Crystal Hamilton-Niang
Google
My director and I are in San Antonio for #ANC25, and when it comes to food, we have very particular palates. Spice levels, in particular, can make or break a meal for us! Our original plan was to dive into some traditional Southern barbecue, but we ended up with a different, equally delicious kind: Korean barbecue at Chas Market.
Chas Market isn't just a restaurant; it's a piece of San Antonio history, a true testament to how diverse cultures coexist and share their culinary traditions. As we ventured from our hotel, we drove through the stunning neighborhood of Olmos Park. Seriously, the tree-lined streets were incredible, and the houses were those "mega-mansion" sized homes everyone talks about when they visit Texas. It was quite a sight!
Upon arriving at Chas Market, we followed the "seat yourself" sign. There was a minor hiccup with our grill at the first table, but the staff quickly helped us move to another table with higher benches. The picnic-style seating, complete with a built-in grill, was perfect. (They also have tables without grills for those ordering soups and other kitchen-prepared items.)
The process is simple: you pick three meats at a time, with some even prepared in the kitchen for enhanced flavor. We kicked things off with an array of complimentary side condiments, including various pickles, kimchi, marinated sprouts, and yellow radish. Then came our chosen meats: Bulgogi, Shrimp, and Short Ribs. Each meal comes with rice, and you can order lettuce wraps on the side. We enjoyed grilling some of our selections right at the table and received others perfectly prepared from the kitchen. By the end, both my director and I were incredibly pleased and completely full!
Beyond the fantastic food, the atmosphere was great, and the staff was super attentive and supportive, making our first Korean BBQ experience a memorable one. I'm so grateful for the company and the time spent discovering this unique San Antonio gem.