This week, San Antonio's restaurant scene is dishing out some bold new flavors, from an East Side barbecue joint to an Alamo Heights eatery delivering bright Greek cuisine. Elsewhere, the local culinary community is making headlines with an annual daiquiri challenge, Whataburger commemorative cups, and another round of kudos for Pearl's Pullman Market.
San Antonio is having a tumultuous week; it's OK to eat your feelings. Read on for the juiciest bites of San Antonio food news this week.
Openings
East Side catering favorite Potbelli BBQ is now a fully-fledged restaurant, offering by-the-pound brisket, ribs, pulled pork, and Southern-style sides. On July 26, the business will celebrate its grand opening at 3363 E Commerce St. #104, the same site as its commissary. In order to juggle a busy event schedule, the spot will only be open Mondays and Tuesdays between 11 am-7 pm, bucking the trend of weekend-only barbecue joints.
A new Mediterranean restaurant is taking over the former Alamo Heights location of Pinch Boil House at 5130 Broadway. Grandma's Greek Taste, slated to open in July, will serve family recipes, but a company rep was not able to spill full details just yet. Pinch Boil House unexpectedly shuttered in April after owners Andrew Ho and Sean Wen announced a Nashville expansion to their Curry Boys BBQ business.
Dashi's daq-Off returns June 23.Dashi Sichuan Kitchen + Bar/ Facebook
Other news and notes
Dashi Sichuan Kitchen + Bar will bring back its annual Daq-Off competition at 6 pm on June 23. The annual daiquiri battle will feature competitors from 14 bars, including Bar du Mon Ami, Pastiche, Amelia Social Lounge, Bar 1919, and more. Single tickets, available online, range from $35-$90, with a few table packages available.
Whataburger is continuing its 75th-anniversary celebrations with the release of commemorative cups. The souvenirs, which will undoubtedly be used for something stiffer than Dr. Pepper, will be rolled out in four drops starting June 10. Future collections will include themed offerings celebrating Halloween, Christmas, and the nation's most cherished holiday, National Whataburger Day.
Locally-owned company Vilore Foods is launching a foodie influencer challenge. A release describes the corporation as the "U.S. authority on distribution and [a] brand builder of culturally connected food and beverage products," but its La Costeña brand is likely a little more familiar. To enter the bracket-style competition, participants must post La Costeña recipe videos as an Instagram Reel using the hashtag #TasteMakersChallenge and tag @_mexicorico. The grand prize includes $5,000 in content creation gear and the opportunity to collab with celebrity chef Pati Jinich on a video.
Pullman Market's various eateries were collectively named the third-best restaurant in the nation.Pullman Market/ Facebook
Fancy lifestyle mag Robb Report has named Pullman Market the third-best new restaurant in America. Comparing the sprawling concept to the Eately chain, Digital Director Jeremy Repanich wrote, "[T]his complex's concepts are so much more distinct and delicious than anything that forebear has offered."
Downtown's Hotel Contessa is launching a new brunch series at its onsite Ambler Restaurant. The Viva Verano Brunch Series, held July 12-13 and August 9-10, will showcase new Latin-inspired dishes like Fredericksburg peach-stuffed empanadas and brunch street tacos. The service lasts from 7 am-3 pm each day, and the Sunday editions feature live music and a pop-up vendor fair. Reservations are encouraged.
Enjoy light bites and award-winning beer at Driftwood's Vista Brewing.Vista Brewing/ Facebook
Always order the biscuits at Lockhart's Commerce Cafe.Commerce Cafe/ Facebook
Muck & Fuss combines craft beer with gourmet burgers. Muck & Fuss/ Facebook 