The family behind Southtown’s La Tuna Grill — a bar and grill known for fusing Tex-Mex, seafood, Cajun, and American classics — is packing up and heading to the Government Hill neighborhood, debuting a concept of their own, The Ridge at the Hill, late this summer.
Taking over a space at 2119 I-35 Frontage Road — previously the home of 88 Cerveceria and Eastside Kitchenette — the upcoming eatery will land near establishments such as Breakaway Brewing Co., Elotitos Corn Bar, and Snake Hill Social Club.
Co-Owner Amanda Dortman — the daughter of Chef Mark Dortman and his wife and Operations Manager Anna Dortman — tells What Now San Antonio, “We’ve run the kitchen at La Tuna for 19 years —we felt it was time to branch out and do something on our own.”
According to Dortman, The Ridge will serve comfort cuisine that includes items from the La Tuna menu like chicken fried steak, burgers, and wings, with a focus on sharable entrees and appetizers. Additionally, the eatery will boast a full bar and a selection of craft beer, wines, and specialty cocktails. However, the menus are still being developed.
Working alongside the property owners, JD and Leslie Ibarra, the Dortman family is renovating the building and acquiring the proper permitting at the moment.
“We’re really thankful to the property owners — they were as excited about having us as we were about coming,” shares Dortman.
Slated to open in August, San Antonio residents can expect to enjoy drinks and a meal on The Ridge’s outdoor patio and turf-covered yard space — as well as in its two, cooled indoor dining rooms — before the end of summer.
