Category: Restaurant News

Holiday shopping deals around town

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Photo: Shake Shack, used with permission.

This week, Black Friday ushers in the holiday shopping season and area businesses are offering special deals to their customers to help them get the most for their dollars. (Shake Shack, Pluckers Wing Bar, Hiatus Spa + Retreat, 2019)

In celebration of Black Friday, Shake Shack will be running a Black FryDay promotion from November 27 through December 1. Each guest (for all order modes – in-Shack, App pick-up, or delivery order) will receive a scratch-off ticket in their bag for the chance to win a prize. The scratch off area is the first gondola and all cards will be a winner. Prizes include:  Free burger with any $20+ order or free fries with any $15+ order on the Shack App, Free Delivery with any $15+ order through Grubhub or Free Shack for a year (aka a $2,500 gift card). This offer would be a great time to try one of Shake Shack’s holiday shakes: Christmas Cookie Shake, Chocolate Peppermint Shake and Coconut Snowball Shake – which are offered now through January 5.

    • Christmas Cookie Shake: Sugar cookie frozen custard, topped with whipped cream, crumbled shortbread and holiday sprinkles.
    • Chocolate Peppermint Shake: Chocolate custard, peppermint fudge sauce, topped with whipped cream and chocolate peppermint bark.
    • Coconut Snowball Shake: Vanilla custard, coconut, marshmallow, topped with whipped cream, coconut and sprinkles.

Pluckers Wing Bar will be offering $10 Pluckers Club Memberships on Black Friday and 20%-off everything via the Pluckers Shop (excluding gift cards) on Cyber Monday. Pluckers Club members enjoy a variety of rewards, including, but not limited to, free birthday meals, invitations to exclusive events, food and drink specials and more. Pluckers club membership is now available through the app on iTunes and Google Play – a treat for current and aspiring members.

Hiatus Spa + Retreat is running a special on their Bright and Early gift cards perfect for holiday gifting, stocking stuffers and to kick off the new year. Guests who purchase an online gift card valued at $125.00 get it for only $99.00. The limited time offer is valid through Friday, November 29. Hiatus Spa + Retreat is ringing in the holidays with the December monthly specials and holiday packages such as:

        • The Merry & Bright: Two is better than one. Pick any two Essential Services–The Signature Massage, The Tailor Made Facial, The One & Only Mani-Pedi, The Body Glow or The Body Wrap–and make a day of your getaway. 2 or more hours, $179 (up to $220 value)
        • The Peace, Love, & Joy: their three most in-demand services —The Signature Massage, The Tailor Made Facial and The One & Only Mani-Pedi — are bundled up and tied with a bow, for your sugar plum 3.5 hours, $269 ($320 value)

December Monthly Retreat: December in Manhattan
“Embrace the holiday frenzy with our take on December in Manhattan – inspired by the timeless cocktail. A gentle full-body exfoliation prepares you to be smothered in a warm masque of antioxidant-rich Black Cherries, spicy Nutmeg and luscious Bourbon Vanilla. Unwind with a deeply penetrating massage, letting the fragrant masque nurture your skin and inspire your senses. A final rinse under the Vichy shower leaves you soft, sultry and satisfied, ready to sip a heart-melting Manhattan made with housemade bourbon and Madagascar vanilla-infused cherries.” (80-minute service for $195)

Southerleigh launches new sour beer

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Southerleigh’s Piccadilleigh beer features pickles, Hawaiian Punch and other childhood flavors. Photo: Southerleigh, used with permission.

Southerleigh introduces a fun new beer that features nostalgic flavors sure to make locals feel like a kid again in the form of an adult beverage. Head Brewer, Les Locke, has created Piccadilleigh to bring out locals’ inner child with sour and funky flavors many San Antonians grew up to love. The playful, new beer’s ingredients take the juices that many enjoyed as kids and incorporates Cherry Kool Aid and Hawaiian Punch into the batch. The inventive brew also uses 55 gallons of pickle juice and Meyer Lemon purée, an end result that delivers a  powerful punch to patrons. The glass is finished off with a Chamoy rim and Tajin – two San Antonio favorites.  Piccadilleigh is available now for $6 per 12 oz. pour. (Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery, 2019)

Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery, helmed by San Antonio Chef Jeff Balfour, brings a modern take on Texas’ cross-cultural cuisine to Pearl. Influenced by the coastal classics of Chef Balfour’s upbringing in Galveston married with the comfort of southern cuisine, Southerleigh boasts a curated, seasonally shifting menu that reflects Chef Balfour’s innovative craftsmanship. Southerleigh houses a custom manufactured brewery designed by Portland Kettle Works, bringing brewing back to Pearl with up to twenty different beers on tap.

Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery
136 E Grayson St., Ste 120
San Antonio, TX 78215

Veterans eat free at Pluckers Wing Bar this Veterans Day

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Veterans and active-duty military eat free at Pluckers Wing Bar this Veterans Day. Photo: Melissa Skorpil, used with permission.

In honor of Veterans Day on Monday, November 11, Pluckers Wing Bar will be offering veterans and active-duty military a free meal. With a valid military ID, guests can enjoy a complimentary entree, side, and a non-alcoholic beverage from Pluckers’ extensive menu (up to $15) when dining at the restaurant. This offer is valid all day on November 11 at all Pluckers locations. (Pluckers Wing Bar, 2019)

The Pluckers menu includes their trademark wings paired with signature sauces such as Buffalo, Spicy BBQ, and Spicy Ranch, along with unique flavors, like Fire in the Hole, Ginger Peach Sriracha, Gochujang, and Spicy Mandarin; appetizers like Fried Pickles and Holy Macaroni; great sandwiches and burgers, like the Buffalo Chicken Sandwich and the Bypass Burger topped with bacon, cheddar, grilled onions, and jalapeños; signature salads; and epic sides like waffle fries, macaroni and cheese, and homemade potato chips.

Owners Mark Greenberg, Dave Paul and Sean Greenberg opened their first Pluckers restaurant in Austin in 1995. Over the past 24 years, Pluckers Wing Bar has opened 25 locations, expanding to Baton Rouge, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, Killeen, San Marcos and San Antonio. Pluckers is known for their signature wings and is consistently recognized as the best sports bar and chicken wing restaurant. They offer guests a fun, laid-back atmosphere where friends, family, and co-workers can enjoy a great meal and watch sports. Pluckers has been named in USA Today’s “Top Ten Wing Restaurants” and ESPN’s “Top 5 Sports Bar in North America,” along with being named one of “Austin’s Best Places to Work 2017” by the Austin Business Journal and Dallas Observer’s “Best Sports Bar.”

Pluckers Wing Bar
14881 IH-35 North
Selma, TX 78154

Pluckers Wing Bar
15651 I-10 W
San Antonio, TX 78249

Pluckers Wing Bar to host Halloween themed events

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Pluckers’ Psych Frog. Photo: Melissa Skorpil, used with permission.

Halloween festivities are in full swing at Texas’ favorite sports bar and wing restaurant and Pluckers Wing Bar is celebrating by hosting Halloween-themed events: Wednesday night Live Team Trivia on 10/30 and Thursday night Pluck Hunt on 10/31 at all locations. Guests get bonus points if they come dressed in Halloween costumes. (Pluckers, 2019)

Every Wednesday, Pluckers hosts Live Team Trivia starting at 7:30p.m. and the winning team will receive a Pluckers gift card. Round up your team for an evening featuring 10 questions in each round: sports, nerd, movie lines, movie quotes, name that tune, random and more. During Wednesday’s Live Team Trivia, guests will also be able to enjoy specials such as $6.75 34 oz. Mother Pluckers Mugs of Miller Lite and other specials.

Every Thursday, Pluckers hosts Pluck Hunt starting at 9p.m., where guests can participate in a scavenger-hunt style game in their seat. The host will ask teams to complete fun challenges and search for objects on their phones. The top two scoring teams and one randomly chosen team get to roll the giant dice for gift card prizes.

Highest Roll = $100 gift card
2nd Highest Roll = $50 gift card
Random Participating Team = $25 gift card

Pluckers Wing Bar
14881 IH-35 North
Selma, TX 78154

Best Quality Daughter pop up dinner: Chinese Laundromat Dinner

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Best Quality Daughter is having a pop up dinner this Saturday October 26. Photo: Best Quality Daughter, used with permission.

Best Quality Daughter, the culinary dream on its way to becoming a reality from locals Jennifer Hwa Dobbertin, Quealy Watson and Jennifer Ling Datchuk, is returning with a pop-up dinner on San Antonio’s East Side. Now in its third year, the ticketed eight-course dinner event will feature an array of Asian-American cuisine curated by Chefs Jennifer Dobbertin and Quealy Watson of Tenko Ramen. This pop-up dinner is a taste of what is to come at the future brick and mortar location. Tickets for the dinner are available online. (Best Quality Daughter, 2019)

Tickets for the Chinese Laundromat Dinner are $108 which grant guests access to a cocktail hour and an eight course seated dinner featuring cocktails and wine from William Chris Vineyards. Eight is a common theme in the Asian-inspired, recurring pop-up series because it is the most auspicious number in Chinese culture. The menu includes Thai Fermented Sausages, Sizzling Rice and Aromatic Chorizo Prawn Dip, Smoked Brisket Fat Sticky Rice Shumai, Salt and Pepper King Crab with Thom Kha Gravy, Twice Baked Banana, Shaved Gailan with Fermented Tofu XO Caesar, Oolong Tea Smoked Prime Rib and Asian Pear and Cheese Foam Kakigori.

