After the Amp Room and Faust Brewing announced impending closures, San Antonio’s bar scene could use a stiff drink on the last weekend of September. Luckily, a hush-hush speakeasy and a bubbly new lounge have popped up to offer some consolation. Elsewhere, a cult pizza chain is making its Cibolo debut, and the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo is sneaking a few sips on its own. Read on for more essential San Antonio restaurant news.
Openings
A new speakeasy-style bar has tiptoed into Stone Oak. The Hush Room is now open at 19160 Stone Oak Pkwy. #104, offering Prohibition-era cocktails and a loungey environment with club chairs and banquettes. The spot also hosts not-so-quiet deejays and has a large outdoor patio with a more sports bar feel. Hours are 4 pm-2 am, Monday through Saturday, and noon-2 am, Sunday.
When we last checked in with Government Hill bar Bubbles & Bourbon, it was undergoing construction. As of September 25, it is officially open — and they brought in a lot more pink. The color is splashed throughout the interior, from a snakeskin modular sofa to a selfie swing backdropped with hundreds of silk petals. The sparkly concept is the latest from Ingram Bar Group, the company behind the Angry Elephant and Broadway 5050. Revelers can check it out at 1417 Austin St. from 3 pm-2 am, Monday through Friday and Saturday, and Sunday, noon-2 am.
Chicago-style tavern pizza chain Crust Pizza Co. has announced the opening date of its first San Antonio-area restaurant. The pizzeria at 813 Cibolo Valley #170 in Cibolo will debut on October 4. After a ribbon cutting at 10:50 am, doors will open at 11 am. Guests can expect swag, a deejay, and giveaways. The first five guests will win a complimentary pizza every week for a year, and 95 others will receive one free pie over 12 months, according to the chain’s rep.
The 15th annual International Wine Competition kicks off September 29.Wine & Rodeo/ Facebook
Other news and notes
The San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo’s 15th annual International Wine Competition will be held September 29-30 at the Freeman Coliseum grounds. The heated match draws some of the world’s top wine experts to judge fine wine in support of youth education and agricultural advancement. Locals will have the chance to taste the winners during the Champion Wine Auction Dinner held January 7, 2026. Tickets will go on sale soon.
St. Paul Square and The Espee are amping up with Friday Night Live, a free weekly event series running through the holiday season. Each edition has a different attraction, including a show from indie punk faves Daisy Killers on September 26, a Spurs watch party on October 10, and a night market on October 17.
Fresh off the heels of hiring former Periphery chef Mark Weaver as the Director of Culinary Programming, the San Antonio Botanical Garden is launching a weekly beer stroll throughout October. The beer garden pop-up, held every weekend of the month, will feature brews, wine, live acoustic music, concessions, and a variety of interactive activities.