OUR PICK: Low Country, 318 Martinez St., (210) 560-2224, facebook.com/lowcountrysa
Now, before anyone gets their chaps in a bunch, we understand fully that Lowcountry, the quaint and relatively new watering hole on Martinez Street, is not a country bar in the overblown sense of Cowboys or Midnight Rodeo. But, in a manner that’s somehow a touch more refined and rustic all at once, Lowcountry hits the sweet spot with its potent drink selection, its Southern snacks (i.e. pickled eggs and boiled peanuts), its Americana house music, and its modest, warm décor, which looks a bit like the way I imagine my great aunt’s house in Goliad must have looked — potted plants, dusty knickknacks, a porch made for reverie. Of course, the place is a bit hipster, but all that means to us is that maybe it’s finally hip to be a kicker again in Texas. The spot also offers occasional live music of the consistently excellent variety and a pleasantly laid-back mood. Hell, during happy hour (4-7pm), you can snag a beer/shot combo (“A Shot and a Wash”) for four bucks. In the immortal words of outlaw country firebrand David Allan Coe: “If that ain’t country, I’ll kiss your ass.”
OUR PICK: Chisme, 2403 N. St. Mary’s St., (210) 530-4236, eatchisme.com
Since opening last fall, Chisme’s gained a solid following. It could have something to do with its superb happy hour offerings or perhaps its delightful brunch, or we could point to the micheladas available for both of these time slots. Created by bar manager Esteban Medina who has been with the Empty Stomach Group since 2015, the michelada is citrusy without being too tart, spicy without destroying your sinuses and it’s a great value at $8 for 32 ounces. The restaurant goes through so much Modelo on draft, they land as No. 2 for the entire city when it comes to selling the imported brew. Though he won’t disclose his secret recipe, Medina pointed to the use of umami-filled ingredients in his balanced “michi” that’ll have you reaching for another. At $5 a pop during happy hour daily from 4 to 6 p.m. (and all night on Tuesdays), you can reach for another without breaking the bank.