Max & Louie’s New York Diner Opened by native New Yorker, Drew Glick and business partner Dr. Sheldon Braverman , Max & Louie’s is a homage to east coast diner traditions.
Styled as a tried and true diner, Max & Louie’s holds a sprawling but tight dining room, with tables, booths and counter seating. There’s a smattering of neon, with namesakes Louie Glick and Max Braverman (Glick’s paternal grandfather and great uncle, respectively) commanding attention from their yellow cartoony perch.
The smoked salmon was delivered with just enough capers. My friend ordered the fluffy challah French toast, and we happily noshed on a black and white cookie (an NYC staple) after our lunch.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention breakfast. The French toast is a must. Spring for the Brooklyn egg cream with milk, carbonated water, chocolate syrup and let that 1800s NYC feel settle in. 226 W. Bitters Road, (210) 483-7600, maxandlouiesdiner.com
Bagel Factory The only way to truly know a bagelache is to get yourself one at Bagel Factory. 15909 San Pedro Ave., (210) 499-0100, bagel-factory.com.
Chicago Bagel and Deli Chicago Bagel and Deli takes pride in its product with fresh, never-frozen bagels that are made on site. Hot and cold sandwiches are paired with your choice of chips, potato salad, cole slaw or pasta salad. 10918 Wurzbach Road, (210) 691-2245.
DeWese’s Tip Top Café Stepping into this petite café will have you feeling like you’ve gone back to the times of poodle skirts and big hair. The fried chicken platter is as big as the Lone Star State. 2814 Fredericksburg Road, (210) 732-0191.
Dignowity Meats The sandwiches are meaty and the options keep expanding at this mostly outdoor Eastside joint. Try the pastrami, smoked bologna or The Pop, with smoked turkey, provolone, greens and a spicy habanero aioli. 1701 E. Houston St., (210) 598-8049, dignowitymeats.com.
Earl Abel’s Since 1933, Earl’s has satisfied the appetites of SA locals with its vast menu of burgers, sandwiches, fried chicken, steaks and more. Grab a slice of Chocolate Ice Box Pie or bread pudding — we won’t tell. 1201 Austin Hwy., (210) 822-3358, earlabelssa.com.
Hearthstone Bakery Café Panini, sandwiches, soups and salads make up the menu at this family-owned café. Cozy up to a warm coffee and enjoy their free wifi or stop by for a quick eat; Hearthstone will do all the work while you play. Multiple locations, hearthstonebakerycafe.com.
Herb & Pickle Don’t be fooled by its simple name, Herb & Pickle’s menu is far from so. Specials have included smothered, roasted pork, tacos al pastor, pollo asado and the El Bandito Burger. 21 Spurs, (210)541-0447, herbnpickle.com.
Jim’s Restaurants A San Antonio staple since 1947, this diner if your go-to for late night fare to fuel a night out or study session. Multiple locations, jimsrestaurants.com.
Lulu’s Bakery & Café Big-as-your-face cinnamon buns, plate-sized chicken fried steak and more at this traditional greasy spoon spot. 918 N. Main Ave., (210) 222-9422, lulusbakeryandcafe.com.
Magnolia Pancake Haus Breakfast lovers can feast on a variety of pancake flavors, waffles, fresh eggs, perfectly browned hash and Canadian bacon. The joint is known to be one of Guy Fieri’s favorites and that guy knows a thing or two about food. Multiple locations, magnoliapancakehaus.com.
Mary Ann’s Pig Stand For over 40 years, Mary Ann’s Pig Stand has stood the test of time. This vintage diner is full of kitsch and worth a visit for their pies alone. 1508 Broadway, (210) 222-9923.
Panchos & Gringos Deli The Eastside joint is home to stick-to-your-gut American breakfast classics, but come lunchtime you’ll want to order any of their loaded sandwiches. 900 Nolan St., (210) 227-6700.
Schilo’s This delicatessen is the real deal. House-made sausages are great, but don’t miss the split pea soup and pumpernickel bread. 424 E. Commerce St., (210) 223-6692, schilos.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.
The Station Café Fresh homemade buns; Chocolate chip cookies as big as your face; pizza? What more could you ask more? For a scrumptious sandwich try the pesto turkey while brave souls should aim for the turkey Chupacabra with its spicy Serrano sauce. 701 S. St. Mary’s St., (210) 444-2200, thestationsa.com.
W.D. Deli At W.D. Deli it’s all about serving love in a bun. Go for the roast beef, but stay for the spinach chicken salad, and don’t forget to grab a cookie. W.D. Deli’s 11 different cookie choices or the raspberry pecan bars also make great additions to your meal. 3123 Broadway, (210) 828-2322, wddeli.com.
Zito’s Deli Sometimes you just need a great sandwich. Let the staff at Zito’s — established in 1974 — take care of your with one of their massive Serious Sandwiches. Filled with salami, two types of ham, provolone, cheddar, black olives, LTO and on fluffy homemade Italian flatbread, this sando means business. Multiple locations, zitosdeli.net.
