Guidebook for San Antonio
Food Scene
Located across the tracks from the Blue, La Tuna Grill has made a name for itself within San Antonio’s Southtown culinary scene. Specializing in food you’re going to love, each item on the menu is a delicious fusion of Tex-Mex and American classics. From weekly soup specials and fresh salads, to savory burgers and sandwiches with all the fixings, these are the type of meals that you'll remember long after you've removed the spots from your T-shirt. All this and an amazing staff ready to welcome you and make you feel at home. A family-friendly place to grab a bite before venturing out to First Friday and any other popular Southtown events. So order up those fried mushrooms...know ya wanna!
87 locals recommend
La Tuna
100 Probandt StLocated across the tracks from the Blue, La Tuna Grill has made a name for itself within San Antonio’s Southtown culinary scene. Specializing in food you’re going to love, each item on the menu is a delicious fusion of Tex-Mex and American classics. From weekly soup specials and fresh salads, to savory burgers and sandwiches with all the fixings, these are the type of meals that you'll remember long after you've removed the spots from your T-shirt. All this and an amazing staff ready to welcome you and make you feel at home. A family-friendly place to grab a bite before venturing out to First Friday and any other popular Southtown events. So order up those fried mushrooms...know ya wanna!
We've provided information on a lot of Mexican restaurants because...well...it's San Antonio, and there's a Mexican restaurant on virtually every block in town. But, there's not a GOOD Mexican restaurant on every block in town, and el Mirador is definitely one of the best. Esquire Magazine's food editor literally gushed over the place, stating that the restaurant has "set a standard with some of the most vividly authentic Mexican food this side of the Rio Grande. Locals line-up for [their] magnificent chile-laced chicken and vegetable soups - which are considered as restorative to the body as Saturday confession is to the soul." Ya know it's good when they bring religion into it.
17 locals recommend
El Mirador
722 S St Mary's StWe've provided information on a lot of Mexican restaurants because...well...it's San Antonio, and there's a Mexican restaurant on virtually every block in town. But, there's not a GOOD Mexican restaurant on every block in town, and el Mirador is definitely one of the best. Esquire Magazine's food editor literally gushed over the place, stating that the restaurant has "set a standard with some of the most vividly authentic Mexican food this side of the Rio Grande. Locals line-up for [their] magnificent chile-laced chicken and vegetable soups - which are considered as restorative to the body as Saturday confession is to the soul." Ya know it's good when they bring religion into it.
From their very own website: "We admit to being fiercely focused on the art and science behind an excellent cup of coffee. That obsessive tendency led us to renovate an old warehouse on San Antonio’s Southside to create a premium coffee roasting facility, Merit Coffee Roasting Co. It’s about control — how we source the beans, the temperature and duration of the roasting and the subsequent quality of the coffee in your cup. We personally source many of the batches of beans we roast, literally traveling to the growers to sample their coffee, negotiate a fair price and arrange shipment to San Antonio." Which is probably why this hidden gem is one of the most-popular java joints in town.
9 locals recommend
Merit Roasting Co.
2001 S Presa StFrom their very own website: "We admit to being fiercely focused on the art and science behind an excellent cup of coffee. That obsessive tendency led us to renovate an old warehouse on San Antonio’s Southside to create a premium coffee roasting facility, Merit Coffee Roasting Co. It’s about control — how we source the beans, the temperature and duration of the roasting and the subsequent quality of the coffee in your cup. We personally source many of the batches of beans we roast, literally traveling to the growers to sample their coffee, negotiate a fair price and arrange shipment to San Antonio." Which is probably why this hidden gem is one of the most-popular java joints in town.
Eccentric pizzeria serving some of the best sandwiches you'll ever eat and some of the most-eclectic brews you'll ever sip. Bi-located in a former gas station/garage, place your order out-back, where they lubed the engines, then step out-front to the former pump area to grab that brew and await culinary nirvana. The view of downtown and the Tower of the Americas is one of the best in the area - and the constant parade of locals and visitors transiting from their downtown hotels and apartments to all that Southtown offers is unparalleled.
