20 Essential Westside San Antonio Restaurants You Should've Tried By Now

Pollos Asados “El Carbonero”
619 S General McMullen Dr., (210) 907-5573, elcarboneropolloycarne.negocio.site
Los Carboneros may only be a little over a year old, but the service is stellar and the pollos are made fresh daily in a trailer-grill. It really doesn’t get more puro than that.
Photo by Jessica Elizarraras

Wicho’s Mexican Deli
1110 N Zarzamora, (210) 396-7539, wichosdeli.com
It’s always snack time at Wicho’s whether you’re in the mood for a beefy torta, Hot Cheeto-crusted elote or an order of four street tacos.
Photo via Instagram / sacravings

El Siete Mares
3831 W Commerce St., (210) 436-6056
The drinks are icy and boozy at this West Commerce joint that’s been serving up sopa de mariscos, oysters on the half-shell and aguachile shrimp for more than 20 years.
Photo via Instagram / jgue88

Panifico Bake Shop
602 NW 24th St., (210) 434-9290, panifico.com
The pan dulce is always fresh, and the creations keep getting more inventive at Panifico. The uniconchas make sporadic comebacks, but don’t miss out on the traditional offerings like cuernitos, orejas and more.
Photo via Instagram / kwissyriss

Taqueria El Chilaquil
1821 W Commerce St., (210) 226-5410, facebook.com/ElChilaquilTaqueria
Come for the huaraches and fresh tortillas, stay for the live entertainment on weekends.
Photo via Instagram / _foodmeetbelly_

Barrio Barista
3735 Culebra Road, (210) 519-5403, barriobarista.coffee
Their horchata lattes and often imitated barbacoa grilled cheese (make sure to add avocado) are worth waking up early for.
Photo via Instagram / hungrytravelingmama

Los Cocos Fruteria Y Taqueria
1502 Bandera Road, (210) 431-7786, loscocosmexicanrestaurant.com
Los Cocos keeps bringing families back with their fresh fruit cups and made-to-order street tacos. Elote en vaso optional.
Photo via Instagram / franktheref

La Monita Tortilleria Factory
3202 Guadalupe St., (210) 432-0332, facebook.com
If you appreciate some good tortillas, do yourself a favor and get a dozen here. They’re made with both corn and flour, and pretty much melt in your mouth. Pair them with the barbacoa and you’ll be in heaven.
Photo via Facebook / La Monita Tortilleria

Pancake Joe’s
1011 Donaldson Ave., (210) 785-9007, pancakejoes-sa.com
Do you want a stack of pancakes? The answer is always yes at Pancake Joes. Honestly the waffles aren’t half-bad either so you can’t go wrong with your order. The New Orleans omelet with shrimp jambalaya is a must.
Photo via Instagram / its.a.comesense

Ray’s Drive Inn
822 SW 19th St., (210) 432-7171, raysdriveinn.net
The home of the puffy taco is a San Anto staple. Visit Ray’s for your crispy dog fix or load up on the puffy’s available in orders or one, two, three or four.
Photo via Instagram / s.a.vortooth

Tellez Tamales & Barbacoa
1737 S General McMullen Dr., (210) 433-1367, facebook.com
https://www.facebook.com/Tellez-Tamales-Barbacoa-115721145123658/ If you’re not lining up for Tellez tamales on Christmas Eve, are you even a true San Antonian? We’ll give you a pass if you’re helping your abuela make this year’s batch.
Photo via Instagram / lexnicera

La Sorrentina
3330 Culebra Road, (210) 549-0889
You’ve probably passed this spot without a glance, but trust us – you’ll want to stop by. It’s a tight squeeze but totally worth it. Stop by Italian fare so fresh and tasty you’ll think it’s homemade. Order the penne alla vodka and prepare to be amazed.
Photo via Instagram / romannjames

Camaron Pelado
2918 W Commerce St., (210) 434-6700, camaronpeladotogo.com
Ceviche is your go-to at this spot, but don’t miss out on shrimp quesadillas.
Photo via Instagram / gensanchez18

La Bandera Molino
2619 N Zarzamora, (210) 434-0631
Some of the best barbacoa in all the land is made at this tiny shop that’s part mercado, part restaurant. Go there for the menudo and the breakfast tacos.
Photo via Instagram / tbonegetit

Los Angeles Tortilleria & Restaurant
300 N Zarzamora, (210) 435-2400
You’ll probably have to put up with a wait, but you’ll be glad you did. Enjoy tasty barbacoa, pan dulce, chile relleno, tamales and more. Be sure to hit up this spot the next time you have a party.
Photo via Instagram / sometimesalwaysmary

Three Amigos Grocery
303 NW 36th St, (210) 437-4013
If there’s one Westside spot you give a chance, let is be this one. Loved by the community, this corner store spot dishes out delicious Chinese fare for wicked low prices. Go. Go now.
Photo via Instagram / tito3000

Lisa’s Mexican Restaurant
815 Bandera Road, (210) 433-2531, lisasmexican.com
A St. Mary’s happy hour spot for the past 37 years, Lisa’s is a must for cold margaritas and $5 botana (appetizers) at Bar Mosaico.
Photo via Instagram / liztxchild

Tacos Betos
3707 Culebra Road, (210) 459-3134, facebook.com
Choose your filling – trompo, tripita de res, bistec, caprichos, campechenas, gringas or piratas. Whatever kind of tacos you get, be sure to add some (or a lot) of their flavorful salsas to make your bite even better.
Photo via Instagram / mi_numero_20

Sabina’s Coffee House
2303 W Commerce St., (210) 570-7504, sabinas-coffee-house.business.site
Coffee drinks, sandwiches, and homey interiors make this a great Westside spot for meetings and lowkey hangs.
Photo via Instagram / jes_latino

La Playa
3201 W Poplar St., (210) 735-8715
Vamos a la playa, oh oh oh! Fun songs aside, the shrimp and oyster cocktail lineup a this joint demand all the Saladitas you can get your hands on. The restaurant also features dishes from El Salvador and Honduras so get to exploring.
Photo via Instagram / peace_love_etc