Contributing Bloggers Joleen Jernigan and Sam Saenz relax by La Tuna’s fire pit (Credit: Sam Saenz)
San Antonio, our big city neighbor to the south, has way more to see than the Alamo, River Walk, and Spurs. I used to live there and put this guide together in order to share my secret San Antonio with you. Trust me, one trip won’t do it justice!
Note: My hotel and a couple of my meals were comped during my research for this article. All opinions are my own.
Feed Your Face and Grab a Cold One
Let’s get fuel out of the way first. You’ll want it as you’re exploring. Here are some must-trys when you’re hungry or thirsty in San Antonio.
1/ La Tuna Icehouse and La Tuna Grill
Fish tacos at La Tuna Grill (Credit: Sam Saenz)
La Tuna is my hands-down favorite place to chill in San Antonio. Nestled under shady pecan trees and surrounded by prickly pear cactus (aka La Tuna), this casual joint beckons with its original aluminum and wooden shed, picnic tables, and fire pit.
Walk over a floor of discarded bottle caps, grab an ice cold beer, and settle in for a neighborly chat. La Tuna Icehouse sells the cheapest, coldest beer in town, and it just introduced a Texas craft beer lineup.
La Tuna Icehouse has been around for 26 years. Eddie, the nicest beertender ever, still works there after more than a decade. R. Michael Berrier and his family have owned and run La Tuna from the get-go. This place is a true Southtown holdout in the new era of lofts and hipsters.
100 Probandt – Website
2/ The Friendly Spot
Contributing Blogger Joleen Jernigan at The Friendly Spot ice house in Southtown (Credit: Sam Saenz)
The Friendly Spot is another charming ice house in Southtown. Their team has been killing it since day one with an extensive beer selection, groovy painted metal chairs, and two bars, plus a fenced-in playground for the kids.
In true ice house fashion, people hang out to chat with other patrons and catch some live music. The day we visited, local 16-year-old boys were playing music for the crowd—and well. The Friendly Spot has yummy food, too.
943 S. Alamo St. – Website
3/ Rosario’s
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On a cold, dreary day, thank the gods of pozole for Rosario’s. The sopa de pozole is a thing of beauty. Pair it with one of the tastiest margaritas in town, and you are set.
910 S. Alamo St. – Website
4/ La Panaderia
San Antonio’s La Panaderia (Credit: Flipintex Fotos)
This bakery and sandwich shop opened in 2014 as a brick and mortar café, but the family’s baking tradition has its roots in Mexico. Word on the street is the breakfast tortas and tequila almond croissant will put a smile on your face.
Multiple locations – Website
5/ Liberty Bar
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I would not have gotten through UTSA grad school without Liberty Bar. I’m sure of it. This local restaurant and bar fortified me with wonderful, rustic, ranch-style food, and copious amounts of wine as I pored over my textbooks.
When I needed a respite from studying, I’d always find a friend there, another regular or a server. It’s that kind of place. In fact, my favorite bartender was also one of my professors!
Even though Liberty moved from the crooked old haunted mansion it used to inhabit, the new place is quirky, too. The food is always good. I recommend the achiote chicken with sautéed cabbage and cilantro sauce.
1111 S. Alamo St. – Website
6/ Candlelight Coffeehouse
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Coffee, Wine Down Wednesday, brunch, dinner. There are so many opportunities to make yourself comfortable at Candlelight Coffeehouse. The restaurant is particularly proud of its NY strip steak.
3011 N. St Mary’s St. – Website
7/ El Bucanero
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This authentic Mexican seafood spot serves delicious dishes in a lively environment. The michelada alone makes visiting this bustling restaurant worth it.
Multiple locations – Website
8/ Dorćol Distilling + Brewing Company
Patio at Dorćol Distilling + Brewing (Credit: Dorćol)
Home of Kinsman small batch apricot rakia (unaged brandy) and Highwheel beer, Dorćol hit the Southtown scene with a splash, winning a gold medal. The distillery and brewery are on-site at the bar. The team makes beer and spirits following the original European processes.
