CONTENTS

CHOICES, CHOICES, CHOICES!
PRICE GUIDE
DOWNTOWN DINING
Downtown Hotels
More Fine Dining Downtown
Downtown Locations for Burgers, Sandwiches, and Short Orders
DINING ALL AROUND TOWN
Barbecue
Burgers and Sandwiches
Cafeterias and Buffets
Cajun
Upscale Elegant Dining
Popular Family Restaurants
Local Favorites, Moderate To Upscale
Greek
Indian
Italian
Oriental
Seafood
Steak
Tearooms
BON APPÉTIT!

CHOICES, CHOICES, CHOICES!

San Antonio offers a wide variety of excellent restaurants. All you need is lots of time to spend in this great city to try them all out!

My husband and I dine out a great deal, and we enjoy a wide variety of dishes. As a professional tour planner and city guide, I make it my business to know the local restaurants since the itineraries I plan for my clients often include meals. I have also served as a food critic for several publications. I believe you will be pleased with my recommendations. At the same time, I realize that personal tastes vary and there are many restaurants that I have not visited. You are bound to enjoy making your own discoveries as well. If you find an exceptional restaurant that is new or that we have overlooked,
E-mail: extracomments@ourmailnet.com

First, I am listing "downtown" restaurants for the convenience of convention goers and tour group members who generally stay in downtown hotel properties:

Downtown Hotels
More Fine Dining Downtown
Downtown Locations for Burgers, Sandwiches, and Short Orders

Then, I follow with a number of my favorites that will require your own transportation to reach. These restaurants are listed by alphabetically by category:

Barbecue
Burgers and Sandwiches
Cafeterias and Buffets
Cajun
Elegant Dining
Family Restaurants
Local Favorites, Moderate To Upscale
Greek
Indian
Italian
Oriental
Seafood
Steakhouses
Tearooms

You will notice there is no listing for Mexican food. San Antonio has more Mexican restaurants than those of any other single category. Mexican, or "Tex-Mex," food is so famous here I have listed some of my favorites along with a lengthy discussion of Mexican food in general at
http://www.yourneighbornetwork.com/satx/samexican.htm

PRICE GUIDE

In order to help you to plan where to eat, I have rated the restaurants as best as I can by price category.

$ – Budget: meals are generally $10.00 or less
$$ – Moderate: $10.00 - $20.00
$$$ – Expensive: $20.00 +
$$$$ – Very Expensive: your wallet better be loaded!

One suggestion: before you select your restaurant de jour, check the coupons offered in the hand-out magazines Que Paso?, Rio, Fiesta and Best Read Guides for considerable savings! You can find the magazines at your hotel and other locations.

DOWNTOWN DINING

Downtown Hotels

For fine dining, most all of the downtown hotels have lovely dining rooms where good food is served. I will be honest -- I haven't tried them all. I have my favorites, and those are the ones I'll mention here to you. This does not mean that many others don't also offer excellent food.

Barron's Restaurant, Sheraton Gunter Hotel
$$
205 East Houston
210.227.3241
http://www.gunterhotel.com/gunterhome.html, click on "restaurants/lounges"

Enjoy delicious food in a pseudo-library-study atmosphere. Very Continental! The noon buffet features pasta selections, soups, salads, and desserts.

Colonial Room Restaurant, Menger Hotel
$$
209 Alamo Plaza, next to the Alamo
210.223.4361
http://www.historicmenger.com

Experience an old-world Victorian atmosphere in the famous dining room, which has been serving good food to discriminating diners since 1859. Continental and American cuisine prepared by an award-winning German chef. Try the excellent noon buffet with a wide variety of all-you-can-eat salads, soups, entrees, vegetables, and desserts – all for a reasonable price. Fabulous Sunday buffets. Evening dining al fresco in the lovely patio on warm Texas nights!

Las Canarias Restaurant, La Mansion Del Rio
$$$
112 College Street
May also be entered via the River Walk
210.518.1000
http://www.lamansion.com/index.cfm(click on "dining")

Spanish specialties served in an historic setting create a very romantic evening. The Continental menu will intrigue you, and you'll enjoy listening to the music of talented, locally famous El Curro. He conjures up visions of Granada as he plays the Spanish guitar. (This lovely spot reminds me of the three wonderful years I lived in Spain!)

Madrid Room, St. Anthony Hotel
$$$
300 East Travis Street
210.227.4392
http://www.wyndham.com/hotels/SATST/main.wnt(click on dining)

A cozy coffee shop with real class! The hotel is well known for its fabulous Sunday brunch, served in the elegant antiques-filled "Peacock Alley" hotel lobby and well worth the splurge!

Polo Restaurant, Fairmount Hotel
$$$
401 South Alamo
210.224.8800
http://www.wyndham.com/hotels/SATFA/main.wnt(click on dining)

The New York Times called the Polo Restaurant the "chicest restaurant in San Antonio." You will enjoy the casually elegant atmosphere and delicious gourmet cuisine.

Yellow Rose Café, Emily Morgan Hotel
$
705 East Houston just across from the Alamo grounds
210.225.8486

Offering a good American menu at reasonable prices.

