Zuehl Tavern: Quaint, Charming, Peaceful and Nice. Also.. A little over-priced, less than friendly (at least to "outsiders") and lacking in personal warmth and humility.
While searching for a short motorcycle route, just outside of San Antonio, I found what appeared to be an interestingly cool and nostalgic destination, the Zuehl Tavern. Located just 15 minutes southeast of Universal City, it looked like my kind of place.
My first impression: I arrived around 6 pm. on a Saturday evening and the place looked deserted, I anticipated it might be closed, but to my relief, they were in fact open. The interior, exterior, and overall ambiance was just as I had hoped.. this place was wonderful; the kind of place I could bring my wife and the girls. That was my initial consideration.. I had found a true gem in the countryside.
What happened next: The bartender, a heavy-set middle-aged lady asked for my order. She was courteous, but not very warm and welcoming. I tried making conversation but she was either very busy (I was the only patron) or just didn't much care for my type (an outsider in a small town), I considered it the latter and took no offence. I asked for a margarita and she quickly filled my request. A few minutes later, I asked if they had a menu. She then grabbed a very small menu (artfully crafted on a dinner platter) and placed in my view next to the bar. She then returned to the bar and asked for my order. I won't say she was rude about it, but her manner was somewhat less than polite. As the menu was very limited, and with no pricing, I ordered the brisket stuffed baked potato and went outside to look over the perimeter and make myself comfortable. Notwithstanding the semi-cold interactions with the bartender and some other guy (the cook?), who never so much as said hello, I was content with the laid back, peaceful serenity of this establishment.
Food and Beverage: Neither was anything to write home about. The margarita was okay, but it was served in a plastic cup and she never even offered to salt the rim. The stuffed potato was good, mostly, but I could do better myself any day. I would rate it better than Bill Millers, and not as good as Chili's. I'm thinking it was baked in advance, then modified to match my order and re-heated.. it was barely warm.
Parting ways: I finished my meal and went to the bar to take care of my bill. The bartender gave me the total due and took my credit card. She processed the transaction and asked if I would like the receipt emailed or texted (seems they don't provide on-site receipts). My tab for a stuffed potato and 1 Margarita was just short of $23 before tip.
Overall Consideration: It's nice, very nice, if you're into nostalgia and country charm. The staff however, are definitely not from Mayberry.. For what it is, the food and drinks are okay but only just. Will I go back? I don't know. read more
