20 San Antonio restaurants with cult-like followings

Mr. Juicy
3315 San Pedro Ave., instagram.com/mrjuicyburger
Mr. Juicy launched as a burger joint, but what keeps people coming back right now is its new chicken fried steak. Earlier this year, the spot introduced the new menu item and was overrun with excited diners, which even forced the restaurant to close briefly. Placed on a bed of fries and topped with an au poivre sauce, the chicken fried steak’s intense popularity actually led to its brief removal from the menu so that staff could get a break from its high demand. Fortunately, the meal returned in August, but is only available during lunch hours, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Bakery Lorraine
Multiple locations, bakerylorraine.com
While many people recognize Bakery Lorraine for its rainbow-hued selection of macarons, the spot’s pop pastries have become a hit. One bite of these and store-bought Pop Tarts will be a thing of the past.

Delia’s
13527 Hausman Pass, (210) 864-1111, deliastamales.com
When this RGV fixture finally opened a storefront in SA, folks formed long lines looking to score a dozen tamales. Delia’s offers classic options like pork, chicken and Veracruzano, but it’s possible to kick things up a notch with a specialty order, like chicken and cheese cooked in green sauce. If a trip to the Hausman location isn’t in the cards, Delia’s tamales are still on the menu, since the chain ships nationwide.

Chris Madrid’s
1900 Blanco Road, (210) 735-3552, chrismadrids.com
Chris Madrid’s is known for its signature tostada burgers, which are topped with homemade refried beans, chips, onions and melted cheddar cheese. All burgers on the menu — from the classic Old Fashioned burger to a Flaming Jalapeño Cheddar variation — can be ordered as a regular 1/4 lb., or upped to the 1/2 lb. macho style.

Bobbie’s Cafe
6728 S. Flores St., (210) 923-1158, bobbiescafe.com
Now operated by the descendants of the original owners, Bobbie’s Cafe has been “cookin’ with love” since 1972. The restaurant’s homestyle meals include everything from brunch and Tex-Mex dishes to killer burgers and fish plates.

Original Donut Shop
3307 Fredericksburg Road, (210) 734-5661, facebook.com/theoriginaldonutshop
Known and prized for its donuts and breakfast tacos, Original Donut Shop has become a staple on Fredericksburg Road. The shop draws long lines — we’re talking a trail of cars along the road — especially on the weekends. Consider this hotspot a rite of passage for transplant foodies and puro San Antonians alike.

Mama’s Cafe
2442 Nacogdoches Road, (210) 826-8303, mamascafesa.com
Mama’s Cafe offers classic Southern comfort food made from scratch in an old-fashioned diner setting. Stop by for a brunch of biscuits and gravy or buttermilk pancakes.

Ray's Drive Inn
822 SW 19th St., (210) 432-7171, raysdriveinn.net
This San Antonio staple is home to the original puffy taco — and has a patent to prove it. From their signature puffy tacos to classic plates like enchiladas and carne guisada, it’s clear this local mainstay knows their stuff. The drive-thru institution, housed on the West Side, also serves up tasty burgers and hot dogs.

De Wese's Tip Top Cafe
2814 Fredericksburg Road, (210) 732-0191, tiptopcafesa.com
Open since 1938, De Wese’s has perfected its menu over three generations of serving San Antonians. Grab a seat in the old-school diner, enjoy some classic comfort food and prepare to finish off the meal with one of the cafe’s irresistible pies.

Chatman’s Chicken
1747 S. W.W. White Road, (210) 359-0245, facebook.com/p/Chatmans-Chicken-100063501675540
Who would’ve known that getting to fried food heaven meant looking no further than the East Side? You can’t go wrong with the fried chicken here, and the restaurant has a great variety of homemade sides like mashed potatoes and coleslaw to pair it with.

Maria’s Cafe
1105 Nogalitos St., (210) 227-7005
Maria’s Cafe has been recognized by locals and heavy-hitters alike — just ask the New York Times — for its huge menu of customer-inspired taco combinations and cozy atmosphere. While any of the menu offerings are delectable and expertly-seasoned, we’re partial to the uber-tender carne guisada with melty cheese and super spicy green salsa.

Youz Guyz South Philly Cheesesteaks
316 Pat Booker Road, Universal City, (210) 659-8930, youzguyzcheesesteaks.com
This may be Texas, but the flavors of South Philly are alive and well over at Youz Guyz. Inspired by the food scene and culture of Philadelphia, Jimmy and Kathy De Laurentis operate this authentic joint, where you can score hefty cheesesteaks and hoagies. Make sure to order one of the Italian ices for the well-rounded Philly experience.

M.K. Davis Restaurant & Bar
1302 N. Flores St., (210) 223-1208, facebook.com/mkdavisrestaurant
This family-owned restaurant specializes in serving up steaks, seafood and Mexican food to hungry San Antonians. What started in 1956 with picnic tables and ice-cold beers is now an Alamo City classic with both food and an atmosphere that remains true to the restaurant’s family roots.

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 intense fare.

Los Barrios
4223 Blanco Road, (210) 732-6017, losbarriosrestaurant.com
Los Barrios has been serving its “Casero Style” eats to San Antonians since 1979. The restaurant’s massive menu means it’s not hard to find a new favorite, plus there’s a selection of affordable lunch specials.

Taquitos West Avenue
2818 West Ave., (210) 525-9888, facebook.com/TaquitosWestAvenue1
Foodies in the know consider this taquito spot — which offers a steady lineup of meats — to be just as authentic as a vendor you would find in Mexico. So there’s no need to cross the border, just indulge at this local favorite, which was voted the Best Tacos in SA by Current readers from 2019-2021.

Simi's India Cuisine
4535 Fredericksburg Road #109, (210) 737-3166, facebook.com/p/Simis-India-Cuisine-100064028920187
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 many locals.

Ma Harper's Creole Kitchen
1816 N. New Braunfels Ave., (210) 226-2200, facebook.com/maharperscreolekitchen
Owned by New Orleans native Alice “Ma” Harper, who learned to cook when she needed to help feed her 15 siblings, this Creole kitchen has been serving — and satisfying — local diners for decades. If you need any more reason to respect this badass chef, Harper turned to the food business after retiring from the U.S. Air Force. She was a mechanic for 21 years.

Pharm Table
611 S. Presa St.. Suite 106, (210) 802-1860, pharmtable.com
Founded in 2015 by acclaimed chef Elizabeth Johnson, Pharm Table is popular among health-conscious foodies for its innovative, locally-sourced menu, which rotates on a seasonal basis. The “globally inspired” plant-forward dishes on offer are thought through from farm to table and beyond — the restaurant supports regenerative farming and anaerobically composts all organic waste.

B & B Tamales and Food To Go
866 W. Mayfield Blvd., (210) 921-0847
While this little tamale shop may not look like much from the street, locals can attest to its craveable tamales and barbacoa, and the friendly staff. Be sure to stock up if you’re not in the neighborhood — we promise the tamales are just as tasty when you reheat them.