect.

Algorithms don’t know all the details about your home, including its condition or whether it’s been recently upgraded In addition, every algorithm is different, which means different AVMs can produce wildly different estimates

Consulting an AVMisa good start, butit should notbethe only factor in your decision

2. Comparativemarket analysis

To getspecificinsight into your area’s market anda more complete assessmentofyour home’s value, work with alocal real estate agent. Agents areexperts in theirlocal markets andcan create acomparative market analysis,orCMA,todetermine howtoprice your home.Thiswill be amorethorough, insightful andlocation-specific estimate than an AVMcan provide.

“One of thebiggest reasonsbuyersand sellers should work with arealestateprofessional is theirlocal knowledge,”saysEugene Pridgett, broker-owner at Century21’sGene GroupinCenterville,Ohio.

According to Pridgett, agents oftenuse pricingbands basedonlocationand other factorstohelpestablisha baselinefor how much asellercan expect to getfor their home

“A buyerina givenprice band is usually comfortableenoughtopurchasefromboth ends of thebracket buttends to getuncomfortable moving to thenextbracket,” he says Agents also take into accountdetails like howlongareahomes have been on themarket, pricefluctuationsand otherfactors that couldserve as indicators of overallmarket health.Thisincludeslooking at localcomps, or recent salesofsimilarhomes nearby Compscan be consultedonline, though an agentmay have adeeper understandingof theinfo.

“Asprofessional real estate practitioners, we know what makessense,” Pridgett says of everything aCMA will factor in.For anygiven

market, this can include:

• Number of homes sold.

• Average days on the market

• Average price of sold homes

• List price-to-sale price ratio

• Price per square foot

3. Home appraisal

While agents arekey evaluators of thelocal market,the most accurate waytoprice your home is to geta professional home appraisal. Ahomeappraisalisperformed by alicensed prowho specializes in this type of assessment. Similartoanagent creating a CMA, ahomeappraiserwill consider factors like recent salesofcomparablehomes,aswell as details aboutyourhomeand itslocation. An appraiserwill also performanin-person walk-through of your home to consider upgrades,additionsand otherrenovations that mightimpactits value.

Appraisers areindependent andprovide an objectiveanalysisofyourhome’svalue. Typically ahomeappraisalisperformed by thebuyer’s lender aftera contract hasbeen signed to ensure that thehomeisworth the loan amount —but asellercan hire an appraiseranytime as well.

Whythe rightprice matters

While youmight thinkthe priceofyour home will be primarily dictated by how much people arewillingtopay —often knownasfairmarketvalue —establishing a correct listing priceiskey.It’sthe starting pointthatinfluenceshow people view the property.Ifyou overvalueit, people maybe afraid or unwillingtoplace abid,orworse, they mightscrollright past thelisting withoutconsidering it

Likewise,you don’twanttounderestimate thevalue of your home.Noseller wantstofeel liketheycould have or should have gottenmore. Andifyou starttoo low,

buyers might assume there’s something wrong with the place.

This is where agent expertise really comes into play “We take great pride in (the fact) that we absolutely know the market,” Pridgett says

Pros know howtotakeintoaccountany upgrades andadditionsyou have made,and they canalsoadjustfor unique features,such as aswimming pool or skylight,thata comp mightnot be able to factor in.

Flexibilityalso helps

While setting theperfect priceisimportant, don’tbetoo rigid: It’s useful to be flexible and willingtoadjustifnecessary.Sometimes market conditions change —think of things that arebeyondyourcontrol,likea recession or apandemic— andexpectationswill shift alongwiththem.

If you’re nothappy with whereyourhouse is fitting into thelocal market,you canalways look into sellingtoaniBuyerora localcashhomebuying operation. Thesecompanies typically purchase properties with theintentionofresellingthem, making fast cash offers andclosing thetransaction superquickly, too.

This puts moneyinyourpocketfaster— butitwon’t be as much as youmight prefer Companieslikethese do notpay full market value, so if earningtop dollarisyourgoal, you’ll likelydobettertoexercisesome patience

Bottom line

Thereare anumberofonlinetoolsthatcan help youcomeupwitha ballparkaskingprice foryourhome. Butyou will be best served by taking advantageofanagent’s expertiseoran appraiser’sprofessional assessment. They can help maximize your investment,and your profit,while also meetingthe localmarket whereitis. ★

TOPMORTGAGEPROFESSIONALS

EVENT LISTINGS

BY JIMKIEST

Ongoing

“The Art of Fine Dining”: Tablescaping is elevated to afine art in this juried exhibit presented by the San Antonio Art League. Painters, sculptors, ceramicists and fiber artists from throughout the state contributed pieces to the show. They will be exhibited on tabletopsrather than being hung from thewall or set on a pedestal. Through Aug. 8, San Antonio ArtLeague Museum, saalm.org.

