A wave of new restaurant and bar openings swept over San Antonio this year, running the gamut from innovative new concepts to additional locations of tried-and-true mainstays. As 2023 draws to a close, we looked back at some of the biggest and buzziest, narrowing the list down to 21 we think everyone should try.

Yozora Sake & Wine & Listening Bar 22211 W. I-10, Suite, 1111, instagram.com/yozora_satx The chef behind sushi restaurant Shiro Japanese Bistro launched a new concept in the Dominion area. An izakaya-style restaurant and listening bar, Yozora’s menu features yakitori and crudo dishes as well as thoughtfully curated beer, wine and sake selections, complemented by tunes played on a custom-built sound system. Credit: Photo via Instagram / yozora_satx
Tokyo Cowboy 135 E. Commerce St., (210) 305-7075, tokyocowboytx.com Nestled right across the San Antonio river from the historic Bald Cypress some call “Geronimo,” this chic Japanese street food spot markets itself as a “whisky diner” and features menu items such as Viet-Cajun BBQ prawns and a sukiyaki burger. Come for the trendy eats, stay for the inventive whisky-based cocktails. Credit: Courtesy Photo / Tokyo Cowboy
Thirsty Pups Brewery & Bottle Shop 2211 NW Military Highway #130, instagram.com/thirstypupsbrewery This dog-friendly spot opened in Castle Hills in October, serving craft brews and wine with a side of easygoing vibes. Though Thirsty Pups doesn’t serve food, visitors are allowed to bring in food from outside. Credit: Nina Rangel
European Dumplings Cafe 2211 N.W. Military Highway #131B, (726) 219-2483, europeandumplings.com European Dumplings Cafe started as a local favorite food truck on 12157 Potranco Road, but has now moved into a storefront at a shopping complex in Castle Hills. Enjoy the same delicious Ukrainian food in an all-new dining space. Credit: Ron Bechtol
Paladar Fusion Mexico Cuba 3615 Broadway #4, paladarfusion.com New fusion eatery Paladar Fusion Mexico Cuba opened its doors in November, taking over the space previously occupied by Fonda Nostra Bistró. The restaurant’s self-proclaimed signature fusion plate, flautas de lechón, features three nixtamal tortillas filled with lechón, or roasted suckling pig, and fried. Though Paladar’s address is on Broadway, the spot recommends that people access it via the Witte Museum Garage at 3501 Avenue B. Credit: Sanford Nowlin
Idle Beer Hall & Brewery 414 Brooklyn Ave., idlebrewing.com The anchor tenant for the new downtown food hall Make Ready Market made its debut in October. Operating out of a 15,000-square-foot indoor-outdoor space, the craft brewery offers beers made onsite as well as a full bar. Credit: Courtesy Photo / Idle Beer Hall & Brewery
Colette 102 9th St. Floor 4, coletteatthephipps.com Colette joined Paramour on the Phipps’ rooftop this summer, with a menu featuring dishes that blend French, Japanese, Latin and American techniques and cuisines. The new eatery aims to provide a truly elevated experience, but be aware when making reservations: the Texas sun shines across the rooftop spot. Credit: Nina Rangel
Leche de Tigre 318 E. Cevallos St., (210) 265-5933, lechedetigretx.com This cebicheria serves up Peruvian sashimi plates and cebiche, as well as dishes such as lomo saltado — a Peruvian stir fry with a Chinese influence — and tapas. Make sure to quench your thirst with Peru’s official brandy, Pisco. Credit: Allysse Shank-Rivas
Francis Bogside 1170 E Commerce St. Suite 100, (210) 314-2994, francisbogside.com It isn’t common to see Irish neighborhood bars in San Antonio but Francia Bogside, a rustic chic take on a traditional Irish pub, has changed that narrative for downtown. Recently relocated to Commerce Street, Francis Bogside offers upscale pub fare alongside expertly-prepared craft cocktails, wine and beer. Credit: Courtesy Photo / Francis Bogside
Arenas Marisqueria 19903 Stone Oak Pkwy. #202, (210) 267-5135, arenaslounge.com Arenas Marisqueria is bringing classy, resort-style food to the Stone Oak area. The menu features fresh seafood and signature cocktails. Credit: Courtesy Photo / Arenas Marisqueria and Lounge
