With the rapid turnover common in the food industry, there's always a new and trendy spot to try. But sometimes what you really want is something classic, comforting and timeless.
These San Antonio restaurants have stood the test of time, serving up meals for more than 50 years — in some cases, more than a century. Some have even stayed in the family the whole time, becoming multi-generation affairs.
From an 82-year-old Tex-Mex mainstay to a South Side steakhouse, these restaurants all specialize in comforting eats with a side of Alamo City history.
These classic San Antonio restaurants have been open for over 50 years
By San Antonio Current Staff on Fri, Feb 17, 2023 at 11:25 am
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Photo via Instagram / havensouthtown
The Haven, 1969
1032 S. Presa St., (210) 533-2171, havensouthtown.com
Formerly known as The Taco Haven, this Tex-Mex joint has been a Southtown staple for over 50 years. The restaurant is now run by the children and grandchildren of restaurant founders Jerry and Elida Torres.
1032 S. Presa St., (210) 533-2171, havensouthtown.com
Formerly known as The Taco Haven, this Tex-Mex joint has been a Southtown staple for over 50 years. The restaurant is now run by the children and grandchildren of restaurant founders Jerry and Elida Torres.
Photo via Instagram / valdez.robert.sanantonio
De Wese's Tip Top Cafe, 1938
2814 Fredericksburg Rd., (210) 732-0191, https://tiptopcafe.takeout7.com/Home
De Wese’s has been a staple diner since its first location was founded in the Jefferson area in 1938 by Winnie and Pappy DeWese. The restaurant passed through several generations of the family before being sold in 2016 as the granddaughter of the De Wese legacy, Linda DeWese, went into retirement. Despite the change in ownership, guests can still enjoy the DeWese family’s famous chicken-fried steaks and lemon pies at the restaurant’s original location.
2814 Fredericksburg Rd., (210) 732-0191, https://tiptopcafe.takeout7.com/Home
De Wese’s has been a staple diner since its first location was founded in the Jefferson area in 1938 by Winnie and Pappy DeWese. The restaurant passed through several generations of the family before being sold in 2016 as the granddaughter of the De Wese legacy, Linda DeWese, went into retirement. Despite the change in ownership, guests can still enjoy the DeWese family’s famous chicken-fried steaks and lemon pies at the restaurant’s original location.
Photo via Shutterstock / Sean Pavone
Casa Rio, 1946
430 E. Commerce St., (210) 225-6718, casario.com
This SA River Walk mainstay claims the title of first restaurant on the River Walk, serving up Tex-Mex fare to thousands of visitors every week. According to the SA Chamber of Commerce, the restaurant sits on land first granted title in 1777 by the King of Spain.
430 E. Commerce St., (210) 225-6718, casario.com
This SA River Walk mainstay claims the title of first restaurant on the River Walk, serving up Tex-Mex fare to thousands of visitors every week. According to the SA Chamber of Commerce, the restaurant sits on land first granted title in 1777 by the King of Spain.
Photo via Instagram / elmilagritocafe
El Milagrito, 1969
521 E. Woodlawn Ave., (210) 737-8646, facebook.com/elmilagrito
Family-owned for over 50 years, El-Milagrito cafe serves up delicious Tex-Mex breakfast and lunch favorites at their location just off North St. Mary’s. Guests can relax on the patio and start their day (or cure their hangover from the night before) with a breakfast taco, a migas plate or a warm bowl of menudo.
521 E. Woodlawn Ave., (210) 737-8646, facebook.com/elmilagrito
Family-owned for over 50 years, El-Milagrito cafe serves up delicious Tex-Mex breakfast and lunch favorites at their location just off North St. Mary’s. Guests can relax on the patio and start their day (or cure their hangover from the night before) with a breakfast taco, a migas plate or a warm bowl of menudo.
