Whether you own a house in the area or on one of the nearby stops on Loop 1604, you already know that the influx of San Antonians on the Far West Side definitely comes with headache-inducing traffic. Even just going out for a quick bite to eat means you have a plan accordingly and de-stress before leaving home.

But, we gotta eat! While the food scene is still growing, there’s plenty of local, one-of-a-kind spots to enjoy in the area.

Hop & Vine 5619 W. 1604 N. Suite 109, (210) 878-4071, hopandvinesa.com Hop & Vine serves craft beer, wine and modern comfort food. Skip the usual St. Mary’s Strip bar crawl and make your way to Hop & Vine’s happy hour offered 4-6pm Tuesday-Saturday. Photo via s.a.foodie / Instagram
LA Crawfish 22505 Hwy. 281 N., Suite 110, (210) 600-3337, lacrawfishsa.com Looking for boiled, cajun style crawfish? Well then make your way to LA Crawfish, the first franchise of the Houston-based chain. LA Crawfish is locally owned serving shrimp, crabs, chicken wings, seafood Po’Boys, Fusion Pho bowl and more! Montelongo_ricardo
Doña Tota 5531 W. 1604, (210) 334-0765, mexicoxfood.com Doña Tota is slowly popping up around town, but this is the most convenient location for Far West Siders (is that a thing?). Find hand-made gorditas toasted by comal and never-fried (so you know they’re authentic AF) . No Tex-Mex here. Photo via atthefirehydrant / Instagram
Doc Browns 6511 W. 1604, (210) 680-9663, Who needs downtown when you’ve got Doc Browns?! Not only does it offer up a full bar and restaurant, but it also serves as an entertainment venue with free arcade games. Take the kids for some old school fun, just remembering to take them home by 9 so you can enjoy the club experience. Check out this entertainment venue full of music, free arcade games, a bar and food. Leave the kiddos home after 9 p.m. for a club experience. Photo via docbrownssa / Instagram
Mariscos Del Puerto 10430 Culebra Road, (210) 637-9404 This hidden gem infuses two cuisines that are pretty much guaranteed to taste delicious: seafood and Mexican. But Mariscos Del Puerto executes its fare so beautifully, just try it for yourself if you don’t believe us. Photo via crazyfitfoodie / Instagram
La Maceta Tapatios (210) 419-3845, facebook.com Chase this food truck down for fresh Mexican street food. Don’t worry, it usually sticks around the Alamo Ranch area. It’s worth tracking down since it knows the difference between tacos tapatios and flautas. Photo via cherry_pop_bakeshop / Instagram
Kolache Factory 11018 Culebra Road Suite 106, (210) 509-9400, kolachefactory.com Every Texan needs their go-to kolache spot, so why not make Kolache Factory yours? They fill their Texas treats with sausage, cheese or fruit. Just remember to swing by before closing time at 2 pm. Photo via mrcdj / Instagram
Hon Machi 11026 Culebra Road, (210) 272-0440 This spot is a beauty of Asian fusion. Enjoy classics like Ramen and sushi, or order a NY steak with all the fixin’s. Photo via honmachi.sushi.steak.stoneoak / Instagram
Rocotos Grill 10555 Culebra Road, (210) 521-4367, rocotosgrill.com Specializing in Peruvian and Latin cuisine, Rocotos is a must-try for when you’re in the mood for something new and flavorful. Try the piqueo sampler and arroz verde, and wash it down with a guanabana drink. Photo via wherethatfoodsa / Instagram
Los Balito’s Taco Shop 5630 W. 1604, (210) 375-6112, losbalitostacoshop.com Open 24/7, Los Balito’s must be on your short list for booze-infused nights and late night munchies. Share the carne asada fries with your crew and order up some mini tacos for yourself. Photo via locastle85 / Instagram
Kumori Sushi & Teppanyaki 5519 West North 1604, Suite 101, (210) 251-3804, kumorisushi.com Kumori offers a large variety of rolls for your tastebuds. Choose from riskier choices like the jalapeno firecracker for an appetizer or keep it safe with the Stone Oak or Alamo rolls as an entree. Photo via kumorisushi / Instagram
House of China 5630 W. 1604, (210) 509-7888, houseofchinarestaurant.com We just found your new lunch spot! House of China dishes out 28 entrees for you to choose from, for just $5.95. Or order the dinner size for $6.89. Photo via satxfood / Instagram
Yum Thai Restaurant 5511 N. 1604 W., Suite 115, (210) 515-4516 No need to go to the Medical Center for Asian food. Yum Thai has delicious, authentic Thai food that doesn’t disappoint. The menu includes tasty soups, stir-fry and curry to name a few, so you’re bound to find something you like. Plus, they have bubble tea! Photo via / yumthaisa / Instagram
Kneaders Bakery And Cafe 11018 Westwood Loop, (210) 200-7976, kneaders.com Since panaderias are scarce on this side of town, go for some American treats instead. Kneaders freshly bakes innovative treats like a German chocolate brownie and a twice-baked almond croissant. Or stick with something familiar and order Mexican wedding cookies. Photo via kneaders / Instagram
The Frosty Frog Shaved Ice Co. 11619 Bandera Road, (210) 835-5978 With snack shops so hard to find in the area, Frosty Frog comes through when you have the munchies. The family-owned shop has been around since 2009, and with the growth rate in the area, we doubt they’ll be stopping any time soon. Photo via The Frosty Frog Shaved Ice Co. / Facebook
Fajita Express & Mexican Grill 10531 Culebra Road, (210) 520-0355, fajitaexpress.net Let’s be honest. The selection of authentic Mexican fare found most often on the South and West sides of town is not common in Alamo Ranch. Fajita Express definitely delivers on that front through, with tasty food and affordable prices. Photo via erpassion / Instagram
Wing Zone 11019 Culebra Road, (210) 680-9663, wingzone.com Wing Zone doesn’t only offer wings, but burgers, sandwiches and tenders and can be delievered to your door as well! In case you decide traffic is too much to deal with (we wouldn’t blame you). Photo via wing_zone / Instagram
Smallcakes 10919 Culebra Road, (210) 417-4442, smallcakessa.com Smallcakes has a cupcake flavor for everyone, we can you promise you that now. With 180 flavor combinations, you’ll find the perfect little cake for you. Or just stick to the other sweets available, like whoopie pies, milkshakes, cookie and coffee. Photo via smallcakessa / Instagram
Tropic Express 10167 Culebra Road, (210) 522-0608 It’s hard to find sinful snacks like these along Loop 1604, but Tropic Express comes through whenever you have an antojo for a raspa or corn in a cup. Photo via erikadb37 / Instagram
Cajun Crawfish 5519 W. 1604 N. Suite 102, (210) 233-1030 Cajun Crawfish prepares their meals from scratch to provide the culinary traditions of Asia. If that sounds too stuffy for you, don’t fret. It just means the crawfish has a twist and is tasty as can be. If you’re brave, take part in the crawfish challenge. It’s by the pound! Photo via cajuncrawfishsa / Instagram