San Antonio's New Tryst Restaurant Will Serve Fine Southern Cuisine Near The Pearl | San Antonio

A group of veteran San Antonio restaurateurs are preparing to launch a refined Southern cuisine concept near the Pearl called Tryst Kitchen + Cocktails.

Led by Joshua Green, previously known for mini-chain The South Chicken & Waffles, and Bruce Chambliss, owner of the original Bayseas Seafood, along with other partners, Tryst is expected to open in July, subject to approval from his alcohol license. The restaurant and bar will focus on a creative mix of Creole, Cajun and soul food specialties as well as cocktails.

“We want people to think of this restaurant as a place where they can come and have a drink, but our bread and butter will be the food,” Green said. “It’s going to be Southern cuisine with a sophisticated twist. We’re going to do traditional soul food dishes, but we’re going to use ingredients like Wagyu beef and fresh seafood. We’re also going to take a creative culinary approach to the sides.”

Green, a former Judson ISD teacher and coach, grew The South Chicken & Waffles concept into three stores but was forced to close it due to economic pressures related to the COVID-19 pandemic. He, Chambliss and other partners also landed the city's first Bojangles franchise as part of the North Carolina-based chicken chain's Texas expansion and debuted their first location last summer.

Tryst, located at 1915 Broadway, Suite 111, is located below The Mosaic on Broadway apartments.

Green said the restaurant's location on the rapidly developing corridor will allow it to take lunches to nearby office complexes while attracting the dinner and brunch crowds accustomed to heading to the Pearl District for dining and entertainment.

In keeping with its creative approach, Tryst will feature a mix of music, DJs and other entertainment to liven things up, according to Green. A mural by San Antonio artist Colton Valentine and a striking wood-framed bar add style to the space.

The Tryst location was previously home to the short-lived Ay Caramba Taco Cantina, which closed in March. Before that, it was occupied by Señor Fish Seafood Bar, which folded in mid-2023, and Tacos N Tequila, which closed in 2017 after three years of operation.

Green said he's not discouraged by the turnover at the establishment's former restaurants, which he said he's had his eye on for some time.

“This place has it all,” he said. “We’re on a great, busy corner. We’re in an up-and-coming area and we’re next to a destination, the Pearl, that attracts locals and out-of-towners. We have parking. We have a really cool bar. All the ingredients are there, so it’s really about getting the right staff and executing the food and drinks.”

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