Esencia announces Lunar New Year celebration on February 24. Photo: Clint Walker, Charlie Walker Creative, used with permission.
Ring in the Year of the Fire Horse at Esencia
A Lunar New Year Celebration at The St. Anthony
The St. Anthony, a Luxury Collection Hotel, invites guests to an elevated culinary journey to celebrate the Lunar New Year at the newly opened restaurant, Esencia. The evening will blend tradition, prosperity, and community through the artistry of James Beard–nominated Chef Leo Davila. (St. Anthony, 2026)
Experience a thoughtfully curated, family-style dinner designed to honor the heritage of the Year of the Fire Horse.
The Evening’s Highlights
The festivities kick off with a lively cocktail hour followed by a traditional Lion Dance, a symbol of power and wisdom, before settling in for a multi-course feast.
Prosperity Crudo Platter: Smoked seafood, citrus ponzu, and house pickles.
Char Siu–Style Pork Belly: Served with leafy lettuce and a savory glaze.
Longevity Noodles: A unique blend of Texas Chinese BBQ and house chorizo.
Peking-Style Duck Breast: Accompanied by plum sauce and soft bao buns.
Golden Veggie Fried Rice: Topped with crispy garlic and sesame.
Event Schedule & Location
Date: Tuesday, February 24, 2026
Location: Esencia at The St. Anthony | 300 E Travis St., San Antonio, TX 78205
Schedule
5:30 – 6:30 PM | Cocktail Hour (Beverages available for purchase, with optional wine, cocktail, and sake packages)
6:30 – 7:00 PM | Traditional Lion Dance Performance
7:00 – 8:30 PM | Multi-Course Family-Style Dinner
Ticket Options
Choose the experience that best suits your evening. Please note that prices are subject to taxes and fees (++) and can be purchased via Eventbrite.
General Admission | $85++
Reserved seating for the evening’s festivities.
Discounted valet parking ($10).
The VIP Experience | $150++
Preferred seating for the dinner and performance.
Two complimentary cocktails during the cocktail hour.
Complimentary valet parking.
Reserve Your Table: Tickets are available now. Don’t miss this one-night-only celebration of unity and good fortune!
The Study at Dean’s. Photo: Kimpton Santo, used with permission.
More Valentine’s Day Ideas in San Antonio 💕
San Antonio is turning up the romance this Valentine’s season. From heart-themed desserts and intimate chef-driven dinners to luxe hotel packages and festive Galentine’s gatherings, the city is full of ways to celebrate love — whether that’s with a partner, your best friends, or yourself.
Here’s your guide to more Valentine’s happenings around town.
🍰 Bakery Lorraine
Valentine’s & Galentine’s Treats 📅 February 1 – 15 📍 All Bakery Lorraine locations
Bakery Lorraine is offering a collection of sweet (and slightly edgy) Valentine’s treats perfect for gifting or indulging.
One highlight? Proceeds from the chocolate cherry macaron will benefit the San Antonio Food Bank throughout February, so your dessert does some good, too.
Available In-Store:
Sugar Skull Shortbread Cookies – Vanilla shortbread decorated with fondant and royal icing accents (individually bagged and gift-ready).
“Love You to Death” Vanilla Raspberry Skull Cakes – Moist vanilla cake with tart raspberry filling and buttercream flower eyes.
Heart Shortbread Cookie Stack – Pink vanilla shortbread cookies tied with string.
Dark Cherry & Chocolate Tiramisu – Coffee-soaked ladyfingers layered with dark cherry compote and mascarpone.
Raspberry Rose Japonaise – A delicate macaron filled with raspberry rose and mascarpone, topped with fresh raspberries and rose petals.
Celebrate Galentine’s in garden glam style with creative cocktails, interactive games, and playful activations. Expect a lively atmosphere designed for connection and fun.
Highlights Include:
Photo station
Temporary tattoo station
Lip gloss charm station
Bic lighter decorations
Hair tinsel & braid bar
Large Confession Burn Book
Card games at every table, including “We’re Not Really Strangers”
📅 Saturday, February 14 🎹 Live music from 9 PM – 12 AM
Toast to friendship at this speakeasy-inspired lounge inside The Gunter Hotel.
San Antonio–born pianist and vocalist Chris Guerrero will perform classic and guest-requested love songs, blending refined jazz with crowd-favorite sing-alongs.
