You may live in San Antonio, but how well do you really know the city if you’re not eating like a local?

From neighborhood taquerias and decades-old family-owned restaurants to fine-dining favorites and edgy places specializing in culinary fusion, the Alamo City has a rich and varied restaurant scene. Just ask the locals — they’ll tell you about the spots that keep them coming back again and again.

With that said, here are 25 San Antonio restaurants every new resident needs to try before they can call themselves a local. Start checking them off your list. 

Credit: Sanford Nowlin
Credit: Sanford Nowlin
Little Red Barn Steakhouse 1836 S. Hackberry St., (210) 532-4235, lrbsteakhouse.com Little Red Barn is a South Side staple — pr should we say stable? Doubtless, its down-home charm is part of the reason. Signature kitschy uniforms and Texas-sized portions have kept this favorite in business for over 60 years. Credit: Photo via Instagram / littleredbarnsa
Curry Boys 19903 Stone Oak Parkway, Suite 101
Nationally renowned Curry Boys will open a second location on Stone Oak Parkway, allowing their Southeast Asian and South Texan fusion dishes to reach a wider audience. The opening date is still TBA. Credit: Instagram / curryboysbbq
Best Menudo
Mi Tierra Cafe y Panaderia, 218 Produce Row, (210) 225-1262, lafamiliacortez.com/mi-tierra
Credit: Nina Rangel
Sichuan House
3505 Wurzbach Rd #102, (210) 509-9999, facebook.com/SichuanEats
This humble spot may not look like much, but it serves up some of the best Chinese fare in the city. Stop by for Sichuan tapas, hot pots and more – like pork belly and Kung Pao shrimp. Make sure to order the dumplings!
Credit: Facebook / Sichuan House
Los Barrios
4223 Blanco Rd., (210) 732-6017, losbarriosrestaurant.com.
Since its inception in 1979, Los Barrios has been a female-led endeavor first launched by Viola Barrios. Nowadays, Diana Barrios Trevino has grown the restaurant to include La Hacienda and Viola’s Ventanas. Credit: Michael Karlis
Schilo’s Delicatessen
424 E Commerce St, (210) 223-6692, schilos.com
This German-Texan eatery has been in business for over 100 years, and it remains a local favorite for stick-to-your ribs fare, from brats and sauerkraut to some of the best split-pea soup on the planet. The downtown dining spot survived prohibition by exchanging its bier for homemade root beer, which thankfully remains on the menu. Credit: Photo via Schilo's/Facebook
La Fonda on Main
2415 N Main Ave, (210) 733-0621, https://www.lafondaonmain.com/
La Fonda on Main bears the accolade of being one of the oldest Mexican restaurants in San Antonio, operating since 1932. The tropical patio is the perfect setting for cocktails with friends, and despite the restaurant’s age, its take on south-of-the-border cuisine is anything but stodgy. Credit: Photo via Instagram / matthewmauldon
India Palace 8474 Fredericksburg Rd #100, (210) 692-5262, https://indiapalace-sa.com/ Repeatedly voted the city’s best Indian restaurant in the Current’s Best of San Antonio polls, India Palace specializes in North Indian cuisine. Both the meat and vegetable dishes are approachable yet packed with complex flavor. Credit: Photo via Instagram / rgarcia833
1. Rosario’s ComidaMex & Bar 722 S. St. Mary’s St. “My experience at Rosario’s was simply outstanding. The service was top-notch, with attentive staff ensuring every need was met promptly. What truly impressed me was the speed and precision with which the food was delivered to our table. Each dish was flavorful and authentic, showcasing the essence of Mexican cuisine. Rosario’s sets the bar high for excellent service and delicious food. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking a memorable dining experience.” — Maria L. Credit: Photo by Rosario's ComidaMex & Bar/Google
Pharm Table 611 S Presa St Suite 106, (210) 802-1860, https://www.pharmtable.com/ Chef Elizabeth Johnson brings an innovative, locally sourced, seasonally rotating menu that’s pleasing both for health nuts and those looking for delicious cuisine. The “globally inspired” plant-forward dishes on offer are thought through from farm to table and beyond, and the restaurant supports regenerative farming and anaerobically composts all organic waste. Credit: Instagram / mpm_photo
