Our story
Bar Loretta is a full-service restaurant, bar & market serving elevated, modern Texas cuisine along with proper cocktails, quality brews, and choice wines. The Texas-inspired, seasonal menu will use the finest, largely Texas-sourced, ingredients. Executive Chef Paul Petersen’s classic French training serves as the foundation of the dishes, and the layering of local flavors and cooking techniques makes them shine. The exceptional bar program will is the collaboration of Bar Loretta’s owner Roger Herr and renowned cocktail guru Michael Neff.
Bar Loretta is located in a 100 year-old building in the walkable King William neighborhood at 320 Beauregard, a short walk away from the San Antonio River, The Alamo, the Blue Star Arts Complex, Fiesta, First Friday celebrations, Second Saturday Art Walk, and King William Fair. The historic building was originally two separate structures and retains two entrances making it perfect for the restaurant/bar & market. The historic building inspired Bar Loretta’s design, polishing what exists in concert with historically respectful improvements, creating an elegant, comfortable, and authentic space that feels effortless.
Patrons can enjoy indoor and outdoor dining with a full bar and a space for music. The music will honor musicians of the likes of Steve Earle and Townes Van Zandt, who passed through 320 Beauregard’s doors, highlighting those with a love for the unique Texas sound.
our TEAM
Roger Herr
Principal / Owner
Roger Herr spent his youth in Texas, but high-tailed it to NYC in the mid-90s where he found work tending bar. In 2000, Roger opened Souths in the downtown neighborhood of Tribeca. It quickly became a favorite lunch, dinner, and gathering spot for the neighborhood. Roger then opened The 11th Street Bar in 2006. With a loyal following of artists, musicians, and neighborhood locals, The 11th Street Bar served as an East Village anchor offering drinks and good cheer to all who gathered there. Roger also established the charity, Downtown Elves, in connection with The 11th Street Bar, raising over $100,000 to-date, benefitting local women’s and children’s associations. After 22 years in the big city, Roger headed back home to Texas with the intent of bringing a bit of what he learned in NY, mixing it up with his Texas roots, and creating a spot for locals and visitors alike to gather and enjoy life.
Paul Petersen
Executive Chef
Paul Petersen also packed his bags for New York in the mid-90s. Paul attended the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) and immediately after graduation, began cutting his teeth in the some of the best kitchens in NYC. His first gig was at Michael Romano’s celebrated Union Square Café and was followed by positions with Larry Forgione at An American Place and Jimmy Bradley at The Red Cat. Eventually, Paul set his gaze back to Texas where he opened up Little Texas Bistro in Buda in 2002. Critics took note, and Paul won “Best New Chef” from the Austin American Statesman, “Best New Restaurant” and “Rising Kitchen Star” from the Austin Chronicle, and “Best Chef Southwest nominee 2008 and 2009” from the James Beard Foundation. Soon, the Gage Hotel came calling and Paul re-located to Marathon, where he continued to dignify “down-home-cuisine” with his innovative approach to top-notch ingredients. His time at the Gage was followed by a position as the Executive Chef at Rick’s Chophouse and Sauce on the Square in McKinney, TX and as the Executive Chef of Vivo in Austin. Paul now gets to apply his French technique and aesthetic to local ingredients in his home-town.