American Eats: Texas. The Esquire Tavern

I could spill much digital ink about the food in Texas. From the world-famous barbecue at The Salt Lick in Driftwood to the breakfast tacos at La Fiesta in Universal City, everything is bigger in Texas including the opportunity for incredible food.

But instead, I want to talk about a small little tavern just off of the Riverwalk in San Antonio.

The Esquire Tavern first opened in 1933, just after the elimination of Prohibition. Possessing the longest wooden bar in the entire state of Texas. The restaurant still has a 1930’s feel to it, with dark walls, dim lighting, and plenty of wood to go around.

The food, however, is not stuck in the past at all. The food is flavor-forward and bold, with very upscale bar food. Their sandwiches are full of amazing flavors. For example:

• The Tavern Chicken sandwiches takes chicken and puts it on a potato bun with chipotle aioli, lettuce, tomatoes, onions and house pickles.

• The Esquire Cheeseburger is chuck, short rib & brisket patty, topped with white cheedar, lettuce, house aioli, tomato, red onion, house pickles, on a potato bun.

• My personal favorite is the Bison Burger, which is topped with white cheddar, dijon mustard, lettuce, tomato, fried onion strings, and pickled

  jalapeños on that potato bun.

On top of the great food, the beer list is phenomenal with high-quality craft beers on draft and in cans. Plus, if you’re into cocktails, they have you plenty covered as well.

When you go to San Antonio, forget about the tourist traps on the Riverwalk and take a short walk to The Esquire instead.

The Esquire Tavern
155 E Commerce St
San Antonio, TX 78205