A co-worker listed out my favorite restaurants and bars on a page on the Valero Alamo Bowl website she titled “Rick’s Picks.”
The catchy, self-serving name wasn’t worth the grief I got from friends for leaving their places off the list. The Bowl smartly updated the page to be called “Do It Like A Local.”
However, my Mom frequently asks me to “email your list of the best places to eat so I can give it (insert random friend’s name I’ve never heard of) who is planning a trip to San Antonio.” That is a testament to San Antonio’s desirability as a visitor destination as well as our burgeoning culinary scene.
A big part of San Antonio’s charm is its authenticity and always improving downtown. Thus, this list features links to unique places close to downtown that my wife and I recommend.
Restaurants Walkable From Major Downtown Hotels:
Acenar (Mexican)
Box Street Social (Brunch)
Bohanan’s (Steakhouse)
Boudro’s (American)
Dough Pizzeria Napoletana
La Frite Belgian Bistro
La Panadería (Baked goods)
Mi Tierra (Mexican)
Nonna Osteria (Italian)
Paesano’s (Italian)
Plantaqueria (Vegan)
Pinkerton’s Barbecue
Rebelle (Seafood)
Reese Bros Barbecue
Revolucion Coffee + Juice
Toro Kitchen + Bar (Spanish)
Restaurants around Downtown/Southtown (1 mile)
Bar Loretta
Battalion
Bliss
Leche de Tigre (Peruvian)
Liberty Bar
Magpie (Korean-American Fusion)
Mark’s Outing (Burgers)
Maverick Texas Brasserie
Pharm Table (Gluten-Free)
Reese Bros Barbecue
Rosario’s (Mexican)
South Alamode Panini & Gelato Company
Restaurants around Midtown/The Historic Pearl (2 miles)
Barbaro (Pizza)
Best Quality Daughter (Asian)
Brasserie Mon Chou Chou
Carriqui
Cullum’s Attaboy (brunch)
The Cove (Family)
La Fonda On Main (Mexican)
The Hayden (Diner)
Ladino (Mediterranean)
NOLA Brunch & Beignets
Mr. Juicy (Hamburgers)
Pullman Market (various)
Singhs Vietnamese
Smoke Shack BBQ
Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery
Vegan Avenue
W.D. Deli
Bars Walkable From Major Downtown Hotels
1Watson Rooftop Bar
Bar at Bohanan’s
The Bunker Mixology
Crockett Tavern
Double Standard
The Esquire Tavern
Francis Bogside
Hopscotch Lounge and Interactive Art Experience
Mad Dogs British Pub
Menger Bar
Sojourn Trading Company
Tenfold Rooftop
Bars around Southtown (1 mile)
Bar 1919
Casa Hernan Cantina
Gimme Gimme Rock Bar
Bars around Midtown/The Historic Pearl (2 miles)
Havana Bar
High Street Wine Co.
Jazz, TX
The Modernist
The Moons Daughters
Sternewirth
If you have specific questions or need a drinking/eating buddy, feel free to reach out to us socially to @valeroalamobowl or use #valeroalamobowl.
Pro tips:
* Our off-the-beaten path recommendations, don’t miss the Maria’s Cafe for breakfast, the amazing brisket at 2M Smokehouse or Garcia’s (both are lunch only), the Thai food at Thai Dee, the street tacos at Tacquitos West Ave, or the roasted chicken at Pollos Asados Los Nortenos
* If your group is split between going to eat or getting a drink, then consider Bar Loretta or Esquire as they offer the best of both worlds. The Esquire’s “Downstairs” bar is a cool riverside lounge.
* To look good while exploring downtown and taking in cool attractions like Hopscotch, buy a guayabera from Penner’s or a custom hat from Paris Hatters. Both of these family owned businesses are 100+ years old.
* Want to do a downtown brewery tour? Hit Alamo Beer, Freetail Brewing’s Taproom, Idle Beer Hall and Brewing, Kuenstler Brewing, Dos Sirenos Brewing, Roadmap Brewing Co. and Vista Brewing.
* Whataburger may not qualify for this list as “unique to San Antonio,” but they are headquartered here and have a convenient downtown location at 412 E. Commerce.
Need a sugar fix? Downtown San Antonio also a Voodoo Doughnut open 21 hours a day which is a good option if the line down the block at La Panaderia, the bakery inspired by Mexico’s Golden Era, is too long.
* If the Yelp reviews include too many $$$$, check out their weekday lunch specials. Most are very reasonable.
Rick Hill was a Bowl Volunteer for the first several games and joined the Valero Alamo Bowl staff full-time in 1999. Complaints, clarifications or invitations for him to join can be sent via his email or Twitter.
Updated 11/11/24
