Dining Guide

Cappy’s

Tucked in a wonderfully recycled former mechanic’s shop, Cappy’s long ago achieved cult status in Alamo Heights; it’s a neighborhood joint (exposed brick walls, an umbrella-shaded patio, local artists on display) and an upscale hot spot for business, gossip, and those who like to see and be seen. Stand-and-deliver flavors complement the atmosphere, delivered in little touches like the fresh ground horseradish and Dijon mustard sauce on Cappy’s signature Mustang Chicken (served with carrots, cauliflower, squash, and mashed potatoes, the plate was a beauty). Other well-balanced dishes here include rare ahi tuna with crispy wontons, rosemary-citrus-marinated lamb chops, and pan-seared diver scallops. Longtime restaurateur Cappy Lawton knows how to run the place, and executive chef Gabriel Ibarra knows how to cook. The rest of the staff do their work with warmth and skill.