Sue & Mark’s Local Favorites
Food Scene
Fabulous bar, great food, an in-house panaderia, and the most friendly and festive atmosphere - we love absolutely everything about Mi Familia!
It’s perfect for any meal of the day, for happy hour, a late night hot chocolate or their own delicious coffee, or picking up pastries and traditional Mexican goodies for snacks and gifts.
Mi Familia at the Rim
18403 Interstate 10
Fabulous bar, great food, an in-house panaderia, and the most friendly and festive atmosphere - we love absolutely everything about Mi Familia!
It’s perfect for any meal of the day, for happy hour, a late night hot chocolate or their own delicious coffee, or picking up pastries and traditional Mexican goodies for snacks and gifts.
For a true luxurious fine dining experience, this is it! Signature is a love story to Texas by Chef Andrew Weissman. Expect five diamond service and familiar favorites prepared as seasonal treats to your taste buds. Reservations are a must.
We appreciate the true talent behind the bar with cocktails that use Texas spirits and faux-tails crafted with equal care and panache! The wine list is a marvel and pairing recommendations are spot-on!
We can’t say enough about how much we love to feel spoiled and indulged by a Signature night out!
9 سكان محليون يوصون بهذا
Signature
16401 La Cantera PkwyFor a true luxurious fine dining experience, this is it! Signature is a love story to Texas by Chef Andrew Weissman. Expect five diamond service and familiar favorites prepared as seasonal treats to your taste buds. Reservations are a must.
We appreciate the true talent behind the bar with cocktails that use Texas spirits and faux-tails crafted with equal care and panache! The wine list is a marvel and pairing recommendations are spot-on!
We can’t say enough about how much we love to feel spoiled and indulged by a Signature night out!
We love to visit for oysters and bubbles! Silo has a great seafood menu at this third of their “elevated dining” restaurants in town. Their lunch and dinner menus offer classic comfort fare, too, along with great wines, innovative bar drinks, and cheerful service. Sue tip: bring a sweater if you get cold - they run their thermostat low!
10 سكان محليون يوصون بهذا
SILO Terrace Oyster Bar
22211 W I-10We love to visit for oysters and bubbles! Silo has a great seafood menu at this third of their “elevated dining” restaurants in town. Their lunch and dinner menus offer classic comfort fare, too, along with great wines, innovative bar drinks, and cheerful service. Sue tip: bring a sweater if you get cold - they run their thermostat low!
Sadly closed...for now. A landmark since 1929 and always voted one of the most romantic restaurants in Texas. All the amazing steaks and meats are cooked on an open fire, outside. Tip: ask for sauces on the side!
12 سكان محليون يوصون بهذا
The Grey Moss Inn Restaurant
19010 Scenic Loop RdSadly closed...for now. A landmark since 1929 and always voted one of the most romantic restaurants in Texas. All the amazing steaks and meats are cooked on an open fire, outside. Tip: ask for sauces on the side!
Espresso and other coffee drinks, baked goods, super comfy places to sit and relax inside the historic Old Town Helotes building, or in their pet friendly garden. Live music some evenings. Friendly, helpful staff. All forms of payment, including mobile and digital wallet.
12 سكان محليون يوصون بهذا
The Cracked Mug Coffee House
14743 Old Bandera RdEspresso and other coffee drinks, baked goods, super comfy places to sit and relax inside the historic Old Town Helotes building, or in their pet friendly garden. Live music some evenings. Friendly, helpful staff. All forms of payment, including mobile and digital wallet.
They have CFS! And, when you really just want a burger, get it here. Live music weekends. You might want to sit in the front room. The music is good, but loud. The food is good. Sue goes for the green chili burger or flat-top split grilled dogs on a hamburger bun! For Mark, it’s always Chicken Fried Steak!
8 سكان محليون يوصون بهذا
Bobby J's Old Fashioned Hamburgers
13247 Bandera RdThey have CFS! And, when you really just want a burger, get it here. Live music weekends. You might want to sit in the front room. The music is good, but loud. The food is good. Sue goes for the green chili burger or flat-top split grilled dogs on a hamburger bun! For Mark, it’s always Chicken Fried Steak!
