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5 driven women reshaping San Antonio’s food scene

On the cover: The Boss Hogg burger and the Big Girl Mac and Cheese are among the elevated bar eats at Lucy Cooper’s Ice House.

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HELLO CARNITAS LONJA

JOSH HUSKIN

Flavor Editor: Nina Rangel Publisher: Michael Wagner Editor-In-Chief: Sanford Nowlin Art Director: Samantha Serna

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EDITORIAL Contributing Photographers: Josh Huskin, Nathan Sokul Digital Content Editor: Kelly Merka Nelson ADVERTISING Account Manager: Nathan Sokul Senior Account Executives: Mike Valdelamar Social Media Manager: Meradith Garcia MARKETING & EVENTS Marketing and Events Director: Cassandra Yardeni Events Manager: Chelsea Bourque Marketing & Events Interns: Julia Bentley CREATIVE SERVICES Graphic Designer: Samantha Serna Graphic Design Interns: Pedro Macias, Liam Alfaro CIRCULATION Circulation Manager: Justin Giles San Antonio Current 915 Dallas St. San Antonio, Texas 78215 Editorial: (210) 332-5448 Advertising: (210) 227-0044 Fax: (210) 227-7733 Copyright 2019, San Antonio Current Co., all rights reserved. San Antonio Current Co. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Euclid Media Group LLC. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission of the publisher is prohibited. Publisher does not assume any liability for unsolicited manuscripts, materials, or other content. Any submission include a stamped, self-addressed envelope. All editorial, advertising and business correspondence should be mailed to 915 Dallas St., San Antonio, TX 78215.

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in this issue LEADING LADIES Meet five driven women reshaping San Antonio’s food scene

7 dishes San Antonio diners should try right now

TRENDS

LISTINGS

RESTAURANT INDEX From alternative diets to steahouses, we share a wealth of San Antonio’s can’t-miss dining options

Meet

On The Cover

5 driven women reshaping San Antonio’s food scene

Lucy Cooper’s Ice House Lucy Cooper’s specializes in flavorful, Southern-inspired comfort classics such as tin can nachos, mile-high burgers and weekly shrimp boils. Photography // Nathan Sokul

On the cover: The Boss Hogg burger and the Big Girl Mac and Cheese are among the elevated bar eats at Lucy Cooper’s Ice House.

Art direction // Samantha Serna sacurrent.com • W I N T E R

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HELLO WELCOME TO

e’re back. After an unexpected hiatus due to the pandemic, Flavor has returned. As we assembled this issue, we weighed how to approach our city’s post-COVID-19 culinary landscape. So many local spots succumbed to the pandemic’s unprecedented hardships that we wondered how to acknowledge the distress. In the end, we chose to trumpet the resilience of San Antonio’s food and beverage community, celebrating those who continue to forge ahead in the wake of the crisis and strive to rebuild the scene. That’s not to downplay the contributions of businesses shuttered during the downturn but to look ahead as our community comes back stronger. In that spirit, we profiled five female culinary powerhouses pushing SA’s food scene forward through diverse approaches to their professions. We also chronicled must-try dishes — ranging from birria, now having a moment, to an unexpected dessert option. What’s more, we bestowed hard-earned shoutouts to local eateries that deliver some of those foods’ best renditions. It wouldn’t be Flavor without a listing of worthwhile local eateries for your perusal — over 300, to be exact— spanning a multitude of cuisines and all corners of the city. We urge you to be adventurous and eat local. Now more than ever, the future of San Antonio’s culinary possibilities lies with the hungry and fiercely loyal. If that sounds like you, it’s your time to shine. Cheers!

NINA RANGEL

[ FOOD + NIGHTLIFE EDITOR ]

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ing Ladies Meet five driven women reshaping San Antonio’s food scene STORIES by NINA RANGEL Photos by Josh Huskin an Antonio’s food and beverage industry is still largely dominated by men, but the city is also home to female culinary powerhouses who aren’t waiting around to claim their seat at the table. These five fearless women leaving a mark on the local culinary scene are educated, confident and, maybe most importantly, growing in influence. They have used their dedication and energy to reach the top, develop innovative brands and chair impact-making organizations — sometimes while being the only woman on their team.

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JAMIE GONZALEz

HUNGER BUSTER

JAMIE GONZALEZ IS BRINGING FRESH PRODUCE TO INNER-CITY NEIGHBORHOODS, ONE BODEGA AT A TIME

unger fighter Jamie Gonzalez isn’t afraid to make a big impression. After all, she signs her emails with the phrase “Puta de la Fruta.” That kind of chutzpah has served the 5-foot-tall San Antonio native as she 10

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worked to build rapport with chefs and community leaders, including Mayor Ron Nirenberg. It also doesn’t hurt that she’s got 15 years’ experience in produce distribution and food manufacturing. As creator of the Big Fresh Market Box — which has delivered over 15,000

boxes of fresh produce to San Antonio households since its June 2019 launch — and co-creator of Mercado por tu Corazón, a traveling produce market, Gonzalez uses those strengths to nourish the community in nontraditional ways. “I always knew I wanted to feed people. I just didn’t want to do it in a traditional kitchen setting,” she said. “Participating in the Food Policy Council of San Antonio is the No. 1 thing that helped me shape my food purpose. It connected the business of food that I love to my passion for community and my life-long desire to feed people.” Beyond serving as a board member on the Food Policy Council of San Antonio, she donates time to the council’s Food Justice, Food Waste and Healthy Corner Store work groups. She also works with the Alamo Colleges District Sustainable Urban Food Systems Advisory Committee and Nirenberg’s Fitness Council, and was a keynote speaker at the 2021 United Nations Food Systems Summit. Talk about a resume. Even with all those accolades and future commitments, Gonzalez still wanted to do more to feed the community. That’s why she launched the Big State Produce Bodega Project in 2019 to provide fresh fruit and vegetables to neighborhood stores in San Antonio’s inner city. That program is now on target to serve 32 stores by the end of the year. “There’s just such an opportunity to open these areas up to different experiences, offer them produce they might not have access to without these programs,” she said. “I’m so grateful to be working with such a large network of professionals that care deeply about feeding people. … We’re a special breed.” So why, when she’s sporting such an impressive pedigree, does she proudly label herself as “Puta de la Fruta”? “It’s just me,” Gonzalez said. “I’ve spent years sort of using that moniker as a joke, but it’s become this recognizable brand, this piece of myself that I’m able to own. And if it gets more eyes on the mission of feeding San Antonio, I’m happy to wear it.”

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Culinary Empowerment

NADIA MAVRAKIS HELPS IMMIGRANTS LAUNCH THEIR OWN FOOD-BASED BUSINESSES

hen spending time around Nadia Mavrakis, CEO of the nonprofit Culturingua, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by her quiet authority. She doesn’t say much, but when she does, it’s measured and to the point. It has weight. That kind of gravitas may stem from Mavrakis’ decade of experience in forprofit business strategy. In an industry largely led by middle-aged men, she led projects to design and implement changes designed to make Fortune 500 companies more competitive. Her current role draws on some of those same skills but puts them to use for a different set of clients. Culturingua works to empower immigrants and refugees from the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia (MENASA) living in San Antonio. Under Mavrakis’ guidance, the nonprofit recently rolled out the Nourish to Flourish Culinary Entrepreneurship Incubator. The project helps primarily lowand moderate-income immigrants and refugees of MENASA descent launch foodservice-based micro-businesses. Through Nourish to Flourish, Culturingua aids immigrants in creating business plans and navigating the legal process of setting up their enterprise. It can even connect some to startup capital. In past cases, Nourish to Flourish has facilitated loans of up to $15,000 at 0% interest for startup costs. “The program enables residents to learn how to apply the culinary skills they brought with them from their home countries to the American culture and business regulations,” Mavrakis said. “Through enabling MENASA residents to express their culinary heritage through microenterprises, we aim to support the City of San Antonio’s designation as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, celebrating local food heritage and emerging new influences from San Antonio’s newest residents.” The incubator is poised for even bigger things thanks to the $30,000 grant it landed last month to further develop a hands-on training program in a mobile commercial kitchen. The first of its kind in San Antonio, the mobile kitchen will allow Nourish to Flourish participants

to literally test drive culinary concepts without the financial costs usually associated with purchasing and outfitting their own food truck. By completing Culturingua’s entrepreneurship program, Mavrakis said, individuals can start a business to support themselves and their families while contributing to the local economy and attaining self-actualization — a concept near and dear to her heart. “Working to support refugees and immigrants from the Middle East, North

Africa and South Asia to integrate in America while harnessing their cultural assets has helped me better understand and appreciate the experiences of my father, who immigrated to the U.S. [as a political refugee] from Libya in 1977,” she said. She also sees the incubator as a way to help yet another wave of MENASA newcomers become part of San Antonio’s cultural fabric. “This is the experience of many of San Antonio’s newest neighbors from Afghanistan who we are welcoming into their new home in San Antonio following the political disruption [in their country of origin]. We hope to support our newest neighbors from Afghanistan to feel like Afghan Americans, honoring their cultural heritage while embracing them in their new home in America.”

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Katrina Flores

Nurturing with Nature

KATRINA FLORES OF THE SAN ANTONIO BOTANICAL GARDEN USES FOOD TO BUILD CONNECTIONS

s culinary and wellness programs specialist for the San Antonio Botanical Garden, Katrina Flores is a tireless champion of giving fresh, fun and immersive cuisine the stage it deserves. And it all happens from one of the city’s most stunning natural settings. The Alamo City native is trained in culinary arts, baking and pastry, food science and nutrition, and uses all those skills in her role at the local landmark. Between outdoor kitchen demonstrations, cooking classes, harvesting classes and pandemic-born DIY programs, Flores’ schedule is full of culinary events designed to deepen San Antonians’ connection with the garden. “Most people say, ‘I love cooking, it’s creative,’ and for me, it was more of the cultural aspect of it. I think food is a language that’s universal across the world,” Flores said. “In one dish, there’s so much history, so many details to be shared,

and that’s what I’m passionate about. I hardly ever cook American food at the Garden. I’m always trying to do other types of cuisines that highlight different spices or techniques. For me, it’s always been about making things interactive and immersive.” Indeed, Flores aims to embody the Botanical Garden’s mission — to enrich lives through plants and nature. As deliciously as possible, of course. “I’m working with a horticulturist to bring produce into the garden that you can’t necessarily find at your local H-E-B or Central Market. I really want to expose people to new things,” she said. “The DIY program has definitely pushed the development of the beverage program at the garden. Right now, we’re even making our own botanical gin, where [class attendees] can harvest different botanics that they would like to taste in their own gin.” Flores also organizes culinary experi-

ences such as the garden’s Foodie Cinema. The monthly event pairs outdoor movie screenings with food connected to the film audiences are seeing. This year’s Dia de los Muertos event matched pork tamales, candied pumpkin, mole negro, pan dulce with champurrado and blood orange marigold margaritas with Disney/Pixar’s Coco. “These events can be a really great way to heighten your senses, to really immerse yourself in the film,” Flores said. “And to get people together, to create that sense of community.” For the chef, the connection between the Botanical Garden’s edible yield and those that frequent her many culinary and wellness programs is simple: food is her love language. “You don’t have to be speaking the same language or practicing the same religion. You could even be polar opposites,” she said. “But when you put a plate of food on a table, not only are you sharing who you are and your culture, you’re sharing love. And that’s a really powerful thing.” sacurrent.com • W I N T E R

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orn in the mountainous Chinese province of Guizhou, Kristina Zhao is no stranger to bold flavors and long-observed traditions. Her San Antonio restaurants, longtime favorite Sichuan House and the four-month-old Dashi Sichuan Kitchen + Bar, specialize in cuisine inspired by the traditional, and often fiery, food of her home province. Zhao and her team make liberal use of mala — a dried chili pepper concoction prominent in Sichuan cuisine that induces a tingling, then numbing, sensation on the tongue — and introduced many SA residents to xiaochi, or the province’s famous “little eats.” But the exceptional food isn’t the only intriguing thing about Zhao’s eateries. What elevates the experience is the way the dishes are served. Dining at either of Zhao’s restaurants is a study in unbridled hospitality. A quiet reverence for her cuisine’s homeland permeates the dining room. It seems to course through the veins of every staff member. “We really try to look for people who are genuinely interested in food and providing a cohesive experience,” she said. “Like a lot of other restaurants, our new hires will typically be great for the first couple of weeks, and then the ones that don’t necessarily fit weed themselves out. We’re so fortunate to have been left with a team of people that works well together, who wants to work together, and is enthusiastic about coming to work to play, essentially.” In other words, Zhao’s staff is friendly, knowledgeable and eager to provide an unmatched experience. Transparency is vital to achieving that mix, she explained. “With me, what you see is what you get, sometimes I even need to bite my tongue, but I really try to be open with people, because I believe it allows us to build that relationship,” Zhao said. “With every new relationship, that’s time and energy we’re both using. … Everybody goes through shit, it all stinks. I always tell my team that if something is going on that affects their time [at the restaurant], they can tell me so I can help them figure it out.” A month after Dashi’s opening, the restaurant experienced a shaky weekend. Customers complained to managers and one-star reviews showed up online. Zhao quickly acknowledged the issues on social media, candidly noting that service that weekend wasn’t up to the standards set for Dashi guests. Followers lauded the action as “brave”