BigBugs: Beetles, snails and scorpions will compete for attention with the zoo’s year-round residents duringthis summerlong special exhibit. Bigger-than-life animatronic insects will educate visitors and make forgreat selfies. There’s also apop-up market selling toys and snacks, including scorpion lollipops and larvae wormtrail mix. Through Sept.2,San Antonio Zoo, sazoo.org.

Fiesta Noche del Rio: Acast of almost twodozen singers and dancers celebrate San Antonio’s vibrantculture in the Alamo KiwanisClub’s annual production. The show is marking its 68th anniversary this summer. Proceeds benefit children’s charities. Fridays-Saturdays through Aug. 2, Arneson River Theatre, fiestanochesa.com

“Sister Act”: The theater at Wonderland of the Americas is staging themusical based on thehit ’90s movie about anightclub singer hiding out in a convent after shewitnesses amurder. Theculture clashcomedy features songs by the“Little Mermaid” team of Alan Menken and GlennSlater, including “Raise YourVoice.” Through Aug. 3, Wonder Theatre, wondertheatre.org.

July

Cactus Pear Music Festival: The second week of the city’s long-running summer classical music festival features threenights of music, starting with aconcert by members of the festival’s young artists program. Subsequent nights will include chamber music worksbycomposers from Beethoven and Bach to tango master Astor Piazzolla and Oscar-winning soundtrack composerJohn Williams. July 18-20, University of the Incarnate Word, cpmf.us.

“Hairspray”: Based on an uncommonly sweet movie from director John Waters, “Hairspray” is set in 1960s Baltimore, where teen Tracy Turnblad dreams of dancing on an “American Bandstand”-style TV show. The Tony-winning musical is full of great dancing and songs such as “Big, Blonde andBeautiful” and “Good Morning Baltimore.” July 18-Aug. 17,San Pedro Playhouse, sanpedroplayhouse.org.

Disco Alfresco at Hemisfair: The SoundCream Airstream mobile disco is winding down its series of summer dance parties in the shadow of the Tower of the Americas. DJs on board forthe final two bashes include Natvillain and the collective Bruk Out! July 17,24and 31, CivicPark, Hemisfair, 210S.AlamoSt., hemisfair.org.

August

Herb Alpert and theTijuana Brass: Trumpeter Albert performedhere not too long ago with his wife, Lani Hall. That was an occasion.But thisisan event. Breezy instrumentals,often with atouch of mariachi, made Alpert and the Tijuana Brass oneof themost popular bands of the mid-’60s,with No. 1 albums, Top 10 singles such as “A Taste of Honey” and, with “Whipped Cream and Other Delights,” perhaps the best-known album cover of alltime. This is the first time in four decades Albert has toured with TJB. Aug. 1, Tobin Center for the performing arts.

James Austin Johnson: “Saturday Night Live” cast member Johnson will have jobsecurity as long as Donald Trump is president. His impersonation is aregular highlight of the late-night show. Johnson also does voice-over work —nosurprisefor such a talented mimic —and has appeared in movies such as “No Direction Home” and “Hail, Caesar!” Aug. 7, Laugh Out Loud ComedyClub, improvtx.com.

CareWhenYouNeedItMost

Lost ’80s Live: Flock of Seagulls, known for songs such as “Telecommunication”and “I Ran,” as well as some amazing hairstyles, tops this bill that demonstrates the variety of acts that huddled under the New Wave umbrella in the’80s.Alsoin thelineup areBig Country (“Ina BigCountry”), General Public (“Tenderness”) and the Vapors (“TurningJapanese”). Aug.16, The Espee

“Bedroom Paintings”: Artist Joey Fauerso will take part in awalk-through of her installation “Bedroom Paintings,” which centersonvideo of theartists’ friends and family sleeping, or struggling to sleep, in bedclothes covered in black-and-white artwork. In her artist statement, Fauerso saysthe work was inspired in part by her “raging insomnia.” Aug.23(exhibit runs through May),Ruby City.

