21 Essential Culebra Restaurants You Should've Tried By Now

Asia Chinese Cuisine
8035 Culebra Road #107, (210) 680-7323, asiachinesecuisine.com
This neighborhood joint has a following, and should be your go-to for Chinese if you’re in the area. With classic dishes like kung pao chicken, beef broccoli and szechuan shrimp, Asia Chinese Cuisine is a cozy spot that everyone in the family will love.
Photo via Yelp / Jeffrey K.

Barrio Barista
3735 Culebra Road, (210) 519-5403, barriobarista.coffee
This rustic-chic cafe is one of the few local coffee spots on the West Side, and even then it’s beloved by San Antonians from all over. Known for its prized barbacoa grilled cheese sandwiches, Barrio Barista is good for your morning joe and a sinfully delicious lunch.
Photo via Instagram / stine.eats

Umberto's Italian Grill
7616 Culebra Road, (210) 684-4747, umbertositaliangrill.net
Just outside the loop you’ll find this unassuming spot serving scrumptious Italian fare. Located in a strip mall, Umberto’s has all the traditional pastas, pies, seafood and even steaks that’ll have you saying “mamma mia!”
Photo via Instagram / sabryna_with_a_y

Hop & Vine
5619 W Loop 1604 N, (210) 878-4071, hopandvinesa.com
Though the technical address is on Loop 1604, this Alamo Ranch spot is right off of Culebra. A gastropub with industrial-chic decor, Hop & Vine brings craft beer (plus wine) and American comfort food to the area and thank goodness. This spot will quickly become a favorite of yours if it isn’t already.
Photo via Yelp / Susan B.

The Corner
8839 Culebra Rd #101, (210) 267-5479, thecornersa.com
If you don’t feel like heading into downtown to get boozy, hit up The Corner for some solid drinking options. Located in a strip mall, this watering hole is perfect for catching up with the crew and have space to post up for the evening. Beer lovers especially will love The Corner.
Photo via Instagram / cinderfoodie

La Sorrentina Italian Restaurant
3330 Culebra Road, (210) 549-0889, facebook.com
Don’t let the looks fool you here. This Culebra Road restaurant may be tiny, but it packs plenty of flavor into its dishes. If you’re hesitant to trust an Italian eatery in the West Side, order the lasagna and finish your meal with the tiramisu and let them prove you wrong.
Photo via Instagram / whosvanessaa__

Al Carbon Pollos Asados
547 Culebra Road, (210) 737-7400
You’ll go for the chicken, but order much more tasty food once you’re there. This hidden gem is one of those spots that’s cash only, but totally worth going to the bank to pull out the funds. On top of being super affordable, the half chicken is plenty filling and is paired beautifully with the rice and beans.
Photo via Instagram / pjstephen

Mariscos Del Puerto
10430 Culebra Road, (210) 637-9404
This unassuming Mexican seafood house has plenty of options for you to choose from, including raw oysters. A hole-in-the-wall for sure, venture inside and let the flavorful bites convince you that Mariscos Del Puerto shouldn’t be ignored.
Photo via Yelp / David B.

Susie's Lumpia House
8923 Culebra Road, (210) 616-4354, facebook.com/SusiesLumpiaHouse
If you’re unfamiliar with what lumpia are, consider Susie’s a great place to introduce yourself to these Filipino spring rolls. Susie’s makes all kinds of Filipino fare, so fans of the cuisine should get their fix here while unexperienced eaters should get get familiar here.
Photo via Instagram / lewsr

Thai Hot
8333 Culebra Road Suite 205, (210) 314-4508, thaihotsanantonio.com
Get your fix for Thai deliciousness with this Culebra eatery’s selection of curries and stir-fries. Consider the lunch specials just the cherry on top. Just be sure to call ahead as they’re not always open when they say they are.
Photo via Instagram / primadonnah01

