It’s been about a year since Candy’s Old Fashion Burgers packed up its longtime home on South Flores Street to move a few blocks away in a space behind San Antonio City Hall. The family-owned restaurant that became a courthouse favorite has been serving up burgers in San Antonio since 2006, and in its new home, Candy’s can accommodate even more customers seeking out quick, easy eats in the downtown area.
On Wednesday, October 15, I stopped by Candy’s Old Fashion to pick up an affordable burger combo from the new-and-improved location. As with any downtown restaurant, the hard part was getting there, thanks to the seemingly endless maze of construction that plagues our city streets. Fortunately, Candy’s has several parking spots reserved in a lot right in front of the restaurant.
Inside, Candy’s is decorated with a mix of festive items like piñatas and streamers that resemble floral crowns as well as vintage memorabilia that calls back to the era of greasers and pink ladies. Across the expansive room, which features table and bar seating, televisions play classic programs like Leave It To Beaver as customers approached the front counter to order their burger of choice. It’s a far cry from Candy’s former humble dining room, just a skip away.
When it was my turn to order, I opted for the mushroom Swiss burger ($12.49), which comes with fries and a fountain drink. As for toppings, I asked for everything but onions, so it came with lettuce, tomato, pickles, mustard, Swiss cheese and mushrooms in some kind of wine sauce that provided the burger with a healthy dose of savory flavor.
After no time at all, the thick, juicy burger arrived at my table wrapped in red, checkered paper atop a bed of seasoned fries. It was a substantial patty sandwiched between a thick bun and all those mouth-watering fixings. The table had ketchup and hot sauce at the ready, and the Pepsi soda fountain was easily accessible for a refill between bites. While I scarfed down my food, I overheard more than one customer greet the employees, who in turn addressed their regulars by name…