San Antonio has plenty of dining options to choose from, so you'd have to go out a lot to hit them all up. While you might have your go-to spots, venture out and explore some notable restaurants (and sometimes hidden gems) that you may or may not have had the pleasure to dine at just yet.
20 San Antonio Restaurants You Haven't Tried But Should
By San Antonio Current Staff on Thu, Feb 6, 2020 at 3:58 pm
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Thai Vegan
15614 Huebner Rd #113, (210) 257-0090, thaivegantx.com
San Antonio just can’t get enough Thai food. As you taste your way throughout all the local restaurants, be sure to make note of Thai Vegan. The outpost is regarded for its selection of dishes such as stir-fries, noodles, curries and even Asian-inspired wraps.
Photo via Instagram / jesselizarraras
15614 Huebner Rd #113, (210) 257-0090, thaivegantx.com
San Antonio just can’t get enough Thai food. As you taste your way throughout all the local restaurants, be sure to make note of Thai Vegan. The outpost is regarded for its selection of dishes such as stir-fries, noodles, curries and even Asian-inspired wraps.
Photo via Instagram / jesselizarraras
Li's Sichuan Restaurant
20330 Huebner Rd #106, (210) 499-0070, lissichuansa.com
If Sichuan fare has a special place in your heart — and your stomach — then you’ll want to visit Li’s if you haven’t already. The Stone Oak restaurant has a large selection of Pan-Asian dishes, like inventive sushi and Chinese favorites such as kung pao chicken. No matter which direction you go in for your meal, trust that it’ll hit the spot.
Photo via Yelp / Mengning L.
20330 Huebner Rd #106, (210) 499-0070, lissichuansa.com
If Sichuan fare has a special place in your heart — and your stomach — then you’ll want to visit Li’s if you haven’t already. The Stone Oak restaurant has a large selection of Pan-Asian dishes, like inventive sushi and Chinese favorites such as kung pao chicken. No matter which direction you go in for your meal, trust that it’ll hit the spot.
Photo via Yelp / Mengning L.
Chi Chi Birds Hot Chicken
Around SA, instagram.com/chichibirdshotchicken
If the Nashville hot chicken craze has yet to reach you, consider Chi Chi Birds the place to give you a proper introduction. The concept pops up around town, so be sure to track them down so you can get your hands on the juicy and spicy chicken that gets even better with every crunchy bite.
Photo via Instagram / chichibirdshotchicken
Around SA, instagram.com/chichibirdshotchicken
If the Nashville hot chicken craze has yet to reach you, consider Chi Chi Birds the place to give you a proper introduction. The concept pops up around town, so be sure to track them down so you can get your hands on the juicy and spicy chicken that gets even better with every crunchy bite.
Photo via Instagram / chichibirdshotchicken
Dim Sum Oriental Cuisine
2313 NW Military Hwy #125, (210) 340-0690
Dim Sum always hits the spot, doesn’t it? Such is especially the case when it comes from Dim Sum Oriental Cuisine. Order up a variety to share with the table so you can taste the best of the restaurant and determine a favorite. It’s not just dim sum here, but also lo mein, soups and meat-based plates paired with dried rice.
Photo by mgphototx via Instagram / medic740
2313 NW Military Hwy #125, (210) 340-0690
Dim Sum always hits the spot, doesn’t it? Such is especially the case when it comes from Dim Sum Oriental Cuisine. Order up a variety to share with the table so you can taste the best of the restaurant and determine a favorite. It’s not just dim sum here, but also lo mein, soups and meat-based plates paired with dried rice.
Photo by mgphototx via Instagram / medic740
El Pilon Sabor Boricua
1127 Harry Wurzbach Road, (210) 474-0578, elpilontx.com
This festive eatery is equally lively in its red and blue decor as it is with its plates. The quick-serve plates are as you’d find them in Puerto Rico, from a variety of mofongo to pollo asado. There’s also other Latino plates like Cuban sandwiches and carne frita.
