Fletcher's

Fletcher's
Mid-October

With some out of town guests to entertain, few things beat hanging out at the park of The Pearl with its great food and drink options.  The Bur-gal and I brought Bergman, Seth, and Stacy to the Bottling Plant food court, where 3 burgers, a hotdog, and ramen where consumed.

Service and Setting
Despite being a Wednesday night, The Pearl had its typical high energy.  Kids running through the fountains.  Sound Cream blasting bubble trance.  Southerleigh pop-up bar pouring its best IPAs.  Lots of friendly dogs on walks.  The whole thing is rather idyllic.  Inside the Bottling Plant, one orders and pays at the counter and gets a pager to notify him or her when food is ready.  The tables are clean.  The restrooms are a little inconvenient being outside.

Menu

Bottling Plant is a food court offering not only burgers, but ramen, southern rotisserie, doughnuts, and a healthy concept food counter which I think serves things with kale and quinoa.  Fletcher's does hoity-toity burgers, dogs, fries, and shakes.  Burgers start at just $7.95, with add on cheese and bacon options.  They have specialty and a rotating burgers as well, but we all went with the classic cheese burger.  I added a hot dog since I was hungry.

Beverage

Shakes and cane-sugar sodas are at the counter.   Keep in mind a full bar is immediately opposite Fletchers, as are several other options including Southerleigh's pop-up bar with their microbrews - I think I had a delicious "Lawnchair vampire" IPA with this meal.  Side note: I went to Southerleigh for my birthday last month and asked pretty-please to have the lunch-menu hamburger for dinner; they declined.  I'm not sure if I can review the burger without bias after such a spiteful rejection.  I will continue to enjoy their fine beers however.

Sides
Fries had a pretty good fill of soft potato inside.  Maybe not quite crisp enough for fans of a thinner fry.  It held ketchup well, but I would have appreciated more sauce options.  They have smoked-spicy ketchup, on some of the other burgers.  In retrospect, I should have requested a side to replace the Heinz.

Patty
The burger is a blend of short rib, chuck, and brisket.  They cook it to order appropriately.  It keeps good moisture.  Despite the high pedigree, the table was unanimous that is was a little low on flavor and the texture is off.  I think it comes down to too fine of a grind in the meat, so you end up with kind of a smooth texture instead of a crumbling one.

Dress and Bun
Served on a very nice brioche but what did a good job keeping a reasonably messy burger in line.  I'm not sure I could pick Fletcher's sauce out of a line up - it seemed a bit timid.  I have no qualms with the produce.  The American cheese and pickles were good.

Bonus hotdog review:  I liked the dog significantly more than the burger. An Akaushi Texas 100% beef dog on a brioche bun with crispy onions were delicious.  It even pleases my Chicago-hotdog-trained palate.

The Verdict

The Pearl really is the gemstone of San Antonio's oyster.  The dining, drinking, activities and atmosphere are as high a density as anywhere in the city.  Fletcher's serves a decent burger in an excellent setting.  If you're in the area and in the mood, go for it.  It certainly is a better value than JAZZ TX.  Cured and Southerleigh have good options, but only available on lunch/brunch menus.  Fletcher's classic burger earns a respectable 3 spurs.

Rebelle

Rebelle

Early October

The Bur-gal had a conference downtown over weekend.  Feeling fancy on a Friday night, we went with some of her co-workers to the beautiful St. Anthony's Hotel to eat from the new menu at Rebelle.  Eric, Gina, and Angela joined George the alligator and us for dinner.

Service and Setting

The best I can do to describe the ambience is "Teen-Vampire Homecoming."  One is greeted at the entrance by a full-size, disco-ball-mirrored lion.  The dining area is dimly lit with some neon-blue hues, and several chromed-out table decorations (we had a 2 ft long alligator named George).  I used a thesaurus to find the word 'tawdry' because it sounds like a classier way to say 'tacky.'  Service was knowledgable and hospitable.