More Fine Dining Downtown

In addition to the hotels there are a number of fine River Walk establishments you might enjoy.

Biga On The Banks
$$$
203 South St. Mary's
210.225.0722
http://www.biga.com

Here you will enjoy fine dining with a Texas accent. Gourmet Magazine says it's one of Texas' top restaurants! The Sunday brunch is famous.

Boudro's on the Riverwalk
$$$
421 East Commerce
May be entered via the Paseo Del Rio or from the street level at Losoya
210.224.8484
http://www.boudros.com

Serving Cajun food with a gourmet touch – blackened fish a specialty. Esquire Magazine cites it as one of America's 50 best restaurants. Texas Monthly calls it the "Undisputed star of Riverwalk cookery." Who am I to argue? The food is delicious, enough said!

Dolores Del Rio
$$
106 East Riverwalk
210.223.0609

Italian food, steak, and seafood are served up in a sophisticated atmosphere at both lunch and dinner. Music and belly dancers in the evenings!

The Fig Tree Restaurant
$$$$
515 Villita Street
Just a few steps inside the lovely little village of La Villita
210.224.1976
http://www.figtreerestaurant.com

The menu includes Beef Wellington and lobster; the Fig Tree is known for its elegant food and service on fine china and crystal. Begin the promised flawless dining experience by making reservations.

Guenther House
$
205 East Guenther Street
In the historic King William District
Adjacent to the Guenther Pioneer Flour Mill
210.227.1061
http://www.guentherhouse.com

This delightful restaurant is located in the century-old Guenther home, built by the founder of the flour mill. Delicious breakfasts brunches and lunches are served, with baked goods featuring products from the mill. The gift shop sells lots of mill products not available in grocery stores.

Le Reve Cuisine
$$
152 East Pecan Street, downtown
210.212.2221
http://www.restaurantlereve.com

This intimate French restaurant is famous for its delicious crab cakes, always-changing menu, "simple-yet-elegant" philosophy, and extensive wine selection!

The Little Rhein Steakhouse
$$$
231 South Alamo, La Villita
210.225.2111
http://www.littlerheinsteakhouse.com

This fine restaurant, housed in a century-old German settler's home, offers a lovely atmosphere and is noted for its prime steaks and delicious seafood. Outdoor patio dining overlooking the river is available during summer months. A romantic setting! Call for reservations.

Morton's of Chicago
$$$$
849 East Commerce in Rivercenter Mall
May be entered on Crockett Street just behind the Menger Hotel
210.228.1700
http://www.mortons.com (search for location)

Valet parking is available. Known for its wide selection of steaks, prime beef, seafood, elegant desserts, and award winning wine list, this fine restaurant is open for dinner only. Call for reservations.

Paesano's on the Riverwalk
$$$
111 West Crockett
210.227.2782
http://www.paesanosriverwalk.com

Exceptionally delicious Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. Try their famous "Shrimp Paesano!" This restaurant is elegant and sophisticated, and the service is excellent. Call ahead for reservations.

Ruth's Chris Steak House
$$$$
1170 East Commerce in the Sunset Station complex
210.227.8847
http://www.ruthschris.com (search for location)

Valet parking is available. Noted for having steaks as good as they get – sizzling nightly!

The Spaghetti Warehouse
$$
1226 East Houston, three blocks east of the 281 overpass
210.299.1114
http://www.meatballs.com (search for location)

Housed in – what else? – an old warehouse, this is a favorite with tour groups. The warehouse has been remodeled into an attractive, antiques-filled dining room, serving delicious pasta dishes, pizza, salads, and minestrone. Reasonable prices.

Texas Land and Cattle Company
$$
201 North St. Mary's, on the Riverwalk
210.222.2263
http://www.texaslandandcattle.com (search for location)

Mesquite-grilled steaks, seafood, and chicken served in a casually elegant Texas ranch house setting.

The Tower Restaurant
$$$
HemisFair Park, Tower of the Americas
210.223.3101
http://www.toweroftheamericas.com/towerrestaurant.htm

Surrounded by a cooling water garden on the HemisFair grounds, the Tower Restaurant will charm your senses as well as your taste buds. Soar up to the top of this magnificent tower to dine on steak, seafood, or chicken, served with a Southwestern élan. The restaurant slowly rotates, giving you a view of 50 miles of Texas in all directions! Make reservations, as it is always busy for both lunch and dinner.

The Zuni Grill
$$
511 Riverwalk
May also be entered via 221 Losoya, on the street level
210.227.0864
http://www.zunigrill.com

Specialties include Southwestern chili-based dishes. Open air view of the River Walk. This place even serves a great breakfast!

Downtown Locations for Burgers, Sandwiches, and Short Orders

Bill Miller Bar-B-Q
$
101 West Commerce, across from Main Plaza
210.229.9519
1030 East Durango, across the street from the Alamodome
210.534.3323
http://www.billmillerbbq.com (for additional locations)

There are nearly 50 locations of this popular local favorite scattered all over town. They serve delicious barbecue brisket, sausage, chicken, and all the trimmings at reasonable prices.

