20 Classic Diners and Cafes in San Antonio You Should Spend Some Time At
Go back to the aesthetic of 1950s diners or enjoy the simple dishes served up at cafes, check out these spots for some good eating.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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).
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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.
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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.
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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.
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jesselizarraras
