San Antonio is home to many award-winning restaurants, but it’s also interesting to gauge which get the most love from customers in terms of table reservations.
On a monthly basis, online restaurant-booking network OpenTable drops a new list of the most booked dining spots in San Antonio. The website determines its rankings by analyzing 500,000 new diner reviews from around the world each month. The latest rankings are based on June’s data.
The listing of the Alamo City’s most-booked eateries features a mix of La Cantera go-tos, longtime local favorites and downtown eateries popular with travelers and tourists. Here’s the rundown in no particular order:
Paesanos — Riverwalk
A Riverwalk staple, Paesanos serves up classic Italian fare with sublime views and a romantic atmosphere. A bottle of red is practically necessary to pair with the scratchmade pizzas and baked pastas.
111 W. Crockett St., Suite 101, (210)-227-2782, paesanosriverwalk.com.
Rainforest Cafe San Antonio
It’s practically a childhood rite of passage to dine at the Rainforest Cafe downtown, but adults may be surprised at the extensive menu. Nostalgia aside, it’s a nice place to indulge in steak, pastas, fish and chips, salads and much more. Even better? Rainforest Cafe has plenty of fun, on-theme cocktails for every occasion. 110 E. Crockett St., (210)-277-6300, rainforestcafe.com.
Whiskey Cake — San Antonio
15900 La Cantera Parkway, (210)-236-8095, whiskeycake.com.
A grandiose bar and hearty meals await at Whiskey Cake at La Cantera. This spot is known for hearty meals such as meaty ribeyes, bone-in pork chops and brunch French toast, among other options. Save room for the eponymous dessert.
Best Quality Daughter
602 Avenue A, (210)-819-4236, bestqualitydaughter.com.
Chinese-American influences are in abundance at Best Quality Daughter, with boasts a creative and fun-loving menu. The Pearl-area restaurant consistently serves up standout dishes including cashew chicken and drunken noodle red curry mole. Order the roasted Brussels sprouts with peanut tamarind sauce — they’re addicting.
Chama Gaucha San Antonio
Chama Gaucha offers all-you-can-eat steak cuts for a set price, which may explain why it’s consistently packed. The Brazilian steakhouse also has a killer salad bar —just be careful not to fill up too much before the meaty main event. 18318 Sonterra Place, (210)-564-9400, chamagaucha.com.
Haywire — La Cantera
The menu is Haywire straightforward — classic Americana such as steaks, burgers, sandwiches and cocktails. But what makes this spot stand out is its grandiose interior, which includes glimmering chandeliers that await guests who open the grandiose wooden doors. Separate dining areas set the stage for vastly different experiences, which may inspire multiple return visits. 15900 La Cantera Parkway, (210)-448-8999, haywire.com.
La Fonda on Main
Having earned the distinction of being San Antonio’s oldest operating Mexican restaurant, La Fonda on Main continues to serve loyal locals and tourists alike with classic Tex-Mex favorites along with more creative entries that don’t skimp on assertive flavors. The margaritas are also revered for good reason.
2415 N. Main Avenue, (210)-733-0621, lafondaonmain.com.
Perry’s Steakhouse
The Perry’s Steakhouse pork chop is famous for a reason. Another La Cantera staple, Perry’s exudes elegance while offering some surprisingly good deals for diners. It’s beloved as a spot for dates, celebrations and anything requiring a touch of class. 15900 La Cantera Parkway, #22200, (210)-558-6161, perryssteakhouse.com.
Brasao Brazilian Steakhouse
A common theme among reviewers for Brasao? High quality meats and the most upscale Brazilian steakhouse experience in the city. Brasao is worth the drive — with a large dining room area and incredible cocktails balanced perfectly upon each visit. 19210 Interstate 10, (210)-233-6868, brasaousa.com.
Chart House Restaurant
Yes, this is the restaurant that slowly revolves inside the Tower of the Americas. Another rite of passage for locals — not to mention an attraction for generations of visitors — Chart House Restaurant specializes in sophisticated seafood selections and elegant cocktails. Happy hour is a fun way to experience sky-high dining on a budget.
739 E. Cesar Chavez Blvd., (210)-223-3101, chart-house.com.