San Antonio Downtown Restaurant Guide
This guide showcases culinary highlights in and around the Downtown/San Antonio Riverwalk area. This guide is separated into 3 main areas: Downtown Riverwalk, Southtown, and The Pearl Brewery, all of which are connected by the San Antonio River. Many Downtown restaurants are within walking distance of the convention center and all are a short cab ride away. This list includes many local favorites but is by no means all inclusive. We did not include many well-known national chains that are downtown that certainly offer excellent dining options.
Downtown Riverwalk The heart of the San Antonio Riverwalk, these restaurants are located within walking distance of the AACAP conference and are generally accessible by the Riverwalk. Average cab fare of under $10 to reach these restaurants from Downtown Hotels.
Bella on the River www.bellaontheriver.com 106 River Walk St, San Antonio, TX 78205 210.404.2355
Delicious Italian food located in a literal hole in the wall off of the Riverwalk. Bella’s inviting staff and intimate atmosphere set the tone for one of the finest meals you’ll ever have while visiting San Antonio.
Biga on the Banks www.biga.com 203 S. St. Mary’s at Market St., San Antonio, Texas 78205 210.225.0722
Upscale fine dining on the Riverwalk focused on Southwest ingredients and flavor profiles. Biga on the Banks also boasts the highest Zagat restaurant rating on the San Antonio River Walk.
County Line BBQ www.countyline.com/CountyLineRiverWalk.html 111 W Crockett St #104, San Antonio, TX 210.229.1941
County Line is a great place to enjoy a plate of legendary Texas bar-b-q and an ice cold beer or margarita. The County Line River Walk features an awesome river side patio and open-air bar. Inside the funky Texas roadhouse atmosphere will make you feel like you’ve wandered out into the Texas Hill Country.
The Esquire Bar and Tavern www.esquiretavern-sa.com 155 E Commerce St, San Antonio, TX 78205 210.222.2521
The oldest bar on the Riverwalk, featuring the longest wooden bartop in Texas, The Esquire opened the day after Prohibition ended in 1933. Enjoy affordable American bar food classics with a twist, along with a full bar and a variety of interesting cocktails.
Luke www.lukesanantonio.com 125 E. Houston Street, San Antonio, TX 78205 210.227.5853
Chef Josh Besh’s first restaurant outside of his home state of Louisiana, and it features a menu of authentic Old World cuisine, combining classic German and French cooking techniques with a New Orleans touch.
Mi Tierra www.mitierracafe.com 800 Dolorosa #204, San Antonio, TX 210.225.3955
Mi Tierra is a 24 hour family friendly restaurant, famous for its year-round Christmas lights, lively mariachi atmosphere, delicious Tex-Mex staples, and ice cold beer and Margaritas.
Ocho Lounge @ Hotel Havana havanasanantonio.com/ocho.shtml 1015 Navarro St, San Antonio, TX 78205 210.222.2008
This charming bar and restaurant specializing in Cuban cuisine is located in an atrium off of Hotel Havana. The upstairs Ocho dining room, situated in a glass and steel conservatory reminiscent of a birdcage, opens onto the river and offers seating both indoors and outdoors.
Restaurant Gwendolyn www.restaurantgwendolyn.com 152 E Pecan St #100, San Antonio, TX 78205 210.222.1849
Old school food with locally sourced ingredients. Focus on fine dining and handmade cuisine. Gwendolyn features fixed-price menus of locally sourced, upscale American fare, prepared without motorized machines.
Southtown Located just south of Downtown San Antonio, Southtown is an eclectic neighborhood with numerous eateries, bars, museums, and art galleries. Don’t forget to spend time walking around the old streets of the King William Historic District, as well as touring the Blue Star Arts Complex for a view of San Antonio’s latest artistic endeavors. Average cab fare of $10 or less from your Downtown Hotel.
Bliss www.foodisbliss.com 926 S Presa St, San Antonio, TX 78210 210.225.2547
A chef owned (Mark Bliss) and operated restaurant, serves contemporary American cuisine with a Southern influence. The menu changes frequently with an emphasis on what is seasonal and creative over what is predictable and familiar. Reservations are highly recommended.
Feast www.feastsa.com 1024 S Alamo St, San Antonio, TX 78210 210.354.1024
Stylish New American eatery with an eclectic menu, unique cocktails, patio dining, and a buzzy brunch.
Guenther House www.guentherhouse.com 205 E Guenther St, San Antonio, TX 78204 210.227.1061
Have breakfast or brunch in the Pioneer Flour Mill’s family home, built in 1860 right along the San Antonio River. Serving some of the best waffles and biscuits in the San Antonio Area, the Guenther House was voted by MySA.com to be San Antonio’s top Brunch.
Halcyon Coffee www.halcyoncoffeebar.com/location/san-antonio 1414 S Alamo St, San Antonio, TX 78210 210.277.7045
Eclectic coffee bar and café known for their casual food, excellent coffee, and coffee-based alcoholic beverages.
Hot Joy www.hotjoysa.com 1014 S Alamo St, San Antonio, TX 78210 210.368.9324
Happening locale with eclectic, colorful decor offers creative Asian dishes and cocktails.
