Over recent years, San Antonio has racked up plenty of recognition for being a culinary destination. No small part of that comes down to the sheer volume of dishes and drinks our city either invented, made famous or elevated to new heights.
From spicy and savory to fruity and boozy, these are 20 of the most puro San Antonio food and drink options that define our city. Some were created here, while others are just so intertwined with our culture that, hell, they may as well have been.
20 iconic San Antonio foods and drinks that show what our city is all about
By San Antonio Current Staff on Fri, Aug 5, 2022 at 4:35 pm
Tags:
- San Antonio,
- Texas,
- puro,
- puro San Antonio,
- iconic San Antonio foods,
- iconic,
- Chicken-on-a-stick,
- Pan dulce,
- Barbacoa and Big Red,
- Mangonadas,
- Mini tacos,
- street tacos,
- Fideo,
- Paletas,
- Breakfast tacos,
- Elote,
- Chispa,
- Puffy tacos,
- Pozole,
- Micheladas,
- Hot Cheetos with cheese,
- bunuelos,
- Tamales,
- Raspas,
- Pickle-flavor,
- pickle-flavored,
- Churros,
- Bean Burger
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Chicken-on-a-Stick
Fiesta favorite chicken-on-a-stick is basically the supreme food booth snack from all of Fiesta. San Antonians look forward to eating it all year, and usually commemorate their first chicken-on-a-stick of the season with a selfie. It’s inspired chicken-on-a-stick necklaces, earrings, stickers and more from local designers, and has appeared on menus across SA so folks can get their fix. Thank goodness for that.
Photo by Jaime Monzon
Fiesta favorite chicken-on-a-stick is basically the supreme food booth snack from all of Fiesta. San Antonians look forward to eating it all year, and usually commemorate their first chicken-on-a-stick of the season with a selfie. It’s inspired chicken-on-a-stick necklaces, earrings, stickers and more from local designers, and has appeared on menus across SA so folks can get their fix. Thank goodness for that.
Photo by Jaime Monzon
Pan Dulce
Head to the South Side or West Side and you’ll find panaderias on every other street. We’re grateful for that, given that pan dulce is a treat both as a sugary breakfast or post-meal dessert. In other parts of town, a solid panaderia is harder to come by, but with so many options across San Antonio you never have to go too far to get your hands on a delicious concha or maranito.
Photo via Instagram / elfolklorbakerysa
Head to the South Side or West Side and you’ll find panaderias on every other street. We’re grateful for that, given that pan dulce is a treat both as a sugary breakfast or post-meal dessert. In other parts of town, a solid panaderia is harder to come by, but with so many options across San Antonio you never have to go too far to get your hands on a delicious concha or maranito.
Photo via Instagram / elfolklorbakerysa
Barbacoa and Big Red
When a city hosts an entire festival dedicated to a food combination, you know it really loves that pairing. Such is the case with barbacoa and Big Red, a food and drink duo that San Antonians just can’t get enough of. Everyone has their favorite spot for barbacoa, choosing to enjoy it as a taco or on its own. Whether sobering up or just in the mood for good food, barbacoa and Big Red always hits the spot.
Photo via Instagram / atxfoodguy
When a city hosts an entire festival dedicated to a food combination, you know it really loves that pairing. Such is the case with barbacoa and Big Red, a food and drink duo that San Antonians just can’t get enough of. Everyone has their favorite spot for barbacoa, choosing to enjoy it as a taco or on its own. Whether sobering up or just in the mood for good food, barbacoa and Big Red always hits the spot.
Photo via Instagram / atxfoodguy
Mangonadas
San Antonio is known for getting mangonadas just right. This is especially the case for snack vendors who douse the treat in Tajin and chamoy to the point that the pica feels so, so good.
Photo via Instagram / hannahmayeats
San Antonio is known for getting mangonadas just right. This is especially the case for snack vendors who douse the treat in Tajin and chamoy to the point that the pica feels so, so good.
Photo via Instagram / hannahmayeats
Mini Tacos
Mini tacos, street tacos — whatever you call them, they’re delicious AF. With so many Mexican restaurants and taquerias boasting mini tacos on their menus, it’s not hard to find quality bites no matter what meat you prefer. Oh, and did we mention the bounty of taco trucks that post up throughout San Antonio serving up plate after plate? Yes, we’re definitely a taco city.
Photo via Instagram / culinary_discipletx
Mini tacos, street tacos — whatever you call them, they’re delicious AF. With so many Mexican restaurants and taquerias boasting mini tacos on their menus, it’s not hard to find quality bites no matter what meat you prefer. Oh, and did we mention the bounty of taco trucks that post up throughout San Antonio serving up plate after plate? Yes, we’re definitely a taco city.
