Paris Hatters helps keep the charm of Broadway’s early 20th-century storefronts alive. | Photo by Paul Sableman via Openverse
You’ve likely heard someone say they “miss the old San Antonio.” It’s no secret that we’ve lost beloved restaurants and businesses that shaped our city over the years.
Still, there are local spots where the Alamo City feels frozen in time. From old-school eateries to century-old retailers, these establishments are living pieces of San Antonio’s history.
1917 | Paris Hatters
This world-famous shop’s clientele list features notable names like Bob Dylan, Paul McCartney, President Harry Truman, Waylon Jennings, and Pope John Paul II. Pro tip: When you check out, admire its cash register from the 1930s that requires hand-cranking to open.
1932 | Golden Star Cafe
Golden Star Cafe’s story began when Grandpa “Papa” Lim immigrated to the US from China and began serving his scratch-made pies. A look through the family-owned cafe’s archives reveal its rich history, while a glance at its menu demonstrates how it’s kept diners coming back for nine decades.
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SeaWorld San Antonio will soon be home to the first inverted family roller coaster in Texas. Barracuda Strike will debut in the spring and feature a 90-ft lift, speeds of up to 44 mph, and plenty of thrills, dives, and tight turns. (Amusement Today)
Development
A $350 million residential and business district called The Merc has broken ground near the University of Texas at San Antonio. The 112-acre mixed-use project will include shopping, dining, retail, and 1,600 apartments, with the first openings expected in summer 2026. (San Antonio Report)
Opening
Museo del Westside, the first museum dedicated to history of San Antonio’s West Side, will hold its grand opening celebration this Saturday, Oct. 18. Visit from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for live music, community workshops, and poetry readings. (San Antonio Express-News)
Coming Soon
El Bolillo Bakery is coming to the Alamo City. The Houston-based bakery chain, which Texas Highways called the “Buc-ee’s of panaderías,” will take over the former AllStars Gentlemen’s Sports Club space. Construction is set to wrap in August 2026. (MySA)
Closing
Pour one out for Kunstler Brewing — its Hemisfair Tap Haus will close permanently after its final day of operation on Sunday, Oct. 19. Say goodbye to the taproom during its San Antonio Beer Festival pre- and after-parties on Saturday, Oct. 18.
Shop
Thriftcon will make its first-ever stop in San Antonio from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 8. Over 100 vendors from across the nation will sell vintage clothing, accessories, jewelry, and home goods inside the Freeman Coliseum. Grab tickets.
Biz
Southtown staple The Good Kind has shuttered after six years in operation. Chef and owner Tim McDiarmid said the closure is due to a “combination of reasons” and there are no plans to open another restaurant. (San Antonio Current)
Concert
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Sports
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Health
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Meet San Antonio’s newest hotspot.Elsewhere Too, the “whimsical sister” of Elsewhere Garden Bar & Kitchen, is now open in the North Side.
The six-acre hangout is packed with eye-catching features — think a 52-ft Ferris wheel, immersive art installations, a flower tunnel, fire pits, and a greenhouse for private events.
The menu is just as playful, with dishes like the PB&J Burger, BBQ Ranch Chicken Sandwich, and Chimichurri Fries. Pair your meal with one of the many beers on tap or a boozy lemonade for the full experience.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
If the San Antonio Beer Festival isn’t in your weekend plans, try this: Austin-based Meanwhile Brewing Company will host a pop-up experience tomorrow, Oct. 17 at The Happy Monk to celebrate its expanded distribution in the Alamo City. Grab your friends and head over for beer on tap, live music, and raffles.
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