FOOD & DRINK
Seasonal Sophistication: La Sirena’s new summer menu is a love letter to San Angelo.
There is a specific kind of magic that happens when the West Texas heat begins to simmer, and the local culinary scene responds with something cool, crisp, and undeniably vibrant.
My wife and I recently found ourselves chasing that magic at La Sirena Cocktails bar-and-lounge downtown at Concho and Oakes.
The occasion? The highly anticipated rollout of their Spring/Summer 2026 menu.
While the lounge has always been a sanctuary for those seeking a polished cocktail in an effortless atmosphere, the kitchen — under the formidable direction of Chef Jessica Acosta — has officially leveled up.
A Symphony of Seasonal Flavors
Walking into La Sirena always feels like stepping into a well-kept secret, but the real secret this season is the way Acosta has balanced the “sweet-and-heat” profile that defines modern Texas dining.
We dove straight into the new offerings, and while we skipped the Summer Charcuterie this time around (saving a reason to return next week), the rest of the spread was a masterclass in texture.
Crispy Coconut Shrimp ($17.50) is served over a mango coulis.
Prosciutto Peaches ($12): This was the undisputed star of the appetizers. The caramelized peaches provided a warm, sugary base that played beautifully against the salty snap of the prosciutto. When you add the creamy burrata and the kick of hot honey, you aren’t just eating; you’re witnessing a chef who knows exactly how to manipulate the palate.
Spicy Chicken Skewers ($15): Often, skewers can be a throwaway menu item. Not here. These were marinated in jalapeno puree, brushed with a bright, herbaceous chimichurri and served over arugula that had just the right amount of citrus vinaigrette to cut through the char.
Watermelon Feta Salad ($10.5): The ultimate palate cleanser. It’s a classic pairing, but the addition of fresh mint and a heavy drizzle of balsamic glaze made it feel essential for a warm spring evening in the Concho Valley.
The Return of a Classic: The Enhanced Chimichurri Steak. While the new menu items provided the flash, we couldn’t resist revisiting a staple. We sampled the newly enhanced Chimichurri Steak Plate from the original menu.
“Enhanced” is an understatement. The steak was prepared with a precision that speaks to Acosta’s rising profile in our local food scene.
The chimichurri felt more robust, with deeper garlic notes and a more refined oil-to-herb ratio, rendering the meat incredibly tender and punchy. It is, quite simply, superb.
The Acosta Touch
It’s rare to find a lounge where the food commands as much attention as the mixology, but Chef Jessica Acosta is making a loud case for La Sirena as a premier dining destination. Her ability to take “bar bites” and elevate them into cohesive, thought-provoking dishes is a testament to her undeniable talent.
She isn’t just feeding a crowd; she’s curating an experience.
If you’re looking for a spot to spend a summer evening where the atmosphere’s as cool as the Watermelon Feta Salad, La Sirena is your destination.
Just make sure you bring an appetite — and maybe a date who is willing to share the Prosciutto Peaches. (Though, after one bite, my wife was hesitant to uphold her end of that bargain.)
La Sirena Cocktails is located at 113 E, Concho Ave., in Suite 160.
About the Author
Joshua Hockett has lived in San Angelo since Oct 2020 and has been a freelance writer since 2012, contributing to publications about food, wine, beer and regional cuisines.
Hockett serves as host of the Concho Valley Eats & Drinks Facebook group, and he is a Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW), and a certified Texas Wine Ambassador.
HIs focus is on Concho Valley food, wine, and craft beer — and the people behind the operations. He lives in San Angelo with his wife, Stacy, and son, Owen, and their two dogs.
