Honestly if I was making a review based on just the food here, it would be five stars. The BBQ that the Smoke Shack is serving up is the best. Nice and greasy, and delicious. YUM. But I'm not reviewing just the food that's located at the little truck in the back of the bar. I'm reviewing the bar itself. Which is good, for the most part. The bar consists of two bar areas. One catering to the inside, where there is a band that usually plays, and the outside catering to a playground that kids can enjoy while their parents partake in inhibitors that the bar offers.
I came on a Saturday night, during a Spurs game (towards the end of it), with myself and three friends. My friends were hungry, so we went straight to the little food truck in the back to get some BBQ, which is when we learned that the little shack in the back is only where they make the food....but you actually have to order at the Bar. When you order the bar gives you a number and the servers at the bar will bring your food out to you. Which was a little weird, given that the silver wear, onions, pickles and usual BBQ fixings were next to the truck, so if you needed any of those things you would have to go over there anyway.
In any case. We ordered, they stop serving food at 10, and then stop serving drinks at 12. (Which if you ask me is kinda of early for a bar on a saturday night, but to each their own.)
My friends got the Brisket Nachos, Two Punches and a Taco. After ringing in the order, and bringing us our drinks that Bartender let my friends know that they were out of Brisket, and suggested Pulled pork instead. So that's what we got! Pulled Pork Nachos.
The Punches were pretty good. They were kind of small, and they were basically Long Island Iced Teas but with a different name. So a classic, with a name twist. Cant's really go wrong. The PULLED PORK NACHOS THOUGH. This shit is kind of expensive, it's like 12 bucks for the Nachos. BUT YOU GET SOOOO MUCH! There were four of us, two of which were really hungry. After the two that originally ordered the nachos ate some, the rest of us shared what was left. Which was about 3/4 of the plate. An hour later, and were still weren't able to finish them. Four grown women couldn't finish a plate of nachos. I am ashamed. But that just lets you know how big these things actually are. They are pricey, but well worth the money.
Now the reason there is 4 star review instead of something higher, is simply because of the service. While everyone there is very nice, and friendly, it did take them quite awhile to actually come to us in order to get our order. We sat at the bar for about ten minutes before someone greeted us. Then after ordering the service was still slow with getting the drinks out.
If the speed of service is worked on, I will totally be back.
Smoke Shack is also good? I think? They have the same food; as does the truck which i tried two years ago.....
Everything Ranges on a scale of 1-5!
Price:4
Atmosphere:4
Staff:3
Happy Hour: none
Food: Yes (and its damn good.)
Thursday, March 31, 2016
Monday, March 28, 2016
The Last Word
This place is amazing! As good as it gets.
It is a little pricey, but its Downtown! What would you expect? Really, the price isn't that different from most (good) cocktail bars in the area. Drinks range from $8-$13 dollars with some shot specials. Typical prices.
I have visited this bar many times before, once on New Years, which despise being slammed were friendly and helpful to those that they were serving.
Usually I go into the bar when Happy Hour is over, which is from 4-7 offering 5 dollar cocktails (three to choose from). During the off Happy Hour Hours that i have visited I've ordered a drink called Stage Dives and Fist Fights.....which might be the best thing in the world. It is the perfect balance or spirits coming together in one cocktail. I'm not a big Mezcal fan, but this drink makes me eat my words, (or drink them, in this case.)
This past visit, i actually made it in time for a happy hour, which included a Slow and Low Old Fashion. Which. Was Amazing. The Slow and low is on tap at the Bar right now (the spirit on tap does rotate). And the Old Fashioned it's made with is excellent. The bartenders are friendly, and there is food in case you get hungry!
I wish the Happy hour applied to the cocktails on the menu. but it doesn't. and yet they are still amazing. Besides the Stage Dives and Fist Fights, I've had friends order other cocktails, but I to be honest, It was New Years and I dont really remember what we got, or how good it was. When i visited during this past Happy Hour though, there were other consumers there that were trying the Cocktails off the menu, and there is absolutely no shortage of creativity in the presentation of the concoctions. The Apex Predator is served in a Tiki Glass, and actually comes served on a plate with a little garnish. This place has mad plating skills. It actually made me want to spring the money on the most expensive cocktail on he menu. Budget, however, says that I have to wait. (Maybe when the Income tax check arrives I can order it?)
