25 Essential East Side San Antonio Restaurants You Should've Tried By Now

Chatman’s Chicken Restaurant
1747 S WW White Rd, (210) 359-0245
For fried chicken done right, you’ll want to get your ass to Chatman’s. This tiny spot serves up delicious chicken and homemade sides that can hold their own. Chatman’s has daily specials, too, as if you need any more reason to pay them a visit.
Photo via Instagram / rose_papi_bbsc

Radicke’s Bluebonnet Grill
237 N WW White Rd, (210) 337-4007, facebook.com
While grills are usually posh, Radicke’s keeps it simple with American comfort food. From burgers to meatloaf, there’s something on the menu for everyone. While they have daily specials, make it a point to try the jalapeño chicken sandwich.
Photo via Instagram / chrishowton

Dignowity Meats
1701 E Houston St, (210) 462-1496, dignowitymeats.com
If you’re a self-described carnivore, you should already know about this East Side spot. For those who haven’t had the pleasure, you can score perfectly-made meats, sandwiches and sides to match and scarf them down on some aesthetically-appropriate picnic tables.
Photo via Instagram / terramarkhomes

Mr. & Mrs. G’s Homecooking
2222 S WW White Rd, (210) 359-0002, facebook.com/MrandMrsGsHomeCookingandPastries
Not all soul food is created equal, and Mr. & Mrs. G’s is proof of that. This casual spot is all about homecooking with items like chitterlings, oxtails, salmon croquettes and desserts made from scratch. If you like your dinner fried or boiled, look no further.
Photo via Instagram / jesselizarraras

2M Smokehouse
2731 S WW White Rd, (210) 885-9352, 2msmokehouse.com
San Antonio has plenty of prized barbecue spots, and 2M is for sure one not to be missed. Pitmaster Esaul Ramos and co. dish out meaty favorites like pulled pork and brisket and pair them beautifully with classic sides. 2M may only be a few years old, but should be regarded with the utmost respect, y’all.
Photo via Instagram / 2msmokehouse

Sweet Yams
218 N Cherry St, (210) 229-9267, facebook.com/SweetYamsOrganic
Though only open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. five days of the week, Sweet Yams is worth making plans to visit. This funky cafe may be small, but the flavor is packin’ here. This health-conscious has plenty of organic, gluten-free, and vegan options that will make yourself so much easier if you’re not a meat-eater.
Photo via Instagram / fit.and.styled

Ruben’s Homemade Tamales
1807 Rigsby Ave, (210) 337-0025, facebook.com
When Ruben says he makes homemade tamales, he isn’t playing. Though most San Antonians have a tamale vendor they’re dedicated to, y’all need to try Ruben’s at some point. We won’t say much, except that you need have faith in us and try these. (You’re welcome.)
Photo via Instagram / wheresaeats

Pollos Asados Los Norteños
4642 Rigsby Ave, (210) 648-3303, facebook.com/polloslosnortenos
Do we even need to introduce Pollos Asados? Though known for playing with our hearts by opening and closing more often than we’d like, Pollos Asados is well-respected for its charbroiled chicken. Complimented perfectly with Mexican-style rice and beans, this spot is worth the drive – and wait – no matter where you’re coming from.
Photo via Instagram / jesselizarraras

Tucker’s Kozy Korner
1338 E Houston St, (210) 474-0031, facebook.com/tuckerskozykorner1948
Tucker’s has been operating since 1948 and has gained the reputation as a homey bar. You can totally chill here while you slam down a burger and enjoy live soul and R&B acts.
Photo via Instagram / rogersaurus_mex

Chas Market & Kitchen
1431 N Pine St, (210) 227-1521, chaskitchen.com
If you need a place that can do it all, Chas Market is the place for you. This neighborhood joint has solid offerings of Mexican, American and Korean?! Whether you want some carne asada or Korean BBQ made fresh, Chas lets you enjoy it all – and all in one sitting. There’s even an all-you-can-eat option for those who are really into Asian ‘cue.
Photo via Instagram / jesselizarraras