Dorćol Distilling + Brewing Company’s Kinsman apricot rakia and cocktails (Credit: Dorćol)
The bar serves cocktails made with the Kinsman rakia and the house beers. Try the Highwheel Betty, a Kolsch and the most popular brew.
1902 S. Flores St. – Website
9/ Blue Star Brewing Co.
Blue Star Brewing Co. (Credit: Sam Saenz)
This brewery and restaurant is the cornerstone restaurant for the Blue Star Arts Complex. Blue Star Arts Complex is a popular spot on First Fridays, with art galleries and lofts.
Blue Star Brewing specializes in bicycle repair and beer. We enjoyed the Cowtown Brown Ale and delicious black bean nachos on our visit.
1414 S. Alamo St, #105 – Website
10/ The Jerk Shack
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While I didn’t have time to fit in a visit to The Jerk Shack, I’m excited about this Jamaican place specializing in spicy, Caribbean jerk dishes. Next time!
117 Matyear St. – Facebook
11/ The Menger Hotel
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The Menger Hotel is the oldest continuously operating hotel west of the Mississippi. It is steeped in history. I love stopping by the bar at The Menger for a Bloody Mary and taste of Texas history.
This is where Theodore Roosevelt recruited many of his Rough Riders, the first all-volunteer cavalry unit in the Spanish-American War. (And yes, the hotel has a ghost or two.)
204 Alamo Plaza – Website
12/ Taco Cabana
Taco Cabana’s Shareables (Credit: Taco Cabana)
This small local business turned into a major taco chain. Taco Cabana, or “TC” as locals affectionately call it, is celebrating its 40th year in business. Felix Stehling started Taco Cabana as a way to feed the hungry drinkers at his (now closed) dive bar, the Crystal Pistol. His bar patrons bought him out of tacos nearly every night, so Stehling knew he was onto something.
Founding Chef Connie Gutierrez joined the team at the beginning, and is still creating recipes and cooking for Taco Cabana today. To celebrate the 40th anniversary, Taco Cabana has rolled out several new menu items and is improving the drink menu. The team has brought in higher-end tequila for the margaritas and entered into a partnership with Tito’s!
In an effort to entice customers, Taco Cabana has introduced shareable platters. These include the Trio Sampler (flautas, quesadillas, and chips and queso), Kicking Grande Nachos, and tasty Kicking Potato Skins.
Multiple locations – Website
Where to Catch Live Music
Treat your ears and soul to some sweet tunes at these hot spots.
13/ Sam’s Burger Joint
Black Joe Lewis at Sam’s Burger Joint (Credit: Flipintex Fotos)
Sam’s Burger Joint is my favorite spot to see live music in San Antonio. Grab a burger up front, then head to the back room for an intimate set. Or hang out on the patio and listen on pleasant nights.
330 E. Grayson St. – Website
14/ Carmens de la Calle Cafe
Dramatic flamenco pose at Carmens de la Calle Cafe (Credit: Nicole Moore)
For a taste of Spain, you must try Carmens de la Calle. The drool-worthy Spanish tapas go down nicely with a Flamenco show! That’s right, Carmens delivers rousing Flamenco every Friday night. The drama! The music! The outfits! Oh my.
On other nights, catch a jazz show or poetry reading at this adorable cafe.
320 N. Flores St. – Website
15/ Tobin Center for Performing Arts
Tobin Center for the Performing Arts (Credit: W.J. Lydon Photography)
This stunner of a concert hall is home to the acclaimed San Antonio Symphony, Ballet San Antonio, and Opera San Antonio. The Tobin Center was built specifically with acoustics for a symphony orchestra and opera music in mind, and has earned rave reviews for its sound. In its beautiful new home, San Antonio Symphony has earned acclaim on a national level.