Best Quality Daughter is the collaborative effort of Jennifer Hwa Dobbertin, Chef Quealy Watson and ceramic artist, Jennifer Ling Datchuk. With the help of architect Vicki Yuan of Lake Flato Architects and designer, Jamie Stolarski, the home, formerly an industrial steam cleaner shop, will transform into the Best Quality Daughter Chinese Laundromat. The dinner will be spearheaded by Dobbertin and Watson and the art installations and decor, which will reflect the Asian immigrant labor experience, will be presented by Datchuk and Yuan. There will also be a sound installation by Shanghai sound artist, Terence Lloren, craft cocktails by Denise Deglopper, of the newly opened Pastiche and live music from DT Buffkin.

Chinese Laundromat Dinner – Saturday, October 26 beginning at 7p.m.

    • 7p.m. to 8p.m. – Cocktail hour in an intimate courtyard setting with live music and mingling
    • 8p.m. to 10p.m. – Seated, eight-course dinner at a converted industrial steam cleaners

The concept was originally dreamt up by Datchuk and Dobbertin, who connected over their shared cultural identity as Asian women in Texas. The name was inspired by a scene in the mother-daughter film Joy Luck Club and created in an effort to increase the availability of Asian-American food in San Antonio.  With future brick and mortar plans in the works, Chef Quealy Watson of Tenko Ramen (formerly of Hot Joy) will also step in as a partner. Watson will assist with developing the menu for the upcoming permanent location.

“We love watching our vision come to life and are always excited to provide San Antonians the opportunity to try our interpretations of authentic Asian cuisine. Best Quality Daughter is largely inspired by the shared family meals we grew up with.” – Jennifer Hwa Dobbertin

Hopdoddy Burger Bar celebrates anniversary with month long specials

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The Truffle Mac and Cheeseburger will be the first special this month to celebrate Hopdoddy’s ninth anniversary. Photo: Hopdoddy, used with permission.

Hopdoddy Burger Bar, the Austin-born burger joint, is celebrating its ninth birthday, aka Doddy-versary, this month with a month-long celebration of fan-favorite burgers. They will be throwing it back to celebrate with customer-favorite off-menu burgers that were previously run as specials. There will also be weekly giveaways on the Hopdoddy Instagram page. Doddy-versary will kick off on Thursday October 3 and run through the end of the month at all Hopdoddy locations. (Hopdoddy Burger Bar, 2019)

The specials for the month are as follows:

  • Week 1: October 3-9 – Truffle Mac and Cheeseburger
  • Week 2: October 10-16 – Big Parma Burger
  • Week 3: October 17-23 – Au Jus Burger
  • Week 4: October 24-30 – Boss Hog Burger

Hopdoddy Burger Bar was founded in 2010 in Austin and is a nationally-recognized burger and beer joint. The menu includes burgers, hand-cut Kennebec fries, farm fresh salads and handcrafter milkshakes. Hopdoddy also carries a variety of local craft beers on tap, can and bottle and a has a full bar featuring regional spirits, house-made liqueurs and freshly squeezed juices. Named “The Best Burgers in America” by Food & Wine, Hopdoddy has locations in Texas, Arizona, Colorado and California with more to come.

Hopdoddy Burger Bar at the Rim
17623 La Cantera Pkwy Suite 101
San Antonio, TX 78257
(210)434-2337

Go Orange to fight hunger at Whataburger this month

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September is Hunger Action Month. Photo: Whataburger, used with permission. 

This week, Whataburger announced their partnership with the San Antonio Food Bank for the tenth consecutive year. The goals is to fight hunger and raise awareness for SA Goes Orange, a month-long campaign during Hunger Action Month in September. (Whataburger, 2019)

From September 1 through 30, Whataburger will host a month-long fundraiser to raise money for the Food Bank. Customers who visit any Bexar County and New Braunfels Whataburger restaurant during that timeframe and donate at least $1 will receive a thank-you coupon good for a free Whataburger with purchase of a medium fry and 32-ounce drink on their next visit. Upcoming SA Goes Orange events include the September 14 and September 28 Volunteer Days at the Food Bank.

Whataburger has been making burgers since 1950 when Harman Dobson opened a humble hamburger stand in Corpus Christi, Texas. He wanted customers to take one bite and say, “What a burger” so he named his stand on Ayers St “Whataburger.” Whataburger now has over 700 locations across the country and continues to deliver fresh, made to order meals every day with superior customer service. Community support includes charitable giving and volunteerism to nonprofit organizations that focus on children’s charities, cancer research, hunger assistance, disaster relief and military support.

