San Antonio Restaurant Tips by Jefie Top 5 Page for this destination

Guenther House: Lovely cafe in the King William District Guenther House Review

The nice garden cafe at Guenther House is a great place to go for a Southern/Tex-Mex breakfast or lunch (breakfast is served all afternoon). Located in the beautiful King William District, the Guenther House Cafe has a refined yet casual atmosphere, and it really isn't expensive. As this was the home of the Pioneer Flour Mills' founding family, you can expect a lot of Pioneer products on the menu and if you really enjoy them, you can stop by the gift shop afterwards to bring some home. You can also take a few minutes after your meal to tour around the house. There's not that much to see, but it's free of charge.

Favorite Dish: My breakfast tacos were delicious and filled me up all the way to dinner!

Address: 205 E Guenther St

Comparison: less expensive than average

Directions: King William District

Phone: 210-227-1061

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 5

Theme: Breakfast

Website: http://www.guentherhouse.com

Boudro's: Your best bet on the Riverwalk

If you enjoy the atmosphere on the Riverwalk but still want good food, Boudro's probably is your best option. It's slightly more expensive than the other restaurants around, but the food is also much better. The menu has some very interesting items on it, most of it being Tex-Mex with a refined twist. If you order guacamole, the waiter will come to your table with a service tray and prepare it right in front of you! They also offer a nice selection of Texas wines. Definitely one of my favorites in downtown San Antonio!

Favorite Dish: You can't go wrong with the fresh guacamole!

Address: 421 E Commerce St

Comparison: about average

Directions: On the Riverwalk

Phone: 210-224-8484

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 5

Theme: Eclectic/International

The Republic of Texas: Inexpensive spot on the River Walk

Although I doubt that this is a local's favorite, tourists will get a kick out of The Republic of Texas. Waiters show up at your table in full Texas gear, complete with the cowboy hat, and the menu is definitely Tex-Mex - it might not be the best Tex-Mex in town, but at least the lunch menu is very affordable. If you feel like trying out a new drink, I highly recommend ordering the River Water cocktail, which is exactly the same color as the murky San Antonio River! The Republic of Texas also offers Riverboat dining (check out the Web site for more information) and at night it goes from restaurant to nightclub.

Favorite Dish: The taco salad was quite good, and the River Water cocktail tastes better than it looks!

Address: 526 River Walk

Comparison: about average

Other Contact: republicoftex@sbcglobal.net

Phone: 210-226-6256

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 3

Theme: Mexican

Website: http://www.therepublicoftexasrestaurant.com

Alamo Cafe: Have you ever tasted fresh tortillas?

The Alamo Cafe has been around for over 20 years, serving yummy fresh tortillas (try it with butter) and Tex-Mex meals to a crowd made up of locals and hungry tourists who have just left the airport (that's us!). It can get very busy but there's a great friendly atmosphere all around so it makes for a very nice introduction to San Antonio's great good and hospitality!

Favorite Dish: I ordered chimichangas and although there was no way I could eat it all (it could feed at least two people), it was a very scrumptious meal!

Address: 14250 U.S. Hwy. 281 North

Comparison: about average

Directions: Close to the San Antonio Intl. Airport, check out the map on the restaurant's Web site

Other Contact: catering@alamocafe.com

Phone: 210-495-2233

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 4

Theme: Mexican

Website: http://www.alamocafe.com

Rio Rio Cantina: On the Riverwalk

There are lots of restaurants on the Riverwalk but they're not necessarily the best that San Antonio has to offer. Still, if you want to do the Riverwalk thing, Rio Rio Cantina is a pretty safe choice as it is not expensive, pretty good, and the location is great. If anything, you'll at least get a kick out of feeding the ducks and birds that are sure to surround your table (they love nachos!).

Favorite Dish: Have a drink with friends and share a platter of Rio Rio Combination (nachos, quesadillas and flautas).

Address: 421 E Commerce St

Comparison: about average

Directions: On the Riverwalk

Phone: 210-226-8462

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 3

Theme: Mexican

Website: http://www.rioriocantina.com

Acenar: Best dining experience in San Antonio

This "modern" tex-mex restaurant is located on the not-so-touristy portion of the Riverwalk, and the food and ambience are pretty much as good as it gets. From the chips and salsa (ah man, that salsa...) all the way through dessert (creme brulee, mmmm), everything is delicious. Throw in a few mariachis and it might just be the greatest meal ever!!

Favorite Dish: Las enchiladas verdes y el mole poblano de pollo son muy ricos!! And again, the salsa, I wish I could have bought a big bucket of it to bring back home!

Address: 146 E. Houston St.

Comparison: about average

Directions: On the Riverwalk, between Houston St and Commerce St

Phone: 210-222-2362

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 5

Theme: Mexican

Website: http://www.acenar.com

Ajuua!: Mexican fare with a Latin flair!

Eating at Ajuua's makes eating Mexican food fun, even if it's all you've been having for the past few days! In this restaurant's not-so-typical menu, you'll either find traditional dishes with a twist or "authentic" Ajuua dishes, such as "carne de puerco en salsa de mango" or "crepas de flor de calabaza". Located outside of downtown, the restaurant has a nice decor that turns into a Latin-lounge atmosphere at night. It's worth the detour!

Favorite Dish: I tried the crepas and they were great. If you go with two or three friends, try "Los 3 Amigos" for dessert.

Address: 11703 Huebner Rd

Comparison: about average

Phone: 210-877-0600

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 4

Theme: Mexican

Website: http://www.ajuua.net

Mi Tierra Cafe y Panaderia: Authentic Mexican pastries

Located in El Mercado, Mi Tierra started out as a small coffee shop in 1941 and has now evolved into a 24 h restaurant with an overwhelmingly festive decor! The Cafe has an extensive menu, including all your Mexican and Tex-Mex favorites, but I was more impressed by the bakery - or panaderia - where you'll find an amazing selection of delicious traditional Mexican pastries.

Favorite Dish: Try the pineapple biscuit with a Mexican hot chocolate (laced with cinnamon, mmmm!).

Address: 218 Produce Row

Comparison: less expensive than average

Directions: Located en El Mercado

Other Contact: info@mitierracafe.com

Phone: 210-225-1262

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 4

Theme: Bakery

Website: http://www.mitierracafe.com

Los Barrios: Good food in a friendly family atmosphere

Los Barrios has been around since 1979 and has had numerous great reviews so it's a pretty safe bet if you want to try good Mexican/Tex-Mex cuisine. Located outside of downtown San Antonio, this restaurant has more of a family atmosphere than its "trendier" counterparts on the River Walk. The menu is quite extensive, allowing you to choose between traditional Mexican dishes or Tex-Mex favorites, and portions are very generous (at a very reasonable price). And if you enjoy your meal, you can even buy your own copy of the "Los Barrios Family Cookbook"

Favorite Dish: I tried the sample platter - it was way too much food but I got to taste it all!

Address: 4223 Blanco Road

Comparison: less expensive than average

Phone: 210-732-6017

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 4

Theme: Mexican