41-year-old BBQ joint's former home in San Antonio fires up dual concept eatery
Exterior of Burgers vs Tacos, which has replaced the former home of Old Smokehouse in San Antonio, Texas. (Polly Anna Rocha/MySA)
Last year, barbecue restaurant Old Smokehouse left its longtime building on Fredericksburg Road, ending its 41-year run in San Antonio. A new concept has taken over the space coming from the San Antonio chef couple behind restaurants like Panfila Cantina, San Peter Taqueria and Tutto Pepe Osteria.
As of Friday, chefs Charlie Gonzalez and Gaby Hinojosa have softly launched Burgers vs Tacos at 5145 Fredericksburg Road. A grand opening is planned from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday, September 14, the couple told MySA. After that, the business is expected to be open daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Interior of Burgers vs Tacos. (Polly Anna Rocha/MySA)
"Burgers vs Tacos is a playful concept built around the idea of a 'battle of favorites.' We wanted to create a space where two of the most loved foods – burgers and tacos – go head-to-head in a fun, interactive way. Guests can expect bold flavors, a retro-comic inspired atmosphere, and a menu that highlights creativity," Hinojosa said in a message to MySA.
The menu at Burgers vs Tacos is pretty self explanatory, with burgers and tacos inspired by global flavors. Specialty burgers range from $8 to $15.50 depending on ingredients and number of patties, while the tacos side of things run between $4 and $6. Both offerings are substantial, like the Brazil-inspired Capoeira Burger ($13), which comes with a beef patty, picanha steak, tomato, green mayo and a parmesan onion crisp.
Capoeira Burger, Kung Fu Pork Taco and Karate Shrimp Taco from Burgers vs Tacos. (Polly Anna Rocha/MySA)
At the same time, Hinojosa is also launching Poloco Snack Bar at 5322 San Pedro Ave. with her sister Mireya Hinojosa. The snack shop brings a similar global twist as Burgers vs Tacos to street foods, like elotes, fruit cups and papas locas. The concept has a donkey mascot named Poloco, who has a sidekick called Duckardo. Poloco Snack Bar will work in tandem with the food truck, San Peter Taqueria, which is parked at the same address.
"At both concepts, people can expect not just good food, but also a unique environment full of personality, storytelling, and a sense of community. We want every visit to feel like an experience," Hinojosa wrote.
Chefs Charlie Gonzalez and Gaby Hinojosa at their restaurant, Burgers vs Tacos. (Polly Anna Rocha/MySA)
Burgers vs Tacos pays homage to Old Smokehouse by maintaining some of the former restaurant's smoky wood paneling on certain walls, which have been restained to match the new concept's vibe.
Find it: Burger vs Tacos, 5145 Fredericksburg Road, San Antonio, TX 78229; Poloco Snack Bar, 5322 San Pedro Ave., San Antonio, TX 78212
