Despite the pandemic, labor shortages and rising prices, new restaurants kept popping up in San Antonio. Not that we’re complaining — because many of them have been delicious.

In case you need to check some off your must-try list, here are 26 exemplary San Antonio dining and drinking spots that opened this year. They specialize in anything from upscale Southern fare to coastal Italian to diner favorites. 

Be Kind & Rewind 115 Alamo Plaza, (210) 951-1980, bekindandrewindsa.com Be Kind & Rewind is San Antonio’s new go-to spot for a 80’s, 90’s or Y2K themed night out. Whether it’s a birthday, weekly dance parties or a karaoke night out with your friends, Be Kind Rewind is serving up craft cocktails and fun vibes seven days a week. Credit: Nina Rangel
Kura Sushi 255 E. Basse Rd., Suite 384, (726) 208-0888, kurasushi.com The highly anticipated wait for SA’s first conveyor-belt sushi bar, Kura, came to an end earlier this year. The sushi bar located at the Quarry is now up and running serving their famed sushi, ramen and desserts. Kura’s expansion into San Antonio marks the ninth store the Japan-based restaurant has in Texas. Credit: Photo via Instagram / jenevysdesigns
Full Goods Diner 200 E. Grayson St., Suite 120, (210) 819-4226, fullgoodsdiner.com Full Goods Diner is full of everything a South Texas diner should have: steak and eggs, migas and Texas hash. For those looking for something a bit on the “alternative” side, Full Goods has it covered with ricotta toast or a carnitas torta. Full Goods sports a more refined aesthetic compared to a classic Waffle House, but customers can still expect classics such as hot coffee, lattes and pastries. Credit: Photo via Instagram / fullgoodsdiner
Carriqui 239 E. Grayson St., (210) 910-5547, carriquitx.com Inspired by the bird from which the restaurant takes its name, this new eatery is dedicated to fresh and local cuisine that represents foods from various regions across the Lone Star State. Credit: Photo by jodyhorton via Instagram / carriquitx
Bright Coffee 1705 Blanco Rd., (956) 592-4517, brightcoffeesa.square.site Bright Coffee offers customers a refreshing and inventive take on many of the standard coffee shop staples — think of a latte flavored with red bean paste or black sesame. However, Bright Coffee also offers all the classics for those looking to keep it basic. Credit: Photo via Instagram / brightcoffeesa
Sojourn Trading Co. 244 W. Houston St., (210) 455-0357, sojournsatx.com Sojourn is a nightlife experience like no other in San Antonio, offering a relaxed atmosphere, craft cocktails and bites such as citrusy aguachile, crudo, ceviche and sandwiches. Credit: Photo by Jaime Monzon
Panfila Cantina 22250 Bulverde Rd #114, (210) 455-0702, panfilacantinaandrestaurant.com Offering authentic Mexican cuisine, Panfila Cantina is a one-stop shop for delicious enfrijolados, enchiladas poblana or chile relleno. Panfila Cantina provides customers with the option of brunch and dinner with a deep cocktail menu, so rest assured you won’t leave this spot hungry. Credit: Photo via Instagram / panfila_cantina
Restaurant Claudine 517 E. Grayson St., (210) 527-3116, restaurantclaudine.com Restaurant Claudine is genuinely a one-of-a-kind dining experience,offering elevated versions of classic southern cooking — think frog legs, blue crab beignets and gumbo — inside a fully-renovated space that evokes the coziness of your grandmother’s house. Credit: Photo via Instagram / restaurantclaudine
Credit: Photo via Instagram / cakethievesbakery
Allora 1803 Broadway, Suite 101 Brannon Swindle, director of hospitality for San Antonio’s Maverick Restaurant Group, confirmed to the Current that Allora closed permanently at the Pearl in September. However, he teased the possibility of a comeback by the high-end Italian concept at a new, yet-to-be-confirmed location. Credit: Allysse Shank-Rivas
Credit: Courtesy Photo / Adam Smolensky
Arrosta 1803 Broadway, Suite 101, (210) 979-9950, arrostapearl.com Helmed by Robbie Nowlin, who also serves as executive chef for sibling restaurant Allora, Arrosta serves up “comfort Italian” vibes at the Pearl for lunch and dinner. Cozy up with a hearty serving of pasta, or a classic panini for lunch. Credit: Photo by Erin Winch
El Honky Tonk 316 N. Flores St., (210) 883-6297, elhonkytonk.com With a name like El Honky Tonk, customers should know what they are in for — an old fashioned country bar with updated perks set in the heart of Downtown San Antonio. Credit: Photo via Instagram / elhonkytonk
