Best Restaurants in San Antonio
Deep in the heart of Texas, the city of San Antonio will keep you busy with famous sights such as the Alamo and River Walk
There’s historical and contemporary entertainment alike, from Enchanted Rock to the Spurs. This much excitement will keep you going all day, and when hunger strikes, there are a few can't-miss places that will delight your inner foodie and keep you coming back for more.
As the Rooster Crows—Breakfast Joints
Featured on the Food Channel's "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives," Magnolia Pancake Haus in the north central part of the city boasts the world’s best buttermilk pancakes. This restaurant was designed with Grandma in mind—family recipes, “old school” preparations, and a warm sense of hospitality.
If you love sweets in the morning, challenge your group to share a 3.5-pound cinnamon roll. You'll find them at Lulu's Bakery & Cafe just north of the Alamo. The roll isn't the only big thing on the menu, though. Take on the plate-sized chicken-fried steak topped in white gravy or queso.
High Noon—Lunch Hangouts
For friends with big appetites, head to Big Lou's Pizza in the south side—you may have seen it on Travel Channel’s “Man v. Food.” Order Big Lou’s 42-inch Super-Topping pizza and you've got about 27 pounds of Italian goodness on your hands. Of course, the restaurant serves less daunting portions too, including smaller pizzas, calzones, wings and wraps.
Schilo's Delicatessen sits along the River Walk just south of Alamo Plaza. Walk through the doors and you’ll think you’re in the 1950s with the old diner-style counters and authentic German deli delights. Taste the shop’s homemade hot mustard, and pick up a jar on the way out.
Ride Into the Sunset—Dinner Destinations
Sample authentic Tex-Mex cuisine at La Fonda on Main, a San Antonio fixture since 1932. Its list of famous guests speaks to its historical longevity and its culinary prowess: Presidents Lyndon B. Johnson and Franklin D. Roosevelt frequented the place, as did John Wayne, Roy Rogers and other movie stars.
For the full cowboy experience, head to Tejas Steakhouse in the northern part of the city. The menu includes Tex-Mex, chicken dishes and pub fare that fits any budget. Aside from live music and dancing, this unique steakhouse holds rodeos every weekend. Even the kids can ride!
Strolling Down the River
The San Antonio River Walk meanders nearly 5 miles along the banks of the San Antonio River with shops, bars and restaurants lining the way. Drift along 2.5 miles of water on an open-air dining boat catered by the Republic of Texas and enjoy a breakfast, lunch, dinner or cocktail cruise. If you don’t have your sea legs on this trip, grab a table waterside at the restaurant's River Walk location in the historic Clifford building. The eatery serves up burgers, steaks and Texican cuisine.
A block north, Rio Rio Cantina is one of the River Walk's original Mexican culinary delights. Experience tasty treats like homemade flour tortillas, signature burritos and other Southwestern favorites like chorizo and eggs. Though they’ve got plenty of traditional dishes, they also provide gluten-free and vegetarian options.
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More to Explore
About San Antonio
The past meets the future in San Antonio with historical landmarks and a modern cityscape.
The San Antonio River Walk
Make your way to the river in San Antonio for food, fun and more.