Photo via Instagram / el.pilon
1127 Harry Wurzbach Road, (210) 474-0578, elpilontx.com
This festive eatery is equally lively in its red and blue decor as it is with its plates. The quick-serve plates are as you’d find them in Puerto Rico, from a variety of mofongo to pollo asado. There’s also other Latino plates like Cuban sandwiches and carne frita.
Photo via Instagram / el.pilon
El Remedio
2534 Babcock Road, (210) 981-9797, twitter.com/elremedio_sa
Plan ahead so you can catch this food truck that will definitely hit the spot every time. Just look at that! Do you really need any convincing? These Mexican bites are sinfully delicious, but we don’t think you’ll mind the extra calories when it tastes this good.
Photo via Instagram / sanantoniomunchies
2534 Babcock Road, (210) 981-9797, twitter.com/elremedio_sa
Plan ahead so you can catch this food truck that will definitely hit the spot every time. Just look at that! Do you really need any convincing? These Mexican bites are sinfully delicious, but we don’t think you’ll mind the extra calories when it tastes this good.
Photo via Instagram / sanantoniomunchies
Filé’s Burgers
543 Ceralvo St, (210) 267-1330, filesburgers.com
The restaurant may be small, but the flavors are mighty here. Filé’s Burgers, a family-owned eatery, brings juicy burgers made with fresh meat to the West Side. You can customize you burger or chicken sandwich with extras like bacon, grilled jalapeños or grilled onions. There’s also Tex-Mex favorites like nachos, tacos and chalupas.
Photo via Instagram / filesburgers
543 Ceralvo St, (210) 267-1330, filesburgers.com
The restaurant may be small, but the flavors are mighty here. Filé’s Burgers, a family-owned eatery, brings juicy burgers made with fresh meat to the West Side. You can customize you burger or chicken sandwich with extras like bacon, grilled jalapeños or grilled onions. There’s also Tex-Mex favorites like nachos, tacos and chalupas.
Photo via Instagram / filesburgers
African Village
10918 Wurzbach Rd #131, (210) 467-5102, africanvillage.business.site
Whether you’re acquainted with any of the cuisines to come from the continent of Africa or not, you’ll be happy dining at African Village. Specializing in Ethiopian fare, the Wurzbach Road spot serves up dishes like kinche and firfir.
Photo via Yelp / Stephen M.
10918 Wurzbach Rd #131, (210) 467-5102, africanvillage.business.site
Whether you’re acquainted with any of the cuisines to come from the continent of Africa or not, you’ll be happy dining at African Village. Specializing in Ethiopian fare, the Wurzbach Road spot serves up dishes like kinche and firfir.
Photo via Yelp / Stephen M.
225 Urban Smoke
1015 Rittiman Road #113, (210) 444-9956, 225urbansmoketx.com
Most local barbecue joints have a dedicated following, and Urban Smoke is no different. Folks already fans of this Rittiman Road restaurant know that the meats are smoked just right and the sides are made with love here. Brisket, smoked sausage, spare ribs, smoked chicken, pulled pork — take your pick and enjoy.
Photo via Instagram / illlkat
1015 Rittiman Road #113, (210) 444-9956, 225urbansmoketx.com
Most local barbecue joints have a dedicated following, and Urban Smoke is no different. Folks already fans of this Rittiman Road restaurant know that the meats are smoked just right and the sides are made with love here. Brisket, smoked sausage, spare ribs, smoked chicken, pulled pork — take your pick and enjoy.
Photo via Instagram / illlkat
JK’s Chicago Hot Dogs and Beef Sandwich
15711 San Pedro Ave, (210) 201-4030, jkchicagodogs.com
Could you use a hot dog in your life? Same. Do yourself a favor and head to JK’s Chicago Hot Dogs. The no-frills spot keeps it real with a selection of weiners and Italian sandwiches. Bring your appetite so you can have a bit of both.
Photo via Yelp / Alex S.
15711 San Pedro Ave, (210) 201-4030, jkchicagodogs.com
Could you use a hot dog in your life? Same. Do yourself a favor and head to JK’s Chicago Hot Dogs. The no-frills spot keeps it real with a selection of weiners and Italian sandwiches. Bring your appetite so you can have a bit of both.
