Downtown San Antonio is chock full of dining spots that offer visitors varying degrees of the "authentic Alamo City experience." Some are worthwhile, but others are bland tourist traps.
Understandably, that leaves some locals skeptical about heading downtown for a meal. They shouldn't be. The center city is home to plenty of places that show off the best our culinary community has to offer.
These 20 spots — all just a quick Lyft or scooter ride from the heart of the city — deserve the attention of SA foodies. Or visitors curious about where the locals eat!
20 downtown San Antonio restaurants that aren't just for tourists
By San Antonio Current Staff on Fri, Jul 7, 2023 at 3:19 pm
Tags:
- downtown San Antonio,
- San Antonio restaurants,
- downtown restaurants,
- not for tourists,
- underrated restaurants,
- culinary bucket list,
- hidden gems,
- support local,
- support small business,
- Southtown,
- St. Paul Square,
- Station Cafe,
- Tony G's Soul Food,
- Cherrity Bar,
- La Tuna Icehouse & Grill,
- Toro Kitchen + Bar,
- Elsewhere Garden Bar & Kitchen,
- El Honky Tonk,
- La Frite Belgian Bistro,
- Francis Bogside
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Michael Karlis
La Tuna Icehouse & Grill
100 Probandt St., (210) 212-5727, latunasa.com
Southtown is full of new eye-catching culinary concepts nestled into lavish spaces but local favorite La Tuna Icehouse & Grill has been serving killer comfort food and ice-cold beers for three decades now.
100 Probandt St., (210) 212-5727, latunasa.com
Southtown is full of new eye-catching culinary concepts nestled into lavish spaces but local favorite La Tuna Icehouse & Grill has been serving killer comfort food and ice-cold beers for three decades now.
Courtesy Photo / Tokyo Cowboy
Tokyo Cowboy
135 E. Commerce St., (210) 305-7075, tokyocowboytx.com
Nestled right across the San Antonio river from the historic Bald Cypress some call “Geronimo,” this chic Japanese street food spot markets itself as a “whisky diner” and features menu items such as Viet-Cajun BBQ prawns and a sukiyaki burger. Come for the trendy eats, stay for the inventive whisky-based cocktails.
135 E. Commerce St., (210) 305-7075, tokyocowboytx.com
Nestled right across the San Antonio river from the historic Bald Cypress some call “Geronimo,” this chic Japanese street food spot markets itself as a “whisky diner” and features menu items such as Viet-Cajun BBQ prawns and a sukiyaki burger. Come for the trendy eats, stay for the inventive whisky-based cocktails.
Sanford Nowlin
The Station Cafe
108 King William St., (210) 444-2200, thestationsa.com
Station Cafe offers a variety of sandwiches on fresh-baked bread for under $8. Filled with protein and veggies, diners are sure to get a bang for their buck while enjoying the ambient patio. Wash down any sandwich with your selection of soft drinks or lagers at the adjacent Filling Station Taproom, open after 5 p.m.
108 King William St., (210) 444-2200, thestationsa.com
Station Cafe offers a variety of sandwiches on fresh-baked bread for under $8. Filled with protein and veggies, diners are sure to get a bang for their buck while enjoying the ambient patio. Wash down any sandwich with your selection of soft drinks or lagers at the adjacent Filling Station Taproom, open after 5 p.m.
Photo via Instagram / cuishe_cocina
Cuishe Cocina Mexicana
119 Heiman St., (210) 960-8935, cuishemx.com
This San Antonio-born restaurant brings the native flavors of Central Mexico to the heart of downtown for a culinary experience that is second-to-none. Experience it for yourself, especially from 2-7 p.m. on weekdays during happy hour.
119 Heiman St., (210) 960-8935, cuishemx.com
This San Antonio-born restaurant brings the native flavors of Central Mexico to the heart of downtown for a culinary experience that is second-to-none. Experience it for yourself, especially from 2-7 p.m. on weekdays during happy hour.
Michael Karlis
Toro Kitchen + Bar
1142 E Commerce St., torokitchenandbar.com
Toro Kitchen + Bar is a local mini-chain with two locations in the Alamo City — one of which is in a prime downtown location off Commerce Street. Serving up Spanish tapas and often featuring live music, it's a great spot to meet up with friends — or take a date.
1142 E Commerce St., torokitchenandbar.com
Toro Kitchen + Bar is a local mini-chain with two locations in the Alamo City — one of which is in a prime downtown location off Commerce Street. Serving up Spanish tapas and often featuring live music, it's a great spot to meet up with friends — or take a date.
Photo by eatdrinkrunrepeat via Instagram / southalamode
South Alamode
1420 S. Alamo St. Suite 102B, (210) 788-8000, southalamodepaniniandgelato.com
Located in the Blue Star Arts Complex off S. Alamo St., the aptly named South Alamode specializes in freshly crafted paninis made with imported Italian meats and cheeses — not to mention their many different flavors of colorful gelato. Order and dine in South Alamode’s cozy wood-furnished interior, or take it to go.
