The Where I Live series aims to showcase our diverse city and region by spotlighting its many vibrant neighborhoods. Each week a local resident invites us over and lets us in on what makes their neighborhood special. Have we been to your neighborhood yet? Get in touch to share your story.
Being from Uvalde, visiting San Antonio gave me a taste of city life that I have never outgrown. I can remember walking down Houston Street and ogling the fancy window displays of the department store Frost Brothers, followed by a late lunch at Schilo’s and on into the evening walking the River Walk seeing the sparkling lights at Christmas time while listening to the bells of San Fernando Cathedral.
There was a hustle and bustle that you didn’t find in my small town and it made me want to explore things that were different from where I grew up. I learned to have deep respect for the roots and culture of San Antonio and ventured further to live in downtown San Francisco and New York City for many years, fulfilling that city life dream.
When I returned to San Antonio eight years ago, I knew I couldn’t live anywhere but downtown.
Downtown is the hub for all good things. Central to St. Paul Square, Southtown and the Pearl, I’m within walking distance of museums, restaurants, parks and entertainment. Downtown is great for those looking for a lifestyle that affords everything from scenic walks to arts and culture, history and nightlife.
I like living in the thick of it. As a freelance marketing consultant, I work from home and often from a local café so it’s important to me to get out and mingle with tourists and locals alike. I love the vibrancy of people spilling off the edges of the sidewalk when there’s a show in town and equally love the eerily quiet early mornings on a Sunday when you can have Houston Street to yourself.
I might start off my morning with a concha and coffee from La Panaderia, a delicious bakery with a contemporary take on Mexican pastries that have more butter than anise and a full coat of crusty sugar, the best part. An insider tip: order online and schedule a pickup to avoid the line.
Around midday, I might get another cup of coffee a short drive away at Poetic Republic on South Presa. I love the poetry readings and open mics not to mention the down-to-earth latte with a blend of honey and cinnamon.
By the end of the day, I’m ready for a cocktail at Bohanan’s. I have been a faithful guest there for eight years, and Vidal, Rupert and Giselle know how to make the best, ice-cold, skating martinis.
What I love about Bohanan’s is the dark wood bar downstairs, the cozy library, live music on the weekends and the polished hospitality. There is no cover for the music on weekends, and the atmosphere is chic and classy. It gets particularly full if there is a show in town, so check the schedule or go early — but don’t take my seat at the end of the bar by the well.
The other thing I love about downtown is the fact that there is always something new. I might take in a show at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, Majestic Theatre, Jazz TX or the Carver Cultural Center. I might try a new bar or restaurant. I’m looking forward to trying The Rose, a new live music, light bites and cocktail-forward bar walking distance from my home.
On any given day, I might be up for a short walk to the San Antonio Museum of Art for an exhibit and stop at Tia’s Taco Hut along the way. They have the fluffiest flour tortillas and thick homemade corn tortillas.
I love so much about being back in San Antonio. It is filled with vibrancy and warmth and, while the cityscape may be twinkling with lights, history and beauty, it is the people that make up this great city.
Centro does a great job of making our downtown clean, friendly and safe with ambassadors and staff to make everyone feel welcome. I have made numerous friends just sitting at local places and striking up a conversation.
When not out and about, I enjoy the view from my apartment and share it with friends by hosting dinner parties where I can share some southern hospitality and a good meal.
Downtown living in San Antonio feeds my cultural soul for arts and culture and lets me be me.
