There’s no shortage of delicious places to dine in San Antonio, but online restaurant-booking network OpenTable has unique insights into customers’ favorites thanks to the 500,000 new diner reviews it analyzes monthly.
While OpenTable primarily ranks restaurants based on the number of reservations each gets on a monthly basis, the company recently released a list of Alamo City “neighborhood gems” based on positive customer reviews.”
This top 10 list offers a fascinating snapshot of SA’s best-reviewed restaurants. They run the gamut from hip Japanese dining experiences to beloved Tex-Mex favorites — and lots in between. Whether you agree or disagree, here are the ones Open Table users rave about.
Nineteen Hyaku
1900 Broadway, Suite 119, (210) 429-0771, nineteenhyaku.com.
This sushi-lover’s paradise offers modern Japanese dining in a bright and beautiful setting. Fans praise the Pearl-area restaurant for its fresh nigiri and sashimi and elegant presentation.
BJ’s Brewhouse at the Rim
17503 I-10 West, (210) 690-2600, bjsrestaurants.com.
The California-based BJ’s Restaurants chain is all about serving up cold beer on tap and pairing it with comfort food such as burgers, deep-dish pizzas and its signature dessert, Pizookies. Diners enjoy the attentive service and relaxed experience.
La Fogata – Vance Jackson
2427 Vance Jackson Road, (210) 340-1337, lafogata.com.
Mexican restaurants in San Antonio don’t get much more classic than this bastion of patio dining and top-notch margaritas. Diners praise the friendly service, smoky salsa and the abundance of atmosphere.
Tokyo Cowboy
135 E. Commerce St., (210) 305-7075, tokyocowboy-tx.com.
This Japanese-style diner mixes Japanese fusion dishes with creative cocktails and exceptional whiskey offerings. Fans love the service and food quality at this downtown favorite.
Tenfold Rooftop
431 S. Alamo St., (210) 759-7446, tenfoldrooftop.com.
This rooftop cocktail lounge at downtown’s Kimpton Santo hotel gets nods for its playful mixology, globe-spanning cuisine and impressive views.
La Margarita
120 Produce Row, (210) 227-7140, lafamiliacortez.com.
This Produce Row favorite is a classic San Antonio as they come. Sizzling fajitas and fresh seafood are the culinary stars, but locals and out-of-towners also keep coming back for the festive atmosphere and relaxed patio dining.
Fife & Farro
221 Newell Ave., (210) 759-0087, fifeandfarro.com.
This Italian eatery at the Pearl’s Pullman Market is accessible, delicious and affordable given the quality of the ingredients. Wood-fired sourdough pizzas and handmade heritage grain pastas are the star attractions.
Las Guitarras Cocina Mexicana
911 S. Main St., Boerne, (830) 311-8787, lasguitarrastogo.com.
Boerne’s Las Guitarras serves up classic Mexican fare accompanied by performances of Spanish Flamenco guitar. Prickly pear margaritas get plenty of thumbs up, as do the service and ambiance.
Crockett Tavern
320 Bonham St., (210) 890-2224, crocketttavern.com.
Located in the Historic Crockett Hotel, this downtown spot plays big on San Antonio history. The weathered ambiance seems perfectly suited for visitors looking for a cold Texas brew or a stiff whiskey cocktail after visiting the Alamo.
Roca & Martillo
1 Spurs Way, (726) 224-2927, rocaandmartillo.com.
Chef Jason Dady’s upscale Italian restaurant at La Cantera makes its own pasta and serves a variety of wood-fired flatbreads. Diners raved about it being a great spot for dates, special celebrations or casual meetups over great food.