Because, while we love the River Walk, it's not the only thing San Antonio has to offer! In fact, many locals assert that the "real" Alamo City is found elsewhere.
So, for those interested in the hidden gems and local favorites apart from the River Walk, we’ve got you covered.
Leave the tourist traps behind and enjoy a visit to some of San Antonio’s favorite local spots!
Image of Tony G’s Soul Food Courtesy of @instamerluza
Tony G’s Soul Food
915 S Hackberry St | Denver Heights | http://tonygssoulfood.com/
True to its name, Tony G’s Soul Food is the ultimate Southern expression of “comfort food”. From chicken-and-waffles to sweet potato pie, this spot serves up great food and live music until 4:00 PM.
Azuca Nuevo Latino
709 S Alamo St | Southtown | http://azuca.net/#home
A unique take on south-of-the-border cuisine, Azuca offers traditional and reinvented Latin dishes from the Caribbean to Central and Latin America. Pair spicy tuna tartar or paella with a glass of sangria or a refreshing mojito!
Image of The Friendly Spot Courtesy of @donaldnewlands
The Friendly Spot
943 S Alamo St | King William | http://www.thefriendlyspot.com/
With nearly 400 beer options and a plethora of outdoor seating (in the opulent King William district, might we add), The Friendly Spot is a kid-and-pet friendly establishment with a community-minded vibe. Specializing in casual and creative Mexican-American fare (think “Portobello-Adobo Tacos” or a “Bacon-Wrapped Bratwurst), the Spot is open till midnight, every night!
Thai Lucky
711 S Pine St | Denver Heights | https://thailucky.eat24hour.com/
A San Antonio take on authentic Asian cuisine, Thai Lucky is a hidden eastside gem that serves up Thai iced tea, fried sushi, to-die-for eggrolls, and way more.
Image of Feast Courtesy of @miss_eater_tx
Feast
1024 S Alamo St | King William | http://feastsa.com/
An upscale take on “New American” cuisine (with Mediterranean influences), Feast creates elegant, contemporary dishes reminiscent of classic comfort food. Enjoy your gourmet mac-and-cheese or duck breast tostadas with a craft cocktail for the optimal Feast experience.
Smoke the Restaurant
1170 E. Commerce | Dignowity Hill | http://smoketherestaurant.com/
Both stylish and rustic, Smoke the Restaurant is the one-stop shop for barbecue, cocktails, and live music.
Image of Battalion Courtesy of @safood.e
Battalion
604 S. Alamo St | Southtown | http://battalionsa.com/
One of SA’s newest (and most stylish) upscale options, Battalion serves up a simple, elegant Italian menu in a historic firehouse. Reservations are recommended for dinner!
Filling Station
701 S St Mary's St | Southtown | http://www.thestationsa.com/
Putting a twist on the classic pizza-and-beer combo, The Station offers on-tap craft beer and tasty pies in a reimagined gas station.
Image of La Frite Courtesy of @lafritesatx
La Frite Belgian Bistro
728 S Alamo St | Southtown | http://lafritesa.com/
As the city’s sole nod to Belgian cuisine, La Frite is a family-owned bistro with a passion for artfully executed European fare. Simple, elegant, and utterly charming, this restaurant serves classic mussels, fries, and simple French dishes paired with the perfect wine or beer.
Tucker’s Kozy Korner
1338 E Houston St | Dignowity Hill | Tucker’s Facebook Page
Established in 1948, Tucker’s Kozy Korner is a local eastside legend specializing in soul food and tasty cocktails. With an emphasis on old-school jazz and vinyl, Tucker’s offers dance parties and karaoke in a vintage setting.
Image of Sweet Yams Courtesy of @tanyeah1226
Sweet Yams
218 N Cherry St | Dignowity Hill | Sweet Yams Facebook Page
Serving up organic, healthy options on San Antonio’s eastside, Sweet Yams is an adorable option for anyone seeking tasty organic, vegan, or gluten-free options (that never sacrifice taste). Try the sesame ginger shrimp, chicken-and-shrimp po-boy, or mushroom burger!