“Giant”: One of thegreatest Texas movies of all time, and oneofthree feature filmsJames Dean made in his too-short career, “Giant” is based on thenovel by Edna Farber. Alsostarring Rock Hudson and Elizabeth Taylor, it’sanepic family saga set on aWest Texas ranch. It’s part of Texas Public Radio’s Cinema Tuesdays series. Aug. 26, Santikos Northwest, tpr.org

“Larry Bell: Improvisations”: How light interacts with surfaces is central to the work of Los Angeles artist Larry Bell, who is known for hisglass cubes andpanels. HisSan Antonio exhibit includes works created throughouthis career, which dates to the 1960s. Opens Aug. 29,San Antonio Museum of Art, samuseum.org.

SanJapan: San Antonio’s homegrown celebration of anime and Japanesepop culture returns with cosplay, artists, music, vendors, games and more. This year’s guests include voice-over actors Sarah Anne Williams (“Hello Kitty and Friends Supercute Adventures”) and Jonah Scott (“Beastar”). Aug.29-31, Convention Center, san-japan.org.

Robert Earl Keen: Texas music great Keenis expanding his Homecoming Weekend, which concludes with afreeconcert for fans, to a three-day festival.Inadditiontothe free show, there will be aconcert with American Aquarium andSilverada, and asongwriterroundfeaturing songwriter Lori McKenna, among others. Aug. 30-Sept. 1, Floore’s Country Store, Helotes.

September

Maná: Iconic Mexican rock bandManá is kicking off its Vivir Sin Aire TourinSan Antonio Since releasing its self-titleddebut albumin 1987, the bandfrom Guadalajara, Mexico,has sold millions of albums,sold outcountless venues and won four Grammy Awards, sealing itsreputation as one of the most popularand influentialLatin rock acts of alltime. Its big hits include “Oye Mi Amor” from the classic 1992 album “¿Dónde Jugarán LosNiños?, Amor Clandestino” and “Mi Verdad” with Shakira. Sept. 5-6, Frost Bank Center, frostbankcenter.com.

TheWeeknd: Pop R&Bsuperstar theWeeknd wraps up his “After Hours Till Dawn” tour in SanAntonio with aset that draws heavily on his most recent trilogy of albums,“After Hours,” “Dawn FM” and“Hurry Up Tomorrow.” With PlayboiCarti andMike Dean Sept. 3, Alamodome, alamodome.com.

“Sandy Skoglund: Enchanting Nature”: The McNay’s big newfall show invites visitors into artist Skoglund’s surreal world, whereeveryday settings turn strange, as if the world’stint control was out of whack. The exhibit will feature newand oldwork, including “Radioactive Cats.” Opens Sept. 11,San Antonio Museum of Art, mcnayart.org. ★

Your home hasevolved. Nowits onlinepresence can, too. Update your home’s profile—photos, descriptions, and more—all on your terms, especiallywhen your home isn’t forsale.

It’s your home. Ownit. Visit UnlistedHomes.com/Claim/SAM or scanthe QR code to update your home’sonline presence.

DI NI NG OU T

WheretoDine+ DrinkAroundTown

Sweet treats are never farwith Bakery Lorraine’ssix locations.

2M SMOKEHOUSE $ Barbecue (Southeast). Esaul Ramos serves all the classic barbecue fare —from brisket and pulled porktospare ribs andturkey —but with aMexican flair, which means it has barbecuetacos and tres leches cake.Get there early.The restaurant closeswhen the day’s meatsells out. L, Thursday-Sunday. 2731S.W.W. WhiteRoad 210-885-9352

ÁCENAR $$ Mexican/Latin American (Downtown). Founded by Rosario’s Lisa Wong, thiseatery’s menu includes favorite Tex-Mex dishesplus traditional Mexicanspecialties, each withacontemporary twist. If a tequila-infused cocktail is what you’reafter, head to the bar, Atomar, duringhappy hour for killer drink specials and $5 platitos, or “little plates.” L-D daily. 146E.Houston St., 210-222-2362, acenar.com

ANTLER’S LODGE $$$ Steakhouse (Northwest). This casual-upscale restaurant takes sustainability seriously.Its menu includes locally sourced and harvested ingredients, plus all-natural meats, including some from nearby ranches.The menu changes seasonally, but the decor, complete with a chandelier made from 500 setsofnaturally shed antlers, keeps the rustic ambience a

constant Ddaily.9800 Hyatt ResortDrive, 210-520-4001, antlerslodge.getbento.com

BAKERY LORRAINE$ Bakery (Pearl,Medical Center,The Rim, Boerne) Allthose accolades aren’t just hype. Join the crowds thatgatherto taste Bakery Lorraine’sfamous macarons,or choose asavory bite from the lineup of breakfastand lunch dishes. The bakeryhas a location at Pearl,stores at the Medical Center and the Rim, an outpost at The DoSeum and a location in Boerne thatalso servesbeerand wine. B-L-D daily. Multiple locations, bakerylorraine.com

