San Antonio has plenty of dining options to choose from, so you’d have to go out a lot to hit them all up. While you might have your go-to spots, venture out and explore some notable restaurants (and sometimes hidden gems) that you may or may not have had the pleasure to dine at just yet.

Thai Vegan 15614 Huebner Rd #113, (210) 257-0090, thaivegantx.com San Antonio just can’t get enough Thai food. As you taste your way throughout all the local restaurants, be sure to make note of Thai Vegan. The outpost is regarded for its selection of dishes such as stir-fries, noodles, curries and even Asian-inspired wraps. Photo via Instagram / jesselizarraras
Li’s Sichuan Restaurant 20330 Huebner Rd #106, (210) 499-0070, lissichuansa.com If Sichuan fare has a special place in your heart — and your stomach — then you’ll want to visit Li’s if you haven’t already. The Stone Oak restaurant has a large selection of Pan-Asian dishes, like inventive sushi and Chinese favorites such as kung pao chicken. No matter which direction you go in for your meal, trust that it’ll hit the spot. Photo via Yelp / Mengning L.
Chi Chi Birds Hot Chicken Around SA, instagram.com/chichibirdshotchicken If the Nashville hot chicken craze has yet to reach you, consider Chi Chi Birds the place to give you a proper introduction. The concept pops up around town, so be sure to track them down so you can get your hands on the juicy and spicy chicken that gets even better with every crunchy bite. Photo via Instagram / chichibirdshotchicken
Dim Sum Oriental Cuisine 2313 NW Military Hwy #125, (210) 340-0690 Dim Sum always hits the spot, doesn’t it? Such is especially the case when it comes from Dim Sum Oriental Cuisine. Order up a variety to share with the table so you can taste the best of the restaurant and determine a favorite. It’s not just dim sum here, but also lo mein, soups and meat-based plates paired with dried rice. Photo by mgphototx via Instagram / medic740
El Pilon Sabor Boricua 1127 Harry Wurzbach Road, (210) 474-0578, elpilontx.com This festive eatery is equally lively in its red and blue decor as it is with its plates. The quick-serve plates are as you’d find them in Puerto Rico, from a variety of mofongo to pollo asado. There’s also other Latino plates like Cuban sandwiches and carne frita. Photo via Instagram / el.pilon
El Remedio 2534 Babcock Road, (210) 981-9797, twitter.com/elremedio_sa Plan ahead so you can catch this food truck that will definitely hit the spot every time. Just look at that! Do you really need any convincing? These Mexican bites are sinfully delicious, but we don’t think you’ll mind the extra calories when it tastes this good. Photo via Instagram / sanantoniomunchies
24. Filé’s Burgers 543 Ceralvo St “One of the best burgers I’ve ever had!!! And don’t even get me started on the cheese tots. I don’t know how they melt the cheese like that but it’s magical? Filé’s will be a go-to on every trip to San Antonio going forward! Thanks guys!” – Charlie S. Credit: Photo via File's Burgers/Instagram
African Village 10918 Wurzbach Rd #131, (210) 467-5102, africanvillage.business.site Whether you’re acquainted with any of the cuisines to come from the continent of Africa or not, you’ll be happy dining at African Village. Specializing in Ethiopian fare, the Wurzbach Road spot serves up dishes like kinche and firfir. Photo via Yelp / Stephen M. Credit: Photo via Yelp / Stephen M.
225 Urban Smoke 1015 Rittiman Road #113, (210) 444-9956, 225urbansmoketx.com Most local barbecue joints have a dedicated following, and Urban Smoke is no different. Folks already fans of this Rittiman Road restaurant know that the meats are smoked just right and the sides are made with love here. Brisket, smoked sausage, spare ribs, smoked chicken, pulled pork — take your pick and enjoy. Photo via Instagram / illlkat
JK’s Chicago Hot Dogs and Beef Sandwich 15711 San Pedro Ave, (210) 201-4030, jkchicagodogs.com Could you use a hot dog in your life? Same. Do yourself a favor and head to JK’s Chicago Hot Dogs. The no-frills spot keeps it real with a selection of weiners and Italian sandwiches. Bring your appetite so you can have a bit of both. Photo via Yelp / Alex S.
