20 under-the-radar San Antonio restaurants you should try right now

BBQLIFE By Chris
902 S WW White Rd, (210) 359-1511, facebook.com/bbqlifebychris
Every Alamo City resident has their “go-to” BBQ joint, but there’s no shame in trying something new every once in a while. Located in a former Sonic drive-thru, BBQLife By Chris offers a simple yet satisfying barbecue. From fall-off-the-bone slow-smoked ribs to some classic texas brisket, try this spot once, and it may just become your new favorite.
Photo via Instagram / bbqlifebychris

Gorditas Mi Torreón
5201 S Flores St, (210) 908-9617, facebook.com/vaneemota82
It's cheap. It's good. And it's authentic. Gorditos Mi Torreón serves up guisos like asado, frijoles con queso, and papas rojas, and all for under $3. Don't forget to pair your order with one of their authentic Mexican cokes or freshly squeezed juices.
Photo via Instagram / Gorditas_mi_torreon

Chelita's
550 Old Hwy 90 W, (210) 687-7237, facebook.com/Chelitas-mexican-restaurant
You may not have heard of it, but Chelita’s is one of the best Mexican restaurants in SA. Average 4.9 stars on Yelp, Chelita’s should definitely be the next spot you check out when your craving damn good enchiladas, tacos, or burritos gorditos.
Photo via Instagram / empower123followme

Oblate Cafe
904 Oblate Dr, (210) 826-3363, facebook.com/Oblate-cafe
Oblate Cafe is the quintessential hole-in-the-wall diner, offering no-frills and amazing food. It may have a limited menu, but everything from the Texas Style Steak Sandwich to their burgers will have you coming back for more. It’s super reasonably priced too!
Photo via Facebook / Oblate Cafe

Noodle Tree
7114 UTSA Boulevard, Suite 101, (210) 233-6371, noodletreetx.com
There's plenty of places to get noodles in SA, but next time, give Noodle Tree a try. This low-key spot and it's dedicated staff aim to deliver food experiences to sate all your noodly cravings. Pro tip: if there’s pork belly bao available, order it. Trust us on this.
Photo via Instagram / noodletreetx

Pacific Moon
15140 San Pedro Avenue, (210) 402-3411, facebook.com/PacificMoonSA
This late-night Asian Fusion eatery will hit the spot when you’re on the hunt for booze-filled nights. Flavorful and with a kick of spiciness, Pacific Moon is here for when your antojo strikes.
Photo via Instagram / spqr194

Mr. A-Ok’s Kitchen
5532 Walzem Rd, (210) 642-4181, mraokskitchen.com
San Antonio has no shortage of Southern food spots, and some are admittedly more well-known than others. Make it a point to give Mr. A-Ok's Kitchen, which recently moved to a new location, a try. This off-the-radar spot offers authentic recipes that will bring succulent dishes to your plate. Seriously, taste it for yourself and be sure to give kudos to Chef Steven Harris.
Photo via Instagram / marres09

B & B Tamales and Food To Go
866 W Mayfield Blvd, (210) 921-0847
It doesn’t matter if you’re in the mood for tamales or barbacoa, both are solid options here. Be sure to stock up if you’re not in the neighborhood, we promise they’re just as tasty when you reheat them.
Photo via Instagram / d_pintor

Kenny’s Burgers
1927 Goliad Road, (210) 337-1355, kennysburgers.com
This low key spot makes greasy burgers that hit the spot whenever you need something scrumptious, plus fries, tots, onion rings and even sweet potato fries. Yup, you don’t want to ignore this spot.
Photo via Instagram / tog218

El Chivito Tortas Ahogadas
204 Crossroads Blvd, Balcones Heights, (210) 369-9638, ahogadaselchivito.com
The flavors of Guadalajara can be found here in the Alamo City through these tortas ahogadas. Whether you’re Team Carnitas or Team Buche, you could easily get addicted to these flavors. Be sure to get a mangonada too!
Photo via Instagram / s.a.foodie

