Last year, we rounded up 25 restaurants we felt were crucial to the South Side, a way of honoring the beloved classics and hidden gems alike before Southerleigh Brewing Co., El Machito and The Friendly Spot open locations there. While that still hasn’t happened, we’ve realized that there’s plenty of South Side spots that we missed during our first round-up. You spoke and we listened, SA. Here’s ANOTHER 25 essential South Side restaurants.

Rudy’s Seafood 4122 S Flores St, (210) 532-1315, rudysseafood.com A longtime South Side favorite, Rudy’s Seafood embodies puro culture. With numerous Spurs murals throughout the building’s perimeter, this South Flores spot holds it down on the food front as well with fried fish, shrimp and oysters at the ready – and in hefty portions. Just don’t forget to snap a selfie in front of those Spurs murals on your way out. Photo via Instagram / smileyyourrealtorfriend4life
Bobbie’s Cafe 6728 S Flores St, (210) 923-1158, bobbiescafe.com For country eatin’, there’s no need to leave city limits. Just head to Bobbie’s! This no-frills cafe keeps it humble with country-style American dishes for every meal. This cozy eatery, which has been open for more than 40 years, feels all the more welcoming thanks to the friendly staff. Photo via Yelp / Eliana C.
Mendez Cafe 201 Bartholomew Ave, (210) 923-6603 This pint-sized cafe might not catch your eye, but the flavors here will likely make you a regular. The neighborhood spot is a favorite among residents in the community, especially due to popular dishes like carne guisada. Warning: you’ll likely have to wait for a table and feel rushed, but isn’t that part of the taqueria experience? If you want homemade food but don’t feel like cooking, look no further. Photo via Instagram / tacoist
South BBQ & Kitchen 2011 Mission Road, (210) 437-0070, southbbqkitchen.com Since opening in 2018, South BBQ & Kitchen has kept it real with quality meats and sides to match. Traditional smoked meats pair beautifully with the selection of Mexican and American sides, creating a very puro BBQ experience. Photo via Instagram / southbbq
Brenda’s Burgers 3837 SW Military Dr, (210) 932-1177, facebook.com/brendasburgers1988 Just before hitting the edge of Lackland AFB, you’ll stumble upon Brenda’s Burgers. Open for more than 30 years, this semi-hidden gem delivers juicy burgers, crispy fries and onion rings, hot dogs, Frito pie and sweet shakes. For some good eatin’, you’ll be smart to come here. Photo via Instagram / vinz0oh_tx
Oscar’s Taco House 705 Barrett Pl, (210) 923-1971 Hole-in-the-wall taquerias are truly a blessing, just take Oscar’s Taco House as proof. This casual spot serves up all the traditional Mexican dishes you know and love (especially the puffy tacos). Go once and this will likely become a favorite for you and the fam. It’s just that good. Photo via Instagram / nikwitte
Victoria Tortilla & Tamales Factory 737 Division Ave, (210) 922-5274 Just off of I-35 you’ll find a prime spot for homemade flour and corn tortillas. Found in the South Side and dating back to the ‘70s, this factory of sorts has made-fresh tortillas – corn and flour, of course – plus all the molino treats that go perfect with your masa-based delicacies. Photo via Instagram / tito3000
Gyro’s Drive Inn 2401 Nogalitos St // 444 W Mitchell St With two locations both on the Southside, Gyro’s Drive Inn is a long-standing favorite for American comfort food. Burgers, chicken and seafood – as well as fries and all the fixings – are up for grabs. Why not order a little bit of everything for all of the family to enjoy? Photo via Instagram / sherrthepilot
El Sol 1815 Pleasanton Road, (210) 923-5553, facebook.com Located across the street from Harlandale HS, lots of Southsiders already know about the goodness at El Sol. For those that don’t, consider this Pleasanton spot a solid go-to for lunch specials and breakfast – whether you go the taco route or order a plate. If you do the latter, order the the carne asada plate, which El Sol claims as the “plate of the Southside.” Photo via Instagram / sosidefoodiechick
El Amigo Snack 100 W Theo Ave, (210) 530-8461 Is it a taco truck? Or a snack stand? At El Amigo, there’s both! Depending on what time you visit, you’ll be able to score decked out mangonadas, raspas and elote as well as mini tacos and more. Whether you stop by for dinner or for a snack, you’ll likely want to order the entire menu here. Photo via Instagram / rycore
Orly’s BBQ 3827 SW Military Dr, (210) 334-0300, Found not too far from the edge of Lackland AFB, Orly’s BBQ makes for a great barbecue spot in the area. Though the hours are funky, you can stop in to take advantage of the daily lunch specials. There’s also “feast” options and family packs if you come in during the weekend. Either way, you’re doing yourself a favor if you order up the brisket and your favorite sides. Photo via Instagram / lonestarloner
Sherry’s Texan 606 Pleasanton Road, (210) 314-1763, sherrys-texan.business.site A true favorite of South Side resident, Sherry’s Texan is one of those spots you’ve probably seen but never stopped by. Well, consider this instruction to do so. Serving a mixture of Mexican plates, seafood dishes and American bites, Sherry’s Texan has something for everyone, who will undoubtedly come to love this hidden gem, too. Photo via Instagram / luvof2ktx
