A rooftop bar is offering travelers a fun way station as they flock to the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo. Every Thursday through Sunday, from now until March 2, the themed pop-up Dusty Diamond is taking over High Praise Rooftop Bar.
The Intercontinental San Antonio Riverwalk debuted in August of 2024, and with it was High Praise, a moody space with both indoor and outdoor sections. This the venue's "first-ever rodeo-themed pop-up bar," according to a press release — suggesting that this might become a tradition.
The Dusty Diamond will have some fun touches in the decor, including cowhide rugs, wagon wheels, and lanterns, but the real fun is in the activities. Guests can try riding the mechanical bull, testing their lasso skills, and getting their hats branded and bandanas embroidered by Hat Bar San Antonio. Pus, they can pick up jewelry by Kendra Scott, handmade leather items by Tried and True Leather, and more branding by Tecovas on its own products.
On the drinks menu, there are 10 special cocktails inspired by country hits, like "Boots Stop Working" with Tito's Vodka, Cointreau Orange liqueur, raspberries, lemon juice, rosé, and a rose petal; and “If I was a Cowboy" with Pendleton Whiskey, Creole Orgeat, angostura bitters, pecan bitters, and a dried lime garnish. "This One's for the Girls" is a prickly pear ranch water made with Surtierra tequila, a rodeo partner alongside Stockman Wine.
Guests can taste Surtierra and Stockman Wine in the lobby of the hotel from 7-9 pm every other Saturday — the next one up is February 15. If they buy a bottle of tequila, all proceeds will benefit scholarships for students in Texas.
The food menu has Tex-Mex bites like shrimp-esquites tostadas, deviled eggs, chips and caviar, pulled pork sliders, and chicken lollipops with jalapeño honey.
High Praise is open from 5-11 pm on Thursdays and Fridays, 10 am to 11 pm on Saturdays, and 10 am to 4 pm on Sundays. On Saturday, February 1, the pop-up will open early at 9 am so that guests can stop by on their way to the Western Heritage Parade & Cattle Drive on Houston Street, which starts at Market Square about half a mile away.