Diverse and culturally rich, San Antonio's dining scene is key to immersing yourself in this vibrant city. From family-owned Tex-Mex favorites to upscale restaurants that turn dining into an art form, you have a ton of choices when deciding where to eat in San Antonio.
With so many options, finding the best restaurants in San Antonio can be a challenge, especially if you're trying to avoid the typical tourist spots and discover authentic local favorites.
We've got you covered. Below are eight of the best places to eat in San Antonio, Texas, with options that fit every budget and taste. As you decide where to eat, explore more activities to enjoy in San Antonio that will complement your dining adventure.
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Vibrant Tex-Mex Tradition: Tito's Mexican Restaurant
Founded by brother-sister team Mark and Denise Rodriguez, Tito's Mexican Restaurant is a go-to restaurant for authentic Tex-Mex cuisine. The menu is a mix of classic family recipes and dishes inspired by Mark's travels throughout Mexico, earning it praise and awards in the local San Antonio press.
Tito's welcoming, homestyle environment has made it a popular spot for locals. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, some of the highlights include chilaquiles, sopes de pollo, and handmade flour and corn tortillas. Also, don't forget to try their famous margaritas or any of their high-quality tequilas.
Located in the historic King William District, Tito's is a short walk or drive from Downtown, making it an easy addition to your San Antonio itinerary. Check out Maverick's offerings in San Antonio to stay a short stroll away from Tito's and other nearby sights.
Hidden BBQ Gem: Reese Bros Barbecue
Tucked in an unassuming area near the Alamodome, Reese Bros Barbecue is off the beaten path while still being within easy reach of Downtown. Despite its modest surroundings, this is, hands-down, one of San Antonio's best BBQ joints.
Combining Central Texan and Mexican flavors, pretty much everything on the menu gets rave reviews, but the brisket and sausage are not to be missed. The poblano mac ‘n' cheese is also a highlight.
The outdoor seating area is relaxed and provides plenty of shade from the sun, with opportunities to chat with the local clientele.
Reese Bros Barbecue opens at 11:00 AM Thursday to Sunday and stays open until they're sold out. That can happen quickly, so the best time to dine here is as close to opening as possible. Lineups are common, so make sure you bring along a beverage to stay cool and hydrated.
Historic Mercado Flair: Mi Tierra Cafe y Panaderia
Since 1941, Mi Tierra Cafe y Panaderia has been welcoming locals and visitors to its iconic location at Market Square, the largest Mexican market in the United States. Serving both Tex-Mex cuisine and traditional Mexican pastries, this is where you want to come to experience San Antonio's rich Hispanic culture.
From the minute you enter Mi Tierra, you'll be struck by the festive atmosphere. Seemingly every inch of wall and ceiling space has been given over to colorful decorations, which has helped make Mi Tierra a landmark in the city. The large "American Dream" mural by San Antonio artist Robert Ytuarte is a spectacular addition to the restaurant.
Mi Tierra is only a short walk away from The Continental Powered by Placemakr, making it an easy stop during your stay in the city. Learn more about San Antonio's vibrant local scene to uncover other neighborhood gems that allow you to experience the city's rich and diverse heritage.
Polished Downtown Dining: Stout's Signature
If you're looking for a higher-end option near Downtown, you can't do much better than Stout's Signature. Owner Jason Stout made his name with Stout's Pizza Co. in 2011, which focused on bringing quality ingredients and gourmet techniques to the pizzeria. With Stout's Signature, he has taken that focus on quality and craftsmanship to the fine dining experience.
The modern decor and spectacular bar make for an elevated experience the minute you walk in. Despite how upscale Stout's is, it retains a friendliness that will make you feel comfortable and welcomed. The approachable wait staff are passionate about the food and will happily suggest their favorite entrees.
Thanks to its location at the Tobin Center — San Antonio's premier performing arts venue — Stout's Signature can easily be added to an evening itinerary that includes dinner, a show and drinks. If you stay at The Maverick, powered by Placemakr, you'll also be just a short walk away, so you won't have to worry about parking.
