The Cove
After a long day on the range, you might want to brush the dust off your boots and head into town for some cool, clear water...or dinner, perhaps? When you're in that state of mind, you should consider The Cove. Why, you ask? Because this joint is unlike any honky-tonk I have ever been in.
You still have all the necessities: Neat rows of ice-cold longnecks chill behind glass-front fridges at the bar, and good eats are plentiful and varied. But even better than that is, it is totally delicious and organic!
Apparently, this joint used to be a standard greasy spoon. That is according to longtime Cove bartender Sal Guajardo. Then about six or seven years ago owner Lisa Asvestas closed its doors. She put her foot down, saying she didn't want to be a part of the health problem in America. They reopened to a culinary transformation. Amazing!
So what you have now is the best fish tacos in town. But don't stop there. Try the 09'er burger. It has grilled peppers, goat cheese and pesto. Texas Monthly rated The Cove's burgers the best in San Antonio, and fifth in the State of Texas. Each bite you take will bring that home.
Or maybe your a Texan that prefers greenery. Try one of their organic salads: Warm Beet Salad, Grilled Chicken on Baby Spinach, or a spring mix or spinach salad. You can count on them being delicious, every one of them. Then, wash it down with a tall glass of Hibiscus-mint tea. That's right you can choose: Dos Equis or a more delicately brewed herbal beverage.
The produce is all locally grown and the beef and bison is from Texas ranches.
Yep, this place is what I call an organic honky-tonk. There is absolutely nothing pretentious about the vibe.
Small vases of carnations wilt on long table tops that crowd concrete floors. Rolls of brown paper towels serve as generous napkins. It's pretty much self-service.
Picasso-esque paintings for sale flock the walls. And up front the band belts out Patsy Cline tunes, pausing to throw back a little Shiner or Blue Moon before continuing - Walkin' after midnight, and living in sin. A large plastic pitcher sits perched on a stool: tips for the band. A guest trumpeter joins the musicians for a bit of Texas funk. It's all good.
Sal tells me there is live music every night, no cover, and Tuesdays are singer-songwriters night.
There are outdoor areas, too. Areas for kids to play a little basketball and for groups to sit and socialize on picnic tables for their repast.
It's unusual for a honky tonk to satisfy so completely. They even have a gluten-free menu and gluten-free beer. I, for one, am content to tuck in my napkin, nibble on my Texas burger and organic sweet potato fries. Then I plan to top that off with some jalapeño carrot cake. Can you blame me?
