The Set-Up

Yup, you read correctly. This gem of a joint serves up sustainable, locally sourced gourmet burgers, tacos, salads, etc. with a side of carwash and laundromat. There’s a bar out back pouring local brews and vino, and a stage for evening entertainment. Place your order at the counter up front by the laundromat, then seat yourself inside at the long string of tables or outside in the shade. It was 102*, and we opted for air conditioning.

The Meal

As we were following the suggestion of the lamb rancher, himself, I ordered the cumin-scented lamb burger on ciabatta with sweet potato fries, and Trent opted for the bison burger with fries and a Rio Blanco Pale Ale. We halved and shared. Unscripted, we both took a bite and grunted through a mouthfull of food, “Oh my god.” And then we scarfed with abandon. Totally sated and in a foodie stupor, we tried to figure out how often we could reasonably pull off the hour and a half drive from our house back to The Cove on a regular basis.

Anyone up for a burger trip to San Antonio? Feel free to pack a laudry bag. This place is super family friendly: beer for Dad, playscape for Junior, and junk food you can feel good about eating.

The Cove
606 W. Cypress
San Antonio, TX
210-227-2683

Enter: Zax Pints and Plates, a restaurant that serves food that makes you feel, well, good. Zax is the restaurant I wish were on every corner, where I could go twice a week for a damn good meal–a sort of updated Cheers meets French bistro, with windows on just about every wall and the living-room feel of original wood floors. It’s the food I would make for myself if I had the time and talent to do so, and I have been known to try to recreate a dish or two.

Real Food

Fresh ingredients, no bull. For lunch, I typically want something filling that won’t weigh me down for the rest of the day. Solution: my choice of luscious, loaded salads, goat cheese and spinach omelet, a bowl of the best tortilla soup in Austin (if it’s cool out), or a cuban sandwich with salad instead of fries, for example.

For dinner, I usually want something I can sink my teeth into and enjoy with a nice glass of pinot noir or a Fireman’s #4. Solution: split a pizza and a house salad with a friend, flat iron steak or big fat pork chops, or go for Mr. Trent’s favorite South Texas Burger, to name a few.

Real Ale

Local microbrews from Austin, Blanco, and Houston grace the taps, and high quality Belgian standards are always on hand. Nice wine selection, too, and of course–the marker by which we judge all good Texas restaurants–they serve Tito’s vodka. They’ve got an awesome happy hour, and Wednesday night is pint night.

Real Staff

I’m always met with a smile. Period. Service is always timely, and my iced tea is always full. Bonus: if you’re fortunate enough to be there for dinner service, keep your eye out for a friendly blonde with a glass of white wine, possibly arranging flowers. This is Chris. Tell her I sent you.