BAKLOVAH BAKERY $ Bakery (Northwest). Theteam behindPasha Mediterranean Grill opened an outpost for everything sweetinthe fall of 2016.The handmade pastries include Americanfavorites likeapple pie, opera cakes and macarons, plus Mediterranean delicacies, including walnut baklava,kanafehpastries and meat pies. Open daily.9329 Wurzbach Road, Suite 104, 210-982-3231, baklovah.com

BAR LORETTA$$ American, bar(Southtown). Restaurateur Roger Herr worked with executive chefPaul Petersen to createa Texas-inspired menu thatcombines fine dining andapproachabilityindishes like chile-glazed

quail, chamoy Brusselssprouts and burgers. D Tuesday-Sunday;BSunday. 320 Beauregard St., 210-757-3607,barloretta.com

BARBARO $$ Italian/Pizza (Monte Vista). The house-made cocktails at this eatery (sister restaurant to Hot Joy) are theperfect complement to pizzasthatare anythingbut ordinary. From Benton’s bacon andCarbonara to clamstohashbrowns, kale andhoney, the mixoftoppingsonthese pies is original and delectable. Salads and sandwichesfill out the menu. LFriday-Sunday;D daily; B Saturday-Sunday.2720 McCullough Ave., 726-268-1780, barbarosanantonio.com

BATTALION $$-$$$ Italian (Southtown). This rustic Italianconcept is housedina 1920sfire station. The real star of the showisthe handmade pasta. DTuesday-Sunday. 604 S. AlamoSt., 210-816-0088, battalionsa.com

BESTQUALITYDAUGHTER $$ Asian (Pearl). ChefJennifer HwaDobbertin’s restaurant, informed by her time living in Bangkok and travels throughout Asia, has earned herthree JamesBeard Awardnominations. Entrees include creamy coconut tom yumnoodles and salt-n-pepper shrimp, whileSunday brunch includesChicken and Hong KongWaffle with Thaitea glaze and Thaibasil. L-Ddaily; B Sunday.602 Avenue A, 210-819-4236, bestqualitydaughter.com

BIGA ON THE BANKS $$$ American (downtown) Bruce Audenled themarch towardlocally grown, seasonal gourmet dishes. Epicureanscontinue to praisethe flavors in everybite from this multiple James BeardAward-nominatedchef. From Hill Country venison to sticky toffee pudding, each meal is attentively servedand artistically plated Ddaily. 203 S. St. Mary’sSt., 210-225-0722, biga.com

BLISS $$-$$$ American(Southtown). The ever-changing menu affirms alove of seasonal flavors and dedication to artisanal goods.A darling of Southtown, this contemporary American eatery focusesona creativeand delectable entree selection, as well as exquisite service. It’s relaxedelegance at its best. D Tuesday-Saturday.926 S. Presa St., 210-225-2547, foodisbliss.com

BOUDRO’S TEXAS BISTRO $$$ American (downtown) The RiverWalk restaurant is famous for itsprickly pear margaritasand table-sideguacamole —both enhancedby riverside patio seating —but theeatery is a sure betfor morethan just happy hour. The kitchen delivers classic meat andseafood entreeswithSouth Texas flair. L-Ddaily. 421E Commerce St., 210-224-8484, boudros.com

BRAZA BRAVA PIZZERIA NAPOLETANA $$ Italian/Pizza(Alamo Heights). As is thestyle with Neapolitan pies,Braza Brava cooksup pizzasthatare light on toppings, but heavyon the right mixofingredientsand atasty crust.

