20 Classic Diners and Cafes in San Antonio You Should Spend Some Time At

Luther’s Cafe
1503 N Main Ave, (210) 223-7727, lutherscafe.com
This LGBT-friendly spot hosts drag queens for weekend entertainment and is must go-to for late nights after drinking it up on the Strip. Be sure to enjoy some Frito pie or a build-your-own pizza.
Photo via Instagram / lutherscafe

Max and Louie’s New York Diner
226 W Bitters Rd, (210) 483-7600, maxandlouiesdiner.com
This New York diner serves up classic Jewish dishes, like Matzoh ball soup, pastrami chili cheese fries, potato latke, and essential sandwiches like the Reuben and corned beef.
Photo via Instagram / anythingforserena

410 Diner
8315 Broadway St, (210) 822-6246
You’ll find plenty of fried diner fare here, from fried mushroom and fried cheese sticks to chicken tenders and fried snapper. Whether you want something resembling more of a home-cooked meal or just something hearty on a cheat day, 410 Diner will hit the spot.
Photo via Instagram / joangelmonique

Picnikins Patio Cafe
Multiple locations, picnikinspatiocafe.com
Here you’ll find plenty of classic sandwiches, like chicken salad and roast beef with provolone. If you want something warm off the grill, opt for the Picnikins cheesesteak or pulled pork.
Photo via Instagram / feedsthebexar

De Wese's Tip Top Cafe
2814 Fredericksburg Rd, (210) 732-0191
Eating here will make you feel like you’ve gone back in time. Enjoy giant portions of chicken fried goodness (or a sandwich if you want something lighter), and be sure to treat yourself to a slice of pie.
Photo via Instagram / lizarrdqueen

Lulu’s Bakery & Cafe
918 N Main Ave, (210) 951-2802, lulusbakeryandcafe.com
Lulu’s brings all the diner/cafe vibes you need in your life. Although best-known for its Texas-sized cinnamon roll and chicken fried steak, you can try all the diner classics like fried mushrooms, hot sandwiches and burgers.
Photo via Instagram / haw_tien

The Station Cafe
108 King William St, (210) 444-2200, thestationsa.com
This cafe is a go-to for fresh bread and house-made sauces. So take advantage of all the love that goes into the food and enjoy twists on classics, like the San Antonio cheesesteak (mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, jalapenos, onions, roast beef, white BBQ sauce) or the Turkey Chupacabra (sweet & spicy Chupacabra serrano sauce, smoked turkey, melted cheddar, lettuce, tomato).
Photo via Instagram / sarasperspective

Mama’s Cafe
2442 Nacogdoches Rd, (210) 826-8303, mamasrestaurants.com
If you stop by for breakfast, opt for the San Antonio omelette (with chorizo!) and make sure to eat a biscuit or two. If you stop by later in the day, share the fried mushrooms with the table and try the pork chops.
Photo via Instagram / holygoodsco

Abel’s Diner
17327 Interstate 35 Frontage Rd #200, Schertz, (210) 651-9606, abelsdiner.com
If you don’t mind driving out to Schertz, you’ll find yourself a delicious diner. Go for the shrimp po’boy or chopped sirloin pepper steak if you stop by for dinner, and be sure to take advantage of the daily lunch specials.
Photo via Instagram / _littlemars

Earl Abel’s
1639 Broadway St, (210) 822-3358, earlabelssa.com
Can you say you’ve explored the San Antonio diner scene if you haven’t been to Earl Abel’s? Considered a staple in the Alamo City, Earl Abel’s is known for home-cooked dishes like pot pie, meatloaf, pork chops and fried chicken.
Photo via Instagram / jesselizarraras

Blanco Cafe
Multiple locations, blancocafe.net
While this cafe is known for Tex-Mex, that’s not to say it doesn’t do right by the American dishes. Skip the city-famous enchiladas and try the chicken fried steak or salisbury steak.
Photo via Instagram / chez.garza

Bobbie’s Cafe
6728 S Flores St, (210) 923-1158
Mosey on down to the Southside for some crazy good eats. You’ll find your typical Mexican dishes, as well as liver & onions, pork chops, and freshly-made fried chicken.
Photo via Instagram / loveroseskul

The Hut Diner
1610 Fredericksburg Rd, (210) 649-8574, hutdiner.com
Although just a few years old, The Hut Diner has already made a big splash on SA. Located in the Deco District, this diner brings classics like chicken & waffles and plenty of omelette options, but also house staples like Rena’s Favorite Chicken Fried Sandwich.
Photo via Instagram / coolhandal

La Villita Cafe
418 Villita St, (210) 223-4700
Calling all vegetarians! This cafe gives vegetarians plenty of options, but you’ll want to go with the veggie sandwich, packed with lot of fresh goodness.
Photo via Instagram / lolitshailee

Cafe Martinez
4513, 7302 Louis Pasteur Dr #101, (210) 231-0095, usa.cafemartinez.com
With Argentine specialties and European-inspired dishes, Cafe Martinez gives you classic cafe vibes with fresh coffee. Plus, you can enjoy wraps and sandwiches, like the spiced up grilled cheese.
Photo via Instagram / queenaa.h

Courtyard Cafe
7600 Eckhert Rd, (210) 370-3779, courtyardcafeleonvalley.com
Located in Leon Valley, this cafe is a little more on the posher side (you know what we mean) but still brings you diner classics like meatloaf and chicken fried chicken. Oh, plus both hot and cold sandwiches like the tuna melt and smoked turkey.
Photo via Instagram / centsational_1

Alamo Cafe
Multiple locations, alamocafe.com
A San Antonio classic since 1981, Alamo Cafe is known for Tex-Mex dishes. If you’re just in the mood for American dishes, then go for the chicken fried chicken, served with creamy gravy. If you aren’t completely stuffed, choose from one of four cheesecakes.
Photo via Instagram / patrickmaese

M.K. Davis
1302 N Flores St, (210) 223-1208, mkdavisrestaurant.com
What started off as a refurbished ice house was turned into a simple eatery serving burgers, hot dogs and fried chicken. Today, M.K. Davis also serves up chicken fried steak, fried pollock and crispy dogs.
Photo via Instagram / cruzortizart

Candy’s Old Fashioned Burgers
115 S Flores St, (210) 222-9659, candysburgers.com
Channel some old-school diner vibes and munch on a juicy burger from Candy’s. Feel free to add extras, like mushrooms, jalapenos, bacon, chili or BBQ sauce.
Photo via Instagram / lplee_

Mary Ann’s Pig Stand
1508 Broadway St, (210) 222-9923, sanantoniospigstand.com
After the first Pig Stand opening in Dallas in 1921, other locations popped up all over the place throughout the decade. This San Antonio location has been open ever since (not including a short hiatus), letting the community enjoy the Pig Sandwich for almost a century.
Photo via Instagram / alleygirl152