Bliss
926 S Presa St | Southtown | http://www.foodisbliss.com/
Upscale and eclectic, Bliss is a culinary and visual delight for the contemporary foodie. Sit below the cafe lights and enjoy brown sugar cured soy-glazed Kurobuta pork belly or the roasted, stuffed quail.
Image of Zinc Bistro Courtesy of @s.a.foodie
Zinc Bistro & Wine Bar
207 N Presa St | Downtown | http://zincwine.com/
Pairing Southwestern-inspired dishes with excellent wine, champagne, and cocktails, Zinc Bistro & Wine Bar is described as “an elegant European wine bar with a casual Texas twist.”
Pancho and Gringos
900 Nolan St | Dignowity Hill | Pancho and Gringos Facebook Page
Recently hailed by the SA Current as offering one of the top 100 dishes in the city (the steak and eggs breakfast sandwich), Pancho and Gringos offers incredible New York style deli/diner fare in a simple, no-frills setting.
Image of Estate Coffee Co Courtesy of @estatecoffeeco
Estate Coffee
1320 E Houston St | Dignowity Hill | https://www.estatecoffeecompany.com/
Looking for a perk-up after all that cheering? Estate Coffee is a bright, airy espresso bar offering high-quality caffeine.
Bite
1012 S Presa St | Southtown | http://www.biterestaurantsa.com/
Inspired by chef-owner Lisa Astorga-Watel’s worldwide travels, Bite’s cultured menu offers French-Chilean fare like salmorejo (bread and tomato soup), chorizo frittatas, beef tenderloin churrasco, and butter-poached lobster.
Image of Dignowity Meats Courtesy of @sanantoniostephanie
Dignowity Meats
1701 E Houston St | Dignowity Hill | http://www.dignowitymeats.com/
A classic Southern food spot with a twist, Dignowity Meats offers elevated comfort food like hand-crafted smoked meat sandwiches, KC brisket burnt ends, buttermilk fried chicken, and loaded baked potatoes (with craft beer, of course).
Mark’s Outing
1624 E Commerce St | Dignowity Hill | http://www.marksouting.com/
A burger joint like you’ve never seen, Mark’s Outing serves up a made-to-order menu full of imagination (and flavor), from the Breakfast Burger and the Spicy Jalapeño Burger to something called the “Ice Cream Burger”.
Image of Liberty Bar Courtesy of @allofsa
Liberty Bar
1111 S Alamo St | King William | http://www.liberty-bar.com/
A stylish bar in an old-school setting, Liberty Bar at the Convent is a Spanish church-turned-trendy-cocktail-haven in the heart of the King William district.
Image of Hot Joy Courtesy of @hotjoysa
Hot Joy
1014 S Alamo St | Southtown | http://www.hotjoysa.com/
True to its name, San Antonio’s iconic Asian eatery Hot Joy is buzzing with vibrancy, from the neon sign to colorful interior. Located in the Southtown neighborhood, this trendy locale offers creative dishes and cocktails.
Lowcountry
318 Martinez St | Southtown | http://www.lowcountrysa.com/
Touted as “the sweetest lil bar in Southtown”, Lowcountry is a cozy, stylish cocktail spot that offers occasional charcuterie pop-ups by The Swine House!
Image of Alamo Beer Courtesy of @alamobeerco
Alamo Beer Company
415 Burnet St | Dignowity Hill | http://www.alamobeer.com/
With an emphasis on outdoor seating and high-quality craft beer, the Alamo Beer Company is a prime spot to enjoy signature brews and food-truck fare in a casual setting.
As a group of agents absolutely obsessed with San Antonio, we want your Final Four experience to include the best resources our city has to offer. From finding the perfect Airbnb to exploring local hidden gems and finding the perfect brunch spot, let us help you explore our neighborhood.
We will warn you, though...you may just find yourself falling in love with the Alamo City. If this happens, we’ll be more than happy to connect you with a lender, provide you with exclusive resources, and show you around our wonderful town!
