San Antonio’s bar and restaurant scene is full of intrigue in January as a mysterious new bar teases an opening on Blanco Road. Elsewhere, Alamo City’s Michelin-recognized heavyweights are coming together for a cause, and rodeo season begins with the return of a popular pop-up. Read on for more essential San Antonio dining news.
Openings
A mysterious new concept named Bleu Bar is opening near San Pedro Springs Park at 100 Blanco Rd. According to Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) filings, the small 3,543-square-foot concept will finish its buildout by January 2027. From there, the facts get a little murkier. Whether the watering hole is devoted to bleu cheese, Chanel perfumes, or just likes the color is yet to be seen. The spot has yet to establish a web or social media presence.
High Praise at the InterContinental San Antonio is back on its yeehaw vibes. Ahead of rodeo season, the rooftop bar is once again transforming into The Dusty Diamond, a cowboy-chic pop-up with Western decor, a mechanical bull, and a custom hat bar. Guests can also saddle up for themed drinks and bites like wagyu chili cups, buttermilk-fried pickles, and Boots Stop Working made with vodka, Cointreau, raspberry, lemon, and rose. The pop-up runs February 12 through March 1.
Sandwich chain Jason’s Deli is swooping in to open its latest outpost in the former home of Genghis Grill at 8214 Agora Pkwy. According to TDLR paperwork, the restaurant aims to wrap up renovation by October. Once open, it will be the fifth location for the fast-casual franchise.
Mudbugs are back at Smashin Crab.Smashin Crab/ Facebook
Other news and notes
Hotel Emma has assembled a (Michelin) star-studded lineup for its latest collaborative dinner held at 6:30 p.m. on January 30. Southerleigh, Ladino, Isidore, Nicosi, Mezquite, Mixtli, Leche de Tigre, and The Jerk Shack — all honorees of the 2026 Michelin Guide — will band together to raise funds to benefit ultra-accessible theme park Morgan’s Wonderland. Tickets are $175.
Ambler Texas Kitchen + Cocktails in Hotel Contessa has appointed a new executive chef. Katie Lopez has held leadership roles at high-end hotel restaurants throughout the U.S. and was crowned Marriott’s Masters of the Craft southeast regional winner in 2019, an intercompany contest highlighting the best culinary talent of the brand. Foodies should be on the lookout for a few changes to the menu — Lopez plans to introduce a few new dishes inspired by Guatemalan and East Coast flavors.
Crawfish is back at all three locations of Smashin Crab while supplies last. The popular mini-chain will be selling mudbugs at $16 per pound or $10 for a half-pound, along with two specially curated boils. If seafood isn’t the vibe, the restaurants are also introducing yakamein, the legendary Creole-Asian soup known as “Old Sober” for its ability to heal a hangover in a flash.