20 underrated San Antonio restaurants you should have tried by now

El Chivito Tortas Ahogadas
Multiple Locations, 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 / el_chivito_tortas_ahogadas

BBQLIFE By Chris
902 S W.W. 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

Che’s Chicken & Burgers
4303 S. Presa St. #1045, (210) 533-7989
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 / catataf1sh

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

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

Pacific Moon
15140 San Pedro Avenue, (210) 402-3411, pacificmoonsa.com
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 you’re craving great food.
Photo via Instagram / belperez143

El Ceviche de Waldito
5526 Evers Rd., (210) 214-7812, elcevichedewaldito.com
El Ceviche de Waldito aims to transport guests to Peru and other South American destinations. From hearty entrees to sandwiches — and the eatery’s namesake ceviches — this Leon Valley-area spot has no shortage of fresh Latin eats to offer.
Photo via Instagram / travel_satx

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. 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

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 its 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

Thai Lucky
102 Navarro St., (210) 888-1096, thailuckysushibar.com
This downtown spot at Navarro and South St. Mary’s offers low-key sushi rolls, sashimi, nigiri, chirashi bowls and more elaborate specialty rolls in an inviting space. Don’t sleep on the spring rolls.
Photo via Instagram / thailuckysushibar

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 Google Maps

Mrs. Kitchen Soul Food Restaurant
5237 Walzem Rd., (210) 549-4392, mrskitchensoulfoodrestaurant.com
This eatery started in a cottage near downtown, but now slings heaping portions of fried chicken, cornbread, macaroni and cheese, candied yams, meatloaf and collard greens in a new-ish location on Walzem Road.
Photo via Instagram / little.mama.eats

Cypress Cafe
1222 N. Main Ave., (210) 225-8593, facebook.com/Cypress-cafe-273289429509756
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 a menu of yummy Korean bites like bulgogi and savory bibimbap.
Photo via Instagram / cypresscafemimi

Pho Win
12830 Silicon Dr #102, (210) 731-2917, facebook.com/phowinsa
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 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

Gorditas Mi Torreón
5201 S. Flores St., (210) 908-9617, gorditasmitorreon.negocio.site
It's cheap. It's good. And it's authentic. Gorditos Mi Torreón serves up guisos like asado, chicharron, and papas rojas, and all for $3. Don't forget to pair your order with one of their authentic Mexican sodas or freshly squeezed juices.
Photo via Instagram / gorditas_mi_torreon

Oblate Cafe
904 Oblate Dr., (210) 826-3363, facebook.com/Oblate-Cafe-113623798672199
Oblate Cafe is the quintessential hole-in-the-wall diner, offering no-frills and amazing food. Everything from their burgers to their Mexican food plates — and even desserts — will have you coming back for more. It’s super reasonably priced too!
Photo via Facebook / Oblate Cafe

Chelita's
550 Old Hwy 90 W, (210) 687-7237, facebook.com/Chelitas-mexican-restaurant-1594041214181428
Chelita’s should definitely be the next spot you check out when you're craving authentic — and damn good — Mexican food.
Photo via Instagram / empower123followme

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 Google Maps

Kenny’s Burgers
1927 Goliad Road, (210) 337-1355, facebook.com/kennysburgers
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 Kenny’s Burgers.
Photo via Instagram / ezrasanchez40

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 / _bdh_2