The rumor is true; everything is BIGGER in Texas ๐ OK, though this rumor may be true, I am actually referring to the craft beer scene. Before visiting San Antonio I was warned of some of the ridiculous laws still in effect in Texas that make it difficult for craft breweries to grow and expand.
Craft beer and specifically TX craft beer was not readily available. Thirsty Planet and Jester King are two breweries in Austin that were recommended to me but I was not able to find them in San Antonio. Even the draft selection at restaurants and bars was slim with Shiner invading the majority of taps.
Fortunately, there were a few craft beers I was able to get my hands on. Saint Arnold Brewing (Houston, TX) is Texas’ Oldest Craft Brewery. The IPA was enjoyable and the Fancy Lawnmower, which is a German-style Kolsch, was pretty tasty and refreshing.
Real Ale Brewing (Blanco, TX) was another craft brewery available in bottles at the liquor store. Since they were out of the sampler I only got to try the Lost Gold IPA and the Devil’s Backbone.
The Lost Gold IPA was massively hoppy. This would only be enjoyable for us crazy hopheads ๐ The Devil’s Backbone was a Belgian-style tripel that was very well done. It’s name comes from the scenic ridge that runs between Blanco and Wimberley. Now I want to visit!
Though the craft beer was slim, the Mexican food was not. Typically I don’t enjoy enchiladas but apparently I just haven’t had good authentic ones ๐ The salsa verdes atop the enchiladas was delicious! And I usually don’t like the beans and rice that come with most meals but these beans were slow-cooked and amazing.
The beautiful River Walk also made up for the lack in beer. The weather was nice while we were there and everyday we got to walk along the river.
There were restaurants and shops all along the river. As we ate outside we could watch the silly ducks playing.
Cute, little, fuzzy ducklings!
Boudro’s Texas Bistro
Boudro’s Texas Bistro was a great place to eat. For the starters they suggest different beverages with one of them being the Prickly Pear Margarita. It was so beautiful I had to get it, even though it was lunch time ๐
We started with the Blue Crab Tostada which was a huge portion. It was Gulf Coast crab in a tortilla shell with melted jack cheese and avocado.
Seafood was the theme this day since I do not get it often in Colorado. The Empanada Langosta was lobster tail with a pepper jack cheese and spinach empanada with avocado and a Crรจme fraรฎche and red pepper chipotle beurre blanc (“white butter”). I did not know what some of those words meant but the sauce was amazing!
Since we enjoyed Boudro’s so much, we went again the next day ๐ Due to an enchiladas kick, I ordered the Chicken Enchiladas Verdes. This was also good but I liked the verdes sauce that I had previously better.
The Station Cafe
For a more relaxed and laid back option, check out The Station Cafe. It was a gas station in its former life so the patio is set where the gas pumps used to be. Craft beer was served here but only a couple Texas beers were available.
The Station Cafe had sandwiches and pizza. The sandwiches were very delicious with fresh baked bread. The Turkey Chupacabra had a sweet and spicy Serrano sauce giving it just the right amount of kick. The Habanero Turkey was a HOT sandwich! The person eating this sandwich literally started sweating ๐
The Alamo
Being in San Antonio, seeing the Alamo was a must…
The humidity was difficult to get used to…my hair is typically very straight yet it kept wanting to curl. Then I tried to curl it one day and it went flat after being outside for 2 minutes ๐
There was no happy medium for my hair but the humidity allows for some awesome trees that I had forgotten how much I miss…you just don’t get these types of trees in Colorado.
Most of my time was spent inside the Convention Center since I was there for a conference but luckily there was a nice area outside…
As a collector of bottle caps, this was a good find! ๐
Music For Your Ears:
~Rumor Has It by Adele
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Wow–what a photo album. That margarita looks like great fun:-) Was it tasty? Thanks for sharing you trip. Nice office-chair travel!
Thank you Liz! I really enjoyed the margarita ๐
Great Captures – thanks for sharing this great city! Happy Tuesday:)
Thank you for stopping by! ๐ Happy Tuesday to you too!
Haha lots of BIG foodie adventures here ๐
Keep having fun!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Love your photos! If you ever make it to Tulsa, let me know. ๐
OK! Will do! ๐ Thanks!
Great photos! We spent 6 weeks in Houston a couple years ago and wanted to go to St Antonio for a weekend but never quite made it…it looks like such a great place to visit! One day….
The Texans do know how to do Mexican, that is for sure…my Mexican palate has now been tainted with the good stuff and nothing else compares!
ha ha ya you should definitely get there sometime! The River Walk was really nice to visit ๐ I love Mexican food so it was a lot of fun!!! Mmmm
Thanks for commenting! ๐
Hands down; one of my favorite places. I have not been there in a long time. Love the river walk! My friends and I went there to visit another friend’s sister and we had such a great time. Best margarita’s ever! There was a restaurant we went to where everyone dressed up as characters. It was so much fun! Love your photos!! Thank you for the memories ๐
Aww, I should have asked you for suggestions before going!! A place where you dress up as characters sounds fun! ๐ The River walk was amazing!