27 great San Antonio restaurants flying just under the radar

El Nogal
1605 N. Saint Mary's St., (210) 225-8356, facebook.com/pages/El-Nogal-Mexican-Restaurant/580450378760552
El Nogal is a staple among locals on the north side of downtown. Other than their tasty signature Carne Asada plate — which comes complete with two homemade tortillas and rice and refried beans — El Nogal also makes a mean club sandwich and a San Antonio-style hamburguesa with jalapeños. This spot is one that you don't want to miss.

Panfila Cantina
22250 Bulverde Road #114, (210) 455-0702, panfilacantinaandrestaurant.com
Offering authentic Mexican cuisine, Panfila Cantina is a one-stop shop for delicious enfrijolados, enchiladas poblana or chile relleno. Panfila Cantina provides customers with the option of brunch and dinner with a deep cocktail menu, so rest assured you won't leave this spot hungry.

Jamaica Jamaica Cuisine
2026 Austin Highway, (210) 590-0515, jamaicajamaicacuisine.com
Owners Dee and Angelo Gordon grew up living a Jamaican lifestyle and graciously wanted to share that experience with their adopted hometown, the Alamo City. Offering authentic fare, Jamaica Jamaica lets you enjoy bites like jerk chicken while appreciating the culture. Go for a traditional plate like the oxtail or go for something with a San Antonio twist. Fiery jerk tacos, anyone?

Biff Buzby's Burgers
12702 Toepperwein Road, Live Oak, (210) 590-2040, biffbuzbys.com
Biff Buzby’s is known for hand-formed beef patties, sweetened sourdough buns and family-friendly classic car shows every Friday. Snag a burger and take a gander at a lot full of classic rides while you digest.

La Sorrentina
3330 Culebra Road, (210) 549-0889, facebook.com/profile.php?id=100044144875209
This hidden gem on the West Side promises lasagna and pasta dishes that’ll leave plenty of leftovers for those that play their cards right — just be sure to save some room for the tiramisu.

Hanamaru Cafe
7460 Callaghan Road #333, hanamarutx.com
Hanamaru Cafe made its debut next door to Minnano Japanese Grocery in April of 2022. In addition to offering sweet and savory versions of fish-shaped taiyaki cakes, Hanamaru has summer-worthy ice cream cone options on its menu, a tasty way to cool off.

Williams Confectionery Crafts
12107 Toepperwein Road #5A, Live Oak, (210) 967-5200, williamsconfectionerycraftscafe.com
Live Oak can mean quite a drive for many locals, but it's worth it to dine at Williams Confectionery Crafts. With breakfast, lunch and dessert options that truly taste like your mom or granny made them, owner Joyce Williams has kept the authentic homemade bites coming since 2006.

La Tienda de Birria
Location Varies, facebook.com/LaTiendadeBirria
Chef Ernie Bradley — who you may know from east side spot Cherrity Bar — began doing pop-ups featuring exciting takes on traditional Mexican dishes in 2020. Inspired by his trips to Mexico, the menu offers saucy albodingas and birria tacos.

Andrea’s Barbacoa & Tacos
6565 Babcock Road, (210) 558-8222, andreasbarbacoa.com
This no-frills, family-run homestyle joint offers up an assortment of classic breakfast tacos as well as premium meat tacos, with their famous barbacoa as a crowd favorite. They’re only open on the weekends, so it’s best to use your time wisely when working through the menu.

The Hut Diner
1610 Fredericksburg Road, (210) 649-8574, hutdiner.com
Diner vibes abound at this Fredericksburg Road outpost. The Hut offers a menu of American breakfast plates including chicken and waffles and buttermilk pancakes, as well as offering sandwiches, burgers and fish plates. So snag a seat at the counter and watch your order be prepared on the grill.

Thai Walzem Cuisine
5009 Walzem Road, (210) 599-9968, thaiwalzemcuisine.com
This Thai food spot out in Windcrest off Walzem Road is a must-try stop for their saucy Pad Thai, Panang Curry and even boba tea. Come for the tasty Thai food, and stay for the family-owned, homey vibe.

Nacho's Red Dragon Chinese Restaurant
751 N. General McMullen Drive, (210) 437-4013, facebook.com/profile.php?id=100053519575518
Whether you’re dining in or ordering takeout, it’s hard to beat a hefty serving of Kung Pao Beef, Lo Mein or Fried Rice with a side of soup to satiate even the biggest of appetites. With affordable lunch options and an expansive menu, this Chinese food joint is worth a stop.

Yammy's Indian Restaurant
5755 Evers Rd., (210) 999-5755, yammysfoods.com
Yammy’s has been offering authentic Indian food in northwest San Antonio for the past five years. Enjoy a plethora of vegan and vegetarian-friendly options, an expansive menu of classic Indian dishes like Biryani, Dosa and curry, and save room for some hot chai and Gulab Jamun for dessert.

Gorditas Mi Torreón
5201 S. Flores St., (210) 908-9617, gorditasmitorreon.negocio.site
It's cheap. It's good. And it's authentic. Gorditas Mi Torreón serves up guisos like asado, chicharron, and papas rojas, and all for $3. Don't forget to pair your order with one of their authentic Mexican sodas or freshly squeezed juices.

Chelita's
550 Old Highway 90 West, (210) 687-7237, facebook.com/Chelitas-mexican-restaurant-1594041214181428
Chelita’s should definitely be the next spot you check out when you're craving authentic — and damn good — Mexican food.

Oblate Cafe
904 Oblate Drive, (210) 826-3363, facebook.com/Oblate-Cafe-113623798672199
Oblate Cafe is the quintessential hole-in-the-wall diner, offering no-frills and amazing food. Everything from their burgers to their Mexican food plates — and even desserts — will have you coming back for more. It’s reasonably priced, too!

Pacific Moon
15140 San Pedro Ave., (210) 402-3411, pacificmoonsa.com
This Asian Fusion eatery will hit the spot whether you’re on the hunt for a filling meal or late night drinks. Flavorful and with a kick of spiciness, Pacific Moon is here for when you’re craving great food — just keep in mind that the kitchen closes at 10 p.m.

Mr. A-Ok’s Kitchen
5532 Walzem Road, (210) 642-4181, mraokskitchen.com
San Antonio has no shortage of Southern food spots, and some are admittedly more well-known than others. Make it a point to try Mr. A-Ok's Kitchen. This off-the-radar spot offers authentic recipes that will bring succulent dishes to your plate. Seriously, taste it for yourself and be sure to give kudos to Chef Steven Harris.

B & B Tamales and Food To Go
866 W. Mayfield Blvd., (210) 921-0847
While this little tamale shop may not look like much from the street, locals can attest to its craveable tamales and barbacoa, and the friendly staff. Be sure to stock up if you’re not in the neighborhood — we promise their tamales are just as tasty when you reheat them.

El Chivito Tortas Ahogadas
Multiple Locations, ahogadaselchivito.com
The flavors of Guadalajara can be found here in the Alamo City through these tortas ahogadas. Whether you’re Team Carnitas or Team Buche, you could easily get addicted to these flavors. Be sure to get a mangonada too!