1420 S. Alamo St. Suite 102B, (210) 788-8000, southalamodepaniniandgelato.com
Located in the Blue Star Arts Complex off S. Alamo St., the aptly named South Alamode specializes in freshly crafted paninis made with imported Italian meats and cheeses — not to mention their many different flavors of colorful gelato. Order and dine in South Alamode’s cozy wood-furnished interior, or take it to go.
Courtesy Photo / Francis Bogside
Francis Bogside
1170 E Commerce St. Suite 100, (210) 314-2994, francisbogside.com
It isn’t common to see Irish neighborhood bars in San Antonio but Francia Bogside, a rustic chic take on a traditional Irish pub, has changed that narrative for downtown. Recently relocated to Commerce Street, Francis Bogside offers upscale pub fare alongside expertly-prepared craft cocktails, wine and beer.
1170 E Commerce St. Suite 100, (210) 314-2994, francisbogside.com
It isn’t common to see Irish neighborhood bars in San Antonio but Francia Bogside, a rustic chic take on a traditional Irish pub, has changed that narrative for downtown. Recently relocated to Commerce Street, Francis Bogside offers upscale pub fare alongside expertly-prepared craft cocktails, wine and beer.
Photo via Instagram / mingsthing
Ming’s
914 E. Elmira St. Suite 101, (210) 600-4083, mingsthing.com
Bringing authentic Chinese cuisine to all San Antonians, Ming’s provides delicious comfort food with classic dishes like their ma-la noodles, orange chicken and iconic steam buns, adding to the identity of the city’s diverse palate.
914 E. Elmira St. Suite 101, (210) 600-4083, mingsthing.com
Bringing authentic Chinese cuisine to all San Antonians, Ming’s provides delicious comfort food with classic dishes like their ma-la noodles, orange chicken and iconic steam buns, adding to the identity of the city’s diverse palate.
Nina Rangel
Cherrity Bar
302 Montana St., (210) 598-0496, cherritybar.com
Seated comfortably at the corner of Cherry and Montana streets on the East Side, Cherrity Bar covers nearly an entire city block, combining cocktails, charitable giving and a ramen shop. Guests can sit in the huge covered patio area, where a spectacular view of the Tower of the Americas adds to the vibe.
302 Montana St., (210) 598-0496, cherritybar.com
Seated comfortably at the corner of Cherry and Montana streets on the East Side, Cherrity Bar covers nearly an entire city block, combining cocktails, charitable giving and a ramen shop. Guests can sit in the huge covered patio area, where a spectacular view of the Tower of the Americas adds to the vibe.
Photo via Instagram / kuenstlertaphaus
Künstler Tap Haus
510 S. Alamo St. Suite 101, instagram.com/kuenstlertaphaus
This freshly opened Hemisfair spot is Künstler’s second, and it operates out of the more-than-a-century-old Pereida House. Here, you can find gourmet bratwursts and hot dogs, as well as the brewery’s trademark suds.
510 S. Alamo St. Suite 101, instagram.com/kuenstlertaphaus
This freshly opened Hemisfair spot is Künstler’s second, and it operates out of the more-than-a-century-old Pereida House. Here, you can find gourmet bratwursts and hot dogs, as well as the brewery’s trademark suds.
Photo via Instagram / stellapublichouse
Stella Public House
1414 S. Alamo St., (210) 277-7047, stellapublichouse.com
Southtown’s Stella Public House dishes out wood-fired pizza and craft beer in its sleek contemporary American setting just off the river. Be sure to check the seasonal menu: a rotation of salads, cheeses and shared plates with locally sourced ingredients.
1414 S. Alamo St., (210) 277-7047, stellapublichouse.com
Southtown’s Stella Public House dishes out wood-fired pizza and craft beer in its sleek contemporary American setting just off the river. Be sure to check the seasonal menu: a rotation of salads, cheeses and shared plates with locally sourced ingredients.
Michael Karlis
ReRooted 210
623 Hemisfair Blvd., Ste. 106, rerootedwine.com
San Antonio’s first-ever urban winery made a splash on the local scene with its state-of-the-art draft system for pouring seven inaugural house wines. The venue takes advantage of the newly redeveloped Hemisfair complex and its open-container rule, giving guests the option to take their vino on-the-go.
623 Hemisfair Blvd., Ste. 106, rerootedwine.com
San Antonio’s first-ever urban winery made a splash on the local scene with its state-of-the-art draft system for pouring seven inaugural house wines. The venue takes advantage of the newly redeveloped Hemisfair complex and its open-container rule, giving guests the option to take their vino on-the-go.
