Mose's Roses is indeed a true "Hideout." We were in SATX and did a Yelp search for BBQ and the joint popped up. So glad we found it...only if we could have found out how to get in the front door! No, it's actually pretty easy (just press the button) but more than a little creepy. Think haunted house without any scary decor (see pic). Just an empty room. Door creaks open and we enter and find, to our surprise, a fairly large space full of tables, a long bar, and live music playing. Cool.
When we walked in we could definitely smell BBQ smoking somewhere nearby, albeit the furnishings reads more bar than Q. There's a pool table, darts, and a few videos games. Oh, and when you check-in on Yelp, be sure to redeem your "Free Hug." ;-)
Two seats at the end of the bar. Excellent service by both the gal and guy (Boone). Ordered a couple of cold ones and pursued the menu. Decent selection and excellent prices, especially for the uber touristy Alamo area of downtown. First thing I noticed was the menu states they "smoke their meats for 16 hours." Boone informed us everything on the menu (except the queso, which is easy to make so odd) is scratch made. Decided to go for the Brisket Tacos and the San Jose burger for the hubby.
Brisket tacos: BBQ sauce dressed diced meat served in flour tortilla with pico and quac. Decent.
San Jose burger: OMGreat burger!!! One of the best I've ever had. Seriously - top 5! I'm so glad I asked for one of the last couple of bites before my husband wolfed it down. Huge juicy patty, cooked perfectly with a slightly crunchy sear. Topped with brisket, cheddar, and BBQ sauce served on a fluffy roll. Want more please?! RECOMMEND.
Side of Fried Tator Salad: Not sure about this one. Tasty little square potato fried hash browns with hunks of congealed cheese and a few other unrecognizable ingredients. Interesting.
Happy hour is from 4-7 and 11-1am 7 days a week. A few extra cheap ($2.50-$3.50) bites to choose from (wings, nachos, fried pickles, etc.) and some $$ off of drinks. Moses has a decent selection of Texas beers and Fredericksburg wines - keepin' it local - love it!
Overall: What a cool hangout! Laid back. Not just tourists - locals frequent too - met some really friendly people. Can't say much about the rest of the menu, but if you have any doubt get the SAN JOSE! Fantastic bar service. Boone seems to know all off SA, so he's a great person to get info from. He sent us to a few local bars down on St. Mary's and to the Japanese Tea Garden (in my 100 visits to SATX never heard of it; must see; seperate review).
Oh, and be sure to keep your eye on the TVs that show live time surveillance from the entry. Too funny! Scared people, confused people, some people just give up and walk out. Haha Keep that in mind when you visit, because trust me...the people at the bar will be watching and laughing at you. At least I know I will...next time I'm there. Enjoy! read more