Kristina Zhao

Unbridled Hospitality

RESTAURANTEUR KRISTINA ZHAO’S FOCUS ON SERVICE HIGHLIGHTS SICHUAN CUISINE and impressive. But for Zhao, publicly acknowledging the complaints was the only logical thing to do. “I think we have the best guests, the most diverse clientele in the city, and a lot of that following started at Sichuan

House,” she said. “It only made sense to own up to the fact that the service didn’t match up to what we strive to provide, either. All we can do is be honest about the intent. When the intent is pure, everything else follows suit.” sacurrent.com • W I N T E R

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Emily Hersh HersH

food positive

H E L L ' S K I T C H E N C O M P E T I T O R E M I LY H E R S H CHAMPIONS FOOD AS SELF-CARE

an Antonians may know local chef Emily Hersh from her stint on the current season of Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen: Young Guns. As the only vegetarian chef to be featured on the show — and one of its youngest contestants — Hersh won over viewers with her bubbly personality and kind demeanor, eventually placing seventh in the

competition. What viewers of the show may not realize is that Hersh, who most recently held a position at Jason Dady’s San Antonio Botanical Garden outpost Jardín, had plenty of on-screen experience prior to the show. Via her YouTube channel The Self-Help Chef, Hersh spent years in front of the camera exploring food’s con-

nection to all things mental,

physical and spiritual. A dancer for most of her life, the chef once struggled with body image, and that led her to develop an eating disorder. Hersh said the YouTube channel — and subsequent stints in the public eye — have helped her give a voice to food service professionals struggling with mental and physical health.

“Through my eating disorder recovery journey, I became intensely passionate about food. I am incredibly thankful for my struggle because, through it, I discovered my career,” she said. “Through recovery, I slowly started to become curious about food again. … I was able to hone skills combining mental, physical and spiritual health with plant-based cooking.” Today, Hersh works as a lead recipe developer at Nature's Eats, a Boernebased outfit that produces seasoned nuts, nut flours and trail mixes. A recent collaboration with Darryl McDaniels — better known as the D.M.C. portion of hip-hop duo RunD.M.C. — bore a gluten-free almond flour-based cookie with no processed ingredients. The next project with the legendary emcee? A line of gluten sweet treats called "Darryl Makes Cookies.” Hersh is also working on opening a vegan barbecue joint called Pure Grit in New York City, as well as continuing to offer cooking classes and private chef services to the San Antonio community. The thread running through all those projects, she said, is her belief that through food, one can realize the importance of self-love and self-care. “I truly believe that going on the journey of loving myself and being able to be myself authentically landed me in Hell's Kitchen,” Hersh added. “If I hadn't worked on loving myself, I don't think my career would have been what it was. This is why I am so passionate about helping others find self-love and body positivity through food.”

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TRENDS

7 dishes

diners

Carnitas Lonja

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TRENDS

san antonio

should try RIGHT NOW by Ron Bechtol

he funny thing about food trends is that they’re just as likely to be something new as they are something that’s been around for what seems like the start of culinary history. That’s certainly true in San Antonio, where some of the most compelling dishes right now aren’t exactly newcomers to the dining scene. They’re old favorites that have either been under the radar for many local diners until lately — or they’ve been given new twists thanks to inventive local chefs.

Carnitas COURTESY / CARNITAS LONJA

The carnitas craving strikes about every six months or so — usually at an inconvenient time of night. Luckily, westof-downtown eatery El Chilaquil Taqueria is a dependable source, even until 11 p.m. on weekends. Ranchero-fueled

karaoke often accompanies plates of crisp-tender, deep-fried and pulledapart pork on those weekend visits. Slather on the squeeze-bottle salsa. El Chilaquil, 1821 W. Commerce St., (210) 226-5410, facebook.com/ElChilaquilTaqueria. When there’s time to plan ahead for carnitas, the choice is Carnitas Lonja, where the chef-supervised and succulent puerco is the main and almost only product. Have a half pound or more, and ask for the crispy parts if you like them. The carnitas are served with fragrant corn tortillas and pickled onions to go or for scarfing down in the casual courtyard. Almost as good is the eatery’s carnitas torta. Its succulent meat is bolstered by beans, and everything is tucked into a crusty bolillo. Be sure to order extra guacamole, whatever your choice of wrapper. Carnitas Lonja, 1107 Roosevelt Ave., (210) 612-3626, carnitaslonja.com.

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Photo Credit:

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TRENDS

FACEBOOK / IL FORNO

Noodles The world’s had a long time to get used to pasta since it’s thought to date close to the dawn of civilization. You’d think, then, that Americans would be more familiar with noodles beyond mac and cheese, spaghetti with red sauce, or more recently, ramen in broth. One way to make up for this deficit is to seek out Shifu Noodle in McCreless Plaza. The modest restaurant did a bangup job with takeout during the height of the pandemic, even spending the extra time to package some dishes’ components in separate containers to keep them from getting soggy. Start your remedial noodle course at Shifu with lightly moistened — but properly spiced — Dan Dan noodles with preserved mustard greens and Sichuan peppercorns. Then move on to noodles sans broth served with green beans, pork belly and ginger. Don’t forget cold garlic noodles for contrast and extra credit. Shifu Noodle, 3850 S. New Braunfels Ave., Suite 109, (210) 888-1228, facebook.com/shifunoodle. MICHELE CANTU

II Forno

Pizza It’s tempting to think there’s nothing new left to explore in the world of pizza. America’s favorite Italian import has been folded and twisted, its crusts stuffed and its slices subjected to the indignity of ranch dressing. So, here’s a suggestion: explore the good rather than the hype. Beyond its consistency, San Antonio’s Il Forno stands out for its handmade components, including the pizza oven, and homemade ingredients, including its cured meats. One of Il Forno’s pizza standouts is the opulent and unabashedly meaty Intero, which boasts Italian sausage, sopressata and copa. For those skipping the flesh, there’s the classic Margherita, the Verdura and the Fun Guy, the latter of which includes green onion, fontina and melty taleggio. The new-to-us Things Found Underground is spiked with preserved, above-ground lemon. Il Forno, 122 Nogalitos St., (210) 264-7559, ilfornosa.com.

Shifu Noodle

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Innovative Enchiladas San Antonians are more than familiar with the Tex-Mex enchilada plate smothered in rust-colored gravy and grated yellow cheese. But what if that plate came with its payload wrapped not in a tortilla but brilliant collard greens? What if that filling were vibrant orange sweet potato with braised onion? And what if, to further confound expectations, the sauce wasn’t red but pale green and savory with smoky tomatillo and anisescented fennel? You’d then have the smoked mole verde enchiladas at Pharm Table, the veggie-focused eatery in Southtown. Sprouted black beans are another of the restaurant’s deviations from the San Antonio staple. No, these enchiladas may not make you forswear the original, but this delicious and healthful option may work its way into your dining rotation. Pharm Table, 611 S. Presa St., Suite 106, (210) 802-1860, pharmtable.com. Pharm Table

INSTAGRAM / FULLBELLYSA

Unexpected Desserts If someone asked you what the quintessential San Antonio dessert is, how would you respond? Thought so. There’s no set answer. That means the field is open to anybody’s favorite — so long as they can defend the choice loudly and convincingly. Here’s one to consider: sticky toffee pudding. Many locals first encountered the delightfully gooey and date-based dessert at Bruce Auden’s Biga. The lanky chef brought the recipe from London, and it’s been a menu stalwart ever since. But the rendition by pastry chef Misa Holmes at Full Belly is just as good, if not better, by many accounts. With its whipped cream topping with pecan and toffee brittle on full display, Instagram evidence appears to corroborate that opinion. Sources also suggest it tastes as good as it looks. Full Belly, 427 N. Loop 1604 West, Suite 202, (210) 236-5374, fullbellysa. com.

Full Belly

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INSTAGRAM / CASCABELMEXICANPATIO

Cascabel Mexican Patio

Brasserie Mon Chou Chou

Birria

Raclette

It’s been all but impossible not to notice the birria drumbeat that has become a crescendo in the last couple of years. After all, it’s been heard as far away as New York City. Whether based on beef, lamb or goat, whether folded, fried, filled with cheese, dipped or dunked, the popular dish has even allowed food trucks to develop brick-and-mortar aspirations. And yet there’s almost unsung precedent with a much longer local history. Goat birria is an enduring staple at Cascabel Mexican Patio in Southtown. Meanwhile, Guajillo’s on Blanco Road uses lamb in its preparation. Both are served with corn tortillas and condiments for assembling your own tacos, should you choose. Cheese is not an option. At Cascabel, the rustic and soupy dish is also called caldo de chivo, which accurately reflects its presentation. Yes, you could do the dip, if desired, but why not give the purest form a try first? Cascabel Mexican Patio, 1000 S. St. Mary’s St., (210) 2126456, facebook.com/CascabelMexicanPatio. Guajillo’s, 1001 NW Loop 410, (210) 344-4119, guajillos.com.

San Antonio has a somewhat spotty history with French cuisine. In what may seem like pre-history to newer residents, first there was La Louisianne and Chez Ardid, followed by Andrew Weissman’s Le Reve and Damian Watel’s Bistro Vatel. Watel’s long-running restaurant morphed into Bistr09 in a spacious new location. Now comes Brasserie Mon Chou Chou at the Pearl. The newcomer to the bunch keeps the torch alight, almost literally, with a dish that no Francophobe could possibly disdain — think queso fundido with a soupçon of showmanship and you have the sandwich au fromage raclette, a creation of melted cheese with roots in the snowy slopes of the French and Swiss Alps. And presented tableside at Mon Chou Chou, the dish is as at home in sizzling San Antonio as it is against a snowy mountain backdrop. Settle back as your server scrapes the torched outer layer of a block of raclette cheese onto a split baguette accompanied by petit cornichons. Add a glass of crisp, dry Chenin Blanc and perhaps a simple salad of butter lettuce and shaved radishes and voila! Brasserie Mon Chou Chou, 312 Pearl Parkway, Building 2, (210) 469-3743, brasseriemonchouchou.com. sacurrent.com • W I N T E R

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LISTINGS CASEY HOWELL

Señor Veggie

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LISTINGS

Alternative Diets Earth Burger Try the original Earth Burger (veggie patty on a whole-wheat bun with lettuce, onions, pickles, tomatoes, mayo, mustard and secret sauce spread). Don’t skip the coconut soft serve. Multiple locations, eatearthburger. com. Green Vegetarian Cuisine With locations at the Quarry and Alon Market, folks have more ways to eat green. Entrées can instantly be made into vegan dishes with the substitution of vegan cheese for dairy cheese. Multiple locations, eatatgreen.com. Pharm Table Ayurvedic diet or not, diners will find plenty to nosh on in this vegetable-forward oasis by chef Elizabeth Johnson. Expect bountiful salads and worldly techniques. The enchiladas wrapped in leafy greens instead of tortillas actually work thanks to a smoky, complex and thoroughly addictive mole sauce. 611 S. Presa Street, (210) 8021860, pharmtable.com. Powerhouse Bakery Eating on a plan doesn’t mean missing out on all of the goodies. The dietitian-led shop is 100% gluten free. 4902 Golden Quail, Suite 101, (210) 722-8464, powerhousebakery.com. Señor Veggie Southtown gets its share of greens from this joint that takes vegan

fare from across the globe. Find hearty yet healthy dishes like the pupusas Norteñas, corn masa flatbreads topped with tempeh chorizo, black beans and more. 620 S. Presa St., (210) 228-0073, senorveggie.us. Sweet Yams The first restaurant to offer vegan options to the East Side — and, oh, how sweet and funky it is. Chef Gus brings organic southern food and juices. 218 N. Cherry St., (210) 229-9267. Viva Vegeria Viva Vegeria is still putting a plant-based spin on Tex-Mex. Go for the vegan nachos, mole poblano or raw stuffed avocados. 1422 Nogalitos St., (210) 465-9233, myvegeria.com. Zedric’s Sometimes you just want to leave the cooking to the pros. Let chef Zac Lutton and his staff-prepared meals (more than 80 at any given time) help you stick to your eating plan. 9873 I-10 West, (210) 541-0404, zedrics.com.