Photo via Instagram / cp2_unique_designs
Mi Tierra, 1941
218 Produce Row, (210) 225-1262, mitierracafe.com
What is there to say about this local cultural gem that hasn’t already been said? The 82-year-old downtown eatery draws thousands of tourists annually, thanks to its festive decor, in-house panadería and Tex-Mex flair.
218 Produce Row, (210) 225-1262, mitierracafe.com
What is there to say about this local cultural gem that hasn’t already been said? The 82-year-old downtown eatery draws thousands of tourists annually, thanks to its festive decor, in-house panadería and Tex-Mex flair.
Photo via Instagram / kimdparker73
Schilo’s Delicatessen, 1917
424 E. Commerce St., (210) 223-6692, schilos.com
Founded in 1917, this South Alamo Street saloon wasn’t phased when prohibition hit San Antonio. The deli quickly replaced its booze kegs for ones filled with the family’s smooth, creamy root beer. Authentic German fare and ambiance have kept this place famous for over 105 years.
424 E. Commerce St., (210) 223-6692, schilos.com
Founded in 1917, this South Alamo Street saloon wasn’t phased when prohibition hit San Antonio. The deli quickly replaced its booze kegs for ones filled with the family’s smooth, creamy root beer. Authentic German fare and ambiance have kept this place famous for over 105 years.
Photo via Instagram / earlabelssa
Earl Abel’s, 1933
1639 Broadway, (210) 444-9424, earlabelssa.com
Can you say you’ve explored the San Antonio diner scene if you haven’t been to Earl Abel’s? This year marks the iconic diner’s 90th anniversary serving up homestyle comfort foods in the Alamo City. The restaurant is known for home-cooked dishes like meatloaf, pork chops and fried chicken, as well as its award-winning desserts.
1639 Broadway, (210) 444-9424, earlabelssa.com
Can you say you’ve explored the San Antonio diner scene if you haven’t been to Earl Abel’s? This year marks the iconic diner’s 90th anniversary serving up homestyle comfort foods in the Alamo City. The restaurant is known for home-cooked dishes like meatloaf, pork chops and fried chicken, as well as its award-winning desserts.
Photo via Instagram / mrs.a_w15
Niki's Tokyo Inn, 1970
819 W. Hildebrand Ave., (210) 736-5471, facebook.com/nikis.tokyo.inn
Since the ‘70s, Niki’s has offered diners the unique experience of sitting on the floor while they nosh on fresh shrimp, tuna, whitefish, yellowtail and smoked salmon. Its unfussy vibe has kept the eatery around for more than 50 years.
819 W. Hildebrand Ave., (210) 736-5471, facebook.com/nikis.tokyo.inn
Since the ‘70s, Niki’s has offered diners the unique experience of sitting on the floor while they nosh on fresh shrimp, tuna, whitefish, yellowtail and smoked salmon. Its unfussy vibe has kept the eatery around for more than 50 years.
Photo via Instagram / matthewmauldon
La Fonda on Main, 1932
2415 N. Main Ave., (210) 733-0621, lafondaonmain.com
As the oldest Mexican restaurant in San Antonio, La Fonda serves up delicious dishes in a historic setting. The colorful, casual atmosphere is a vibrant background for the spot’s Mexican fare.
2415 N. Main Ave., (210) 733-0621, lafondaonmain.com
As the oldest Mexican restaurant in San Antonio, La Fonda serves up delicious dishes in a historic setting. The colorful, casual atmosphere is a vibrant background for the spot’s Mexican fare.
Photo via Instagram / budjonesrestaurant
Bud Jones Restaurant, 1958
1440 S.W. Military Dr., (210) 977-9161, facebook.com/BudJonesRestaurant
For the past 65 years, patrons of this old-school seafood restaurant have enjoyed country-fried steaks with gravy and all-you-can-eat fish. The family of restaurant namesake and owner Bud Jones have continued his legacy since his passing in 2018.
1440 S.W. Military Dr., (210) 977-9161, facebook.com/BudJonesRestaurant
For the past 65 years, patrons of this old-school seafood restaurant have enjoyed country-fried steaks with gravy and all-you-can-eat fish. The family of restaurant namesake and owner Bud Jones have continued his legacy since his passing in 2018.
