15 Best Restaurants in San Antonio

Main Curiosities and Interesting Information

• San Antonio is known for its Tex-Mex cuisine, which combines Mexican and Texan flavors
• The city has a thriving food scene, with over 6,000 restaurants
• Many of the best restaurants in San Antonio are located in the downtown area
• San Antonio is home to the famous River Walk, a scenic pathway along the San Antonio River that is lined with restaurants and shops
• San Antonio’s culinary scene has been recognized by numerous national publications, including Food & Wine and Bon Appétit

1. Cured

Cured is a great place to go if you’re looking for a unique dining experience. The restaurant is located in the historic Pearl Brewery, and specializes in charcuterie, which is the art of curing meats. Their menu features a variety of cured meats, as well as other delicious dishes such as deviled eggs and chicken liver pâté.

My personal favorite dish at Cured is the charcuterie board, which comes with a selection of cured meats, pickles, and bread. I also love their cocktails, which are expertly crafted and pair perfectly with the food.

Key Info: Charcuterie, Unique Dining Experience, Craft Cocktails

2. Boudro’s

Boudro’s is a classic San Antonio restaurant that is known for its Tex-Mex cuisine and stunning River Walk location. The restaurant has been around for over 30 years, and is a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

My go-to dish at Boudro’s is the tableside guacamole, which is made fresh to order and is absolutely delicious. I also love their prickly pear margarita, which is a San Antonio specialty.

Key Info: Tex-Mex, River Walk Location, Tableside Guacamole

3. Bliss

Bliss is a fine dining restaurant that is known for its creative and elevated cuisine. The restaurant is located in the Southtown neighborhood, and has won numerous awards for its food and wine program.

My favorite dish at Bliss is the lamb chops, which are served with polenta, roasted cauliflower, and a red wine reduction. It’s a perfect dish for a special occasion or a romantic night out.

Key Info: Fine Dining, Creative Cuisine, Award-Winning Wine Program

4. La Fonda on Main

La Fonda on Main is a classic Tex-Mex restaurant that has been around since 1932. The restaurant is located in a beautiful historic building, and features a large outdoor patio that is perfect for dining al fresco.

My favorite dish at La Fonda on Main is the chile relleno, which is stuffed with cheese and topped with a delicious tomato sauce. I also love their margaritas, which are some of the best in the city.

Key Info: Tex-Mex, Historic Building, Outdoor Patio

5. The Esquire Tavern

The Esquire Tavern is a historic bar and restaurant that has been around since 1933. The restaurant is located on the River Walk, and is known for its craft cocktails and delicious pub fare.

My go-to dish at The Esquire Tavern is the burger, which is made with grass-fed beef and topped with bacon and cheddar cheese. It’s a classic dish that never disappoints. I also love their cocktails, which are expertly crafted and feature local ingredients.

Key Info: Historic Bar, Craft Cocktails, Pub Fare

6. Rosario’s

Rosario’s is another classic Tex-Mex restaurant that is known for its lively atmosphere and delicious food. The restaurant has been around for over 20 years, and has won numerous awards for its cuisine.

My favorite dish at Rosario’s is the carne guisada, which is a slow-cooked beef stew that is served with rice and beans. It’s a perfect comfort food dish that is perfect for a cold day. I also love their margaritas, which are strong and flavorful.

Key Info: Tex-Mex, Lively Atmosphere, Award-Winning Cuisine

7. Battalion

Battalion is an Italian restaurant that is located in the historic Fire Station No. 7 building. The restaurant specializes in traditional Italian cuisine, and has won numerous awards for its food and wine program.

My favorite dish at Battalion is the carbonara, which is made with house-cured pancetta, egg yolk, and pecorino cheese. It’s a rich and decadent dish that is perfect for a special occasion. I also love their extensive wine list, which features both Italian and local wines.

Key Info: Italian, Historic Building, Award-Winning Wine Program

8. The Granary ‘Cue & Brew

The Granary ‘Cue & Brew is a BBQ restaurant that is located in the Pearl Brewery complex. The restaurant specializes in smoked meats, and has won numerous awards for its BBQ.

My go-to dish at The Granary ‘Cue & Brew is the brisket, which is smoked for 18 hours and is served with pickles and onions. I also love their craft beer selection, which features a variety of local and regional beers.

