tryst. Kitchen + Cocktails — Restaurant in San Antonio

If you're searching for a spot that perfectly balances great food, impeccable service, and a vibe that makes every occasion feel special, look no further than Tryst Kitchen + Cocktails. From the moment you pull into the free parking garage, it’s clear that this establishment prioritizes its customers' convenience and experience.

As soon as you step inside, you're greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere that feels both upscale and relaxed. The lighting is thoughtfully designed, creating a romantic yet lively ambiance that is perfect for date nights or gatherings with friends. The vibe is enhanced by an excellent selection of R&B tracks from the '90s and early 2000s playing softly in the background, evoking a sense of nostalgia that adds to the overall charm.

One of the standout features of Tryst is its covered outdoor seating area. This space is perfect for those who want to enjoy the nice weather on a great day or for anyone looking to dine al fresco. It provides a comfortable and stylish option for patrons, whether you’re soaking up the sunshine or seeking a spot in the shade. The outdoor area also serves as an ideal overflow space when the inside is bustling, ensuring that every guest can still enjoy the same exceptional experience without feeling crowded. It's a thoughtful touch that shows Tryst’s commitment to accommodating all its guests, no matter the occasion or the crowd.

The customer service at Tryst is nothing short of exceptional. From the moment I was seated, I was attended to with care and attention. The waiter, Brandon, stood out for his professionalism, friendly demeanor, and knowledge of the menu. He ensured that every need was met without being overbearing, which contributed to an overall enjoyable dining experience. It's rare to find such a high level of service where both the management and the staff are equally committed to making your visit memorable.

When it comes to the food, Tryst Kitchen + Cocktails truly shines. Every dish I sampled was not only delicious but also generously portioned, making it perfect for sharing. Whether you're in the mood for a hearty meal or a few small plates to complement your drinks, the menu offers a wide variety of options that cater to all tastes. Each dish was expertly prepared, with flavors that were well-balanced and satisfying from start to finish. There wasn’t a single bite that left me wanting more because everything was just that good.

Another highlight of Tryst is its well-designed bar area, which features multiple TVs for those who want to catch the latest sports games while enjoying a drink. The bar is well-stocked with a variety of cocktails, wines, and beers, making it an ideal spot for a casual night out or a pre-dinner drink.

In summary, Tryst Kitchen + Cocktails is a true haven for anyone looking for great food, drinks, and vibes. Whether you’re there for a romantic dinner, a night out with friends, or just to catch a game, this place has something for everyone. With the added bonus of outdoor seating and no complaints from start to finish, I can confidently say that Tryst has become one of my favorite...

Not impressed. Free parking..necessary cuz the food was mid, drinks were mediocre, & the service was horrible. Paid for the patio space for a birthday dinner. It was staffed with 2 bartenders (white guy sides cut with man bun & a younger female with curly hair in a ponytail) that should’ve also been our servers. We were not provided a drink menu upon arrival. Ordered the spicy affair drink..it was not good. Waited for the servers to come over..they rushed getting everyone’s order because the patio was only available to us for 2 hours max. Only seen the servers at our table one other time. They were not attentive AT ALL. Appetizers came out, had the spinach dip - wasn’t even worth finishing. Food comes out randomly (not all together) and the servers were giving everyone the wrong plate of food. Salmon plate looked amazing, actual taste..not worth the price. Ordered a side of catfish, $10 for one piece, again looked amazing but was so soft and soggy inside that it was inedible & was sent back. Also tried the Cajun chicken pasta..wasn’t horrible but nothing to rave about. The shrimp salad had potential but i asked for an extra side of dressing and waited over 30 minutes to receive it. Bartenders/servers dropped off an extra shrimp salad at our table that nobody ordered & then got upset when no one wanted to pay for it (didn’t even ask who ordered it, literally just left it on the corner of the table). Tried to give the bar another chance and ordered a strawberry margarita & a tequila lemon drop. The margarita was a 5/10..drinkable but weak, nothing special. The lemon drop was a 0/10..literally tasted like a cup of straight lemon flavored water. It was warm outside and the fans were not turned on nor were there misters to keep the area cool. The flys outside were outrageous so if you book the patio be prepared to fight for every single bite you want to take. Gratuity was automatically included due to our guest count but no way I would’ve given a $50 tip to this establishment. The service was so bad I wouldn’t have left a tip at all. I was also promised specific prices by someone named Grace but upon arrival was told she had been fired and even with proof they did not honor the promises she made when I booked the venue. Make sure your money is right cuz none of the food dishes were reasonably priced. I know this restaurant appeals to the “black vibe” people want to experience, but A LOT of changes need to be made. Definitely don’t plan to have a birthday...

I’ll start with the positives. The Free parking was a plus. The atmosphere and food presentation were both good. However, the appearance of the food does not match the taste or quality. I ordered the catfish and grits with a side of skillet potatoes. The grits were stone ground which made them course and gritty. The taste was just ok, really nothing to brag about. The plate came with two large pieces of “ catfish” the catfish had a very thick crust that was hard to cut into with the sides of my fork. Once I broke into it, it was hollow and I could see the flat pale piece of fish that was inside. The fish was of poor quality. I don’t think it was catfish, I really think it was Swai fish but didn’t think to ask until after leaving. The skillet potatoes were salty. I didn’t order any alcohol but I did have a watermelon lemonade which tastes like flavored sweet water. I didn’t taste any lemonade. I changed it to strawberry lemonade and again no signs of lemonade, just flavored sweet water. I literally ate a few forks of grits and a small portion of the “ catfish” I asked for a to go box because I didn’t want to be rude and leave that much food on the table but I had no plans to eat it later. That was my order. My friend ordered the shrimp and grits. It came with 5 shrimp and barely and sauce, she had to request additional sauce. My plate was $24 and hers was $28. Our theory is the reason the shrimp cost more is because you can’t fake shrimp but you can use a cheaper quality of fish and entomb it in a thick crust to hide its poor quality. She had the same complaint about the grits and also mentioned that the sauce only had a few pieces of sausage. She also ordered the strawberry lemonade and came to the same conclusion as I did regarding the lack of lemonade taste. Again, the vibe and the esthetics are there and if that’s what you’re looking for than Tryst is the restaurant for you. If you’re looking for good high quality food, than you might wanna try...