Monster Burger 5201 S Flores St, (210) 982-7121, facebook.com/monster.burgers.1 San Antonio Burger Week proved that there’s all kinds of burgers in the Alamo City. But have you ever had a Monster Burger? These massive burgers should be considered a pop culture haven since all of the burgers are named after famous villains and monsters – from El Cucuy and La Chupacabra to Bigfoot and Dracula. If you don’t mind getting hella greasy, this spot will surely hit the spot. Photo via Instagram / gypsy_malo
Folklores Coffee House 5009 S Flores St, (210) 455-7829, folklores-coffee-house.business.site The South Side finally got a non-chain coffee spot with the opening of Folklores. The coffee house has also proven to be a hot spot for the ‘gram, with the sugary treats fitting the foodie aesthetic. With decked out hot and cold drinks perfect for those with a sweet tooth and a kickass patio, Folklores hits the nail on the head on all fronts. Photo via Instagram / heymercedez
El Coqui Restaurant 5036 W Military Dr, (210) 645-6465, elcoquisatx.com This modest joint brings Puerto Rican fare to SA. Whether you’re having a feast at the lunch buffet or not, every bite of yuca frita, ropa vieja and the pastelillos will keep you satisfied. Photo via Instagram / stacia_x0
Lala’s Gorditas 1600 Roosevelt Ave, (210) 465-7157, lalasgorditas.com Though still new, we have a feeling Lala’s Gorditas will become a favorite within the community. Found close to Mission Concepcion, Lala’s comes from the family who opened the original Teka Molino and the Taco Hut. Need we say more? Seriously, grab some grub and enjoy the food and scene from the patio. Photo via Yelp / Lala’s Gorditas
Churroholic 4138 S New Braunfels Ave #103, (210) 817-6206, churroholic.com The California-based franchise landed in SA last month, prompting long lines from day one. A look at the menu and you’ll understand why. Located on the city’s Southeast side, you’ll be able to enjoy decked out churros with glazes, as an ice cream sandwich, offered a la mode, and more. Check it soon if you haven’t already. Photo via Instagram / jesselizarraras
Camaron Pelado Seafood Grill 2918 W Commerce St, (210) 434-6700, camaronpeladotogo.com Hole-in-the-wall restaurants sometimes have the most surprising dishes, and that includes Camaron Pelado. Specializing in Mexican seafood dishes, you can choose from the traditional ceviche option to clunkier plates like the quesadilla de camaron or pulpo enchipotlados. Photo via Instagram / fiesta247
Georgia’s Mexican Restaurant 2214 Palo Alto Road, (210) 923-9313 A long-time resident of the Palo Alto/South San area, Georgia’s Mexican Restaurant is your typical spot for classic dishes and authentic flavors that are hands-down delicious. Open for breakfast and lunch, you’ll have the ever-difficult decision of choosing between tacos and a plate. So why not just do both to truly taste the goodness of Georgia’s? And if you don’t, try the enchilaco – the enchilada taco. Photo via Instagram / berryunique77
12. Pollos Asados Don Jose 5525 Blanco Road, (210) 474-6971, pollosasadosdonjose.com “It’s hidden but we found it and it was definitely worth it. The portions are huge and the flavor was fantastic. The staff is so helpful and friendly. Make sure you leave room for dessert because they have a variety of cakes! We are going back later today.. I don’t mind being a regular from now on” – Paula C. Photo via Yelp / Orlando S.
Las Islas Marias Multiple locations, lasislasmarias.net After growing up on the Mexican Pacific coast, owners Don Pablo and Yadira have a pretty good idea of what Mexican seafood should taste like. Just take the menu at Las Islas Marias as proof. Take your pick from selections such as empanadas de camaron, botana playa y mar, ostiones especiales and pescado zarandeado. Photo via Instagram / hoodratsnacks
M & M’s Shaved Ice 3203 Pleasanton Road, (210) 519-1013, Y’all should already know that the South Side holds it down with its snack stands. M & M’s Shaved Ice is no exception. And it’s not just raspas here. Of course, you can also choose from carnival-inspired treats like fried ice cream, funnel cakes and a deep-fried cheesecake sundae, which is exactly what it sounds like. Photo via Instagram / behemothtrish
Kenny’s Burgers 1927 Goliad Road, (210) 337-1355, facebook.com/kennysburgers The next time you’re hanging in the Southeast side of town, hit up Kenny’s Burgers for some classic comfort food (seriously – they have crispy dogs). This cozy spot may be small, but it makes up for it with delicious burgers and the choice between sides like fries, onion rings or tots. Don’t worry, they’re all cooked to perfection here. Photo via Yelp / Melissa W.
El Puesto 901 Division Ave, (210) 932-9277, facebook.com/Puestolatejanita Though the parking lot can be a pain, El Puesto is worth hitting up for your early morning tacos or weekend brunch. This Division spot is small and a hole-in-a-wall by all means, but has surprisingly satisfying Mexican plates. You’ll likely love the tortillas here, which come out on the large side and are always thick. Photo via Instagram / joe.daniel.34
Las Cazuelas 645 Chalmers Ave, (210) 932-1785, lascazuelassa.com Housed in a bright orange building off of I-35, Las Cazuelas is everything you need a neighborhood Mexican restaurant. Friendly staff, a massive menu and, of course, dishes just like mama makes them. You’ll love the tortillas here, just make sure you ask your waitress to keep ‘em coming. Photo via Instagram / lascazuelas_sa