Photo via Instagram / culinary_discipletx
Fideo
It’s the dish that everyone grew up eating on the regular. While everyone will claim that their mom/grandma/aunt makes it best, we can all agree that fideo just satisfies in a way not all foods can. Filling, piping hot and — if you're lucky — boasting the loco addition of beans and picadillo, this homey treat is comfort in a bowl.
Photo by Nina Rangel
It’s the dish that everyone grew up eating on the regular. While everyone will claim that their mom/grandma/aunt makes it best, we can all agree that fideo just satisfies in a way not all foods can. Filling, piping hot and — if you're lucky — boasting the loco addition of beans and picadillo, this homey treat is comfort in a bowl.
Photo by Nina Rangel
Paletas
Paletas are just one of those treats that are good no matter what time of year it is. Though obviously best during summer, these bars — usually either sweet or sour — come through for flavorful snacking that cools you down or just tastes delicious as heck.
Photo via Instagram / elparaisoicecream
Paletas are just one of those treats that are good no matter what time of year it is. Though obviously best during summer, these bars — usually either sweet or sour — come through for flavorful snacking that cools you down or just tastes delicious as heck.
Photo via Instagram / elparaisoicecream
Breakfast Tacos
While we won’t fight anyone to “claim” breakfast tacos anymore, it’s undeniable that breakfast tacos are crucial to San Antonio’s food landscape. With so many taquerias and Mexican restaurants as well as fillings to try out, eating a breakfast taco is never the same experience — unless you're dedicated to a specific combination, of course. So go ahead and eat all you desire, in the name of San Antonio.
Photo via Instagram / tias.tacohut
While we won’t fight anyone to “claim” breakfast tacos anymore, it’s undeniable that breakfast tacos are crucial to San Antonio’s food landscape. With so many taquerias and Mexican restaurants as well as fillings to try out, eating a breakfast taco is never the same experience — unless you're dedicated to a specific combination, of course. So go ahead and eat all you desire, in the name of San Antonio.
Photo via Instagram / tias.tacohut
Elote
Corn is just one of those snacks that San Antonians can’t get enough of, and we’re not just talking about plain old corn on the cob. We’re talking about decked out corn en el vaso, better known as elote with tons of toppings piled on. From chile powder to crema fresca, this classic snack is one that hits the spot when you’re in the mood for something small but flavorful.
Photo via Instagram / elotes_eljacalito
Corn is just one of those snacks that San Antonians can’t get enough of, and we’re not just talking about plain old corn on the cob. We’re talking about decked out corn en el vaso, better known as elote with tons of toppings piled on. From chile powder to crema fresca, this classic snack is one that hits the spot when you’re in the mood for something small but flavorful.
Photo via Instagram / elotes_eljacalito
Chispas
Chispa margaritas are a San Antonio staple, probably because they were born here. Refreshing enough to beat the Texas heat and tasty enough you could forget you’ve got booze in your cup, try not to chug this tasty tipple — it will sneak up on you.
Photo via Instagram / costapacificasa
Chispa margaritas are a San Antonio staple, probably because they were born here. Refreshing enough to beat the Texas heat and tasty enough you could forget you’ve got booze in your cup, try not to chug this tasty tipple — it will sneak up on you.
Photo via Instagram / costapacificasa
Puffy Tacos
If there’s one food that San Antonio can claim, it’s puffy tacos. Ray’s Drive Inn has claimed to have originally made the fluffy tortilla that holds the taco fillings, but many local institutions have perfected their take on the puffy taco. Henry’s Puffy Taco, a literal brother restaurant to Ray’s, is famous for the dish nationally, and has competition in Teka Molina, Los Barrios and Oscar’s Taco House, to name a few.
Photo via Instagram / travelingtastetester
If there’s one food that San Antonio can claim, it’s puffy tacos. Ray’s Drive Inn has claimed to have originally made the fluffy tortilla that holds the taco fillings, but many local institutions have perfected their take on the puffy taco. Henry’s Puffy Taco, a literal brother restaurant to Ray’s, is famous for the dish nationally, and has competition in Teka Molina, Los Barrios and Oscar’s Taco House, to name a few.
Photo via Instagram / travelingtastetester
Pozole
Consider pozole one of those dishes that people really, really love — but only if it’s made right. And by right, we mean either by someone in your family or a restaurant that makes it taste homemade. A favorite in colder months, pozole is made all the more special to each foodie depending on what items they throw in — from cabbage and radishes to avocado, if you’re about that life.
Photo via Instagram / paintbychewy
Consider pozole one of those dishes that people really, really love — but only if it’s made right. And by right, we mean either by someone in your family or a restaurant that makes it taste homemade. A favorite in colder months, pozole is made all the more special to each foodie depending on what items they throw in — from cabbage and radishes to avocado, if you’re about that life.
Photo via Instagram / paintbychewy
Micheladas
San Antonio loves a good Bloody Mary, but it isn’t the only savory cocktail in the spotlight. Whether you’re looking for a hangover cure or to spice up your brunch, a Michelada may be your best bet. The beer-based cocktail can be found all over town at eateries and drinkeries including Rosario’s and the Social Spot.