26 locals recommend
Filling Station Tap Room
701 S St Mary's StEccentric pizzeria serving some of the best sandwiches you'll ever eat and some of the most-eclectic brews you'll ever sip. Bi-located in a former gas station/garage, place your order out-back, where they lubed the engines, then step out-front to the former pump area to grab that brew and await culinary nirvana. The view of downtown and the Tower of the Americas is one of the best in the area - and the constant parade of locals and visitors transiting from their downtown hotels and apartments to all that Southtown offers is unparalleled.
So what is your halcyon? Your favorite place to chill, hang out, meet-up with friends, or just be? Roasting marshmallows to make S’mores while sipping on a Chocolate Espresso Martini? Updating your Facebook profile with a glass of wine? Savoring the perfect cappuccino by day or by night? People-watching on the porch while enjoying a cigar and scotch? A romantic late-night coffee and Nutella crepe with your partner? Happy hour with friends and co-workers in a comfy Halcyon couch? Your “other” office that’s perfect for getting things done or meeting with clients? A quick turkey brie panini or gourmet salad for lunch? Dropping by on a Monday night for Live Jazz? They've got it all....
128 locals recommend
Halcyon Southtown
1414 S Alamo StSo what is your halcyon? Your favorite place to chill, hang out, meet-up with friends, or just be? Roasting marshmallows to make S’mores while sipping on a Chocolate Espresso Martini? Updating your Facebook profile with a glass of wine? Savoring the perfect cappuccino by day or by night? People-watching on the porch while enjoying a cigar and scotch? A romantic late-night coffee and Nutella crepe with your partner? Happy hour with friends and co-workers in a comfy Halcyon couch? Your “other” office that’s perfect for getting things done or meeting with clients? A quick turkey brie panini or gourmet salad for lunch? Dropping by on a Monday night for Live Jazz? They've got it all....
As eclectic as the Southtown neighborhood is, one might imagine that pizza places would be almost as popular as taquerias but, for the longest time, one had to leave the bubble to find really good pizza at a really reasonable price. Until Southtown Pizzeria came along, that is. Now, one can partake in the finest Frisbee-shaped meals, feel completely sated AND arrive home with almost as many pesos in your pocket as you had when you left. Add really great wine to the deliciousness of the pizzas, and you are going to be one happy camper! Oh, and pizza isn't the only item on their menu....for you real carnivores, Mondays are prime rib nights!
56 locals recommend
Southtown Pizzeria
728 S Presa StAs eclectic as the Southtown neighborhood is, one might imagine that pizza places would be almost as popular as taquerias but, for the longest time, one had to leave the bubble to find really good pizza at a really reasonable price. Until Southtown Pizzeria came along, that is. Now, one can partake in the finest Frisbee-shaped meals, feel completely sated AND arrive home with almost as many pesos in your pocket as you had when you left. Add really great wine to the deliciousness of the pizzas, and you are going to be one happy camper! Oh, and pizza isn't the only item on their menu....for you real carnivores, Mondays are prime rib nights!
From the SPH website: "Stella Public House’s “farm to pizza” concept is centered on farm to table food practices and the development of strong partnerships with local growers, ranchers and purveyors. The star of Stella‘s menu is Texas-sourced artisan wood-fired pizza baked in an Italian Modena oven using oak and pecan wood. Shared plates, house-made cheeses, fresh salads and comfort foods made with locally-sourced ingredients are also found on the seasonal menu. Our beer list consists of 20 rotating taps showcasing craft beers from across the nation as well as an approachable, internationally-curated wine list." So, what more do ya need?
