San Antonio residents are lucky to live in a vibrant culinary destination. From Texas-style barbecue to fiery Sichuan food and almost everything in between, our restaurant scene is full of great dining options.
To narrow things down, we complied this streamlined list of must-visit spots — places that are iconic either for their ambiance, their history or their excellent eats. Whether down-home or upscale, all these restaurants and bars qualify as both delicious and culturally significant.
20 iconic San Antonio bars and restaurants everyone should try at least once
By San Antonio Current Staff on Fri, Jan 6, 2023 at 2:48 pm
Tags:
- San Antonio restaurants,
- iconic restaurants,
- essential restaurants,
- Earl Abel's,
- Liberty Bar,
- Jerk Shack,
- Cherrity Bar,
- Friendly Spot,
- La Tuna,
- Carnitas Lonja,
- Niki's Tokyo Inn,
- Simi's,
- India Cuisine,
- India Palace,
- Sichuan House,
- Thai Dee,
- La Fonda on Main,
- Mi Tierra,
- Schilo's Delicatessen,
- 2M Smokehouse,
- The Cove,
- The Original Donut Shop,
- Singhs Vietnamese,
- Smoke Shack
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Photo via Instagram / deadlywritr
Liberty Bar
1111 S. Alamo St., (210) 227-1187, liberty-bar.com
Housed in a restored convent, Liberty Bar’s bright, window-filled space makes for a naturally gorgeous spot to dine in, whether it’s for brunch or late at night. The food and drink are definitely the main draws, but the ambiance sure isn’t anything to shake a stick at.
1111 S. Alamo St., (210) 227-1187, liberty-bar.com
Housed in a restored convent, Liberty Bar’s bright, window-filled space makes for a naturally gorgeous spot to dine in, whether it’s for brunch or late at night. The food and drink are definitely the main draws, but the ambiance sure isn’t anything to shake a stick at.
Photo via Instagram / earlabelssa
Earl Abel’s
1639 Broadway, (210) 444-9424, 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, the restaurant is known for home-cooked dishes like meatloaf, pork chops and fried chicken.
1639 Broadway, (210) 444-9424, 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, the restaurant is known for home-cooked dishes like meatloaf, pork chops and fried chicken.
Photo via Instagram / matthewmauldon
La Fonda on Main
2415 N. Main Ave., (210) 733-0621, lafondaonmain.com
A classic for Tex-Mex and interior Mexican fare since 1932, longstanding La Fonda on Main is just one of those spots every San Antonian needs to dine at — ideally sooner rather than later.
2415 N. Main Ave., (210) 733-0621, lafondaonmain.com
A classic for Tex-Mex and interior Mexican fare since 1932, longstanding La Fonda on Main is just one of those spots every San Antonian needs to dine at — ideally sooner rather than later.
Photo via Instagram / thefriendlyspot
The Friendly Spot
943 S Alamo St., (210) 224-2337, thefriendlyspot.com
Southtown’s largest outdoor food and drink venue, The Friendly Spot, marries “friendly eats & drinks,” outdoor sports viewing and weekend DJ sets for a seriously laid back vibe that's a must-try.
943 S Alamo St., (210) 224-2337, thefriendlyspot.com
Southtown’s largest outdoor food and drink venue, The Friendly Spot, marries “friendly eats & drinks,” outdoor sports viewing and weekend DJ sets for a seriously laid back vibe that's a must-try.
Photo via Instagram / thejerkshack
The Jerk Shack
10234 TX-151, (210) 776-7780, facebook.com/thejerkshacksatx
A consistent mention in restaurant roundups, folks keep coming back to the West Side’s Jerk Shack. Both a Black-owned and veteran-owned eatery, the restaurant offers wild flavors, hefty portions and good eating.
10234 TX-151, (210) 776-7780, facebook.com/thejerkshacksatx
A consistent mention in restaurant roundups, folks keep coming back to the West Side’s Jerk Shack. Both a Black-owned and veteran-owned eatery, the restaurant offers wild flavors, hefty portions and good eating.
Photo via Instagram / mrs.a_w15
Niki’s Tokyo Inn
819 W. Hildebrand Ave., (210) 736-5471, facebook.com/nikis.tokyo.inn
Incredibly authentic with tatami-style seating, Niki’s Tokyo Inn is a solid choice for genuine Japanese eats. Diners can take a seat on the floor or grab a stool at the bar and enjoy freshly-made sushi and other classic Japanese dishes in this cozy eatery.
819 W. Hildebrand Ave., (210) 736-5471, facebook.com/nikis.tokyo.inn
Incredibly authentic with tatami-style seating, Niki’s Tokyo Inn is a solid choice for genuine Japanese eats. Diners can take a seat on the floor or grab a stool at the bar and enjoy freshly-made sushi and other classic Japanese dishes in this cozy eatery.
