Situated next to Stonewerks in the Quarry Shopping Center of Alamo Heights is the Quarry Hofbrau and Beer Garden. If you have lived in San Antonio any small amount of time, you probably know this as the “cursed location” because it seems impossible for any restaurant or business to last any substantial time. I decided to drop by and check it out with a friend after work one day.
Anyone expecting something similar to Munich’s Hofbrauhaus would be remiss, the inside is more like a hunting lodge on a Texas Ranch. I have to admit, given the name I was expecting something more German (there is not really any German food on the menu), but the owners really went all out with the atmosphere and put a lot of work into it. There are a lot of bucks and other wildlife mounted on the walls and a huge stone fireplace that ties the restaurant together and gives it a nice feel.
The server started out by placing a basket of bread with butter that had fruit and nuts in it. I have to admit, the taste was a little foreign at first, but it really grew on me. However, if you don’t like it, just be sure to ask your waiter for a side of plain butter.
I was in the mood for a hamburger and ordered the Pepper Jack Bacon Melt. The burger comes with pepper jack cheese, honey chipotle bacon, jalapeños, and a jalapeño cheddar bun. When I got the burger, I was immediately impressed, and one bite sold me on the fact that this is one of the best burgers in San Antonio. The bun was sweet and had a nice soft texture and those fried jalapeños provided a good kick while providing a crunchiness that I really liked. This all mixed well with the thick slabs of bacon that were cooked perfectly for a burger, not too crispy and not too soggy.
Equally good was the fries; they were thick cut and you could tell they were fresh. Yes, $10 might be a little much for a burger, but I tell you what, this burger is worth it!
Finally, while I didn’t get to try one (I had ordered a Shiner), I want to mention something that looked interesting. They serve these huge schooners of margaritas with an upside down beer in them. I saw this as I was finishing up my meal and had to ask my waiter about it. I forgot the name (just ask your server), but he assured me that they were awesome and the best kind are made with Dos Equis Amber. He said they are quite potent, something like being equivalent to 3-4 drinks, so if you get one make sure your group has a Designated Driver! Needless to say, I am DEFINITELY getting one the next time out there.
Hopefully the Quarry Hofbrau and Beer Garden will overturn the curse of that building, but be sure to do your part and get out there and snag one of the best burgers in town!
Value: 8.5/10 (a little on the expensive side, but worth the price)
Atmosphere: 10/10 (awesome Texas Ranch lodge kind of feel)
Service: 9/10 (extremely friendly, helpful at explaining the menu, and quick)
Taste: 9.5/10 (they try to do something different with the bread and butter before the meal that is a little funky and initially it was strange but grew on me; if you don’t like the butter with fruit and nuts ask for a plain version of it to make sure you get off on the right step; the hamburger just busted out with flavor, from the meat, bacon, and jalapeños on it; really solid!)
Website: http://quarryhofbrau.com/
Facebook: Quarry Hofbrau and Beer Garden on Facebook
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