Chris Madrid’s
1900 Blanco Road, (210) 735-3552, chrismadrids.com
Chris Madrid’s is known for its signature tostada burgers, which are topped with homemade refried beans, chips, onions and melted cheddar cheese. All burgers on the menu — from the classic Old Fashioned burger to a Flaming Jalapeño Cheddar variation — can be ordered as a regular 1/4 lb., or upped to the 1/2 lb. macho style. Credit: Michael Karlis
Best Quality Daughter
602 Avenue A, (210) 819-4236, bestqualitydaughter.com
When it comes to innovative Asian-American dishes, Best Quality Daughter has plenty to choose from. The spot’s maximalist decor — featuring custom wallpaper in punchy colors and neon signs — provides festive ambiance perfect for a fun date. Credit: Nina Rangel
Clementine
2195 NW Military Highway, (210) 503-5121, clementine-sa.com
Over in Castle Hills is a strip mall that hosts Clementine, a charming restaurant concept with stylish decor and a globally-inspired menu. This unassuming eatery’s mission is to make upscale dining approachable, which is perfect for couples wanting a lowkey experience — but a sensational meal — on a special night. Credit: Courtesy Photo / Clementine
Credit: Courtesy Photo / Esquire Tavern
10. The Cove
606 W. Cypress St., (210) 227-2683, thecove.us
“The vibe is nice in here — they have both indoor and outdoor seating so I can imagine in the warmer weather that it’s a good evening spot!” – Tyler W. Credit: Nina Rangel
Cured 306 Pearl Pkwy #101, (210) 314-3929, curedatpearl.com Cured specializes in charcuterie boards but offers plenty more on its innovative menu. Inside the Pearl’s renovated historic building you’ll find yummy craft cocktails and dishes full of regional ingredients and paired organic methods. Credit: Rick Cortez
Barbaro 2720 McCullough Ave, (210) 320-2261, barbarosanantonio.com Barbaro’s wood-fired pizzas are pretty much a slice of heaven. Guests can choose from a list of house pies or build their own, and the full bar, happy hour and stylish atmosphere elevate this favorite beyond the standard pizzeria experience. Credit: Brandon Rodriguez
Ray’s Drive Inn
822 SW 19th St., (210) 432-7171, raysdriveinn.net
This San Antonio staple is home to the original puffy taco — and has a patent to prove it. From their signature puffy tacos to classic plates like enchiladas and carne guisada, it’s clear this local mainstay knows their stuff. The drive-thru institution, housed on the West Side, also serves up tasty burgers and hot dogs. Credit: Photo via Instagram / raysdriveinn
M.K. Davis Restaurant & Bar 1302 N. Flores St., (210) 223-1208, facebook.com/mkdavisrestaurant Hungry San Antonians look no further for surf, turf and Tex-Mex. M.K. Davis has been family-owned and slinging ice cold beer and yummy meals since ’56, and it’s definitely earned its spot as an Alamo city classic. Credit: Photo by Sanford Nowlin
Best Barbecue
Smoke Shack BBQ, 3714 Broadway, (210) 957-1430, smokeshacksa.com Credit: Jace Gertz
Niki’s Tokyo Inn 819 W. Hildebrand Ave., (210) 736-5471, facebook.com/nikis.tokyo.inn This San Antonio staple is incredibly authentic, featuring tatami-style seating and Japanese eats that avoid trendy flourishes. Whether you’re flying solo or out with friends, the Beacon Hill favorite offers a fresh and homey experience. Credit: Photo via Instagram / eat.food.travel.eat
Garcia’s 842 Fredericksburg Rd., (210) 735-4525, https://www.facebook.com/p/Garcias-Mexican-Food-100048655521712/ Garcia’s beloved brisket tacos were featured on the New York Times’ recent lis of the nation’s top 23 dishes. While it’s a neighborhood hole-in-the-wall, Garcia’s draws diners from all over. Credit: Facebook / Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant

21. Mark’s Outing

Multiple Locations
“Food was so good. I ordered the 1/4 mushroom burger. Patty was very flavorful. Nice atmosphere, people were friendly.” – Imelda G. Credit: Photo via Instagram / marksouting