Esencia is offering prix fixe menus ideal for couples and Galentine’s gatherings alike. Guests can enjoy shared appetizers, two entrées, and a shared dessert, thoughtfully crafted and priced per person.
📍 111 Newell Ave, San Antonio, TX 78212 🕚 Open daily at 11 AM
Located in the Historic Pearl District, Otto’s Ice House offers a casual, riverside setting perfect for low-key Valentine’s plans.
For something sweet, Goode Co.’s Brazos Bottom Pecan Pies are available to ship nationwide. Each pie comes in a handcrafted keepsake box with one of three limited-edition messages:
“Pie Love You”
“Ride or Pie”
“Bless Your Heart”
💲 $60 per pie
Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a luxe dinner reservation, or a festive Galentine’s night out, San Antonio offers something for every kind of love story this season. 💗
Mezquite Spread. Photo: Robert J. Lerma, used with permission.
Valentine’s Day Dining Guide: Romantic & Relaxed Restaurant Offerings
With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, Pullman Market’s offerings range from high-end, special-occasion dining experiences at Isidore and Nicosi to relaxed, approachable options at Fife & Farro and the Mezcaleria—ensuring there’s something for every kind of celebration. (Pullman Market, 2026)
Mezquite’s Sonoran-Inspired Valentine’s Dinner for Two
Mezquite’s Valentine’s Day menu draws from the rich flavors and traditions of Sonoran cuisine. Crafted for two, the dinner invites couples to savor each course and enjoy a relaxed, intimate evening together. Thoughtful dishes and warm hospitality set the tone for a cozy, memorable night.
For those looking to keep things casual, the Mezcaleria offers a laid-back way to celebrate. Open from 11 a.m. to midnight, the bar will be serving cocktails, food, and good energy all day long—perfect for a spontaneous date, a Galentine’s toast, or a nightcap to end the evening.
Walk-ins only
Nicosi’s Specialty Valentine’s Day Experience
At Nicosi, Valentine’s Day is centered around connection and indulgence. The Michelin Star dessert tasting menu concept will offer a one-night-only, multi-course experience exclusive to the holiday, encouraging guests to savor each moment together.
Price: $200 per guest
Includes: Choice of non-alcoholic pairing or wine & cocktail pairing
Isidore welcomes guests for a Michelin Star Valentine’s celebration with an elegant eight-course tasting menu. An optional wine pairing is also available, thoughtfully selected to complement each course and elevate the evening.
Fife & Farro at Pullman Market offers a more laid-back way to celebrate, featuring wood-fired sourdough pizzas and handmade pastas made with heritage grains.
Reservations: Available via OpenTable for Valentine’s Day only (Note: Reservations are not typically offered at Fife & Farro)
Same-day diners: Encouraged to join the waitlist
Walk-ins: Always welcome
Valentine’s Day Dining Around San Antonio & New Braunfels
San Antonio and New Braunfels’ premier restaurants—including Clementine, Maverick Texas Brasserie, Muck & Fuss, and more—are offering curated menus and intimate ambiance designed to create a truly memorable Valentine’s Day.
Clementine, the Castle Hills neighborhood gem is celebrating Valentine’s Day with a chef-driven prix-fixe dinner designed for lingering conversations and shared moments. Offered February 14 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., the menu reflects James Beard Award finalist John Russ’s Southern roots and global sensibility, balancing bold comfort with refined elegance.
The downtown New Braunfels restaurant is celebrating Valentine’s Day for everyone, offering two prix-fixe menus welcoming couples, solo diners, and families alike—honoring romance, self-love, and quality time.
For a nightcap or post-dinner outing, guests can step next door to Sidecar, known for its vintage speakeasy vibe and live music. For the holiday, Sidecar will feature a curated menu of shareable bites and cocktails, including:
Southtown’s contemporary Mexican restaurant is spreading the love with the return of its popular Galentine-ARITA cocktail, available February 13–15. Made with El Tequileno, this pink, sparkling margarita is a festive favorite.
Rosario’s and El Tequileno are also hosting a Valentine’s Day giveaway for a free dinner for two, running through February 11, with details and the winner announced on Instagram.
Tip: Calling ahead or joining the waitlist is highly recommended for Valentine’s Day dining
Pearl’s first ever Cowboy Heritage Festival is taking place this Saturday. Photo: Pearl, used with permission.
