San Antonio is flush with great places to eat, from popular chains to longtime local mainstays. But some restaurants have developed devoted fans who spread the word about their faves at any opportunity. Whether it’s for the full menu or a particularly popular dish, these Alamo City spots all have die-hard, cult-like followings that continue flocking to their doors.

Mr. Juicy
3315 San Pedro Ave., instagram.com/mrjuicyburger
Mr. Juicy launched as a burger joint, but what keeps people coming back right now is its new chicken fried steak. Earlier this year, the spot introduced the new menu item and was overrun with excited diners, which even forced the restaurant to close briefly. Placed on a bed of fries and topped with an au poivre sauce, the chicken fried steak’s intense popularity actually led to its brief removal from the menu so that staff could get a break from its high demand. Fortunately, the meal returned in August, but is only available during lunch hours, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Credit: Brandon Rodriguez
Bakery Lorraine Multiple locations, bakerylorraine.com While many people recognize Bakery Lorraine for its rainbow-hued selection of macarons, the spot’s pop pastries have become a hit. One bite of these and store-bought Pop Tarts will be a thing of the past. Credit: Halee Holand
Best Tamales Delia’s, 13527 Hausman Pass, (210) 864-1111, deliastamales.com Credit: Brandon Rodriguez
Chris Madrid’s 1900 Blanco Road, (210) 735-3552, chrismadrids.com Chris Madrid’s is known for its signature tostada burgers, which are topped with homemade refried beans, chips, onions and melted cheddar cheese. All burgers on the menu — from the classic Old Fashioned burger to a Flaming Jalapeño Cheddar variation — can be ordered as a regular 1/4 lb., or upped to the 1/2 lb. macho style. Credit: Michael Karlis
Best Chicken Fried Steak Bobbie’s Southern Kitchen 606 Embassy Oaks, Suite 100 (210) 923-1158 bobbiessouthernkitchen.com Credit: Instagram / bobbiescafe
Best Donut Shop The Original Donut Shop, 3307 Fredericksburg Road, (210) 734-5661, facebook.com/theoriginaldonutshop Credit: Jace Gertz
24. Mama’s Cafe 2442 Nacogdoches Road, (210) 826-8303, mamascafesa.com “Everything was delicious from the fried green tomatoes to the whole lotta mess plate. I would definitely recommend this to anyone trying to find a good breakfast or brunch place. All the staff was friendly and the inside is super unique.” – Ace P. Credit: Nina Rangel
Ray’s Drive Inn 822 SW 19th St., (210) 432-7171, raysdriveinn.net This San Antonio staple is home to the original puffy taco — and has a patent to prove it. From their signature puffy tacos to classic plates like enchiladas and carne guisada, it’s clear this local mainstay knows their stuff. The drive-thru institution, housed on the West Side, also serves up tasty burgers and hot dogs. Credit: Photo via Instagram / raysdriveinn
De Wese’s Tip Top Cafe 2814 Fredericksburg Road, (210) 732-0191, tiptopcafesa.com Open since 1938, Tip Top has perfected its menu over three generations of serving San Antonians. Grab a seat in the old-school diner, enjoy some classic comfort food and prepare to finish off the meal with one of the cafe’s irresistible pies. Credit: Photo via Instagram / valdez.robert.sanantonio
Chatman’s Chicken 1747 S WW White Rd., (210) 359-0245, facebook.com/Chatmans-Chicken Who would’ve known that getting to fried food heaven meant looking no further than the East side? A quick glance at any online review site will tell you there’s no wrong choice from the menu. Photo via Instagram / mt.calories Credit: Photo via Instagram / mt.calories
6. Maria’s Cafe 1105 Nogalitos St., (210) 227-7005 “Get down there for seriously the best of the best breakfast taco. Fresh, hot and flavorful to say the least. Mom & Pop done right” – Jeffery S. Credit: Photo by Nina Rangel
Youz Guyz South Philly Cheesesteaks 316 Pat Booker Road, Universal City, (210) 659-8930, youzguyzcheesesteaks.com This may be Texas, but the flavors of South Philly are alive and well over at Youz Guyz. Inspired by the food scene and culture of Philadelphia, Jimmy and Kathy De Laurentis operate this authentic joint, where you can score hefty cheesesteaks and hoagies. Make sure to order one of the Italian ices for the well-rounded Philly experience. Credit: Photo via Instagram / _bdh_2
M.K. Davis Restaurant & Bar 1302 N. Flores St., (210) 223-1208, facebook.com/mkdavisrestaurant Hungry San Antonians look no further for surf, turf and Tex-Mex. M.K. Davis has been family-owned and slinging ice cold beer and yummy meals since ’56, and it’s definitely earned its spot as an Alamo city classic. Credit: Photo by Sanford Nowlin
Sichuan House 3505 Wurzbach Road #102, (210) 509-9999, sichuaneats.com This iconic Chinese eatery offers mouth-numbingly spicy, Sichuan cuisine, but don’t fret if your taste buds need something a little less fiery — the menu also features an array of less spicy fare. Credit: Photo via Instagram / s.a.foodie
Los Barrios 4223 Blanco Road, (210) 732-6017, losbarriosrestaurant.com Los Barrios has been serving its “Casero Style” eats to San Antonians since 1979. The restaurant’s massive menu means it’s not hard to find a new favorite, plus there’s a selection of affordable lunch specials. Credit: Michael Karlis
Taquitos West Avenue 2818 West Ave., (210) 525-9888, facebook.com/TaquitosWestAvenue1 Snag a plate full of Suadero mini-tacos packed with grilled meat, onion and cilantro for $1.50 each. The formula may sound simple, but there’s a reason this spot was voted the Best Tacos in SA by Current readers from 2019-2021. Photo via Instagram / compa_chon_el_coreano Credit: Photo via Instagram / compa_chon_el_coreano
Simi’s India Cuisine 4535 Fredericksburg Road #109, (210) 737-3166, facebook.com/p/Simis-India-Cuisine-100064028920187 Those with special diets will feel more than welcome here thanks to a number of vegetarian dishes on the menu. The restaurant’s delicious tandoori dishes amply prove why this spot is a go-to for Indian fare for many locals. Credit: Sanford Nowlin
Ma Harper’s Creole Kitchen 1816 N. New Braunfels Ave., (210) 226-2200, facebook.com/maharperscreolekitchen. Owned by New Orleans native Alice “Ma” Harper, who learned to cook when she needed to help feed her 15 siblings, this Creole kitchen has been serving — and satisfying — local diners for decades. If you need any more reason to respect this badass chef, Harper turned to the food business after retiring from the U.S. Air Force. She was a mechanic for 21 years. Credit: Photo via Instagram / sutapants
Credit: Photo by Marty Morris via Instagram / pharmtable
B & B Tamales and Food To Go 866 W. Mayfield Blvd., (210) 921-0847 While this little tamale shop may not look like much from the street, locals can attest to its craveable tamales and barbacoa, and the friendly staff. Be sure to stock up if you’re not in the neighborhood — we promise the tamales are just as tasty when you reheat them. Credit: Photo via Google Maps

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