Guidebook for San Antonio
Food Scene
Merit admits to being fiercely focused on the art and science behind an excellent cup of coffee. According to their website, that focus is a ginormous process that relies on control of the whole brewing experience, personal sourcing the coffee beans, roasting and tasting and adjusting and testing and finally packaging the whole beans fresh from the roaster into stylish little bags that make one feel that they're actually receiving a precious gift from the coffee gods. Which is probably why this hidden gem is one of the most popular java joints in town!
9 سكان محليون يوصون بهذا
Merit Roasting Co.
2001 S Presa StMerit admits to being fiercely focused on the art and science behind an excellent cup of coffee. According to their website, that focus is a ginormous process that relies on control of the whole brewing experience, personal sourcing the coffee beans, roasting and tasting and adjusting and testing and finally packaging the whole beans fresh from the roaster into stylish little bags that make one feel that they're actually receiving a precious gift from the coffee gods. Which is probably why this hidden gem is one of the most popular java joints in town!
Sometimes, ya just want a basic Mexican plate without all the frills and higher prices. For those occasions, you definitely want to hit this place up. Located oh-so-conveniently to the house, Las Tap serves-up really awesome and authentic Tex-Mex indoors and through their drive-thru, and does it at prices that will still allow you to take the kids to Sea World. Friendly staff, simple service and unpretentious surroundings make it an easy choice for a quick bite or a full meal, and that fact that a hefty percentage of the local population dines here means it's gotta be good!
11 سكان محليون يوصون بهذا
Las Tapatias De Jalisco
1506 S St Mary's StSometimes, ya just want a basic Mexican plate without all the frills and higher prices. For those occasions, you definitely want to hit this place up. Located oh-so-conveniently to the house, Las Tap serves-up really awesome and authentic Tex-Mex indoors and through their drive-thru, and does it at prices that will still allow you to take the kids to Sea World. Friendly staff, simple service and unpretentious surroundings make it an easy choice for a quick bite or a full meal, and that fact that a hefty percentage of the local population dines here means it's gotta be good!
According to SA's very own Infra Jag's kvell-fest FB posting, the WE is the "best coffee product [he's] come across in over a decade." In addition, the java emporium is a "treat for sore eyes and a yearning pallet as these guys actually respect the bean in every way and make sure you receive exactly what you ask for on every level!! [He] can't say enough about this shop as it is clearly anything BUT a white elephant...these guys keep this up and they'll be a permanent staple of Texas (insert cute coffee emoji here.)" And, there ya have it...
23 سكان محليون يوصون بهذا
White Elephant Coffee Company
110 W Carolina StAccording to SA's very own Infra Jag's kvell-fest FB posting, the WE is the "best coffee product [he's] come across in over a decade." In addition, the java emporium is a "treat for sore eyes and a yearning pallet as these guys actually respect the bean in every way and make sure you receive exactly what you ask for on every level!! [He] can't say enough about this shop as it is clearly anything BUT a white elephant...these guys keep this up and they'll be a permanent staple of Texas (insert cute coffee emoji here.)" And, there ya have it...
A small, 9-table restaurant known for fun, delicious food, funky cocktails, eclectic wines and great service, this bordering-on-exclusive bite of poshness is the brainchild of Chilean expat, Lisa Astorga-Watel, whose recipe's tastes and portions are all influenced by her travels around the world. Think Paris' Spring and London's Iberica Marylebone and you'll be spot-on...and, based on the stellar reviews proffered by the eatery's legion of fans, equally as satisfied.
25 سكان محليون يوصون بهذا
Bite
1012 S Presa StA small, 9-table restaurant known for fun, delicious food, funky cocktails, eclectic wines and great service, this bordering-on-exclusive bite of poshness is the brainchild of Chilean expat, Lisa Astorga-Watel, whose recipe's tastes and portions are all influenced by her travels around the world. Think Paris' Spring and London's Iberica Marylebone and you'll be spot-on...and, based on the stellar reviews proffered by the eatery's legion of fans, equally as satisfied.