The freshest homemade gelato this side of Italy! Family owned and operated, you will love this amazing place! It’s located in Old Town, a five mile round trip walk!
If we can’t convince you to give Congelato a try, maybe Isaac, the owner’s recent post, will!
“I hope you don't mind if I'm candid for a moment. Our family made a lot of sacrifices to open this little shop. It's consumed our lives, and it has superseded many of the social connections that we might have otherwise forged. I was actually feeling pretty lonely this afternoon; enough so that I was speaking to Ivette about it. I was questioning whether I was expending my energy in a way that was really meaningful to my existence. Then, this wonderful family, who visits often, came to the window and put in their order. Their daughters are full of energy and enthusiasm, and they instantly brightened my day. They followed it up with a $20 tip. You know I don't accept tips, and of course I tried to give it back, but they wouldn't have it. They were genuine in their desire for me to have the recognition, so I did my best to accept it graciously. I had to come back in the shop because my eyes were wet. I wasn't crying. They just got wet somehow.
Our customers really do mean the world to us. Your kindness, encouragement, and support are vital in our pursuit of happiness. It would be impossible for that family to know how much their act of kindness would mean to me. It was so, so, much more than a $20 bill. I don't know if they follow us online, but I hope they do. I tried to tell them myself, but my eyes were getting wet.”
Congelato!
14743 Bandera RdThe freshest homemade gelato this side of Italy! Family owned and operated, you will love this amazing place! It’s located in Old Town, a five mile round trip walk!
If we can’t convince you to give Congelato a try, maybe Isaac, the owner’s recent post, will!
“I hope you don't mind if I'm candid for a moment. Our family made a lot of sacrifices to open this little shop. It's consumed our lives, and it has superseded many of the social connections that we might have otherwise forged. I was actually feeling pretty lonely this afternoon; enough so that I was speaking to Ivette about it. I was questioning whether I was expending my energy in a way that was really meaningful to my existence. Then, this wonderful family, who visits often, came to the window and put in their order. Their daughters are full of energy and enthusiasm, and they instantly brightened my day. They followed it up with a $20 tip. You know I don't accept tips, and of course I tried to give it back, but they wouldn't have it. They were genuine in their desire for me to have the recognition, so I did my best to accept it graciously. I had to come back in the shop because my eyes were wet. I wasn't crying. They just got wet somehow.
Our customers really do mean the world to us. Your kindness, encouragement, and support are vital in our pursuit of happiness. It would be impossible for that family to know how much their act of kindness would mean to me. It was so, so, much more than a $20 bill. I don't know if they follow us online, but I hope they do. I tried to tell them myself, but my eyes were getting wet.”
Best breakfast tacos in town! Super delicious with house-made tortillas made in front of you and build-your-own options.
Get there early and bring home an extra dozen fresh tortillas or tamales for the rest of the day!
33 سكان محليون يوصون بهذا
Mary's Tacos
518 E Blanco RdBest breakfast tacos in town! Super delicious with house-made tortillas made in front of you and build-your-own options.
Get there early and bring home an extra dozen fresh tortillas or tamales for the rest of the day!
Fresh and local Tex-Mex that hits all the spots! Daily specials, happy hour, and ask for the “homemade corn tortillas”!
We love the soup and flauta combo, Tuesday’s mole, and the family sizzling fajita platter is perfect!
6 سكان محليون يوصون بهذا
Mia's Mexican Grill
11739 Bandera RdFresh and local Tex-Mex that hits all the spots! Daily specials, happy hour, and ask for the “homemade corn tortillas”!
We love the soup and flauta combo, Tuesday’s mole, and the family sizzling fajita platter is perfect!
Best pizza around, and they deliver. The Chicken Piccata is our favorite! Or The Mediterranean. Or The……
8 سكان محليون يوصون بهذا
Rome's Pizza
5999 De Zavala RdBest pizza around, and they deliver. The Chicken Piccata is our favorite! Or The Mediterranean. Or The……
You may see other Rudy's in Texas, but this is the original smoke house, and it's great. Go. Get some 'Q!