89 locals recommend
Stella Public House
1414 S Alamo StFrom the SPH website: "Stella Public House’s “farm to pizza” concept is centered on farm to table food practices and the development of strong partnerships with local growers, ranchers and purveyors. The star of Stella‘s menu is Texas-sourced artisan wood-fired pizza baked in an Italian Modena oven using oak and pecan wood. Shared plates, house-made cheeses, fresh salads and comfort foods made with locally-sourced ingredients are also found on the seasonal menu. Our beer list consists of 20 rotating taps showcasing craft beers from across the nation as well as an approachable, internationally-curated wine list." So, what more do ya need?
A small, 9-table restaurant known for fun, delicious food, funky cocktails, eclectic wines and great service, this bordering-on-exclusive bite of poshness is the brainchild of Chilean expat, Lisa Astorga-Watel, whose recipe's tastes and portions are all influenced by her travels around the world. Think Paris' Spring and London's Iberica Marylebone and you'll be spot-on...and, based on the stellar and accurate reviews proffered by the eatery's legion of fans, equally as satisfied.
25 locals recommend
Bite
1012 S Presa StA small, 9-table restaurant known for fun, delicious food, funky cocktails, eclectic wines and great service, this bordering-on-exclusive bite of poshness is the brainchild of Chilean expat, Lisa Astorga-Watel, whose recipe's tastes and portions are all influenced by her travels around the world. Think Paris' Spring and London's Iberica Marylebone and you'll be spot-on...and, based on the stellar and accurate reviews proffered by the eatery's legion of fans, equally as satisfied.
Bliss is a chef-owned and -operated restaurant located just south of downtown San Antonio. Said chef and owner is none other than Mark Bliss, a native of Northern California who began his culinary career after moving to Texas in 1981. Bliss's (both the restaurant's and the chef's) mission is to be consistently among San Antonio's best restaurants, and to express excellence in the most inclusive, genuine and hospitable way by delivering superior customer service, based on their belief that "people may forget what you say, and they may forget what you do, but they will always remember how you made them feel."
123 locals recommend
Bliss
926 S Presa StBliss is a chef-owned and -operated restaurant located just south of downtown San Antonio. Said chef and owner is none other than Mark Bliss, a native of Northern California who began his culinary career after moving to Texas in 1981. Bliss's (both the restaurant's and the chef's) mission is to be consistently among San Antonio's best restaurants, and to express excellence in the most inclusive, genuine and hospitable way by delivering superior customer service, based on their belief that "people may forget what you say, and they may forget what you do, but they will always remember how you made them feel."
As an artisanal coffee roaster and coffee shop, WE Coffee Company is dedicated to offering coffees that will satisfy and intrigue all sorts of coffee enthusiasts. SA's very own Infra Jag quite-literally kvells, writing on the emporium's FB page that he was "thoroughly impressed by this roasthouse's ambiance, custom machinery and knowledgeable barista, Dorian!!! Best coffee product I've come across in over a decade, highly-recommended and DEFINITELY my new favorite rendezvous for business and pleasure! A treat for sore eyes and a yearning pallet as these guys actually respect the bean in every way and make sure you receive exactly what you ask for on every level!!!" There ya have it!
23 locals recommend
White Elephant Coffee Company
110 W Carolina StAs an artisanal coffee roaster and coffee shop, WE Coffee Company is dedicated to offering coffees that will satisfy and intrigue all sorts of coffee enthusiasts. SA's very own Infra Jag quite-literally kvells, writing on the emporium's FB page that he was "thoroughly impressed by this roasthouse's ambiance, custom machinery and knowledgeable barista, Dorian!!! Best coffee product I've come across in over a decade, highly-recommended and DEFINITELY my new favorite rendezvous for business and pleasure! A treat for sore eyes and a yearning pallet as these guys actually respect the bean in every way and make sure you receive exactly what you ask for on every level!!!" There ya have it!