Bliss's mission is to be consistently among San Antonio's best restaurants and to express excellence in the most inclusive, genuine and hospitable way by delivering superior customer service based on their belief that "People may forget what you say, and they may forget what you do, but they will always remember how you made them feel."
123 سكان محليون يوصون بهذا
Bliss
926 S Presa StBliss's mission is to be consistently among San Antonio's best restaurants and to express excellence in the most inclusive, genuine and hospitable way by delivering superior customer service based on their belief that "People may forget what you say, and they may forget what you do, but they will always remember how you made them feel."
Specializing in food that you're going to love, each item on the La Tuna menu is a delicious fusion of Tex-Mex and American classics. From weekly soup specials and fresh salads to savory burgers and sandwiches with all the fixings, these are that type of meals that you'll remember long after you've removed the spots from your T-shirt. All this and an amazing staff ready to welcome you and make you feel at home. So, sit back, relax and order those fried mushrooms for the table....you know you want to.
87 سكان محليون يوصون بهذا
La Tuna
100 Probandt StSpecializing in food that you're going to love, each item on the La Tuna menu is a delicious fusion of Tex-Mex and American classics. From weekly soup specials and fresh salads to savory burgers and sandwiches with all the fixings, these are that type of meals that you'll remember long after you've removed the spots from your T-shirt. All this and an amazing staff ready to welcome you and make you feel at home. So, sit back, relax and order those fried mushrooms for the table....you know you want to.
Housed in the basement of the old Alamo Methodist Church, amidst the Beards and the Babes and the musicians and the artists and the suburbanites that are looking for more than a Dave & Buster's, Frank serves-up hipster hot dogs...pardon us, artisanal sausages...with monikers like The Notorious P.I.G. and Fico Anatra, along with Chile Cheese Waffle Fries and Portobello Cheesesteak, and combines it with dozens of craft beers and select spirits such as The Whole Enchilada Michelada and the Holy Smoke. So, if the idea of artisan sausages in a holy setting makes you wanna holler, Frank is the place for you!
11 سكان محليون يوصون بهذا
Frank
1150 S Alamo StHoused in the basement of the old Alamo Methodist Church, amidst the Beards and the Babes and the musicians and the artists and the suburbanites that are looking for more than a Dave & Buster's, Frank serves-up hipster hot dogs...pardon us, artisanal sausages...with monikers like The Notorious P.I.G. and Fico Anatra, along with Chile Cheese Waffle Fries and Portobello Cheesesteak, and combines it with dozens of craft beers and select spirits such as The Whole Enchilada Michelada and the Holy Smoke. So, if the idea of artisan sausages in a holy setting makes you wanna holler, Frank is the place for you!
From breakfast all the way through dinner, Tito's serves-up a delicious array of tempting Tex-Mex favorites, and the fully-stocked bar crafts the best-tasting variety of margaritas to be found outside Buffetland. From the San Antonio Thrillist: "When you're a Tex-Mex restaurant in San Antonio, and your neighbor is Rosario's, you're destined to be the underrated moniker. Here's the thing: Rosario's is good, but Tito's is really, really good! Sit on the patio, get a fat chamoy margarita, order the mole enchiladas and enjoy all of Southtown's frenetic energy." Which definitely suggests that a visit is in order!
66 سكان محليون يوصون بهذا
Tito's Mexican Restaurant
955 S Alamo StFrom breakfast all the way through dinner, Tito's serves-up a delicious array of tempting Tex-Mex favorites, and the fully-stocked bar crafts the best-tasting variety of margaritas to be found outside Buffetland. From the San Antonio Thrillist: "When you're a Tex-Mex restaurant in San Antonio, and your neighbor is Rosario's, you're destined to be the underrated moniker. Here's the thing: Rosario's is good, but Tito's is really, really good! Sit on the patio, get a fat chamoy margarita, order the mole enchiladas and enjoy all of Southtown's frenetic energy." Which definitely suggests that a visit is in order!