Photo via Instagram / social_spot_satx
San Antonio loves a good Bloody Mary, but it isn’t the only savory cocktail in the spotlight. Whether you’re looking for a hangover cure or to spice up your brunch, a Michelada may be your best bet. The beer-based cocktail can be found all over town at eateries and drinkeries including Rosario’s and the Social Spot.
Photo via Instagram / social_spot_satx
Hot Cheetos with Cheese
Any local can testify that they grew up on this iconic duo. Not only do ice cream trucks and snack shops sell the puro snack, it has also inspired restaurants to incorporate the duo into their menus, using Hot Cheetos on everything from burgers to pizza.
Photo via Instagram / chamoycitylimits
Any local can testify that they grew up on this iconic duo. Not only do ice cream trucks and snack shops sell the puro snack, it has also inspired restaurants to incorporate the duo into their menus, using Hot Cheetos on everything from burgers to pizza.
Photo via Instagram / chamoycitylimits
Buñuelos
Though a seasonal treat, San Antonians love for buñuelos knows no bounds. Whether someone in your family or a close friend makes them for you every year — or you have a go-to panaderia/molino where you’re willing to wait in line for them — these sugary discs are totally worth the mess they make.
Photo via Instagram / bunuelocompany
Though a seasonal treat, San Antonians love for buñuelos knows no bounds. Whether someone in your family or a close friend makes them for you every year — or you have a go-to panaderia/molino where you’re willing to wait in line for them — these sugary discs are totally worth the mess they make.
Photo via Instagram / bunuelocompany
Tamales
Tamales are loved by foodies near and far, but how many cities can have multiple tamal-focused events, featuring countless numbers of vendors? And that’s on top of all the families that make dozens of tamales that will last them a few weeks — though to be fair, that’s a Latinx thing. But overall, that’s San Antonio for you.
Photo via Instagram / deliastamales
Tamales are loved by foodies near and far, but how many cities can have multiple tamal-focused events, featuring countless numbers of vendors? And that’s on top of all the families that make dozens of tamales that will last them a few weeks — though to be fair, that’s a Latinx thing. But overall, that’s San Antonio for you.
Photo via Instagram / deliastamales
Raspas
Plenty of cities have their take on raspas, but not many do them like San Antonio does. Where else can you snag raspas stuffed with ice cream, dripping in syrup and other sauces plus topped with a variety of snacks — from sweet to spicy to sour? That's right: nowhere. It's a San Antonio thing.
Photo via Instagram / sams.snack.stand.shavedice
Plenty of cities have their take on raspas, but not many do them like San Antonio does. Where else can you snag raspas stuffed with ice cream, dripping in syrup and other sauces plus topped with a variety of snacks — from sweet to spicy to sour? That's right: nowhere. It's a San Antonio thing.
Photo via Instagram / sams.snack.stand.shavedice
Pickle-Flavored Anything
Pickles on their own are pretty great, but add them to other stuff or incorporate the tangy flavor in a new way and most San Antonians will love it. Whether it’s a paleta flavor or beer, you can’t go wrong with pickles in the Alamo City.
Photo via Instagram / elparaisoicecream
Pickles on their own are pretty great, but add them to other stuff or incorporate the tangy flavor in a new way and most San Antonians will love it. Whether it’s a paleta flavor or beer, you can’t go wrong with pickles in the Alamo City.
Photo via Instagram / elparaisoicecream
Churros
While churro-flavored snacks seem to be on the rise, churros on their own are pretty dang delicious. While there are dedicated churro vendors throughout the city (yes, it’s that serious), the sweet desserts are also found at panaderias and Mexican restaurants around town. So yes, we obviously really love them.
Photo via Instagram / ilovechurrosatx
While churro-flavored snacks seem to be on the rise, churros on their own are pretty dang delicious. While there are dedicated churro vendors throughout the city (yes, it’s that serious), the sweet desserts are also found at panaderias and Mexican restaurants around town. So yes, we obviously really love them.
Photo via Instagram / ilovechurrosatx
Bean Burger
A puro San Antonio creation, this burger topped with tortilla chips, diced onions, refried beans and cheese is an Alamo City favorite. Though its original creator is in dispute — both Sills Snack Shack’s Frank Sills and Taco Cabana’s Felix Stehling lay claim to the burger — the fact that it was born in SA is undeniable.
Photo via Instagram / chrismadrids
A puro San Antonio creation, this burger topped with tortilla chips, diced onions, refried beans and cheese is an Alamo City favorite. Though its original creator is in dispute — both Sills Snack Shack’s Frank Sills and Taco Cabana’s Felix Stehling lay claim to the burger — the fact that it was born in SA is undeniable.
Photo via Instagram / chrismadrids
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