February Happenings at Pearl
From Rodeo Festivities to Valentine’s Weekend Fun
Pearl is kicking off February in true Texas style—with boots, bands, murals, and plenty of reasons to linger all month long. From the inaugural Cowboy Heritage Festival to Valentine’s Day celebrations, here’s everything happening at Pearl this February. (Pearl, 2026)
🤠 Cowboy Heritage Festival
Saturday, February 7 | 3–7 p.m.
Pearl debuts its first-ever Cowboy Heritage Festival, celebrating vaquero culture with live music, roaming performers, art, and rodeo-inspired fun throughout the property.
Festival Highlights
Chuck wagon photo opportunities
Live music across multiple stages
Free boot shining
Trick roper and cowboy & cowgirl stilt walkers
Live mural painting by San Antonio muralist Claudio Aguillon, titled The Vaquero (Cellars Pavilion)
📍 Event Locations & Schedules
1100 Springs Plaza
Rodeo Roundup Edition of the Pearl Farmers Market
Craft workshop with Sharriah Martinez (3–6 p.m.)
Make cowboy boot magnets (while supplies last)
Live music:
Gelina & The Diamondbacks (3–4:15 p.m.)
Jacob Kyle Band (4:45–7 p.m.)
Stable Hall
Free boot shining
Live music by Brandon Michael Band (3–4:45 p.m.)
Parkito(between Local Coffee and Bakery Lorraine)
Favorite Son Band (3–4:30 p.m.)
Jake Castillo Trio (5–7 p.m.)
South Karnes Street
Trick roper and stilt walkers roaming (3–5 p.m.)
Meet & Greet with Miss Rodeo Texas Princess (3–4:30 p.m.)
Live music by Drew Brown Band (5–7 p.m.)
Pearl Park
Chuck wagon photo op
The Vaquero mural installation
Line dancing (3–5 p.m.)
Brandon Michael Band returns (5:30–7 p.m.)
La Gloria
San Antonio Charro Association appearance (2–5 p.m.)
Whether you’re two-stepping under the stars, shopping for the perfect rodeo look, or celebrating Valentine’s Day with live music and great food, Pearl is the place to be this February. With events happening nearly every day of the month, there’s always a reason to stop by, stay awhile, and experience the energy that makes Pearl a favorite gathering spot in San Antonio.
Tenfold Rooftop at Kimpton Santo San Antonio – Riverwalk. Photo: Kimpton Santo, used with permission.
Super Bowl Sunday Specials: Where to Eat, Drink & Watch the Big Game in San Antonio
Super Bowl Sunday is almost here, and locally owned restaurants and bars across San Antonio and New Braunfels are bringing the heat with food deals, drink specials, and high-energy watch parties. From rooftop margaritas to wing specials and projector-screen viewing, here’s where to celebrate the Big Game on Sunday, February 8.
🍹 Rosario’s ComidaMex & Bar (Southtown)
All Day Sunday | February 8
Football fans can enjoy half-off appetizers all day long at Rosario’s, available exclusively at the main bar and rooftop bar. The restaurant is also debuting The Benito Bowl, a blue frozen margarita inspired by this year’s halftime performer, Bad Bunny. (Rosario’s, 2026)
Both bars feature massive flat-screen TVs for optimal game viewing. The 25+ rooftop bar will also host its weekly Cozy Up Sundays, featuring $8 signature cocktails and bites.
📍 Walk-ins welcome | No reservations required
🦀 Smashin Crab (All Locations)
All Day Sunday | February 8
Smashin Crab is closing out football season strong with $1 wings all day, available for dine-in or takeout at all three locations, perfect for hosting your own watch party at home. (Smashin Crab, 2026)
Each restaurant is decked out with wall-to-wall TVs, and guests can also enjoy 2-for-1 Hurricanes, available through February 17.
🍻 Finnegan’s Sports & Spirits
All Day Sunday Happy Hour
Finnegan’s is keeping it simple and fun with all-day happy hour and beer bucket specials, including:
$4 Margaritas
$5 Bloody Marys
$15 Domestic Beer Buckets
A laid-back spot to sip, snack, and settle in for the game. (Finnegan’s, 2026)
Catch the game on TVs throughout the restaurant or on the projector screen in the Biergarten, while sipping from a lineup of 38 draft beers featuring top local and national breweries. (Muck & Fuss, 2026)
📍 555 S Alamo St., San Antonio, TX 78205 🚗 Valet parking available for $10
Kick off Super Bowl Sunday at Corinne’s bar with game-day drink specials, including Bloody Marys, mimosas, beer specials, and an All Day Happy Hour Menu.