American & Barbecue 2M Smokehouse A national barbecue darling with chingos of ganas. With a nod from Texas Monthly and seriously line-up-at-8 a.m.-brisket, sausage and sides, the future looks bright for this Southeast side joint. 2731 S. W. W. White Road, (210) 885-9352, 2msmokehouse. com. Augie’s Barbed Wire Grill Slow-roasted, sacurrent.com • W I N T E R

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LISTINGS

B & B Smokehouse The Southside knows good ’cue. Since 1984, the juicy chicken, and sweet ribs have kept folks coming back for more inside their updated new location. 2627 Pleasanton Road, (210) 921-2745, bbsmokehouse.com. The Barbecue Station For more than 20 years, the crew has stood behind their promise for fresh, quality meats. Tender, succulent entrees dominate their menu as well as meats sold by the pound. 1610 NE Loop 410, (210) 824-9191, barbecuestation.com.

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since its launch in 1977. Though a fire put them out of commission in 2017, the restaurant currently operates from a food truck parked at 830 W. Hollywood Ave. until renovations are complete at 1900 Blanco Road, (210) 735-3552, chrismadrids.com.

Blanco BBQ Sandwiches and po’boys make the cut, so to speak, and most meats can be turned into a combo. Plus the space offers plenty of seating for groups of all sizes. 13259 Blanco Road, (210) 251-2602, blancobbbq.com.

Dos Quality and Flavor This young shop, opened by brothers Israel and Raul Armando Cepeda, offers a small but attractive menu highlighting flavors from Northern and Northwestern Mexico. Look to Dos for custom, made-to-order burgers, tacos and empanadas that are served with taste. 6511 Ingram Road, Suite 101, (210) 267-5143, dos-satx. com.

Burger Boy Drive-thru burgers need not be limp and bland affairs. This local chain keeps those in the know happy with home-style burgers made to order, crinkle-cut fries and fresh milkshakes. Multiple locations, burgerboysa.com.

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The Big Bib BBQ Located off Austin Highway, The Big Bib boasts the best brisket and baby back ribs in town. Their smoky, tangy sauce is irresistible, but don’t miss the amazing cobbler. 104 Lanark Drive, (210) 654-8400, thebigbib. com.

Bolner’s Meat Market Great meats come from great butchers and the staff at this cafeteria-style butcher shop knows how to smoke some mean brisket. 2900 S. Flores St., (210) 533-5112, bolnersmeatmarket.com.

INSTAGRAM / @2MSMOKEHOUSE

never rushed, Augie’s packs on the meat by the pound at this little smoke shack. Take a peek at their beer garden for some brews with your ‘cue. Multiple locations, augiesbs.com.

Chatman’s Chicken Chicken done right is the main priority at this Southside joint. There are only two options for chicken, lemon-pepper and spicy, your fate lies in which flavor you pick. Load up on the sides with the creamy mac ‘n’ cheese or perhaps the corn fritters. 1747 S. W.W. White Road, (210) 3590245. Chris Madrid’s Another favorite (what can we say, San Anto loves burgers), Chris Madrid’s has made plenty of halfpound Macho-sized tostada burgers

Fattboy Burgers & Dogs Autonomy to choose your destiny is nice. You can do just that at Fattboy with either your burger or dog, so go nuts. 2345 Vance Jackson Road, (210) 377-3288, fattboyburgers.com.

Fletcher’s Hamburgers No frills, just delicious burgers with fresh ingredients. The chicken sandwich is worth your time, as is any of their creamy milkshakes. 312 Pearl Parkway, Building 6, Suite 6107.

Side institution. This is casual dining done well — the business has been recognized by both locals and national publications as one of the best burgers in America. Multiple locations, papasburgerssatx.com.

Smoke Shack BBQ Chris Conger, barbecue connoisseur, turned a sleepy spot across the Witte into barbecue church that was recently featured on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. 3714 Broadway, (210) 829-8448, smokeshacksa.com.

South BBQ & Kitchen One expects smoky, tender brisket and ribs to be the stars at any Texas BBQ joint, but at South you’ll also find a number of standout sides. The housemade spicy pickles, coleslaw, German potato salad and creamed corn elote are enough to warrant repeat visits. 2011 Mission Road, (210) 437-0070, southbbqkitchen.com. TJ’s Hamburgers The South Side’s crown jewel in burger form. TJ’s is the spot for shakes and have-it-your-way burgers on the cheap for more than 40 years. Family-friendly and delicious, TJ’s Hamburgers has lasting power. 2323 W. Southcross Blvd., (210) 927-7331.

Mr. & Mrs. G’s Home Cooking and Pastries A classic meat-and-three establishment sits awaits on SA’s Southeast side. Go say hello! 2222 S. W.W. White Road, (210) 359-0002, facebook.com/ mrmrsgs.

Two Bros. BBQ Market The outside patio makes a great outing for family dinners while the inside has the rustic charm of a farmhouse outside of the Texas Hill Country at this Dady brothercreated joint. 12656 West Ave., (210) 496-0222, twobrosbbqmarket.com.

Papa’s Burgers Robert Walker’s passion for great food and customer service have made Papa’s Burgers a West

Wrigleyville Grill Hot dogs, the ChiTown way. If the buns don’t have poppy seeds, you’re in the wrong spot. It’s not sacurrent.com • W I N T E R

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Chicago, but it’s as close as you’ll get without leaving the city. 602 NW Loop 410, Suite 146, (210) 369-9833, wrigleyvillegrill.com.

ASIAN Chinese Golden Wok Sometimes you want tiny pockets of deliciousness in your mouth. Enter Golden Wok’s extensive dim sum menu, which helped propel it as Best Chinese in several of our Best of San Antonio readers polls. Visit the Wurzbach location on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. for a dim sum house feel. Multiple locations, goldenwoksa. com. Kim Wah Chinese BBQ Don’t be fooled by a long line of fan-drying ducks: You must order ahead. The duck is divine, wrapped in a puffy, dim-sum-like bun. Ask for the authentic Chinese menu for a dine-in delight. 7080 Bandera Road, (210) 520-2200, kimwah.com. Kungfu Noodle The noodles, available in both stretched and thick ribbons, are hand-pulled by a pair of Chinese transplants, hailing from the Anhui province. 6733 Bandera Road, (210) 451-5586. Lucky Noodle When compared to its predecessor off Bandera Road, Lucky Noodle features more than 1,500 square feet of seating and an open kitchen area — so you can watch the noodles being pulled and stretched. 8525 Blanco Road, (210) 267-9717.

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Sichuan Garden The OG Sichuan spot in SA is still going strong. Try the challenging sliced pig’s ear or duck tongues with jalapeño before retreating to the likes of the (also very good) stir-fried lamb with cumin. 2347 NW Military Hwy., (210) 5258118, sichuansa.com. Sichuan House Sichuan House delivers regional favorites hailing from Sichuan, found in the southwest of China. Go for the handmade dumplings, smashed cucumber salad, tea-smoked duck, or eggplant. Remember to BYOB. 3505 Wurzbach Road, Suite 102, (210) 5099999, facebook.com/sichuaneats. Tang Street This outpost serves unique northeastern Chinese fare, executed simply but exceptionally. Adventurous diners should look out for sauerkraut braised pork intestine and a cucumber needle mushroom dish. 16111 San Pedro Ave., (210) 490-1788, tangst.com.

Filipino Lily’s Philippine Restaurant From whole-cooked fish to fragrant stews to chicken adobo to biko and cassava cake, Lily’s is your go-to for life on the island. 8210 Glider Ave., (210) 674-7007. My ChockDee Oriental Market Dive into fried pork belly, kare kare stew, longanisa or lumpia all found at this buffet. 115 E. Lindbergh Blvd., Universal City, (210) 566-2210. Sari-Sari Filipino Restaurant Likely one of the few spots in town to offer halohalo, or Filipino shaved ice, Sari-Sari also offers an extensive list of soups, start-

ers, entrees, all-day breakfast and baked goods. 5700 Wurzbach Road, (210) 6477274, sari-sari-satx.com. Susie’s Lumpia House This buffet-style restaurant in the city’s far west side offers freshness and a rotating list of dishes. 8923 Culebra Road, Suite 106, (210) 616-4354, facebook.com/susieslumpiahouse.

Indian Biryani Pot Fine food from Hyderabad, a former princely state on India’s Southeast coast. As the name suggests, rich and elegantly spiced rice dishes are the star. 9386 Huebner Road, Suite 109, (210) 561-8874, biriyanipotusa.com. India Oven Pillowy naan, vegetable pakoras, tandoori specialties and a wide buffet have earned India Oven many longtime fans. 1031 Patricia St., (210) 366-1030, indiaoven.com. India Palace A fresh and varied buffet makes this Northern Indian restaurant a popular lunch or dinner spot. Saag paneer and channa masala are comforting and reliable. 8747 Fredericksburg Road, Suite 100, (210) 692-5262, indiapalacesatx.com. Tarka Indian Kitchen This Austin-based franchise is making Indian fare fast casual with a list of curries, kabobs and biryanis that still pack some heat. 427 N. Loop 1604 W., (210) 499-0982, tarkaindiankitchen.com. Taste of India This tiny hole-in-the-wall isn’t much to look at but the friendly

LISTINGS service and flavorful lunchtime thalis offer a welcome break from other Indian eateries’ buffet tables. 5999 De Zavala, (210) 561-4409, tasteofindiasa.com.

Japanese Godai Sushi Bar and Restaurant Fusion sushi with a Western flair is the vibe at Godai. Classic sushi rolls, sashimi and yakisoba are all on the menu. Always take a look at the specials board. 11203 West Ave., (210) 348-6781 godaisushi. com. Kai Japanese & Asian Cuisine Colorful plates with matching taste, this authentic Japanese restaurant serves affordable lunch specials and bento boxes. 2535 NW Loop 410, (210) 340-8888, kaisushisa.com. Koi Kawa Japanese Restaurant A bright dining space near the San Antonio River is the setting for creative sushi, tasty sashimi and warm katsu don. The specialty rolls include a surprising variety of veggie options. 4051 Broadway, (210) 805-8111. Nama Ramen If you are extra hungry or with a group, like I was during this visit, the okonomiyaki fries are a crowd favorite. Topped with kewpie mayo, okonomiyaki sauce and bonito furikake, they’re truly a must-have. 6565 Babcock Road, (210) 641-2888, namaramen.com. Niki’s Tokyo Inn Don’t let the outside fool you. Inside is masterful sushi, fresh and simple. Sit at the sushi bar and watch your order being delicately formed. Japanese-style floor seating is also available. 819 W. Hildebrand Ave., (210) 736-5471. Osaka Japanese Steak & Sushi The bright red sign begs a visit to the Broadway or Bandera location. Warm kitchen dinners vary in flavor and price for any diner and sashimi is served fresh. Multiple locations, osakasteaknsushi.com. Rock San Thai + Sushi Bar Rock San brings something different to the San Antonio sushi scene with “appethaizers,” Thai dishes and a very local USAA roll. 5238 DeZavala, Suite 124, (210) 5610011, rocksansanantonio.com. Sumo Steakhouse & Sushi Bar Dinner and a show is done well here with a variety of dinner options, house butchered beef, a pleasing sushi menu at reason-

able prices and stellar cocktails. 8342 I-10 West, (210) 541-8100, sumosanantonio.com. Sushihana Appetizers are as simple as edamame or as elegant as seared scallops, but sushi is the real standout here. Don’t forget to check out the sake list. 1810 NW Military Hwy., (210) 340-7808, sushihanasan.com. Tenko Ramen Quealy Watson flew the coop and opened up his own ramen shop inside the Bottling Department Food Hall. The karaage is a hit, as is the chicken katsu atop a bowl of tonkotsu. Slurp! 312 Pearl Pkwy., Building 6, tenkoramen.com. Uni’ko Sushi Uni’Ko is a modern Japanese restaurant betraying Mexican influences and featuring elaborate rolls and presentation. 17803 La Cantera Terrace, Suite 1101, (210) 239-6610, unikojapanesehouse.co.

Thai Bangkok 54 Try the soft-shell crab with basil, and very capable favorites like yum talay and Massaman curry. 2515 Nacogdoches Road, (210) 822-5454, bangkok54restaurant.com. Hello Paradise This project by Jeret Peña’s Boulevardier Group mixes wellexecuted Thai favorites with a creative menu of frozen drinks. The funky setting includes Astro Turf, photo booths and gaming consoles housed in shipping containers. 520 E. Grayson St., (210) 338-5114, helloparadisesa.com. Jasmin Thai Begin your meal with spring or summer rolls, then move on to Jasmin’s specialties: green papaya salad with dried shrimp and a bowl of noodle soup. 4065 Medical Drive, (210) 6156622, jasminthai.org.

Yellowfish Sushi With three locations, SA has made it perfectly clear we love Japamex. Temaki rolls are tacos, and yes, you can enjoy a spicy sushirrito here. Multiple locations, yellowfishsushi. com.

