Even though the economy stinks right now, San Antonio remains an affordable place if you know where to look. Here’s a rundown of 10 of the best discounts foodies can find in the Alamo City — whether they’re looking for a workday lunch, a stick-to-your-ribs breakfast or a splurge meal that doesn’t drain the bank account. These dining options are so good they don’t feel like you’re pinching pennies.
Selda Mediterranean Kitchen
A hearty two-course lunch at Selda Mediterranean Kitchen runs just $20. The special is available from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday through Friday. Starter options include a beet salad, hummus, tzatziki and more. For a main course, choose between falafel, beef shish kebabs, chicken adana, pistachio meatballs, grilled salmon and others. 9955 I-10, (210) 236-5230, seldarestaurant.com.
Eddie’s Taco House
This homegrown mini-chain offers a great way to start the day with breakfast taco specials under $5. Monday’s special includes a bean and cheese taco plus a papa ranchera taco for $2.99. The early bird taco special offers any breakfast taco for only $1.69 each before 10:30 a.m. Multiple locations, eddiestacohouses.com.
Burger Boy
A lasting tribute to Burger Boy’s enterprising founder, the $8.99 Bates Special continues to keep San Antonio fed across the locally owned burger chain’s 10 locations. The classic combo keeps it simple — a classic Burger Boy, regular fries and a regular drink for less than a ten spot. Multiple locations, burgerboy.com.
Hanzo
One of the best stops on the Broadway corridor for a happy-hour deal, Hanzo serves delicious sushi at an affordable price. Snag a 210 roll or other specialties for only $7 during the all-day happy hour Sunday and Monday. Other deals include $7 pork gyoza, $10 tori katsu and other light bites and discounted drinks. Happy hour even runs from 4-7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 4-7 p.m. and 10 p.m.-midnight Tuesday through Thursday. 7701 Broadway, Suite 124, (210) 231-0716, hanzobar.com.
Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille
For a far fancier lunch break, Perry’s Steakhouse offers a popular Friday lunch special for $24. The deal includes a lunch-cut version of the spot’s famous pork chop, served with mashed potatoes and applesauce on the side along with bread and butter. The special is available from 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. every Friday. 15900 La Cantera Parkway #22200, perryssteakhouse.com.
Hot Joy
This Asian-fusion stalwart’s $15 lunch specials include a portion of a popular entree — such as sesame chicken, pineapple chicken, hot fried chicken, sweet and sour pork belly, honey walnut shrimp or beef and broccoli — along with a choice of white or fried rice, an egg roll and egg drop or hot and sour soup. 1101 Broadway, Suite 140, (210) 940-4488, hotjoysa.com.
Ray’s Drive Inn
Credited by many for inventing the puffy taco, Ray’s Drive Inn has plenty of taco options under $3 apiece. The classic bean taco wins in terms of pricing, ringing up at just $2.55 each. All the restaurant’s plate options, from enchiladas to chicken fajitas, are priced under $20. 822 SW 19th St., (210) 432-7171, raysdriveinn.net.
Barbaro
Boozy beverages at this Monte Vista hotspot naturally call for carb-heavy bites. But why pay full price for both when you can indulge during Barbaro’s stellar happy hour? From 4-6 p.m. daily, Barbaro offers half-off pizzas and $6 classic drinks and frozens. The restaurant also runs a 10 p.m.-midnight reverse happy hour with the only change being discounted pizza slices for $4 and $6 instead of a whole pie. 2720 McCullough Ave., (726) 268-1780, barbarosanantonio.com.
Las Palapas
The San Antonio-based chain always has a calendar full of meal specials for its Las Palapas Club members — in addition to other seasonal specials such as its 45th anniversary drink discounts and back-to-school meal specials. The best way to find the most up-to-date specials is by checking the Las Palapas website. Multiple locations, laspalapas.com.
The Hayden
Jewish deli The Hayden offers a substantial $16 lunch special from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday through Friday. For the fixed price, enjoy a half-sandwich from a selection of favorites on the menu — the Ted Danson, the whitefish salad or the chicken salad — plus chips and a side of soup or salad. 4025 Broadway, (210) 437-4306, thehaydensa.com.
