Box St. All Day Brunch - Hemisfair — Restaurant in San Antonio

A group of lady friends decided to make a spontaneous trip for brunch here. Of course, there were some that were running errands or were at church. A few of us arrived and we sat out on the outdoor patio. We ordered our drinks and food. The food was delicious. We had no complaints about any of it. As more friends arrived, they ordered and ate while we chatted. We had been there for about 1.5 hrs by the time the last friend arrived. As we greeted each other, the manager walked up to our table to let us know that our time was nearly up and we'd have to leave. This was the first time I've ever heard a restaurant tell anyone that they had to leave. We looked at each other in confusion, trying to understand what was going on. We called our waitress to get further explanations. She reiterated what the manager said, but I was still confused so I kindly asked her to have her manager return to our table, so that I could get clarification. While I waited, I checked their website to see if I could find any information about time limits for dining, but the only time limit I found was for reservations...which we didn't have. When the manager returned, he explained that each party had a time limit of 2 hrs due to reservations. I informed him that we didn't have reservations, but he insisted that the group automatically turned into a reservation. I didn't understand that and asked for more information to clarify, in which he couldn't. He explained that the hostess informed us about the time limit, but I explained to him that she hadn't and there seemed to have been some miscommunication. By this time, the last friend to arrive had about 10 minutes to place her order, have it served and finish it before we had to leave. If we would've known that we would be getting kicked out due to a time limit, we would have chosen a different establishment. This information isn't posted online either, so it doesn't give customers the opportunity to decide if they are willing to go, before making the commute and paying for parking as well. We asked for our checks and the waitress was given a $100 bill. We said our goodbyes as my friend waited for her change. 10 minutes went by without seeing the waitress come out with the change, so we decided to go inside. The waitress was getting drinks for another table and didn't have the receipt nor the change. The manager saw me and asked if something was wrong and I told him that the change was missing. He proceeded to ask the waitress, in which she mentioned having it in her bag. We go to the counter only to have him ask what was in the order and how much was given to the waitress. We explained that it was a single $100 bill and he looked in the bag, but said there was NO $100 bill in it. He went back outside to look for her, but she was already walking in and he asked her about the money. She takes the bill out of her front pocket and they both walk to a room adjacent to the front counter where she finally rings up the order and gives the change to him. I also don't understand why it took at least 15 minutes to "hunt down" the waitress to get the change back. This experience ruined what could have been a delightful brunch for a group of friends. We will not be returning to this establishment...

We went for brunch on 1/21/24. I had called before they opened to ask if there was seating in the patio. The guy who answered, Joshua, was very sweet and mentioned they had optional patio seating and also inside seating available since it was cold and drizzling. I said that was fine and we headed over. Our party of 3 arrived and when I asked for patio seating I was told that it was not available and to check in with the hostess to get our name on the list. We were told the wait was going to be around 30 to 45 minutes, which was fine since they were busy. We waited outside then moved to the bar. Slowly other people arrived and were seated before us. After 30 minutes, I checked with the hostess that said the people who arrived later than us all had reservations and we would have to wait more for a table, but it shouldn't be more than 20 minutes. Again, we stayed at the bar and saw more and more guests arrive and been seated. I went up again and the hostess said the same thing. Since I saw 2 available tables that were clear for over 5 minutes, I asked why we couldn't sit there. She then said we wouldn't fit since we wanted a table of 6. I told her we asked for a table for 3 and she began cutting me off that she was new and didn't know why she put 3 on the list. I went and spoke to Josh and he said he was sorry for the misunderstanding but that those 2 tables were reserved and we should be seated soon. I went out for a cigarette and he came out to let me know we had an option to squeeze in a table for 2 and they would add a chair or they would have the next table ready would be for us. He said it should take 15 to 20 minutes so we said we would wait as we didn't do all the waiting to feel cramped. 20 minutes and several cleared and reseated tables later I went up to him again He apologized and said the next table would be ours, that they had just given the 2 hour max notice to a table and are waiting for them to leave. After a couple minutes another table decided to leave. It took 5 minutes to clean it and finally seat us. Thankfully, after over an hour and half of waiting, we ordered cocktails at the bar. The only thing we got for this 'confusion' was a sorry from the hosts.. not that I wanted free stuff initially, but a free entree would have been nice. Aside from that, our waiter Vince was nice. The food was alright, nothing special by any means. Honestly, it would have been better without the wait but there wasn't much that called out to make us return. The wait really sour our taste as some other patrons at the bar were joking and celebrated when we finally got the table. I would rate the customer service lower, but I don't want it to reflect on Vince. It was all the hosts. Again, food is ok at best and expensive. All in all, it won't be on my list to recommend...

I’ve been coming here for a couple of times now and I’m ready to review this place.

Atmosphere: It gives BREKKY GIRL VIBES! I love the atmosphere. My boyfriend calls it a girly spot and he even loves it here. The service and vibes are IMMACULATE! The decor is sooo cute and pretty. The music selection is always great. Can get you dancing and grooving, which goes well with good food.

Food: As I’ve mentioned, I’ve come here a couple of times and I felt like I had to get something different every time until I found that “AMAZING” dish. I’ve had almost everything on their brunch menu. The dishes that stood out and have me coming for more are the “Chilaquiles”, “Eggs Benny” and the “Brussels Sprouts Hash”. Ohhh my soul, these are my favourite because I am a savoury girl and they are really yummy.

The “Box Tots” are a cool concept but the one time I had them, they came out cold with the Breakfast Sandwich. Not much of a sweet tooth so I can’t comment on their sweet dishes. Although, I did have the French toast and it was good.

The Box Burger with fries is just ok. Personally, the fries are not it. Thai wings are very yummy, sticky and somewhat not dry. Really good and recommend them!

The Bloody Mary is sooo good. Probably the best in San Antonio. Get you a mimosa while you’re at it. It’s basically Orange Coloured Champagne. I always ask for more orange juice because it’s too strong for me.

Parking: You’ll most likely pay for parking and can get really crowded.

Wait Times: The longest I have had to wait for a table was probably 1h45min. The wait times are RIDICULOUS. After coming here so many times, we have figured the trick. Come here before 10:00 to get seated immediately or with a small wait time. Recommend booking a reservation, if you want to come later. Otherwise, you will WAIT. Oh my soul. I really like this place and don’t mind waiting but I’ve become so Hangry just waiting. You’re more than welcome to get a drink or coffee while you wait but I don’t like drinking on an empty stomach.

I have not experienced the new hours and menu. However can’t wait to try it.

Overall, it is worth a visit. Just follow my recommendations with regards to reservations and you’ll...