JY Ramen 5500 Babcock Road Ste116, (210) 462-9100, facebook.com/SANANTONIORAMENIN San Antonio is home to plenty of delicious bowls of ramen. Whether you’re trying to taste them all or just want a little variety of your noodle endeavors, J Y Ramen holds it down. Located in a strip mall, this Medical Center eatery is also regarded for its small bites like seafood gyoza and spicy edamame. Photo via Instagram / vichiee
Uncle Barney’s Old Fashion Hamburgers 7015 Interstate 35 Access Road, (210) 922-6602 Sometimes you just need a juicy burger packed with flavor. When those come around, you’d be in good hands if you hit up Uncle Barney’s. This South Side spot keeps its burgers classic, but lets you have some fun with the choice of steak fries, onion rings or tater tots. If you’re really hungry, get the burger-hot dog combo. Photo via Instagram / chriswiththecar
Pho Cong Ly 300 W Bitters Road, (210) 499-5572 This eatery may not look like much, but that’s how you know the food is gonna be bangin’. Stop in for Vietnamese classics like pho (duh), but also vermicelli bowls like bun bo xao. You’ll be glad you did. Photo via Instagram / stine.eats
La Boriqueña 5718 Wurzbach Road, (832) 247-5513, instagram.com/borinquenarestaurant Don’t let this simple dining space fool you. Though the interior may be tame and small, the flavors coming from the kitchen make La Boriqueña a must-try. You can’t go wrong with the churrasco or any of the mofongo dishes. Photo via Instagram / borinquenarestaurant
Ichiban Steak & Asian Fusion 8601 Huebner Road, (210) 641-1234, ichibansteakasianfusion.com Can’t choose between meaty steaks and a selection of Asian dishes? We don’t blame you. You’ll be able to score all the meat you want, plus have the option to order from a variety of dishes like shrimp yaki saba noodles, tonkotsu ramen, teriyaki chicken and more. Bring your appetite, y’all. Photo via Instagram / breaking.bread.in.sa
Loop 107 Burgers, Bakery & More 11505 Loop 107, Adkins, (210) 649-2300, loop107burgers.com Drive out to Adkins and you’ll be able to feast on American classics at this eatery. Loop 107 offers the goods, from the bacon cheeseburger and patty melt to the sloppy dog and Loop BLT. Be sure to get an order of Jimmy’s Kitchen Sink Fries for the table. Photo via Yelp / Nichole C.
Molino Rojo Cafe 13032 Nacogdoches Rd # 210, (210) 650-3366, facebook.com/romomolino You may have your favorite taqueria or Tex-Mex cafe that you’re completely dedicated to, but sometimes you just need to branch out. If you’re ever hanging out in the neighborhood, consider stopping in at Molino Rojo. This strip mall cafe is all about Mexican bites and breakfast classics as well as friendly service. Photo via Instagram / kborsey
Royal Pizza 4415 De Zavala Road, (210) 399-2220, royalpizzashavano.com Scrumptious pizza isn’t hard to come by in San Antonio, but it’s easy to get stuck going to the same joints again and again. Stop by this strip mall pizzeria to try Swedish-style, thin-crust pizzas that you can custom to your liking with all the topping options. They also dish out calzones, strombolis as well as fun appetizers like spinach and ricotta rolls. Photo via Instagram / royal_pizza_shavano_
Valentino the Bistro 14357 Blanco Road, (210) 314-7883, facebook.com/Valentinothebistro While some Italian restaurants may be better publicized or have strengths that make them more visible, Valentino the Bistro remains a constant in the scene. From the mind of an authentic Italian, this North Side eatery keeps it real with its ever-changing menu that always includes a few classics and house specialties alike. Photo via Yelp / L L.
Tacos El Pelon 2355 Goliad Road, (210) 459-3796, tacos-el-pelon-mexican-restaurant.business.site Plenty of local spots serve up their take on street tacos, but we’re sure you won’t mind trying some fresh tacos you’ve never tried before. Choose from al pastor, tripas, barbacoa, buche or asada — or opt for a quesadilla, torta or burrito. Photo via Instagram / j.with.an.e