San Antonio residents are lucky to live in a vibrant culinary destination. From Texas-style barbecue to fiery Sichuan food and almost everything in between, our restaurant scene is full of great dining options.

To narrow things down, we complied this streamlined list of must-visit spots — places that are iconic either for their ambiance, their history or their excellent eats. Whether down-home or upscale, all these restaurants and bars qualify as both delicious and culturally significant. 

Liberty Bar 1111 S. Alamo St., (210) 227-1187, liberty-bar.com Housed in a restored convent, Liberty Bar’s bright, window-filled space makes for a naturally gorgeous spot to dine in, whether it’s for brunch or late at night. The food and drink are definitely the main draws, but the ambiance sure isn’t anything to shake a stick at. Credit: Photo via Instagram / deadlywritr
Earl Abel’s 1639 Broadway, (210) 444-9424, earlabelssa.com It’s nearly impossible to say “no” to Earl Abel’s award-winning fried chicken and desserts, so be ready to leave with a full stomach — and, by proxy — a full heart. Photo via Instagram / earlabelssa Credit: Photo via Instagram / earlabelssa
La Fonda on Main 2415 N. Main Ave., (210) 733-0621, lafondaonmain.com A classic for Tex-Mex and interior Mexican fare since 1932, longstanding La Fonda on Main is just one of those spots every San Antonians needs to dine at — ideally sooner rather than later. Colder weather also means the comforting fireplace is often blazing. Credit: Instagram / matthewmauldon
Credit: Photo via Instagram / thefriendlyspot
The Jerk Shack 10234 TX-151, (210) 776-7780, thejerkshacksatx.com Chef Nicola Blaque’s West Side Jamaican hotspot is a consistent mention in restaurant roundups for its wild flavors, hefty portions and good eating.The jerk chicken is obviously a big seller, but they also offer jerk ribs, plantains and mac and cheese. Just keep in mind, you might want to get there early, because they often sell out! Credit: Photo via Instagram / thejerkshack
Niki’s Tokyo Inn 819 W. Hildebrand Ave., (210) 736-5471, facebook.com/nikis.tokyo.inn Incredibly authentic with tatami-style seating, Niki’s Tokyo Inn is a solid choice for genuine Japanese eats. Whether you take a seat on the floor or grab a stool at the bar, you can enjoy freshly-made sushi and other classic Japanese dishes in this cozy eatery. Credit: Photo via Instagram / mrs.a_w15
Mi Tierra 218 Produce Row, (210) 225-1262,mitierracafe.com Mi Tierra needs no introduction. Pedro and Cruz Cortez opened a three-table cafe in 1941, serving farmers and workers in the mercado. The rest, they say, is history. The now-famous landmark has seen much success, being a go-to for locals and tourists alike. Credit: Photo via Instagram / cp2_unique_designs
Schilo’s Delicatessen 424 E. Commerce St., (210) 223-6692, schilos.com Schilo’s may be a bit of a tourist hot spot as “the oldest restaurant in San Antonio,” but that doesn’t mean they have touristy prices. You can get the Smorgasbord — two sausages with a side and bread — for $10-12, or a classic reuben sandwich for $13.25. You can wash it all down with a mug of their homemade root beer for $3.50. Photo via Instagram / kimdparker73 Credit: Photo via Instagram / kimdparker73
Credit: Photo via Instagram / cherritybar
2M Smokehouse 2731 S. W.W. White Rd., (210) 885-9352, 2msmokehouse.com 2M Smokehouse cooks out of their own love of barbecue and the proof is on the plate. Seasoned and smoked to perfection, their menu offers all the barbecue must-haves as well as daily specials Thursday through Saturday. Credit: Photo via Instagram / 2msmokehouse
Carnitas Lonja 1107 Roosevelt Ave., (210) 455-2105, carnitaslonja.com For just $13.75, you can score a half-pound of carnitas (or a torta) and if you splurge just a bit, get a side of frijoles for another $4.25. Now it’s up to you whether you want to share or have a feast all your own. Photo via Instagram / carnitas_lonja Credit: Photo via Instagram / carnitas_lonja
Singh’s Vietnamese 2803 N St Mary’s St., (512) 940-9662, toasttab.com/singhs/v3 Since everything on the menu is less than $15, you can mix it up as you wish. Keep things fresh by trying out the different meat and veg options for Singhs’ goi, rice, bún and banh mi sandwiches — all under $14 — or try out the restaurant’s signature winghs for $12. Photo by mimi.ortizz via Instagram / singhs_sa Credit: Photo by mimi.ortizz via Instagram / singhs_sa
58. La Tuna For much of its 30-year history, La Tuna was an oasis amidst the warehouses, silos and freight-train tracks of one of the city’s oldest industrial districts. It remains an oasis changed little by time, even as trendy residential buildings, restaurants and myriad small businesses replace the industrial surroundings. La Tuna is still one of most inviting places in the city to unwind with a cold beer after work, whether it’s with a crushable Lone Star or a brew handcrafted in the Hill Country. Patrons crunch through decades worth of bottle caps to order from the small bar or a walk-up window. Food comes from the other side of the property at the La Tuna Grill, where a crowd-pleasing menu includes eclectic selections such as grilled chicken nachos, chicken fried steak and a roasted lamb sandwich. 100 Probandt St., (210) 224-8862, latunasa.com. Credit: Photo via Instagram / latunaicehouse
India Palace 8474 Fredericksburg Road, (210) 692-5262, indiapalacesanantonio.com Specializing in North Indian fare, this Medical Center is a mainstay for both vegetarian and meaty dishes of the cuisine. Though diners can order up a plate of whatever they like best, most folks frequent India Palace for its daily buffet, available for both lunch and dinner. Be prepared to get stuffed — and to enjoy every bite of your feast. Credit: Photo via Instagram / rgarcia833
Smoke Shack 3714 Broadway St., (210) 957-1430, smokeshacksa.com Featured multiple times on Food Network, the Smoke Shack offers undeniably delicious barbecue and southern-style cooking that will amply satisfy anyone’s cravings. The menu features all the BBQ classics, plus mouth-watering options like the brisket grilled cheese and Tejas hot chicken. Credit: Photo via Instagram / smokeshack
Original Donut Shop 3307 Fredericksburg Road, (210) 734-5661, facebook.com/theoriginaldonutshop Known for its donuts and prized for its breakfast tacos, Original Donut Shop has been a longstanding spot on Fredericksburg. The shop draws crowds (i.e. long lines that form a trail along the road) for these goods, especially on the weekends. Consider this hotspot a rite of passage for foodies and puro San Antonians alike. Credit: Photo via Instagram / lonestargourmand
Simi’s India Cuisine 4535 Fredericksburg Road #109, (210) 737-3166, facebook.com/Simis-India-Cuisine-104962319547629 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 so many locals. Credit: Photo via Google Maps
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
Best Thai Restaurant Thai Dee, 5307 Blanco Road, (210) 342-3622, thaideesa.com Credit: Photo via Instagram / thaideesa
Credit: Photo via Instagram / thecovesa

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