Housed in the basement of the old Alamo Methodist Church amidst the Beards and the Babes and the musicians and the artists and the suburbanites looking for more than a Dave & Buster's, Austin-originating Frank serves-up hipster hot dogs...pardon us, artisanal sausages...with monikers like The Notorious P.I.G. and Fico Anatra, along with Chile Cheese Waffle Fries and Portobello Cheesesteak, and combine it with dozens of craft beers and select spirits such as The Whole Enchilada Michelada and the Holy Smoke. So, if the idea of artisan sausages in a holy setting makes you wanna holler, Frank is the place for you!
11 locals recommend
Frank
1150 S Alamo StHoused in the basement of the old Alamo Methodist Church amidst the Beards and the Babes and the musicians and the artists and the suburbanites looking for more than a Dave & Buster's, Austin-originating Frank serves-up hipster hot dogs...pardon us, artisanal sausages...with monikers like The Notorious P.I.G. and Fico Anatra, along with Chile Cheese Waffle Fries and Portobello Cheesesteak, and combine it with dozens of craft beers and select spirits such as The Whole Enchilada Michelada and the Holy Smoke. So, if the idea of artisan sausages in a holy setting makes you wanna holler, Frank is the place for you!
When we happen upon a trendy trattoria or a boffo beanery that evokes memories of the storied 60s, we tend to get all tingly with fond memories. When we found Feast...well, the joy was bounteous. If there were a real James Bond - and, if he was portrayed in film by Sean Connery - he, and presumably Sean, would eat here. 'Cause it's...well...cool! From its Eero Saarinen, TWA Flight Center-flavored décor to its sustainable culinary food culture, it's just redolent with all of the fun fads and consciousness-raising thoughts that are the hallmark of the Me Generation. Featuring New American cuisine with a Mediterranean flair in a variety of appetizers, entrees and "small plates." Cool!
76 locals recommend
Feast
1024 S Alamo StWhen we happen upon a trendy trattoria or a boffo beanery that evokes memories of the storied 60s, we tend to get all tingly with fond memories. When we found Feast...well, the joy was bounteous. If there were a real James Bond - and, if he was portrayed in film by Sean Connery - he, and presumably Sean, would eat here. 'Cause it's...well...cool! From its Eero Saarinen, TWA Flight Center-flavored décor to its sustainable culinary food culture, it's just redolent with all of the fun fads and consciousness-raising thoughts that are the hallmark of the Me Generation. Featuring New American cuisine with a Mediterranean flair in a variety of appetizers, entrees and "small plates." Cool!
Hot Joy is Southtown's answer to San Francisco's San Tung - a place where that bar staple, the lowly chicken wing, is elevated to the highest of culinary delights. More importantly to Southies, however, is the fact that HJ also boasts the neighborhood's coolest bar, decorated in the hippest style with the bestest views of the Alamo strip. So, while being named Bon Appetite's Best New Restaurant of 2014 is a really awesome thing, it really all comes down to the fact that Hot Joy, like all of Southtown, is just THE place to be.
104 locals recommend
Hot Joy
1014 S Alamo StHot Joy is Southtown's answer to San Francisco's San Tung - a place where that bar staple, the lowly chicken wing, is elevated to the highest of culinary delights. More importantly to Southies, however, is the fact that HJ also boasts the neighborhood's coolest bar, decorated in the hippest style with the bestest views of the Alamo strip. So, while being named Bon Appetite's Best New Restaurant of 2014 is a really awesome thing, it really all comes down to the fact that Hot Joy, like all of Southtown, is just THE place to be.
Don't let B&D's humble appearance fool you - B&D Ice House has been a Southtown institution since 1961, and it's now being reimagined for the 21st Century by a group of Bearded Bossmen that includes some of San Antonio's heavyweight restaurateurs. Quite simply, B&D's - which means Beard & Dady or BBQ & Draft, depending on whom you ask, is the BEST sauce-drowned meat on the planet...and, the beer-infused bar and patio the coolest place on the block!