Snack on crowd favorites like buffalo cauliflower, regular wings, or a Trio Dip (guacamole, queso, salsa) while watching the game on two big screens. (Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa, 2026)
Sunday, February 8 | Game at 5:30 PM | Trivia: 2–4 PM
📍 555 S Alamo St., San Antonio, TX 78205 🚗 Valet parking available for $10
Anaqua Garden Bar is hosting a full-scale Super Bowl watch party with multiple projector screens with sound, theater-style seating, and plenty of food and drink.
The party starts early with trivia from 2–4 PM, featuring questions on Bad Bunny and 2026 Super Bowl commercials.
📍 Interior Courtyard, 431 S Alamo St., San Antonio, TX 78205
Dean’s is extending happy hour drink specials all day in its comfortable interior courtyard. Watch the game on two TVs with sound while enjoying upscale-casual vibes, great drinks, and shareable bites. (Kimpton Santo San Antonio, 2026)
Paris Baguette is serving up football-themed sweets, including the King Creme Football Donut and Triple Chocolate Football Cream Cake. Donuts are available daily, while cakes are offered for weekend orders (preorders encouraged). (The Gunter Hotel, 2026)
Chef Levi Goode’s newest concept is the ultimate riverside spot for Super Bowl Sunday. Enjoy ice-cold drinks, hearty favorites like Cantina Queso, the Hill Country Deluxe Smashburger, and Otto’s Last Shot, all while watching the game on multiple indoor and outdoor TVs. (Otto’s Ice House, 2026)
Whether you’re craving wings, rooftop cocktails, or a full watch-party vibe, San Antonio’s local spots are bringing their A-game this Super Bowl Sunday. 🏈
Mini Art Museum at the Contemporary’s Family Day, 2024. Photo by Bria Woods, used with permission.
Upcoming Exhibitions & Programs at Contemporary at Blue Star
San Antonio, Texas – In 2026, the Contemporary at Blue Star centers its exhibition programming around the theme of community, marking a major milestone: the organization’s 40th anniversary in June 2026. Curator and Exhibitions Director Jacqueline Saragoza McGilvray frames the year as an opportunity to reflect on the Contemporary’s history, the role community has played in shaping the institution, and the ways exhibitions can actively build and strengthen local, national, and international relationships. (Contemporary at Blue Star, 2026)
Below is a look at the upcoming exhibitions and programs.
Mark Menjívar: Murmurations
Opening Night: Friday, February 6, 2026 | 6–9 p.m. Taco Talk: Friday, February 6, 2026 | 10:30–11:30 a.m. On View: February 6 – May 3, 2026
San Antonio–based artist Mark Menjívar integrates social practice and participatory education models to create intentional community building. His work establishes frameworks for students, community groups, and leaders to engage in critical dialogue around the issues that shape their lives.
Menjívar’s participatory projects often incorporate oral history recording, archive building, publications, and installations that present collective conversations while inviting continued public engagement. Over the last two decades, he has completed more than a dozen multifaceted, long-term projects.
This mid-career survey highlights selected works—including The Luck Archive—while also debuting new projects. Menjívar is currently an Associate Professor in the Interdisciplinary School for Engagement at the University of Texas at San Antonio.
Mini Art Museum
Honoring the Late Mary Cantú
Opening Night: Friday, March 6, 2026 | 6–9 p.m. On View: March 6 – June 7, 2026
The San Antonio arts community was deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Mary Cantú on February 18, 2025, at age 45. Cantú was a beloved advocate for arts education and served on the Contemporary’s Education Committee from 2014–2016, playing a key role in the development of the Creative Classrooms program and championing free access to art for San Antonio children.
In 2013, Cantú co-founded the Mini Art Museum with Gabriela Santiago. Using standard office binders as gallery “walls,” the Mini Art Museum invited artists to create miniature works sized to fit inside 8.5 × 11-inch plastic sleeves. Featuring original works by professional artists, the museum encourages close observation, often aided by magnifying glasses, creating a sense of wonder and intimacy.