Photo via Instagram / cp2_unique_designs
Mi Tierra
218 Produce Row, (210) 225-1262,mitierracafe.com
Mi Tierra needs no introduction. Pedro and Cruz Cortez opened a three-table cafe in 1941, serving farmers and workers in the mercado. The rest, they say, is history. The now-famous landmark has seen much success, being a go-to for locals and tourists alike.
218 Produce Row, (210) 225-1262,mitierracafe.com
Mi Tierra needs no introduction. Pedro and Cruz Cortez opened a three-table cafe in 1941, serving farmers and workers in the mercado. The rest, they say, is history. The now-famous landmark has seen much success, being a go-to for locals and tourists alike.
Photo via Instagram / kimdparker73
Schilo’s Delicatessen
424 E. Commerce St., (210) 223-6692, schilos.com
Founded in 1917, this South Alamo Street saloon wasn’t phased when prohibition hit the Alamo City. The deli quickly replaced their booze kegs for ones filled with the family’s smooth, creamy root beer. Authentic German fare and ambiance have kept this place famous for over 100 years.
424 E. Commerce St., (210) 223-6692, schilos.com
Founded in 1917, this South Alamo Street saloon wasn’t phased when prohibition hit the Alamo City. The deli quickly replaced their booze kegs for ones filled with the family’s smooth, creamy root beer. Authentic German fare and ambiance have kept this place famous for over 100 years.
Photo via Instagram / cherritybar
The Cherrity Bar
302 Montana St., (210) 598-0496, cherritybar.com
Beloved East Side joint Cherrity Bar is known for its Japanese comfort food and philanthropic mission. The bar features charity cocktails of the month along with rotating recipient charities. Sakes, local draft beer options and ramen are the stars of the menu that offers plenty of vegetarian, vegan and pescatarian options.
302 Montana St., (210) 598-0496, cherritybar.com
Beloved East Side joint Cherrity Bar is known for its Japanese comfort food and philanthropic mission. The bar features charity cocktails of the month along with rotating recipient charities. Sakes, local draft beer options and ramen are the stars of the menu that offers plenty of vegetarian, vegan and pescatarian options.
Photo via Instagram / 2msmokehouse
2M Smokehouse
2731 S. W.W. White Rd., (210) 885-9352, 2msmokehouse.com
2M Smokehouse cooks out of their own love of barbecue and the proof is on the plate. Seasoned and smoked to perfection, their menu offers all the barbecue must-haves as well as daily specials Thursday through Saturday.
2731 S. W.W. White Rd., (210) 885-9352, 2msmokehouse.com
2M Smokehouse cooks out of their own love of barbecue and the proof is on the plate. Seasoned and smoked to perfection, their menu offers all the barbecue must-haves as well as daily specials Thursday through Saturday.
Photo via Instagram / carnitas_lonja
Carnitas Lonja
1107 Roosevelt Ave., (210) 455-2105, carnitaslonja.com
A legit pork paradise on the South Side, Carnitas Lonja was recognized in 2019 by The Daily Meal as one of the best hole-in-the-wall spots in the U.S., citing its no-frills approach to carnitas and delicious corn tortillas as reason enough to visit the Alamo City.
1107 Roosevelt Ave., (210) 455-2105, carnitaslonja.com
A legit pork paradise on the South Side, Carnitas Lonja was recognized in 2019 by The Daily Meal as one of the best hole-in-the-wall spots in the U.S., citing its no-frills approach to carnitas and delicious corn tortillas as reason enough to visit the Alamo City.
Photo by mimi.ortizz via Instagram / singhs_sa
Singh’s Vietnamese
2803 N St Mary's St., (512) 940-9662, toasttab.com/singhs/v3
Singhs Vietnamese has a variety of offerings that make it easy to come back repeatedly while keeping things fresh. The restaurant's goi, rice, bún and banh mi sandwiches are all customizable with a variety of meat and veg options.
2803 N St Mary's St., (512) 940-9662, toasttab.com/singhs/v3
Singhs Vietnamese has a variety of offerings that make it easy to come back repeatedly while keeping things fresh. The restaurant's goi, rice, bún and banh mi sandwiches are all customizable with a variety of meat and veg options.
Photo via Instagram / latunaicehouse
La Tuna
100 Probandt St., (210) 212-5727, latunasa.com
La Tuna is one of most inviting places in the city to unwind with a cold beer after work, whether it's with a crushable Lone Star or a brew handcrafted in the Hill Country. Food comes from the other side of the property at the La Tuna Grill, where a crowd-pleasing menu includes eclectic selections such as grilled chicken nachos, chicken fried steak and a roasted lamb sandwich.
100 Probandt St., (210) 212-5727, latunasa.com
La Tuna is one of most inviting places in the city to unwind with a cold beer after work, whether it's with a crushable Lone Star or a brew handcrafted in the Hill Country. Food comes from the other side of the property at the La Tuna Grill, where a crowd-pleasing menu includes eclectic selections such as grilled chicken nachos, chicken fried steak and a roasted lamb sandwich.
