The Rose Bush — Restaurant in San Antonio

Casual urban ethnic neighborhood spot with eclectic food, good people watching, and great space for kids to run around and play on jungle gym and tetherball. Mostly outdoor picnic tables for nice evenings out, but also indoor tables with a TV for never missing a Spurs game. The Rosebush is anchored by Malik's Philly Cheesesteaks truck, Malik Rose was the original founder but sold the business to family, and The Rose family still operates the Rosebush and Malik's. My first time here I opted for Ay Papi's Puerto Rican food which was delicious and we'll prepared. Some of the best fried yucca I've ever had, and also first time trying Mofongo. Tostones could have used a bit more garlic and were slightly bland, but the Pollo Ajillo was perfectly cooked as was the Carne frita with a consistency reminiscent of deep fried pork in an...

I had high expectations when I went to check this place out, so you can understand why I was disappointed when it turned out to be sort of greasy and mediocre. It wasn't terrible, but if you've ever had someone swear to you about how, "Oh, you've just got to [eat at this restaurant/watch this movie /visit club/etc.]!" And then, when you make an effort to try doing whatever it was that was recommended and find that it's really not all it is cracked to be...it's disappointing. Especially if you wasted money on it. My experience at the Rose Bush was like that. And, there was a mild, but unappetizing odor in the air there, like stale water or mildew. Sometimes a hole in the wall restaurant is a hidden treasure, other times, though, it's just a hole...

We went on a Sunday late afternoon when there was no crowd. My husband ordered The Original Philly with mushrooms and was utterly disappointed to get home and find no mushrooms on it. Not even one. Not like if they were insanely busy when we went. And the cashier even repeated the order back when we placed it. The steak and chicken Originals were flavorful. A little too salty for my taste, though. Fries were not greasy, which is a plus. Don't expect a traditional Cheesesteak, of course. My husband is from Philly and knows a good one when he sees it. But if you're looking for a cool hangout with some flavor, this is an option. Just check your food before...