All in All. GO TO THIS BAR. GET ALL THE DRINKS. The menu is seasonal (as it is as most bars), and is subject to change. SO ACT NOW.
Everything Ranges on a scale of 1-5!
Price: 3
Atmosphere: 5
Staff: 5
Happy Hour: 5
(Monday - Friday 5-7, offering $5 cocktails (Old Fashion, Gimlet, and one other...) and House Wine)
Food: Yes
-Drinking In S.A.
Tavern Wench signing off.
Monday, March 21, 2016
Francis Bogside
Alright Ya'll! Here we are! The first review of the blog! decided to start it out with a Blog that celebrates Irish culture and atmosphere (since I am Irish after all.) It's a nice bar off of St. Mary's in Southtown Area.
Francis Bogside is a great bar. The bartenders here are nice, and they serve some damn good cocktails. Though they have a Happy Hour, prices are still kind of high. They have cocktails ranging from $8-$12. Which is standard for Cocktail Bars, especially in this part of the City. The atmosphere is very chill, reminiscent of an Old Fancy Pub.
I've come here on two separate occasions, once the place was packed on a Tuesday. PACKED. On a TUESDAY?!? It wasn't the bars fault, some office or something decided to make that their place to inhabit for the night and unwind, for some strange reason. The crowd was loud, and drunk. The bartenders seemed mildly annoyed, but there wasn't really anything that they could do about it, except be friendly to all those that were int he bar and offer great service to everyone, which they did. It was just weird for a Tuesday. On this occasion was when I ordered some of their food, they have AMAZING poutine fries. I've heard a lot of the other things on their menu are also hits, but this was the only thing I got that night. Besides the Crowd, the way the Bartenders interacted with one of the bar backs was very strange....at first it seemed like they were joking and picking on the bar back in a friendly way......then the bar back got mad and retaliated, which was when one of the managers/bartenders, put the bar back in his place. It was also very awkward to watch.....while the manager tried to keep voice levels down, (and the large crowd there that night did assist in that), this interaction occurred right in front of me at the bar.....The drink was good though, the food was good, other than that interaction the servers were nice to me, so I couldn't complain. A place I would for sure come back to.
Which I did. The next time I went into the quaint Irish Pub was about a month and a half after the first experience. It was a Monday, I was in the area, and I knew from my last visit that they had Happy Hour all day! So i stopped in.
This time I was pleased to find that there was not a large office party occurring in the bar, though it was kinda of busy, it seemed to be mostly couples and small groups of friends that kept to themselves. I took a seat at the end of the bar, ordered an Irish Old Fashion, and for the most part kept to myself. I looked around, seeing if I could find the bar back from the previous visit, I didn't see him. Which could mean that he wasn't scheduled, or that he for some reason or another was no longer working at the establishment. The bartender was very nice. The Old Fashion with an Irish Twist, was good. I've had better, but i'm not the biggest fan or Irish Whiskey (I prefer Bourbon) so maybe that was why. The drink, I have to mention, came with the Maraschino Cherry, and instead of having it served on a Skewer, typical of Bars, it was served on a PLASTIC SCREW! I loved this twist (get it? get it?) and thought it was very unique and fun. At first, I was going to have just that one drink (a girl has to eat after all!). Then, while sipping my old fashion, a couple started talking to me. It was nice, they were friendly and talked well of the bar and the area. We enjoyed a couple of laughs together and thanks to the extra conversation i decided to stretch my wallet and my time a little further and I ordered a Well Drink, since that was also part of the Happy Hour.
They left shortly after, I finished my drink, asked for my bill, and realized that a well drink costs 6 dollars! Which....is pretty expensive for Well when the Craft cocktails are the same price during Happy hour. (And Jameson is ALWAYS $4!) So after being a little shocked, I tried to pay my tab. I say try, because for some reason the bartenders disappeared.....It took me about 5 minutes to finally see one of them poke their had from out of the back, and come swipe my card and close out my tab. A great manager once told me that you can have the best experience, but if you stand around when you are done waiting to pay, it can turn the whole visit sour.