Photo via Instagram / rgarcia833
India Palace
8474 Fredericksburg Road, (210) 692-5262, indiapalacesanantonio.com
Specializing in North Indian fare, this Medical Center is a mainstay for both vegetarian and meaty dishes of the cuisine. Though diners can order up a plate of whatever they like best, most folks frequent India Palace for its daily buffet, available for both lunch and dinner. Be prepared to get stuffed — and to enjoy every bite of your feast.
8474 Fredericksburg Road, (210) 692-5262, indiapalacesanantonio.com
Specializing in North Indian fare, this Medical Center is a mainstay for both vegetarian and meaty dishes of the cuisine. Though diners can order up a plate of whatever they like best, most folks frequent India Palace for its daily buffet, available for both lunch and dinner. Be prepared to get stuffed — and to enjoy every bite of your feast.
Photo via Instagram / smokeshack
Smoke Shack
3714 Broadway St., (210) 957-1430, smokeshacksa.com
Featured multiple times on Food Network, the Smoke Shack offers undeniably delicious barbecue and southern-style cooking that will amply satisfy anyone's cravings. The menu features all the BBQ classics, plus mouth-watering options like the brisket grilled cheese and Tejas hot chicken.
3714 Broadway St., (210) 957-1430, smokeshacksa.com
Featured multiple times on Food Network, the Smoke Shack offers undeniably delicious barbecue and southern-style cooking that will amply satisfy anyone's cravings. The menu features all the BBQ classics, plus mouth-watering options like the brisket grilled cheese and Tejas hot chicken.
Photo via Instagram / lonestargourmand
Original Donut Shop
3307 Fredericksburg Road, (210) 734-5661, facebook.com/theoriginaldonutshop
Known for its donuts and prized for its breakfast tacos, Original Donut Shop has been a longstanding spot on Fredericksburg. The shop draws crowds (i.e. long lines that form a trail along the road) for these goods, especially on the weekends. Consider this hotspot a rite of passage for foodies and puro San Antonians alike.
3307 Fredericksburg Road, (210) 734-5661, facebook.com/theoriginaldonutshop
Known for its donuts and prized for its breakfast tacos, Original Donut Shop has been a longstanding spot on Fredericksburg. The shop draws crowds (i.e. long lines that form a trail along the road) for these goods, especially on the weekends. Consider this hotspot a rite of passage for foodies and puro San Antonians alike.
Photo via Google Maps
Simi's India Cuisine
4535 Fredericksburg Road #109, (210) 737-3166, facebook.com/Simis-India-Cuisine-104962319547629
Those with special diets will feel more than welcome here thanks to a number of vegetarian dishes on the menu. The restaurant's delicious tandoori dishes amply prove why this spot is a go-to for Indian fare for so many locals.
4535 Fredericksburg Road #109, (210) 737-3166, facebook.com/Simis-India-Cuisine-104962319547629
Those with special diets will feel more than welcome here thanks to a number of vegetarian dishes on the menu. The restaurant's delicious tandoori dishes amply prove why this spot is a go-to for Indian fare for so many locals.
Photo via Instagram / s.a.foodie
Sichuan House
3505 Wurzbach Road #102, (210) 509-9999, sichuaneats.com
This iconic Chinese eatery offers mouth-numbingly spicy, Sichuan cuisine, but don't fret if your taste buds need something a little less fiery — the menu also features an array of less spicy fare.
3505 Wurzbach Road #102, (210) 509-9999, sichuaneats.com
This iconic Chinese eatery offers mouth-numbingly spicy, Sichuan cuisine, but don't fret if your taste buds need something a little less fiery — the menu also features an array of less spicy fare.
Photo via Instagram / thaideesa
Thai Dee Restaurant
5307 Blanco Rd, (210) 342-3622, thaideesa.com
This central SA mainstay serves up authentic Thai delights such as curries, pad Thai, panang noodles and Thai fried rice.
5307 Blanco Rd, (210) 342-3622, thaideesa.com
This central SA mainstay serves up authentic Thai delights such as curries, pad Thai, panang noodles and Thai fried rice.
Photo via Instagram / thecovesa
The Cove
606 W Cypress St, (210) 227-2683, thecove.us
The Cove has long been an outdoor haven for San Antonians, and for good reason. Its spacious patio accommodates those looking to enjoy the weather, plus it has a play area with plenty of room for kids to have a blast. Be sure to check out the Texas bar, which offers over 40 Texas craft brews.
606 W Cypress St, (210) 227-2683, thecove.us
The Cove has long been an outdoor haven for San Antonians, and for good reason. Its spacious patio accommodates those looking to enjoy the weather, plus it has a play area with plenty of room for kids to have a blast. Be sure to check out the Texas bar, which offers over 40 Texas craft brews.
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