In spring 2024, the Mini Art Museum collection was transferred to the Contemporary. Exhibited here in its entirety and in memoriam of Mary Cantú, the presentation includes over 100 works by artists such as Kim Bishop, Sarah Castillo, Michael Menchaca, and Vincent Valdez, reflecting the profound impact Cantú made on the community.
Roman Franc: Groups Collective
Opening Night: Friday, March 6, 2026 | 6–9 p.m. On View: March 6 – June 7, 2026
Artist Roman Franc will travel to San Antonio to create new photographs as part of his ongoing Group Pictures / Collectives series. Since 2015, Franc has photographed groups across cultures and geographies, from residents of Tanna Island in the South Pacific to the U.S. Congress in Washington, D.C.
San Antonio’s layered and interconnected communities provide a rich setting for this project. In alignment with the Contemporary’s 40th anniversary theme, Groups Collective offers glimpses into a larger whole, reflecting the city’s diversity and collective spirit.
Franc (b. 1983, Brno, Czech Republic) holds an MA in Education from Masaryk University and an MFA in Photography from the Institute of Creative Photography at Silesian University, Opava. His practice focuses on non-traditional portraiture and staged photography, alongside curatorial and publishing work.
Berlin Residency Program
2026–2027 Application Cycle Now Open
Contemporary at Blue Star is now accepting applications from artists living and working in Bexar County for its Berlin Residency Program. Launched in 2013, the program enters its 12th cycle in partnership with Künstlerhaus Bethanien (KB).
Each year, four artists are awarded three-month residencies in Berlin, Germany, with the opportunity to also visit San Antonio’s sister city, Darmstadt, Germany.
Residency Support Includes:
$2,000 stipend for travel and living expenses
Coverage of all residency program fees, including:
Studio and living space
Inclusion in the internationally distributed BE magazine
Curatorial visits and workshop access
Eligibility guidelines are available through the application link. Application Deadline: Sunday, February 22, 2026 at 4 p.m.
About Contemporary at Blue Star
Contemporary at Blue Star presents exhibitions featuring artists from San Antonio and around the world, sharing global perspectives that encourage understanding, empathy, change, and action. As a non-collecting contemporary art space, the Contemporary offers fresh insights into cultural and societal issues by highlighting current trends, movements, and conversations in art.
Admission is always free.
Contemporary at Blue Star 116 Blue Star San Antonio, TX 78204
The Titans of Tailgate event supports San Antonio high school culinary programs. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Titans of Tailgate Returns to San Antonio for Its 9th Year
Chef Jason Dady and Culinaria are proud to present the ninth annual Titans of Tailgate, presented by Wrangler Air Conditioning, taking place Sunday, February 1, from 1–4 p.m. at The Rock at La Cantera. (Jason Dady Restaurant Group, 2026)
This high-energy, chef-driven event brings together more than 30 of San Antonio’s top chefs for an afternoon celebrating food, flavor, and community—all while supporting local high school culinary programs.
A Chef-Fueled Grilling Showdown
Hosted by Chef Jason Dady, Titans of Tailgate is the ultimate grilling throwdown, featuring some of the city’s most respected culinary talent, including:
PJ Edwards (Meadow Neighborhood Eatery)
Berty Richter (Ladino)
Esaul Ramos (2M Smokehouse)
Nicola Blaque (The Jerk Shack)
And many more
Chefs will compete head-to-head for the coveted title of “Titan of Tailgate,” blending tailgate spirit with bold, chef-driven creativity.
Supporting the Next Generation of Chefs
Representatives from six local high schools will join the professional chefs, reinforcing the event’s mission of mentorship and community investment. Guests will enjoy:
Unlimited tastings
Drinks and interactive experiences
The chance to vote for their favorite bite
Proceeds from the event directly support San Antonio high school culinary programs, helping fund equipment, prep materials, and educational resources.
Event Details
📍 Location The Rock at La Cantera 1 Spurs Way San Antonio, TX 78256
🎟 Ticket Pricing
Under 21: $50
General Admission: $85
VIP: $150
For more information and to purchase tickets, click the link here.
About Jason Dady Restaurant Group
Since 2001, Texas native Chef Jason Dady, a James Beard Foundation Award semifinalist and frequent Food Network and Travel Channel expert, has helped redefine San Antonio’s culinary culture. In July 2025, he was named one of six chef ambassadors representing San Antonio as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy.