One of the more popular appetizers is the RomanArtichokes,comprised of two marinatedartichokeswrapped in prosciutto L-DMonday-Saturday. 7959 Broadway, Suite 300,210-320-2100, brazabravapizzeria com

THE BREAD BOX $ Bakery(Central). Tina and Lucas Kent have grown from making baked goods for other businesses into their owncafe. Join them daily forpastries, pies,breads and brownies, plus afull breakfast and lunch menu with tasty sandwiches andmore. B-L Tuesday-Sunday. 555 W. BittersRoad, Suite 115, 210-277-8612,thebreadboxsa.com

CAPPY’S RESTAURANT& BAR$$ American (Alamo Heights). When the weather is perfect for outdoor dining, Cappy’s is an ideal setting. Inside or out, you will find aclassic American bistro with aTexas twang, served througha menu of oak-grilledbeef,freshseafood and salads. L-D daily, BSaturday-Sunday.5011 Broadway, 210-828-9669, cappysrestaurant.com

CHRIS MADRID’S $ Burgers/Mexican (Beacon Hill). Legions of locals say it serves the best burger in town. The Macho Tostada burger, topped with refried beans and chips, now approaches legendary status.The restaurant reopened with updates in 2019 after the originaleaterywas damaged by afire. L-D daily. 1900 BlancoRoad, 210-735-3552, chrismadrids.com

CLEMENTINE $$ American (Castle Hills). Chefs John and Elise Russ present aneighborhood eatery with American classics that are anything but boring.Select the Feed Memenu and let the chefs take you on atour of current, seasonal inspirations. Elise shines on the dessert menu, which includes must-try cardamom donuts with coffee icecream. D

Tuesday-Sunday. 2195 NW MilitaryHighway, 210-503-5121, clementine-sa.com

THECOVE $ American (downtown). This institution pairs alaundromatand car wash next to abustling beer garden, but food is the real focus. Vegetarians can bite into the vegan bacon cheeseburger while their carnivore companions chow down on grass-fed beef and bison burgers. Four-legged friends are welcome. L-D Tuesday-Sunday. 606 W. Cypress St., 210-227-2683, thecove.us

CULLUM’S ATTAGIRL $ American (Monte Vista). The marriage of chicken and cold beer at Chris Cullum’s restaurant is more than just a pleasing combination, it’s anecessity. That’s because the fried chicken is Nashville-style, meaning very hot. Cullum’s simple menu uses aversion of his grandparents’ recipe from a chicken shack they owned. Avariety of ever-changing beers are on tap. L-D Wednesday-Sunday. 726 E. Mistletoe Ave., 210-437-4263

CULLUM’S ATTA BOY $$ American (Monte Vista). The sister restaurant off St. Mary’s Strip from Chris Cullum, nominated for Best Chef: Texas in the 2024 James Beard Awards, is a tribute to Cullum’s late father, jazz musician Jim Cullum.Find classics such as pancakes, eggs Benedict, steakand eggs, Champagne and caviar, escargot, burgers and more. B-L Wednesday-Sunday. 111Kings Court, 726-229-7301, cullumsattaboy.com

CURED$$ American (Pearl). James Beard Award–nominated chef Steve McHugh restored the 109-year-old Pearl Brewing Co. building to its originalglory. McHugh, who hails from Wisconsin and spent time in New Orleans, leads aNew American concept here, complete with brews, cured meats and house-made

(almost) everything. Ddaily, B Saturday-Sunday. 306 Pearl Parkway, Suite 101, 210-314-3929, curedatpearl.com

DEMO’S GREEK FOOD $-$$ Mediterranean (North Central, Stone Oak, Tobin Hill). The Demo’s food family won San Antonio’sheartas one of the city’s first Mediterranean outlets in 1979 and has since introduced generationsto lamb kebabs, gyros, souvlaki, tzatziki, spanakopitaand dolmas. Servings are generous, and the french fries are amongthe best in town. L-D Monday-Saturday. Multiple locations, demosgreekfood.com

DORREGO’S RESTAURANT$$-$$$ Latin American(downtown). The Argentinian-inspiredrestaurant,named after Plaza Dorrego in Buenos Aires, in Hotel Valencia offers amenu of small bites and dishes like beef empanadas, chorizo and beef meatballs, and Spanish braised lamb shank. There is also afull bar and wine list with several Argentinian varieties. B-L-D daily. 150E Houston St., 855-596-3387, dorregos.com

DOUGH PIZZERIA NAPOLETANA $$ Italian/Pizza (Castle Hills, downtown). Offering morethan “just” pizza, this hip trattoria transports diners to Naples with certified authentic pies, calzones and more from Doug Horn’s wood-burning volcanic stone oven. The handmademozzarella helpskeep tables full, and we promise the wait is worth it. L-D daily. 6989 Blanco Road,210-979-6565; 518S.Alamo St., 210-227-2900, doughpizzeria.com

