The Best Food You’ll Ever Eat in San Antonio

The Lone-Star state is certainly one of the best-known foodie states in America, known for Tex Mex, BBQ, and fresh Southern Seafood dishes. San Antonio is certainly no exception to this, this exciting city offering guests all the finest in all those categories, plus some.

In 2017 San Antonio was named as the second American city dubbed a 'Creative City of Gastronomy' by UNESCO, as well as America’s most affordable foodie hotspot, according to a WalletHub. So what makes the food here so special?

How about celebrity chefs Johnny Hernandez, Buddy Valastro, and John Besh? Or maybe it's the Culinary Institute of America Campus, or the several critically acclaimed eateries at the historic Pearl Brewery or River Walk? Honestly, it's all of them combined, plus an amazingly eager local crowd of food eaters ready to experience all the finest in foods.

Here are our top choices for the Best Food You'll Ever Eat in San Antonio.

  • Tex-Mex-

    - Tellez Tamales and Barbacoa - If you live in Texas, you know you're tamales, and if you live in San Antonio, you know Tellez Tamales is certainly one of the best. Completely authentic and ridiculously delicious, these tamales will certainly not disappoint. You definitely need to try the pork jalapeno tamales while here!
    - Rosario's Mexican Cafe y Cantina -Rosario's has consistently been voted the “Best Mexican Restaurant” in San Antonio by local foodies, making it one of our favorite tex-mex choices! The food served here is a combination of original specialties created in-house and traditional tex-mex dishes, like fish tacos and shrimp nachos. Our suggestion? Try the Enchiladas Mexicanos, 3-cheese enchiladas with avocado, cabbage lime slaw, and grilled jalapeno, topped with fried potatoes and carrots. Yum!!
    - Henry's Puffy Tacos -
    Henry's Puffy Tacos just may be the most beloved restaurant in all of San Antonio, the official birthplace of the famous 'San Antonio Puffy Taco revolution'. There are several seriously tasty items on the menu here at Henry's, but don't think you are coming here without trying the classic puffy taco, a fluffy fried tortilla delight. Try the shredded chicken, bean and cheese, carne guisada, or spicy beef fajita flavors!

     

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  • River Walk Eateries -

    - Boudro's Texas Bistro - A true River Walk classic since 1986, Boudro's Texas Bistro will provide you with great outdoor views, great southern hospitality, and of course, really great food. Boudreaux's Shrimp and Grits, Grilled Texas Quail, and Blackened Prime Rib will surely satisfy your cravings for authentic Texas eats, but the real draw here is the guacamole. The avocado masterpiece is 'freshly prepared at your table with diced avocado, roasted tomato and serrano pepper, cilantro and fresh lime and orange juices'.
    - Bella on the River - Recently opening with the new name Bella on Houston, this popular River Walk eatery featuring Mediterranean eats with a slightly southern twist. Try the Seafood Seafood Paella with Texas Gulf Shrimp, PEI Mussels, and Fresh Clams, or perhaps the Steak Florentine or Lamb Chops. The wine selection here is phenomenal, as well. 
    - Biga on the Banks - 
    Our personal favorite River Walk choice is Biga on the Banks, a New American cuisine fine dining experience you won't soon forget. Biga holds the highest Zagat restaurant rating on the San Antonio River Walk, as well as several other accolades in the food world. It is run by Chef Bruce Auden, who updates the main menu daily, with some past favorites including dishes such as Eleven-spiced Hill Country Venison and Grilled Quail, Mustard Crusted Texas Lamb Rack, and Gulf Crab Stuffed American Snapper.

     

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  • Pearl District -

    - Supper - Within Hotel Emma at the Pearl District Brewery, Supper is continuously wowing guests with their seasonal farm-to-table creations. Chef John Brand works hard to create the most tasteful dishes he can daily, such as the Smoked Crispy Quail with Pickled Corn Relish, Everything Smoked Salmon on Rye with Beets, and breakfast-time favorite Millionaire's Bacon. This food is seriously good, like, seriously. If you manage to save room for dessert try the Toasted Marshmallow Churro with Oaxacan Chocolate Ice Cream! 
    - Cured  - Located within Pearl’s Administration Building,  built in 1904, Cured is one of the most historically set, tasty eateries in the district. There is one food offered here that seems to rise above the rest: the Charcuterie. Cured from 30 days to 12 months, all these items are made in-house and stored in a humidity-controlled locker. Try the Apple Jalapeño Pork Rillettes, Smoked Duck Ham, or Hog's Head Cheese, or perhaps go for something outside of the locker like the Roasted Leg of Lamb or Seafood Crusted Redfish. You really can't go wrong with any choice here at Cured. 
    - Farmer's Market -
    Every Saturday and Sunday you can come to the Farmer's Market at the Pearl Brewery and enjoy a culinary wonderland like no other! This market is a 'true representation of our South Texas growing ranching and artisanal food community', featuring over 45 local vendors selling produce, meat, baked goods, eggs, cheeses, olive oils, and various prepared foods. Samples, food trucks, and various culinary courses abound, this is a true foodies paradise.

     

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  • BBQ -

    - The Granary Cue and Brew - One of the most popular eateries in all of San Antonio, The Granary is sure to tantalize all your taste buds! From Brisket Ramen (yeah, that's right, brisket. ramen.) to their Short Rib Pastrami, voted the best pastrami in the country, The Granary has their BBQ game figured out! Added bonus: The Granary is located within the historic Pearl Brewery, with plenty more to do/taste/smell around every corner! Oh, and the beer selection isn't too shabby either!
    - Smoke Shack - Many locals and guests alike have unofficially dubbed this the best bbq in the city, Smoke Shack serving up some of the smokiest, juiciest, and all around most delicious American classic BBQ around. Brisket, pulled pork, and whole turkeys or chickens are amongst the most popular items, though we personally can't seem to get our mind off of the Smoke Shack Mac, house-made macaroni topped with chopped brisket and BBQ sauce.

     

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  • Dessert & Ice Cream -

    - Bakery Lorraine - Bakery Lorraine is a decadent French bakery that serves up classic pastries and sweets, as well as truly excellent breakfast and lunch options. For breakfast come in and grab a Croque Madame, Quiche Lorraine, or warm Coffee Cake, and for lunch, you must try the Ham and Brie sandwich or Bulgur & Quinoa bowl. Save plenty of room for dessert, with such options as fresh Parisian Macarons, Tarts, and Cinamon Rolls. Of course, there are croissants, scones, and a variety of fresh loaves of bread as well. This eatery is also at the Pearl Brewery!
    - Tre Trattoria - 
    Located within the San Antonio Museum of Art, this lovely little cafe and eatery provides guests with not only excellent food choices but also excellent views on the patio of the San Antonio River. Some favorites here at Tre Trattoria include the house-made pastas, cast-iron flatbread pizzas, and perhaps the absolute most popular dish, Nutella x 3. This decadent dessert consists of Nutella Cake topped with Nutella Ganache, served alongside Nutella based Mousse. Your taste buds will thank you for this one.

     

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Check out our other blogs in the Best Food You'll Ever Eat series! 

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