The Copper Kitchen
$
300 Augusta
At the Southwest School of Art and Craft across from the big red, Central Library 210.224.0123

You'll want to stroll around the shady grounds of the school and admire the lovely old circa 1851 buildings. This is a fun place for lunching. Daily specialties vary, but usually include good soups, salads, and sandwiches. The charming shop features items made by students at the school. Open for lunch only.

The County Line
$$
111 West Crockett Street on the Riverwalk
210.229.1941
http://www.countyline.com (click on "come see us" to search for location)

This place offers up big meaty ribs, extra lean brisket, spicy sausage, sandwiches, plated dinners, and much more. A great favorite when just a sandwich won't do!

The Food Court at Rivercenter Mall
Rivercenter Mall, on the River Level
http://www.shoprivercenter.com (click on dining for a listing of restaurants and phone numbers)

Lots of good short order food here – from fish to Greek, Chinese to hamburgers! Numerous food vendors can appease your appetite. Eat inside at one of the courtyard tables or take your food outdoors, where musicians often play during the lunch hour.

Fuddrucker's
$
115 Alamo Plaza across the street from Dillard's Department Store
210.223.9944
http://www.fuddruckers.com

One of THE places for really great burgers that have been called "the world's greatest hamburger." Fuddrucker's cooks the meat and you add all the fixings. Good pastries and side orders that are reliably good. Among the three other locations in San Antonio is the original Fuddrucker's that opened in 1980 – the chain has grown to over 200 units and expanded into several countries.

GM Steakhouse
$
211 Alamo Plaza, across Alamo Street from the Menger Hotel
210.223.1523

This small, cozy cafe serves up a good home cooked short-order breakfast for an unbelievably low price. They also make great hamburgers, chicken fried steak, and other dishes in casual surroundings. If you're on a budget, you can't beat this place!

The Hard Rock Cafe
$$
111 West Crockett Street or the River level of the River Walk
210.224.7625
http://www.hardrock.com (search for location)

Like all the other Hard Rock Cafes in venues around the world, this one is colorful, with lots of loud music. The restaurant is decorated with Rock 'N Roll memorabilia all over the place and also has a great gift shop for Hard Rock fans. In general, good food served up in an atmosphere appealing to mostly young people. Great burgers, fajitas, salads, sandwiches, etc.

Schilo's
$
424 East Commerce, next door to Casa Rio
210.223.6692

This old time delicatessen is noted for its great split pea soup, delicious Reuben sandwiches, and German dishes served in a convivial atmosphere. A landmark that's been around for more than 80 years and still very popular!

Tony Roma's
$$
849 E. Commerce, #171, Rivercenter Mall
210.225.7662
http://www.tonyromas.com (search for location)

Famous for Ribs – worldwide! Another great place for delicious barbecued ribs, burgers, and sausage, served in an upscale casual atmosphere.

DINING ALL AROUND TOWN

Barbecue

Barbecue is one of the "national" specialties of the state. You just don't come to Texas without sampling some of the great sauces, meats, and accompanying side dishes that make up a barbecue meal! And there are all sorts of great places serving it up for your enjoyment!

Bill Miller Bar-B-Q
$
http://www.billmillerbbq.com for a listing of the nearly 50 San Antonio locations

You're never far from a Bill Miller's, a hometown business that serves delicious barbecued beef brisket, sausage, and all the fixings! And they have a great bakery as well.

Bun 'N Barrel
$
1150 Austin Highway
210.828.2829

For fifty years, this barrel shaped drive-in has been an old San Antonio stand-by for really good meat cooked to perfection, with all the trimmings. Lots of old timers still say it's the best!

Casey's
$
327 E. Nakoma, at Highway 281
210.490.1200

Great barbecue in rustic surroundings. I really love their minced barbecue sandwiches – no fat or gristle, just great beef in a yummy sauce!

Grady's Bar B Que
$
6919 Zarzamora, 210.932.2684
14100 Nacogdoches Road, 210.655.2333
4109 Fredericksburg, 210.732.3636
6510 San Pedro, 210.805.8036
7400 Bandera Road, 210.684.2899

The food at Grady's is superb! These people cater a lot of parties, and the food is reliably delicious. (They catered my husband's retirement dinner party!) The brisket is fork tender and their potato salad gets my vote for the best in town!

Rudy's Country Store and Barbecue
$
24152 IH-10 West, north of San Antonio at Boerne Stage Road in Leon Springs
210.698.2141
10623 Westover Hills Boulevard near Sea World
210.520.5552
15560 IH-35 North, northeast of San Antonio in Selma
210.653.7839
http://www.rudys.com

These folks make an incredibly good barbecue sauce (they call it "Sause")! They sell it at their restaurants, and personally, I can't cook without it. This is a laid-back, country atmosphere, and the barbecue doesn't get any better than this!

Tom's Ribs
$$
13323 Nacogdoches Road, 210.654.7427
2535 N.W. Loop 410, 210.344.7427
121 N. Loop 1604 at Stone Oak, 210.404.7427
http://www.tomsribs.com

Always crowded. Always good food. You'll find baby back ribs that are so tender the meat falls off the bones! Famous for brisket, sausage, catfish, and chicken. Named #1 barbecue restaurant in the 2002 San Antonio Express News Reader's poll. I personally love the "borracho beans."

