local
San Antonio’s 93-year-old Esquire Tavern has new owner
By Sanford Nowlin at San Antonio Current (alt-weekly)
· July 8, 2026
· 1 min read
Downtown’s historic Esquire Tavern has changed hands, and the new owner is a familiar face: longtime operator and beverage director Stephan Mendez. Mendez took ownership of both the Commerce Street landmark — home to Texas’ longest wooden bar top — and its basement haunt Downstairs from architect...
Key takeaway Hill bought and restored the […] The post San Antonio’s 93-year-old Esquire Tavern has new owner appeared first on San Antonio Current.
Why this matters in Terrell Hills News
The change in ownership of the Esquire Tavern brings a sense of stability to the downtown area, as Stephan Mendez has already been integral to the tavern's operations. Mendez's familiarity with the establishment and its patrons should help maintain the tavern's character, which is deeply rooted in the city's history. The fact that Mendez is a local operator taking over from another local developer, Chris Hill, suggests that the tavern's future is in the hands of individuals who understand its significance to the community. As the tavern moves forward under new ownership, it will be worth watching how Mendez balances preserving the Esquire's historic charm with any potential updates or changes he may have in mind. The tavern's role as a beloved gathering place for locals and visitors alike makes its continued success a matter of interest for the entire city.
About this story
Original reporting by San Antonio Current (alt-weekly) . Terrell Hills News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit San Antonio Current (alt-weekly) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 8, 2026 ·
Source: San Antonio Current (alt-weekly) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Downtown’s historic Esquire Tavern has changed hands, and the new owner is a familiar face: longtime operator and beverage director Stephan Mendez. Mendez took ownership of both the Commerce Street landmark — home to Texas’ longest wooden bar top — and its basement haunt Downstairs from architect...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 8, 2026 by San Antonio Current (alt-weekly) and curated for Terrell Hills News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Sanford Nowlin at San Antonio Current (alt-weekly). To learn more about how Terrell Hills News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Terrell Hills News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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