100 Auditorium Circle – Website
The Historic Pearl Complex
The Historic Pearl in the original Pearl Brewing complex (Credit: Flipintex Fotos)
Home of the old Pearl Brewery, this revitalized area has quickly become a hub for chef-driven restaurants, sexy little bars, art galleries, and packed coffee shops. It’s a wonder to behold. Here are a few spots I recommend.
16/ Boiler House Texas Grill & Wine Garden
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This massive restaurant and bar occupies the former boiler room of Pearl Brewery. Try a craft cocktail with your meal. Everything comes highly recommended, but I suggest starting with the housemade hot chicharrones and bubbly swiss with whiskey onion dip.
312 Pearl Pkwy. Bldg. #3 – Website
17/ The Modernist
The Modernist 1960s-style bar (Credit: Marsha M. Mason)
Olaf Harmel is an absolute genius at making cocktails. I used to frequent his and co-owner Gerry Shirley’s original bar, Mon Ami, back in the day for what I called “Man’s Drinks.” I haven’t made it to this 1960s-themed spot yet, but I can vouch for the drinks already.
No surprise that it has nearly universal 5-star reviews online.
516 E. Grayson St. – Facebook
18/ The Twig Book Shop
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For my inner book nerd, a dreamy, independently-owned bookstore like The Twig feels like home immediately.
306 Pearl Pkwy #106 – Website
19/ Pearl Weekend Market
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On Saturdays, check out the producers-only farmers’ market at the Historic Pearl Complex. On Sundays, the emphasis is more on artisanal and prepared food. It is reminiscent of our Mueller Farmers’ Market.
312 Pearl Parkway – Website
20/ Merit Coffee Shop
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Merit is originally from San Antonio, though we now have a location at Seaholm in Austin. The line was long when we ducked into Merit to escape the drizzle outside. The baristas were friendly and efficient. The coffee was toasty and tasty.
Multiple locations – Website
Art and Culture
Here are our suggestions for expanding your cerebral horizons in San Antonio.
21/ San Antonio Museum of Art (SAMA)
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San Antonio Museum of Art is a world-class museum, with an impressive collection of ancient Greek, Roman, and Egyptian art, an Asian wing, and a Latin American wing. There is a lovely patio, perfect for special events such as weddings. I especially love the beautiful Dale Chihuly glass sculpture ceiling on the bottom floor.
200 W. Jones Ave. – Website
22/ McNay Art Museum
McNay Art Museum in Alamo Heights (Credit: Flipintex Fotos)
Housed in and around a Spanish colonial-style mansion, formerly home of founder Marion Koogler McNay, this place is gorgeous! Simply walking the grounds is a treat on a pretty day, not to mention the more than 22,000 works of art. The McNay is the first museum of modern art in Texas.
6000 N. New Braunfels Ave. – Website
23/ Historic Market Square
Gorditas fresh off the grill at Historic Market Square (Credit: Sam Saenz)
Historic Market Square is as close as you’ll get to an authentic Mexican mercado in these parts. The 100 or so shops bring handmade Mexican goods to San Antonio, from Talavera pottery, to Oaxacan embroidered dresses, to hand-tooled hats.
Don’t forget the authentic gorditas and refreshing aguas frescas while you’re shopping.
514 W. Commerce St. – Website
Get Outdoors
Here are our suggestions for getting some fresh air in San Antonio.
24/ Japanese Tea Garden
San Antonio’s Japanese Tea Garden (Credit: Flipintex Fotos)
A free oasis in the city, the breathtaking Japanese Tea Garden is lushly landscaped and includes many walkways, stone bridges, a large koi pond, and a 60-foot waterfall.
The city renovated the Japanese Tea Garden in the early 2000s, reopening to the public in 2008. The Jingu House tea and coffee shop at the top sell traditional Asian goodies along with more Americanized treats, coffee, and specialty tea blends.
Note: The Japanese Tea Garden has a lot of stairs to navigate, though there are ramps for those needing them.
