Our Story

WELCOME TO CARRIQUI

In the early days of Pearl, which date back to the 1890s, Boehler’s Liberty Saloon served as the watering hole and social center for the brewery’s workers. This storied place saw the neighborhood through times both flush and lean. 

In 1933 when Prohibition ended, folks lined the streets and cheered as delivery trucks rolled out of Pearl Brewery. And the first stop for legal beer was right here.

For nearly 130 years, this building was an anchor of the neighborhood and a hangout for many. As stewards of this iconic place, we strive to deliver an equally special hospitality experience grounded in sincerity and warmth.

FOOD AND DRINK OF SOUTH TEXAS

Our culinary team—led by Chef Jaime Gonzalez—is made up with some of our favorite people.

When you visit, be sure to peek through our kitchen window and see the heart of the operation. Our menu mixes old and new and celebrates the flavors and ingredients of South Texas—made with care and delivered straight from our kitchen to your table.

HILL COUNTRY FORGED PIT HOUSE

In true Texas fashion, Carriqui takes BBQ very seriously. Our custom pits were forged by our friends at Mill Scale Metal Works in Lockhart, Texas (special shout out to Caleb and Matt). The pits are fueled by regional woods—oak, pecan, and mesquite—and carefully tended to by our BBQ whispers Nathan, Ernie, Marco, and Marc.

You can smell what’s cooking from a block away and when you visit, ask for a tour because our team loves to show them off. They are always excited to share what’s cooking—be it brisket, carbrito, barbacoa, or achiote chicken.

A BAR WITH 130 YEARS OF HISTORY

When we acquired the historic building in 2014, the original wooden bar was in it. And we knew we had to keep it.

With some elbow grease and care, we set it up to last for another 130 years with a replica addition to create a central focal point when you enter the restaurant. Saddle up, grab a drink, and get to know the team that makes our mean margaritas. 

LOCAL FLAVOR

One of the best parts of reimagining this building’s next chapter, was figuring out how share and showcase this place we call home. The historic photographs—just like the wooden bar—were in the building when it was acquired. We cleaned them up (just a bit) and hung them on the wall.

Much of the art is by artists in our neighborhood (thanks Ethel, Lloyd, and Richard). The plates displayed in our dining rooms are by our friend Marcela in Mexico and feature the flora and fauna of our region. Our statement serving ware was made by local ceramicist and long-time collaborator Linda Perez.

The Texas-centric books that serve as check carriers were collected from estate sales and second-hand bookstores around town. And be sure to look up at the ceiling on the main house’s first floor—it is the salvaged floors of the original building. We love all the details and hope you do too.

Ricky Armendariz

Marcela Calderón

LINDA PEREZ

HISTORIC PHOTOS

News