Photo via Yelp / Alex S.
JY Ramen
5500 Babcock Road Ste116, (210) 462-9100, facebook.com/SANANTONIORAMENIN
San Antonio is home to plenty of delicious bowls of ramen. Whether you’re trying to taste them all or just want a little variety of your noodle endeavors, J Y Ramen holds it down. Located in a strip mall, this Medical Center eatery is also regarded for its small bites like seafood gyoza and spicy edamame.
Photo via Instagram / vichiee
5500 Babcock Road Ste116, (210) 462-9100, facebook.com/SANANTONIORAMENIN
San Antonio is home to plenty of delicious bowls of ramen. Whether you’re trying to taste them all or just want a little variety of your noodle endeavors, J Y Ramen holds it down. Located in a strip mall, this Medical Center eatery is also regarded for its small bites like seafood gyoza and spicy edamame.
Photo via Instagram / vichiee
Uncle Barney's Old Fashion Hamburgers
7015 Interstate 35 Access Road, (210) 922-6602
Sometimes you just need a juicy burger packed with flavor. When those come around, you’d be in good hands if you hit up Uncle Barney’s. This South Side spot keeps its burgers classic, but lets you have some fun with the choice of steak fries, onion rings or tater tots. If you’re really hungry, get the burger-hot dog combo.
Photo via Instagram / chriswiththecar
7015 Interstate 35 Access Road, (210) 922-6602
Sometimes you just need a juicy burger packed with flavor. When those come around, you’d be in good hands if you hit up Uncle Barney’s. This South Side spot keeps its burgers classic, but lets you have some fun with the choice of steak fries, onion rings or tater tots. If you’re really hungry, get the burger-hot dog combo.
Photo via Instagram / chriswiththecar
Pho Cong Ly
300 W Bitters Road, (210) 499-5572
This eatery may not look like much, but that’s how you know the food is gonna be bangin’. Stop in for Vietnamese classics like pho (duh), but also vermicelli bowls like bun bo xao. You’ll be glad you did.
Photo via Instagram / stine.eats
300 W Bitters Road, (210) 499-5572
This eatery may not look like much, but that’s how you know the food is gonna be bangin’. Stop in for Vietnamese classics like pho (duh), but also vermicelli bowls like bun bo xao. You’ll be glad you did.
Photo via Instagram / stine.eats
La Boriqueña
5718 Wurzbach Road, (832) 247-5513, instagram.com/borinquenarestaurant
Don’t let this simple dining space fool you. Though the interior may be tame and small, the flavors coming from the kitchen make La Boriqueña a must-try. You can’t go wrong with the churrasco or any of the mofongo dishes.
Photo via Instagram / borinquenarestaurant
5718 Wurzbach Road, (832) 247-5513, instagram.com/borinquenarestaurant
Don’t let this simple dining space fool you. Though the interior may be tame and small, the flavors coming from the kitchen make La Boriqueña a must-try. You can’t go wrong with the churrasco or any of the mofongo dishes.
Photo via Instagram / borinquenarestaurant
Ichiban Steak & Asian Fusion
8601 Huebner Road, (210) 641-1234, ichibansteakasianfusion.com
Can’t choose between meaty steaks and a selection of Asian dishes? We don’t blame you. You’ll be able to score all the meat you want, plus have the option to order from a variety of dishes like shrimp yaki saba noodles, tonkotsu ramen, teriyaki chicken and more. Bring your appetite, y’all.
Photo via Instagram / breaking.bread.in.sa
8601 Huebner Road, (210) 641-1234, ichibansteakasianfusion.com
Can’t choose between meaty steaks and a selection of Asian dishes? We don’t blame you. You’ll be able to score all the meat you want, plus have the option to order from a variety of dishes like shrimp yaki saba noodles, tonkotsu ramen, teriyaki chicken and more. Bring your appetite, y’all.