All in all, Francis Bogside is a a good bar. They need to work a little on the mannerisms that the staff gives off (dont be in the back for 5 minutes, dont reprimand staff members right in front of guests). They also might want to look at well prices? But they do have a beautiful bar, in a great location,, with friendly people, good food, and quality drinks and cocktails going for them. So if you want a chill place, with good ambiance and drinks, pay them a visit. Just make sure there isn't a large business party, and if its Happy Hour? Stick with a cocktail or a Draft.
Price:3
Atmosphere:5
Staff:4
Happy Hour: 3
(Monday All Day Tues-Fri 4-7 get $6 Irish Old Fashion, Ivy Gimlet, or Pimm's Cup and $1 off all wells and drafts)
Food: Yes.
Drinking in SA.
There are lots of things going on around this bar, and happenings at the bar itself. Make sure to follow them on Instagram so you can stay up to date on all they have! (i'm talking Patty's Day celebrations, Goat Roasts, and much more!). If you want something sweet while you are there, you should definitely check this place out on Sunday afternoons were a local Baker is serving doughnuts at this lovely establishment!
Everything Ranges on a scale of 1-5!
Overall: 4
Would I go back? Yes.....I already have.....
Website
Tavern Wench. OUT.
Francis Bogside is a great bar. The bartenders here are nice, and they serve some damn good cocktails. Though they have a Happy Hour, prices are still kind of high. They have cocktails ranging from $8-$12. Which is standard for Cocktail Bars, especially in this part of the City. The atmosphere is very chill, reminiscent of an Old Fancy Pub.
I've come here on two separate occasions, once the place was packed on a Tuesday. PACKED. On a TUESDAY?!? It wasn't the bars fault, some office or something decided to make that their place to inhabit for the night and unwind, for some strange reason. The crowd was loud, and drunk. The bartenders seemed mildly annoyed, but there wasn't really anything that they could do about it, except be friendly to all those that were int he bar and offer great service to everyone, which they did. It was just weird for a Tuesday. On this occasion was when I ordered some of their food, they have AMAZING poutine fries. I've heard a lot of the other things on their menu are also hits, but this was the only thing I got that night. Besides the Crowd, the way the Bartenders interacted with one of the bar backs was very strange....at first it seemed like they were joking and picking on the bar back in a friendly way......then the bar back got mad and retaliated, which was when one of the managers/bartenders, put the bar back in his place. It was also very awkward to watch.....while the manager tried to keep voice levels down, (and the large crowd there that night did assist in that), this interaction occurred right in front of me at the bar.....The drink was good though, the food was good, other than that interaction the servers were nice to me, so I couldn't complain. A place I would for sure come back to.
Which I did. The next time I went into the quaint Irish Pub was about a month and a half after the first experience. It was a Monday, I was in the area, and I knew from my last visit that they had Happy Hour all day! So i stopped in.
This time I was pleased to find that there was not a large office party occurring in the bar, though it was kinda of busy, it seemed to be mostly couples and small groups of friends that kept to themselves. I took a seat at the end of the bar, ordered an Irish Old Fashion, and for the most part kept to myself. I looked around, seeing if I could find the bar back from the previous visit, I didn't see him. Which could mean that he wasn't scheduled, or that he for some reason or another was no longer working at the establishment. The bartender was very nice. The Old Fashion with an Irish Twist, was good. I've had better, but i'm not the biggest fan or Irish Whiskey (I prefer Bourbon) so maybe that was why. The drink, I have to mention, came with the Maraschino Cherry, and instead of having it served on a Skewer, typical of Bars, it was served on a PLASTIC SCREW! I loved this twist (get it? get it?) and thought it was very unique and fun. At first, I was going to have just that one drink (a girl has to eat after all!). Then, while sipping my old fashion, a couple started talking to me. It was nice, they were friendly and talked well of the bar and the area. We enjoyed a couple of laughs together and thanks to the extra conversation i decided to stretch my wallet and my time a little further and I ordered a Well Drink, since that was also part of the Happy Hour.
