Yelp San Antonio’s Backstage Pass To The Empire Theatre

'Twas a night to remember, hazily perhaps, as 300 Yelpers gathered at the iconic Charline McCombs Empire Theatre to mingle amongst some of our cities' best and brightest local businesses. Nine restaurants, eight beverage partners, and three music acts put on their best performances, making Yelp's Backstage Pass the biggest and baddest Yelp event in San Antonio to-date! 

"From an upscale zucchini with tomato foam from Chef Jason Dady, to sausages from County Line, pita and hummus from Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill, and chips and spinach and artichoke dip from Hard Rock Café" the variety of eats was neverending, pleasantly suprising Sarah J. Then there's more: Zedric's Asian Summer Slaw, Bohanan's gourmet charcuterie spread, Green Vegetarian Cuisine's "I-Can't-Believe-They're-Vegan" Brownies, and Kettle King's assortment of homemade popcorn. Ending the evening on a sweet note, each Yelper walked out with a personal macaron, compliments of Bakery Lorraine. 

Feuling the party, two local favorite breweries represented San Antonio craft beer – Branchline Brewing and Ranger Creek – while liqour-ous libations flowed from Blue Nectar Tequila (Reposado and fresh pineapple juice anyone?), Deep Eddy Vodka (hello Ruby Red!), and Genius Gin (a tongue-Thai-ing craft cocktail). Crispin Cider provided the ideal Summer refresher, Juicer Heroes served up samples of their organic fresh-pressed quenchers, and Redbull gave us all wings. 

We wouldn't be keepin' it puro if we didn't rock out to some local beats. DJ Steven Lee Moya set the smooth tone, followed by local duo who Ash M swears by, "if you're not madly in love with Lorita Drive after last night, check your pulse people!" Rounding out the night and bringing down the house, was rockabilly group, The Hares. Post-getting down on the dance floor, Yelpers relaxed in the Raw Hair Studio lounge with complimentary head and hand massages, and a little bit of stylin' advice. Guests stopped by the Banana Stand photo booth to create some moments of their own, and the remaining candids were captured by the talented Parish Photography. 

Ultimately, all this fun culminated in a whopping $1,800 raised for the Las Casas Foundation! Summing it up better than we can for ourselves, event newbie Betron S, "This party was so much more than getting to know fellow yelpers, this event was a fantastic opportunity to sample the town, and get to know the vendors, distillers, brewers, and restaurateurs alike. I was able to connect so many people to their online personas, and ultimately experience the individual fabulousness of each!"

Read what fellow Yelpers are saying about the shindig, and feel free to add your own review to the 5-star mix! 

Until we party again, San Antonio!

Gloria C