Photo via Instagram / breaking.bread.in.sa
Loop 107 Burgers, Bakery & More
11505 Loop 107, Adkins, (210) 649-2300, loop107burgers.com
Drive out to Adkins and you’ll be able to feast on American classics at this eatery. Loop 107 offers the goods, from the bacon cheeseburger and patty melt to the sloppy dog and Loop BLT. Be sure to get an order of Jimmy’s Kitchen Sink Fries for the table.
Photo via Yelp / Nichole C.
11505 Loop 107, Adkins, (210) 649-2300, loop107burgers.com
Drive out to Adkins and you’ll be able to feast on American classics at this eatery. Loop 107 offers the goods, from the bacon cheeseburger and patty melt to the sloppy dog and Loop BLT. Be sure to get an order of Jimmy’s Kitchen Sink Fries for the table.
Photo via Yelp / Nichole C.
Molino Rojo Cafe
13032 Nacogdoches Rd # 210, (210) 650-3366, facebook.com/romomolino
You may have your favorite taqueria or Tex-Mex cafe that you’re completely dedicated to, but sometimes you just need to branch out. If you’re ever hanging out in the neighborhood, consider stopping in at Molino Rojo. This strip mall cafe is all about Mexican bites and breakfast classics as well as friendly service.
Photo via Instagram / kborsey
13032 Nacogdoches Rd # 210, (210) 650-3366, facebook.com/romomolino
You may have your favorite taqueria or Tex-Mex cafe that you’re completely dedicated to, but sometimes you just need to branch out. If you’re ever hanging out in the neighborhood, consider stopping in at Molino Rojo. This strip mall cafe is all about Mexican bites and breakfast classics as well as friendly service.
Photo via Instagram / kborsey
Royal Pizza
4415 De Zavala Road, (210) 399-2220, royalpizzashavano.com
Scrumptious pizza isn’t hard to come by in San Antonio, but it’s easy to get stuck going to the same joints again and again. Stop by this strip mall pizzeria to try Swedish-style, thin-crust pizzas that you can custom to your liking with all the topping options. They also dish out calzones, strombolis as well as fun appetizers like spinach and ricotta rolls.
Photo via Instagram / royal_pizza_shavano_
4415 De Zavala Road, (210) 399-2220, royalpizzashavano.com
Scrumptious pizza isn’t hard to come by in San Antonio, but it’s easy to get stuck going to the same joints again and again. Stop by this strip mall pizzeria to try Swedish-style, thin-crust pizzas that you can custom to your liking with all the topping options. They also dish out calzones, strombolis as well as fun appetizers like spinach and ricotta rolls.
Photo via Instagram / royal_pizza_shavano_
Valentino the Bistro
14357 Blanco Road, (210) 314-7883, facebook.com/Valentinothebistro
While some Italian restaurants may be better publicized or have strengths that make them more visible, Valentino the Bistro remains a constant in the scene. From the mind of an authentic Italian, this North Side eatery keeps it real with its ever-changing menu that always includes a few classics and house specialties alike.
Photo via Yelp / L L.
14357 Blanco Road, (210) 314-7883, facebook.com/Valentinothebistro
While some Italian restaurants may be better publicized or have strengths that make them more visible, Valentino the Bistro remains a constant in the scene. From the mind of an authentic Italian, this North Side eatery keeps it real with its ever-changing menu that always includes a few classics and house specialties alike.
Photo via Yelp / L L.
Tacos El Pelon
2355 Goliad Road, (210) 459-3796, tacos-el-pelon-mexican-restaurant.business.site
Plenty of local spots serve up their take on street tacos, but we’re sure you won’t mind trying some fresh tacos you’ve never tried before. Choose from al pastor, tripas, barbacoa, buche or asada — or opt for a quesadilla, torta or burrito.
Photo via Instagram / j.with.an.e
2355 Goliad Road, (210) 459-3796, tacos-el-pelon-mexican-restaurant.business.site
Plenty of local spots serve up their take on street tacos, but we’re sure you won’t mind trying some fresh tacos you’ve never tried before. Choose from al pastor, tripas, barbacoa, buche or asada — or opt for a quesadilla, torta or burrito.
Photo via Instagram / j.with.an.e
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