Tag: Fajita Lounge Showdown

Sweet Treats & Sizzling Tacos: Labor Day Weekend Foodie Events in San Antonio

La Panadería announces Labor Day weekend celebration and new fall menu items launch. Photo: La Panadería, used with permission.

Celebrate Labor Day Weekend in San Antonio with Food, Music & Festivities

Labor Day Weekend is just around the corner and San Antonio is serving up plenty of flavor and fun. From new seasonal treats at La Panadería to a sizzling fajita showdown at Gimme Gimme, here’s where to celebrate the long weekend in style.

🍫 La Panadería: A Sweet Taste of Fall

Starting Friday, August 29, La Panadería invites guests to be the first to try its brand-new Fall Chocolate Collection. Indulgent, cozy, and perfect for the season, the line-up includes:

  • Abuelita Chocolate Cold Foam Latte ($7.50) – Iced vanilla latte topped with Abuelita chocolate cold foam, mini chocolate chips, and a cinnamon sugar sprinkle.
  • Dubai Chocolate Cold Foam Latte ($7.50) – Bold iced dirty hot chocolate topped with Dubai chocolate cold foam, chocolate drizzle, and kataifi.
  • Abuelita Chocolate Concha ($4.70) – A decadent concha filled with Abuelita chocolate and finished with a chocolate-cinnamon crust.

These new creations join returning fan-favorites like the Ferrero Rocher Concha and Dubai Chocolate Cold Foam Latte, making this fall menu a must-try for coffee and pan dulce lovers.

🎶 Bonus Weekend Fun: On Saturday, August 30 (10 a.m.–2 p.m.), both the La Cantera and Downtown locations will host live DJs during brunch. Enjoy dishes like house-made chilaquiles, huevos rancheros, avocado toast, and breakfast tortas while sipping your latte to the sound of local beats. (La Panadería, 2025)

🌮 Gimme Gimme: Fajita Lounge Showdown

Also heating up the weekend is the return of Gimme Gimme’s 3rd Annual Fajita Lounge Showdown — where eight local chefs go head-to-head for the crown of “Best Fajita Tacos in San Antonio.” (Gimme Gimme, 2025)

Since 2022, the Fajita Lounge has been a beloved carne asada pop-up series hosted by Aaron Peña, Chef Matt Garcia, and Chef Jake Gonzales, known for its free fajita tacos and festive vibes.

🏆 Competing Chefs & Restaurants:

  • Cullum’s Attaboy (2024 Champion)
  • Leche de Tigre
  • Mixtli
  • Bar Loretta
  • Bucán Rodeo
  • Rosa’s Kitchen
  • Buddy’s Big Trouble
  • The Friendly Spot

✨ Judges Panel:

  • José Ralat, Taco Editor at Texas Monthly
  • Jose Arredondo, Multimedia Journalist at Spectrum News San Antonio
  • Kat Stinson, San Antonio-based food & lifestyle writer

The winner takes home $500, plus major bragging rights.

🎧 Expect specialty cocktails by Live Oak Vodka and music from DJ Texas Papi, keeping the party alive until 2 a.m.

📅 When: Sunday, August 31, 2025 | 5 p.m. – 2 a.m.
📍 Where: Gimme Gimme, 803 S St. Mary’s St, San Antonio, TX 78205

This event is FREE and open to the public (21+). Tacos will be free for all on a first come, first served basis while supplies last.

Photo: @txtroublemaker, used with permission.

✨ Plan Your Weekend

Whether you’re in the mood for sweet fall flavors at La Panadería or sizzling fajita tacos at Gimme Gimme, San Antonio is ready to make your Labor Day Weekend unforgettable.

The Squeezebox announces inaugural Fajita Lounge Showdown

The Inaugural ‘Fajita Lounge Showdown’ will feature five local chefs competing for the ‘Best Fajita Taco’ title. Photo: txtroublemaker, used with permission.

The Squeezebox is excited to announce its inaugural “Fajita Lounge Showdown” featuring five local chefs competing head-to-head for the title of “Best Fajita Tacos” in San Antonio. All summer long The Squeezebox has been throwing Sunday carne asadas that have become the popular Fajita Lounge adored by all its fans with free fajita tacos for all customers, hosted by Chefs Aaron Peña, Matt Garcia and Jake Gonzales. This event will take place on Sunday, September 4, 2022 and door open at 8p.m. (The Squeezebox, 2022)

To commemorate the Labor Day holiday weekend, a competition will take place with five local chefs featuring their best take on the fajita taco. With a $10 cover at the door, tacos will be free for all on a first come, first served basis and will feature the following chefs:

  • Kenny Loo of Golden Kirin Restaurant  
  • Sergio Flores of La Tortuga Cocina Latina 
  • Eddie Barrera of Sijang Korean Corn Dogs  
  • Rory Torres of Crispy Bao Gang
  • Steve Lopez 

In addition to traditional fajita tacos, a “wildcard protein delicacy” will also be provided to test out the chefs’ creativity. The chefs will compete for a grand prize of $500, with Peña, Garcia and Gonzales as the judges. Live music by local favorite The Texases will keep the party going as well as music by DJ Plata. The Texases will play at 9:30p.m. This event will have a $10 cover per person at the door, must be 21 or older. 

The Squeezebox
2806 N St Mary’s St.
San Antonio, TX 78212

Courtesy photo, used with permission.