Best Restaurants in San Antonio, TX

Wood-fired Pretzels, Cornbread, Fried Calamari, Crab Mac, Galveston Style Shrimp Boil, and Pineapple Upside Down Cake — oh my! At Southerleigh Fine Food and Brewery, it's nearly impossible to leave without a pleasantly full belly. This restaurant showcases Texas cuisine and serves brunch, lunch, and dinner alongside a wide selection of craft cocktails and beers. Brunch is available only on weekends. Be sure to try the Biscuits and Gravy, made with housemade biscuits and shrimp béchamel, served with a fresh arugula herb salad and bright lemon vinaigrette.

No matter where you're traveling, sometimes a great cheeseburger is exactly what you need. At Down on Grayson, one of the top restaurants in San Antonio, you'll find just that. The restaurant features a rustic-chic interior and a relaxed patio illuminated by string lights after sunset. The Char King is a guest favorite, while other menu highlights include housemade guacamole, jalapeño pimento cheese with tortilla chips, Onion Rings, Fish Tacos, and the Crispy Chicken Sandwich.

This family-owned favorite is known for its margaritas, and flavorful Tex-Mex recipes passed through generations. The drink menu includes Frozen Margaritas in Strawberry, Mango, Prickly Pear, and Guava flavors, plus Daiquiris, Piña Coladas, Ranch Water, and Palomas. For food, guests can enjoy Tortilla Soup, Chile Con Queso, Quesadillas, Nachos, Enchiladas, Empanadas, and many other comforting Tex-Mex classics.

Looking for a dining experience with a touch of San Antonio history? The Guenther House is located inside an art nouveau home at Pioneer Flour Mills and is renowned for its American and Tex-Mex brunch offerings. Guests can enjoy patio dining and menu favorites like the Pioneer Pancake Platter, Strawberry Sweet Cream Waffle, BLT & Cheddar Sandwich, and Quiche of the Day. Don't miss the refreshing Freshly Squeezed Lemonade, a longtime guest favorite.

San Antonio's diverse food scene shines at Schilo's, where German-inspired dishes are served inside one of the city's oldest restaurants. Located in a historic 19th-century building, this breakfast and lunch spot offers Pioneer Biscuits & Sausage Gravy, French Toast, Build-Your-Own Omelets, and Breakfast Tacos with Casa Rio salsa. A dedicated kids' menu makes it a welcoming choice for families exploring downtown.

Acenar Mexican Restaurant is a favorite for Happy Hour and riverside dining. Located near the San Antonio River Walk, this contemporary Mexican eatery features a patio perfect for enjoying the outdoors. Guests can take advantage of Happy Hour specials Sunday through Thursday and enjoy dishes such as Vegetarian Enchiladas, Grilled Shrimp Tacos, Ceviche, Guacamole for Two, Skirt Steak Parrilladas, and sweet Churritos to finish the meal.

Sometimes the best BBQ comes from a smoke shack rather than a traditional restaurant. Smoke Shack BBQ offers plenty of outdoor picnic seating and serves crowd favorites like the Smoked Shack Mac, topped with brisket and barbecue sauce. Guests also love the Pulled Pork Sandwich, tender ribs, and Shack Packs, making it a must-visit stop for barbecue lovers.

This casual, affordable café deserves a place on every San Antonio dining itinerary. Instead of packing ordinary picnic food, stop by Fat Tummy Empanadas for savory and sweet Argentine-style empanadas. Popular flavors include Traditional Beef, Beef & Potatoes, Pepperoni & Cheese, and Spicy Chicken. Dessert lovers should save room for a Dulce de Leche or Apple Empanada. The café also serves sandwiches for those looking for additional grab-and-go options.