Photo via Instagram / dossirenosbrewing
Dos Sirenos Brewing
231 E. Cevallos St., (210) 442-8138, dossirenosbrewing.com
Since 2019, Dos Sirenos has produced inventive brews named for Greek gods. The Southtown spot boasts a large patio and a comfortably shaded kid- and dog-friendly outdoor space, and their recently debuted menu, which dropped in July 2023, offers all-new dishes and fresh concepts.
231 E. Cevallos St., (210) 442-8138, dossirenosbrewing.com
Since 2019, Dos Sirenos has produced inventive brews named for Greek gods. The Southtown spot boasts a large patio and a comfortably shaded kid- and dog-friendly outdoor space, and their recently debuted menu, which dropped in July 2023, offers all-new dishes and fresh concepts.
Photo via Instagram / tonygssoulfood
Tony G's Soul Food
915 S. Hackberry St., (210) 451-1234, tonygssoulfood.com
It’s hard to find a Sunday brunch that beats authentic Southern comfort food accompanied by live jazz music. Tony G’s on the East Side is a longtime crowd favorite thanks to its consistently tasty soul food fare.
915 S. Hackberry St., (210) 451-1234, tonygssoulfood.com
It’s hard to find a Sunday brunch that beats authentic Southern comfort food accompanied by live jazz music. Tony G’s on the East Side is a longtime crowd favorite thanks to its consistently tasty soul food fare.
Photo via Instagram / elsewheresatx
Elsewhere Garden Bar & Kitchen
103 E Jones Ave, San Antonio, TX 78215, (210) 446-9303, elsewheretexas.com
Elsewhere’s notoriety may start with its impressive outdoor space which backs right up to the San Antonio River, but that’s bolstered by quality burgers, fries and tacos and an impressive bar program to pair them with.
103 E Jones Ave, San Antonio, TX 78215, (210) 446-9303, elsewheretexas.com
Elsewhere’s notoriety may start with its impressive outdoor space which backs right up to the San Antonio River, but that’s bolstered by quality burgers, fries and tacos and an impressive bar program to pair them with.
Photo via Instagram / eatatguillermos
Guillermo’s
618 McCullough Ave., (210) 223-5587, guillermosdowntown.com
Serving San Antonio for more than two decades out of a humble yellow shack in the heart of downtown, Guillermo’s serves what some locals consider the city's best Italian food.
618 McCullough Ave., (210) 223-5587, guillermosdowntown.com
Serving San Antonio for more than two decades out of a humble yellow shack in the heart of downtown, Guillermo’s serves what some locals consider the city's best Italian food.
Brandon Rodriguez
La Frite Belgian Bistro
728 S. Alamo St., (210) 224-7555, lafritesa.com
La Frite serves its signature Belgian fare in a cozy dining room that oozes comfortable intimacy. Nosh on European dishes and an all-French wine selection at this family-owned Southtown joint.
728 S. Alamo St., (210) 224-7555, lafritesa.com
La Frite serves its signature Belgian fare in a cozy dining room that oozes comfortable intimacy. Nosh on European dishes and an all-French wine selection at this family-owned Southtown joint.
Photo via Instagram / birriabarrio
Birria Barrio
2710 S. Presa St., (210) 289-4066, facebook.com/birriabarrio
To satisfy local night owls' super-late night cravings, Birria Barrio shuts down at 3 a.m. However, the popular downtown taco destination is no longer a secret, and often sells out.
2710 S. Presa St., (210) 289-4066, facebook.com/birriabarrio
To satisfy local night owls' super-late night cravings, Birria Barrio shuts down at 3 a.m. However, the popular downtown taco destination is no longer a secret, and often sells out.
Photo via Instagram / rebellesanantonio
Rebelle
300 E. Travis St., (210) 352-3171, rebellesa.com
Rebelle is found inside the swanky St. Anthony Hotel, just across from Travis Park. It’s a favorite for inventive cocktails and seafood that are as delicious as they are beautiful.
300 E. Travis St., (210) 352-3171, rebellesa.com
Rebelle is found inside the swanky St. Anthony Hotel, just across from Travis Park. It’s a favorite for inventive cocktails and seafood that are as delicious as they are beautiful.
Photo via Instagram / thailuckysushibar
Thai Lucky
102 Navarro St., (210) 888-1096, thailuckysushibar.com
This downtown Thai hotspot will leave your tummy full and spirits high. Thai Lucky Sushi adds to the heart of San Antonio with its authentic Thai cuisine and sushi at its storefront, which is just a block away from the River Walk.
102 Navarro St., (210) 888-1096, thailuckysushibar.com
This downtown Thai hotspot will leave your tummy full and spirits high. Thai Lucky Sushi adds to the heart of San Antonio with its authentic Thai cuisine and sushi at its storefront, which is just a block away from the River Walk.
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