This iconic and infamous corner of King William has been a customer-favorite for over a decade, thanks to its delicious array of breakfast, brunch and sandwich items. Boasting an eclectic and cozy interior, plus outdoor space from which to observe the sights and sounds of Southtown, the owners and staff boast that they're "all mad here!"....which, apparently, is something to be proud of. High tea is a local favorite, for those that like both the high and tea aspects of that event.
52 سكان محليون يوصون بهذا
Madhatters Tea House & Cafe
320 Beauregard StThis iconic and infamous corner of King William has been a customer-favorite for over a decade, thanks to its delicious array of breakfast, brunch and sandwich items. Boasting an eclectic and cozy interior, plus outdoor space from which to observe the sights and sounds of Southtown, the owners and staff boast that they're "all mad here!"....which, apparently, is something to be proud of. High tea is a local favorite, for those that like both the high and tea aspects of that event.
Housed in an old 1930's-era auto repair shop, this now-legendary Southtown eatery offers-up organic, made-when-you-order-it dishes that will make even the most die-hard carnivore question the need to ingest animal products. The restaurant doubles as a gallery for a monthly rotation of artwork, and triples as a performance space for local bands and open mic nights that are as good as anything you'll see in Austin or Nashville. As great as all that is, though, it's really the food that ya gotta get your yoga pant-encased derriere in for...it's just simply that good!
58 سكان محليون يوصون بهذا
Señor Veggie
620 S Presa StHoused in an old 1930's-era auto repair shop, this now-legendary Southtown eatery offers-up organic, made-when-you-order-it dishes that will make even the most die-hard carnivore question the need to ingest animal products. The restaurant doubles as a gallery for a monthly rotation of artwork, and triples as a performance space for local bands and open mic nights that are as good as anything you'll see in Austin or Nashville. As great as all that is, though, it's really the food that ya gotta get your yoga pant-encased derriere in for...it's just simply that good!
Since 1992, Rosario's has served as the anchor business for the historic Southtown/King William neighborhood, serving up traditional south-of-the-border dishes with authentic house specialties - all prepared with a contemporary twist. Guest favorites include shrimp nachos, fish tacos, ceviche, tacos callejeros, parrillas and specialty margaritas. Proprietor Lisa Wong's restaurant career began in 1981 when, at age 18, she took $7000 of her college money and opened Lisa's Mexican Restaurant to instant success. Almost four decades later, she's still delighting and satisfying the masses! So, be sure to drop in for lunch or dinner...after you have a great breakfast taco at Tito's!
180 سكان محليون يوصون بهذا
Rosario's
722 S Alamo StSince 1992, Rosario's has served as the anchor business for the historic Southtown/King William neighborhood, serving up traditional south-of-the-border dishes with authentic house specialties - all prepared with a contemporary twist. Guest favorites include shrimp nachos, fish tacos, ceviche, tacos callejeros, parrillas and specialty margaritas. Proprietor Lisa Wong's restaurant career began in 1981 when, at age 18, she took $7000 of her college money and opened Lisa's Mexican Restaurant to instant success. Almost four decades later, she's still delighting and satisfying the masses! So, be sure to drop in for lunch or dinner...after you have a great breakfast taco at Tito's!
Authentic family recipes that Alamo City residents have been savoring since 1972 blend with a contemporary culinary expertise to produce a unique Italian dining experience that includes an appetizing array of seafood, veal, steak and pasta dishes with taste-tempting names such as Linguine Pescatora, Veal Saltimbocca Focaccia and Linguine with Clams. There's even La Focaccia's classic Italian-style pizza and traditional focaccia-baked bread crafted in a wood-fired oven. And, it's all served-up in a warm and inviting atmosphere that's suitable for any occasion.