Key Info: BBQ, Smoked Meats, Craft Beer

9. Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery

Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery is a restaurant and brewery that is located in the Pearl Brewery complex. The restaurant specializes in Southern cuisine, and features a variety of seafood dishes.

My favorite dish at Southerleigh is the shrimp and grits, which is made with Gulf shrimp, cheddar cheese grits, and Andouille sausage. It’s a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for brunch or dinner. I also love their beer selection, which features a variety of house-brewed beers.

Key Info: Southern Cuisine, Seafood, Brewery

10. Range

Range is a modern American restaurant that is located in the Embassy Suites hotel. The restaurant specializes in seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, and has won numerous awards for its cuisine.

My favorite dish at Range is the steak, which is cooked to perfection and is served with delicious sides such as roasted Brussels sprouts and truffle fries. I also love their cocktails, which are expertly crafted and feature local ingredients.

Key Info: Modern American, Seasonal Ingredients, Award-Winning Cuisine

11. Clementine

Clementine is a French-inspired restaurant that is located in the Monte Vista neighborhood. The restaurant features a cozy and intimate atmosphere, and specializes in classic French dishes with a modern twist.

My go-to dish at Clementine is the duck confit, which is served with potatoes and a red wine reduction. It’s a rich and flavorful dish that is perfect for a special occasion. I also love their wine selection, which features both French and local wines.

Key Info: French-Inspired, Intimate Atmosphere, Wine Selection

12. Two Bros BBQ Market

Two Bros BBQ Market is a family-owned BBQ restaurant that is located on the city’s north side. The restaurant specializes in traditional Texas BBQ, and is known for its delicious smoked meats.

My favorite dish at Two Bros is the brisket, which is smoked for 12 hours and is served with pickles and onions. I also love their sides, which include classics such as mac and cheese and potato salad.

Key Info: Family-Owned, Texas BBQ, Smoked Meats

13. The Monterey

The Monterey is a trendy restaurant that is located in the Southtown neighborhood. The restaurant features a modern and eclectic menu, and has won numerous awards for its cuisine.

My favorite dish at The Monterey is the fried chicken, which is served with mashed potatoes and gravy. It’s a classic comfort food dish that is done to perfection. I also love their cocktails, which are creative and feature local ingredients.

Key Info: Trendy, Modern Menu, Award-Winning Cuisine

14. Chama Gaúcha Brazilian Steakhouse

Chama Gaúcha Brazilian Steakhouse is a steakhouse that specializes in the churrasco-style of cooking, which involves roasting meats over an open flame. The restaurant features a variety of meats, as well as a salad bar and hot sides.

My go-to dish at Chama Gaúcha is the filet mignon, which is cooked to perfection and is incredibly tender. I also love their salad bar, which features a variety of fresh and delicious options.

Key Info: Brazilian Steakhouse, Churrasco-Style Cooking, Salad Bar

15. The Cookhouse

The Cookhouse is a Cajun and Creole restaurant that is located in the Monte Vista neighborhood. The restaurant features a cozy and casual atmosphere, and specializes in classic Louisiana dishes.

My favorite dish at The Cookhouse is the crawfish étouffée, which is served with rice and is full of flavor. I also love their cocktails, which are creative and feature local ingredients.

Key Info: Cajun and Creole, Cozy Atmosphere, Creative Cocktails

FAQs

1. What is Tex-Mex cuisine?

Tex-Mex cuisine is a fusion of Mexican and Texan flavors. It often features dishes such as tacos, enchiladas, and fajitas, as well as Texan-style BBQ and chili.

2. What is the River Walk?

The River Walk is a scenic pathway along the San Antonio River that is lined with restaurants, shops, and hotels. It is a popular tourist destination and a great place to dine al fresco.

3. What is charcuterie?

Charcuterie is the art of curing meats. It often involves techniques such as smoking, salting, and fermenting, and results in delicious cured meats such as prosciutto, salami, and bacon.

4. What is churrasco-style cooking?

Churrasco-style cooking involves roasting meats over an open flame. It is a popular cooking style in Brazil, and often features a variety of meats such as beef, chicken, and pork.

5. What is Cajun and Creole cuisine?

Cajun and Creole cuisine is a style of cooking that originated in Louisiana. It often features dishes such as gumbo, jambalaya, and étouffée, and combines French, African, and Native American flavors.