Menu

The new menu aspires to be a top seafood restaurant in San Antonio.  Oysters, ceviche, octopus, and beef tartare for shareable starters, backed by hearty potions of different gulf fish and shellfish.  They do serve several chops, which emboldened my choice to order a burger.  I was not going to miss out on the seafood, so we asked for the burger to be divided into quarters and served as an appetizer.  Prices are in line with other high-end restaurants.

Beverage

They have a hefty list of house cocktails with a variety of flavors.  Most of the group was happy with their drinks.  I do not often peruse wine lists, so my best guess is that this one is on par with other hoity-toity restaurants.

Sides

The burger comes with cottage fries. They were under (or perhaps un-) seasoned.  Texture was a bit off.  They were not very good.   The other shareable sides on the menu are not necessarily designed around the burger.  They ranged from salty and mediocre potato dishes to rather interesting and delicious in the case of what can only be described as space-spinach.

Patty

The patty had tasty, good-quality beef cooked appropriately to enjoy the flavor.  I suppose a victim of the upscale, circumstance, juices are kept to a minimum.  Overall, it was probably the strongest feature of the burger.

Dress and Bun

Fontina cheese left a wonderful goo trail from the serving plate to mine.  While it added some savory quality, the fontina flavor did not match well.  The bun was unremarkable.  The produce was bright and fresh.  The pickles were closer to their pre-evolved cucumber state than brined.  The bacon added an additional salty crisp, but would not say it was a cut above.  It was cryptic from the itemized bill, but I think they up-charged us like $7 to add bacon and avocado at the server's suggestion.  That made me finish the meal with a groan.  If that was the case, I would recommend skipping it entirely for what started as an $18 burger.

Gina’s take: "The potato side was too starchy for me."

The Verdict

The new menu gives a good downtown option for seafood among innumerable steak restaurants.  That said, the burger is below average compared to the rest of menu we sampled.  This good-not-great burger earns 3 spurs.

Francis Bogside

Francis Bogside
Late September


I think this bar made one of the "hot lists" in San Antonio for restaurant openings.  Being from Chicago, people often ask me about the differences between it and San Antonio.  In Chicago, the foodie magazines write articles titled "Top 10 restaurant openings this month."  In San Antonio, the foodie magazines write articles titled "Top 10 restaurant openings this year."  So given the rarity of a new find, the Bur-gal and I headed to the newest bar from the Blue Box group, Francis Bogside.

Service and Setting

It is an Irish-style pub that has an irregular shape with plenty of nooks.  Dimly lit with several booths,  it is adorned with classic booze bar signs/advertisements and a proud display of spirits.  They have no TVs, but given it was earlier on a Saturday night, they did play a college football game on a projector.  They had a two band line-up starting at 10.  Service was fast and attentive.

Menu

I would describe it as high-end bar food.  Burgers, wings, pretzels, and pizzas with a couple surprising Thai dishes.  It is limited in number, but they are interesting.

Beverage

They have an excellent draft list with some IPA favorites of mine like Jai Alai and Space Dust.  As expected, they have a good Irish whisky offering.   Cocktail list is half classics and half new attempts.

Sides
The burger comes with house chips and a $2 up-charge for fries or coleslaw.  I was very happy with the fries.  A nice deep cook giving a thick crisp.  Their house ketchup has a little something extra to give it more flavor than Hines fancy ketchup which was enough for the Bur-gal.  I asked for some hot sauce to go with that and they brought out an awesome mango-habenero-like sauce that went great with the ketchup.

Patty
The waitress was unsure about the size of the patty, but it looks like a quarter pounder.  Feeling hungry I went double patty and egg.  Being a thin griddle paddy, there wasn't an option for doneness - it didn't matter.  This burger was so savory I am having flashbacks that are making my mouth water.  That perfect juiciness homogenized all of the other ingredients to coat the pallet and kept me napkin dabbing the corners of my mouth.  Excellent flavor coming from the grill.  One bite and I was in a state of burger nirvana.

Dress and Bun

They do a high-gloss egg wash bun with that small amount of sweetness that makes the burger sing.  It would overwhelm a single patty, but works well with the double.  American cheese, egg, and mayo topping gel everything together.  The produce was sliced a bit thin, but tasted fine.

