Azuca
713 South Alamo Street, San Antonio, TX 78205; Tel. 210.225.5550
The Nuevo Latino bar and restaurant Azuca combines all things Latin in fare, drinks and entertainment. Azuca spreads across two buildings with a patio in between. The contemporary interior pits vibrant color against rigid black and white table coverings, and Chihuly-inspired illuminations dangle in the air. Executive chef Rene Fernandez’s culinary creations reinterpret standard Latin classics with imagination. For the Latin dance lover (or the wishful thinker), Azuca offers music and dancing Wednesday through Saturday.

The Riverwalk is wonderful, but it was great to find someplace else for a change.  The food was wonderful, the waitstaff all terrific, and crowd friendly, and the music great.  Absolutely will return on my next trip.

ZEN BAR  221 E. Houston Street, TX; 78205.  Tel. 210.271.7472

Their "Lucky Budha Happy Hour" (Mon-Fri. 5-9pm) is a great deal because every drink in the house was only $3.  However you should realize that this is an bar/lounge NOT a restaurant so be forwarned that there is a very limited selection of (mostly) appetizers that are available.  The atmosphere is somewhat upscale (think "lounge" not "bar") but there is no hint of snobbery to be found.  There are several lounge areas inside and a very nice patio area.  Rumor has it that after about 10:30pm it becomes one of the top "hot spots" in San Antonio with a line of folks out there door waiting to get in.

Final Word:  Highly recommended for happy hour!!