Vista Brewing 125 Lamar St., PHONE, vistabrewingtx.com Austin-based Vista Brewing shuttered its Warehouse 5 San Antonio location earlier this year in order to make the move to Lamar Street. The new spot serves up Vista’s craft brews, as well as a menu featuring locally sourced ingredients overseen by Executive Chef Kyle Barker. Credit: Nina Rangel
The Ridge at the Hill 2119 N. IH-35, (210) 212-5727, theridgeatthehill.com The family who operated La Tuna for 20 years entered a new chapter with Government Hill eatery The Ridge at the Hill, which opened in October. The eatery offers casual fare like burgers, beer-battered fish and chips and nachos, as well as a full bar serving draft beer, sangria, margaritas and wine. Credit: Amber Esparza
Texas Dog Co. & Beer Garden 4302 Hyatt Pl. Dr., texasdog.co This dog-friendly drinking spot features a full bar and food truck park, sand volleyball courts, a kids playground and gated dog runs. Take advantage of their $3 margaritas on Monday while your dog makes some new friends! Credit: Photo via Instagram / benjiandtasha
Blu Lacy 1303 Lorenzo St., Castroville, (830) 359-8720, instagram.com/blulacysmokehouse Brought to us by Esaul Ramos — the brains behind 2M Smokehouse — Blu Lacy made its debut in Castroville this fall. The spot smokes its meats on site in a new pit building that houses a mammoth wood-fired smoker from Texas-based M&M BBQ Company. Blu Lacy also features desserts and bread made by Ramos’ wife Grecia, who recently opened her own venture, Baked, next door. Credit: Photo via Instagram / blulacysmokehouse
Best Salsa Rosario’s, 722 S. St. Mary’s St., (210) 223-1806, rosariossa.com Credit: Photo by Nina Rangel
21. Mxicanna Cafe 527 El Paso St., (210) 888-1310, mxicanna.com “They hit a home run with this restaurant. We went for a business meeting. Mark the owner greeted us he was so sweet He had lunch with us explained his mission and the idea behind the restaurant, which was so intriguing Chef Villarreal served lunch I have to say it was the best lunch I’ve had in a long time it didn’t feel like I was eating at a restaurant. It felt like I was at someone’s home in their dining room. I felt comfort I felt satisfied, I felt delighted, I’m looking forward to returning with a few of my friends and family. I can’t wait to share this hidden jewel” – Toni G. Credit: Photo via Instagram / putadelafruta
Beacon Hill Deli 1717 Blanco Road, (210) 999-5239, facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086878963700 The duo that brought us SA Bexar Tonics and Philly-style sandwich pop-up Dang!wich is now serving up flavorful deli fare from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. Credit: Photo via Instagram / beaconhillmarketanddeli
Bombay Bicycle Club Multiple Locations, bombaybicycleclubsa.com Bombay Bicycle Club’s menu showcases its signature burgers and loaded nachos, as well as cocktails, beer and wine. In addition to its longstanding St. Mary’s location, the bar expanded with a location in Hemisfair that opened in 2023. Credit: Amber Esparza
Zito’s Deli 1554 Babcock Road, (210) 684-6555, zitosdeli.com Balcones Heights area locals can now enjoy sandwich fave Zito’s Deli’s famous “Serious Sandwich” closer to home! Zito’s has been offering their meat-packed subs off Broadway since 1974, so they know a thing or two about how to make a killer sandwich. Credit: Photo via Instagram / czech_mex_dad
A Perfect Day 803 S. St. Mary’s St., instagram.com/aperfectdaywinebar Southtown wine bar A Perfect Day opened in Francis Bogside’s former space this summer along with cocktail lounge Gimme Gimme. A Perfect Day’s easygoing vibes are complemented by a selection of wines, cocktails and bites. Credit: Nina Rangel
Casa Hernan 411 E. Cevallos St., (210) 226-3670, chefjohnnyhernandez.com/casa-hernan Chef Johnny Hernandez’s new concept in Southtown offers botanas, cocktails and tequila in a space featuring Mexican art, blown-glass light fixtures and bold color schemes. Credit: Photo via Instagram / casahernan_southtown

Additional Slideshows

The hottest new bars and restaurants that have opened in San Antonio so far in 2023