The More Things Change, Barn Door Stays the Same

Reviewed by Jennifer Chiesa

The word “old-fashioned” is rarely used as a compliment in the restaurant biz these days—but I can’t think of a better one to nail on the Barn Door. The little red restaurant that got its start at the edge of town as a Frazer’s BBQ, before Bill Tassos and David Strauss decided it was destined for steakhouse status, has been serving up the same straightforward fare since 1953. In fact, framed menus hanging near the door show the only major change since the fifties is the price—you can still get the lady’s filet mignon, but not for the $1.50 it cost back then.

Liberty Bar: The Devil's in the Details ...

Reviewed by Jennifer Chiesa

With its eclectic menu and precariously tilted façade (even before imbibing), the Liberty Bar has charmed regulars and tourists alike for the last 25 years. So it was a shock when owner Dwight Hobart announced plans to move the iconic restaurant to Southtown to flee the ever-rising rents in the newly tony Pearl Brewery area.

La Gloria: Mexican Street Fare with a View

Reviewed by Jennifer Chiesa

By the look of the out-the-door line on two recent visits to Johnny Hernandez’ new La Gloria restaurant, San Antonians love them some Mexican street food. Who knew that a city with a Mexican restaurant literally on every corner was dying for more Mexican food? Nestled on perhaps the most scenic parcel of the River Walk extension, in the far corner of the Pearl Brewery complex, the restaurant is a culmination of both Hernandez’ dreams and his travels throughout Mexico, sampling regional cuisines and gathering recipes. And the resulting combination of fresh, simple flavors, casual ambiance and perfect setting is truly—heavenly.

Raising the Bar at Bohanan's

Reviewed by Jennifer Chiesa

If you haven’t visited Bohanan’s in a while—say, since before last Thanksgiving—then you’re in for a surprise. For starters, you can now enter directly from Houston Street—no more looking up forlornly at the Bohanan’s logo on the second floor windows and wondering how in the heck to get up there. When Zenbar Ultra Lounge, the former resident of the lower half of the building, failed to renew its lease, Mark Bohanan finally had the opportunity to snap up the space he’d coveted for years. This gave way to the new entrance, and more importantly, allowed Bohanan to create a bar more in keeping with the feel of the venerable steakhouse. And he’s done that in clubby, comfortable spades.

Reviewed by Jennifer Chiesa

If the words “chicken fried” make your heart leap with joy, then Quarry Hofbräu is your kind of place. Nestled in between a strip of Quarry Market stores and Stonewerks restaurant, Beaux Roby’s two-month old indoor-outdoor hangout serves the homey classic in all its gravy-covered glory, plus lots of other Texas faves. You’ll find a creamy, bacon-y melt-in-your-mouth mac and cheese, and chicken breast strips topped with jalapeño and wrapped in bacon, slathered in BBQ sauce and served with ranch dressing. But what you won’t find is German food. The name may be German, but this is all about Texas, baby—generous portions, ice-cold beer, friendly service, and lots and lots of wet naps.