From well-known staples to hidden gems, these Westside restaurants are definitely worth a visit – no matter what side of town you’re coming from.

Pollos Asados “El Carbonero” 619 S General McMullen Dr., (210) 907-5573, elcarboneropolloycarne.negocio.site Los Carboneros may only be a little over a year old, but the service is stellar and the pollos are made fresh daily in a trailer-grill. It really doesn’t get more puro than that. Photo by Jessica Elizarraras
Wicho’s Mexican Deli 1110 N Zarzamora, (210) 396-7539, wichosdeli.com It’s always snack time at Wicho’s whether you’re in the mood for a beefy torta, Hot Cheeto-crusted elote or an order of four street tacos. Photo via Instagram / sacravings
El Siete Mares 3831 W Commerce St., (210) 436-6056 The drinks are icy and boozy at this West Commerce joint that’s been serving up sopa de mariscos, oysters on the half-shell and aguachile shrimp for more than 20 years. Photo via Instagram / jgue88
Panifico Bake Shop 602 NW 24th St., (210) 434-9290, panifico.com The pan dulce is always fresh, and the creations keep getting more inventive at Panifico. The uniconchas make sporadic comebacks, but don’t miss out on the traditional offerings like cuernitos, orejas and more. Photo via Instagram / kwissyriss
Taqueria El Chilaquil 1821 W Commerce St., (210) 226-5410, facebook.com/ElChilaquilTaqueria Come for the huaraches and fresh tortillas, stay for the live entertainment on weekends. Photo via Instagram / _foodmeetbelly_
Barrio Barista 3735 Culebra Road, (210) 519-5403, barriobarista.coffee Their horchata lattes and often imitated barbacoa grilled cheese (make sure to add avocado) are worth waking up early for. Photo via Instagram / hungrytravelingmama
Los Cocos Fruteria Y Taqueria 1502 Bandera Road, (210) 431-7786, loscocosmexicanrestaurant.com Los Cocos keeps bringing families back with their fresh fruit cups and made-to-order street tacos. Elote en vaso optional. Photo via Instagram / franktheref
La Monita Tortilleria
3202 Guadalupe St, (210) 432-0332, facebook.com
In the heart of the West Side, you’ll find this well-loved tortilleria that comes through on all fronts. While there’s much to appreciate from this menu, you’ll definitely want to stock up on tamales. Luckily this spot is open every day of the week in December, so you can have these delicious tamales on the regular if you’d like.
Credit: Photo via Facebook / La Monita Tortilleria
Pancake Joe’s 1011 Donaldson Ave., (210) 785-9007, pancakejoes-sa.com Do you want a stack of pancakes? The answer is always yes at Pancake Joes. Honestly the waffles aren’t half-bad either so you can’t go wrong with your order. The New Orleans omelet with shrimp jambalaya is a must. Photo via Instagram / its.a.comesense
Ray’s Drive Inn 822 SW 19th St., (210) 432-7171, raysdriveinn.net The home of the puffy taco is a San Anto staple. Visit Ray’s for your crispy dog fix or load up on the puffy’s available in orders or one, two, three or four. Photo via Instagram / s.a.vortooth
Tellez Tamales & Barbacoa 1737 S General McMullen Dr., (210) 433-1367, facebook.com https://www.facebook.com/Tellez-Tamales-Barbacoa-115721145123658/ If you’re not lining up for Tellez tamales on Christmas Eve, are you even a true San Antonian? We’ll give you a pass if you’re helping your abuela make this year’s batch. Photo via Instagram / lexnicera
La Sorrentina 3330 Culebra Road, (210) 549-0889 You’ve probably passed this spot without a glance, but trust us – you’ll want to stop by. It’s a tight squeeze but totally worth it. Stop by Italian fare so fresh and tasty you’ll think it’s homemade. Order the penne alla vodka and prepare to be amazed. Photo via Instagram / romannjames
Camaron Pelado 2918 W Commerce St., (210) 434-6700, camaronpeladotogo.com Ceviche is your go-to at this spot, but don’t miss out on shrimp quesadillas. Photo via Instagram / gensanchez18
La Bandera Molino 2619 N Zarzamora, (210) 434-0631 Some of the best barbacoa in all the land is made at this tiny shop that’s part mercado, part restaurant. Go there for the menudo and the breakfast tacos. Photo via Instagram / tbonegetit
Los Angeles Tortilleria & Restaurant 300 N Zarzamora, (210) 435-2400 You’ll probably have to put up with a wait, but you’ll be glad you did. Enjoy tasty barbacoa, pan dulce, chile relleno, tamales and more. Be sure to hit up this spot the next time you have a party. Photo via Instagram / sometimesalwaysmary
This cult favorite hole-in-the-wall is known for dishing out delicious Chinese fare for wicked low prices.
Lisa’s Mexican Restaurant 815 Bandera Road, (210) 433-2531, lisasmexican.com A St. Mary’s happy hour spot for the past 37 years, Lisa’s is a must for cold margaritas and $5 botana (appetizers) at Bar Mosaico. Photo via Instagram / liztxchild
Tacos Betos 3707 Culebra Road, (210) 459-3134, facebook.com Choose your filling – trompo, tripita de res, bistec, caprichos, campechenas, gringas or piratas. Whatever kind of tacos you get, be sure to add some (or a lot) of their flavorful salsas to make your bite even better. Photo via Instagram / mi_numero_20
Sabina’s Coffee House 2303 W Commerce St., (210) 570-7504, sabinas-coffee-house.business.site Coffee drinks, sandwiches, and homey interiors make this a great Westside spot for meetings and lowkey hangs. Photo via Instagram / jes_latino
La Playa 3201 W Poplar St., (210) 735-8715 Vamos a la playa, oh oh oh! Fun songs aside, the shrimp and oyster cocktail lineup a this joint demand all the Saladitas you can get your hands on. The restaurant also features dishes from El Salvador and Honduras so get to exploring. Photo via Instagram / peace_love_etc