Tropic Express
10167 Culebra Road, (210) 522-0608, facebook.com/tropicexpress
You might expect something else with the name “Tropic Express,” but this spot has got you covered. With snacks for whatever flavor you’re craving something sweet or spicy, Tropic Express is a solid spot to take the family when you feel like munching on puro snacks like a mangonada or nacheetos (nachos mixed with Hot Cheetos).
Photo via Instagram / raw_sen

RJ's Snack Shack
3644 Culebra Road, (210) 438-8848
Snack shacks/stands/shops may be bountiful throughout San Antonio, but RJ’s in the West Side can hold its own. Go for something more filling – like the tasty burger – or go for something lighter like the jalapeño bombers. No matter what, you better get a raspa.
Photo via Facebook / Letty Moncada

Rocotos Grill
10555 Culebra Road, (210) 521-4367, rocotosgrill.com
This Latin-American cafe specializes in Peruvian bites and charbroiled chicken, so your taste buds will be satisfied. For authentic bites and a taste of Peru, choose from a variety of piqueo, chicharron, and more.
Photo via Yelp / Alfredo M.

Medieval Grille
3695 Culebra Road, (210) 433-6373, medievalgrillesa3695.business.site
The name might be deceiving, but Medieval Grille is actually a super tasty barbecue joint. With no grill in sight, this Culebra Road joint is worth turning your head and stopping in. When you do, you’ll be right in ordering the pork ribs and creamed corn for your first visit. Pitmaster Margaret Medina has you covered on both fronts.
Photo via Google Maps / Margaret Medina

Happy Guy Chinese Cuisine
8373 Culebra Road, (210) 520-1728, happyguy-sanantonio.com
Complete with Buddha statues and traditional Chinese art, Happy Guy has its fans that have been visiting the eatery for more than 20 years. If you’re new to the party, you’ll enjoy the traditional Chinese dishes and excellent service – or maybe you won’t. Honestly, you’ll either love or hate this place – swing by to find out which side you fall on.
Photo via Yelp / Carmen S.

Hon Machi Sushi And Steak
11026 Culebra Road, (210) 272-0440, honmachisteaksushi.com
Texans love them some meat, and that should include Japanese meats. You’ll be able to score authentic eats with Hon Machi’s bento boxes, sushi and grilled meats! Though a little pricier, these meats grilled specially for you are worth the extra bucks.
Photo via Yelp / Michelle A.

Restaurante EL D.F.
4119 Culebra Road, (210) 431-0157, eldfensanantonio.com
Expect all the usual Mexican bites of Mexico City, and expect them to be hella good at El D.F. Because they totally are. The spirit of D.F. lives at this Culebra Road spot with menu items like the morcon (pig cheek) taco. Trust the taco experts here, this place is worth the drive for those across town. Those in the neighborhood should consider themselves blessed.
Photo via Yelp / Amy T.

Stump's Steak House Grill
15245 W FM 471 (the county name for Culebra Road), (210) 688-3402
Though SA has its share of steakhouses, Stump’s is a solid choice for those outside of 1604 who wanting to get their meat on. Open for breakfast and lunch, you can also score burgers, sandwiches and even Mexican dishes.
Photo via Yelp / Kenneth L.

La Garita International Food Market
8333 Culebra Road #104, (210) 375-3187, facebook.com
Closed on Sundays and open just 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. the rest of the week, you’ll have to plan your visit to La Garita. But at least you knock out two birds with one stone as this spot is not only a market for various international items, but it also serves up authentic Puerto Rican fare that’ll have natives feel like they’re back on the island – or at least closer to home.
Photo via Instagram / sanantoniostephanie

BobaTea Garden
8333 Culebra Road Suite 204A, (210) 592-1885, bobateagarden.com
Boba tea might take center stage in the name, but this Culebra Road spot is all about Vietnamese fare, too. With plenty of vegetarian options, you’ll find BobaTea Garden plenty tasty. For food that tastes good and makes you feel good, be sure to give it a shot – you won’t regret it.
Photo via Instagram / unkristables