Led by Chef Dady alongside his brother Jake and wife Crystal, the Jason Dady Restaurant Group includes nine acclaimed restaurants, as well as catering and event services.
About Culinaria
CULINARIA is an independent, not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting San Antonio as a premier food and wine destination. Since 2000, Culinaria has championed locally sourced food, culinary education, and community-driven events that enrich the Alamo City. Proceeds from its events directly support this mission, helping Culinaria remain largely self-sustaining.
Castle Hill’s Clementine has a wine tasting event this Saturday. Photo: Clementine, used with permission.
Things to Do This Week in San Antonio and New Braunfels (January 2026)
Looking for things to do in San Antonio this week or events in New Braunfels? From a wine tasting at a James Beard–nominated restaurant to family-friendly outdoor movie nights, here are two must-visit local events happening this week.
🍷Wine Tasting Event in San Antonio: Clementine’s Quarterly Wine Tasting
Date: Saturday, January 24, 2026 Time: 1:00–3:00 p.m. Location: Castle Hills, San Antonio
Clementine, a beloved San Antonio neighborhood restaurant, is hosting its quarterly Wine Tasting event to close out the month of January. Guests can sample a curated selection of wines while learning about each pour, paired with small bites of cheese to elevate the tasting experience. (Clementine, 2026)
Event Details:
Admission:
Free for Juice Box Members
$15 per person for non-members
Early Access:
Juice Box Members receive exclusive early entry at 12:30 p.m.
Seating: Limited availability; early arrival is recommended
Guests interested in exclusive dining perks can explore Clementine’s Table22 Juice Box Subscription, the restaurant’s annual membership program.
Address: Clementine 2195 Northwest Military Highway Castle Hills, TX 78213
About Clementine Restaurant
Clementine is a family-owned San Antonio restaurant known for seasonal, innovative cuisine served in a vibrant, modern atmosphere. The restaurant is led by Chef John Russ, a 2023 James Beard Award Nominee for Best Chef: Texas, alongside Pastry Chef Elise Russ. The menu features globally inspired small plates, shareable platters, produce-forward sideboard options, and imaginative desserts.
🎬Family-Friendly Events in New Braunfels: Tuesday Movie Nights at Muck & Fuss
When: Every Tuesday Time: Starts at 5:45 p.m. Where: Downtown New Braunfels
Muck & Fuss, a popular New Braunfels restaurant, continues its weekly outdoor movie night series in the Biergarten. This community favorite combines classic films, comfort food, and craft cocktails in a relaxed, family-friendly setting. (Muck & Fuss, 2026)
What to Expect:
Outdoor movies under the stars
Complimentary popcorn and hot chocolate 🍿 ☕
Savory food and craft cocktails
Guests encouraged to dress to match each movie’s theme
Kids’ Meals: Special kids’ meals are available for $6.95, making this one of the best family-friendly things to do in New Braunfels.
Upcoming Movie Schedule:
School of Rock — Tuesday, January 20, 2026
Nacho Libre — Tuesday, January 27, 2026
Address: Muck & Fuss 295 E. San Antonio St. New Braunfels, TX 78130
About Muck & Fuss
Muck & Fuss is a locally owned downtown New Braunfels restaurant offering chef-inspired burgers, inventive comfort food, and a carefully curated craft beer program with 38 rotating draft beers. The venue features live music and a lively Biergarten atmosphere.
Owners Terry and Celina Muckenfuss are dedicated to revitalizing downtown New Braunfels and also operate the restored historic Prince Solms Inn and Sidecar, an elevated speakeasy-style cocktail bar.
Luxury, pet-friendly hospitality expands with a thoughtfully crafted canine dining experience in downtown San Antonio. Photo: The Gunter Hotel, used with permission.
The Gunter Hotel Launches Chef-Curated Dog Menu at Jots
San Antonio, TX — The Gunter Hotel, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, is raising the bar for pet-friendly hospitality with the launch of a new chef-curated Dog Menu at its signature restaurant, Jots. Designed with the same care, creativity, and quality as the human menu, this new offering invites four-legged guests to dine in style alongside their owners in the heart of downtown San Antonio. Now available, guests are welcome to bring their canine companions to Jots to enjoy the menu. (The Gunter Hotel, 2026)
Benson & Friends Favorites
The menu, aptly named “Benson & Friends Favorites,” features thoughtfully prepared dishes made with wholesome, recognizable ingredients. Each item is crafted to be both nourishing and indulgent, reinforcing The Gunter Hotel’s commitment to inclusivity and elevated experiences for every guest, canine companions included.