28 locals recommend
B&D Ice House
1004 S Alamo StDon't let B&D's humble appearance fool you - B&D Ice House has been a Southtown institution since 1961, and it's now being reimagined for the 21st Century by a group of Bearded Bossmen that includes some of San Antonio's heavyweight restaurateurs. Quite simply, B&D's - which means Beard & Dady or BBQ & Draft, depending on whom you ask, is the BEST sauce-drowned meat on the planet...and, the beer-infused bar and patio the coolest place on the block!
From breakfast, all the way through dinner, Tito's serves-up a delicious array of tempting Tex-Mex favorites, and the fully-stocked bar crafts the best-tasting variety of margaritas to be found outside Buffetland. From the San Antonio Thrillist: "When you're a Tex-Mex restaurant in San Antonio, and your neighbor is Rosario's, you're destined to be the underrated moniker. Here's the thing: Rosario's is good, but Tito's is really, really good. Sit on the patio, get a fat chamoy margarita, order the mole enchiladas and enjoy all of Southtown's frenetic energy." Which definitely suggests that a visit is in order.
66 locals recommend
Tito's Mexican Restaurant
955 S Alamo StFrom breakfast, all the way through dinner, Tito's serves-up a delicious array of tempting Tex-Mex favorites, and the fully-stocked bar crafts the best-tasting variety of margaritas to be found outside Buffetland. From the San Antonio Thrillist: "When you're a Tex-Mex restaurant in San Antonio, and your neighbor is Rosario's, you're destined to be the underrated moniker. Here's the thing: Rosario's is good, but Tito's is really, really good. Sit on the patio, get a fat chamoy margarita, order the mole enchiladas and enjoy all of Southtown's frenetic energy." Which definitely suggests that a visit is in order.
This iconic and infamous corner of King William has been a customer-favorite for over a decade, thanks to its delicious array of breakfast, brunch and sandwich items. Boasting an eclectic and cozy interior, plus outdoor space from which to observe the sights and sounds of Southtown, the owners and staff boast that they're "all mad here!"...which is definitely something to be proud of. High tea is a local favorite, for those that like both the high and the tea aspects of that event.
52 locals recommend
Madhatters Tea House & Cafe
320 Beauregard StThis iconic and infamous corner of King William has been a customer-favorite for over a decade, thanks to its delicious array of breakfast, brunch and sandwich items. Boasting an eclectic and cozy interior, plus outdoor space from which to observe the sights and sounds of Southtown, the owners and staff boast that they're "all mad here!"...which is definitely something to be proud of. High tea is a local favorite, for those that like both the high and the tea aspects of that event.
Housed in an old 1930's-era auto repair shop, this now-legendary Southtown eatery offers-up organic, made-when-you-order-it dishes that will make even the most die-hard carnivore question the need to ingest animal products. The restaurant doubles as a gallery for a monthly rotation of artwork, and triples as a performance space for local bands and open mic nights that are as good as anything you'll see in Austin or Nashville. As great as all that is, though, it's really the food that ya gotta get your yoga pant-encased derriere in for...it's just simply that good!
57 locals recommend
Señor Veggie
620 S Presa StHoused in an old 1930's-era auto repair shop, this now-legendary Southtown eatery offers-up organic, made-when-you-order-it dishes that will make even the most die-hard carnivore question the need to ingest animal products. The restaurant doubles as a gallery for a monthly rotation of artwork, and triples as a performance space for local bands and open mic nights that are as good as anything you'll see in Austin or Nashville. As great as all that is, though, it's really the food that ya gotta get your yoga pant-encased derriere in for...it's just simply that good!
With a wide selection of beers brewed onsite, the Blue Star Brewing Company is San Antonio's premier brewpub, and draws a mixed crowd of artists, business people and local San Antonio college students that flock to the longtime favorite for its craft beverages and its full restaurant menu, which is perfect for those that head straight to the pub after work and also need a bite to eat. The second floor balcony has a view of the San Antonio River, and allows drinkers and diners to get a breath of fresh air. It's a great place to start and end your day, offering both fine food and beverages and easy access to one of San Antonio's most-culturally significant destinations.
