20 Underrated San Antonio Restaurants You Should've Tried By Now

Nelson’s BBQ
7327 N Loop 1604 E, (210) 473-4988, facebook.com
Though working out of a food truck, Nelson’s can hold its own on the BBQ front. In addition to the traditional smoked meats like brisket and pulled pork, this mobile venture also offers Southern and comfort fare. To get the best of both worlds, try the Nasty Nate – brisket smothered in mac ‘n’ cheese and nestled inbetween two slices of buttered Texas toast.
Photo via Instagram / nelsonsbbq

El Ceviche De Waldito
5526 Evers Rd, (210) 681-8100, facebook.com
If you need some Peruvian fare in your life, this Evers Road outpost has everything you need. Packed full of flavor, these dishes give a taste of Peru to those familiar to the cuisine as well as those trying the fare for the first time. With a tiny buffett set out every day, you’ll feel right at home here.
Photo via Instagram / thenicolai

Berni Vietnamese Restaurant
8742 Wurzbach Rd, (210) 485-5982, facebook.com
Authentic Vietnamese food is hard to come by, but found at Berni. No matter what you wish to try here, you’ll have to make it a point to order the pho. It’s cooked from beef bone for 18 hours to enhance the aroma and flavor. That’s how you can trust it to be oh so good.
Photo via Instagram / lizarrdqueen

Moroccan Bites
5714 Evers Rd, (210) 706-9700
As San Antonio’s only Moroccan venture, Moroccan Bites doesn’t have much competition. Still, the international spot holds its own among SA’s food scene. On top of have super flavor, homemade food, the service is super friendly and the prices are reasonable. What more could you want?
Photo via Instagram / s.a.foodie

Bangkok 54 Thai Cuisine
2515 Nacogdoches Rd, (210) 822-5454, bangkok54texas.com
Plenty of SA’s Thai restaurants have their respective following, but we felt the need to give a shoutout to Bangkok 54. Comfy dining and tasty food will make you coming back for the house specialties – from duck soup to pineapple fried rice and crying tiger steak.
Photo via Instagram / kristi.tansilia

Panchos and Gringos
900 Nolan St, (210) 227-6700
Let the name be a clue to the menu – you’ll find both Mexican specialties and American dishes here. Whether you want food comforting like mama’s cooking (at least close) or legit comfort food, this SA outpost brings the best of both worlds. Though open for all three meals, you’ll definitely want to visit for breakfast.
Photo via Instagram / mazeltavo

Ming’s Noodle Bar
5253 McCullough, (210) 564-9349, mingsthing.com
Not to be confused with Ming’s Thing, a catering effort from Chef Ming, this noodle bar is everything you need for delicious noodles the way you like them. Choose from the traditional miso or go for something more adventurous, like the spicy coconut noodles. You can also enjoy steamed buns in plenty of varieties, so go ahead and mix & match until you find your perfect pair.
Photo via Instagram / maryrugraham

Julian’s Italian Pizzeria & Kitchen
Multiple locations, julianspizzeria.com
With one location in Alamo Heights and another on West Ave., Julian’s is still growing and making a presence in San Antonio since opening in 2006. Taste the homemade and made-to-order dishes and you’ll see why Julian’s is on the up.
Photo via Instagram / princesslippylip

Lula’s Mexican Cafe
115 E Travis St #104, (210) 472-3300
You very well may have unknowingly passed by this eatery – but we promise it’s more than worth a visit. The puffy tacos are always a solid choice, but honestly you can’t go wrong here. If you have guests in town and want them to experience authentic fare on the River Walk, this should definitely be on your shortlist.
Photo via Instagram / hkcheung24

Dallah Mediterranean Cuisine
5450 Babcock Rd #112, (210) 233-9574
Shawarma, shawarma, shawarma! You’ll find that and more Mediterranean goodness – like spanikopita, dolma, gyros and mussaka– here at this Northwest side spot. Just be sure to complete your meal with a kabab.
Photo via Instagram / j_delaaa

Maar’s Pizza & More
14218 Nacogdoches Rd, (210) 599-7400, maarspizzaandmore.com
This family-owned pizza spot means you’re getting the very best. At Maar’s, you’ll get just that. The family cooks up pizza made just right, as well as original creations like jalapeño cheddar meteor-bites and – wait for it – brisket pizza.
Photo via Instagram / afterpartyweekend

Williams Confectionery Crafts
12107 Toepperwein Rd # 5A, Live Oak, (210) 967-5200
This Live Oak has its share of fans, but for those that have yet to discover Williams Confectionery Crafts on your own – here you go. Regarded as having some of the best chicken fried steak in the city, clueless San Antonians need to visit this spot when in need of classic eats.
Photo via Instagram / david.alanis.9

Umberto’s Italian Grill
7616 Culebra Rd, (210) 684-4747, umbertositaliangrill.net
San Antonio may have its fair share of Italian eateries, but Umberto’s more than makes it mark on the food scene. Expect all the traditional Italian dishes you know and love, as well as options with mussels and veal.
Photo via Instagram / breaking.bread.in.sa

Rosie’s Cafe
6507 S Flores St, (210) 924-8282
First things first: you know the tacos are A1 when the place is cash only. Funny-but-true-stereotype aside, Rosie’s knows how to make all the Mexican eats (tacos especially!) just like your abuela. We’re only being a little bit dramatic when we say Rosie’s might just have the best frijoles in town. Wanna bet? Stop by and taste for yourself.
Photo via Instagram / lokisblunttothef

Courtyard Cafe
7600 Eckhert Rd, (210) 370-3779, courtyardcafeleonvalley.com
Brave the strict traffic laws of Leon Valley and venture out to Courtyard Cafe. The daily lunch specials – meatloaf, chicken fried chicken, salmon fettuccine to name a few – offer everything you could ever want in a quick meal, though you may want to enjoy every bite and the ambiance. Perhaps one of the fajita wraps to get you started?
Photo via Instagram / breaking.bread.in.sa

T Jin’s China Diner
Multiple locations, tjinus281.com
With several outposts at 151 & 410 as well as 281 and Evans Road, T Jin’s brings classic Chinese fare from traditional plates to less-commonly-found options like curry and egg foo young. If you’re picky about your chicken quality, T Jin’s uses white meat only.
Photo via Instagram / marcusprime

The Last Slice
3021 MacArthur View, (210) 994-5661, thelastslice.net
Order by the slice (duh) or by the pie – there’s even happy hour! Pair your pie with wings or a sub for a true feast. Best yet, you can feast on this goodness via DoorDash.
Photo via Instagram / franktheref

Bayseas Catfish House
13954 Nacogdoches Rd, (210) 314-5219, bayseascatfishhouse.com
If seafood is your thing, you’ll definitely want to check out Bayseas if you haven’t already. Operating since 1975, this Nacogdoches spot offers lunch and dinner specials daily (but closed Mondays), offering both land and sea options. Get extra wild and order the alligator plate.
Photo via Instagram / kevinm40

Azro
2211 NW Military Hwy #131, (210) 342-0011, azroafghancuisine.com
This eatery may have a following on its own, but more of y’all definitely need to check out this Castle Hills spot. Azro brings Afghan cuisine to the Alamo City – and thank goodness. Stick to a safe option like one of the kababs, or take advantage of the veg plates.
Photo via Instagram / eatablemedia

Casa Del Kabob
1027 SW Military Dr, (210) 921-1200, facebook.com
A South Side gem, Casa Del Kabob offers gyro varieties, wraps, and the can’t-miss lamb shank. It may look intimidating, but we bet you’ll eat it down to the bone and still crave more.
Photo via Instagram / nadizombie