Where to eat in San Antonio

If you know me, I totally plan my entire day around food—I even carry snacks on long photo days. And when friends visit San Antonio, the first question is, “Where should we eat?”  So today, I’m sharing my favorite places in San Antonio with a quick description of what I get there.

 

General places to eat:
Shuck Shack
Are you surprised the first one is oysters? Haha! This place feels like you’re at the beach, especially when it’s nice out. They also have crawfish in addition to oysters.

Batallion
Italian eats at a former fire station (the fireman’s pole is still there!). Get the octopus.

Ocho
Situated behind the Havana hotel, this place feels like you’re in a big greenhouse. The cocktails are excellent–and don’t be afraid to order off menu.

Sangria on the Burg
Frozen sangria is the way to go on a hot day in San Antonio. They even have sangria flights! The sliders are very filling and full of flavor.

Chisme!
This place is Gina and my “go-to” when we want to sit outdoors. Get a margarita (with a spicy rim) and chicharrones.

La Botánica
Three words: woman-owned LGBT vegan. In other words, all are welcome, the food is for everyone and it’s delicious! They have a nice outdoor patio and host lots of community events.

Uni’Ko Sushi
Sushi is one of those foods that I randomly crave. And Uni’Ko is excellent. It’s a small location, but the food speaks for itself. Get the fatty salmon sashimi and whatever daily specials they have–they’re always worth it.

 

Brunch:
Southerleigh
All the comfort foods are here. You will leave stuffed. Definitely get one (or two) pineapple mimosas. Also, during the weekday, they have an outdoor bar which also serves oysters and their happy hour is great. You can’t beat biscuits and $1 wings.

Graze
This place feels like you’re walking into someone’s home…you kinda are. The ingredients are fresh and they’re just the right portions. Try their beignets.

 

Coffee:
Local/Merit Coffee
While you’re at the Pearl Farmer’s Market, Local/Merit Coffee is a good quick stop. I usually sit there to work before getting my shopping on. P.S.: They’re rebranding from Local to Merit, so give it another year before everyone hops on board.

Rosella
With multiple locations in SA, it’s a great meeting spot. One of my favorite locations is at the Botanical Gardens. In addition to coffee, they serve food and booze.

 

Late night eats:
Sternewirth
Located inside the Hotel Emma, it’s one of my favorite hotel bars. Not only is the bar area beautiful and historic, the small bites are great. Try the fries and don’t be surprised if you end up getting a second order. It’s also a good place to people watch (Gina’s fav) and there are nooks you can basically hideout in if hotel bars aren’t your scene.

Hanzo
I like that this place is located near the airport because it’s perfect for late arrivals. I really like the decor and feel. Their cocktails are pretty innovative and they have happy hour all day Monday. Try the steamed buns and deviled eggs.

 

Special occasion:
Mixtli
You need to go to this restaurant before they get Michelin starred because it’ll be impossible to get in after that. Seriously. The passion behind each dish and the stories told are incredible. The space is intimate (seats 12) and lends itself for meeting new people while having a great culinary experience.

Signature
Start at the bar here. Their sommelier is available for all your questions. Don’t skip out on the bread and butter, because that butter is amazing. Gina loves the scallop dish. I also really like their dessert.

Bliss
Two things: Do make reservations and try their bone marrow. It’s a great place for a quite date night and the service is excellent.

Maverick
The atmosphere is neat because they have so many vignettes throughout their restaurant. They also have an excellent (true) champagne selection.

 

Hideaway:
George’s Keep
The only time I saw a big crowd here was during a three day weekend. Other than that, it’s a good hideaway. They have outdoor seating so it’s great on a warm summer night. Cocktails only–no food. Gina’s favorite is the Northwest Side.

 

If you’ve made it this far, you’re probably thinking, “Okay, but where are the breakfast tacos!?” In general, the entire city has excellent breakfast tacos, especially at local, small taquerias or Jaliscos–and they won’t have a website (because let’s be real…they don’t need it!). If you’re visiting and need a place downtown, go to Pico De Gallo. If you can drive out, go to El Buen Gusto.

 

Thanks for stopping by! And if you’re in San Antonio and eat at any of these places, send me your pics at ana@anaisabelphotography.com.