The San Antonio Food Bank is a 501c3 non-profit organization providing millions of pounds of food to over 500 charitable organizations in Southwest Texas serving those in need. In addition to food distribution, the San Antonio Food Bank provides numerous programs that not only solve the immediate problems of hunger, but help individuals and families gain long-term food security.

Hopdoddy opens second San Antonio location this Saturday

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Hopdoddy’s Llano Poblano burger. Photo: Matt Lankes, used with permission. 

Hopdoddy Burger Bar, the nationally renowned burger and beer joint, is thrilled to announce its newest location, its second, in San Antonio opening Saturday, August 31. The restaurant will be opening in The Vineyard shopping center and will feature its menu of iconic burgers, shakes and fries. (Hopdoddy Burger Bar, 2019)

To commemorate the grand opening and show appreciation to the community, Hopdoddy will feature festive offerings on Saturday, including raffle prizes throughout the day and the first 50 people in line will win Hopdoddy Burgers for a year. Hopdoddy The Vineyard will partner with a local organization, the Texas Disabled Veterans Association, to donate a portion of sales from every Good Night / Good Cause Burger purchase year-round.

“We are excited to debut our second San Antonio location this weekend at The Vineyard. This will be the 32nd Hopdoddy, and the level of anticipation for this location is beyond humbling. San Antonio has been a wonderful city to us and we look forward to expanding and creating a new spot for friends and family to kick back with fantastic burgers and beer in a great setting.” – Jeff Chandler, CEO of Hopdoddy Burger Bar

Founded in Austin in 2010 by Guy Villavaso, Larry Foles and Chuck Smith, Hopdoddy Burger Bar is a nationally-recognized burger and beer joint. Hopdoddy stands out for its “from scratch” ethos and a menu that includes burgers, hand-cut Kennebec fries, farm fresh salads and handcrafter milkshakes. They also offer vegetarian menu items, including the newly launched Impossible Cheesesteak. Alongside its burgers Hopdoddy also carries a variety of local craft beers on tap, can and bottle and a has a full bar featuring regional spirits, house-made liqueurs and freshly squeezed juices. Named “The Best Burgers in America” by Food & Wine, Hopdoddy has locations in Texas, Arizona, Colorado and California with more to come.

Hopdoddy Burger Bar at The Vineyard
1301 North Loop 1604 W Suite 101
San Antonio, TX

Students return to Savor at the Culinary Institute of America

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The pomme frites will be part of Savor’s happy hour appetizers. Photo: Julia Keim, used with permission.

Savor, the latest restaurant by The Culinary Institute of America, is excited to re-open with a new rotation of culinary students after their summer hiatus. Under the direction of CIA faculty, students will continue to prepare and serve dinner as part of their associate degree studies. The students are returning for an official reopening on Thursday August 22 and will spend seven weeks gaining hands-on experience in the kitchen followed by another seven weeks serving in the dining room. The current class is returning to once again share their delicious food and refreshing cocktails with the people of San Antonio. (The Culinary Institute of America, 2019)

In addition to bringing back delicious classics like Irish Pointe Oysters and Steak Tartare, Savor will resume offering their popular happy hour on Tuesdays from 5:30p.m. to 8p.m. The happy hour includes $5 cocktails and $1 off delicious bites including the orange chili wings and pommes frites. Guests can also look forward to a few fall-themed menu additions this October.

Savor at Pearl
200 E Grayson St., Suite #117
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210)554-6484

Celebrate National Bratwurst Day at Krause’s Café

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Krause’s Café is celebrating National Bratwurst Day this Friday August 16 with dishes like the Solm’s Platter. Photo: Krause’s Café, used with permission.

Friday August 16 is National Bratwurst Day and anyone looking for a taste of Germany can head to Krause’s Café. Krause’s is located in the quaint riverside town of New Braunfels, which happens to be the first Texas colony of German immigrants. Krause’s Café and Biergarten is the closest thing to Germany bratwurst lovers can get without leaving the state. The biergarten is celebrating the traditional German sausage with their classic dishes, platters and selection of over 70 beers on tap. Groups can take on the Solm’s Platter, which includes bratwurst, kartoffel poppers and more or enjoy traditional bratwurst and an ice-cold beer from the wide selection of local craft brews. The day will also feature live music from Jay Bleu and the All Mixed Up Variety Band. (Krause’s Café, 2019)

Krause’s Café is a New Braunfels historic restaurant that opened in 1938 and ran successfully until 1995. Recently it reopened and while keeping true to the original traditions, it now has a ‘biergarten,’ live music and more. The menu reflects its German heritage and South Texas flavors while offering over 70 beers that include local, regional and international options as well as cocktails and wines on tap.

Krause’s Cafe + Biergarten
148 S Castell Ave
New Braunfels, TX 78130
(830) 625-2807