Mrs. Kitchen Soul Food Restaurant and Bakery
2242 E Commerce St, (210) 549-4392, mrskitchensa.com
Do yourself a favor and pay a visit to this East Side spot soon. You’ll be able to treat yourself to some homemade soul food – and you already know that includes catfish and fried chicken. And you’ll definitely feel at home here with the welcoming digs.
Photo via Instagram / hostishumanigeneris

Mark’s Outing
1624 E Commerce St, (210) 299-8110, marksouting.com
Not too far from the Alamodome, you’ll be able to score signature hamburgers (home of the Original Fatty’s burger), hot dogs and more from owner Mark Outing. Be sure to grab a free cup of beans for an extra treat.
Photo via Instagram / sanantoniomunchies

Tony G’s Soul Food
915 S Hackberry, (210) 451-1234, tonygssoulfood.com
Soul food and brunch have never paired so beautifully until Tony G’s. While this East Side spot is a good choice any time, go two-for-two and stop by for Sunday brunch. Not only will you get buffet access to fried chicken, catfish, oxtails, collard greens, mac ‘n’ cheese and more, you’ll also get live entertainment from local jazz cats and soul singers.
Photo via Instagram / jesselizarraras

Thai Lucky
711 S Pine St, (210) 774-9650
There may not be an abundance of Thai eateries on the East Side, but even if there were, Thai Lucky would be a standout. Located right next to a convenience store, this cozy spot is up-and-coming for sure.. Whether you’ve got an inkling for pho or curry, you’re bound to make this your new go-to for take-out.
Photo via Instagram / lonestarfoodie

Dignowity Kolaches
1629 E Houston St, (210) 320-1055, dignowitykolaches.com
Czech this out: the barbacoa kolache here will change your life. Whether you’re satisfied with the puro SA kolache (which you have to pair with a Big Red) or want something sweet, the fresh dough will make you savor every bite.
Photo via Instagram / eatkolaches

The Dakota East Side Ice House
433 S Hackberry, (210) 375-6009, thedakotasa.com
Open earlier this year, The Dakota brings ice house vibes to the East Side. Operating out of an old convenience store, this drinking spot serves up cool beer that you’ll more than likely want to sip on while hanging on the patio. So go on, fam – treat yo’ self.
Photo via Instagram / sip_sa

Panchos and Gringos
900 Nolan St, (210) 227-6700
Right in the heart of Dignowity Hill you’ll find this tasty eatery. Pay a visit during breakfast or lunch and you’ll make the difficult choice between Mexican or American. ¿Or perhaps por que no los dos? We’ll leave that up to you.
Photo via Yelp / Kim B.

Burleson Yard Beer Garden
430 Austin St, (210) 354-3001, facebook.com/BurlesonYard
Though right on the edge of the East Side, Burleson Yard is always worth the mention. This chill-ass beer garden is family-friendly with plenty of space, food truck eats, and live music. But, it’s also perfect for adults who want to enjoy beer and/or cocktails on a patio. It’s a win-win-win, y’all.
Photo via Instagram / burlesonyardbeergarden

Jones Sausage & BBQ House
2827 Martin Luther King Dr, (210) 224-6999
Sausage lovers will definitely want to swing by this BBQ house. It’s not just links here though, as the menu is made complete with other meaty options and the classic sides. Just be sure to save room for 7UP pound cake for dessert.
Photo via Instagram / bbqsnob

The Smokehouse
3306 Roland Rd, (210) 333-9548, thesmokehousebbqsa.com
Not to be confused with Smoke The Restaurant, the OG spot The Smokehouse is a name in the BBQ game. Here you’ll be able to score brisket, sausage, ribs and chicken that are smoked with mesquite. Though the hours are limited, you’ll want to get there early anyway to enjoy a good plate of ‘cue.
Photo via Instagram / evelynrioscrystal