Alamo City residents often have their favorite neighborhood taqueria, go-to Chinese spot and preferred barbecue joint. But it doesn’t hurt to try something new every once in a while, right?

With that in mind, here are some of the best under-the-radar dining spots in San Antonio for when you’re in the mood to try something new. Who knows, one of them might just become your new favorite.

BBQLIFE By Chris 902 S WW White Rd, (210) 359-1511, facebook.com/bbqlifebychris Every Alamo City resident has their “go-to” BBQ joint, but there’s no shame in trying something new every once in a while. Located in a former Sonic drive-thru, BBQLife By Chris offers a simple yet satisfying barbecue. From fall-off-the-bone slow-smoked ribs to some classic texas brisket, try this spot once, and it may just become your new favorite. Photo via Instagram / bbqlifebychris
Gorditas Mi Torreón 5201 S Flores St, (210) 908-9617, facebook.com/vaneemota82 It’s cheap. It’s good. And it’s authentic. Gorditos Mi Torreón serves up guisos like asado, frijoles con queso, and papas rojas, and all for under $3. Don’t forget to pair your order with one of their authentic Mexican cokes or freshly squeezed juices. Photo via Instagram / Gorditas_mi_torreon
Chelita’s 550 Old Hwy 90 W, (210) 687-7237, facebook.com/Chelitas-mexican-restaurant You may not have heard of it, but Chelita’s is one of the best Mexican restaurants in SA. Average 4.9 stars on Yelp, Chelita’s should definitely be the next spot you check out when your craving damn good enchiladas, tacos, or burritos gorditos. Photo via Instagram / empower123followme
Oblate Cafe 904 Oblate Dr, (210) 826-3363, facebook.com/Oblate-cafe Oblate Cafe is the quintessential hole-in-the-wall diner, offering no-frills and amazing food. It may have a limited menu, but everything from the Texas Style Steak Sandwich to their burgers will have you coming back for more. It’s super reasonably priced too! Photo via Facebook / Oblate Cafe
Noodle Tree 7114 UTSA Boulevard, Suite 101, (210) 233-6371, noodletreetx.com There are no frills at Noodle Tree, but chef Mike Nguyen’s training and dedicated staff aim to deliver food experiences to sate all your noodly cravings. Pro tip: if there’s pork belly bao available, order it. Trust us on this. Photo via Instagram noodletreetx
Pacific Moon 15140 San Pedro Avenue, (210) 402-3411, facebook.com/PacificMoonSA This late-night eatery will hit the spot when you’re on the hunt for booze-filled nights. Flavorful and with a kick of spiciness, Pacific Moon is here for when your antojo strikes. Photo via Instagram / spqr194
Mr. A-Ok’s Kitchen 4403 Rittiman Road, (210) 642-4181, mraokskitchen.com San Antonio has no shortage of Southern food spots, and some are admittedly more well-known than others. Make it a point to give Mr. A-Ok’s Kitchen a try, as it offers authentic recipes that will bring succulent dishes to your plate. Seriously, taste it for yourself and be sure to give kudos to Chef Steven Harris. Photo via Instagram / marres09
B & B Tamales and Food To Go 866 W Mayfield Blvd, (210) 921-0847 It doesn’t matter if you’re in the mood for tamales or barbacoa, both are solid options here. Be sure to stock up if you’re not in the neighborhood, we promise they’re just as tasty when you reheat them. Photo via Instagram / d_pintor
Kenny’s Burgers 1927 Goliad Road, (210) 337-1355, kennysburgers.com If you care more about what a burger tastes like than the aesthetic said burger joint gives off, then Kenny’s Burgers is the place for you. This no-frills spot makes greasy burgers that hit the spot whenever you need something scrumptious, plus fries, tots, onion rings and even sweet potato fries. Yup, you don’t want to ignore this spot. Photo via Instagram / tog218
El Chivito Tortas Ahogadas 204 Crossroads Blvd, Balcones Heights, (210) 369-9638, ahogadaselchivito.com The flavors of Guadalajara can be found here in the Alamo City through these tortas ahogadas. Whether you’re Team Carnitas or Team Buche, you could easily get addicted to these flavors. Be sure to get a mangonada too! Photo via Instagram / s.a.foodie