19 سكان محليون يوصون بهذا
La Focaccia Italian Grill
800 S Alamo StAuthentic family recipes that Alamo City residents have been savoring since 1972 blend with a contemporary culinary expertise to produce a unique Italian dining experience that includes an appetizing array of seafood, veal, steak and pasta dishes with taste-tempting names such as Linguine Pescatora, Veal Saltimbocca Focaccia and Linguine with Clams. There's even La Focaccia's classic Italian-style pizza and traditional focaccia-baked bread crafted in a wood-fired oven. And, it's all served-up in a warm and inviting atmosphere that's suitable for any occasion.
Drinks & Nightlife
One of our favorite places EVER is this incredible slice of brew bliss located on the city's posh-again near eastside, within easy walking distance of downtown and the Alamo. The selection is amazing, the patio - complete with hammocks...yes, hammocks - bright and airy and the staff totally the nicest people you're ever going to meet. Litterally everyone that we know loves the place and frequents it often..it's just that awesome.
69 سكان محليون يوصون بهذا
Burleson Yard Beer Garden
430 Austin StOne of our favorite places EVER is this incredible slice of brew bliss located on the city's posh-again near eastside, within easy walking distance of downtown and the Alamo. The selection is amazing, the patio - complete with hammocks...yes, hammocks - bright and airy and the staff totally the nicest people you're ever going to meet. Litterally everyone that we know loves the place and frequents it often..it's just that awesome.
When we returned to San Antonio, we truly didn't understand what-in-the-hell the whole brew pub and craft beer thing was all about. The Pearl District? Huh? So, when we used to drive by Freetail, thinking it was just the place that the brews that we guzzled at Senor Veggie were made, we...um....still didn't get it. A brewery with movie nights? A pub where they practice yoga? Dogs and cats, living together?? But, that's Freetail for ya...a "factory" where really good brews are "made" in a building that hosts movies and yoga AND has food and food trucks. We just don't understand it...
52 سكان محليون يوصون بهذا
Freetail Brewing Co.
2000 S Presa StWhen we returned to San Antonio, we truly didn't understand what-in-the-hell the whole brew pub and craft beer thing was all about. The Pearl District? Huh? So, when we used to drive by Freetail, thinking it was just the place that the brews that we guzzled at Senor Veggie were made, we...um....still didn't get it. A brewery with movie nights? A pub where they practice yoga? Dogs and cats, living together?? But, that's Freetail for ya...a "factory" where really good brews are "made" in a building that hosts movies and yoga AND has food and food trucks. We just don't understand it...
Can't really explain why we dig this place. Could it be its proximity to downtown, in the heart of Southtown? Could it be the great prices on a huge variety of local and "imported" brews? The amazing and friendly staff? The awesome live music that pops-up on occasion? Patio? TV screens? Cool-factor? Trivia and Karaoke nights? Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes and yes!
33 سكان محليون يوصون بهذا
Southtown 101
101 Pereida StCan't really explain why we dig this place. Could it be its proximity to downtown, in the heart of Southtown? Could it be the great prices on a huge variety of local and "imported" brews? The amazing and friendly staff? The awesome live music that pops-up on occasion? Patio? TV screens? Cool-factor? Trivia and Karaoke nights? Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes and yes!
In addition to serving-up some really great brews and basic food stuff - and, to being a really awesome venue for local and touring musicians and bans - the Halle und Garten is also the home base for a group of really inspiring men and women that are doing their level-headed best to continue the tradition of German participation in the community that is San Antonio...a tradition that has contributed so much to the tapestry that is the Alamo City.
29 سكان محليون يوصون بهذا
Beethoven Maennerchor
422 Pereida StIn addition to serving-up some really great brews and basic food stuff - and, to being a really awesome venue for local and touring musicians and bans - the Halle und Garten is also the home base for a group of really inspiring men and women that are doing their level-headed best to continue the tradition of German participation in the community that is San Antonio...a tradition that has contributed so much to the tapestry that is the Alamo City.
