A Guide to Living in San Antonio (Feb. 6th - Feb. 12th)
Hey y’all,
Cory here.
This week’s edition is packed with picks for the weekend, a feature to help you lock in the perfect Valentine’s Day reservation, and a Texas Nature Journal entry highlighting an event where you can give back to San Antonio’s waterways.
Let’s dive in.
❤️ Feature of the Week: Valentine’s Day Reservations Worth Booking
With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, it’s time to lock in your dinner plans. Whether you’re looking for an intimate, candlelit evening or a lively, creative dining experience, these spots offer class, generous service, and a touch of intrigue—ideal for a great date night.
🌹 Maverick Texas Brasserie – Modern French-Texan Brasserie
🔥 Vibe: Stylish, open-kitchen energy with a strong wine and cocktail game.
💰 Cost: $$$ | 👔 Formality: Smart casual
🌸 Best Quality Daughter – Playful & Creative Asian-American Cuisine
🔥 Vibe: Whimsical and vibrant, with bold flavors and great cocktails.
💰 Cost: $$-$$$ | 👔 Formality: Fun casual
🧡 Magpie – Globally-Inspired Bistro
🔥 Vibe: Cozy, warm, and intimate—a neighborhood gem.
💰 Cost: $$-$$$ | 👔 Formality: Smart casual
🔥 Ladino – Mediterranean Wood-Fired Magic
🔥 Vibe: Sleek yet welcoming, with a house-made pita and a shareable menu.
💰 Cost: $$$ | 👔 Formality: Upscale casual
🇫🇷 Brasserie Mon Chou Chou – Classic French Bistro
🔥 Vibe: Romantic, lively, and unmistakably French.
💰 Cost: $$$ | 👔 Formality: Business casual
🌿 La Fonda on Main – Historic San Antonio Elegance
🔥 Vibe: Candlelit patio dining with classic Tex-Mex and interior Mexican dishes.
💰 Cost: $$-$$$ | 👔 Formality: Casual chic
Wherever you go, book sooner rather than later—these spots will fill up fast! 💕 🍷
📆 This Week's Picks:
🐎 San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo – February 6–23, 2025
If the rodeo is your thing, you’re in luck—San Antonio has one of the best in the country! Kicking off today, Thursday, February 6, and running through February 23, the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo brings nearly three weeks of rodeo action, live concerts, livestock events, a fairground full of food and entertainment, and more.
🎟 Tickets & Info: sarodeo.com
With a history dating back to 1949, this event attracts 1.5 million visitors annually and is one of the city’s largest celebrations. Whether you’re here for the rodeo competitions, the big-name musical acts, or just the fair food, there’s something for everyone.
If you’re interested, be sure to check the concert lineup and event schedule at sarodeo.com.
🩸 Will You Be My Bloody Valentine at Burleson Yard Beer Garden
Looking for an alternative Valentine’s celebration?T he Bloody Valentine event at Burleson Yard Beer Garden will feature a lineup of artist vendors selling unique handmade goods, along with live screen printing of an exclusive event design. Guests can snap photos at the photo booth, enjoy a variety of food, drinks, and treats, and keep the energy up with a live DJ spinning throughout the night.
📍Where: Burleson Yard Beer Garden
📆 When: Saturday, February 8 from 5 PM – 10 PM
🎟️ Cost: Free
🛍️ 2024 Sidewalk Sale at The Pearl
Get ready to shop local and score great deals at the annual Sidewalk Sale at The Pearl! This two-day event features deep discounts on clothing, accessories, and unique goods from some of Pearl’s top shops. It’s the perfect chance to browse and support local businesses while refreshing your wardrobe or finding a one-of-a-kind gift.
📅 When: Thursday, February 6 – Friday, February 7, 2024
📍 Where: The Pearl, 303 Pearl Pkwy, San Antonio, TX
💰 Cost: Free to attend
🛒 Participating Shops: Leelee, Niche, Feliz Modern, Rancho Diaz, The Tiny Finch, Dos Carolinas, Ruby Road Gems, The Twig Book Shop, Ten Thousand Villages, and Adelante Boutique.
🥖 Vendor Market at Casa Hernan
Join Rising Rootopia and other local vendors for a special market event this Sunday, February 9, at Casa Hernan Mexican Cantina in Southtown. Expect a selection of fresh sourdough breads, baked goods, and more from some of San Antonio’s best artisan vendors.
📍 Where: Casa Hernan Mexican Cantina, 411 E. Cevallos St.
⏰ When: Sunday, February 9, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
💰 Cost: Free to attend
🎧 One Watch/Listen: Will the Immigration Crackdown Impact San Antonio? A Legal Expert Weighs In
WATCH/LISTEN HERERe-Discover Downtown San Antonio with SiDECARS 🏍️✨
If you think you’ve seen all that downtown San Antonio has to offer, think again! This week, we’re inviting you to re-discover the city in a whole new way—with SiDECARS, a unique Vespa-powered experience that lets you soak in the sights with the wind in your hair and a local guide at the wheel.
SiDECARS offers a 1.5-hour tour that takes you through some of San Antonio’s most iconic and historic locations, including:
- The Alamo
- The River Walk
- Historic Market Square
- San Fernando Cathedral
- King William Historic District
- Pearl Brewery and more!
Along the way, you’ll get insider recommendations, snap plenty of photos, and even enjoy Tex-Mex tacos and refreshments at a scenic picnic stop.
🚀 How to Book:
• Tours are $160 per person
• Start at The Pearl Stable (307 Pearl Pkwy, San Antonio, TX 78215)
• Each Vespa carries 1 guest in the SiDECAR, up to 4 guests total
👉 Book your ride at San Antonio SiDECARS
Whether you’re a local looking for a fresh way to see the city or hosting visitors and want to show them San Antonio in style, SiDECARS offers an unforgettable ride through the heart of the city. 🚀
Would you hop in for a ride? Let me know if you’ve tried this or plan to! While each side car can only fit one guest, I can't help but think this is an interesting date idea, no?
💧 Texas Nature Journal: Basura Bash & Keeping SA’s Waterways Clean
San Antonio’s annual Basura Bash is back for its 30th year, and if you care about the health of our local creeks and rivers, this is one of the most impactful ways to get involved. a
Taking place on February 22, 2025, this massive cleanup event rallies thousands of volunteers to remove trash from key waterways across the city. Registration is now open—sign up solo or as a group to take part in this vital effort! Register here.
This isn’t just about picking up litter for a day. It’s about reconnecting with our rivers, understanding their role in our ecosystem, and restoring the beauty of our natural spaces.
If you want to get a deeper look at the ongoing fight to keep San Antonio’s waterways clean, check out our Ensemble Texas podcast feature with River Aid San Antonio, the nonprofit behind Basura Bash. Their work extends far beyond this annual event, focusing on long-term solutions like trash traps and community education.
So if you’ve been looking for a way to give back to San Antonio’s natural spaces, this is it. Grab some gloves, rally some friends, and make a difference on February 22nd. 🌊♻️
If you check out any of this week’s events or take a recommendation from the list, I’d love to hear about it! Hit reply and let me know what caught your attention—whether it was a great meal, an interesting event, or something unexpected along the way.
And if you’re enjoying this newsletter, consider sharing it with a friend, a fellow San Antonian, or anyone who loves staying connected to the city. A personal recommendation goes a long way in helping more people discover and appreciate what makes this place special.
Lastly, if you or your business want to support local storytelling and reach engaged San Antonians, let’s chat. Reply to this email or reach out at sponsor@ensembletexas.com to start the conversation.
Until next time,
Cory