Photo via Instagram / raysdriveinn
Ray's Drive Inn, 1956
822 S.W. 19th St., (210) 432-7171, raysdriveinn.net
Ray’s Drive Inn was opened in 1956 by Raymond H. “Ray” Lopez, offering free movies, live music, hamburger specials and traditional hand-squeezed lemonade from its location at the corner of S.W. 19th St. and Guadalupe St.. In 1982, Ray passed ownership of the restaurant to his younger brother Arturo, who had been operating the eatery Arturo’s Puffy Tacos in California. In 1992, Arturo and his wife Gloria trademarked their signature “puffy taco,” and the rest is history!
822 S.W. 19th St., (210) 432-7171, raysdriveinn.net
Ray’s Drive Inn was opened in 1956 by Raymond H. “Ray” Lopez, offering free movies, live music, hamburger specials and traditional hand-squeezed lemonade from its location at the corner of S.W. 19th St. and Guadalupe St.. In 1982, Ray passed ownership of the restaurant to his younger brother Arturo, who had been operating the eatery Arturo’s Puffy Tacos in California. In 1992, Arturo and his wife Gloria trademarked their signature “puffy taco,” and the rest is history!
Photo by Sanford Nowlin
M.K. Davis Restaurant & Bar, 1956
1302 N. Flores St., (210) 223-1208, facebook.com/mkdavisrestaurant
This family-owned restaurant has been serving up steaks, seafood and Mexican food to hungry San Antonians since 1956. Take advantage of their lunch specials or stop in for a couple drinks from the bar!
1302 N. Flores St., (210) 223-1208, facebook.com/mkdavisrestaurant
This family-owned restaurant has been serving up steaks, seafood and Mexican food to hungry San Antonians since 1956. Take advantage of their lunch specials or stop in for a couple drinks from the bar!
Photo via Instagram / tekamolino
Teka Molino, 1937
Multiple Locations, tekamolino.com
Featured in 2020 in season 2 of Netflix’s Taco Chronicles, Teka Molino has been serving up Tex-Mex specialties for over 85 years. Check out their scratch-made puffy tacos and bean cups.
Multiple Locations, tekamolino.com
Featured in 2020 in season 2 of Netflix’s Taco Chronicles, Teka Molino has been serving up Tex-Mex specialties for over 85 years. Check out their scratch-made puffy tacos and bean cups.
Photo via Instagram / lonestargourmand
Original Donut Shop, 1954
3307 Fredericksburg Rd., (210) 734-5661, facebook.com/theoriginaldonutshop
Known for its donuts and prized for its breakfast tacos, Original Donut Shop has been a longstanding spot on Fredericksburg. The shop draws crowds (i.e. long lines that form a trail along the road) for these goods, especially on the weekends. Consider this hotspot a rite of passage for foodies and puro San Antonians alike.
3307 Fredericksburg Rd., (210) 734-5661, facebook.com/theoriginaldonutshop
Known for its donuts and prized for its breakfast tacos, Original Donut Shop has been a longstanding spot on Fredericksburg. The shop draws crowds (i.e. long lines that form a trail along the road) for these goods, especially on the weekends. Consider this hotspot a rite of passage for foodies and puro San Antonians alike.
Photo via Instagram / goldenstarcafetx
Golden Star Cafe, 1932
821 W. Commerce Street, (210) 223-1681, goldenstarcafetx.com
Last year, downtown staple Golden Star Cafe celebrated its 90 year anniversary. The eatery was founded in 1932 by Koon Yen Lim, or Papa Lim, after migrating to America in hopes of living the American dream. Golden Star has since served generations of San Antonians American, Chinese and Mexican food dishes, and is known for the signature dish of hand-breaded fried fish with gravy.