Burgers and Sandwiches

Chester's
$
1006 N.E. Loop 410, near the airport, 210.805.8600
9980 IH-10 West, 210.699.12222
621 Pat Booker Road, 210.658.3000
16609 San Pedro Avenue, 210.494.3333

Their burgers and fries are delicious, and Chester's features a wide variety of foreign and domestic beers. These spots are great favorites with the locals, and they're usually busy.

Chris Madrid's
$
1900 Blanco Road
210.735.3552

Another local favorite, this eatery offers up great nachos and burgers. Famous for "bean burgers" (refried beans, lots of cheese, and Fritos top off your burger. Yummy!)

Fuddrucker's
$
8602 Botts Lane at Broadway, 210.824.6703
9845 IH-10 West, 210.694.0825
6759 N.W. Loop 410, 210.522.1235
http://www.fuddruckers.com

I already mentioned the downtown location for great burgers. They cook the meat to your specifications and provide a huge array of add-ons so you can "decorate" your burger to suit your fancy. Although this chain now has over 200 locations around the world, it all started right here at the Botts Lane location in 1980.

The Pig Stands
$
1508 Broadway, closest to downtown, 210.222.2794
801 S. Presa, near King William District, 210.227.1691
3054 Rigsby Ave., 210.333.8231

The world's first drive-in restaurant was founded at the Broadway location in 1921! They had locations all over Texas, and I fondly recall Saturday night dates at the Pig Stand on Greenville Avenue when I was a girl growing up in Garland, a suburb of Dallas! Creators of "Texas toast," fried onion rings, and the famous "pig sandwich." Chicken fried steaks and burgers are their specialties. All malts and milk shakes made with real Blue Bell ice cream! Every Friday night you'll see lots of vintage automobiles in prime condition. Auto collectors gather in the restaurant parking lot to "show and tell." Join in on the fun!

Cafeterias and Buffets

These restaurants are good choices for large families, hungry folks, and people on limited budgets. All of them serve good food, and I often use them for the dining pleasure of my tour groups.

Home Town Buffet
$
1201 Austin Highway #175, in Terrell Plaza, 210.829.0044
6059 La Cima Street in The Summit, 210.684.3393
615 S.W. Military Drive, 210.925.2445
http://www.buffet.com (search for locations)

Over 90 different menu items. Meat, vegetables, and desserts at real bargain prices. A great favorite with families and tour groups. (The Military Drive location always has great enchiladas!)

Luby's Cafeterias
$
911 North Main Avenue in a former bank building
210.223.9155
http://www.lubys.com (search by San Antonio for more locations, 20 all over town)

San Antonio is the home of the corporate headquarters of this chain that has locations throughout the Southwest. The first Luby's opened here in 1947. All the locations are clean and pleasant, with plenty of free parking. The downtown location is convenient for visitors – it is one of few cafeterias that also serve soup and sandwich specials in addition to their regular menu items.

Ryan's Family Steakhouses
$
7200 Bandera Road, 210.684.9416
13802 Embassy, near Bitters and 281, 210.490.0855
13420 Nacogdoches Road, 210.599.3822
http://www.ryansinc.com (search for locations)

An excellent all-you-can-eat buffet selection with a nice variety. Great for families and a favorite with tour groups and senior citizens!

Schubert's Cafeteria
$
9999 Perrin Beitel Road, right across the road from the main Post Office
210.946.9446

A wide selection, with daily lunch specials. Generous portions, the best cafeteria prices in town. (Hint: If you have a Yellow Pages telephone book in your hotel room, check the back of the book for Schubert's coupons. Lots of freebies there!)

Cajun

Acadiana Café
$
1289 S.W. Loop 410
210.674.0019

My tour groups love it! Great Cajun style food – catfish, hushpuppies, crawfish etoufee, jambalaya, and all sorts of seafood are delicious. You'll think you're in Louisiana! It's a reasonably priced family restaurant where the food is always fresh and good.

Upscale Elegant Dining

When you are looking for a charming, intimate, upscale place, where the food will be cooked to perfection and price is no particular object, there are four places that automatically come to my mind. Each has its own character. Each is a joy. All are very popular with San Antonio residents, and I recommend them highly.

La Scala
$$$$
2177 N.W. Military Highway in Castle Hills
Corner of Military Highway and West Avenue
210.366.1515

Features a Continental menu, impeccably served in a gracious atmosphere. Quiet and subdued, a place for a long, chatty luncheon, or a romantic dinner party.

L'Etoile
$$$$
6106 Broadway, in Alamo Heights
210.826.4551

This is another place popular with local residents who like good food. The atmosphere is casual, but there is nothing casual about the food or service. Both are excellent. Their crab cakes are out of this world!

Frederick's
$$$$
7701 Broadway, actually behind the buildings that face Broadway
210.828.9050

A little hard to find, but the search is worth it. A very small, intimate place, with a selective menu and good wine list. It seems to be a special favorite with ladies for lunch parties. Top quality food and service.