Mon Thai Bistro and Sushi Mon Thai offers sushi and Thai cuisine, including spicy drunken noodles and signature dishes like Devil’s Chicken and Angel Shrimp (get it?), but don’t overlook the sushi. 4901 Broadway, (210) 822-3253, monsthai.com.

Yummi Sushi Nigiri, sashimi, and a list of special rolls like the Black Tiger, with shrimp tempura, cucumber, eel and spicy may keep diners happy. Multiple locations, yummisushisa.com.

Thai Esan The Pad King or the Pad Thai are safe bets, but don’t be afraid to try Thai classics. 9820 Huebner Road, Suite 109, (210) 877-0888.

Korean Arirang Korean Restaurant Get ready to try some Korean snacks, or pan chan, at this friendly late-night spot — there are at least 50 items on the bilingual menu and traditional soju, a rice-based distilled liquor, on offer. 2154 Austin Highway, (210) 650-3845, arirangkoreanrestaurant.net. Ilsong Garden This café introduced many San Antonians to Korean cuisine, and has been rewarded with the top spot in the Best Korean category of our annual Best of San Antonio readers poll for many years. 6905 Blanco Road, (210) 366-4508, ilsonggarden.com. Kim’s Galbi Go interactive with Kiku Garden’s unique cook-it-yourself Korean BBQ experience. Start off with a platter of bulgogi and wang kalbi and let the good times roll. 4527 Goldfield, (210) 662-6699, kiku.com.

Thai Dee This friendly, family-owned treasure serves up what we once described as “ridiculously good, huge dishes at rock-bottom prices.” BYOB. 5307 Blanco Road, (210) 342-3622, thaideesa.com . Thai Chili Curries, fish and noodle dishes in over 30 authentic varieties make this Thai spot with locations off Thousand Oaks and Stone Oak, is the ultimate in healthy pan-Asian cooking. Try the Phad Prik Khing, or Tod Mun Pla. Multiple locations, thaichili.net Tong’s Thai Restaurant Tong’s Thai offers several vegetarian dishes, a critically acclaimed lemongrass curry, a large beer and wine selection, and a fun-andfunky ambiance. 1146 Austin Hwy., (210) 829-7345, tongsthai.com.  Yaya’s Thai Restaurant and Sushi Bar The Thai pantheon stands out by virtue of its Panang curry with New York strip, the veggie-packed pad woon sen and fresh, well-seasoned apps like the sacurrent.com • W I N T E R

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LISTINGS lemongrass-packed fish cakes and the crisp, carefully fried spring rolls. Multiple locations, yayasthai.com.

Vietnamese 4 Star Vietnamese and Chinese Known for large portion sizes, 4 Star’s kitchen serves up heaping helpings of fragrant pho and lemon chicken. The restaurant isn’t afraid to cross borders, as evidenced by Chinese and Thai dishes — particularly the popular pad Thai option. Multiple locations, pho4star.com. Berni Vietnamese Service is speedy, and servings are massive at this spotless Vietnamese joint off Wurzbach that ends your meal with a warm bowl of taro tapioca. 8742 Wurzbach Road, (210) 485-5982. French Sandwiches Tucked away in the same shopping center that houses India Palace is French Sandwiches with its hearty, leafy French Vietnamese sandwiches and excellent soups and salads. Don’t miss the grilled pork sandwich or the French onion soup. 8448 Fredericksburg Road, (210) 692-7019. Heavenly Pho Big appetites should go for the No. 1 with beef noodle soup with eye round steak, brisket, rare flank, tendon, tripe and meatball. Settle in for a bit of cloud 9. 19178 Blanco Road, Suite 305, (210) 545-3553, heavenlypho.com. Pho Cong Ly Adventurers who dare rub lips with a little “soft tendon” in their bath of noodle soup (found under “fortifying combos” on the menu) will be rewarded with a tongue tingle worth remembering. 300 W. Bitters Road, (210) 499-5572.

fresh seasonal ingredients and creative touches make Singh’s stand out. 2805 N St Mary’s, (210) 940-9662, facebook. com/SinghsVietnameseTrailer Viet Nam Restaurant Albeit a name change in recent years, Viet Nam went back to the original moniker and continues to offer clay pots and banh xeo for the purist, and decadent spring rolls and richly accessorized pho for mainstream Asian dabblers. 3244 Broadway, (210) 822-7461. Suck It The Restaurant Vietnamese, Japanese, Chinese, and a dash of puro San Anto make up this Medical Center eatery that wows guests with fusion plates and over-the-top. 7220 Louis Pasteur Drive, Suite 125, (210) 560-2113, facebook.com/suckittherestaurant. Viva Pho Vietnamese Cuisine and Teabo Lounge In the way of pho, Viva presents 10 variations of the muchloved comfort food. Hearty portions of the civilly priced soups come with filet mignon, brisket, tendon, tripe, meatballs, flank steak, or eye round, plus a few combinations of these. 2114 NW Military Hwy., (210) 525-8388, vivapho.com.

BAKERIES/DESSERTS The Art of Donut This hip little shop on St. Mary’s St. specializes in truly over-the-top doughnuts, including seasonal variations and quirky combos like bacon-cinnamon toast crunch. 3428 N. St. Mary’s St., (210) 265-5423, artofdonut.com. Bakery Lorraine Chefs Anne Ng and

Jeremy Mandrell keep expanding their empire, which now includes spots at the Pearl, the Medical Center, The Rim and inside the DoSeum. Known for their homemade French macarons, fruit tarts, and croissants, Bakery Lorraine serves goodness with fresh ingredients and style. Multiple locations, bakerylorraine. com. Bird Bakery San Anto celebrity Elizabeth Chambers continues to bring decadent sweets to her bakery that brings rustic flair with small town charm to Broadway. 5912 Broadway, (210) 804-2473, birdbakery.com. Brindles Awesome Ice Creams Five words: waffle taco ice cream sundae. Load it up with any of the house-made flavors for a delectable treat. 11255 Huebner Road, (210) 641-5222. Broadway Daily Bread One whiff of this bakery and you’re hooked. Stop in for full-size and mini loaves, scones, muffins and more in this Alamo Heights fave. 5001 Broadway, (210) 822-1621, broadwaydailybread.net. C’est La Vie Bakery Flaky croissants, spicy kolaches, and chocolaty macarons are just some of the reasons to check out this Castle Hills staple. 8055 West Ave., Suite 107, (210) 259-8359, cestlaviebakingco.com. Chocollazo With a second location now open in Hemisfair, Chocollazo is definitely a hit with San Antonians who love chocolate in all shapes and forms. Multiple locations, chocollazo.com. Holy Pops Who doesn’t like popsicles? Especially when they’re sprinkled with COURTESY PHOTO THE ART OF DONUT

Pho Ha Long It seems that Pho Ha Long’s found a secret formula for keeping Alamo City slurpers happy. We’re particularly partial to the No. 10 with round eye steak, lean flank and chewy tendon. 6424 NW Loop 410, (210) 5214507, phohalong.webs.com. Pho Kim Long Get the giggles out of the way before you head to Pho Kim Long. The joint carries pho favorites in massive bowls, vermicelli bun and Vietnamese sandwiches on soft bollilos. 4230 McCullough Ave., (210) 829-8021. Singh’s Vietnamese This St. Mary’s Strip newcomer is the brick-and-mortar incarnation of a popular food truck. Don’t let the stripped-down menu fool you,

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toppings ranging from chocolate to chamoy. 19141 Stone Oak Pkwy Ste 303, (210) 992-3029. Kuma More is more at this dessert shop that fills bubbly Hong Kong waffles with ice cream, mocha, Pocky, toppings and yes, even buñuelos. Multiple locations, facebook.com/kuma.satx. La Boulangerie This family-owned French bakery is filled with Maitre Boulanger Guillaume Boulard’s expertly made flaky croissants, buttery brioche and an assortment of traditional pastries — all sufficient to satisfy anyone with a savory or sweet tooth. You’ll be hard pressed to find a better French bakery in San Antonio. 207 Broadway, (210) 639-3165, facebook.com/pg/laboulangeriesa. Lily’s Cookies Cookies with Chihuahuas, mermaids, dinosaurs–you name it, Lily’s can make it. Since 2002, Lily’s Cookies has been baking SA sweetness in all forms. 2716 McCullough Ave., (210) 8320886, lilyscookies.com. Mochinut This LA-based chain specializes in fluffy, Korean-style doughnuts. Made with glutinous rice flour, the fried treats deliciously contrast a crisp exterior and a soft, chewy inside. 5222 De Zavala Road, (210) 276-0060, mochinut. com. Paleteria San Antonio Hemisfair’s Yanaguana Garden needed a little sweetness. The first shop to open in the area features 50-plus varieties of fruit and dairy-filled paletas. 510 S. Alamo St., Suite 104, (210) 954-6753, paleteriasanantonio.com.

CONTEMPORARY Bar Loretta A partnership between San Antonio natives Roger Herr and Paul Petersen, the latter of whom spent time in high-profile New York kitchens, this elegant King William spot specializes in modern Texas cuisine. Expect an elevated and creative approach to familiar ingredients such as tomatillos, Hill Country peaches and more. 320 Beauregard St., (210) 757-3607, barloretta.com. Biga on the Banks Bruce Auden’s menu includes such Southwest-Continental dishes as chicken-fried oysters with squid-ink linguini and pancetta, and grilled Texas quail, all of which can be paired to appropriate wines by the glass

Biga on the Banks

from Biga’s ample list. 203 S. St. Mary’s St., (210) 225-0722, biga.com. Bliss Chef Mark Bliss (see what they did there?) opened his namesake dining room with evident attention to detail. From the elaborate charcuterie boards to the iconic chicken fried oysters and expert service, Bliss is is one of Southtown’s dining jewels. 926 S. Presa St., (210) 225-2547, foodisbliss.com. Boiler House Texas Grill & Wine Garden A true Texas original, the menu includes small plates, individual main dishes and numerous items designed for sharing – all perfectly complemented by the extensive list of wines from around the world. 312 Pearl Pkwy., Building 3, (210) 354-4644, boilerhousesa.com. Bourbon Street Seafood Kitchen Kitchen Creole and Cajun flavors meet a boozy happy hour filled with Bellinis and martinis. The Redland location is the most picturesque, but you can’t beat the appeal of the downtown spot. Multiple locations, bourbonstreetseafoodkitchens.com. Cappycino’s/Cappy’s Both staples of Alamo Heights, both for a good reason. Though a fire threatened to shut down the beloved eateries a few years back, the staff used it as a reason to rebuild their kitchen. Cappycino’s packs in solid lunch options, and the adjacent Cappy’s lets you indulge in fine dining the SA-way with chicken and duck liver pâté, rack of lamb and PEI mussels. 5011 Broadway, (210) 828-9669, cappysrestaurant.com. Clementine Chefs Chefs John and Elise Russ are serving some of the most exciting food in San Antonio. The kitchen’s great work with seasonal vegetables and expert front-of-house service are

turning this small restaurant a dining destination. 2195 NW Military Hwy, (210) 503-5121, clementine-sa.com. Cured Since 2013, Cured has helped cement the Pearl as a dining destination. The charcuterie is made in-house, produce is sourced from local farms and Cured’s dinner service means chef Steve McHugh and his staff can really stretch their legs with a collection of plates that earned them a James Beard nomination. 306 Pearl Pkwy., Suite 101, (210) 314-3929, curedatpearl.com. Glass and Plate This Olmos Park spot opened by a former professor at San Antonio’s Culinary Institute of America offers American cuisine with European influences in an approachable neighborhood setting. Don’t sleep on their happy hour and its affordable hand-shucked oysters. 4212 McCullough Ave., (210) 864-7500, glassandplate.com. Liberty Bar The tilted building is but a faint memory. This salmon-tinged Southtown eatery is rich in history and locally sourced menu items, from the hefty bread and creative appetizers to the lightly charred quail in piquant green mole and Virginia Green’s chocolate cake. Stop by on Monday’s for half-off bottles of wine. 1111 S. Alamo St., (210) 227-1187, liberty-bar.com. Max’s Wine Dive MWD is keeping things fresh within its American comfort food-centered menu. Get there early for brunch when the chicken and waffles (and bubbles) are flowing. 340 E. Basse Road, Suite 101, (210) 444-9547, maxswinedive.com. Meadow Chef PJ Edwards and his wife Lindsey have elevated classic Southern cuisine using seasonal and locally sacurrent.com • W I N T E R