A San Antonio visit isn't complete without Tex-Mex, and Casa Rio is one of the city's most iconic restaurants. Located directly on the River Walk and serving guests since 1946, this beloved eatery offers an impressive selection of margaritas, tequila, and Mexican beer. Popular dishes include the Fajita Plate, Chile Relleno, Chili Con Carne, Green Chicken Enchiladas, and Shrimp Tacos. Finish your meal with a shareable Tres Leches Cake for the table.

Sweet Yams provides a refreshing break between hearty Tex-Mex meals. This charming café specializes in organic, vegan, and gluten-free options, making it a great choice for health-conscious diners. Its hearty bowls are ideal for takeaway lunches before spending the afternoon in one of San Antonio's scenic parks. The restaurant is open Wednesday through Saturday.

Whether you're an oyster enthusiast or simply enjoy fresh seafood, Little Em's Oyster Bar offers something for everyone. Guests can sample oysters from Canada and across the United States while enjoying dishes such as Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail, Steak Tartare, Wedge Salad, Lobster Roll, Fish Tacos, and Spicy Shrimp Linguine. The restaurant also features an excellent wine selection that pairs beautifully with seafood dishes.

Pizza and pasta lovers will appreciate Little Italy Restaurant & Pizzeria. Open for lunch and dinner throughout the week except Sunday, the restaurant serves New York-style and Sicilian-style pizzas, including Pizza Margherita, Shrimp Pizza, and Angelo's Special. Pasta favorites include Spaghetti with Meatballs, Linguine Shrimp Scampi, and Fettuccine Alfredo. Guests frequently praise the friendly service, welcoming atmosphere, and excellent value.

Come hungry when visiting Blanco BBQ. Known for generous portions and convenient drive-thru service, this local favorite serves breakfast during weekdays as well as lunch and dinner. Menu highlights include Brisket, Fried Catfish, Chicken Fried Steak, Pulled Pork and Brisket Po'Boys, Rib Platters, and Chicken Combos. Popular sides include Mac & Cheese, Potato Salad, Green Beans, Cole Slaw, Onion Rings, and Fried Okra.

The Barbeque Station is a family-owned favorite serving wood-smoked meats and classic sides in a laid-back atmosphere. Guests can dine in, order takeout, or enjoy delivery while satisfying cravings for Pork Ribs and Jalapeño Mac & Cheese. Other menu offerings include Sausage Platters, Sandwiches, Baked Potatoes, Chicken, Pecan Pie, and Peach Cobbler. Convenient online ordering makes it an easy choice for travelers on the go.

NOLA Brunch & Beignets brings New Orleans flavor to San Antonio with its philosophy of "Beignets all day." Alongside signature beignets, guests can enjoy Bananas Foster Pancakes, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Pancakes, Shrimp & Grits, and Green Eggs & Ham. Live jazz performances occasionally enhance the experience, while diners often describe the beignets as wonderfully light and pillowy soft.

Ming's is one of San Antonio's hidden gems, offering Chinese street-food favorites in a cozy setting. Guests can enjoy Steamed Buns filled with smoked pork belly, Beef with Broccoli, Teriyaki Crispy Chicken, Hot Noodle Bowls, Crispy Dumplings, and Ming's Wings. With a menu full of tempting choices, taking leftovers back to the hotel is often part of the experience.

You can't miss Curry Boys BBQ thanks to its bright pink exterior. Inside, the team combines Texas barbecue with Southeast Asian flavors to create memorable dishes. The Brisket Smoke Show remains a guest favorite, featuring smoked prime brisket paired with flavorful green curry. Save room for the Flan Solo, topped with sweet cold brew coffee and whipped cream for a memorable finish to the meal.

This laid-back neighborhood restaurant serves hamburgers, cheesesteaks, hot dogs, and other classic American favorites. While the savory menu draws visitors in, the build-your-own funnel cakes keep them coming back. Choose from toppings like fresh strawberries, Oreos, Reese's, bananas, whipped cream, sprinkles, and more. If you're still craving dessert, there are also churros and Italian ice available. The Shack is open Tuesday through Sunday.