James Summers
Google
Ida Claire – A Fantastic Date Night Spot! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
While visiting San Antonio for a business trip, I went on a date night with a local, and we decided to try Ida Claire. Though it was a bit of a drive from downtown, it was absolutely worth it!
Parking & First Impressions
• We parked in the back lot, which I do wish had better lighting—it felt a bit dark.
• Walking inside, we were seated quickly despite arriving close to closing time.
Ambience & Atmosphere
• Bright, spacious, and beautifully designed, the restaurant had different seating areas for singles, couples, and families, making it feel very inviting.
• The bathrooms were spotless—always a great sign!
Food & Drinks
• I started with a Belgian white beer, which the staff allowed me to sample first—a nice touch since I’m from New York and wasn’t as familiar with the local beer flavors.
• We ordered two appetizers:
◦ Biscuits with pork gravy, strawberry preserves, and butter—all delicious, but the pork gravy was the standout!
◦ Crabcake with a seafood yellow cream sauce—not typically my go-to, but it was surprisingly good, even though it had more of a tuna-like taste than crab or salmon.
• For the main course, I was torn between chicken & waffles (which I had never tried before!) and the seafood pasta. Since my date was getting the seafood pasta, I decided to join in and customize mine:
◦ I asked for red pepper chili flakes and a side of Cajun spices to kick up the heat.
◦ The waitress was wonderful and accommodated it without hesitation, making it into a Cajun-spicy seafood masterpiece.
◦ My date loved the idea so much that he did the same!
Service & Special Touches
• Our waitress was incredibly kind and took the time to chat with us. When she found out I was visiting for work and leaving soon, she surprised me with a free sample of biscuits and sides to take home!
• Such a thoughtful gesture, and one that made me appreciate the hospitality even more.
Final Thoughts
• The food, service, and overall experience were top-tier.
• We spent between $70 and $100, which was reasonable for the quality and portion sizes.
• Highly recommend this place—whether you're a local or visiting, do yourself a favor and go!
⭐ Final Rating: 5/5 – An amazing Southern-inspired dining experience with delicious food, excellent service, and a welcoming atmosphere!