- This was originally written and post by myself on Uptake.com on Feb 14, 2010 13:05 – By: Jeremybanas
- Tucked somewhat away from from the highway at 818 North Loop 1604 W in the Northwest part of San Antonio, is a little known French Restaurant called Brasserie Pavil. You may as well throw out your preconceptions of this establishment with the bath water, as they will change what you think of high-end French dining and cuisine. When I came here about a week ago, it was to attend a beer dinner. That’s right, I said a beer dinner. So what may you ask, is a French Restaurant doing hosting a beer dinner? Let’s find out.
Classic Decor
On the restaurant’s web page, they describe a Brasserie as a “term is used in France and other parts of the world to describe a large, informal restaurant that typically stays open for most of the day and late into the evening. The classic menu is typically simple, and it can be enjoyed with beer, wine, or cocktails. Usually a brasserie will feature a special or two each day that are typically French dishes, but the primary offerings are often steak and seafood.”
When you walk in, you are instantly greeted with a very warm, inviting and comforting atmosphere. The layout is such that you have many table options. The outside patio reminds you of a quaint French cafe, perfect for an intimate evening on Valentine’s Day or any night of the year. The bar is set slightly over to the left and is accommodating to quite a number of people. On display is more wine on a wall than I’ve seen and seems to represent many styles. What catches your eye once you’re done drooling over the wine is the beer selection. Boasting 12 beers on tap and almost 60 different beers in the bottle, I confess it was a surprise. I ordered a Pale Ale from the Stone Brewing Company and settled in. If a more intimate setting is what you are looking for, move on toward the back. The lights are dim, the music is just the right volume and the mood is set.
That is what seems very nice about this somewhat hidden little gem in San Antonio, it seems to have something for everyone. Intimate seating, a classy bar, and fresh air on the patio. Definitely a place I’d come back to when needing a chance of pace and a warm atmosphere. The fare is definitely reminiscent of Paris, regardless of lunch or dinner. Common items include the Prince Edward Island Mussels in a white wine sauce.
On the night I came here, I was attending a beer dinner. Something that Brasserie Pavil has monthly. Typically, a Brasserie has a relaxed, yet slightly more upscale setting that a French Bistro, much as they describe themselves. Well, they deliver. It is very relaxed and yet you are made to feel that you are a king walking into his palace. So, back to the dinner.One might think that an upscale French restaurant doesn’t fit in with a ‘craft beer dinner’.
- The lighting is amazing..
I confess, I had that assumption as well. However, Brasserie Pavil expertly combined this French atmosphere with the finer craft beer. The dinner featured beer from the Stone Brewing Company in Escondido, CA. Each course was well paired with a variety of Stone beers, such as their Oaked Arrogant Bastard, Smoked Porter and Ruination IPA. What many do not know, but are coming to realize is that with the incredible variety of craft beer styles, pairing with food are often easier with beer than wine.
When in San Antonio, you must stop by the Brasserie Pavil. It has something for everyone and is the perfect stop for fine dining after a long day of traveling around looking at sights such as the Alamo or the Tower of the Americas.
Photos by J.Banas
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