When San Antonians love something, we loves fiercely. Sometimes we even get a little carried away.

Line around the block? Three hour wait? Not necessarily a deal breaker for San Antonio foodies who truly love their favorite restaurants. Hell, we’ve even got our share of dining spots that regularly sell out because we just can’t get enough of them.

Though some of these restaurants are better known than others, each draws devotees that verge on being a cult. Some of them might even sell Kool-Aid. 

Lovers Pizzeria 105 E. Ashby Place, (210) 538-4036, https://www.facebook.com/loverspizzeriar After temporarily closing in 2024 to relocate, Lovers is back at a new location in the Monte Vista neighborhood at 105 E. Ashby Place. People have been known to wait for hours for their New York-style pie. Credit: Sanford Nowlin
Credit: Photo via Instagram / conhuevostacos
Best Menudo
Mi Tierra Cafe y Panaderia, 218 Produce Row, (210) 225-1262, lafamiliacortez.com/mi-tierra
Credit: Nina Rangel
Best Donut Shop The Original Donut Shop, 3307 Fredericksburg Road, (210) 734-5661, facebook.com/theoriginaldonutshop Credit: Jace Gertz
Credit: Photo by Nina Rangel
Credit: Photo by Marty Morris via Instagram / pharmtable
Mr. Juicy
3315 San Pedro Ave., instagram.com/mrjuicyburger
Mr. Juicy launched as a burger joint, but what keeps people coming back right now is its new chicken fried steak. Earlier this year, the spot introduced the new menu item and was overrun with excited diners, which even forced the restaurant to close briefly. Placed on a bed of fries and topped with an au poivre sauce, the chicken fried steak’s intense popularity actually led to its brief removal from the menu so that staff could get a break from its high demand. Fortunately, the meal returned in August, but is only available during lunch hours, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Credit: Brandon Rodriguez
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
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
Bakery Lorraine Multiple locations, bakerylorraine.com While many people recognize Bakery Lorraine for its rainbow-hued selection of macarons, the spot’s pop pastries have become a hit. One bite of these and store-bought Pop Tarts will be a thing of the past. Credit: Halee Holand
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

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
El Bucanero Multiple Locations, el-bucanero.com This iconic Mexican seafood spot is known for its extravagant creations, some of which have price tags to match. But delve deep into the voluminous menu, and you’ll find plenty of less expensive options such as $9 tostada mixta towers packed with fresh seafood. Credit: Photo via Instagram / elbucanero
Taquitos West Avenue
2818 West Ave., (210) 525-9888, facebook.com/TaquitosWestAvenue1
Foodies in the know consider this taquito spot — which offers a steady lineup of meats — to be just as authentic as a vendor you would find in Mexico. So there’s no need to cross the border, just indulge at this local favorite, which was voted the Best Tacos in SA by Current readers from 2019-2021. Credit: Instagram / Taquitos West Avenue
Best Wings
Wayne’s Wings, Multiple locations, wayneswingssa.com
Credit: Facebook / Wayne’s Wings
Maui Mike’s 1022 N Main Ave, (210) 251-3796, yelp.com/biz/mauis-on-main-san-antonio Hawaiian burger concept Maui Mike’s opened a brick-and-mortar location near the Five Points neighborhood this spring after running a small fleet of food trucks. Credit: Instagram / @mauimikesburgers
Pumpers 1101 Broadway and Jones Chef Stefan Bowers announced in March that burger pop-up Pumpers would finally open its own brick-and-mortar spot including a full bar. Pumpers has gained a following since its launch in 2020. The new spot was originally projected to open in April but after some delays the new opening date is October 15. Credit: Courtesy Photo / Pumpers
Taqueria Datapoint multiple locations Taqueria Datapoint offers the restaurant’s authentic Mexican entrees at an affordable price. Credit: Photo via Facebook/ Taqueria Datapoint
9. La Panaderia Bakery & Café301 E. Houston St., (210) 592-6264, “Every time I come here I get nervous, my stomach can only handle so much and I want to order everything they have. This is by far the best bakery in Texas, the only way to get something similar is to go to Mexico City, and between you and me I like their bread better.” — Salvador P. Credit: Instagram / lapanaderia
M.K. Davis Restaurant & Bar 1302 N. Flores St., (210) 223-1208, facebook.com/mkdavisrestaurant This family-owned restaurant specializes in serving up steaks, seafood and Mexican food to hungry San Antonians. What started in 1956 with picnic tables and ice-cold beers is now an Alamo City classic with both food and an atmosphere that remains true to the restaurant’s family roots. Credit: Sanford Nowlin
Hot Joy
1101 Broadway suite 140, (210) 940-4488, hotjoysa.com
Southtown favorite Hot Joy has reopened a new location on Broadway, but their following has gone with them, especially for their famous Twice Fried Wings. Credit: Instagram / hotjoysa
Credit: Photo via Instagram / valdez.robert.sanantonio
Niki’s Tokyo Inn, 1970
819 W. Hildebrand Ave., (210) 736-5471, facebook.com/nikis.tokyo.inn
Since the ‘70s, Niki’s has offered diners the unique experience of sitting on the floor while they nosh on fresh shrimp, tuna, whitefish, yellowtail and smoked salmon. Its unfussy vibe has kept the eatery around for more than 50 years. Credit: Facebook / Niki's Tokyo Inn
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
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