The Grey Moss Inn
$$$$
19010 Scenic Loop Rd, in Helotes
210.695.8301

If you have your own transportation, you might like this out of the way place that is very popular with San Antonians. Located on Historic Scenic Loop Road twelve miles north of San Antonio, this country inn in a beautiful setting under spreading live oak trees festooned with Spanish moss is one of the area's most romantic settings. Dine on the lovely patio in balmy weather, or enjoy the fireplace on a cold winter's eve. Touted as being one of the ten top steak houses in the United States. Specialties include steaks, seafood, and chicken. Open seven days a week. Ask for directions when you make your reservations! By the way, the place is haunted by a personable former owner!

Popular Family Restaurants

Alamo Street Restaurant (and Dinner Theater)
$
1150 South Alamo, corner of Wickes Street
In the King William Historic District
210.271.7791
http://www.moment.net/~genel/asrt

Serves daily buffet lunch. Numerous entrees, fresh cooked veggies, "real" mashed potatoes; and their famous meat loaf is guaranteed every day! They have a tremendous selection of made-from-scratch desserts. Ask Marcia Larsen, the genial owner, about the four resident ghosts who have become "star boarders" at the restaurant! Note: I have written about their plays and performances in the Our Mail Extra: San Antonio after Sundown.

DeWese's Tip Top Cafe
$
2814 Fredericksburg Road
210.732.0191

A family establishment since 1938. This place specializes in fried chicken and great seafood entrees. Daily lunch specials.

Earl Abel's
$
4210 Broadway, at the corner of Broadway and Hildebrand
210.822.3358

All American cookery. Home made pies and cakes a specialty. Here you'll find meat loaf and fried chicken like mother used to make. Burgers, seafood, plate lunch specials. They open early and close late so you can have breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a late night snack. Reasonable.

Hailey's Family Restaurant
$
4411 E. IH-10 at W.W. White Road
210.333.2051

This is a friendly 24-hour family restaurant. The same people also own the popular Pig Stand Restaurants.

Jim's Coffee Shops
$
Many locations
http://www.jimsrestaurants.com

This locally owned chain of twenty friendly locations all over town is very popular with local residents. If you're hungry, and you see a "Jim's," you can rest assured you'll find good old American food, at affordable prices. Most locations are open 24 hours a day, and breakfast (voted the best breakfast in San Antonio) is served all the time. "Meet me at Jim's," has long been a San Antonio habit! This family also operates the Tower of Americas Restaurant and the Magic Time Machine.

Lulu's Bakery and Café
$
918 North Main Avenue
210.222.9422

Serves breakfast and lunch, and closes early in the evening. Open Monday through Friday. The San Antonio Express News readers voted Lulu's chicken fried steak the best in San Antonio! The servings are HUGE! The bakery is famous for its great big cinnamon rolls, éclairs, and Danish pastries.

Local Favorites, Moderate To Upscale

Alamo Cafe
$$
14250 U.S. Hwy. 281, 210.495.2233
10060 IH-10 West, 210.691.8827

Specializes in chicken fried steaks and great Mexican food. They have delicious hand made tortillas! Since 1981, a favorite dining out place for San Antonians!

Bullpepper's Old Towne Cafe
$$
9903 San Pedro
210.348.7377
http://www.bullpeppers.com

Home cooking, Southwestern cuisine, soups, salads, sandwiches, burgers, and hot dogs. Great food and generous portions. We have friends who claim they can't go more than a couple of weeks without a meal of the delicious pot roast!

Cappy's
$$
5011 Broadway
210.828.9669

Upscale sandwiches, salads, soups, steaks, etc. all served with special style. Popular with the locals.

Crumpets
$$
3920 Harry Wurzbach
210.821.5454
http://www.crumpetsa.com

A fine restaurant and bakery with a Continental flare. Dining on the patio in pleasant weather offers a stunning view of the beautiful trees, ponds, and waterfalls on the property. A favorite lunch place – and their dinners are romantic affairs!

Los Patios
$$
2015 N.E. Loop 410
210.655.6171
http://www.lospatios.com(click on Dining for listing of individual restaurants)

This place started out as a nursery on Salado Creek. Now includes restaurants, shops, and gardens. A delightful luncheon spot – I've personally given many a luncheon party here! – and a favorite place for local weddings! The salad plates are outstanding, and the quiche is delicious! You'll want to spend some time in the interesting boutique shops in the complex, too.

Maggie's
$$
9715 San Pedro
210.349.4375

The varied menu makes this a good place to go when everyone wants something different and for Sunday brunch. It's a popular meeting place for local groups. There's a bar that has a deejay or live entertainment on weekends.

Magic Time Machine
$$$
902 N.E. Loop 410
210.828.1470
http://magictimemachine.com

This place is a long time local favorite. The atmosphere is just wacky enough to be a real hit with young folks. Every table is decorated differently – I like the "Jailhouse!" The waitstaff are all costumed. "Hi, I'm Superman! I'll be your waiter tonight!" or "Hi! I'm Snoopy! Bow! Wow! May I bring you a bone?" represents the sort of thing that goes on. It's an altogether charming, light hearted, and delicious (the food is actually good!) way to spend an evening.