821 W. Commerce Street, (210) 223-1681, goldenstarcafetx.com
Last year, downtown staple Golden Star Cafe celebrated its 90 year anniversary. The eatery was founded in 1932 by Koon Yen Lim, or Papa Lim, after migrating to America in hopes of living the American dream. Golden Star has since served generations of San Antonians American, Chinese and Mexican food dishes, and is known for the signature dish of hand-breaded fried fish with gravy.
Photo via Instagram / littleredbarnsa
Little Red Barn Steakhouse, 1963
1836 S. Hackberry St., (210) 532-4235, lrbsteakhouse.com
From the kitschy uniforms to the signature red walls, the South Side’s Little Red Barn has been offering guests a unique steakhouse experience for 60 years. We’re sure the over-the-top charm of the place has contributed to this South Side staple’s longevity.
1836 S. Hackberry St., (210) 532-4235, lrbsteakhouse.com
From the kitschy uniforms to the signature red walls, the South Side’s Little Red Barn has been offering guests a unique steakhouse experience for 60 years. We’re sure the over-the-top charm of the place has contributed to this South Side staple’s longevity.
Photo via Instagram / garciasmexicanfoodsa
Garcia's Mexican Food, 1962
842 Fredericksburg Rd., (210) 735-5686, facebook.com/profile.php?id=100048655521712
Since 1962 Garcia’s has been a local favorite, offering a true Tex-Mex variety of tacos for breakfast and lunch. The spot even got a recommendation from comedian Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias during a 2020 Reddit AMA.
842 Fredericksburg Rd., (210) 735-5686, facebook.com/profile.php?id=100048655521712
Since 1962 Garcia’s has been a local favorite, offering a true Tex-Mex variety of tacos for breakfast and lunch. The spot even got a recommendation from comedian Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias during a 2020 Reddit AMA.
Photo via Instagram / hungfongsa
Hung Fong, 1939
3624 Broadway, (210) 822-9211, hungfongsa.com
Hung Fong proudly bears the title of the “oldest Chinese restaurant in Texas,” offering Texans traditional Chinese food for over 80 years. The restaurant’s decor has remained consistent over the years — the neon sign of the United States flag that decorates the ceiling in the dining room only has 48 stars, as it was constructed and first displayed nearly 20 years prior to Alaska and Hawaii’s inclusion as official states in the Union.
3624 Broadway, (210) 822-9211, hungfongsa.com
Hung Fong proudly bears the title of the “oldest Chinese restaurant in Texas,” offering Texans traditional Chinese food for over 80 years. The restaurant’s decor has remained consistent over the years — the neon sign of the United States flag that decorates the ceiling in the dining room only has 48 stars, as it was constructed and first displayed nearly 20 years prior to Alaska and Hawaii’s inclusion as official states in the Union.
Photo via Instagram / paesanossa
Paesanos, 1969
Multiple locations, paesanos.com
When restaurateurs Joe Cosniac and the late Nick Pacelli opened Paesanos in 1969, they wanted to create a welcoming place for San Antonians to enjoy Italian food and good company. They must have done something right — the mini-empire has been around for over 50 years and now includes three locations.
Multiple locations, paesanos.com
When restaurateurs Joe Cosniac and the late Nick Pacelli opened Paesanos in 1969, they wanted to create a welcoming place for San Antonians to enjoy Italian food and good company. They must have done something right — the mini-empire has been around for over 50 years and now includes three locations.
Photo via Instagram / barndoor_sa
Barn Door, 1953
8400 N. New Braunfels Ave., (210) 824-0116, thebarndoorrestaurant.com
This year marks this Southern-style steakhouse’s 70th anniversary. Barn Door prides themselves on their Southern hospitality and mouth-watering menu of steaks, seafood and desserts.
8400 N. New Braunfels Ave., (210) 824-0116, thebarndoorrestaurant.com
This year marks this Southern-style steakhouse’s 70th anniversary. Barn Door prides themselves on their Southern hospitality and mouth-watering menu of steaks, seafood and desserts.
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