San Antonio

(From August 2009) Boudro’s calls to us with its umbrellas and great riverside seating. But it seems to be suffering from an extended case of the blahs. The baby back ribs, though tender, were barely flavorful, and a glutinous sauce and bland potato salad didn’t help. The coconut shrimp seemed awfully pricey for the number on the plate, though we do like that jícama slaw. Still, one entrée of three was really good: tender grilled flank steak served on a bed of greens. At least the fuchsia cactus fruit margaritas never fail. Bar.

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(From April 2009) After more than three decades Cappy’s is still serving its Alamo Heights crowd with a degree of style and substance few spots in the hood seem to manage. Bountiful Cobb salads, sirloin steaks with home-style fries, potato-crusted halibut—Cappy’s goes for tried-and-true crowd pleasers over innovation, but what it does, it does very well. And the warm, art-filled space (a changing gallery of local artists) and umbrella-dotted courtyard add to the neighborly charm. Bar.

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(From December 2009) Good though the regular menu is (also quirky, original, and inspired), some of the best finds appear among the daily specials, such as cold lamb with goat cheese or broiled swordfish with Swiss chard. Tender and juicy, the fish tasted as fresh as it would have in a seaside restaurant. Similarly flavorful were crisply crusted crab cakes, calamari with veracruzana sauce, and an assertive chile relleno swimming in white nogada (walnut) sauce. Next spring, Liberty plans to move closer to downtown; those wanting one last visit to its precariously tilting building had better step lively. And do remember the desserts; whether you go for lime chess pie or the indulgent chocolate cake, you’ll not find better in town. Bar.

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(From September 2009) Here’s the place to head for breakfast, with its fluffy pancakes, eggy French toast, and host of world-cuisine-inspired omelets. The lines are often long, especially on weekends, but move pretty quickly, since the interior is spacious and the service brisk. Sandwiches and salads are also on board at lunch (we like the pecan chicken salad). Just prepare to steel yourself against the sweet treats.

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(From July 2008) The second location of this locally owned “pizzeria/taqueria/burgeria” is perfect for picking up, eating in, or perching on the sidewalk. The generic-contemporary look and by-the-item menu board (choose one of the above and pick your add-ons) are, oddly enough, what set it apart. There are options galore for creative thinkers (pineapple, sour cream, sun-dried tomatoes) and better-than-average basics (fresh-ground beef, hand-cut fries). Beer & wine.

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(From September 2009) Few restaurants’ views compare with the sweeping vista over the Quarry golf course’s back nine. And few restaurants have chefs like Louis Halfant, of the late, lamented Luna Blue. Among the main courses is an admirable spinach salad that includes blue cheese, walnuts, cranberries, and slices of pear (add grilled chicken or salmon for a modest tariff). For a little more heft, consider Halfant’s flavorful, near-rare tuna steak covered with poppy seeds.

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(From December 2009) There’s a distinct air of neighborhood hangout around the bar—probably because owner-chef Frederick Costa knows just how to deliver the seafood, steaks, and service to please his clientele. A gener-ous happy hour cheese platter kept our table of four happy till we dined on gazpacho andaluz with crabmeat (it tasted straight out of an Almodóvar movie), then shared several crisp, airy pizzas (shredded duck and shiitake, prosciutto and arugula). Heartier options include pork shank osso buco and beef tenderloin bordelaise. Bar.

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(From June 2009) More than the location has changed, what with the trimmed-down menu and full bar, but the quirky fusion of Asian and American endures. The onion-jalapeño-sauced Mongolian burger, accented with American cheese, is deservedly one the city’s best (so-noted in local media); with sautéed onions piled high, it’s also challenging to eat but well worth the effort. Salads here are always perfectly crisp, with icy greens and interesting dressings; the one with gingery vinegar sauce is perfect for anyone seeking a low-carb lunch. Bar.

March 22nd, 2009 at 12:40am
Gregg says:
Maybe we hit it on a bad night, but the food was awful. 3 entrees, 3 crap entrees. 1 burger, 1 bowl, 1 chowder.

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(From December 2009) As if his two restaurants across Olmos Street were not enough, along comes Damien Watel with a très authentique French bakery and bistro run by his mother, Lucile. Hearty French roast coffee and flaky croissants make a breakfast visit de rigueur, while soups, pâtés, quiches, and salads fill the lunchtime menu. We enjoyed a quiche lorraine and a satisfyingly French broccoli soup. There were still workmen in evidence finishing the dining area, and a lot of business is takeout, but already locals have made this a favorite.

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(From October 2008) We like eating our barbecue in the no-frills dining room just to enjoy the activity at the nearby counter (much of the business is carry-out). Of course, the fork-tender brisket, pork ribs, chicken, and plump, zesty sausage—and whatever else is coming off the pit—contribute to the cheerful atmosphere. Make sure to sample the slaw and the sweet potato pie.

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