The stuffed beasts hanging from the wall and standing on the bar reminded me that this was quite the man's hang out in its time. There are stories of gangsters and prostitutes and lots of shady business. By the time the place closed down in 2008, things were pretty dilapidated. What a treat that the current owner rescued the place and reopened in 2011.
Food! Luckily Esquire's is not just a bar anymore. Our casual, yet knowledgable waiter brought us our vintage looking menus and a chilled bottle of water with sliced lemon. It was a treat to have good service and tasty food options, in this authentic old tavern. I'm sure the smell of cigars and stale booze is absorbed in the walls somewhere, but it was the food I smelled that night. |
Salad and Chile Relleno I was tempted by the fried corn on the cob, fried pickles, deviled eggs and boiled peanuts on the menu. But we ended up splitting a garden salad and Chile Relleno, made with yummy pulled pork and ancho chiles. That $6.00 salad was huge and delicious. It was the perfect amount with a couple cold beers. |
Favorite Place I've been intrigued by restaurant bathrooms since childhood, when I was finally old enough to venture on my own. I used to love spotting anything unusual that I could report to my family back at the table. This wonderful "Ladies Room" at the Tavern was my favorite. The frosted glass on the door, the wonderful walls with paneled wood and burgundy wallpaper... the tile with snake skin pattern and oh my... a stuffed otter right above the door! I returned to the table with a glowing report. |
River Walk Dining Funny, I'd forgotten that the Tavern was even on the river, until heading back to the hotel. For most out-of-towners, San Antonio is all about the Alamo and the River Walk. I'm a sucker for a margarita by the water, but it really was a treat to try something completely different... away from the usual tourist crowd! |