Some San Antonio residents avoid downtown altogether, and it’s easy to understand why — it’s full of tourists and businesses catering specifically to them.
But locals end up downtown anyway, either because they work there, live there or need to give visiting family tours of landmarks like the Riverwalk or the Alamo. When those folks get hungry downtown, they’re probably not heading to the Hard Rock Cafe or Dick’s Last Resort.
While downtown SA has no shortage of tourist traps, it also boasts plenty of exciting and absolutely delicious homegrown restaurants and bars that serve up food that locals crave.
Let’s take a look.
103 E Jones Ave, San Antonio, TX 78215, (210) 446-9303, elsewheretexas.com
Elsewhere’s notoriety may start with its impressive outdoor space which backs right up to the San Antonio River, but that’s bolstered by quality burgers, fries and tacos and an impressive bar program to pair them with. Credit: Photo via Instagram / elsewheresatx
1414 S. Alamo St., (210) 277-7047, stellapublichouse.com
Southtown’s Stella Public House dishes out wood-fired pizza and craft beer in its sleek contemporary American setting just off the river. Be sure to check the seasonal menu: a rotation of salads, cheeses and shared plates with locally sourced ingredients. Credit: Photo via Instagram / stellapublichouse
300 E. Travis St., (210) 352-3171, rebellesa.com
Rebelle is found inside the swanky St. Anthony Hotel, just across from Travis Park. It’s a favorite for inventive cocktails and seafood that are as delicious as they are beautiful. Credit: Photo via Instagram / rebellesanantonio
623 Hemisfair Blvd. Ste. 108, (210) 476-5705, theboxstreetsocial.com
This casual, chef-driven concept serves up all types of eats and drinks in a bright and bubbly atmosphere. Featuring photoshoot-worthy graphic wall art in pastel hues, the restaurant is as Instagrammable as it is delicious. Credit: Photo by s.a.foodie via Instagram / theboxstreetsocial
136 E. Grayson St., (210) 223-7375, thehotelemma.com
Serving as the hotel’s tavern and club room, this moody downtown-area drinkery boasts historic brewing tanks converted into seating, sofas situated underneath 25-foot vaulted ceilings and an impressive backlit bar. Credit: Photo via Instagram / sternewirthatemma
914 E. Elmira St. Suite 101, (210) 600-4083, mingsthing.com
Bringing authentic Chinese cuisine to all San Antonians, Ming’s provides delicious comfort food with classic dishes like their ma-la noodles, orange chicken and iconic steam buns, adding to the identity of the city’s diverse palate. Credit: Photo via Instagram / mingsthing
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
424 E Commerce St, (210) 223-6692, schilos.com
This German-Texan eatery has been in business for over 100 years, and it remains a local favorite for stick-to-your ribs fare, from brats and sauerkraut to some of the best split-pea soup on the planet. The downtown dining spot survived prohibition by exchanging its bier for homemade root beer, which thankfully remains on the menu. Credit: Photo via Schilo's/Facebook
312 Pearl Parkway, (210) 469-3743, brasseriemonchouchou.com
Unlike pricey, upscale French restaurants, Brasserie Mon Chou Chou aims to provide a more casual atmosphere for guests to enjoy a meal. For couples looking to nosh on French comfort food in a stylish, vintage-inspired atmosphere, this spot is just the ticket. Credit: Photo via Instagram / brasseriemonchouchou
119 Heiman St., (210) 960-8935, cuishemx.com
This San Antonio-born restaurant brings the native flavors of Central Mexico to the heart of downtown for a culinary experience that is second-to-none. Experience it for yourself, especially from 2-7 p.m. on weekdays during happy hour. Credit: Photo via Instagram / cuishe_cocina
146 E. Houston St, (210) 222-2362, acenar.com
If you’re going to have Tex-Mex, head to Ácenar where the views are as great as the salads and the shrimp tacos. The interior of this eatery is a trippy marriage of soaring ceilings, fancy lighting tricks and architectural details.
Credit: Photo via Instagram / acenarhotmex
618 McCullough Ave., (210) 223-5587, guillermosdowntown.com
Serving San Antonio for more than two decades out of a humble yellow shack in the heart of downtown, Guillermo’s serves what some locals consider the city’s best Italian food. Credit: Photo via Instagram / eatatguillermos