Marie Callender's
$$
4788 N.W. Loop 410, 210.680.4257
8450 North IH-35, 210.967.8781
http://www.mcpies.com (search for locations)

The restaurant specializes in sandwiches, salads, soups, delightful combination plates, and the very best pies in town! (I cheat. I buy Callender pies when I'm having dinner guests!)

Greek

Demo's Greek Food
$$
2501 North St. Mary's, 210.732.7777
7115 Blanco, near Loop 410, 210.342.2772

All the Greek favorites, served in a Mediterranean atmosphere.

John the Greek's
$$
16602 San Pedro, 210.403.0565
2215 Harry Wurzbach, 210.821.6335

Featuring great gyro sandwiches, Baklava, and other Greek specialties. Sparkling blue and white Mediterranean decor, and belly dancers perform at the San Pedro location on Friday and Saturday nights!

Indian

India Oven
$
1031 Patricia
210.366.1030

A great weekday noon buffet featuring delicious Indian cuisine. The fragrance of curry spices will drive you crazy!

India Palace Restaurant
$
8440 Fredericksburg Road
210.692.5262

A bountiful buffet will tempt you. The restaurant is immaculately clean and attractively decorated. Known for its tandoori chicken, saffron rice, and delicious curry dishes, which can be prepared mild to spicy according to your taste.

Italian

Bambino Huey Café
$$
606 Embassy Oaks, Suite 500, at West Avenue
210.404.0505

Charming cafe serving delicious home-made Italian dishes, including the great "Bambino Huey" dessert. They really pamper their guests!

Boccone's Italian Restaurant
$$
17776 Blanco Road, near Loop 1604
210.492.2996

This friendly place is a favorite with local diners who flock there every day. Lunch specials. Delicious food!

Caparelli's on Main
$$
2524 North Main, at Mistletoe
210.735.5757

Located in a beautiful restored historic building in the heart of the Monte Vista district. The third generation serves favorite family recipes at lunch and dinner, Monday through Saturday. Live music on weekends.

Cici's Pizza
$
6851 S.W. Military Drive, 210.674.1234
6900 San Pedro, Ste 155, 210.821.1135
545 S. W. Military Drive, 210.922.7766
7084 Bandera Road, 210.520.0299
2002 S.E. Loop 410, 210.648.0300
5461 Walzem Road, 210.637.1661
8327 Agora Pkwy, Ste 115, in Selma, 210.658.6100
http://www.cicispizza.com (search for additional locations)

These little places are for serious pizza lovers on a budget! All you can eat pizzas with all sorts of toppings (if you don't like what you see, they'll even make up a special one to suit your taste!), including dessert pizzas with yummy custard toppings or chocolate icing! A salad bar comes along with the pizza selections. All you can gorge on for an incredibly low price! These places were made for families traveling with a lot of children!

Fratelli's Italian Corner
$
14516 Brook Hollow, just off Hwy. 281
210.496.2211
http://www.fratellis.com

This cozy, intimate place has a delightful atmosphere and serves delicious made-from-scratch food. Try the "a fritti" sampler, an appetizer featuring fried cheese balls, artichoke hearts, fried mushrooms, fried ravioli. It's a meal in itself! The a la carte menu doesn't change prices at the dinner hour, either!

Lorenzo's
$$
8032 Fredericksburg Road
210.692.9900

A small, intimate bistro, serving San Antonio for four generations! In 1994, the chef was voted the number one pasta chef in the nation by the National Pasta and Pizza Association! This is REAL Italian food! Daily lunch specials.

Paesano's
$$$
555 East Basse Road, Suite 100, near the Quarry
210.828.5191
http://www.paesanos.com

I mentioned the Riverwalk location. At the north side location, you'll enjoy the same delicious food in the company of local people instead of tourists.

Oriental

San Antonio has quite a large Oriental population, and there are some great restaurants reflecting the Far East. Here are just a few of my personal favorites.

Ding How (Chinese)
$
4531 N.W. Loop 410
210.340.7944

Look for the restaurant up on stilts! In business for nearly 20 years, this local favorite specializes in lemon chicken, Mongolian beef, and seafood supreme. Ding How means "the best!"

Fujiya Japanese Garden Restaurant
$$
9030 Wurzbach Road, between IH-10 West and Fredericksburg Road
210.615.7553

This is San Antonio's oldest full menu Japanese restaurant. Noted for tempuras, teriyaki, seafood, and a great sushi bar.

Goro's Sushi (Japanese)
$
410 Mossrock, 210.349.8117
http://www.gorossushi.com

Serving delicious tempuras, teriyaki dishes, and combination lunches – and the sushi bar is really great! The Japanese-American owner, Goro, takes great pride in serving only the best! Open for lunch and dinner.

Hung Fong (Chinese)
$
3624 Broadway, just five minutes from downtown
210.822.9211

Recipient of all sorts of awards for their delicious cuisine and the oldest Chinese restaurant in the city, Hung Fong has been one of the city's most popular eateries for more than 60 years.