DOWN ON GRAYSON $-$$ American (Pearl). The team behind Gruene Hall and Josephine Street Café combinedwhat we love most about their other venuesinto this eatery across from Pearl: relaxedoutdoorseating, well-executed modern American fare, and a bar with plenty of brews, wine and cocktails to keep us returning to happy hour week after week. L-D daily.303 E. Grayson St., 830-248-9244, downongrayson.com

GREEN VEGETARIAN CUISINE$ Vegetarian (Northwest). This vegetarian hot spot is so good, meat eaters won’t miss athing. Order a salad chock full of fresh veggies, or look to healthy concoctions in the form of comfort food. Try the fried (kosher) pickles or the Texas-size,dairy-free,egg-free cinnamon roll that weighs in at 3.5 pounds, the same famous recipe once served at the late Lulu’sBakery & Cafe. L-D Sunday-Friday, BSunday. 255 E. Basse Road, 210-320-5865, eatatgreen.com

HANZO $ Bar (Dijon Heights). Inspired by izakayas, informal Japanese taverns, thespace features nods to Japanese architecture,modern artwork and tapestries on the wall. The focus is thebar menu —a list of expertly crafted cocktails, fine wines, beer and traditional sake. Thefood menu includes stickyribs, poke bowls andramen. Ddaily. 210-826-1488, 7701 Broadway, Suite 124, hanzobar.com

are afavoriteatMagnolia Pancake Haus.

HOT JOY $$ Asian (downtown). The twice fried chicken wings are asell-out favorite, and there’s plenty of other menu items to fill your craving forquirky but delicious dishes.Plus, there’s afull bar with plenty of specialty cocktails. L-D Monday-Thursday;B-D Friday-Sunday. 1101 Broadway,Suite140, 210-940-4488, hotjoysa.com

IL FORNO $$ Pizza (Southtown). When Michael Sohocki,chef/owneratRestaurant Gwendolyn, set out to open apizza place,he decided he wouldn’t be satisfied with just any pizzaoven. So he built his own brick oven to createcrispy crusts on the Naples-stylepizza Themenu is rotating and includes details like house-cured meats, homemademozzarella and vegetables picked from agarden outside. L-DTuesday-Saturday.122 Nogalitos St., 210-616-2198, ilfornosa.com

J-PRIME $$$ Steakhouse(Stone Oak). The sister restaurant of ChamaGauchaBrazilian Steakhouse, J-Prime addsatouch of South American flavor to the traditional high-end steakhouse fare, offering dryand wet aged New York strips, rib-eyes and filet mignon. Meat is butchered in-house, aged 45 to 70 days and cooked in acustom-madeparrilla grill that heats up to 1,200 degrees. Market fresh seafood include grilled sea bass and cold water lobster tail. Sides range from the traditional twice baked potato to fried yucca. Ddaily.1401 N. Loop 1604 W., 210-764-1604, jprimesteakhouse.com

THE JERK SHACK $$ Caribbean (far West). The MichelinGuide Bib Gourmand-recommended restaurant from Chef Nicola Blaque, nominated for James Beard Best Chef Texas in 2023,features cuisine from the Jamaican native, from jerk

chicken to oxtail andcurry dishes. But don’t sleep on theCulinary Institute of America graduate’s fried chicken or standout mac and cheese; then check out her new sister restaurant, Freight Fried Chicken at the Pearl food hall. L-Ddaily. 10234 Texas 151, Suite 103, 210-776-7780, thejerkshacksatx.com

JOSEPHINE STREET $$ American (Pearl). This restaurant and bar has been a neighborhood favorite long before Pearl was the cool place to be. And it has remained popularthanks to the no-frills menu that includes comfort food favorites like anticuchos, chips and queso, along with beef, chicken and seafood entrees. Also consider adding a cocktail to your meal —the bar has an impressive list of whiskey offerings. L-D daily. 400 E. Josephine St., 210-224-6169, josephinestreet.com

KIMURA $$ Asian (downtown). This Japanese-inspired menu includes everything from house-made ramen in various broths to sushiand handmade noodles. You may have to wait for atable,but it’s well worth it. L-D Monday-Saturday. 1017 N. Flores St., 210-444-0702, kimurasa.com

KUNGFUNOODLE $ Asian (Leon Valley). Noodles, dumplings, buns, repeat. That is the simple philosophy at this authentic restaurant, where the decor is as streamlined as the menu. Noodles of varying sizes are made in-house and served in bowls of broth with pairings like pork, lamb and beef. With items low in price and large in portion, Kung Fu Noodle is astellar value. L-D Tuesday-Sunday. 6733 Bandera Road, 210-451-5586

