San Antonio’s dining scene doesn’t know how to sit still, and this spring and early summer proved it. From neighborhood cocktail dens and buzzy brunch spots to globally inspired kitchens and family friendly fare, these 20 newcomers are giving locals excuses to skip cooking and try somewhere new.
Katerina Restaurant & Bar
The upscale Americana restaurant took over the shuttered Frida Mexican Kitchen this February — highlights include a stunning new interior design, fresh wood-fired pizzas and a killer happy hour. It’s a strong fit for the Stone Oak neighborhood.
18740 Stone Oak Pkwy, (210) 972-900, katerinarestaurant.com.
Merci Jones
The bar that had been in the works in River North for nearly two years proved to be worth the wait — if Double Standard and Barbaro had a baby, it would be Merci Jones. The 7 cocktails for $7 until 7 p.m. is a clever twist on the standard happy hour menu.
1101 Broadway, #101, (210) 251-4943, instagram.com/mercijonesbar.
Esencia
Chef Leo Davila’s second new restaurant to debut at the St. Anthony Hotel, Esencia is a worthy sequel to his first-ever restaurant, Stixs & Stone. Hints of the original menu appear at Esencia — Davila’s famous big red and barbacoa tacos are a must. While the James Beard Award nominated chef never forgot his roots, Esencia also remains firmly planted in the present with an outstanding interior design and chef-curated classics like carne asada, torched tableside.
300 E. Travis St., (210) 352-3145, esencia-sa.com.
Adair Kitchen
Another new eatery that took its time to open, Adair Kitchen quietly debuted this March in the space that once housed a decades-old Jim’s. The Houston-based restaurant chain keeps it classic for their breakfast, lunch and dinner menus, with a side of boozy cocktails like their famous frozen gin and tonic.
4108 Broadway, (210)-660-2010, adairkitchen.com.
Old City Hall
A bit further out in New Braunfels, Old City Hall successfully transformed an old government building into a sophisticated new dinner experience with a strong martini program and steaks to boot. It’s worth the drive.
245 W. Mill St., (830) 292-4085, oldcityhalltx.com.
Aleteo
A relatively new rooftop bar perched on the 17th floor of the Monarch Hotel, Aleteo is part of the new property’s ambitious food and drink program (there’s Oak and Ember on the lobby level, in addition to the Nectarie Cafe.) San Antonio loves a good rooftop bar though, with Aleteo quickly becoming a hotspot for celebrations and networking events. Look up for a fun nod to the hotel’s butterfly motif.
222 S. Alamo St., (210) 714-8200, themonarchsa.com.
Stout House Grayson
Opening in a new dining complex near the Pearl, Stout House Grayson quickly became a hotspot for ice-cold beer and Spurs game watch parties.
109 W. Grayson St., (726) 245-9399, stouthousesa.com.
Lone Star Burger Co.
Located in the same dining complex as Stout House Grayson and Milk Pizza Shop, Lone Star Burger Co. made a name for itself with loaded Texas Wagyu burger specials and a standout pecan pie milkshake.
109 W. Grayson St., (210) 236-9841, lonestarburgercompany.com.
Mexico Ceaty
Chef Jason Dady’s ambitious 25,000-square-foot revamp of the Rivercenter Mall food court features a speakeasy, a bakery, a fruteria, a full-service Tex-Mex restaurant, and a 300-seat bar aptly named Dos Cantinas.
849 E. Commerce St., (210) 607-6000, mexicoceaty.com.
JuiceLand
Locals craving smoothies from the Austin-based chain finally got their chance when San Antonio’s first JuiceLand opened in the Alamo Heights neighborhood in May. The health stop also sells juices, superfood bowls, lattes and more.
5922 Broadway, (210) 972-9193, juiceland.com.
Miles
It was a tall order to take over that prominent corner in St. Paul Square that once housed Francis Bogside — Miles, an elevated cocktail bar and bistro, pulled it off without trying too hard. Go for the cocktails and stay for the adult Happy Meal or the butcher’s cut steak.
1170 E. Commerce St., milesbistro.com.
Outlaw Pickle
A pickleball court first and foremost, Outlaw Pickle also has a full-service sports bar onsite so you can nosh and imbibe after a round or two at the new location at the Park North Shopping Center.
618 NW Loop 410, Ste. 202, Fl 1, (210) 512-3525, outlawpickle.com.
Box Street Social
The buzzy brunch destination recently opened their third location at the Portico, a new dining development on the Far West Side. The team has kept their signature menu (fluffy pancakes, strawberry cheesecake French toast, breakfast sandwiches and more) along with their signature pastel-forward design scheme that has made Box Street downright Instagram-worthy.
7807 W. Loop 1604 North, (210)-251-3486, boxstallday.com.
Bar Bamboosh
Another new bar from the Empty Stomach Hospitality Group, Bar Bamboosh offers up natural wines in the heart of downtown San Antonio, with artisanal cheeses and light snacks serving as ideal pairing bites during a visit. It’s right next to another project from the same group — the Kaedama Battleship Noodle Bar.
122 E. Houston St., Suite 102, (210)-864-8999, barbamboosh.com.
Portillo’s
A little slice of Chicago opened in Schertz this year — Portillo’s is a fast-casual chain serving up Italian beef sandwiches, burgers, sandwiches, pasta, salads, and of course, Chicago-style hot dogs.
18678 I-35 North Frontage Road, (830) 202-2550, portillos.com.
Sunny’s: All Day Brunch & Bar
It’s no longer necessary to drive out to Boerne for Sunny’s All Day Brunch — now with a second location at La Cantera, brunchophiles can indulge in the restaurant’s hearty array of breakfast classics, from stuffed croissant French toast, bagels, fresh crepes and savory options like barbacoa chilaquiles and avocado crostinis. 17623 La Cantera Pkwy, Unit 107, (210)-255-8533, sunnysbrunch.com.
Morea Italian Steakhouse
Mare e Monte owner Prince Blakaj quietly opened up his second restaurant this year — and in Floresville, no less. Morea carries some similar elements of Mare e Monte’s menu — pasta, duck fat potatoes, sole oreganata and the Pollo Monte chicken, alongside new options like handcrafted pizzas, burgers, and even a porterhouse steak for two. 101 Club Drive, Floresville, (830)-393-2811, instagram.com/moreaitaliansteakhouse.
Crepeccino
Another addition to the Portico development on the Far West Side, Creppecino’s third location stays true to its menu with artisanal sweet and savory crepes, classic lunch and dinner entrees, in addition to a variety of caffeine-based beverages and teas. 7807 W Loop 1604 N, Suite 2124, (210)-231-0148, crepeccino.com.
The Milkshake Factory
The first Milkshake Factory in San Antonio made its debut near Stone Oak — the 100-year-old chain is known for handspun milkshakes with housemade ice creams and a large selection of handcrafted chocolates. 21025 U.S. Highway 281 N., #1314, (210) 446-0133, milkshakefactory.com.
Pour Cocktail Collective
One of the best-kept secrets on 1604, Pour Cocktail Collective is straightforward with its design — craft cocktails, no BS. The bar aims to appease the adult crowd on the Northwest side, with signature drinks, a long list of classic cocktails, and live music on select nights. 5123 N Loop 1604 W. #108, (210) 231-0088, instagram.com/pour.cocktail.collective.