Photo by Mike Sutter /San Antonio Express-News
San Antonio Express News
When it comes to classic cocktails, the craft cocktail scene has plateaued. At this point, how much better can a sidecar or old fashioned get, really?Some San Antonio bars have blazed on in a new direction that still respects classic technique while finding new flavors to delight their patrons.
Here are the 10 best.
Photo: Jacqueline Fierro / Giant Noise
San Antonio Express News
Hanzo, a Japanese, izakaya-style bar, opened less than a year ago but is already a neighborhood favorite, its bravado with its drinks and decor winning over Alamo Heights. Jasmine tea, matcha and yuzu wine play well with traditional booze for a cocktail menu full of Asian twists and funny, punny names like Miso Hungry and Shiso Thursty.
Photo by @txtroublemaker
SA Current
It’s a beautifully executed, stirred drink, in which the vanilla first prevails, that shows more bitter Cynar with time — and that’s fine with me.
Instagram/@drinking.in.sa
SA Current
If you didn't have a reason before to visit Hanzo, the newly opened Alamo Heights bar, now you do. The latest bar concept from Steve Mahoney, is now hosting two happy hours.
Photo by Xelina Flores
MySA.com
Tucked away in the nucleus of a shopping center off Broadway, Hanzo is a gastropub that dishes up Japanese-style appetizers and drinks with unexpected cultural and flavor twists.
Photo by Jacqueline Fierro
San Antonio Current
Hanzo is both more colorful (consider the “scales” opposite the bar) than most Mahoney operations — and more thematically focused. And that focus snaps into special sharpness with the drink menu created by crazy-creative cocktailian Nick Kenna. Brush up on your Asian-themed movie references (Kill Bill, for example).
La PrenSA
Inspired by the idea of an Izakaya, a type of informal Japanese gastro pub, Hanzo is a casual neighborhood spot for after-work happy hours, weekend and late night drinks, as well as light bites. The cocktail program incorporates a range of Japanese ingredients such as matcha and miso, as well as a selection of Japanese beers and sake.
San Antonio Current
Developed by Steve Mahoney, whose other bar concepts include George's Keep, Blue Box Bar and the Green Lantern, Hanzo aims to be a casual hangout where folks can grab happy hour and late night drinks, as well as light bites.
My San Antonio
"A taste of the Japanese izakaya life is coming to the Alamo Heights area Thursday when Hanzo opens on Broadway, bringing craft cocktails and small bites in the style of a Japanese tavern."
San Antonio Magazine
Named on the 2017 San Antonio Bucket List
Hanzo, the latest venture from Steve Mahoney (Blue Box and Francis Bogside), will open in the Alamo Heights area by early summer. Expect an izakaya, or Japanese tavern, concept complete with tempting cocktails and inventive bites.