Francis Bogside

On my way to my first Spurs game of the season I decided to stop off for a little pre-gaming at Francis Bogside and just my luck it was happy hour.
I like the new location at St Paul Square since it's not too far from the Frost Bank Center, of course parking can sometimes be an issue but oh well, such is downtown.
Since it was happy hour, I ordered a High Wheeled Irish red followed by a rye Old Fashion and for dinner I ordered the Fish and chips. I had recently tried the high wheel Irish red and really liked it so it made sense to order it in an Irish theme bar.... slainte'
The Fish and chips were excellent, they were both fried to a golden brown, crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside. It really hit the spot on a chilly evening.
My old fashion came next, and it was mixed perfectly and for the price made it all the better.
Overall, I would recommend for anyone to come check out Francis Bogside and try some really good food and drinks in a red laxed environment when in the downtown area. The staff is friendly and make the visit worth it.

It's been a few years since I have been to Francis Bogside but I recall finding thier old location charming. When I heard they had moved into the old Smoke BBQ location at St. Paul's square, I was excited to see what they would do in the space.

After some solid St. Patrick's day advertising that continued to make its way on my feeds, I figured what a great time to check them out!

Oops.

We were seriously disappointed. The downstairs was pretty packed so we made our way to the upstairs bar. We asked for a couple of Guinness' and were handed two cans. Okay, no problem, I'll take a glass please. I mean the can literally says best from a glass and let's be honest, it is.

The bartender said he may have a couple of glasses and eventually found two. No problem. He wasn't loving us and seemed slightly annoyed we were there but that didn't deter us.

We decided to order some fries and hang for a bit. The fries that we ordered arrived and as the runner came up he looked very confused, so we signaled to him that the fries may be ours.

That's when the bartender stepped in and insisted they were for a table behind us. Oops! Perhaps we were wrong.

We were not.

The guy behind us hadn't ordered anything and the runner came back to us for delivery. The bartender makes his way over to say "oh guess those were yours" and walks off to pour a shot of vodka for a worker there. Nice.

Then the fries. Somehow both soggy and overcooked.

We closed our tab and left and went to our favorite spot where as soon as we walked in, we were treated like customers again.

Won't make that mistake twice.

First time, loved that they had different rooms with different atmospheres to them.
They had a good selection of cocktails but I'm more of a cider girl so I didn't really drink much.
The appetizers that I got was decent I just expected more because that's what I'm used to for fries :)

Finally went to check out the new Francis Bogside location. Decided to go during all day Monday happy hour for a couple of drinks and snacks.

The happy hour drinks were great. No complaints there and the prices were excellent considering the location. They have a few drink options available but we tried the mule and the tequila honeysuckle. Both solid and prepared quickly.

For the snacks we decided to try their brussel sprouts and the fried pickles. Again, for the price on happy hour the servings were generous and the food arrived timely and hot. The brussels sprouts were not as crispy as I would have liked them and overall were lacking in flavor. Maybe a dip or a lemon to squeeze over the top would be great to serve with these. The fried pickles had a nice savory spice on the breading and were really (temperature) hot. However, the breading on these could not keep up and falls completely apart when picked up, leaving you with just a warm pickle and crumbley breading on the plate.

Overall, a decent happy hour I would visit again for drinks, but I'd skip the happy hour snacks and try something from their full menu--they have a lot to offer! Even pho which i am intrigued by.

What an incredible and truly authentic Irish pub, nestled in the heart of St. Paul's Square, offering a wide selection of classic pub dishes and drinks! We were thoroughly delighted by the lively music and the attentive service throughout our visit. The only drawback we encountered was with the portions; for instance, when I ordered the potato skins, it appeared that only half of a small potato was used. Despite this, we still had a wonderful time and would definitely consider returning for another visit.

What a great experience! I actually visited Anne's Wine Bar inside Francis Bogside. The charcuterie board was huge, 6 people easily shared the board. The service was phenomenal. Our sommelier was very knowledgeable and made great suggestions. They have Gappy Hour most days so be sure to ask.

Our first time in this new establishment after Smoke & Ash, being that this had been renovated and things have been changing as they own it from May, the staff is very minimal and it took us over 10 for a black and tan and that didn't even come out correct. My wife's Dos Equis came out with little Tajin and a the beer was in a beer can. I see only three heads for draft but for the atmosphere is nice and very relaxing but with the issues I have seen they need a lot of work. This would be the last time coming into this facility. It doesn't seem that they have it all together here just yet.

Francis Bodside is an OG I miss when it was on SStMarys but still great stuff! Truly they have leveraged there bar at the new locations same vibes! Very welcoming chill vibey environment! The pricing despite the location change stayed the same which is something I appreciate especially during this inflation we are experiencing. The food is still good the only feedback and truly will be willing to change it to 5 starts if they bring back the spears fried pickles! At the old location would stop by for a drink and the fried pickles after work and it would slap so hard. The pickles they have now didn't give what they needed to give. That's the only feedback I have. Other than that stop by good vibes good people!

Review for Blayne's Bar (upstairs)

Had a chance to check out Blayne's Bar down in St. Paul's Sq located atop Francis Bogside (also a dope spot). You can also find Anne's Wine Bar in the same building. This spot has quickly become a destination for good times and delicious eats!

Blayne's is now San Antonio's official downtown Honky Tonk and their slinging more than just the Texas vibes. The kitchen is NOT dishing out bar food, but more Tex-Mex comfort cuisine done right, and i'm here for all of it.

You need to try it for yoursef! Here's what we tried

* Overstuffed Brisket Quesadilla
* Succulent Asada Tacos
* Crispy Tex-Mex Eggrolls
* Tangy Shrimp Ceviche
* Bountiful Brisket Nachos
* Tasty Custom Cocktails

Happy eats, SA!

My wife and I were excited that our old hang out was returning and we decided to go Friday night and see the new spot! FYI: you will be carded for entry.

Walking in it is totally different than the one before! Bigger place with two bars and lots of seating. The decor is very inviting and a great feel!

We initially went in to see if the menu was still what we remembered. Unfortunately it's a minimal food menu at this time with pizza and wings for now! Was looking for the old steak frites, curry chicken, and arroz con pollo! Either way we grabbed dii ER else where and returned for drinks.

I started off with a buffalo trace old fashioned that was excellent! The bartenders were very attentive and never felt like we were just waiting. My wife was a little adventurous and let the bartenders make her drinks with her flavor profile and she was very pleased with both. I got adventurous with one and it was not my thing ( don't know the of it but it just left an after taste). Returned to my usual of straight bourbon and water.

There is an upstairs portion that has not opened yet. If you eve frequented the restaurant smoke when it was by sunset station that is where this place is now.

I think this has just been their soft opening but I really hope they bring back some of the old favorites (banana Jameson shots, spicy tequila and the excellent menu that we loved so much) .

I will return ! Nice place to try as it's laid back and they make excellent drinks.