LA BOULANGERIE $ Bakery (downtown). Homemade and authentic is the credo at this bakery run by the French family that brought us Saveurs 209. La Boulangerie brings ataste of Paris to downtown with its selection of baguettes, croissants, pastries, sandwiches (like ham and Comte cheese) and quiches. Though there’s no wine, favored French drinks like Perrier and Lemon Lorina (lemonade) are available. B-L Wednesday-Sunday.207 Broadway, 210-639-3165, saveurs209.com

LA FONDA ON MAIN $$ Mexican/Latin American (Monte Vista). Workday lunches and happy hours are lively occasions, as locals enjoy Tex-Mex comforts, interior Mexican cuisine and the inviting tree-covered patio. The historic Monte Vista neighborhood setting creates ahacienda enchantment, making you believe you’re deep in the heart of Mexico, mere minutes from downtown. L-D daily, B Saturday-Sunday. 2415 N. Main Ave., 210-733-0621, lafondaonmain.com

LA FRITE BELGIAN BISTRO $$ European (Southtown). You don’t have to travel far to experience traditional Belgian and French dishes in acasual European atmosphere. La Frite offers French-inspired daily specials in addition to its specialty Belgian mussels. Its signature moules frites are combined with steaming sauces and dips for an authentic Belgian taste. ThrowinaFrench-inspired wine list and Belgian beer for happy hour and you’ll never have to travel far again. L Tuesday-Friday, DTuesday-Saturday.728 S. Alamo St., 210-224-7555, lafritesa.com

LIBERTY BAR $$ Bar/American (Southtown). Housed in the renovated historic St. Scholastica Convent on South Alamo Street, it’s more straightforward than in its former tilted locale. Nottoworry, the menu twists of this deliciously unpretentious, funky restaurant-bar remain true. B-L-D daily. 1111 S. Alamo St., 210-264-6472, liberty-bar.com

LITTLE DEATH $ Wine Bar (Tobin Hill). Chad Carey, the restaurant entrepreneur behind Chisme, Hot Joy and Barbaro, opened this wine bar on the St. Mary’s Strip inside aformer Pierce Oil Co. gas station, now covered in colorful murals. Expect unconventional wines you won’t find at the grocery store, including several natural varieties. Instead of soft tunes and sommeliers, Carey says to expect disco tunes and alaid-back vibe. Open daily. 2327 N. St. Mary’s St., 210-264-6472

MAGNOLIA PANCAKE HAUS $ Breakfast (Medical Center, North Central). The name may urge you to order the pancakes, and there are certainly plenty, including original recipe, bananas Foster and bacon pancakes. Don’t overlook the overstuffed omelets or the smoked turkey hash. B-L daily. 10333 Huebner Road, 210-496-0828; 606 Embassy Oaks, Suite 100, 210-496-0828, magnoliapancakehaus.com

MAVERICK $$-$$$ American (Southtown)

The Texas-inspired menu includes large and small plates meant for easy sharing. LFriday, D Monday-Sunday, BSaturday-Sunday. 710 S. St. Mary’s St., 210-973-6050, mavericktexas.com

MEADOW NEIGHBORHOOD EATERY +BAR

$$ American (North Central). Specializing in Southern food with aTexas touch, the menu includes comfort foodslike cornbreadwith jalapeño pimento cheese and asignature burger. Brunch includes East TexasBlueberry French Toast, andsteak and eggs. D Tuesday-Saturday; brunch Saturday-Sunday. 555 W. Bitters Road, Suite 110, 210-481-4214, meadowsanantonio.com

MING’S NOODLE BAR $ Asian (Olmos Park, La Cantera). Once apopular farmers market stand and catering company, Ming’s opened a permanent home in arenovated railway car in 2016.The menu includes severalfavoriteslike noodle salads andsteamed baosandwiches with pork belly, sausage or veggies.Italso has an extensivenoodle menu. LTuesday-Friday, D Tuesday-Saturday. 5249 McCullough Ave. 210-600-4083; 17022 FiestaTexas Drive, Suite 104, 210-277-0705; mingsthing.com

MR. JUICY $$$ American (Olmos Park, North). Andrew Weissmanshuttered his Mediterranean-focused Moshe’s in favorofthis new burger joint that serves single or double

restaurant space at the Fairmount Hotel with Silo Prime, this Italian eatery quickly earned a fan base after opening in December 2017.The pasta-heavy menu crafted by nativeItalian Luca Della Casa, knownfor Silo’s Nosh and a turn on “Food Network Star,” includes a standout black risotto. Pair your entrée with a glass or bottle of Italian wine from the extensivelist L-D Monday-Saturday. 401S Alamo St., 210-224-8800, nonnasa.com