150 locals recommend
Blue Star Contemporary
116 Blue StarWith a wide selection of beers brewed onsite, the Blue Star Brewing Company is San Antonio's premier brewpub, and draws a mixed crowd of artists, business people and local San Antonio college students that flock to the longtime favorite for its craft beverages and its full restaurant menu, which is perfect for those that head straight to the pub after work and also need a bite to eat. The second floor balcony has a view of the San Antonio River, and allows drinkers and diners to get a breath of fresh air. It's a great place to start and end your day, offering both fine food and beverages and easy access to one of San Antonio's most-culturally significant destinations.
Since 1992, Rosario's has served as the anchor business for the historic Southtown/King William neighborhood, serving up traditional south-of-the-border dishes with authentic house specialties, all prepared with a contemporary twist. Guest favorites include shrimp nachos, fish tacos, ceviche, tacos callejeros, parrillas and specialty margaritas. Proprietor Lisa Wong's restaurant career began in 1981 when, at age 18, she took $7,000 of her college money and opened Lisa's Mexican Restaurant to instant success. Almost four decades later, she's still delighting and satisfying the masses! So, be sure to drop in for lunch or dinner - after you have a great breakfast taco at Tito's.
180 locals recommend
Rosario's
722 S Alamo StSince 1992, Rosario's has served as the anchor business for the historic Southtown/King William neighborhood, serving up traditional south-of-the-border dishes with authentic house specialties, all prepared with a contemporary twist. Guest favorites include shrimp nachos, fish tacos, ceviche, tacos callejeros, parrillas and specialty margaritas. Proprietor Lisa Wong's restaurant career began in 1981 when, at age 18, she took $7,000 of her college money and opened Lisa's Mexican Restaurant to instant success. Almost four decades later, she's still delighting and satisfying the masses! So, be sure to drop in for lunch or dinner - after you have a great breakfast taco at Tito's.
Authentic family recipes that Alamo City residents have been savoring since 1972 blend with a contemporary culinary expertise to produce a unique Italian dining experience that includes an appetizing array of seafood, veal, steak and pasta dishes with taste-tempting names such as Linguine Pescatora, Veal Saltimbocca Focaccia and Linguine with Clams. There's even La Focaccia's classic Italian style pizza and traditional focaccia-baked bread baked in a wood-fired oven. And, it's all served-up in a warm and inviting atmosphere that's suitable for any occasion.
19 locals recommend
La Focaccia Italian Grill
800 S Alamo StAuthentic family recipes that Alamo City residents have been savoring since 1972 blend with a contemporary culinary expertise to produce a unique Italian dining experience that includes an appetizing array of seafood, veal, steak and pasta dishes with taste-tempting names such as Linguine Pescatora, Veal Saltimbocca Focaccia and Linguine with Clams. There's even La Focaccia's classic Italian style pizza and traditional focaccia-baked bread baked in a wood-fired oven. And, it's all served-up in a warm and inviting atmosphere that's suitable for any occasion.
La Frite manages - through an amazing menu, attentive owners and staff and a perfect location - to maintain stupendous reviews and a devoted clientele, despite the plethora of options, available locally and throughout the city, vying for diners' attention. From seafood and steaks to veggies and the best-darned frites you'll find outside of Paris or Brussels, it's a true culinary delight for Francophiles of all nationalities.
52 locals recommend
La Frite Belgian Bistro
728 S Alamo StLa Frite manages - through an amazing menu, attentive owners and staff and a perfect location - to maintain stupendous reviews and a devoted clientele, despite the plethora of options, available locally and throughout the city, vying for diners' attention. From seafood and steaks to veggies and the best-darned frites you'll find outside of Paris or Brussels, it's a true culinary delight for Francophiles of all nationalities.