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LISTINGS JESSICA ELIZARRARAS

sourced ingredients. Head to the restaurant’s outdoor patio for fried chicken and collard greens, housemade cornbread and a cold, refreshing drink. 555 W. Bitters Road at The Alley, (210) 481-4214, meadowsantonio.com. Mixtli Opened in 2013, Mixtli (or Nahuatl for cloud) ups the ante on multi-course dinners. Led by James Beard semifinalists Diego Galicia and Rico Torres, this progressive restaurant shares beautiful dishes, all telling the story of Mexico one region at a time. 812 S. Alamo St., Suite 103, (210) 338-0746, restaurantmixtli. com. Outlaw Kitchens The husband-wife team running this restaurant inside a quaint stone cottage in Alta Vista serve up simple but well-executed fare that includes one vegetarian and one meat entree nightly. 2919 N Flores, (210) 3004728, outlawkitchens.com. Rebelle Before Battalion, there was Rebelle. The restaurant focused on French techniques and flavors established by Feast inside a hotel setting. The seafood fare is an all-time favorite. Don’t miss their take on char-grilled Spanish octopus. 300 E. Travis St., (210) 352-3171, rebellesa.com. Silo Elevated Cuisine An elegant update on shrimp and grits and signature chicken-fried oysters are among the favored dishes at this restaurant and bar. The Dominion area is home to the latest iteration, Silo Terrace Oyster Bar and it’s as delicious as it sounds. Multiple locations, siloelevatedcuisine.com. Signature Start with the five-piece house-made charcuterie selection. Presented on an antique wooden paddle, it’s a marvel of composition and a textbook example of varying tastes and textures from salty to sweet and plush to rustic. 16401 La Cantera Pkwy., (210) 2470176, lacanteraresort.com. Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery While house-brewed beer is part of this Pearl centerpiece’s selling point, the food is far more ambitious than typical pub grub. Expect fresh and deftly prepared seafood whether you’re dining inside the extravigantly refurbished interior or at the outdoor oyster bar. 136 E. Grayson St. #120, (210) 455-5701, southerleigh.com. Supper Hotel Emma’s resident restau-

Outlaw Kitchen

rant is led by chef John Brand. The Midwesterner is packing in new American flavors from breakfast through dinner. A visit requires a taste of the cinnamon toast waffle topped with goat cheese, or a bite of the English muffin French toast. Lunch means vegetable-forward plates and sandwiches, while dinner continues that trend in resplendent fashion. 136 E. Grayson St., (210) 448-8351, supperatemma.com. Tardif’s American Brasserie Helmed by chef Jean Tardif, a graduate of Paris’ renowned Le Cordon Bleu, this Dominionarea newcomer serves classic French dishes infused with Texas-specific and American flavors. 23110 I-10 West, Suite 201, (210) 541-4130, tardifs.com. Up Scale The minds behind Southtown Instagram sensation Little Em’s Oyster Bar recently opened this “sexy” new eatery in the nearby building that once housed brunch and dinner hotspot Feast. The new concept looks to replicate its predecessor’s success with a menu heavy on seafood, steak and sushi. 1024 S. Alamo St., Suite 201, (210) 396-7755, upscalesouthtown.com.

DELI & DINERS Chicago Bagel and Deli Chicago Bagel and Deli takes pride in its product with fresh, never-frozen bagels that are made on site. Hot and cold sandwiches are paired with your choice of chip, potato salad, cole slaw or pasta salad. 10918 Wurzbach Road, (210) 691-2245, chicagobagelanddeli.com. DeWese’s Tip Top Café Stepping into this petite café will have you feeling like you’ve gone back to the times of poodle

skirts and big hair. The fried chicken platter is as big as the Lone Star State. 2814 Fredericksburg Road, (210) 7320191, facebook.com/tiptopcafesanantonio. Dignowity Meats The sandwiches are meaty and the options keep expanding at this mostly outdoor East Side joint. Try the pastrami, smoked bologna or The Pop, with smoked turkey, provolone, greens and a spicy habanero aioli and get there soon — Dignowity Meats was one of Guy Fieri’s stops during his last San Antonio visit. 1701 E. Houston St., (210) 598-8049, dignowitymeats.com Earl Abel’s Since 1933, Earl’s has satisfied the appetites of SA locals with its vast menu of burgers, sandwiches, chicken and dumplings, fried chicken, steaks and more. Grab a slice of Chocolate Ice Box Pie or bread pudding — we won’t tell. 1639 Broadway, (210) 8223358, earlabelssa.com. Hearthstone Bakery Café Panini, sandwiches, soups and salads make up the menu at this family-owned café. Cozy up to a warm coffee and enjoy their free wifi or stop by for a quick eat, Hearthstone will do all the work while you play. Multiple locations, hearthstonebakerycafe. com. Jim’s Restaurants A San Antonio staple since 1947, this diner if your go-to for late-night fare to fuel a night out or study session. Multiple locations, jimsrestaurants.com. Magnolia Pancake Haus Breakfast lovers can feast on a variety of pancake flavors, waffles, fresh eggs, perfectly browned hash and Canadian bacon. The sacurrent.com • W I N T E R

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LISTINGS joint is known to be one of Guy Fieri’s favorites and that guy knows a thing or two about food. Multiple locations, magnoliapancakehaus.com. Mary Ann’s Pig Stand A staple in Texas since the 1920s, Mary Ann’s Pig Stand has stood the test of time. This vintage diner is full of kitsch and worth a visit for their pies alone. 1508 Broadway, (210) 222-9923. Max & Louie’s New York Diner You don’t have to travel to the Big Apple to get that same big city diner feel. The new expanded dining room means more room for all to enjoy matzo ball soup, bagel and lox and overstuffed New York delistyle sandwiches. 226 W. Bitters Road, (210) 483-7600, maxandlouiesdiner.com. Panchos & Gringos Deli This Eastside joint is home to stick-to-your-gut American breakfast classics, but come lunchtime, you’ll want to order any of their loaded sandwiches. 900 Nolan St., (210) 227-6700. Schilo’s This delicatessen is the real deal. House-made sausages are great, but don’t miss the split pea soup and pumpernickel bread. 424 E. Commerce St., (210) 223-6692, schilos.com. The Station Café Fresh homemade buns; Chocolate chip cookies as big as your face; pizza? What more could you ask more? For a scrumptious sandwich try the pesto turkey while brave souls should aim for the turkey Chupacabra with its spicy Serrano sauce. 108 King William St., (210) 444-2200, thestationsa.com.

Bull Gogi Boys Bulgogi bowls loaded with beef or spicy pork are the main draw at this UTSA-area truck, but the yaki mandu is also worth a taste. For many fans, these Korean dumplings are the real MVP. 14530 Roadrunner Way, (210) 816-1455, facebook.com/bullgogiboy. Masshole Food Truck This humorously named mobile eatery serves up lobster rolls, burgers and bao buns all over the Alamo City, all of which draw on Massachusetts native chef Adam Bylicki’s culinary expertise. Location Varies, (210) 209-0495, facebook.com/MassholeFood-Truck. Milpa This mobile outfit serves up fresh and super flavorful takes on chef-owner Jesse Kuykendall’s favorite childhood eats. Don’t miss the sopes. 540 S. Presa St., (210) 990-2349, milpafoodtruck. com. Slider Provider It may sound off, but trust us when we say, “Don’t sleep on The Goobster.” A playful combination that pairs fresh accoutrements with crunchy peanut butter and grape jelly, it’s a surprisingly balanced slider situation. Location Varies, sliderprovider.com. Tapatio Vegan Tacos The first vegan taco truck in SA serves up tortas ahogadas, sopes and other favorites that won’t have you missing the carne. The menu

also features gluten-free options, and everything is completely homemade, from the breads and tortillas to the cheeses and “meats.” 623 Urban Loop, (956) 999-0170, tapatiovegantacos.com.

GLOBAL Latin American Azuca Nuevo Latino After relocating two spaces over to its new digs, Azuca is still packing in crowds looking for a refreshing mojito, tostones with mojo and a dance floor to merengue the night away. 709 S. Alamo St., (210) 225-5550, azuca.net. Beto’s Alt-Mex Known for its empanadas and epicurean fare, Beto’s features a veggie taco that comes stuffed with well-seasoned squash and caramelized onions. It’s almost as good as the savory potato-and-spinach empanada. 8142 Broadway, (210) 930-9393, betosinfo. com. Botika Nikkei and chifa cuisines were introduced to San Antonio inside this posh Pearl spot helmed by chef Geronimo Lopez. Lomo saltado, empanadas, ceviches and tiraditos all share a space on the menu, but make sure to save room for a few sips of sake. 303 Pearl Pkwy., Suite 111, (210) 670-7684. Cocina El Jibarazo Latin Cuisine It’s a trek, sure, but don’t skip the sandwiches from this beloved spot. Plates all come bearing yellow rice, salad, plantains and your choice of pernil, pollo a la plancha or chuletas. 1790 Austin Hwy., (210) 2045908, cocinaeljibarazo.com. JESSICA ELIZARRARAS

W.D. Deli At W.D. Deli it’s all about serving love in a bun. Go for the roast beef, but stay for the spinach chicken salad and don’t forget to grab a cookie. W.D. Deli’s 11 different cookie choices or the raspberry pecan bars also make great additions to your meal. 3123 Broadway, (210) 828-2322, wddeli.com.

Ay Que Rico It’s hard to miss this brightly colored truck, especially once you’ve gotten a taste. The quality tacos and yummy sandwiches — sought after by a growing fanbase — will have you saying, “Ay que rico!” Location Varies, (210) 3674869, facebook.com/ayquericosa.

Zito’s Deli Sometimes you just need a great sandwich. Let the staff at Zito’s — established in 1974 — take care of you with one of their massive Serious Sandwiches. Filled with salami, two types of ham, provolone, cheddar, black olives and LTO on fluffy homemade Italian flatbread, this sando means business. Multiple locations, zitosdeli.net.

FOOD TRUCKS

Earl Abel’s sacurrent.com • W I N T E R

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In the heart of the San Antonio Riverwalk, El Camino is a beacon for the downtown community to join and enjoy a range of selections from our guest gourmet food trucks paired with precisely created cocktails. El Camino is the perfect spot to bring together friends, family and furry companions under our eco-consciously designed covered seating with a fully stocked bar that includes, frozen drinks, craft brews, and top-shelf cocktails.

ElCaminoSA.com | Downtown SATX 1009 Ave. B

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LISTINGS COURTESY PHOTO PASHA MEDITERRANEAN GRILL

Pasha Mediterranean Grill

Ceviche de Waldito Chef’s been slanging buffet-style Peruvian fare since 2010. Stop in for an inexpensive lunch of roasted chicken and tamales served by Waldito himself. 5526 Evers Road, (210) 681-8100. Luna Rosa Puerto Rican Grill The understated locale focuses on its cuisine, combining Spanish tapas and Puerto Rican favorites. Start the night with a helping of patatas bravas, smothered in red spicy sauce and garlicky mayoketchup, the Luna Rosa house sauce and follow it with paella. 2603 SE Military Drive, Suite 106, (210) 314-3111 lunarosatapas.com. Jamaica Jamaica All entrees come with a generous serving of rice and peas, steamed cabbage, and plantains. The roast pork, several gray slabs doused in a thick mahogany sheet, pull apart as delicately as spiderwebs, and work with the rice and peas to create a balanced, dense-as-bone kind of bite. 2026 Austin Hwy., (210) 590-0515, facebook.com/ jamaicajamaicacuisine1. La Marginal The rice with pinto beans here is savory and on point in terms of flavor thanks to a decent sofrito with olives and ham. The buffet offering is affordable and workable, as long as you stick with the tender roast pork, pernil, and salty, sweet plantains. 2447 Nacogdoches Road, (210) 804-2242, lamarginalrestaurant.com. Ocho Pair your Hemingway Daiquiri with aspirational lunch and dinner fare, including the Havana Cubano torta with achiote-roasted pork shoulder, griddled ham, Swiss cheese, pickles and Dijon mustard, and savory papas bravas. Hotel Havana, 1015 Navarro St., (210) 222-

2008, havanasanantonio.com.

Greek Demo’s Greek Food With locations off Blanco, the Vineyard and St. Mary’s, this 19-year-old, local fast-casual chain isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Go for the tender beef souvlaki, but stay for the charming décor and belly dancing. Multiple locations, demosgreekfood.com. John the Greek The flavors of Athens, which have been served in this Greek home-style eatery since 1988, make John The Greek so compelling. Avgolemono soup, gyros, souvlaki and mousaka. 16602 San Pedro Ave., (210) 403-0565, johnthegreek.com. Mina and Dimi’s Greek House Although the pita is perfectly soft and savory, the flavorful gyro can stand on its own, perhaps accompanied by flaky spanakopita or a tangy Greek salad. Sweeten the deal with homemade flaky baklava. Opa! 7159 Hwy. 90 W., (210) 674-3464, agreekhouse.com. Papouli’s Greek Grill The SA-based chain has four locations throughout the city, each dishing up traditional and contemporary cuisine made with fresh ingredients. Multiple locations, papoulis. com.