35 سكان محليون يوصون بهذا
Leon Springs BBQ - The Original Rudy's"
24152 W I-10You may see other Rudy's in Texas, but this is the original smoke house, and it's great. Go. Get some 'Q!
Our favorite fresh and delicious Chinese to dine in, or take out. Mark highly recommends the scallops!
8 سكان محليون يوصون بهذا
Oolong Chinese Bistro
12411 Bandera RdOur favorite fresh and delicious Chinese to dine in, or take out. Mark highly recommends the scallops!
Not only meat and deer processing, but a meat market with some of the best summer sausage you'll ever eat! Open seven days a week.
Schott's Meat Market
12952 Bandera RdNot only meat and deer processing, but a meat market with some of the best summer sausage you'll ever eat! Open seven days a week.
Now that's what I like about Texas! Every small town has one, and if you haven't tried it, go. Get your Dilly Bar!
Dairy Queen
7922 Culebra RdNow that's what I like about Texas! Every small town has one, and if you haven't tried it, go. Get your Dilly Bar!
It's a local chain, and it's amazing Bar-B-Q, that's always delicious. Try some pie, too!
55 سكان محليون يوصون بهذا
Bill Miller Bar-B-Q
1030 E César E. Chávez BlvdIt's a local chain, and it's amazing Bar-B-Q, that's always delicious. Try some pie, too!
Shipley Do-Nuts
11881 Bandera RdAlways fresh, delicious, and open early! Try the kolaches!
Fans of one Midnight Diner, will certainly feel at home here! Authentic and familiar Japanese ramen, noodles, appetizers, and desserts. They are all delicious, because we’ve probably tried all of them all!
Hoka Hoka Fuku
11842 Bandera RoadFans of one Midnight Diner, will certainly feel at home here! Authentic and familiar Japanese ramen, noodles, appetizers, and desserts. They are all delicious, because we’ve probably tried all of them all!
Shopping
Over the top? Yes!
We love popping in for gifts, and the amazing, super-friendly staff is always ready to help and pour you a shopping bevy. I mean, how great do we actual do look in animal print?!
Whether buying or eyeing, this is a must visit on your Old Town trip to Helotes!
Cheetahlish
14436 Old Bandera RdOver the top? Yes!
We love popping in for gifts, and the amazing, super-friendly staff is always ready to help and pour you a shopping bevy. I mean, how great do we actual do look in animal print?!
Whether buying or eyeing, this is a must visit on your Old Town trip to Helotes!
Antiques, collectibles and crafts in the shops of Old Town Helotes, and the first Saturday of each month there's a market. December's Christmas market coincides with the annual holiday parade.
Helotes Marketplace
14391 Old Bandera RdAntiques, collectibles and crafts in the shops of Old Town Helotes, and the first Saturday of each month there's a market. December's Christmas market coincides with the annual holiday parade.
Absolutely the most fascinating store in Old Town Helotes where bicycles are fixed and sold. Stop in, gawk at the bikes and say "hi" to Hank!
Helotes Bicycle
14464 Old Bandera RdAbsolutely the most fascinating store in Old Town Helotes where bicycles are fixed and sold. Stop in, gawk at the bikes and say "hi" to Hank!
Great ideas and buys in our favorite local nursery, florist and unique gift store. Use them (or ask us to pick up) an amazing and memorable special occasion floral delivery!
Be sure to stop in for all of the unique, creative floral and plant ideas! Plus the super friendly and knowledgeable owner and staff is always on hand!
Wilson's Floral Design Helotes
14650 Bandera RdGreat ideas and buys in our favorite local nursery, florist and unique gift store. Use them (or ask us to pick up) an amazing and memorable special occasion floral delivery!
Be sure to stop in for all of the unique, creative floral and plant ideas! Plus the super friendly and knowledgeable owner and staff is always on hand!
Our favorite place in Texas to buy Vienna and Geneva’s dog food with the friendliest people to help you. Check it out!
Jupe Mills
14096 Bandera RdOur favorite place in Texas to buy Vienna and Geneva’s dog food with the friendliest people to help you. Check it out!
Nothing goes better with a Shiner Bock than chili nuts. Get some directly from the source!