“Pet-friendly travel has evolved, and today’s guests are looking for experiences that truly welcome their dogs, not just accommodate them. With this new menu from Jots, we’re extending our culinary philosophy to our four-legged guests, offering a dining experience that feels just as intentional and special.” — Jiwon Choi, Gunter Hotel Owner and Managing Director at Axle Capital
A Thoughtfully Crafted Canine Menu
The Dog Menu features a variety of dishes designed with canine wellness in mind, offering something for every appetite:
Honey’s Hill Country Breakfast — A hearty blend of short rib, chuck, and brisket served with farm-fresh eggs
Nori’s Seattle Treat — Salmon paired with rice and green beans
Benson’s Chicken Delight — Made with locally sourced chicken
Canine Crudité — A fresh, vegetable-forward mix of apples, carrots, and green beans
Seasonal Dessert — House-whipped cream with berries
From breakfast through dessert, every four-legged guest can enjoy a well-rounded dining experience.
A Pet-Friendly Destination in the Heart of San Antonio
Located just steps from the River Walk, The Gunter Hotel has long welcomed pets as part of its community. The introduction of the Dog Menu further enhances the hotel’s reputation as a destination where history, hospitality, and modern lifestyle seamlessly converge.
As part of Tribute Portfolio, The Gunter Hotel also offers guests access to the Marriott Bonvoy® program, allowing members to earn and redeem points during their stay and across Marriott Bonvoy’s extensive global collection of hotels and resorts.
About The Gunter Hotel
A historic San Antonio landmark for more than 116 years, The Gunter Hotel reopened in fall 2025 following a $50 million renovation that brought the property up to the highest modern travel standards. The reimagined hotel blends rich heritage with modern luxury and features 311 guest rooms, including 30 suites, along with an array of new amenities.
Guests are invited to enjoy four distinctive dining concepts, Jots, Keystone Club, Bar 414, and Paris Baguette, as well as a cutting-edge recording studio and vinyl library. Inspired by the hotel’s musical legacy, each guest room features a record player and a copy of Robert Johnson’s first album, originally recorded at the hotel in 1936.
Dive into January with Twang’s Miche-Nada recipe. Photo: Garrett Smith and Giant Noise Partners, used with permission.
Dry January: A Reset for the New Year
Dry January is a month-long commitment to abstaining from alcohol, often taken up after the indulgences of the holiday season. Many people choose January because it offers a natural reset: routines are quieter, social calendars are lighter, and there’s a collective desire to start the year with healthier habits.
Going alcohol-free can improve sleep, boost energy, and support mental clarity. For others, it’s a chance to reassess their relationship with drinking, break unconscious habits, and prove to themselves that alcohol isn’t a necessity. Dry January is less about restriction and more about intention, reflection, and beginning the year feeling grounded and in control.
A Non-Alcoholic Option to Celebrate
With this in mind, Twang is sharing a non-alcoholic drink recipe to keep the ritual and flavor alive during Dry January. (Twang, 2026)
Twang is a Tex-Mex–inspired, family-driven company founded in 1986, specializing in flavored salt, sugar, and spice blends. For over 38 years, Twang has been sharing its bold products and recipes with the world, and Dry January is no exception.
Twang’s Miche-Nada
Twang’s Miche-Nada is a non-alcoholic spin on the classic Mexican beer cocktail, the michelada. It can be made using classic, spicy, or pickle Twang Michelada Mixers.
Curated with all-natural ingredients, the mix includes real lime juice, robust ancho chiles, and organic Worcestershire sauce. Twang’s Rimming Salt completes the drink, with flavors like lime, grapefruit, mango chile, and more.
The michelada mix comes in a 16oz bottle for $7.00, while rimming salts are $5.00 each. All Twang products ship nationwide and are available at select retailers across the country.
Twang Miche-Nada Recipe
Ingredients:
Twang Michelada Mixer (classic, spicy or pickle flavors)
Twang Rimming Salt (lime, grapefruit, mango chile, and more flavors)
Ice
Sparkling water
Lime wedge
Directions:
Rim your glass with choice of Twang’s Rimming Salt
SA Examiner 