Hawaiian Ali’i Cove The owners of Big Aloha Food Truck ditched their wheels for a brickand-mortar outpost in Universal City that opened this past November. Stop in for their legendary Spam musubi, classic Hawaii dishes and ramen. 1210 Pat

Booker Road, (210) 507-2042. The Aloha Kitchen The Aloha Kitchen does Hawaiian best when sticking to the basics – and basic does not mean simple. Lau lau and loco moco are attention grabbers. 1151 Harry Wurzbach, (210) 826-7426.

Mediterranean Azro Moroccan & Mediterranean Bistro Azro engineer-turned-chef Khalid Said whips up Moroccan faves such as the vibrant and warm harira soup, a beautiful tabouli and seafood bastilla made of baked layers of thin pastry filled with salmon and shrimp inside this Castle Hills nook. 2211 NW Military, Suite 131, (210) 342-0011, azro-bistro.com. Jerusalem Grill Long skewers of lamb and chicken beckon, but try the Syrianstyle kibbeh instead, with sides of both hummus and baba ghanoush. Multiple locations, jerusalemgrill.net. Mediterranean Turkish Grill Dolmas, hummus and fresh bread are signatures of this authentic Mediterranean grill. 8507 McCullough, Suite B13, (210) 3991645, kmturkishgrill.com. Moroccan Bites Tucked away in a shopping center off Evers, Moroccan Bites is all about family and fresh ingredients. Skip the soups and go straight for the chicken or lamb tagine. 5714 Evers Road, (210) 706-9700, moroccanbitescuisine.com. Pasha Mediterranean Grill It’s hard not to fill up on the hot, fresh flatbread and zaatar spice mix, but you have to save room for Pasha’s delicious Mid-east fare. sacurrent.com • W I N T E R

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LISTINGS FACEBOOK / BARBARO

Standouts include the tender kabobs and the saffron-marinated Cornish hens. Multiple locations, gopasha.com. Shisha Café A hotspot for hookah-loving college students, Shisha has plenty to offer. Try the garlicky hummus, the giant falafel or the perfectly seasoned chicken shawarma sandwich wrapped in warm pita bread and filled with garlic sauce, pickles, lettuce and tomatoes. 5500 Babcock Road, Suite 101, (210) 694-4800.

Pakistani Kohinoor Restaurant & Grill The spices and service are warm and intoxicating at this family-run restaurant that uses 100 percent Zabiha Halal meat. Although the menu is a list of possibilities, take a chance on the special of the day. 9425 Fredericksburg Road, (210) 314-8692, kohinoorsa.com.

Spanish Carmens de La Calle Ever-eclectic Carmens serves up paella, ceviche, empanadas and sangria in a cozy setting with live flamenco and jazz performances. 320 N. Flores St., (210) 281-4349, carmensdelacalle.com. Toro Kitchen + Bar If you’re in the mood for paella, there’s two Toros to visit these days. The Stone Oak location now has a downtown sibling at St. Paul Square where the wine keeps flowing as do the tapas. Multiple locations, torokitchenandbar.com.

ITALIAN Aldino Cucina Italiana The original “kids on the block” at the popular intersection of 1604 and Blanco, this premiere Italian restaurant, offers Tuscan tastes reminiscent of the countryside of northern Italy. 1203 N. Loop 1604 W., (210) 340-0000. Barbaro Barbaro is staying consistent with playful pies, technique-driven sides, and plain delicious desserts. Did we mention the extensive list of cocktails and quaint Monte Vista setting make this the perfect spot for late night ‘za? 2720 McCullough Ave., (210) 320-2261, barbarosanantonio.com. Capparelli’s on Main Smack dab in the center of Monte Vista, this charming neighborhood nook serves up traditional

Barbaro

Italian fare with hearty pizzas and an unbeatable house salad. 2524 N. Main Ave., (210) 735-5757, capparellisonmain.com. Fratello’s Deli With two locations (Broadway and Plaza de Armas), Fratello’s is keeping bellies full and happy with fresh red-sauce fare, value-driven sandwiches like the Napoli stuffed with copocolla and ham, and house-made desserts. Multiple locations, fratellosdeli. com. Julian’s Italian Pizzeria Recent visits meant digging into the balanced lasagna, fluffy gnocchi and delicious Caesar salads. An awesome addition to Alamo Heights, this locally owned onestop-shop for Italian has two locations. Multiple locations, julianspizzeria.com. Luciano’s From full restaurants at area malls to casual neighborhood pizzerias, Luciano’s scores points for giant pizzas at ridiculously cheap prices. Multiple locations, facebook.com/lucianorestaurantssa. Luce Ristorante e Enoteca Authentic Italian cuisine and wine is the passion of Neapolitan owner and chef Joe Buonincontri, who brings family recipes and tastes from his travels to Italy back to his wine-centric restaurant. 11255 Huebner Road, (210) 561-9700, lucesanantonio. com.

Paesanos Joe Cosniac’s original Lincoln Heights heir serves the signature breaded, garlicky Shrimp Paesano, a meaty eggplant parmigiana, and if the devotees are to be believed, one of the best steaks in town. Multiple locations, paesanos.com. Tre Trattoria Jason Dady reimagined the old Tre and gave us rustic chic with plentiful Italian relocated to the San Antonio Museum of Art. Favorites remained true with authentic salumi, gnocchi and cast-iron griddled pizzas. 200 W. Jones St., Suite 501, (210) 805-0333, tretrattoria.com.

Pizza Big Lou’s Pizza You’re not a true San Antonian unless you take seven of your closest friends to Big Lou’s and try to take down their 42-inch pies. 2048 S. W.W. White Road, (210) 337-0707, biglouspizza-satx.com. Capo’s Pizza Get your pizza fix prepared by one of San Antonio’s longtime pizza markers Rick Perno. 8522 Broadway, Suite 105, (210) 362-1901, capospizzasa.com. Deco Pizzeria Savory meatballs, wings and weekend lunch (and brunch!) specials expand the options just across the way from the Woodlawn Theater and sacurrent.com • W I N T E R

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Sueet!

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602 N.W. 24th St. SA, TX 78207 | panifico.com

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LISTINGS FACEBOOK / PLAYLAND

enjoy vats of queso and wash it down in a cool bar setting. Multiple locations, alamocafe.com. Aldaco’s Mexican Cuisine Blanca Aldaco took her zesty restaurant north to convert the Loopland masses with crema al cilantro and signature avocado margaritas. 20079 Stone Oak Pkwy., (210) 494-0561, aldacosrestaurants. com. Blanco Café This anchor of the homegrown chain serves massive Tex-Mex portions to happy weekend crowds. The just-right-greasy enchiladas are a fave of Current readers. Multiple locations, blancocafe.net. Cascabel Mexican Patio The tiny South St. Mary’s spot offers an intriguing alternative to taqueria fare, with recipes from Mexico’s southern region. 1000 S. St. Mary’s St., (210) 212-6456.

Playland

now the Medical Center. Multiple locations, decopizza.com Florio’s Pizza Italy? Fuhgeddaboudit — this is the real stuff, from New Jersey since 1980. The foldable pizza spread to Helotes in 2017 with a new location off Bandera. 7701 Broadway, (210) 8058646. Il Forno Chef Michael Sohocki’s turn at Neapolitan-style pies is a hit with South Flores residents. The shop has a handmade pizza oven, a sprawling garden filled with fresh veggies for the kitchen to use and seasonal specials galore. 122 Nogalitos St., (210) 616-2198, ilfornosa. com. Pizza Classics Near Trinity U and the Strip, Pizza Classics has retained its latenight audience. The buy-one, get-one carry out deals make PC a value-friendly option. 3440 N. St. Mary’s St., (210) 2253356, pizzaclassics.com. Playland Stefan Bowers is trying his hand at sourdough pizza and it’s worth a trip downtown. Stay tuned for a forthcoming late-night addition, Playland, in the spot’s basement. 400 E. Houston St., (210) 908-9362, playlandsa.com. Ray’s Pizzaria Check the daily lunch and dinner specials at this authentic New York-style pizzeria. Calzones, stromboli

and Italian entrees like baked ziti, served with cheesy garlic bread, satisfy even the hungriest diner. Multiple locations, rayspizzaria.com. Rome’s Pizza Founded in 1986, now with several locations, Rome’s cozy atmosphere and gourmet Italian cuisine have satisfied two generations. Multiple locations. romespizza.com. Sorrento Ristorante e Pizzeria Since 2001, the Ciccone family has prepared tasty pizza, seafood and pasta out of their Alamo Heights Kitchen. 5146 Broadway, (210) 824-0055, sorrentopizzeria.com. Tiu Steppi’s Osteria Loop 1604 has two great options for Italian fare. Locally owned by the family behind Two Step, these Italian outposts deliver great pizzas, pastas and delectable desserts. Multiple locations, tiusteppis.com.

MEXICAN/TEX-MEX Ácenar Rosario’s owner Lisa Wong paired vivid décor and haute Tex-Mex with romantic riverside seating and the bar’s dance floor sizzles on weekends. 146 E. Houston St., (210) 222-2362, acenar.com. Alamo Café The addition of Patio 81 to the San Pedro location means you can

Cha-Cha’s New Gen Café Four years after beloved Medical Center restaurant Cha-Cha’s closure, the daughter of its founders has reopened it in a new location and with a vegetarian-friendly remake to its menu. Expect old favorites such as enchiladas and fajitas to mingle with new options including Thai eggplant red coconut curry. 6417 Evers Road, (210) 451-0030. Chacho’s The Monster Kong Nachos are loaded with four different types of meat: chicken and beef fajitas, shredded chicken and picadillo. Don’t say we didn’t warn you. Multiple locations, chachos. com. Chamoy City Limits It doesn’t get much more puro than this, folks. Chamoy City Limits has made a name for itself by dishing up eye-poppingly colorful shaved ice in addition to scratch-made chili that honors our city’s Chili Queens legacy. 447 W. Hildebrand Ave., #105, (210) 744-0000 chamoycitylimits.com. El Milagrito Their cheese enchiladas are titans of Tex-Mex, topped with good, chunky gravy that indicates Milagrito’s guisada is also a cut above. The breakfast menu merits a try, too. 521 E. Woodlawn Ave., (210) 737-8646, elmilagritocafe.com. El Mirasol Interiors that help you escape to Cancun, food that satiates that itch for something sabroso, and drinks that keep the convo flowing are in store at either sacurrent.com • W I N T E R

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LISTINGS INSTAGRAM / @LOSBARRIOSRESTAURANT

the Alon or Blanco location. Multiple locations, elmirasolsa.com. Garcia’s Mexican Food You can’t call yourself a true San Antonian unless you’ve enjoyed a brisket and guacamole taco from Garcia’s. Helmed by the Garcia family since 1962, this tiny nook on Fredericksburg is a piece of heaven in a plump tortilla. 842 Fredericksburg Road, (210) 735-4525. Guajillo’s Billed as “SA’s only Mexico City kitchen,” the entrees here are healthier and less Tex than Mex by any standards. Try the calabaza con mole verde, a sauce made with pumpkin seeds, cilantro and Serrano peppers. 1001 NW Loop 410, (210) 344-4119, guajillos.com. Jacala Mexican Restaurant With a kitschy interior that screams Tex-Mex, Jacala has been a Westside fave since 1949. The great puffy tacos don’t hurt either. 606 West Ave., (210) 732-5222. La Fonda on Main Monte Vista residents still flock to this institution for both traditional and forward-thinking Mexican fare. The duck or fish tacos or mole enchiladas are deliciously dependable. 2415 Main Ave., (210) 733-0621, lafondaonmain.com. La Fogata There are several reasons to visit La Fogata: the arboreal wonderland of a patio, the tequila-laden margaritas, the friendly staff, the light starters, the hearty enchiladas … should we go on? 2427 Vance Jackson Road, (210) 3401337, lafogata.com. La Gloria Still a favorite for tourists and locals hoping to taste a little of Mexico, chef Johnny Hernandez’s first restaurant scores points with its tacos de alambre and tortas. Enjoy a house margarita on the icehouse’s airy patio at The Pearl, Dominion or newly added AT&T Center. Multiple locations, lagloriaicehouse.com. La Hacienda de los Barrios A Barrios Family creation, there’s much to be said about La Hacienda’s food. Try the timetested standbys such as the cabrito en salsa and the Cortadillo Zuazua style, a semi-stew of tenderloin. 18747 Redland, (210) 497-8000, lhdlb.com. La Maceta Tapatios These rolled taquitos are NOT flautas, but they are plenty delicious. Get your fix of tacos and fresh Mexican street food like corn in a cup and tortas at this eatery, inside Picks Bar.

