Downtown Riverwalk San Antonio : Bourbon & BBQ, A Whiskey Dinner

Smoke, oak, and bold Texas flavor come together for one unforgettable night.

Step into an evening of Texas tradition at Rio Plaza in the heart of downtown San Antonio, where bold barbecue and handcrafted whiskey take center stage. Hosted inside the speakeasy-style private room Cielo Vista at Rio Plaza, this immersive tasting experience invites guests to explore the rich flavors and stories behind Texas whiskey while enjoying a hearty BBQ dinner made from scratch.

Cielo Vista carries a unique piece of local history—once known as Mark’s Bar, a cigar lounge where guests gathered to relax, share stories, and enjoy good spirits. That tradition continues with Bourbon & BBQ, bringing together great food, great whiskey, and great company in an intimate and historic setting.

Throughout the evening, guests will experience a curated flight of four whiskies from local distilleries around the San Antonio region, each selected to highlight the craftsmanship and character of Texas distilling. As each pour is introduced, you'll learn about the history of whiskey, the rise of Texas distillers, and the stories behind the producers featured in the tasting.

To match the bold flavors of the whiskey, guests will enjoy a scratch-made Texas BBQ platter, prepared in-house and built for indulgence.

Adding to the experience, a guest speaker from one of the featured distilleries will join us for the evening to share insight into their craft and the story behind their spirit. To close out the tasting, they will prepare a signature cocktail using their whiskey, offering guests a new way to experience the spirit alongside the BBQ dinner.

🥃 A curated flight of 4 whiskies from local and regional distilleries
🍸 A handcrafted cocktail prepared by a guest distiller using their featured spirit
🍖 A Texas BBQ platter featuring:

• Half rack of slow-smoked ribs
• ¼ lb of our famous beef fajita
• A smoked sausage link
• Two house-made sides

📖 Guided tasting and storytelling, including the history of whiskey and background on each distillery.

• Whiskey enthusiasts and curious newcomers
• Group outings and celebrations
• Bachelor parties
• Visitors looking to experience multiple Texas distilleries in one night

Seats are limited for this intimate tasting experience.

Come hungry, bring friends, and raise a glass to Texas whiskey.

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Host or Publisher Rita's on the River