Friends are always asking about the best places to visit when in San Antonio. Here’s some of the long-time favorites in my hometown.
DOWNTOWN
- My absolute favorite part of the city! Park at the Pearl, walk the river to the touristy section of riverwalk, or just stay at the Pearl and eat, drink & shop.
- La Gloria (street tacos, there’s also one in the airport, so you can grab a margarita and taco on your way out of town)
- Supper
- Southerleigh
- Cured (My friend, Steve McHugh’s restaurant)
- Bakery Lorraine (best macaroons anywhere, hands down)
- Local Coffee
- Culinary Institute’s Restaurant, Nao
- The Granary (BBQ)
- Jazz, TX
- Sternewirth (bar inside Hotel Emma, also stroll through hotel)
- Hang out at Hotel Emma, have a cocktail, eat some food, shop, etc.
- Lots of fun shops
Broadway (north of the Pearl)
- Paloma Blanca **Fav Tex-Mex
- Witte Museum
- Tre Trattatoria (northern italian)
- San Antonio Museum of Art
- La Fonda on Main
Riverwalk North (south of the Pearl):
- Ocho
- Luxury (casual lunch/dinner on the river, all outdoor seating)
- Brooklynite (craft cocktail bar)
- Pete’s Taco House (for breakfast tacos)
Central Downtown:
- Acenar
- Zinc Bistro (sit in the courtyard)
- Biga on the Banks (upscale dinner, do the chef tasting if available)
- Listen to Jazz (http://www.jimcullum.com/)
- Esquire (craft cocktail dive bar)
- Bohannan’s (fancy amazing steak, great cocktail bar downstairs)
- La Margerita (Tex mex & bakery, open 24/7, food is o-k, pastries are yummy)
- Market Square–El Mercado (shopping)
- La Panaderia (breakfast, pastries)
- Rebelle
- The Alamo
SOUTHTOWN & KING WILLIAMS:
- Rosario’s (Enchilada Suiza, prickly pear margerita) **Fav Tex-Mex
- Bliss
- Feast
- Battalion
- Liberty Bar
- The Guenther House (old Pioneer Flour Mill) great for breakfast/brunch
- Madhatters Tea House & Cafe (lunch spot)
- The Fruteria
- Rent a Bcycle and visit the Missions
- Art Galleries
- Stella Public House
- Halcyon coffee
BREAKFAST TACOS
- Bill Miller’s (Breakfast taco—egg/bacon/hashbrowns—trust me!) locations all over, most serve breaky, but check first.
- Pete’s Taco House (for breakfast tacos)
BETWEEN SA & AUSTIN
New Braunfels & Gruene:
- Gristmill restaurant
- Gruene Dancehall
- Winery Tasting Rooms & shopping
- Schlitterbahn water park
Driftwood:
- Salt Lick BBQ (**all time best BBQ, anywhere
Best time to visit:
- Last 2 weeks in April during Fiesta