Los Barrios

4553 N. Loop 1604 West, #1101, (210) 419-3845, facebook.com/lamaceta.52. La Margarita Restaurant & Oyster Bar Part of the Mi Tierra family of restaurants, La Margarita is billed as the first American restaurant to serve sizzling fajitas. 120 Produce Road, (210) 2277140, lamargarita.com. La Michoacana #5 This location on North Flores boasts a carniceria, panaderia, fruteria and more. The taqueria may be the chain’s strong suit; the tacos can be spectacular, especially creations like chicharrón en salsa verde and calabacita con puerco. 1224 N. Flores St., (210) 223-3802, lamichoacanameatmarket.com. Lisa’s Mexican Restaurant Lisa’s aced the basics with a hearty, rich pozole, a tasty lengua guisada and solid refrieds. Finish up with a cocktail at Bar Mosaico. 815 Bandera Road, (210) 433-2531, lisasmexican.com. Los Barrios One of San Antonio’s most beloved Mexican restaurants (yes, that is saying a lot), Los Barrios’ exhaustive menu includes items like “the world’s only gourmet sour nachos,” 16 different Mexican dinner plates. 4223 Blanco Road, (210) 732-6017, losbarrios1.com. Mary Lou’s Café Expect robust and fresh down-home dishes from this neighborhood joint. The enchiladas verdes and beans and rice are well above average, but ask for the salsa verde over the house dip. 4405 McCullough Ave., (210) 396-7909.

Mi Tierra Restaurant & Bakery For those in the know, Mi Tierra is truly a wonder. The panaderia at the entrance alerts that this is the real deal. An institution since its 1941 founding, Mi Tierra is one of the few places still open 24/7, holidays included. 218 Produce Row, (210) 225-1262, mitierracafe.com. Original Donut Shop This Fredericksburg Road institution is known for good breakfast tacos and outstanding doughnuts —and now accepts credit cards! 3307 Fredericksburg Road, (210) 734-5661, facebook.com/theoriginaldonutshop. Paloma Blanca Mexican Cuisine A perennial favorite in our Best of San Antonio readers’ poll for enchiladas and guacamole, Paloma Blanca showcases hacienda-inspired architecture and interior Mexican eats for an elevated dining experience. 5800 Broadway, (210) 822-6151, palomablanca.net. Palenque Grill From the makers of Pollo Loco and Taco Palenque, Palenque Grill’s dishing up traditional dishes to the La Cantera set. Try the lengua and coastal creations inspired by the Pacific Mexican coast that are worth a try. 15900 La Cantera Pkwy., palenquegrill.com. Patty’s Taco House Taco fans make pilgrimages to Patty’s on a weekly basis for breakfast and lunch. The migas plate will keep you sated way past lunchtime. 2422 S. Hackberry St., (210) 534-3395. Pericos Mexican Cuisine The haciendastyle chain has locations off Bandera sacurrent.com • W I N T E R

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Rosario’s

and Sonterra, but you’ll find standard Tex-Mex at any stop. Make sure to wash it down with a Parrot Tail, a concoction of vodka, coconut rum, Triple Sec, Hypnotiq, cranberry juice and sour mix. Multiple locations, pericosgrill.com. Ray’s Drive Inn Puffy tacos and a certain San Antonio je ne sais quoi are the draws at this Westside establishment. Portions are large (bring the whole family), but remember to bring cash; our critics recommend the brisket and guacamole puffy tacos. 822 SW 19th, (210) 432-7171, raysdriveinn.net. Rosario’s Restaurant y Cantina Lisa Wong’s other baby is a staple with the Castros and other power lunch-goers. The bright lights, big city cantina concept — aided by lots of concrete and a neon-lit faux palapa — and Tex-Mex add a certain buzzy feel to Southtown and the aesthetic reaches the northside location. Multiple locations, rosariossa. com. Soluna Home of the Chispa, this Alamo Heights restaurant comes alive on weekends. Examine the entire menu and work your way through it with several visits. We won’t judge. 7959 Broadway, (210) 930-8070, solunasa.com. Taco Haven A Southtown staple for more than 30 years, the menu has expanded to include a few Tex-American dishes such as chicken-fried steak and burgers. Multiple locations, tacohaven. info. Taco Taco A plethora of choices here but the best thing to order is, of course, the namesake: tacos of all kinds, served

on piping hot, homemade corn or flour tortillas. 145 E. Hildebrand Ave., (210) 822-9533, tacotacosa.com. Tacos y Burritos Metro Basilica 2 Taco truck fare inspired more by DF than SA. Branch out to less familiar menu items like mulita (meat and cheese sandwiched between two thick masa tortillas), lengua and tripas, or stick with tried-and-true chicken quesadillas and asada tacos. 7627 Culebra Road, Suite 105, (210) 680-1412. Taqueria Datapoint The food hasn’t lost its late-night street charms at this tacotruck-turned-restaurants. Current readers say you must try the gorditas, and our critics recommend the mini asada taquitos and chicken torta. Multiple locations, (210) 615-3644. Taqueria El Chilaquil Our secret latenight spot, we come here for al pastor and carnitas mini tacos and giant schooners of Dos Equis after evenings out downtown. 1821 W. Commerce St., (210) 226-5410. Taqueria Los Arcos Homey and authentic Mex-Texican fare, Los Arcos scores with especially good sopes and outstanding tortas, at prices low enough to treat your entire work crew. 13777 Nacogdoches Road, Suite. 103, (210) 599-1822. Taqueria Vallarta Seafood is far from the emphasis at the Broadway location; carnes asadas and fajitas abound. 8234 Broadway 78209, (210) 829-0180. Taquitos West Ave. With choice of cabeza, lengua, suadero, carnitas and

trompo (only on weekends), Taquitos has built a legion of followers that keep spreading the word. The Nacogdoches spot also features a panaderia next door. Multiple locations, taquitoswestavenue. com. Teka Molino The puffy tacos are a must, but don’t sleep on the guacamole cups and bean rolls. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Teka has been serving San Antonio for more than 60 years. Multiple locations, tekamolino.com. Tito’s Restaurant The art-lined walls are the perfect background for a variety of breakfast options and an express lunch for those who work in the King William area. 955 S. Alamo St., (210) 212-8226, titosrestaurant.com. Vida Mia Don’t miss out on breakfast of chilaquiles like the Piporro with machacado and red salsa or Cantinflas with chorizo and green salsa, at Stone Oak and Huebner or Bulverde Road. Multiple locations, vidamiacuisine.com. Viola’s Ventanas The third effort from the Barrios family pays tribute to mother Viola, who started the Los Barrios legend in 1979. 9660 Westover Hills, (210) 684-9660, violasventanas.com. Viva Villa The legacy of Mi Tierra is in safe hands as chef Cariño Cortez and staff share interior Mexican fare as prepared with local flair. 905 Dolorosa St., (210) 987-8482, vivavillatacos.com.

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complete with bites are found at this Blue Star Art Complex nook. 1420 S. Alamo St., Suite 001, (210) 227-1420, facebook.com/1919sa. Bar America This Southtown favorite is serving up bar snacks these days. Their happy hour specials vary by day and are perfect for those on a budget. 723 S. Alamo St., (210) 223-1285, baramericasatx.com. Big Hops Offering a long list of local beer on tap at any of their three locations, including Bitters, Huebner, the Hays Street Bridge and New Braunfels, Big Hops is a must-stop for craft beer lovers. Multiple locations, bighops.com. Blue Box Tasty cocktails meet a great happy hour. Come game time, the staff sets you up with free snacks made by some of the city’s best chefs. 312 Pearl Pkwy., (210) 227-2583. The Broadway 5050 San Antonio’s original, swanky good times bar has been an Alamo Heights favorite since opening its doors in 1927. 5050 Broadway, (210) 826-0069, broadway5050.com. Burleson Yard Beer Garden This pet and kid-friendly bar near the Hays Street Bridge is a traditional beer garden with indoor and outdoor seating. Pick from their long list of beers or opt for wine or liquor, and grab snacks at one of the food trucks. 430 Austin St., (210) 3543001, facebook.com/burlesonyard. Cellar Mixology Toro Kitchen + Bar’s downtown outpost brought with it a lower-level cocktail bar with classics and new twists on your faves. 1142 E. Commerce St., (210) 592-1075, cellarmixology.com. Cherrity Bar Philanthropic tipples can be found at this massive bar that also holds a ramen bar! Every month, three charities are picked as recipients of nearly all of the bar’s proceeds so drink up! 302 Montana St., (210) 598-0496, facebook.com/cherritybar. Con Safos Cocina & Bar A West Side cantina in the heart of downtown with a polished modern twist is what you’ll find inside Con Safos Cantina & Bar, the home of San Antonio’s pan dulce burger. 607 Hemisfair Blvd., (210) 514-5006, consafos-sa.com. Copa Wine Bar Voted best wine bar

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in 2014’s Current Best Of readers poll, Copa is worth a trip to the city’s North Side with their wine and tapas. 19141 Stone Oak Pkwy., (210) 495-2672, thecopawinebar.com. Cullum’s Attagirl Just off the N. St. Mary’s strip, Attagirl’s ever-evolving list of craft beers alongside their famous chicken wings, fried bologna pimento sandwiches and more. 726 E. Mistletoe Ave., (210) 437-4263, facebook.com/cullumsattagirl. The Dakota East Side Ice House Chill vibes meet casual comfort food vibes at this former grocery store-turned-neighborhood-bar. 433 S. Hackberry St., (210) 375-6009, thedakotasa.com. Dorcol Distilling + Brewing Co. You’ll find Kinsman rakia (an unaged apricot brandy) and a sizeable lineup of expertly made beers to quench your thirst. 1902 S. Flores St., (210) 229-0607, dorcolspirits.com. The Esquire Tavern A San Antonio original, Esquire Tavern serves up crafted cocktails, wine and craft beers alongside some serious eats like their signature bison burger and charcuterie at Downstairs. 155 E. Commerce St., (210) 2222521, esquiretavern-sa.com. Flying Saucer Draught Emporium Back before San Antonio turned into a craft town (well, we’re working on it), there was the Saucer. Excellent for pups on patios, great sandwiches, expert service and, yes, hundreds of beers to choose from, the Saucer isn’t going anywhere any time soon. 11255 Huebner Road, Suite

212, (210) 696-5080, beerknurd.com. Francis Bogside This Southtown fave made a serious comeback in 2017 with an all-new stage, and more bar space! 803 S. St. Mary’s St., (210) 988-3093. Freetail Brewing Beers on tap change regularly and food comes by way of fantastic brick oven pizzas. 4035 N. Loop 1604 W., Suite 105, (210) 625-6000, freetailbrewing.com. Lion & Rose British Restaurant & Pub Don’t let its Rim location confuse you, this puro pub is great for grabbing a pint, watching a football game (or soccer, to most of y’all) and chowing down on a full English breakfast at brunch, fish and chips or Scotch eggs. 17627 La Cantera Pkwy., (210) 798-5466, thelionandrose. com. El Luchador This lucha-libre themed bar off Roosevelt has a cantina vibe with a bar, dance floor, lounge area and patio. 622 Roosevelt, (210) 272-0016, facebook.com/luchadorbarsa. Haunt Sleek and spooky, this Downtown joint makes it easy to get in a happy hour before dinner at sister restaurant Rebelle. Hold your séance here while sipping on cocktails inspired by the specters that haunt the St. Anthony Hotel. 300 E. Travis St., (210) 227-4392, facebook.com/hauntsa. High Street Wine Co. Wine lovers of all levels will enjoy a visit (or two or three, we’re not judging) to this Pearl-based wine bar. The only thing better than the selection of reds, whites, rosés and sacurrent.com • W I N T E R

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Botan i c a l C o c ktails Relax with our full bar including our selection of Botanical Cocktails made with fresh pressed juice! Plus our signature Southclaw, a frozen margarita topped with a WhiteClaw Hard Seltzer.

Event s , E v e n t s , Events With weekly events there's always a reason to join us in the garden. Visit our website & mark your calendar for live music, markets, plus so much more! The Good Kind Hospitality Group is owned and operated by James Beard Fellow & Food Network’s Chopped competitor, Tim McDiarmid. The Good Kind is located on the grounds of Ivy Hall Events, a spacious garden escape perfect for weddings, rehearsals, corporate retreats and more. I N Girl T E R Catering F L A V O Ris• sacurrent.com the official cater for Ivy Hall Event. Tim Wthe

LISTINGS bubbles? High Streets awe-inspiring charcuterie boards. 302 Pearl Pkwy., Suite 104, (210) 908-9144, highstreetwine.com. Hoppy Monk This Northside bar features over 50 beers on tap, as well as delicious cuisine and cocktails made from fresh ingredients and local products. Stop in for mezcal! 1010 N Loop 1604 E., (210) 545-3330, thehoppymonk. com/sanantonio. Knockout The newest addition to the Main Strip includes daily inexpensive happy hours and is split into two rooms for variety. Grab a slice from their attached Pup’s Pizza as early as 11am or late night. 1420 N. Main Ave., (210) 2277678, knockoutsa.com. The Modernist Olaf Harmel and Gerry Shirley are taking bespoke cocktails to another level with this post-modernist drinker that features a small tiki trailer slinging boozy faves on weekends. 516 E. Grayson St., (210) 446-8699, facebook.com/themodernistsa.