Ming Tree (Chinese)
$
14355 Blanco Road, in Cadillac Plaza
210.492.9381

Serving lunch and dinner, with bargain priced lunch specials. The owners are from Hong Kong. Nice, quiet atmosphere, delicious food, and generous servings. Popular with locals and our favorite neighborhood place.

Mr. Panda Chinese Buffet
$
903 Bitters Road, just off of Hwy. 281 at the corner of Heimer and Bitters
210.545.6109

The place to go when you have a guest who is known for his enormous appetite is with you! You will be astounded at the tremendous selection of delicious Chinese dishes, from beef tenderloin to delicately fried scallops on skewers. All the crab legs and fresh boiled shrimp you can eat are available during the dinner hour. Delicious vegetables, noodles, fruit, several desserts including delicious ice cream with all sorts of toppings, will keep your hungry guest – and you – well satisfied! Senior discounts.

Niki's Tokyo Inn (Japanese)
$$
819 W. Hildebrand Avenue
210.736.5471

One of the older Japanese restaurants, where you sit at little low tables to eat. It's great if you don't have bad knees! The food is delicious.

Taipei Chinese Restaurant
$
2211 N.W. Military Highway, in Castle Hills
210.366.3012

A pleasant atmosphere, great food, reasonable lunch specials. What more can you ask for? You're sure to like this place.

Tokyo Steak House (Japanese)
$$
9405 San Pedro
210.341.4461

It's great fun watching the expert cooks at work – they cook your food at big grills right in front of you! We like this place, and I'm confident you will too.

Viet Nam Restaurant (Vietnamese)
$
3244 Broadway, across from Brackenridge Park
210.822.7461

This small restaurant serves delicious Vietnamese delicacies, including mouth-watering spring rolls! A real little gem and one of my favorite lunch places.

Seafood

San Antonio abounds in good seafood establishments. And, of course, we're so close to the Gulf coast that fish that was swimming in the early morn can be on your plate by noon!

Bourbon Street Cafe
$$
2267 N.W. Military Highway
210.979.8666

A small, intimate, and highly popular New Orleans type bistro. Blackened and broiled steaks and Cajun fish dishes are specialties. Serving lunch and dinner.

Groomer's Sea Food
$
9801 McCullough
210.308.9327

Famous for crab cakes – in fact, Groomer's makes around 16,000 crab cakes each week for HEB® Food Stores. They are really good. We often enjoy them at home.

Landry's
$$
600 E. Market Street, #105
210.229.1010
http://www.landrysseafoodhouse.com (search for location)

A good choice if you're staying in a downtown hotel. Although they specialize in shrimp, crab, and oysters, they serve steaks and chicken as well.

Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen
$$
76 North East Loop 410, near North Star Mall
210.340.7143
http://www.pappadeaux.com (search for location)

Big, noisy place – but the seafood is outstanding! Close to the airport and a favorite with locals.

Sea Island Shrimp House
$
322 West Rector, behind North Star Mall, 210.342.7771
4223 Amerisuites Drive, just off IH-10, 210.558.8989
5959 N.W. Loop 410, 210.520.3033
2119 S.W. Military Drive, 210.921.9700.

Unfortunately, none of the four locations are downtown. If you have your own transportation, however, do visit one of them. The seafood is fresh, perfectly prepared, reasonably priced, and delicious. The atmosphere is casual and relaxed. You order at the counter, then pick up your order when it's ready. Daily lunch specials. Lemon-pepper broiled fish is one of their specialties. I go for the shrimp! And their key lime pie is outstanding!

Water Street Oyster Bar
$$
750 Broadway in Lincoln Heights
210.829.4853

This great seafood restaurant originated in Corpus Christi. Now we're glad to have them in San Antonio! Really fresh shrimp, fish, oysters – all cooked to perfection. We like the casually elegant upscale atmosphere.

Steak

Mention Texas, and thoughts just naturally turn to steak! Why not? This is cattle country! In fact, the very first cattle ranching in America began right here, at the ranchos belonging to the San Antonio missions!

Barn Door Restaurant
$$
8400 North New Braunfels
210.824.0116

Folks love the barn-like atmosphere, red checked tablecloths, and delicious steaks, seafood, and chicken. Enjoy examining the huge collection of "country" artifacts while you wait for your table. A favorite with locals for many years!

Josephine Street Steakhouse
$$
400 East Josephine
210.224.6169

Big signs in the windows of this small white building announce "Steak" and "Whiskey." A real Texas "roadhouse" atmosphere. It's a favorite with business men who lunch there. Excellent steak values.

Liberty Bar
$$
328 East Josephine, one block off of Broadway
210.227.1187

This is a favorite with locals. Wide, varied menu, touted as "serious food." Famous for steaks and seafood. Located in a funny, lopsided old building that "leans." Open seven days a week, and late on Friday and Saturday night. Serves a nice Sunday brunch.

