Are you ready to indulge in the best restaurants in San Antonio, Texas?! Some of you may recognize a few of these eateries because you are a dedicated Texan (or impressive out-of-state tourist) and you’ve been to this fabulous city before. High five, friends! San Antonio is awesome!!
Consequently, you’ve taken the obligatory selfie in front of the Alamo, you’ve ridden guided boat tour of the River Walk, you’ve gotten a sunburn after spending all day at Sea World…. Seems like you’ve seen all the highlights that San Antonio has to offer, right? Wait! What about the food?!
After you enjoyed your grand San Antonio adventure you probably ate at a fast food restaurant (Whataburger, you’re the best, but we can enjoy your yumminess anywhere in Texas). Or maybe you were really wild and sampled some grub at Bill Miller’s BBQ or Jim’s? There’s only one on every corner!
However, my compadres, this may surprise you to hear…You MIGHT not have enjoyed all of the tasty goodness that San Antonio has to dish up!
*mind blown*
So, have you tried the most tender, crispiest chicken fried steak of your life? Or sampled iconic Tex-Mex that’s NOT one of those restaurants that clutter the river walk?
If not, do yourself a favor and go back to San Antonio (and surrounding areas). Pop that River Walk bubble and go see what the city really has to offer!
A HUGE thanks to our good friend, Chance, who introduced us to quite a few of these fabulous restaurants in San Antonio.
Disclaimer: This post is in no way sponsored, we paid for all the activities mentioned and all opinions are our own. This page may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission (at no extra charge to you) if you make a purchase after clicking my link. Thank you for being a loyal reader!
1. Bobby J’s Old Fashioned Hamburgers, Helotes, TX
Bobby J’s is my favorite burger place in San Antonio because it is simple, but done right!
The meat is the perfect thickness while still being juicy. Their buns are grilled in buttery goodness and you can opt for a jalapeno bun WHAT WHAT! Try the family basket which has a mix of both fries and onion rings.
This is just the cutest little place with an old timey feel. Plus, it’s wheelchair accessible! They also offer live music to pair with your burger and beer on Friday and Saturday nights.
2. Cora’s 471 Grill, Castroville, TX
Cora’s advertises the “Best Nachos in Texas” and whether you agree with that or not isn’t the point. The point is that pretty much everything they serve is the best in Texas!
Although, I am partial to the nachos (they serve it on a cafeteria tray!) the REAL reason I keep coming back to this awesome little place is for the cobbler.
That’s right. Cobbler.
I don’t even like cobbler. Actually, I used to be the leader of the Anti-Hot Fruit Club, but Cora’s has made me a believer. I can’t resist a big bowl of their gooey cherry cobbler with a scoop of ice cream (on the side, like a boss)! The buttery crumb crust itself is to die for!
Cora’s also boasts an amazing outdoor area for local musicians, parties, and a playground for the kiddos.
3. Richter’s Antler Cafe, Spring Branch, TX
Okay, this is when it gets intense. Everybody in Texas claims to have the best chicken fried steak. Everybody in Texas claims they know someone who makes the best chicken fried steak. I hate to do this to y’all but… YOU ARE ALL WRONG.
I’m pretty sure I’ve eaten at least 10 chicken fried steaks from Antler’s and they are so consistent! I am a picky meat eater and I’m immediately turned off if I get a tough or gristly cut of meat. I have never left an uneaten bite of chicken fried steak on my plate at Antler’s!
In addition, their chicken fried chicken is pretty gosh darn delicious too! Similarly, you can’t go wrong with any of their sides. The helpings are hearty and flavorful!
Oh yeah… and a menagerie of mounted animals stare at you while you eat! You didn’t think it was named the “Antler” cafe for nothing, did you?
Ready to explore more around the Texas Hill Country? Check out my incredible day trip itineraries to Fredericksburg, Canyon Lake, New Braunfels, Wimberley, and Bandera!
4. Stout’s Pizza Co., San Antonio, TX
If I want a good slice of pizza, I go to Stout’s.
I’m usually a thin crust girl, but the dough on their regular crust is so light and crisp! They even offer a gluten free crust!
My favorite is the canadian bacon which is sliced perfectly thin, maximizing crispiness and flavor. The Billy Goat and the Texas Pepperoni specialty pies are also both guaranteed to wow.
Even more delicious (if that’s even possible) are the pepperoni rolls. You gotta try one when you go!
Of course, as their name suggests, they offer a great selection of local beers.
5. Mi Casa Tamales, Boerne, TX
Although this joint is known for its tamales, this is honestly my favorite place for enchiladas! I haven’t tasted any better and I’ve tried A LOT in San Antonio. The red enchilada gravy is rich and the tortilla to filling ratio is on point!
