Originally posted on UpTake.com Nov 23, 2009 10:06 – By: Jeremybanas
All we are is just another tap on the wall
Everyone knows The Bull and Finch Pub in Boston (known as ‘Cheers’ on T.V.) as the place ‘Where everybody knows your name’. To me, that is an essential ingredient in any place you frequent, visit once, or always hope to get to. For years living in San Antonio there was a drought for a place where you could get more than the average beer served at the ‘insert your name here’ bar on the corner. Sure, one or two places pop up here and there, but they do not have the overall atmosphere and selection that many craft beer bars on the west coast, east coast and Colorado have. Namely, an incredible selection of what many refer to as craft beer bars. Places that serve beer for those with a more refined taste of our favorite malted beverage.
Craft beer has gained quite the following in the last few years, with breweries, brew pubs and beer bars popping up everywhere. The last decade has seen quite a lot. San Antonio and Texas have long been known for the Alamo, John Wayne and drinkers of Miller Lite, and not for craft beer. Well, times have changed. Texas has around 9 craft breweries, numerous more brewpubs and a growing number of what are known as craft beer bars.
Slowly, Texas and San Antonio have begun to come around.
Up until that point, there were few choices and frankly I was tired of heading to places that had the same old choices of beer that you saw on TV. Waiting to get back home to Colorado or visit friends and family in California became a favorite pastime. I am a lover of craft beer for its attitude and creative approach. I, and others, needed something more. Well, in January of this year, Jimmie Maricle opened up The Tap Exchange Alehouse and Grill and my new oasis.
The backside of good times.
Tucked away in the northeast part of San Antonio, The Tap Exchange boasts 61 beers on tap, more than 50 in bottles, dozens of wines. Located at, 22250 Bulverde Rd, #106 (at Evans Rd.) in San Antonio, Texas, it is a place that balances a wide selection of draft and bottled beer and great pub food, with the atmosphere of a place that you can call home. This was apparent upon walking through the door, where you are always greeted warmly by the incredible staff, you are instantly greeted with a warm, inviting and obviously fun atmosphere. Having been here a few times before, I always love introducing friends who want to expand their horizons to Jimmie’s place. They are always impressed and several have come back.
Each day features something at The Tap Exchange, from Glass night on Tuesday’s where you ‘buy the beer and keep the glass’ and Geeks Who Drink Trivia night on Wednesday to all day NFL games on Sunday with many of the craft beers on special during the games. Lest we keep the kiddos out, The Tap Exchange is also VERY family friendly. Boasting a kids menu and family friendly atmosphere, it is very common to see families here both day and night. It’s a place for all types of folks with all types of needs.
However, I digress about the selection of craft beer here. The Tap Exchange also features some out of the world pub food, too. From the typical Fish and Chips, signature salads and custom burgers to Jimmie’s Baked Ziti. Oh, and least I forget the homemade beer ice cream created here as well.
What’s great about this place, is that the owner doesn’t just stay behind the bar, he very often walks around talking with every patron as if he’s known them for years. He really works to really get to know his customers and not to get repeat business, but because that is just who he is. His wife Traci, a.k.a ‘Mrs. Tap Exchange’ is often seen here milling around the room dazzling the customers as well. You may even catch a glimpse of regulars Jill, Sean, Mark, Joser and Jessica.
Jimmie taking time to talk with the customers
The staff here tends to exude Jimmie’s approach too: Amber, Billy, Karen, Roxie and Stephanie will definitely make your experience one you will want to back to have again. All this serves to create the family atmosphere that ‘Cheers’ could not begin to match.
I asked Jimmie a little about his background and how he approaches The Tap Exchange:
How did you come up with your menu selections? “Menu choices started with ‘what do I want’ and then was fine-tuned by “what can I get”. Really wanted a broad selection of taps, covering most styles. No matter what style of beer you like, you’re sure to find something to your liking.
“What made you open a craft beer place? “Am a big fan of beer, but didn’t have anyplace within 45 minutes of my house to get anything other than the staples (Bud Light, Dos Equis, Shiner, etc.) Besides, doesn’t every guy want to own a bar?
“What is your experience with craft beer? “Being from CA I had the luxury of many great brewpubs and beer bars within my reach. Traci and I grew up in places like these.”
Let me be the first to reply to my own post. As I also write for the vacations blog on Uptake.com, I originally posted this article last month on their site. At that time, Jimmie Marcile was majority owner and the General manager. Well, the times they are a changing…
Since then, Jimmie has been replaced as general manager and is no longer the majority owner in The Tap Exchange. Although he maintains ownership in the business, there is a new general manager and a new direction the principle owners wish to take.
As stated in my article, the Tap Exchange as Jimmie envisioned it was to be a craft beer bar the likes of which could not be seen anywhere except outside Texas. Not a chain craft beer bar, like the Flying saucer which has a great selection, but caters to a ‘partying crowd’, but a neighborhood bar that own could call home. A place that a true beer lover could appreciate. Just what do I mean by a true beer lover? Well, just that. Someone who has broadened their horizons, evolved their beer palate and appreciates what the American craft beer industry has to offer. Styles of beer and flavors of beer are so diverse, wine pales in comparison. Where as wine as but a handful of true styles, beer has so many your head would spin.
Texas already has a reputation as a backwoods, hillbilly, Budweiser drinking state. There are a few true craft beer bars in Texas; Dallas, Houston, Austin and even San Antonio has one other. There are a growing number of brewpubs and production breweries, however by and large this state is lacking in a true presence for craft beer when compared to the rest of the country. Recently, there was a change in the ownership and management at The Tap Exchange. Several of the craft beers on tap and in the bottle have not been re-ordered when they ran out. What seems to have replaced them is ‘dollar beer night’ and karaoke Saturdays. Moreover, it seems the new majority ownership seems more intent on being just another ‘insert your name here’ bar on the corner, than a unique neighborhood place and interest in helping to evolve the craft beer industry in Texas. Where is their Texas pride?!
I won’t digress much longer. The craft beer industry in the U.S. is both thriving and becoming well respected. So much love and creativity is poured into craft beer in the U.S., that it really seems to represent that American attribute of standing out against the world. One example is Brew Dog out of Scotland. They have taken on the attitude and adventuresome brewing of American craft brewers. Although a craft beer bar and not a brewery, The Tap Exchange Alehouse and grill attempted to highlight this uniqueness and help to further the industry in Texas. Now I fear another great craft beer establishment has fallen prey to the greedy ambitions of ignorant people interested only in money and being ‘just another bar on the wall’….