San Antonio, Texas, February 2, 2026
San Antonio welcomes Jue Let, a new bar and restaurant at the Pearl complex, launched by James Beard Award-nominated chef Jennifer Hwa Dobbertin. Opened recently, Jue Let offers a distinctive dining experience featuring unique design elements like a mirrored chicken’s-foot chandelier and private karaoke rooms. The innovative menu crafted by Chef Dobbertin showcases her culinary expertise, further enriching San Antonio’s vibrant food scene, which continues to evolve with several notable developments in other restaurants across the city.
San Antonio, Texas – James Beard-Nominated Chef Opens New Restaurant at Pearl
San Antonio’s culinary scene has been enriched with the recent opening of Jue Let, a new bar and restaurant at the Pearl complex, led by James Beard Award-nominated chef Jennifer Hwa Dobbertin.
Jue Let, which debuted on November 21, 2025, offers a unique dining experience with distinctive design elements, including a mirrored chicken’s-foot chandelier, two private karaoke rooms, a circular mirrored entrance to the restrooms, and a custom fortune-telling machine at the entry.
Chef Dobbertin, renowned for her work at Best Quality Daughter, has created a menu that reflects her culinary expertise and innovative approach to dining.
San Antonio’s vibrant food scene continues to thrive, with several other notable developments:
- Mixtli, a progressive Mexican restaurant, has been named a semifinalist for Outstanding Restaurant in the 2026 James Beard Awards, marking its third nomination in five years.
- Chef Geronimo Lopez of Hotel Emma is set to host a special pop-up dinner on March 6, 2025, as part of the James Beard Foundation’s Taste America culinary series, co-hosted by Visit San Antonio.
- Chef Nicola Blaque’s The Jerk Shack, San Antonio’s only Michelin-recognized Jamaican restaurant, continues to gain acclaim for its authentic flavors and culinary excellence.
- Chef Andrew Weissman has announced the opening of Max’s Sister on November 3, 2025, returning to French cuisine in the former location of The Hayden.
- Chef Enrique Lozano, a former winner of the Food Network show Chopped, is set to launch Aguazul Seafood in February 2025, bringing coastal Mexican flavors to the city.
These developments highlight the dynamic and diverse nature of San Antonio’s dining landscape, showcasing the city’s commitment to culinary innovation and excellence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Jue Let?
Jue Let is a new bar and restaurant at the Pearl complex in San Antonio, led by James Beard Award-nominated chef Jennifer Hwa Dobbertin. It offers a unique dining experience with distinctive design elements and a menu reflecting Chef Dobbertin’s culinary expertise.
When did Jue Let open?
Jue Let opened on November 21, 2025.
What are some notable features of Jue Let?
Jue Let features a mirrored chicken’s-foot chandelier, two private karaoke rooms, a circular mirrored entrance to the restrooms, and a custom fortune-telling machine at the entry.
Who is Chef Jennifer Hwa Dobbertin?
Chef Jennifer Hwa Dobbertin is a James Beard Award-nominated chef known for her work at Best Quality Daughter. She is leading the culinary team at Jue Let, bringing her innovative approach to dining to San Antonio.
What other notable culinary developments are happening in San Antonio?
San Antonio’s culinary scene continues to thrive with several notable developments, including Mixtli’s nomination for Outstanding Restaurant in the 2026 James Beard Awards, Chef Geronimo Lopez’s upcoming pop-up dinner as part of the James Beard Foundation’s Taste America culinary series, Chef Nicola Blaque’s The Jerk Shack’s Michelin recognition, Chef Andrew Weissman’s announcement of Max’s Sister opening on November 3, 2025, and Chef Enrique Lozano’s upcoming launch of Aguazul Seafood in February 2025.
Key Features of San Antonio’s Culinary Scene Developments
| Development | Description | Opening Date | Chef | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jue Let | New bar and restaurant offering unique dining experience with distinctive design elements. | November 21, 2025 | Jennifer Hwa Dobbertin | Pearl complex, San Antonio |
| Mixtli | Progressive Mexican restaurant nominated for Outstanding Restaurant in the 2026 James Beard Awards. | Ongoing | Diego Galicia | San Antonio |
| Chef Geronimo Lopez’s Pop-Up Dinner | Special pop-up dinner as part of the James Beard Foundation’s Taste America culinary series. | March 6, 2025 | Geronimo Lopez | Hotel Emma, San Antonio |
| The Jerk Shack | San Antonio’s only Michelin-recognized Jamaican restaurant. | Ongoing | Nicola Blaque | San Antonio |
| Max’s Sister | Chef Andrew Weissman’s new French restaurant returning to San Antonio’s dining scene. | November 3, 2025 | Andrew Weissman | San Antonio |
| Aguazul Seafood | New coastal Mexican restaurant bringing fresh flavors to San Antonio. | February 2025 | Enrique Lozano | San Antonio |
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