By John Bloodworth
Contributing Writer

A San Antonio landmark for the past 57 years, the old Bun ‘N’ Barrel has polished up its appearance, acquired new owners and sent out invitations to a grand re-opening celebration that takes lace Saturday.

In preparation for this weekend’s big events, the restaurant has just completed a thorough three-month makeover and restoration, both inside and out. An icon on Austin Highway, the huge Barrel that sat on top of the building for over 50 years will be back in time for the grand re-opening.

Bun ‘N’ Barrel has long been known for savory slow-cooked barbecue, delicious burgers, onion rings and creamy milk shakes and malts.

A hallowed hangout for classic car enthusiasts, the Barrel has had a faithful flow of customers for more than five decades. It had been showing its age in recent years and was in need of repair when new owners Syngman Rhee Stevens and Charassri Saeng-on, owners of Tong’s Thai Restaurant, came to its rescue and pumped new energy and excitement into the place.

Ever mindful of the restaurant’s status as a dining institution, the restoration has kept the familiar façade in tact and patrons can still sit at the counter on vintage bar stools and order their favorite lunch special served seven days a week.

On a quick trip to check out the joint before the grand opening activities, I was relieved to find the place looking much as I remember in 1969 when my new GTO was packed with friends on a frequent trip over Olmos Dam to fuel up at the Bun ‘N’ Barrel. As students at Jefferson High School, this was as much a quest for the best burger as it was to catch a glimpse of the pretty girls from Alamo Heights.

Times have not changed a great deal, and neither (thank the new owners) has the menu at Bun ‘N’ Barrel. On a second outing with my wife (yes, an Alamo Heights graduate) and our daughter, we ordered up the B‘N’B classics. Beginning with a basket of hand-battered onion rings, my wife opted for the Carlos’ Angus Burger, named for long time owner Carlos Villasana, whose son Daniel is now general manager. The famous burger is laden with Swiss cheese, mushrooms, lettuce, tomato and served with hand-cut French fries and hand-battered onion rings.

General Manager Daniel Villasana serves a juicy 1/3-pound Barrel Burger at the Bun ‘N’ Barrel’s vintage lunch counter. Photos by John Bloodsworth

Daily lunch specials include Monday’s Barrel Burger and iced tea for $6.25, Tuesday’s barbecue beef and sausage plate with Iced Tea for $6.95 and Friday’s cod fish plate with cole slaw, hushpuppies and fresh cut fries for $5.95.

Frequent winners of reader’s choice awards for best Thai food in San Antonio, the new owners have added new premium entrees to the menu. Several new appetizers and imported beer and wine have been added.

This Saturday’s celebration will feature live bands playing hits from the ’50s and ’60s, a Thai Elvis impersonator, free prizes, free food items, clowns and balloons, and will be presided over by former owners and special guests of honor Courtney Broussard and Carlos Villasana.

The Bun ‘N’ Barrel Restaurant is located at 1150 Austin Highway and is open every day from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. For more information, call Daniel Villasana at 828-2829, or send an e-mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it