A Culinary Landmark in San Antonio
By Janis Turk | Photos courtesy of The Kimpton Santo
Dean’s Steak and Seafood is the newest oldest restaurant in San Antonio.
Set in a historic 1858 limestone building integrated into a new 10-floor hotel, its spaces perfectly balance the city’s quiet past and fast-building future. It’s a handsome setting for a special night out.
My husband and I love a good steakhouse. We usually tend to frequent favorite jean-and-t-shirt taco spots, sandwich shops, and smoky barbecue joints. We’re big believers that fine dining doesn’t have to be fussy; still, we like dressing up and heading downtown every now and then. We love a good steakhouse, and we’re romantics at heart. Dean’s does the trick.
Hopeless Romantics.
Sitting close together in a curved booth with a white tablecloth and clinking crystal glasses is so romantic. We enjoy waiters discreetly refilling water glasses, bringing warm baskets of bread, and balancing giant trays that float past. We relish the sizzle of an upscale steakhouse and the sight of an icy oyster bar. We’re fond of high ceilings, low lighting, tall gleaming windows, and cool wine cellar walls. We love soft textiles and heavy butter blocks of limestone. Dean’s ticks all those boxes.
Contemporary Kimpton, Classic San Antonio
The ultra-modern Kimpton Santo opened in August on Alamo Street across from Hemisfair. Naturally, a high-end hotel demands equally chic dining spaces, and The Kimpton delivered. They opened a rooftop spot called Tenfold, a clubby hideaway bar called “The Study,” a mellow lounge near reception, and Dean’s Steak and Seafood.
Dean’s is housed in what was originally an 1850s German schoolhouse: part of a historic four-building complex surrounding an oak-filled courtyard. Despite its hotel location, Dean’s feels like a locals’ supper spot or the perfect place for a business dinner.
Across from Dean’s shaded French Quarter-style courtyard stand eight unique guest suites and “The Study” bar.
Old Meets New
Integrated into the hotel’s design without compromising historic integrity, Dean’s is elegant and unpretentious. Its low-light vibe offers a contemporary ambiance, with half-moon booths, oversized glass pendant lights, and high exposed-wood ceilings, creating intimacy with room to relax.
When you enter the space, the big, curved oyster bar is immediately inviting. Seafood enthusiasts will love fresh oysters, tiger shrimp, king crab, diver scallops, and more.
Elevated yet Accessible
Dean’s elevated menu starts with inviting, sensibly priced starters. Appetizers include crab cakes, truffle honey burrata, and a colossal shrimp cocktail. The Oysters Rockefeller, topped with absinthe, bacon, creamed spinach, and breadcrumbs, were fabulous. Side dishes such as truffled mac and cheese, onion rings, and a twice-baked potato are Texas-sized and could constitute an entire meal for me. There are also luscious wedge salads, lobster bisque, heirloom tomatoes, and more.
Foodies Favorites
Entrees at Dean’s include roasted organic chicken, truffled bucatini, Ora king salmon, and various USDA Prime steaks. For indulgence, the Japanese A5 Wagyu is a must-try. Seafood options like pan-roasted Baja bass and wild Alaskan Halibut are also favorites. Dean’s also offers a selection of house-made desserts.
Meet Winchester
Before dinner, we visited The Study, an intimate cocktail bar with a literary theme. Tucked off the courtyard, it offers a cozy, speakeasy style with signature cocktails inspired by classic books. Its friendly bar manager, Winchester, is certain to become a household name in San Antonio.
Tenfold: Rooftop Bar, Skyline Splendor
After dinner, we visited Tenfold, the rooftop bar offering stunning city views. This breezy outdoor space features a curated menu of cocktails, beer, wine, and small plates, along with a globally inspired, curated chef’s menu. An outdoor pool and exercise center are also at level ten.
Eye-Candy Decor
The Kimpton Santo hits all the high notes with soothing cream and green accent walls, swaths of color, natural elements, and mood lighting. Rooms have spacious bathrooms with enormous showers. The brand-new beds feature crisp white duvets and quality mattresses. Rooms are decorated in a minimalist style — so wise because views from the floor-to-ceiling windows are bright and busy. The cityscape is the art and jewelry of the space. By night, it’s brilliant, colorful eye candy.
Situated in the heart of the city, Dean’s and Kimpton Santo offer easy access to attractions like the convention center, Hemisfair Plaza, and the River Walk. Next door, a sister hotel, The Plaza, shares its spa with Kimpton guests. On Saturdays, nearby Market Days at La Villita offer fun shopping, along with specialty coffees and margaritas at Maverick Coffee bar.
Landmark Lodgings & Sophisticated Supper
Whether you enjoy a romantic date-night dinner like ours, a casual night out with rooftop views, or a sophisticated cocktail, Kimpton Santo offers unforgettable experiences.
Although it just opened, Dean’s Steak and Seafood is fired up, fabulous, and ready for dinner. With its old bones, modern tones, and dynamic menus, Dean’s is the city’s newest culinary landmark.
For more information, visit santohotelsanantonio.com