200-414 Alpine – Website
25/ Brackenridge Park
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This lovely park offers acres upon acres of hiking and biking trails, birding, and picnic areas. The San Antonio Zoo, Japanese Tea Garden, Witte Museum, and San Antonio Botanical Garden (recently revamped) are all in Brackenridge Park. It’s a relaxing place to spend a day.
Sundays are peak times at the park, with families enjoying picnics. If you’re lucky, you can see an unofficial lowrider parade on Sunday afternoons.
3700 N. St. Mary’s St. – Website
26/ Mission Trails
Mission Concepcion at sunrise (Credit: Kristen Schultz)
The Alamo’s important place in Texas history is indisputable, but Mission Trails also includes Mission Concepción, Mission San Jose, Mission San Juan, and Mission Espada.
Mission San Jose facade (Credit: Flipintex Fotos)
They are all connected by a hiking and biking trail, with each location approximately 2.5-miles from the next. Be sure to bring plenty of water for your journey.
6701 San Jose Dr., San Antonio — Website
San Antonio Festivals and Events
Get out your feathers and flash tats at these must-experience San Antonio events!
27/ Fiesta
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A citywide party in San Antonio each April, Fiesta lasts nearly all month long. It is bright, colorful, and extremely popular. Most schools and employers even give a day off for the Battle of Flowers Parade.
Originating in 1891 as a tribute to the fallen heroes of the battles of the Alamo and San Jacinto, Fiesta now serves as a massive fundraiser for college scholarships and an excuse to dress up in wildly festive garb. People collect Fiesta medals competitively, and we all don paper flower haloes.
28/ Luminaria
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Luminaria is an entire weekend of events centered around light shows, projected onto buildings and the streets. San Antonio works with several artist groups to curate three nights of events intended to spark creativity, and bring life and light to the downtown area.
I attended the first three years of Luminaria, and this is a beautiful event. Lots of poetry, street vendors, luminous art, and now even music delight attendees. Luminaria typically takes place in November.
600 Hemisfair Plaza Way – Website
29/ First Fridays and Second Saturdays
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Every first Friday and second Saturday of the month, you’ll find art walks in Southtown. These events are filled with arts, crafts, and makers selling wares on the streets, and in the small, local businesses in the neighborhood.
30/ San Antonio River Walk Holiday Lights
River Walk Holiday Lights (Credit: Al Rendon)
The city of San Antonio lights up for the holidays with the all-season River Walk trail of lights.
849 E. Commerce St. – Website
San Antonio Accommodations
Extend your San Antonio trip at this lovely hotel.
31/ Hotel Valencia Riverwalk
Courtyard at Hotel Valencia Riverwalk (Credit: Flipintex Fotos)
San Antonio has so much to offer, much more than you can fit into a day trip. Our pick for a luxury overnight stay is the recently renovated Hotel Valencia Riverwalk. Hotel Valencia Riverwalk boasts river views on one side. The interior rooms have adorable balconies overlooking a beautiful courtyard, complete with an effervescent, iridescent fountain that doubles as a white noise sleeping machine. The rooms are stylishly minimalistic and modern, with comfortable beds and crisp linens.
The Naranja Bar and Dorrego’s Restaurant inside Hotel Valencia are as welcoming as they are elegant. The Naranja Bar has an extensive cocktail list, and is filled with friendly patrons and a hyper-efficient staff. A Flamenco guitarist plays in the bar a few evenings a week.
Dorrego’s serves Argentinian cuisine daily, along with a wonderful continental breakfast complete with decadent pastries. The morning I was there, breakfast consisted of fresh fruit juice and perfect raspberry white chocolate, blueberry, and apple cinnamon scones.
150 E. Houston St. – Website
San Antonio Turns 300
San Antonio has changed a lot in the past few years. You can still see the classics, but all of the updates and development have breathed new life into the city. Now celebrating its 300th Anniversary, the city seems cooler than ever. I’m already planning my next trip!
@theAustinot wants to know:
What’s your favorite spot in San Antonio?
Great suggestions, and even better pics of your smiling face! Long live Man’s Drinks!!!