Ambler Texas Kitchen + Cocktails

We ate breakfast outdoors and the Juevos Rancheros were excellent. We're gluten free and Francisco took great care of us.

We came here for our Saturday brunch. Our waiter Francisco was wonderful: 1. He was courteous and took time to get to know us. 2. My friend only wanted a half order of French toast, which was not on the menu. Francisco accommodated her request and only charged half price.3. My sister and I shared an omelette and he split the plate for us and gave us extra potatoes. 4. He was very attentive and poured coffee for us even when he already left the pot on the table. We had a great experience.

THE LEGEND OF FRANCESCO - A Dining Experience Like No Other!Listen up, Texas food lovers--your search for the ultimate dining experience ends HERE. Nestled on this patio, where the food is divine and the ambiance just right, there exists a man. No... not just a man--a gastronomic legend. His name? FRANCESCO. And if you haven't had the pleasure of being served by him, you haven't truly lived.From the moment we sat down, Francesco didn't just serve us--he performed. We're talking Michelangelo-painting-the-Sistine-Chapel levels of artistry in service. Charismatic, over-the-top, and hilariously engaging, he transformed what should have been an ordinary meal into an Oscar-worthy experience.He didn't just take our order. He anticipated our every need before we even knew we had it. A mere glance at our empty glasses? Boom--refilled with the precision of a ninja. Thinking about dessert but feeling unsure? Francesco delivered a poetic monologue about the tiramisu that made us order two.This man doesn't bring plates to the table--he orchestrates culinary magic with a flair so entertaining, we half-expected him to take a bow at the end. And honestly? We would have given a standing ovation.So here's the deal: if you want a meal that's just a meal, go anywhere. But if you want a night that will have you laughing, entertained, and talking about it for the next decade, come sit on this patio and ask for Francesco.Trust us--you'll leave with a full stomach, a happy heart, and a ridiculous story to tell. 11/10. Can't wait to come back.

Looking for a place to eat downtown San Antonio, you have hundreds of choices. Looking for an eating experience, I found one for you. As 15 year plus downtown residents, another place we have heard about but never made it to the event. Oh yes, event! You will need to make reservations to secure a spot.As soon as you walk onto the Ambler patio you smell the "goodness". This was a dining experience, the only thing missing was a cowboy on a horse!Again, we found options for Cindi (40 plus year vegetarian). A fish option and ...... the chef came to the table and asked her if she would like a off menu vegetarian option he could create. WHAT!From start to finish - Excellent. The food was delicious. Impeccable service by the entire staff and our waitress - Bellamy. Saw the chef going to table to table asking how the meal was and small talk. REFRESHING and a lost art! Also, refreshing we felt welcomed and pampered by the service. Pricey? That matters. Look at the pictures. Portions, very large. The steaks size of speed bumps! I could see this as a special occasion experience and or you have guests in town, and you want to do the NON-TYPICAL but be on the River Walk. We both highly recommend it. PS what you can't finish, they will pack it up for you to take home!

It was easy to get a last minute reservation which was great. The location is great, right on the river walk. The food was ok. The ciabatta was a highlight in the appetizer. The service was not good. They forgot to assign a server so we sat for ages before we had to ask for a server to be assigned. They forgot our drinks, did not bring the toast for one of our meals. We had to ask for coffee refills. Luckily we were not in a rush.

Fantastic service + location! We had a lovely morning brunch followed by our spa treatments at hotel contessa. Our server was Francisco and he made the experience absolutely fabulous. He was so attentive and knowledgeable. Also great location right along the river walk!

Food and service was great. My steak was incredible tender. Had the brussel sprouts, good but had a sauce not too familiar with. Will be back when in town.

Francisco is our waiter and he is so enthusiastic and providing good service for us. The food is good the atmosphere is cozy and welcoming!

I never write reviews, but my experience at Ambler was so exceptional that I had to make an exception--because Francisco deserves all the praise in the world.From the moment we sat down, Francisco provided what can only be described as unreasonable hospitality--the kind of service that doesn't just meet expectations but surpasses them in ways you didn't even know were possible. He anticipated every need before we even had to ask, made us feel truly celebrated, and elevated our meal into an unforgettable experience.The details!! Every recommendation was spot-on, every interaction warm and genuine, and his attentiveness was next-level. He made us feel like the most important guests in the restaurant. Ambler should be so proud and honored to have him on their team.If you're looking for a place that delivers not just incredible food but a true dining experience, do yourself a favor and ask for Francisco. He's a gem, and this meal will stay with us forever.Let me know if you'd like any tweaks!

I had the pleasure of being served by Francisco at AmblerTexas Kitchen at Hotel Contessa, and his level of hospitality was nothing short of exceptional. He didn't just take care of our table; he elevated the entire dining experience with genuine warmth, attention to detail, and a clear passion for going above and beyond.In Unreasonable Hospitality, Will Guidara talks about going beyond expectations to create truly memorable moments for guests. Francisco embodied this philosophy effortlessly. From personalized recommendations to anticipating our needs before we even voiced them, he transformed a simple meal into something special. It wasn't just about great food; it was about feeling valued and taken care of.If every restaurant had a Francisco, dining out would be an entirely different experience. I can't recommend him highly enough--if you have the chance, ask for his section, and prepare to be wowed!