Authentic Asian Fusion: Ming's at Midtown
Ming's at Midtown began as a farmer's market stall in 2011 serving steamed bao buns. Those buns proved so popular that the former stall has since opened two permanent locations. For most people visiting San Antonio, the Midtown location, which includes a recently opened cafe, is the most accessible.
Founder Ming von Bargen has taken traditional Asian recipes and given them a creative twist. Her bao buns continue to be the highlight — and are a must-try item — but they have been elevated by incorporating bold and unique flavors. Part of that creativity comes from the German influence of Ming's husband, Hinnerk von Bargen, a chef-instructor at the Culinary Institute of America.
Ming's is a great addition to your itinerary if you're visiting during holidays, when the menu often features special items, such as spiked eggnog for Christmas and a firecracker bun for Lunar New Year. See upcoming seasonal events in San Antonio to plan your trip around the holidays.
Quaint Breakfast & Brunch: Box St. All Day
San Antonio favorite Box St. All Day is one of the top brunch spots. True to its name, you can get your brunch fix here all day. The impressive menu items range from delicious strawberry cheesecake french toast to a classic eggs benny. While you're trying to decide what to order, be sure to sample the famous house-made donuts.
Growing out of its food truck origins, Box St. All Day's permanent location in Hemisfair — the site of the 1968 World's Fair — is both unique and conveniently positioned in one of Downtown's top sights. The large outdoor seating area provides great views of the park grounds but also plenty of shade from the afternoon sun.
Alternatively, head indoors and enjoy the light, pastel pink decor. Combined with the exceptionally well-plated dishes, everything about Box St. All Day seems perfectly curated for your social media feeds.
Urban Food Truck Collective: El Camino Food Truck Park
If food trucks are your thing, then you'll be spoiled for choices in San Antonio. With so many establishments dotted throughout the city, it can be a challenge to decide which ones to check out first. Fortunately, El Camino Food Truck Park solves that problem by bringing some of the city's best food trucks to one place.
While the lineup of trucks changes from time to time, as of 2025 you can find an impressive variety, including Nashville-style hot wings, Brazilian BBQ, grilled street corn, beef rib burritos and tacos.
Thanks to its location along the River Walk and near the San Antonio Museum of Art, you can easily add El Camino to a day focused on art and local flavors.
El Camino often hosts special events, such as for Cinco de Mayo and Fiesta San Antonio, making it a great choice for spring break. Discover top spring break highlights in San Antonio, which you can easily incorporate into a visit to this food truck paradise.
Heritage-Driven Dining: Los Barrios
In 1979, Viola Barrio had just arrived in San Antonio from Bustamante, Mexico, with little more than a book of family recipes. She soon turned that family knowledge into one of San Antonio's best-loved restaurants, Los Barrios, which is still run by the Barrio family.
Serving both Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine in a casual setting, Los Barrios is a welcoming place to enjoy some authentic food that reflects San Antonio's rich culinary background. The restaurant even sells the Los Barrios Family Cookbook, which makes for a one-of-a-kind souvenir that'll allow you to keep discovering local dishes even after you return home.
Los Barrios is located a short drive from Downtown in North Central, an area off the beaten tourist path and home to popular local shops and restaurants, historic architecture and leafy residential streets.
After visiting Los Barrios, explore more activities to enjoy in San Antonio to round out your cultural experience.
Enjoy the Best Restaurants in San Antonio
No matter your budget or tastes, there's a restaurant in San Antonio that will serve exactly what you're looking for. The culinary scene reflects the heritage and diversity of the city, with family-owned establishments and neighborhood favorites just waiting to be discovered.
To better explore a side of the city many tourists never see, stay at one of Placemakr's San Antonio apartment-hotels, centrally located so you can fully immerse yourself in the city's vibrant local scene.