They left shortly after, I finished my drink, asked for my bill, and realized that a well drink costs 6 dollars! Which....is pretty expensive for Well when the Craft cocktails are the same price during Happy hour. (And Jameson is ALWAYS $4!) So after being a little shocked, I tried to pay my tab. I say try, because for some reason the bartenders disappeared.....It took me about 5 minutes to finally see one of them poke their had from out of the back, and come swipe my card and close out my tab. A great manager once told me that you can have the best experience, but if you stand around when you are done waiting to pay, it can turn the whole visit sour.
All in all, Francis Bogside is a a good bar. They need to work a little on the mannerisms that the staff gives off (dont be in the back for 5 minutes, dont reprimand staff members right in front of guests). They also might want to look at well prices? But they do have a beautiful bar, in a great location,, with friendly people, good food, and quality drinks and cocktails going for them. So if you want a chill place, with good ambiance and drinks, pay them a visit. Just make sure there isn't a large business party, and if its Happy Hour? Stick with a cocktail or a Draft.
Price:3
Atmosphere:5
Staff:4
Happy Hour: 3
(Monday All Day Tues-Fri 4-7 get $6 Irish Old Fashion, Ivy Gimlet, or Pimm's Cup and $1 off all wells and drafts)
Food: Yes.
Drinking in SA.
(Menu)
(Irish Old Fashion)
(Happy Hour Menu)
There are lots of things going on around this bar, and happenings at the bar itself. Make sure to follow them on Instagram so you can stay up to date on all they have! (i'm talking Patty's Day celebrations, Goat Roasts, and much more!). If you want something sweet while you are there, you should definitely check this place out on Sunday afternoons were a local Baker is serving doughnuts at this lovely establishment!
Everything Ranges on a scale of 1-5!
Overall: 4
Would I go back? Yes.....I already have.....
Website
Tavern Wench. OUT.
Tuesday, March 15, 2016
The Pitch...
COME ONE AND COME ALL TO THE ONE STOP HAPPY HOUR GUIDE TO DRINKING IN SAN ANTONIO.
After two years after trying and researching and going to literally DOZENS of different websites I got fed up with how hard it was to find a Happy Hour guide in San Antonio. I wanted a website that would tell me what and where the deals were in San Antonio, so that I could decide what place I wanted to venture to that night!
After wondering why San Antonio didn't have a spot or site like this, (or at least one that was user friendly) I decided, why not make my own?!? So I am.
This first installment is to Introduce who I am and what this is going to be. Not only will it be a list of the Happy Hours in San Antonio (which will be the next entry), it will also be a blog that reviews the Bars and the Happy Hours, posts pictures from my ventures there and shares the ups and the downs of the bars in this cultural and diverse city.
The reviews themselves will consist of either video reviews and blog entrees, or (for those days I'm not wearing make up....) will be written reviews. Those that are written reviews will follow the same prompt for every establishment that is visited, where I give an overall rate, a price rate, an atmosphere, a staff, and a Happy Hour Rating. Along withe the Happy Hour rating, the happy hour details will be included. Thrown in here there might also be some special segments about making cocktails and different recipes that enable you to turn YOUR HOME into a Happy Hour! (What? My house? With my cat? In my PJ's? I't can't be!) I mean after all, the reason we look for Happy Hours and NEED this site is because we all have empty wallets and want to get a real bang for our buck. There is not a better way to do that then by saving money drinking at home! With that being said though, just like with cooking, it's nice to have someone else make drinks for us.
Anywho, the name of this blog will be Drinking In S.A. We will be drinking.....at Happy Hours....here, in SA. We will also be drinking in our houses in S.A. We will ALSO be experiencing and DRINKING IN (get it?) everything this lovely city has to offer. So I hope you follow along as I journey to all the Happy Hours! And if you visit one, let me know what you think! I'd love to hear from you! You can also follow me on Instagram, where I will post photos before I likely get around to the reviews. The Instagram is RinnWench.
Until next time,
The Tavern Wench.
(Yeah, that's gunna be my pen name, wanna fight about it?)
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