Little Red Barn
$
1836 South Hackberry
210.532.4235

This place looks just like a red barn, but a big one – not a little one! It serves over 1,000 steaks every day. Menus for steaks, seafood, and chicken are written on the walls. I always order the chicken fried steak. Iced tea served in pitchers on the tables. The only complaint I ever heard about this place was "the service was too fast!" Very reasonable, it's a favorite with locals and with tour groups.

The Old San Francisco Steak House
$$$
10223 Sahara, just off San Pedro
210.342.2321
http://www.osfsteakhouse.com (search for location)

The ambience of a high class saloon on the Barbary Coast – including a beautiful girl on a red velvet swing! The walls are covered with interesting posters and memorabilia of old time San Francisco, and the kitchens turn out tender, perfectly-cooked beef. Huge chunks of Swiss cheese on every table are splendid accompaniments to the fine sour dough bread served at the restaurant. You'll enjoy their delicious steaks and seafood. Senior specials, too! Country music on weekends.

Outback Steakhouses
$$
16080 San Pedro Avenue, 210.490.7316
12511 IH-10 West, 210.696.4329
5552 Loop 410 NW, 210.509.4329
8131 Agora Parkway in Selma, 210.945.8100
http://www.outback.com (search for locations)

We first became acquainted with the Outback chain while visiting in Virginia. Now, they've moved "south," much to our delight! We like the "down under" atmosphere, great steaks, and oh! those "bloomin' onions!"

Ruth's Chris Steak House
$$$$
7720 Jones Maltsberger, just off Highway 281
210.821.5051
http://www.ruthschris.com (search for location)

The same sizzlin' steaks and pampered service as the downtown location!

Saltgrass Steakhouse
$$$
16910 US 281 North, 210.402.6621
11745 IH-10 West at Huebner Oaks, 210.641.6447
www.saltgrass.com
(search for locations)

Both upscale steakhouses, "Texas to the Bone," with delicious food served in a casually elegant Southwestern atmosphere.

Texas Land and Cattle Company
$$
201 North St. Mary's, on the Riverwalk, 210.222.2263
60 NE Loop 410, 210.342.4477
9911 W. IH-10, 210.699.8744
http://www.texaslandandcattle.com (search for location)

These great restaurants turn out excellent steaks (so says my husband!) and wonderful seafood. The fried shrimp is my choice when I dine here, which is often! In an upscale "ranch-house" atmosphere, the food and service are excellent.

U R Cooks Steakhouse
$$
4907 N.W. Loop 410 at Loehmann's Village
210.647.4846

Here you pick out your steak and throw it on the huge grill, cooking it to your own liking! Or if you prefer you may pay a little more for the chef to do the cooking for you. Open for dinner weeknights and lunch and dinner weekends. Also serves some mighty fine seafood!

Tearooms

Looking for a "ladylike lunch" or an afternoon "cuppa?" There are still such places as tearooms in San Antonio! I think you'll enjoy any one of these places.

Bering's
$
8502 Broadway at Loop 410
210.824.8040

Formerly Scrivener's, Bering's has maintained the general ambience and fine quality merchandise for which the long-time favorite was well known. The tearoom is located in the midst of a specialty shop featuring giftware, ladies apparel, jewelry, handbags, and accessories, as well as a bridal registry, an infants department, and a hardware selection that men love! The tearoom is open Monday through Saturday at noon, and serves delicious salad plates, soups, sandwiches, light lunch plates, and decadent desserts. Complimentary sweet rolls and breads are passed constantly. This is a favorite lunch place of mine, and I think you will love it!

Apple Annie's Restaurant
$
555 West Bitters Road
In a quaint little labyrinth of shops known as "Artisan's Alley"
210.491.0226
http://www.artisansalley.com (click on Apple Annie's)

Open daily for lunch and afternoon treats serving homemade soups, sandwiches (on homemade breads), delicious desserts, and baked goods. The reasonably-priced Sunday brunch is delightful.

The Angelic Tea Room at British Sensations
$
4115 Naco-Perrin Road
210.590.2748
http://www.british-sensations.com

This place serves REAL British cream teas with buttered scones served on imported English china. How authentic can it get?

Bawdsey Manor British Tea-Room, Imported Foods And Antiques
$
124 Schertz Parkway, Schertz
A short distance north of San Antonio off of IH-35 North
210.659.8766
http://www.bawdseymanor.com

Authentic British teas served amidst great shopping and browsing. Tour groups like this place!

Gini's Restaurant & Bakery
7214 Blanco Road, just north of Loop 410
210.342.2768

Nice soups and large sandwiches served on their good homemade bread. My friends and I often split a sandwich and a dessert and never go away hungry! Natural, good health food served here.

BON APPÉTIT!

Enjoy dining out in San Antonio. And don't forget all our great Mexican food. Click here for the Our Mail Extra – Mexican Food Ole!
http://www.yourneighbornetwork.com/satx/samexicanfood.htm

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Docia Williams, with family roots deep in Texas history, has been a tour guide in San Antonio for nearly four decades. She has written several books on San Antonio and Texas.

© 2003 Our Mail Network, LLC

The City of San Antonio does not warrant or guarantee the quality or condition of any of the businesses in this unique advertising format. The recommendations are based on writers' experiences and do not indicate an endorsement on the part of the city.

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