Cypress Cafe
1222 N Main Ave, (210) 225-8593, facebook.com/profile.php?id=10005734201423
While most downtown eateries take pride in being flashy, Cypress Cafe really isn’t about that. Hidden in a downtown basement, the cafe serves up selections like breakfast tacos and burgers, but also a menu of yummy Korean bites. So whether you start your day with a bean and cheese taco or fuel up at lunchtime with bulgogi, you can trust Cypress Cafe to come through.
Photo via Instagram / southtexasfoodie

The Shack
7431 Northwest Loop 410 #115, (210) 375-4097, theshacksatx.com
Previously housed in a convenience store, the Shack has found its home in this Westover Hills storefront. The Shack serves up delicious burgers, hot dogs and puro snacks like Frito pie and corn in a cup.
Photo via Instagram / theshacksatx

Che’s Chicken & Burgers
4303 S Presa St, (210) 533-7989, facebook.com/profile.php?id=120722514607084
Folks who have yet to stop by Che’s Chicken are seriously missing out. A dependable spot for fried chicken, gizzards, fish and sides to match, this gem will quickly become a favorite of yours for whenever you just want some tasty food.
Photo via Instagram / stine.eats

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.
Photo via Instagram / eat_it_b

Four Kings
2047 Universal City Blvd, Universal City, (210) 687-6649, fourkings.letseat.at
It may not be often that you find yourself in Universal City, but now you know there’s somewhere for you to chow down in the neighborhood. The joint bakery-cafe serves up sandwiches using bread that's baked fresh daily as well as soups made from scratch, decadent salads and of course lots of sweets that are definitely a don’t-miss.
Photo via Instagram / itssprinklesyall

Pho Win
12830 Silicon Dr #102, (210) 731-2917, phowinsa.com
Pho is always a solid dining option, so you’re doing yourself a favor if you slurp up every bowl of this goodness that you can get your hands on. Be sure to add Pho Win to your pho bucket list, as this joint offers up 16 varieties of pho — from meatball and brisket to grilled pork and seafood. Plus, this spot also serves a number of other Vietnamese dishes in case you want to change it up a bit.
Photo via Instagram / sa.suaveeats

Wu’s Kitchen
15179 Judson Road #105, (210) 650-8888, wuskitchentx.com
If you find yourself in the Judson area, you’ll be smart to stop in at Wu’s Kitchen for your fix of Chinese dishes. The sizable menu features all of the classic meals you know and love – from beef chow mein and sweet & sour shrimp to moo goo gai pan. Bring your appetite though, ‘cause you’ll definitely want to order lots of appetizers like dumplings and crab rangoons.
Photo via Instagram / let.bernal

Kai Japanese Sushi Restaurant
2535 Northwest Loop 410, (210) 340-8888, kaisushisa.com
You’ve probably seen it thousands of times while driving on Loop 410 but never bothered to stop by. Operating from the former Tom’s Ribs, this informal spot serves traditional sushi rolls and other Pan-Asian dishes. There’s also a mix of poke bowls, stir-fry dishes, Chinese plates and even some bento boxes.
Photo via Instagram / luscious_minx

Abel’s Diner
17327 N Interstate 35 Frontage Rd #200, Schertz, (210) 651-9606, abelsdiner.com
This Schertz diner offers classic American fare with daily specials and a retro-themed space. It may be a bit off the radar, but it’s the perfect stop the next time you’re heading up I-35.
Photo via Instagram / i_eat_texas

Taqueria Atotonilco
3431 W Commerce St, (210) 227-8090, facebook.com/Taqueria-Atotonilco-155602537818077
Located in Prospect Hill, this taqueria serves up tacos packed with flavor. Whether you’re stopping by for breakfast tacos or want some tasty street tacos for lunch, Atotonilco knows what they’re doing.
Photo via Instagram / tacoist