BAR HOPPING: Zocca serves up a posh slice of Italy along River Walk
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WHAT: Zocca at the Westin Riverwalk
WHERE: 420 W. Market St.
THE DIGITS: (210) 444-6071
GET YOUR DRINK ON: Summer cocktails: How can you go wrong? The bar is open from 11 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. There’s no happy hour, though, which is unfortunate at their prices. Some of the enticing drinks offered: Italian-style Margherita, which is grappa, Amaretto and lime juice; Ducati, which is brandy, Tuaca, Grand Marnier and lemon juice; and Bellini, which has Prosecco and peach puree, as well as several other drinks (see below).
HOTTIES QUOTIENT: Medium to high, depending on what you’re looking for. There were a few lookers that came through the bar when I was there, and I’ll bet there are lots more a little later, but mostly they’re tourists and couples. And they’re all dressed to the nines, so keep that in mind if you’re looking for some high-class companionship.
WALLET HANGOVER: Very high. I had a Ferrari (Gray Goose L’Orange and pomegranate juice) in a small tumbler for $9.75. We’re talking six ounces or so of drink, albeit a delicious one. I decided, despite the toll, I’d also try a Vespa (did I mention that this was an Italian bar/restaurant?), which was spiced rum, Limoncello and sweet and sour for $8. Even the beer is $5.25. Still, the summer cocktails refreshed and recharged on a hot afternoon.
THE 210 TAKE: This posh bar is set along the river at the bottom of the Westin Riverwalk. Because it’s on the southwestern edge of the horseshoe, the river isn’t packed with tourists, making it a relaxing place to sit and watch the somehow pleasant, murky river (is this perhaps the love a parent feels for his ugly child?). The impeccable interior includes marble floors, thick, dark wood tables and even a soap stone wall behind the bar. The walls are painted perfectly in light, earth-tone colors extending the already high walls. Dark wooden beams run across the ceiling, completing the impeccable Italian/Hill Country ambiance. It did get pretty loud as waiters moved tables around after a big group had left, but otherwise, it was pleasant and quiet.
GRADE: B (the only reason I’m giving it a grade this low is because the prices are so prohibitive for most of us; if you’re rich, grade: A).
Rico Auto | 210SA contributor
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