La Frite Belgian Bistro www.lafritesa.com 728 S Alamo St, San Antonio, TX 78205 210.224.7555
An authentic Belgian Bistro in San Antonio, family owned, mussels are a can’t miss. Reservations recommended.
Liberty Bar www.liberty-bar.com 1111 S. Alamo St., San Antonio, TX 78210 210.227.1187
Window-filled eatery and bar in a restored convent serving unique American fare all-day.
Madhatters Tea House and Café www.madhatterstea.com 320 Beauregard St, San Antonio, TX 78204 210.212.4832
A converted house in the historic King William neighborhood that specializes in breakfast, lunch, brunch and tea parties in a fun, eclectic setting with outdoor dining.
The Monterey www.themontereysa.com 1127 S St Mary’s St., San Antonio, TX 78210 210.745.2581
The Monterey is one of the leading Gastropubs in the Southtown District, known for its constantly rotating menu and adventurous, inventive American eats.
Rosario’s Mexican Cantina www.rosariossa.com 910 S Alamo St., San Antonio, TX 78205 210.223.1806
Lively local chain serving classic and creative Mexican dishes, plus cocktails, in a trendy setting. Local food critics have consistently voted Rosario’s “Best Mexican Restaurant” in San Antonio, “Best Neighborhood Restaurant/Downtown-Southtown,” and Critics’ Choice for “Best Restaurant to Take Out- of-Town Guests.”
Taco Haven www.tacohaven.info 1032 S Presa St., San Antonio, TX 210.533.2171
"Voted Best Breakfast in Texas by Food Network Magazine!" Taco Haven offers the most authentic local Tex-Mex cuisine, specializing in Tacos of all varieties.
Stella Public House www.stellapublichouse.com 1414 S Alamo St., San Antonio, TX 78210 210.277.7047
Hip, rustic spot for locally sourced wood-fired pizza, housemade cheese, and a rotating selection of craft beer.
Pearl Brewery A beautiful entertainment and shopping district located on the Riverwalk Museum Reach expansion just minutes north of Downtown, filled with shops, restaurants, and bars. Average cab fare of $10-15 from Downtown Hotels.
Cured www.curedatpearl.com 306 Pearl Parkway, San Antonio, TX 78215 210.314.3929
Named both for Chef Steven McHugh’s house-cured charcuterie meats, as well as his being in remission from lymphoma, Cured is an excellent New American restaurant well worth a visit.
Green Vegetarian Cuisine: www.eatatgreen.com 200 E Grayson St #200, San Antonio, TX 210.320.5865
Green is San Antonio’s only 100% Kosher Vegan family friendly vegan restaurant that’s a favorite of vegetarians and carnivores alike. Located in the heart of the Pearl Brewery, don’t forget to walk over to “Lick” for unique, naturally flavored ice cream.
La Gloria chefjohnnyhernandez.com/lagloria 100 E. Grayson Street, San Antonio, TX 78215 210.267.9040
La Gloria is known for serving some of the best Margaritas in the city along with a selection of authentic Mexican street tacos and fare. This restaurant is located right on the San Antonio river and offers direct access to the Riverwalk Museum Reach area.
The Granary www.thegranarysa.com 602 Avenue A, San Antonio, Texas 78215 210.228.0124
Try out this gourmet Texas BBQ joint, where they elevate smoked meats to the next level in ways that are both familiar and exciting. Featured as one of the best restaurants in 2014 by Texas Monthly, the Granary introduces diners to a variety of globally inspired barbecue traditions and flavors. Craft beer brewed on-site and a selection of highlights from craft breweries around the world.
Il Sogno Osteria 200 East Grayson Street, Suite 100, San Antonio, TX 78215 210.223.3900
Owned by the renowned chef Andrew Weissman, the five-star Italian cafe features Italian fare found in the trattorias and osterias of Rome and Florence.
The SandBar www.sandbarsa.com 200 East Grayson Street, Suite 117, San Antonio, TX 78215 210.212.2221
Also owned by the renowned chef Andrew Weissman, The Sandbar offers fresh seafood wonderfully prepared.
Tre Trattoria www.tretrattoria.com 4003 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209 210.805.033
Although not part of the Pearl it is just blocks away (Next to The Witte Museum). Award winning chef, Jason Dady offers home-made Tuscan inspired Italian food.
Kid Friendly
Just about any restaurant on the river is open to children, in particular any burger, pizza or Mexican food restaurant.
The Rainforest Café www.rainforestcafe.com 110 East Crockett, San Antonio, TX 78205 210.277.6300
This is always a favorite with good food, reasonable prices, and an entertaining atmosphere.
The County Line Riverwalk www.countyline.com/CountyLineRiverWalk.html 111 W. Crockett St. # 104, San Antonio, TX 210.229.1941
Classic Texas bar-b-q inside a Texas roadhouse atmosphere.
Hard Rock Cafe San Antonio www.hardrock.com/cafes/san-antonio 111 W Crockett St., San Antonio, TX 78205 210.224.7625
Solid burgers, with a fun atmosphere.