Picoso's Peanut Co
18620 Bandera RdNothing goes better with a Shiner Bock than chili nuts. Get some directly from the source!
San Antonio’s #1 cigar source since 1893! For over 120 years the Finck family has been the largest supplier of fine cigars in Texas. The Helotes retail store has a huge walk-in humidors dedicated to a fantastic assortment of premium cigars. Stocked with more brands and more sizes than you’ve ever seen in one place! You’ll find all sorts of accessories, pipe and cigarette supplies, too. The comfy smoking lounge room open to the public (no membership fees!) with free Wi-Fi and a never-ending supply of free coffee.
Finck Cigars
3111 BroadwaySan Antonio’s #1 cigar source since 1893! For over 120 years the Finck family has been the largest supplier of fine cigars in Texas. The Helotes retail store has a huge walk-in humidors dedicated to a fantastic assortment of premium cigars. Stocked with more brands and more sizes than you’ve ever seen in one place! You’ll find all sorts of accessories, pipe and cigarette supplies, too. The comfy smoking lounge room open to the public (no membership fees!) with free Wi-Fi and a never-ending supply of free coffee.
Beautifully designed outdoor mall for upscale fashion, electronics, dining, and well known, high-end boutiques, or just a lovely place for window shopping!
56 سكان محليون يوصون بهذا
La Cantera Parkway
La Cantera ParkwayBeautifully designed outdoor mall for upscale fashion, electronics, dining, and well known, high-end boutiques, or just a lovely place for window shopping!
Drinks & Nightlife
World Famous. Worlds' best honkey tonk with free weekend dances, Sunday gospel brunch, and Willie Nelson every October! ;)
65 سكان محليون يوصون بهذا
John T. Floore's Country Store
14492 Old Bandera RdWorld Famous. Worlds' best honkey tonk with free weekend dances, Sunday gospel brunch, and Willie Nelson every October! ;)
Not really a bar, more like hanging out in your best friend's backyard and sharing some wine.
9 سكان محليون يوصون بهذا
Wine 101
14743 Old Bandera RdNot really a bar, more like hanging out in your best friend's backyard and sharing some wine.
If someone says to meet at Lester’s this is the place. Locals live here and a beer guarantees you’ll soon be chatting about anything under the sun!
Heavy indoor smoke, sawdust and spit - you’ve been warned!
For less smoke, the Helotes Beer Garden Is located right behind the iconic Helots Country Club. Enjoy the laid back outdoor area as well as cold beer!
Helotes Country Club
14687-1 Old Bandera RoadIf someone says to meet at Lester’s this is the place. Locals live here and a beer guarantees you’ll soon be chatting about anything under the sun!
Heavy indoor smoke, sawdust and spit - you’ve been warned!
For less smoke, the Helotes Beer Garden Is located right behind the iconic Helots Country Club. Enjoy the laid back outdoor area as well as cold beer!
Entertainment & Activities
Soar over the nearby hills in an exhilarating experience! Groups or private tours available travel 10 zip lines; minimal climbing. Super friendly and professional staff makes you feel totally safe and wanting to come back and do it again!
14 سكان محليون يوصون بهذا
Helotes Hill Country Ziplines
18026 Frank Madla RdSoar over the nearby hills in an exhilarating experience! Groups or private tours available travel 10 zip lines; minimal climbing. Super friendly and professional staff makes you feel totally safe and wanting to come back and do it again!
We call it the "goat ranch" and know that beginners especially can have a great time to swing the (available rental) clubs, fun times, and drop trou at the ladies tee.
“Hey! That kangaroo got my ball!”
Oak Valley Golf Course
18632 Bandera RdWe call it the "goat ranch" and know that beginners especially can have a great time to swing the (available rental) clubs, fun times, and drop trou at the ladies tee.
“Hey! That kangaroo got my ball!”
Mobile and local pet photographer duo with a panache for capturing our puppers at their true and beautiful selves! Call them and their mobile team will be out or meet them in Old Town during first Saturday market day!
Petography S.A
3937 Thousand Oaks DriveMobile and local pet photographer duo with a panache for capturing our puppers at their true and beautiful selves! Call them and their mobile team will be out or meet them in Old Town during first Saturday market day!
Just down the road...and is actually a nonprofit organization. All proceeds fund local city arts and culture programs! So if you want to catch a movie, visit a Santikos theater, and you can feel really good about your philanthropy!