Arts & Culture
One of the things that made us decide to live in Southtown was this incredible corner of the universe. Multi-level, multi-environment and multi Bueno, our friends Antonia and Warren have created a destination location that epitomizes everything that the arts community of Southtown is all about: a thriving arterial network of studios, learning spaces and galleries built to harvest and foster independent contemporary arts. The space drums with the pulse of old San Antonio while stirring a sense of sophisticated modernity in everyone that moves through it. Sounds posh, right?!?!?
6 سكان محليون يوصون بهذا
Mercury Project
538 Roosevelt AveOne of the things that made us decide to live in Southtown was this incredible corner of the universe. Multi-level, multi-environment and multi Bueno, our friends Antonia and Warren have created a destination location that epitomizes everything that the arts community of Southtown is all about: a thriving arterial network of studios, learning spaces and galleries built to harvest and foster independent contemporary arts. The space drums with the pulse of old San Antonio while stirring a sense of sophisticated modernity in everyone that moves through it. Sounds posh, right?!?!?
Now in its 30th year, Blue Star continues to be an incubator for contemporary art in San Antonio, hosting over 20 exhibitions each year. These exhibitions feature both emerging and world-renowned artists who hail both from the Alamo City and across the globe. Over 300,000 visitors each year experience contemporary art at Blue Star, which is why the Gallery stands firm in its commitment to inspire the creative genius in us all.
151 سكان محليون يوصون بهذا
Blue Star Contemporary
116 Blue StarNow in its 30th year, Blue Star continues to be an incubator for contemporary art in San Antonio, hosting over 20 exhibitions each year. These exhibitions feature both emerging and world-renowned artists who hail both from the Alamo City and across the globe. Over 300,000 visitors each year experience contemporary art at Blue Star, which is why the Gallery stands firm in its commitment to inspire the creative genius in us all.
Sightseeing
Mission Concepcion consists of a sanctuary, nave, convent and granary. When originally built, brightly-painted frescos decorated both the exterior and interior of the building. Traces of the frescos still exist in the weathered façade. The Mission was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1970, and, along with four other San Antonio missions, became a World Heritage Site in 2015, the first in Texas and one of only twenty-three such establishments in the United States. And, it also boasts a sports complex, with basketball and volleyball courts, softball and baseball fields and a track that ties into the Mission and the Mission Reach of the San Antonio Riverwalk ecotrail system.
Mission Concepcion Sports Complex
714 E Theo AveMission Concepcion consists of a sanctuary, nave, convent and granary. When originally built, brightly-painted frescos decorated both the exterior and interior of the building. Traces of the frescos still exist in the weathered façade. The Mission was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1970, and, along with four other San Antonio missions, became a World Heritage Site in 2015, the first in Texas and one of only twenty-three such establishments in the United States. And, it also boasts a sports complex, with basketball and volleyball courts, softball and baseball fields and a track that ties into the Mission and the Mission Reach of the San Antonio Riverwalk ecotrail system.
Essentials
There's TP and stuff but, truly, BSP is all about the boutique...a place ya go to pick-up some wax from Karma Candle Makers, some libations from Blue Star Brewery and some aged cheeses from River Whey Creamery to impress your friends at the swell soiree that you're heading to across town...not really the most economical or appropriate place if you're feeding the kids and packing their school lunches is on your mind. BUT, it is a beautiful space, the staff is pretty darned friendly - and, what they do stock will certainly make you feel all warm and snuggly on the inside...'cause, ya know, sometimes ya just gotta splurge.
36 سكان محليون يوصون بهذا
Blue Star Provisions
1414 S Alamo StThere's TP and stuff but, truly, BSP is all about the boutique...a place ya go to pick-up some wax from Karma Candle Makers, some libations from Blue Star Brewery and some aged cheeses from River Whey Creamery to impress your friends at the swell soiree that you're heading to across town...not really the most economical or appropriate place if you're feeding the kids and packing their school lunches is on your mind. BUT, it is a beautiful space, the staff is pretty darned friendly - and, what they do stock will certainly make you feel all warm and snuggly on the inside...'cause, ya know, sometimes ya just gotta splurge.