The 23 most over-the-top restaurants in San Antonio
The Alamo City is a food city, and we also like to do things up big.
That means we've got no shortage of over-the-top dining and drinking experiences. By "over-the-top," we mean anything from extraordinary interiors to crazy uniforms to plus-size food servings where quantity is a quality all in itself.
We gathered 23 local spots that offer something wild for those of you like your food with a side of freaky.
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Battalion
604 S Alamo St, (210) 816-0088, battalionsa.com
This Italian-inspired eatery is housed in a revamped fire station, with fancy AF details and an over-the-top, oversized lollipop, perfectly suited for a ‘gram or two..
Photo via Instagram /
battalionsa
RD Speakeasy
8400 N New Braunfels Ave, (210) 824-0116, facebook.com/rdspeakeasy
True to the speakeasies from generations ago, the only way to gain access to this north central hidden bar is to text a special phone number and await instructions. Utter the secret password sent to you at arrival, and be led to a sexy little hideaway — replete with expertly-crafted cocktails, to boot.
Photo via Instagram /
atanotherangle
Best Quality Daughter
602 Avenue A, (210) 819-4236, bestqualitydaughter.com
This “New Asian-American” spot at the popular Pearl complex has arguably the most over-the-top SA-focused decor in town. Custom wallpaper features Alamo City landmarks in punchy colors to augment your culinary experience and panda pinatas occupy random seats to encourage social distancing.
Photo via Instagram /
s.a.foodie
Josephine Street
400 E Josephine St, (210) 224-6169, josephinestreet.com
Known for its steaks and the huge oak tree growing through the floor, Josephine Street is a must for adventurous SA diners. Swing by for a happy hour tipple and a selfie with the centerpiece oak.
Photo via Instagram /
thetexasexperience
Magic Time Machine
902 NE Loop 410,, (210) 828-1478, magictimemachine.com
Magic Time Machine is probably the only place in SA where your dinner can be served by any number of celeb lookalikes, from Nacho Libre to Black Widow to Scooby Doo compadres Shaggy and Velma. The food ain’t nothing to write home about, but the experience is certainly over-the-top.
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moneyshotphoto
Papa Dante's
8607 FM1976, (210) 658-5261, papadantes.com
This small, family-owned Italian joint offers huge portions and a dining area that features walls 100% covered in movie and sports memorabilia. Those with short attention spans might shy away from bringing a date here… you won’t be able to stop looking at the over-the-top decor.
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hazel.bone_
Buckhorn Saloon and Museum
318 E Houston St, (210) 247-4000, buckhornmuseum.com
Belly up to the bar at the “oldest saloon in Texas,” surrounded by hundreds of mounted taxidermy animal busts — if that’s your thing. The historic bar is purportedly whereTeddy Roosevelt recruited Rough Riders and Pancho Villa planned the Mexican Revolution, so history buffs who like to imbibe will feel right at home.
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visitsanantoniotx
Mi Tierra Cafe y Panaderia
218 Produce Row, (210) 239-9215, mitierracafe.com
Mi Tierra needs no introduction. Pedro and Cruz Cortez opened a three-table cafe in 1941, serving farmers and workers in the mercado. The rest, they say, is history. The now-famous landmark has seen much success, being a go-to for locals and tourists alike.
Photo via Instagram /
sugar_alice
De Wese’s Tip Top Cafe
2814 Fredericksburg Road, (210) 732-0191, facebook.com/tiptopcafesanantonio
This comfort food staple serves up over-the-top chicken fried steaks that hang clear off the plate. For cozy eats and comfy vibes, Tip Top is where it’s at.
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anthony.espinoza311
Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery
136 E. Grayson St, (210) 455-5701, .southerleigh.com
Dine on Southerleigh’s elevated southern fare in the historic building that once housed Pearl Brewery. Just look around for unique brewery-focused details.
Photo via Instagram /
southerleigh
