Mexican in San Antonio

Ácenar is not Mi Tierra with a snazzier paint job. With the exception of some slick color photos of nibbled galletas, paletas, and dulces - and maybe the noise level - there's not much at all in the highly charged interior that suggests Tex-Mex, classic or contemporary. In fact, the clever use of a molcajete grid on the patio takes us back to a much earlier era.;;The same might be said for the menu: It's divided into San Antonio Tex-Mex Favorites and Ácenar Specialties, and it's not clear at first glance whether the SA favorites are alleged to be updated, or if all the tweaking took place in the specialties section. An appetizer such as the house-smoked salmon nachos with discrete black beans and dill crema looks much like the classic cosa, but the taste is altogether otra. And it works, despite the rarity of both dill and smoked salmon in any Mexican kitchen, traditional or Tex. - Ron Bechtol

Aldaco's Stone Oak outpost remains true to its downtown roots with fresh, flavorful Mex and signature treats, including the avocado margarita and pastel tres leches. -- Ron Bechtol (02/09)

BJ's offers tasty, inexpensive tacos.

Tex-Mex joint with good service.

Tex-Mex joint with good service.

Tex-Mex joint with good service.

Great seafood, literal translation is Little Goat of the Sea.

A family friendly Mexican restaurant with a bar for the adults and special selections for the kids. The menu features traditional plates from various states in Mexico that truly gives you un Cachito de Mexico. Homemade flour and corn tortillas prepared daily. Every order comes with free sopapillas and a convenient drive-thru for those on the go. Open 7 days a week at 6:00 am every morning. The weekends feature live music that can be enjoyed on the patio directly across from the Witte Museum.

Delicious seafood cooked in the style of the Mexican coast.

Friendly staff and delicious Mexican cuisine.

Adorned with Spanish poetry and testimonials, its tiny dining area is charming. Cascabel adds a smoky-fruity chipotle to the familiar caldo tlapeno. The sopa de fideo is the kind of comfort food you had to grow up on to truly appreciate.

Regarded as one of the best Mexican restaurants in San Antonio, Cha-Cha's offers multi-award winning margaritas, savory cuisine, impeccable service, and a exquisite atmosphere. Come relax and unwind from the day in our bar Aqui! and have one of our tasty Spurs-a-rita with some Cancun nachos topped with our shrimp ceviche.

The Continental Lunchroom appeals to those whose palate runs toward the pedestrian. (And it's only natural, downtown streets are best navigated on foot.) Or say a judge is going to send you up the river for pot possession and you are down to your last $5. You're going to be eating boiled bologna in the pokey for the next 10 to 15 years, and you want one last home-cooked meal: The Continental Lunchroom is the place. ;- Michael Cary

Don' it sound special, don' it sound like the place you want to eat.

El Callejon, fresh out of San Diego with Chilango creds, should be welcomed with open arms —assuming they can make good on the promise of a Mexican cuisine not altogether like the one we already think we know.

Enjoy the cuisine of Mexico, Cuba, and the Carribbean.

Delicious tacos that will make you want to become and orphan just so they can adopt you.

; Lively Mexican restaurant that takes some care towards the health of its clientele by using only the best ingredients. El Jarro has been around since 1974. Price range: $10-$30.

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One of Southtown's most popular Mexican restaurants.

Unlike many Mexican restaurants whose menu mainstays include Aztec-inspired staples from Central Mexico like enchiladas and tamales, El Papalote focuses on the grilled cuisine that originated in Northern Mexico and gained popularity among Mexican and Tejano ranching communities throughout history. Chicken enchiladas, mole and carne guisada are nowhere to be found at El Papalote. Rather, grilled meats flavored with dry seasonings, fresh vegetables and imported Mexican cheeses define its cuisine.;;Tacos are the most popular menu option at El Papalote, whose top-selling item in San Antonio thus far is the Establo beef tacos. Seasoned rib-eye is grilled and accompanied by onion and cilantro in freshly made corn tortillas for a delicious example of border comfort food. Other popular items include the Monterrey beef tacos, fajita meat seasoned adobada (spicy) or natural with imported Mexican cheese and guacamole in flour tortillas, and the Papalote shrimp tacos, which are accompanied by onion, bacon, green peppers and mushrooms in flour tortillas. Although each taco selection includes a specified tortilla, guests are welcome to choose flour, corn or a combination.;;In addition to its vast array of tacos, El Papalote also specializes in beef and chicken fajitas.;;With a full bar, happy hour is all day Sunday and Monday, as well as from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Currently, $2.00 drafts are offered during Happy Hour, and the selection includes Guinness, Blue Moon, Tecate Light, Shiner Bock, Dos XX and Miller Light ;

Mexican seafood restaurant.

Great Mexican dishes of both the seafood and solid ground variety. Ernesto's also features home-made ice cream and nine different sauces.

Great fajita tacos, just like my pothead aunt used to make.

Fresh Mexican cuisine.