PASHA MEDITERRANEAN GRILL $-$$

patty-beef burgers with house-madepoppy seed buns. Double-fried french fries are a must-order side. Make it afull meal with oneof avariety of rich milkshakes. L-D Tuesday-Sunday, 210-994-9838; 3315 San PedroAve.and 2321NWMilitary Drive

NOLA BRUNCH &BEIGNETS $-$$ American (downtown). Chef Pieter Sypesteyncontinues his homagetohis native New Orleans withthis weekday brunchspot.Asthe name suggests, the bright cafe focuses on dishes that bridge breakfast and lunch, as well as the doughnuts that define the Crescent City. B Wednesday-Sunday. 210-255-8842, 1101 Broadway, Suite 120; eatatnola.com

NONNAOSTERIA $$ Italian (downtown). Part of the Silo family and sharing half of the

Mediterranean(Medical Center, Stone Oak, Selma). Graze on menu itemslike thesmoky baba ghannouj, succulent shawarma and unique dolmas. Light eaters can easily share one plate or amake-your-own-bowl for lunch, especially by taking advantage of the hot, fresh and free rounds of pita bread. PashaExpress locations also offering catering anditems for pickup. L-D daily. Multiple locations, gopasha.com

SICHUAN CUISINE$$ Asian (Castle Hills). Authenticity is the signature of this Castle Hills gem. The exotic menu that showcases the kitchen’s talent and includes veggie-spiked platters, Chengdu dumplings, spicy chicken, tea-smokedduck and more. There’splenty of American Chinese favorites, too. L-D daily. 7863 Callaghan Road, 210-525-8028, sichuansa.com

B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner

Best New Restaurants in Photos

SanAntonio Magazine hosted itsBestNew Restaurantsevent on June 5atthe BriscoeWestern Art Museum.Wewerethrilledtobring back this list andcoincidingevent forthe firsttimesince 2022. Abig thankyou to thetalentedchefs andstaff from allofthe participatingrestaurants,including Chika, FreightFried Chicken, Isidore, LechedeTigre,Mezquite, Nicosi,Nineteen Hyaku, Pumpers and Restaurant Claudine

Very specialthankstoour sponsors,Michael RosWinery, Fredericksburg Food &WineFestivaland MeritCoffee, formakingthisevening possible, andtoBar Loretta,Ranch BrandWine& Spirits, Dorćol Distilling& BrewingCo.,BluebonnetCollective, Soul Wagon, ElyseCanoCeramics, TexasSaltCo. andRelyt forcontributingtothiswonderful event.

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BY DEBORAH MARTIN

Thegallery:

McNay Art Museum grounds, 6000 N. New Braunfels Ave.; mcnayart.org

Thework:

“Deer” by Tonny Tasset

THE ADULT WHITE-TAILED DEER TYPICALLY STANDSABOUT 4FEET TALL.

“Deer”isnot typical.

Artist Tony Tasset’sfiberglasssculpture stands 12 feet tall, itsheaddippedjusta bitasifinthe midstofseekingoutsomethingtastytomunchupon.Itcanbefoundinagrassyspottuckedback from theparking lots near theTobin wing of theMcNay ArtMuseum. It wasinstalledin2021and hasprobablybeen featured in many photographssince then Thepiece is nota one-off. Avirtual herd of “Deer”can be foundinart collections across thecountry,includingthe AldrichContemporaryArt Museum in Ridgefield,Conn.;the Laumeier SculptureParkinSt. Louis; andthe CrystalBridges Museum of American ArtinBentonville,Ark.

“I oftentakethingsthatare somewhat familiarand tweakthema littlebit,” Tassett said in avideo on the CrystalBridgeswebsite.“Here,I’musingscaletomakealittlemagicmomentouthereintheforestasyouturn thecorner. Yousee this deer that’s wayout of scale; it makesyou alittlebit smaller.”

We’reproud to be the onlyliving donor liver transplant program in our region. But we’reonlypart of the story.Living donorsare crucial to the lives of their recipients. The way theygobeyond inspires us to think beyond.

See all the wayswe’restriving forbetter patient outcomes—and futures—from firstsinorgan transplants to the next generation of diabetes treatments and moreat ThinkingBeyond.net.