Shake Shack // These New York natives were a big hit with San Antonians when the chain’s first store opened near Park North. Expect another one location spring coming to Mulberry and Broadway. 7427 San Pedro Ave., (210) 277-4770, shakeshack.com.
In ‘N Out Burger // California natives can’t get enough of the stuff. Whataburger forever, but In N’ Out, sometimes. Multiple locations, in-n-out.com.
The County Line // If your relatives insist on going to the Riverwalk and eating barbecue, you could do far worse than this river-adjacent joint. Multiple locations, countyline.com.
Hopdoddy Burger Bar // This Austin-based company packs it all in: fresh ingredients, delicious burgers, huge milk shakes, and several adult beverages to boot. Hopdoddy is also the San Antonio home of the Impossible Burger, a meatless patty that “bleeds,” but is sustainable and plant-based. 17623 La Cantera Pkwy., Suite 101, (210) 434-2337, hopdoddy.com.
Chester’s Hamburgers // Homestyle burgers sandwiched between poppy seed buns pair have won over SA as this chain often tops of Best of San Antonio polls. Multiple locations, chestershamburgers.com.
Babe’s Old Fashioned Food // From pizza to burgers that require both hands and several napkins, Babe’s has a bit of everything, and most pair well with crisp fried onion rings. With three locations in on the city’s Northwest side, Babe’s is not too far away. Multiple locations, babeshamburgers.com.
Bob’s Steak & Chop House // This Dallas-based steakhouse with locations across Texas, Florida, Tennessee, New York, California and Arizona packs in the classics, but expect a few surprises like the onion rings and tenderloin carpaccio with Parmesan cheese, olive oil, sea salt and pepper. 5815 Rim Pass Drive, (210) 222-2627, bobs-steakandchop.com.
Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille // Texas-bred Perry’s got its start as a small butcher shop in 1979 and has grown with locations in Austin, Dallas, Denver, Chicago and San Antonio. Steaks are butchered in-house and Perry’s famous pork chop is carved tableside for a signature experience. Keep an eye out for Flashback Fridays, when the chain turns back time and serves up that same chop for less than a dollar. Get there early — this is a deal you can’t pass up. 15900 La Cantera Pkwy., Suite 22200, (210) 558-6161.
Ruth’s Chris Steak House // With locations at Concord Plaza, La Cantera and Riverwalk Grand Hyatt, you’re never too far away from a Ruth’s Chris steak. Broiled at 1800 degrees for that perfect sear, these steaks win meat-eaters over daily. Get them Oscar style with jumbo lump crab cake, asparagus and homemade béarnaise sauce. Multiple locations, ruthschris.com.
Texas de Brazil // Influenced by the flavors Porto Alegre, Brazil, Texas de Brazil takes the cuisine of Brazil and combines the hospitality of Texas for a meal unique to this churrascaria. Brazilian sausages, picanha, prosciutto and leg of loin are reliable staples. Hit the salad bar for a lighter choice. 313 E. Houston St., (210) 299-1600, texasdebrazil.com.
Snooze, an AM Eatery // Benny duos made their way to SA via this Denver-based chain that’s perfect for parents and kiddos. 255 E. Basse Road, Suite 160, (210) 937-1063, snoozeeatery.com.
Steel City Pops // San Anto knows paletas, but this Birmingham-transplant is winning over fans with its chocolate-dipped, caramel-drizzled offerings. Multiple locations, steelcitypops.com.
Lick Honest Ice Creams // The Austin-based ice cream chain keeps Pearl-goers happy with natural flavors and non-dairy options. 312 Pearl Pkwy., Suite 2101, (210) 314-8166, ilikelick.com.
Farenheit 32 // Embassy Oaks Shopping Center got a little sweeter with Thai-rolled ice cream out of El Paso. 226 W. Bitters Road, Suite 119, (210) 627-6232.
Piatti // Although it’s a chain, Piatti’s gives local ingredients a strong role in its menu. Try the Pollo alla Mattone, succulent and fat with flavor, and the baked Texas goat cheese served with Kalamata olives, a veritable hymn to the humble cabra. Multiple locations, piatti.com.
Los Balitos Taco Shop // Whether you’re picking up for breakfast or stumbling in after a barhop, this popular 24-hour destination adds California influence to SA with killer burritos. Try the yummy over-the-top chile-relleno version, and at least six salsas at the restaurants formerly known as Los Robertos. The tortas are also delicious, especially the carnitas deshebradas. Multiple locations, losrobertostacoshop.com.
Sushi Zushi // With four locations around the city and a usual winner during our annual Best Of SA readers poll, Sushi Zushi is a San Antonio favorite. Texas flavors influence this menu with the spicy LIR roll and spicy tuna roll. The warm katsu curry comforts the sushi averse. Pair it with a strawberry gingertini or blackberry smash from the bar. Multiple locations, sushizushi.com.
Bowl & Barrel/General Public // Bowling doesn’t have to be drab. At this Dallas-based eatery-meets-bowling alley, the bites are modern, fresh and tasty. The shared kitchen with General Public mean you can enjoy the same fare without all the lanes. 17619 La Cantera Pkwy., Suite 102, (210) 920-1102, bowlandbarrel.com.
So many restaurants, so little time. Find out the latest San Antonio dining news with our Flavor Friday Newsletter.
