Sometimes, we just need to eat our feelings, because a full stomach can help fill the heart. And there’s no better cure for feeling down in the dumps like a hearty, rib-sticking meal.

While Soul Food and homestyle cooking abound in San Antonio, comfort food doesn’t just mean sticking to Southern favorites. From hearty Italian pastas to warming bowls of pho, these 23 Alamo City eateries offer delicious food good for both the body and soul.

Ida Claire 7300 Jones Maltsberger Rd, (210) 667-2145, ida-claire.com Ida Claire dishes out Southern-inspired cuisine with a modern twist, from classic chicken and waffles to pecan smoked pork chops and duck nachos. Plus, the restaurant offers free live music every Wednesday night from 8-10 p.m. Photo via Instagram / idaclairesa Credit: Photo via Instagram / idaclairesa
Bobbie’s Cafe has been “cookin’ with love” since 1972, according to its owners. Credit: Instagram / bobbiescafe
Sweet Yams 218 N Cherry St., (210) 229-9267, sweetyamsonlineordering.square.site Eating healthy isn’t always the most wallet-friendly, but Sweet Yams is the exception. You can grab a bowl of their vegan chili for just $8, or snag any of their Gluten Free sandwich options for $10. If you’re looking for something more substantial, try one of their hot entrees like the sesame ginger chicken breast, both served over a bed of organic brown rice and with a house salad — and available for under $13. Photo via Instagram / sweetyamsorganic
Credit: Photo via Instagram / southernrootsbiz
Magnolia Pancake Haus Multiple locations, magnoliapancakehaus.com Magnolia Pancake Haus is a first-choice breakfast destination for locals, and one trip to any of its bustling locations will be convincing enough. The restaurant is known for its titular pancakes, but the menu is full of classic breakfast foods that keep the crowds coming back for more. Photo via Instagram / magnoliapancakehaus Credit: Instagram / magnoliapancakehaus
Mama’s Cafe 2442 Nacogdoches Rd., (210) 826-8303, mamascafesa.com Mama’s Cafe offers classic Southern comfort food from scratch in an old-fashioned diner setting. Stop by for a brunch of biscuits and gravy, or relax over a dinner of their Texas Meat Loaf. Photo via Instagram / mamascafesa
Chatman’s Chicken 1747 S WW White Rd., (210) 359-0245, facebook.com/Chatmans-Chicken Who would’ve known that getting to fried food heaven meant looking no further than the East side? A quick glance at any online review site will tell you there’s no wrong choice from the menu. Photo via Instagram / mt.calories Credit: Photo via Instagram / mt.calories
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 Sorrentina 3330 Culebra Road, (210) 549-0889, lasorrentinasa.com This hidden gem on the West side promises lasagna and pasta dishes that’ll leave plenty of leftovers for those that play their cards right — just be sure to save some room for the tiramisu. Photo via Instagram / omg_ohmygoodies.sa Credit: Photo via Instagram / omg_ohmygoodies.sa
Fratello’s Deli & Market Multiple locations, fratellosdeli.com Nothing warms the heart better than gooey, cheesy, freshly-made lasagna. Fratello’s also has extensive pasta and sandwich options sure to satiate any diner. Photo via Instagram / safoodgirl Credit: Photo via Instagram / safoodgirl
Tony G‘s Soul Food
Multiple Locations, tonygssoulfood.com
It’s hard to find a Sunday brunch that beats authentic Southern comfort food accompanied by live jazz music. Tony G’s is a crowd favorite for a reason. After all, you can’t go wrong with a place that makes peach cobbler from scratch daily. Credit: Photo via Instagram / tonygssoulfood
Tarka Indian Kitchen 427 TX-1604 Loop #101, (210) 499-0982, tarkaindiankitchen.com In addition to meat-based dishes, Stone Oak’s Tarka Indian Kitchen serves up luscious vegetarian eats including aloo gobi, curry, channa masala and tarka daal. Tarka also uses environmentally friendly to-go packaging, recycles used cooking oil, glass, aluminum, plastic and cardboard and composts food waste, so diners can feel good about every aspect of their meals. Photo via Instagram / tarkaindiankitchen