Mi Casa Tamales sell out quickly for tamales by the dozen, so be sure to submit an order or head in early! They even have dessert filled tamales for you to try!
For events, they offer reservations for their patio, gazebo, and/or party room and there is live music every Friday and Saturday.
6. Sukhothai Restaurant, San Antonio, TX
Sukhothai is a non-descript “hole-in-the-wall” joint that has what I can only describe as my “dream” Pad Thai. We’ve enjoyed quite a bit of good Thai food in San Antonio, however, this place is a notch above the rest.
Due to my need for the “dream”Pad Thai to contain spicy elements, I typically reach for the house-made chili paste to add to my dish. I love that stuff almost as much as I love Tex-Mex salsa…shhhhh…don’t tell the tortilla chips…
Anyway…what I’m trying to say is that this dish is so packed full of flavor that I really don’t even need the chili paste! And that’s saying something.
The Thai iced coffee is also delicious and their spring rolls are served in cute little woven baskets! How fun is that?
7. The Magnolia Pancake Haus, San Antonio, TX
I bet that out of all the restaurants in this list you’ve probably heard of this one, right? That’s because Magnolia Pancake Haus is SUPER popular and rightfully so!
The ingredients are fresh, the portion sizes are huge, and you really can’t go wrong with anything you choose from the menu.
Most noteworthy, is the Authentic Apfel Pfannekuchen. Say that 5 times fast! Decadent is only a mild way to describe it. It’s like eating an apple pie, pancake, and funnel cake all in one bite.
TIP: To prevent your Pfannekuchen from getting soggy, ask for your European style whipped cream to be served on the side! #winning
8. Tiu Steppi’s Osteria, San Antonio, TX
Tiu Steppi’s dishes out the Italian classics and they do it well!
The antipasto plate, eggplant parmesan, and ribeye in gorgonzola marsala mushroom sauce are our favorites. They even specialize in wood fired pizza!
If you’re looking for an authentic Italian experience in San Antonio, it doesn’t get much better than Tiu Steppi’s.
9. Hungry Farmer Steakhouse, San Antonio, TX
We stumbled upon this place on a whim and really weren’t expecting much. I’m glad we weren’t disappointed, because it was delicious!
The chicken fried steak was tender and the portion sizes were huge! Although, we didn’t try a grilled steak, they have an excellent selection and even offer a handy dandy chart that explains each cut of meat on the menu.
Be sure to ask for a salad with their house made green garlic dressing!
10. Chick’s Prime Meat Market, Spring Branch, TX
Chick’s similarly boasts tasty menu items and laid back patio seating with live music on the weekend…BUT, they offer something a little extra.
As you probably guessed in the name, Chick’s is also a fully operational meat market!
Want to take some meat home? Cool! But, you know what would be better? To choose your cut in the market and then have them cook it to order for you for no extra charge! What??? Yes, they really do that!
This probably pales in comparison to their meat selection…but, Chick’s has some pretty awesome Tex-Mex, as well as, annual crawfish boils!
11. B-Daddy’s BBQ, Helotes, TX
Y’all remember how I said I was picky about meats? Well, everyone knows BBQ is all about meat and I have loved every bit of it at B-Daddy’s!
The jalapeno cheddar cream corn sends me to flavortown and it pairs so well with their BBQ sauce.
Bite of brisket with sauce, bite of corn, bite of brisket with sauce, bite of corn…just keep it up, your taste buds will thank you!
Oh yeah, and they come up with really fun twists on your favorites like the Brisket Grilled Cheese…ummmm YESSSS!!
12. El Chaparral Mexican Restaurant, Helotes, TX
Life’s too short to not follow your appetite.
Posted by El Chaparral Mexican Restaurant – Helotes on Friday, August 21, 2020
First of all, I rate my Mexican restaurant on how good the chips and salsa are BUT, the second thing I rate it at is pretty important too…
TORTILLAS.
If you ever doubted my love for carbs, I hope this clarifies it for you.
I don’t want that thin, flimsy stuff that looks like it came from a package, y’all. I want the thick, fluffy tortillas! That tortilla needs to function as a spoon to sop up all that delicious sauce that’s guaranteed to be pooling in my plate!
El Chaparral delivers.
This is THE place to go for authentic Tex-Mex in San Antonio!
Had some tasty grub in San Antonio? Share your favorite restaurant in the comment section below!
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It all sounds wonderful!! Thanks for sharing!! Love your website!!
Thank you! Now, you and Joe have yummy stops to make on your way to Kerrville!
My goodness! All the best places!! Now I need to just take a couple weeks to eat at all of them!
I wish we were trying them all out with you! <3