19 سكان محليون يوصون بهذا
Santikos Entertainment Silverado
11505 W Loop 1604 NJust down the road...and is actually a nonprofit organization. All proceeds fund local city arts and culture programs! So if you want to catch a movie, visit a Santikos theater, and you can feel really good about your philanthropy!
Parks & Nature
The natural area park is owned by the City of Grey Forest that purchased 42 acres off the corner of Scenic Loop on Menchaca Road. Easy walk to the park, and easy walking/hiking trails are clearly marked.
Like the surrounding lands, this the park site has a rich history - structures that date to 1852 when John Conrad Beckmann and his wife, Regina settled the land as a weekend retreat.
In 1853, the farm was the site of an Indian raid that would result in the deaths of the farm’s caretaker and his family.
Senator Frank L. Madla Natural Area
9780 Menchaca RdThe natural area park is owned by the City of Grey Forest that purchased 42 acres off the corner of Scenic Loop on Menchaca Road. Easy walk to the park, and easy walking/hiking trails are clearly marked.
Like the surrounding lands, this the park site has a rich history - structures that date to 1852 when John Conrad Beckmann and his wife, Regina settled the land as a weekend retreat.
In 1853, the farm was the site of an Indian raid that would result in the deaths of the farm’s caretaker and his family.
40 miles of hiking and biking trails in 12,085 acres of rugged hills and canyons typical of the Texas Hill Country
118 سكان محليون يوصون بهذا
منطقة حكومية كانيون الطبيعية الولائية
12861 Galm Rd40 miles of hiking and biking trails in 12,085 acres of rugged hills and canyons typical of the Texas Hill Country
Various levels of difficulty on 10 miles of hiking trails, and home to 2 federally protected species of birds. Friedrich Wilderness Park is internationally known for bird watching.
99 سكان محليون يوصون بهذا
حديقة فريدريش البرية
21395 Milsa DrVarious levels of difficulty on 10 miles of hiking trails, and home to 2 federally protected species of birds. Friedrich Wilderness Park is internationally known for bird watching.
Sightseeing
A winding byway created from part of the Old Spanish Trail as a scenic touring route for San Antonians in the 1920s, and made to connect with the Boerne Stage road.
Scenic Loop Road
Scenic Loop RoadA winding byway created from part of the Old Spanish Trail as a scenic touring route for San Antonians in the 1920s, and made to connect with the Boerne Stage road.
Arts & Culture
Mark's work is often featured at this fantastic and unexpected contemporary art space in Comfort, Texas - which is quickly becoming "the new Marfa"!
He frequently leads classes such as oil painting, watercolor, collage, and color theory. Even when he's not showing his work, a trip to Comfort is one of our favorite hill county day trips with lots of places to grab a bite, sample wines, have a coffee, look at art, and shop for antiques.
Studio Comfort Texas
716 High StMark's work is often featured at this fantastic and unexpected contemporary art space in Comfort, Texas - which is quickly becoming "the new Marfa"!
He frequently leads classes such as oil painting, watercolor, collage, and color theory. Even when he's not showing his work, a trip to Comfort is one of our favorite hill county day trips with lots of places to grab a bite, sample wines, have a coffee, look at art, and shop for antiques.
Mr. Peavy's artshop - Mark's studio - where the magic happens! After working as an architectural draftsman then teaching thousands of students how to translate what they see into fine art, Mark designs. conducts lessons and creates works of his own in his artshop.
17922 Hilltop Dr
17922 Hilltop DriveMr. Peavy's artshop - Mark's studio - where the magic happens! After working as an architectural draftsman then teaching thousands of students how to translate what they see into fine art, Mark designs. conducts lessons and creates works of his own in his artshop.
Grey Forest is an art colony and here’s where neighbors like oil painter Don Darst, photographer Annie Macentire, and stone and metal sculptor Susan Calkins, show their impressive works.
Helotes Bicycle
14464 Old Bandera RdGrey Forest is an art colony and here’s where neighbors like oil painter Don Darst, photographer Annie Macentire, and stone and metal sculptor Susan Calkins, show their impressive works.