10/22/09

Looked forward to it all week, was very disappointed

by tking2009

I had hoped for more interaction from the bartender when I was trying to choose a wine or menu selection. Usually at wine bars, the staff knows the wines well and when I asked for a recommendation, I would have appreciated at least a few questions about what I was looking for in a wine or what I would be pairing it with on the menu. I got none of that.

My steak was overcooked and the bartender never checked back with me to ask how it was, I was asked to keep my dirty salad fork instead of simply giving me a new fork, and when I asked if he would box my leftovers, he handed me a large box even though he wasn't busy and talked to servers or stood in the corner with his arms folded. If I am paying $50 for a meal as a single diner, it would be nice if he at least gave me a clean fork.

The artichoke dip was great and the selections of wines by the glass was nice. I would rather sacrifice wine selection in the future for better, more attentive service. While I do not expect to be waited on hand and foot, I do expect a bit better service in a restaurant at this price point. And if I am paying $14 for a glass of wine, I would hope the staff knows enough about this wine to be able to describe it to me and ensure it is in fact the glass that is right for me. I will not be back.

• Pros: artichoke dip was excellent
• Cons: service was lacking

09/23/09

Perfect 2 nights in a row.

by opinion2008

On a girls weekend trip to SA we came across this really cute little wine bar and restaurant. The first night we came in late and found that they do a special that changes every other day. Every part of it was wonderful and it was approx $10. Our server, the wonderful Christie, took fabulous care of us and then brought us separate checks where she even split of the price of items we shared between the three of us. All without us asking. The next night I was meeting some local friends. The 5 of us had another fabulous dinner. We grabbed Christie to wait on us again and she was the best again. I will most definately return to Zinc next time I'm in SA. If you go and want great service, ask for Christie. It is so incredibly rare to get such great service. From what I understand, this restaurant started as a waiting area for the owner's popular riverwalk restaurant. I would skip the other restaurant and just stay put. There's a nice patio out back to enjoy when the weather is nice.

• Pros: Food, location, service/staff
• Cons: fix that bathroom door lock please

01/20/08

Great Atmospher/Ambience, Great Service

by Richie38

I must disagree with the mostly negative reviews "Zinc" has gotten. I have been there at least five times and have always had a good to wonderful time. Regarding the service - our server offered to GO BUY US CIGARETTES WHEN WE RAN OUT even though they do not sell them there. Further, when it's cold out, the outdoor seating is accomodated with very warm thick Mexican blankets that you can literally wrap around you and outdoor heat lamps. It made it quite comfortable, cozy and romantic. The drinks not cheap but where in a major city ARE the drinks cheap? I have not eaten much there - mostly gone for drinks. The outdoor seating has a very cool ambience surrounded by walls covered in IVY. Soooo... I recommend it!!

11/07/07

Snooty, pricey and basically not fun at all.

by geomarshall

If you want to feel stupid about wine, go to Zinc. The servers are so rude and snooty that it's just uncomfortable being there. Ridiculously expensive wine list and smoky as hell. This place is well passed it prime - I prefer to go to Drink around the corner.

• Pros: None
• Cons: Smoky, pricey, rude staff.

06/16/07

Overhyped, pricey and soulless.

by mintonm

Expensive drinks all around, snotty staff, and so smoky you can't even see the people you're with. Been there a few times and it's gotten worse every single time. Avoid avoid avoid.

• Pros: Close to where I live
• Cons: Service, prices, ambience

08/12/05

Tough Critic

by Bayridge231

What a great spot! We loved it. The staff is very engaging and the bar food was excellent. My lamb sandwich was to die for. They are a full service bar, but of course wine is their claim to fame. We were only disappointed with the poor stemware selection. All that good wine poured into inferior glasses was a shame. Can you imagine drinking a Pinot Noir from a Bordeaux glass? LOL

I wish I had a reason (or enough people) to reserve their spectacular underground and very private full dining cellar. If you are in town for a family gathering, or business meeting what a great show stopper this would be.

• Pros: service, ambience, food
• Cons: glassware

A polished downtown spot with the feel of a neighborhood bar.

by Contributor

The Scene
Inside the century-old building, the metal bar is surrounded on either side by floor-to-ceiling shelves stacked with bottles. An adjoining room and enclosed courtyard provide extra seating away from the televisions in the bar area. A mixed crowd keeps the place buzzing with energy late into the night.

The Food
Concentrating on fine spirits, Zinc gives diners a chance to sample from an extensive bar list. Champagne is the theme, but wine and aperitifs hold their own on a list that could serve as a manual on how to drink well. Cigars and vintage ports round out the impressive offerings. The menu is small but choice, with rich snacks like a lamb chutney sandwich, escargot and chicken pâtè with pear preserves. Lighter bread and cheese plates and desserts are also available. A different, full dinner menu is offered on Friday and Saturday nights.

11/05/02

One Night at Zinc

by stevenf

My girlfriend and I were in San Antonio last month and just happened to come upon Zinc. We walked in and right away it was very comfortable. It had a very laid back atmosphere and the service was first class. We had great conversation with the very personable staff. It was a very classy establishment, not like the usual loud, trashy, fall down drunk-type bars. Everyone seemed very relaxed and content. You must stop in at Zinc and you will experience exactly what I am talking about. Go at night.