Vintage Wine Bar and Specialty Foods 555 W. Bitters Rd., #112, (210) 267-1872, vintagewinehcv.com Vintage Wine Bar is a new concept from the founders of San Antonio’s Meadow, featuring an excellent selection of wine and specialty food offerings. From wine tasting to charcuterie boards, Vintage Wine Bar is the perfect location for an afternoon treat. Credit: Photo via Instagram / vintagewinehcv
Reese Bros. BBQ 906 Hoefgen Ave., (512) 925-9205, reesebrosbbq.com BBQ with a Mexican influence? Yes, please! Along with their famous sausage, turkey, ribs and 14-hour smoked brisket, the Reese Bros. team brings years of smoking and barbecue experience to the Alamo City. Credit: Photo via Instagram / reesebrosbbq
Ladino 200 E. Grayson St. #100, (210) 325-6007, ladinosatx.com One of the newest concepts from Austin-based Emmer & Rye Hospitality group is Ladino, a grill house that focuses on a mix of Mediterranean specialties. Each dish is crafted with spices and herbs that are at once both bold and playful. Credit: Photo via Instagram / ladino_sa
The Beignet Stand 8343 Broadway, thebeignetstand.com Once in a while a concept comes along that is simple, straightforward and delicious. Founded by the team who created Southern Grit, The Beignet Stand offers diners the simple morning pleasures of local coffee and hot, fresh French pastry. Credit: Photo via Instagram / thebeignetstand
Attaboy 111 Kings Ct., cullumsattaboy.com Brought to San Antonio by the chef behind St. Mary’s Strip favorite Attagirl, Attaboy is an elevated brunch spot with a menu featuring everything from brunch burgers to escargot. From morning coffee to brunch cocktails, Attaboy’s menu has diners covered. Photo via Instagram / cullumsattaboy Credit: Photo via Instagram / cullumsattaboy
The Fig Tree 515 Villita St., (210) 595-1313, figtreerestaurant.com The Fig Tree sports brand new renovations all the way from the kitchen to the patio. The restaurant’s new leadership — helmed by veteran San Antonio chef Luis Colón — breathed new life into the iconic downtown restaurant with a creative menu, cocktails and expanded riverfront seating. Credit: Photo via Instagram / figtreeriverwalk
Krazy Katsu 5257 McCullough Ave., (210) 254-9533, krazykatsu.com With deep roots in Japanese cooking, the team at Krazy Katsu dares to challenge the kings of the chicken sandwich industry. Large portions and select ingredients make Krazy Katsu a no-brainer. Credit: Photo via Instagram / krazykatsusa
La Ruina 410 Austin St,, (210) 627-7846, facebook.com/laruinasatx Situated in an old grocery store on the city’s East Side is La Ruina, an aesthetically pleasing cocktail bar focused on serving tropical America-focused cocktails and spirits. La Ruina offers classical elegance, historic cocktails and a traditional daiquiri midnight toast. Credit: Photo by San Antonio Current Staff
Bakudan Ramen 22506 U.S. Hwy. 281 N. Ste. 106, (210) 437-0632, bakudanramen.com Fun, inviting and filling are all words to describe Bakudan Ramen. With two locations in the San Antonio area, patrons can expect all the ramen shop fare: gyoza, sake and slurpable ramen. Credit: Photo via Instagram / bakudanramenstoneoak
375° Social Kitchen 8124 Agora Parkway, Suite 200, (210) 999-5429, threeseventyfive.com For those looking for a unique meal to commemorate a special occasion, 375° Social Kitchen is a fantastic option. Offering a fusion of worldly flavors and generous portion sizes, 375° is a perfect place, no matter what food is on the mind. Credit: Photo via Instagram / 375socialkitchen
Credit: Photo courtesy of Pearl
Lucy Cooper’s Texas Ice House – New Braunfels 1515 Kuehler Ave., (830) 837-5172, lucycoopers.com Everyone loves an easy-going, no-frills ice house, and Lucy Cooper’s newest location is poised to offer New Braunfels residents just that.The new spot features several areas to sit back, relax and enjoy the adults-only atmosphere the restaurant has been known for since 2018. Credit: Photo via Instagram / lucycoopersnewbraunfels
Nonna Osteria – North 434 N. Loop 1604 W. Acc. Rd., Building 1 Suite 1106, (210) 483-8989, nonnasa.com The menu and environment at Nonna Osteria are rooted in Northern Italian cooking, paying homage to Chef Luca Della Casa’s homeland. Credit: Photo via Instagram / nonnaosteria

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