The Verdict
I don't often write burger poetry, but some meals turn you back into a burger-romantic.  I give it an enthusiastic 5 spurs, and one I'll be recommending it to other aficionados frequently.

Down on Garyson

Down on Grayson
Mid September

On a rainy Friday night, some friends were looking for a beverage and some food.  Cam, Grant, Moos, Webb and Audrey came joined me to head over to the Pearl to eat at Down on Grayson

Service and Setting
DoG has a beautiful patio and good looking bar.   I acknowledge a group of 6 is difficult to sit, but we had to wait well over an hour.  Service was attentive, though there was some confusion on dish placement when they arrived at the table.

Menu
I was really impressed by the variety and affordability on the menu.  They have mostly American standards with a few Mexican dishes.  They have anticuchos which is a marinated steak dish my wife and I had for the first time in Peru earlier this year.  DoG declares them "San Antonio's favorite," but I am not aware of another restaurant that serves them.

Beverage
A decent draft beer list of mostly Texas craft brews.  Cocktails run $7-10.

Sides

The fries were offensively salty.  Though thinner with a good crisp, no one at the table are more than half of their fries because of the over seasoning.  The chips and coleslaw did not look a whole lot more exciting.

Patty

1/2 lb ground-chuck patty char broiled.  Not much attention paid to the doneness of the burger.   Moist but flavorless.  Ironically, salt would have helped, but I think they ran out seasoning the fries.

Dress and Bun
I like the top toasted bun which retained a nice smoky flavor.  The cheddar cheese ran like water.  Produce was decent, but shredded lettuce is only surpassed by wheat buns as far as burger sins go.

The Verdict

A nice restaurant with entirely mediocre food.  The fries were ruined, and the burger was low on flavor.  Pretty surprised to only pay $12 for a burger and fries at a restaurant this nice, but it seems in the end we got what we paid for.
3 Spurs

Twin Peaks

Twin Peaks
Early September

NFL kickoff on a Thursday night. The guys were looking for TVs and beer.  Justin, Cameron, Grant, Ian and I headed to Twin Peaks for what was my first, and most likely last visit to Twin Peaks.

Service and Setting

Pretty packed for the NFL kickoff.  There are a lot of TVs.  I think there isn't a spot in the bar where you can see fewer than 2.  They also do that sports bar pro move of muting commercials for music.  I think just behind NFL punter, DJing for commercial breaks of football games is one of my dream jobs.  Service was actually very attentive and always ready for refills.

Menu
Bar food.  Several burger options.  Maybe I don't eat at enough chains, but I was surprised to see the calorie counts on the menu.  In case there was any doubt, I am sure I have not made a wise decision for my long term health by eating a minimum of one hamburger per week.

Beverage

Domestics on draft, with a few locals.  They boast a live thermometer reading of their keg line.  While I appreciate the cold 22oz beers, it kind of puts you in a designated driver no-man's land.  I can reliably have 2 pints over 2 hours at just about any bar and safely drive home.  The idea of drinking 44oz before getting behind the wheel was a risk I wasn't willing to take.

Sides
Closer to a steak-fry style with a good amount of potato fill.  They are stingy with the ketchup cup.  Still, a pretty good accompaniment.

Patty
An embarrassment on a bun.  This burger made me mad at food.  Why should I risk love-handles for something so bland and dry it could have its own Netflix original series?  They asked how I wanted it cooked as a mere formality; it arrived grey.

Dress and Bun

I got the avocado burger.  I think they put just the legal-minimum of avocado to maintain the name.  The arugula greens and tomato were no help.  The Swiss was fine.  A sun-dried tomato mayo did add a little bit of flavor.  The bum looked better than it tasted.

The Verdict

If you need a tall beer and 100 TVs, you can consider Twin Peaks.  If you need a burger, go anywhere else.

Chester's

Chester's
Labor day weekend

My friend Phil was in town from New Mexico and had a hankering for one of our mutual favorite burger spots.  He and I used to eat there when we worked together, and Chester's is a depot of many good memories of fries with friends.

