Where to Eat in San Antonio Right Now (2024)

By

Steven Lindsey

Set in a 100-year-old building that was once two separate structures, Bar Loretta specializes in a seasonal, Texas-inspired menu along with proper co*cktails, and a well-appointed wine list. It’s an easy place to settle in for a couple of rounds of drinks and a variety of shareable dishes, so consider some of our favorites: Cumin-Dusted Rock Shrimp, the Griddled Green Onion Polenta Cake with Goat Cheese, crispy Brussels sprouts, and the roasted beet salad. For mains, you can’t go wrong with the Crispy Brick Chicken or the Loretta Burger.

This popular food truck earned itself a permanent location serving up both an all-day menu and a brunch menu, plus a beautiful tree-lined, lantern-lit patio. Start with the spicy grilled panela and fideo soup, then work your way through a variety of inventive tacos, including the Porkopus, a flavorful combination of guajillo seasoned chicharon and chopped octopus on heirloom corn tortillas—also available with a Keto-friendly cheese crust. A half-dozen varieties of chilaquiles, a quartet of enchiladas, and a quintet of tortas round out the offerings.
How to book:Stop by for first come, first served seating.

The latest concept from Kristina Zhao (Sichuan House) features modern and classic Sichuanese dishes served in a wonderfully colorful-yet-refined space. The extensive menu ensures that everyone in your party will find several options to make them happy. Start with a few items from the little eats section of the menu (cold spicy noodles, crispy beef rolls, and the Tribute to Grandma steam buns) then order several entrées to explore all the possibilities. The Tangy Fish & Lamb Pot, Spicy Pork Ribs, and Smoky Cauliflower are all can’t-miss options. Don’t sleep on the Sichuanese charcuterie options or made-to-order soups, either.

Up Scale is a charming retro-chic fine-dining restaurant that is anything but stuffy, with a beautiful outdoor space. Nigiri and sushi rolls set the stage for more elegant bites, including scallop crudo and Wagyu carpaccio. Main courses, however, are the real showstoppers with butterflied branzino and a 60-day, 32-ounce, dry-aged Tomahawk from Prime Meats by Linz leading the charge.
How to book: Make reservations or call 210-396-7755.

The bustling Pearl Brewery entertainment district gets another top-notch eatery to its lineup with this coastal Italian restaurant specializing in seafood, as well as weekend brunch. Leave all your red-sauce expectations behind and discover new favorites across the diverse menu. Olive-brined grilled octopus, Bucatini Vongole (littleneck clams with white wine, pancetta, and roasted garlic), grilled swordfish, fluke tartare, and Veal Chop Alla Milanese offer the best of surf and turf while incorporating beautiful Italian ingredients and preparations.
How to book: Make reservations with Tock or call 210-979-9950.

This new place offers wood-fired bagels and pizza, and a variety of beers in the former Taco Garage space on Broadway. Load up at breakfast on big sandwiches, including the Urban Cowboy with roast beef and roasted poblano peppers, the Perfect Pear with sliced pears, prosciutto, and honey, or a classic lox option for purists. Lunch sandwiches (including a Reuben-on-a-bagel take) are equally filling, but the sourdough pizzas available on select nights are the real non-breakfast winners. Toppings change regularly and collaborations with other restaurants bring together all sorts of unusual suspects.
How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating.

Hoka Hoka f*cku offers affordable Japanese comfort food in a fast-casual setting on the outskirts of San Antonio in Helotes, TX. Chicken karaage, steamed or pan-fried chicken gyoza, Kani Fries (crispy potatoes topped with aioli and shredded crab), yakisoba noodles with choice of protein, and curry beef rice bowls are among the craving-satisfiers on the small-but-well-focused menu.
How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating.

In a town devoted to all things Tex-Mex, Stuffed brings giant California-style stuffed burritos to the party. Big-as-your-head burritos are pretty much guaranteed to fill you up. Try the signature California featuring carne asada or chicken with seasoned fries, three cheeses, crema, pico de gallo, and a signature sauce wrapped in a soft flour tortilla. Surf-and-turf, Greek, and fish-and-chips options skew more non-traditional. Loaded tots, fries, or curly with your choice of protein satisfy major munchies, too.
How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating.

The newest option at the Sari-Sari Restaurant, Market & Bakery complex is elevated fine-dining Filipino fare. Start with classics including lumpia (pork egg rolls) while you decide what else to order from the tempting options filling the menu. Our recommendation: Kinilaw (fresh ahi tuna ceviche), five-hour chili ribs, Mussels de Manila, and the choose-your-own-adventure Date Me meal for two with choice of appetizer, two mains, and a dessert to share.

Box St. All Day is yet another food-truck-turned-restaurant success story featuring craft co*cktails, local beer, and a bottle shop—all with great downtown views. An all-day, mostly-brunch menu features crowd-pleasers such as Eggs Benedict, chorizo-stuffed breakfast burritos, fully loaded burgers, fried chicken sandwiches, and handmade donuts alongside signature co*cktails and classics, as well as refreshing zero-proof options.
How to book: Make reservations or call 210-476-5705.