Cypress Cafe 1222 N Main Ave, (210) 225-8593, facebook.com While most downtown eateries take pride in being flashy, Cypress Cafe really isn’t about that. Nestled in the basement of a boring building, the cafe serves up selections like breakfast tacos and burgers, but also a menu of yummy Korean bites. So whether you start your day with a bean and cheese taco or fuel up at lunchtime with bulgogi, you can trust Cypress Cafe to come through. Photo via Instagram / southtexasfoodie
The Shack 7431 Northwest Loop 410 #115, (210) 375-4097, theshacksatx.com Previously housed in a convenience store, the Shack has found its home in this Westover Hills storefront. If its former home kept you away, consider the new outpost all the reassurance you need to stop by for delicious burgers, hot dogs and puro snacks like Frito pie and corn in a cup. Need we even say any more? We didn’t think so. Photo via Instagram / theshacksatx Credit: Photo via The Shack/Instagram
Che’s Chicken & Burgers 4303 S Presa St, (210) 533-7989, Folks who have yet to stop by Che’s Chicken are seriously missing out. A dependable spot for fried chicken, gizzards, fish and sides to match, this gem will quickly become a favorite of yours for whenever you just want some tasty-ass food. Photo via Instagram / stine.eats
Youz Guyz South Philly Cheesesteaks 316 Pat Booker Road, Universal City, (210) 659-8930, youzguyzcheesesteaks.com This may be Texas, but the flavors of South Philly are alive and well over at Youz Guyz. Inspired by the food scene and culture of Philadelphia, Jimmy and Kathy De Laurentis operate this authentic joint, where you can score hefty cheesesteaks and hoagies. Make sure to order one of the Italian ices for the well-rounded Philly experience. Photo via Instagram / eat_it_b
Four Kings 2047 Universal City Blvd, Universal City, (210) 687-6649, fourkings.letseat.at It may not be often that you find yourself in Universal City, but now you know there’s somewhere for you to chow down in the neighborhood. The joint bakery-cafe serves up sandwiches using bread that baked fresh daily as well as soups made from scratch, decadent salads and of course lots of sweets that are definitely a don’t-miss. Photo via Instagram / itssprinklesyall
Pho Win 12830 Silicon Dr #102, (210) 731-2917, phowinsa.com Pho is always a solid dining option, so you’re doing yourself a favor if you slurp up every bowl of this goodness that you can get your hands on. Be sure to add Pho Win to your pho bucket list, as this joint offers up 16 varieties of pho – from meatball and brisket to grilled pork and seafood. Plus, this spot also serves a number of Vietnamese dishes in case you want to change it up a bit. Photo via Instagram / sa.suaveeats
Wu’s Kitchen 15179 Judson Road #105, (210) 650-8888, wuskitchensa.com If you find yourself in the Judson area, you’ll be smart to stop in at Wu’s Kitchen for your fix of Chinese dishes. The sizable menu features all of the classic meals you know and love – from beef chow mein and sweet & sour shrimp to moo goo gai pan. Bring your appetite though, ‘cause you’ll definitely want to order lots of appetizers like dumplings and crab rangoons. Photo via Instagram / let.bernal
Kai Japanese Sushi Restaurant 2535 Northwest Loop 410, (210) 340-8888, kaisushisa.com You’ve probably seen it thousands of times while driving on Loop 410 but never bothered to stop by. Operating from the former Tom’s Ribs, this informal spot serves traditional sushi rolls and other Pan-Asian dishes. There’s also a mix of poke bowls, stir-fry dishes, Chinese plates and even some bento boxes. Photo via Instagram / luscious_minx
Abel’s Diner 17327 N Interstate 35 Frontage Rd #200, Schertz, (210) 651-9606, abelsdiner.com Not to be with Earl Abel’s, this Schertz diner offers classic American fare with daily specials and a retro-themed space. It may be a bit of a drive for some, but it’s the perfect stop the next time you’re heading up I-35. Photo via Instagram / i_eat_texas
Taqueria Atotonilco 3431 W Commerce St, (210) 227-8090, facebook.com Located in Prospect Hill, this taqueria serves up tacos packed with flavor. Whether you’re stopping by for breakfast tacos or want some tasty street tacos for lunch, Atotonilco knows what they’re doing. Photo via Instagram / tacoist

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27 great San Antonio restaurants flying just under the radar