Branch, (830) 885-2209, screaminggoatyard.com.

The Pigpen The neighborhood bar features wine, beer on draft or in cans and bottles, and specialty drinks like the brisket bloody mary and frozen Moscow mule. Feeling hungry? Pair your drink with some nachos or a grilled cheese. 106 Pershing Ave., (210) 267-9136, thepigpensa.com.

Three Star Bar SA cocktail guru Jeret Peña describes his Three Star Bar as a “neighborhood, old-timey dad bar.” Sure enough, it features neon beer signs, vintage trophies, wood paneling and a pinball machine. Chef Josh Calderon’s fare, including meatball sandwiches, a grilled cheese on jalapeño cheddar bread and tater tots keep the theme going. 521 E. Grayson St., okayestbar.com.

The Squeezebox With a rotating lineup of local food trucks on the patio and a puro vibe that combines Tejano, cumbia and dance hits, there’s something for everyone at this popular joint. 2806 N. St. Mary’s St., (210) 314-8845, facebook. com/thesqueezebox. Screaming Goat Yard and Tap As the name suggests, draft beer, not to mention a full bar are a part of the attraction at this new Spring Branch spot, but so’s a menu that spans breakfast items such as chorizo and egg empanadas and Southern Louisiana-influenced dinner items such as shrimp po’ boys and gumbo. 4 Sun Valley Road, Spring

TBA This St. Mary’s Strip secret serves up handcrafted drinks and tasty bites. A serious happy hour packs inexpensive house cocktails, beers, grilled cheese and charcuterie. 2801 N. St. Mary’s St., (210) 320-1753, tbasatx.com.

Zinc Bistro & Wine Bar The prickly pear margaritas aren’t just ’gram-worthy, they’re strong and delicious. Pair them with the Crack Burger, or peruse the wine selection — your call. 207 N. Presa St., (210) 224-2900, zincwine.com.

SEAFOOD 210 Ceviche The place to watch futbol while noshing on seafood and drinking a cold one, 210 Ceviche offers a refuge from the heat. Try a ceviche sampler to start. Stick with the satisfying cooked dishes such as the Arroz 210 with INSTAGRAM / @ PARAMOURBAR

Lowcountry There’s a whole lot to love about this bar that blends country vibes with Southern charm inside a historic home. Bar snacks include lovely pickles and boiled peanuts. Grab a cold one and enjoy live music on the back patio. 318 Martinez St., (210) 560-2224, lowcountrysa.com.

Picks Bar The upgraded patio and craft cocktails on tap at far North Side spot Picks Bar are reason enough to make the trip to that stretch of town, but an even bigger draw is the one-of-a-kind live band karaoke experience. This Latinaowned venue takes puro to a whole new level. 4553 N Loop 1604 W, (210) 2539220, picksbar.com.

Luther’s Cafe After relocating a few times, Luther’s remains a staple on the Main strip. Stop in early or late and select from their varied menu of food and drinks inside or on the patio. Stay for karaoke on Friday or dinner and a show on Saturdays. 1503 N. Main Ave., (210) 223-7727, lutherscafe.com. Oak Hills Tavern This Medical Center dive bar features 14 taps of local and Texas beers, bar games like pool and darts, and a varied menu with pizza, tacos, burgers and more. 7920 Fredericksburg Road, (210) 614-8855, facebook. com/oakhillstavern. Paramour Perfect for all your selfies and party pics, Paramour elevated the bar scene literally. As Downtown’s first rooftop bar, the sprawling location brings in tourists and locals alike for classic cocktails and cheeky house concoctions. 109 9th St., Suite 400, (210) 307-8740, paramourbar.com.

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seafood bits or the sautéed salmon. 9502 IH-10, Suite 101, (210) 593-9300, 210ceviche.com. Camaron Pelado Seafood Grill What Camaron Pelado lacks in atmosphere is made up for in coastal dishes that warrant praise. Classic ceviche, mounds of shrimp and a piled-high tostada all at fair prices make for a superb lunch or dinner. Don’t miss the seafood caldos with shrimp, oyster, crab and octopus. 2918 W. Commerce St., (210) 434-6700, camaronpelado.info. Costa Pacifica Known for innovative, fresh dishes, one-of-a-kind specialty Drinks and ambiance reminiscent of the Pacific Coast of Mexico, Costa Pacifica is all about freshness. Visit for the fish “al pastor” costras, tuna capaccio or the whole red snapper. Multiple locations, costacruise.com. Eddie V’s Prime Seafood Immediately upon opening in 2008, Wildfish became the go-to destination for seafood in North San Antonio. Featuring dishes such as North Atlantic lemon sole and crispy cashew calamari, Wildfish added fresh ideas to the seafood market. It may not be the new thing anymore, but it’s still a fresh catch. 1834 N. Loop 1604 W., (210) 493-1600, eddiev.com. Hula Poke Various locations of this poke salad spot have earned it a special place in the heart of San Antonians looking to try something new and fresh. Visit them off I-10 and DeZavala and near 1604 and Bandera. Multiple locations, facebook. com/hulapokesa. Koi Fin Poke Ramen, poke salads and sushirritos are all in store at this UTSAadjacent spot that offers 10 percent off on Tuesday and Wednesdays with student ID! 7211 Green Glen Drive, Suite 102, (210) 451-0050.

Little Em’s Oyster Bar

en salsa roja. 522 SW Military, (210) 9227777.

frog leg plate. 1922 Goliad, (210) 3377294, neptunesseafoodhouse.com.

Little Em’s Oyster Bar This Southtown spot made an instant splash when it debuted in the midst of the pandemic. It’s easy to see the attraction in its array of fresh oysters and beautiful presentation. If oysters aren’t your thing, the spot also delivers on other oceanic delights including a sublime red snapper ceviche. 1001 S. Alamo St., (210) 257-0100, littleemsoysterbar.com.

Pinch Boil House It’s hard to know where else to file Pinch but under “seafood,” which the menu’s star attraction. Inspired by the blending of cultures on the Gulf Coast, this Alamo Heights spot serves up delectable dishes from the ocean that blend Southeast Asian and Cajun techniques and seasonings. 5130 Broadway, (210) 277-8801, pinchboilhouse.com.

Mariscos El Bucanero Mariscos may be in the name, but first-rate Mexican dishes — from the asada plate, chile rellenos and enchiladas — are on the menu as well. Of course, seafood lovers may also enjoy the molcajete de ceviche, camarones a la diabla or the fried fish. And don’t forget to try the fried shrimp. Many consider it the best in town. Multiple locations, bucanerosanantonio.com.

Poke Central Billed as sushi in a bowl, this poke shop opened on the city’s northside feeding Looplanders fresh creations and savory soups. 1130 N. Loop 1604 W. Suite 101, (210) 4797653, facebook.com/pokecentralsa.

Laguna Madre Seafood Company Bill Miller’s isn’t all chicken and brisket. The San Anto fave also deals — deliciously — in fish. Fried plates include choice of shrimp, fried cods, catfish or oysters. Multiple locations, lagunamadreseafood. com.

Mariscos El Marinero Familiar, yes, but still tasty. Order the tostada known as the Torre Imperial for an awe-inspiring stack of seafood that perfectly layers several ceviches, chopped scallops, octopus and peel-and-eat shrimp, and yep, red onion into a colorful tower. 1819 McCullough Ave., (210) 465-9178.

Las Islas Marias A colorful Sinaloan seafood restaurant specializing in shrimp in several guises with winners such as the empanadas de camaron, ceviche ejecutivo, camarones zarandeados, charola de mejillones and camarones aguachiles

Neptune’s Seafood House Neighborhood seafood comes affordable, friendly and delectable at Neptune’s. Crispy fried okra, catfish po’boys and family dinner under $20 are all aboard this seafood boat. Fried specialties include a fried

Rudy’s Seafood For over 40 years, Rudy’s Seafood has drawn in Southside residents for large platters of fried fish served the Rudy’s way with fries, lemon bread and a serrano pepper. Also on the menu: grilled fish tacos, fried mushrooms, burgers and sweet potato fries. 4122 S. Flores St., (210) 532-1315, rudysseafood.com. Sea Island Shrimp House After celebrating 50 years as San Antonio’s go-to Lenten spot, Sea Island is still cranking out hits. It’s not Port A, but it’ll do especially when you order the “world famous” charbroiled shrimp plate, of fifteen lightly breaded, skewered and citrusy shrimp arrived alongside your choice of sides. Multiple locations, shrimphouse.com. sacurrent.com • W I N T E R

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Myron’s Prime Steak House

Smashin’ Crab You know it’s going to be a fun time when the server drapes a bib across your chest. Seafood boils are available drenched in different sauces but our favorite is the tangy Trinity! Multiple locations, smashincrab.com. Tiago’s Cabo Grille Inspired by the flavors of Cabo San Lucas, the food here is light, fresh and flavorful. A spin on the traditional Mexican, this coastal cuisine includes such fare as fire-grilled skewers and street vendor-style tacos. Daily lunch specials and signature drinks, like the San Lucas Breeze, put Tiago’s a notch above the rest. Multiple locations, tiagoscabogrille.com.

STEAKHOUSE Barn Door A San Antonio institution, the Historic Barn Door offers down-home fare with Texas hospitality. Steaks can be ordered blackened, rolled in black peppercorn or smothered in jalapeños. 8400 N. New Braunfels Ave., (210) 824-0116, thebarndoorrestaurant.com. Chama Gaucha Locally headquartered, this Brazilian steakhouse has outposts in Atlanta, Chicago and Houston. Head here for big celebrations and make sure to bring your appetite. Choose from 12 meats — bacon-wrapped filet, anyone? — and more than 30 salad bar items. 18318 Sonterra Pl., (210) 564-9400, chamagaucha.com. Galpao Gaucho Stone Oak holds a delicious secret: a locally owned Brazilian steakhouse with an extensive wine 62

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selection, happy hour, and all the meats your heart desires. It’s laid-back and great for date night. 2318 N. Loop 1604 W., (210) 497-2500. Josephine Street Café Since 1979, Josephine’s has always been a downtown gem with its signature steak and whiskey offerings. Stop by Josephine’s for a 16-ounce Texas T-bone and feel enriched in a downtown tradition. 400 E. Josephine St., (210) 224-6169, josephinestcafe.com. J-Prime Steakhouse Texans love steaks. They also love charcuterie boards, badass brunch buffets complete with made-to-order omelets and a meat carving station, and excellent happy hours, and you can find them all at J-Prime. 1401 N. Loop 1604 W., (210) 764-1604, jprimesteakhouse.com.

Little Rhein Steakhouse With a wide wine list and rustic charm, Little Rhein impresses in the historic Bombach house from 1847. The dining experience is elevated with a River Walk patio making it ideal for a romantic, dimly lit dinner. 231 S. Alamo St., (210) 225-2111, littlerheinsteakhouse.com. Myron’s Prime Steak House Steaks take center stage but also memorable is the jalapeño mac and cheese, stuffed tomatoes and bread pudding with Maker’s Mark sauce. Be sure to check out the extensive wine list. 10003 NW Military, Suite 2101, (210) 493-3031, myronsprime.com.

Kirby’s Steakhouse This Dallas-based specialty steakhouse originated in 1954 and is known for its aged Midwestern prime beef. The San Antonio location has been a local favorite since opening its doors in 2007. 123 Loop 1604 NE, (210) 404-2221, kirbyssteakhouse.com.

Tejas Rodeo Company Eat in cowboy fashion with a wooden dining room, country dancing and Go Texan top sirloin in the Hill Country. Now under new management — chef Johnny Hernandez and his True Flavors company — the menu retains favorites like KC Steaks but new menu items celebrate Texas cuisine. March through November you can still catch professional rodeo on Saturday nights. 401 Obst Road, Bulverde, tejassteakhouse.com.

Little Red Barn This little red chophouse isn’t so little and its iconic red building is visible from the highway. For over 50 years, Little Red Barn has catered to hungry SA diners in a folksy dining hall. Don’t mind the faux-pistol-clad servers, it’s just part of the aesthetic. 1902 S. Hackberry St., (210) 532-4235, littleredbarnsteakhouse.com.

Texas de Brazil Influenced by the flavors Porto Alegre, Brazil, Texas de Brazil takes the cuisine of Brazil and combines the hospitality of Texas for a meal unique to this churrascaria. Brazilian sausages, picanha, prosciutto and leg of loin are reliable staples. Hit the salad bar for a lighter choice. 313 E. Houston St., (210) 299-1600, texasdebrazil.com.

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