Mrs. Kitchen Soul Food Restaurant 5237 Walzem Rd., (210) 549-4392, mrskitchensoulfoodrestaurant.com This eatery started in a cottage near downtown, but now slings heaping portions of fried chicken, cornbread, macaroni and cheese, candied yams, meatloaf and collard greens in a new-ish location on Walzem Road. Photo via Instagram / little.mama.eats Credit: Photo via Instagram / little.mama.eats
Attaboy 111 Kings Ct., cullumsattaboy.com Brought to San Antonio by the chef behind St. Mary’s Strip favorite Attagirl, Attaboy is an elevated brunch spot with a menu featuring everything from brunch burgers to escargot. From morning coffee to brunch cocktails, Attaboy’s menu has diners covered. Photo via Instagram / cullumsattaboy Credit: Photo via Instagram / cullumsattaboy
Mr. A-Ok’s Kitchen 5532 Walzem Rd., (210) 642-4181, mraokskitchen.com San Antonio has no shortage of Southern food restaurants, though some are admittedly more well-known than others. Mr. A-Ok’s Kitchen is an off-the-radar spot that offers authentic recipes that taste like home. The menu features Southern favorites including chicken fried steak and oxtails. Photo via Instagram / marres09 Credit: Photo via Instagram / marres09
Ma Harper’s Creole Kitchen
1816 N. New Braunfels Ave., (210) 226-2200, facebook.com/maharperscreolekitchen.
Owned by New Orleans native Alice “Ma” Harper, who learned to cook when she needed to help feed her 15 siblings, this Creole kitchen has been serving — and satisfying — local diners for decades. If you need any more reason to respect this badass chef, Harper turned to the food business after retiring from the U.S. Air Force. She was a mechanic for 21 years. Credit: Photo via Instagram / sutapants
8. Max & Louie’s New York Diner 226 W. Bitters Road, Suite 126 “We love M&Ls for Sunday treat meals after a hike or workout. The staff is awesome ! The restaurant seems to take care of their people and their food is tasty. They also have sangria on-tap…” — Richard W. Credit: Instagram / Max & Louie's
Real Pho 11223 Potranco Road #202, (210) 370-3237, facebook.com/realphosatx This unsuspecting strip mall joint on the Far West Side serves more than a dozen varieties of warming pho as well as vermicelli bowls and Banh Mi. When you need to soothe your soul with a piping hot bowl of deliciousness, this is always a solid option. Photo via Instagram / choomshika
Allora 403 Pearl Parkway, (210) 979-9950, allorapearl.com Recently opened Pearl-area upscale eatery Allora offers a coastal take on Italian food. The restaurant’s fresh seafood dishes are worth a try, but filling favorites like chicken and waffles are also on the menu for those looking for an elevated homestyle brunch. Photo via Instagram / allorapearl
Pho La 13777 Nacogdoches Rd. #101, (210) 590-1882, facebook.com/pholavietnamesechineseandthairestaurant Though it also serves up Chinese and Thai dishes, Pho La specializes in authentic Vietnamese cuisine. The massive menu can be overwhelming, but ordering is as simple as choosing a type of pho — vegetable, tofu, chicken, steak, meatball, brisket, shrimp or a seafood combo — and preparing to enjoy it. Photo via Google Maps
Dashi Sichuan Kitchen & Bar 2895 Thousand Oaks Dr., (210) 562-3343, sichuandashi.com Sichuan House owner Kristina Zhao’s second venture Dashi Sichuan Kitchen has made its mark as a local favorite for wining and dining. The menu features a bevy of spicy Sichuanese dishes, but there’s plenty to enjoy for the spice-averse as well. Photo via Instagram / sichuandashi
M.K. Davis Restaurant 1302 N. Flores St., (210) 223-1208, facebook.com/mkdavisrestaurant Nothing warms the soul quite like some hot gravy. What started in 1956 as some picnic tables and ice-cold beers is now a San Antonio classic with both food and an atmosphere that remains true to the restaurant’s family roots. Photo via Instagram / mark1226garcia
B & B Tamales and Food To Go 866 W. Mayfield Blvd., (210) 921-0847 Both tamales and barbacoa are solid options at B&B’s. Plus, it’s worth stocking up on food to enjoy later — it’s just as tasty when you reheat it in the comfort of your home. Photo via Google Maps