Service and Setting

Located on several major access roads to San Antonio highways, you're never too far from a Chester's.  You order at the counter and pick up a few minutes later.  The beer is on display in a several door cooler behind the counter.  Employees have always been friendly on my visits.

Menu

1/3 lb griddle burgers are offered in multiples with options of bacon, chili and green chilis.  Fresh cut fries and onion rings  accompany your meat.  They also have options for ice cream and shakes.
I got a green chili burger once; I hope it was just a miscommunication because they served the chilis in a plastic container on the side.  Fish basket and grilled cheese are the only veg options.

Beverage
The bottled beer selection rivals that of Specs.  They have everything from ciders to porters, coming from California to Brussels.  I'll say the only problem is that you have to view it from 10ft away through a cooler door.  No pricing scheme I can figure out before you order it, and pretty difficult to read subtle differences between varieties offered from a single brewery at that distance.  Also, no glasses or mugs, so everything is imbibed out of the bottle.

Sides

Fresh cut french fries done right.  Nice and crispy that keep their potato flavor instead of just oil.  I had a hot dog on the side.  They slice it the long way and dress with onions, relish and mustard.  I had to ask for additional mustard.  I didn't taste like 100% beef which offends my Chicago roots.  It was fine.

Patty

1/3 lb fresh beef cooked on the griddle.  It is probably the only burger place that can actually make a medium-rare griddle burger.  Excellent griddle flavor with a good amount of juice.  Make it a double if you're hungry.

Dress and Bun
Their poppy seed bun is iconic.  Always fresh, always delicious.  Good produce and good pickle slices.

Geoff's take: "Hard to say it's on the same level as Big'z."

The Verdict
In reality, I should probably abstain from giving a rating given the sentimental over-valuation Chester's has for me.  Despite this, I'll put journalistic integrity aside for a reliable and friendly spot that I will alway associate with San Antonio.  5 spurs it is.

Feast

Feast

Mid August

Audrey and I headed to Southtown mostly for Boozys Ice Cream, and Feast seemed like a good warm-up for dessert.

Service and Setting

Situated on Alamo St in King William, Feast sits among several good dining options.  Parking can be difficult, but with all of those new scooters around, maybe it would be best to park far away and take a $2 scooter ride to dinner.  The restaurant is decked out with white tables and clear chairs with blue icicle lights in the trees.  It's a little tacky, but about as cool as things get in San Antonio.

Menu
Self-described mediterranean-inspired American.  It's small menu of small plates.  The last item on the menu is the burger.

Beverage
A hoight-toighty beer list with some unique options that appeal to a hipster like me.  Great national craft selections that can match about any taste.  A good and reasonably priced cocktail list as well.

Sides
Here's a picture of the eggplant croquettes which were delicious.  I guess I shouldn't call them a side-item per se, but we ate them immediately prior to the burger.  The fries were only decent, but the house-made ketchup was awesome.  Great tomato flavor with a little bit of heat on the back end.

Patty
Quarter pound patty offered in single and double options. A thin girdle patty of premium 44 Farms beef.  They boast 44 Farms Beef, and for good reason.  It had a great savory quality.  Juice level was appropriate, and mopped up by a generous bun.

Dress and Bun

At first glance, we were concerned this sesame coated, burnt potato bun would over power the burger beneath.  We were pleasantly proved wrong.  It was soft and fluffy and held up to the mess of the American cheese and burger juice.  The pickles were very good.  The house sauce was probably the weak point.  It was a bit of a strange sweet sauce.  Probably like the Szechuan sauce popularized by Rick and Morty.  There are monster strips of bacon barely contained by the plate.  The pickles and cheese were generous and rounded out the flavor profile well.

The Verdict
Feast does just about everything well, and the burger is no exception.  A super-savory burger that even goes well after tuna tartare or eggplant croquets or whatever high-class small plate preceded it.  I would recommend ordering it without the house sauce.  A very respectable 4 out of 5 spurs.