A huge thank you to my best friend Kourtney Little for sharing her favorite spots in San Antonio! Kourtney and I met in college and studied abroad together, and over the years we’ve become like sisters. One of the best parts of our friendship is that we both genuinely love food, so when we travel together we’re always on the hunt for great places to eat. I trust her recommendations completely, and she put together a thoughtful list of must-visit eateries and family-friendly activities around San Antonio, Texas.
We visit San Antonio often—Kourtney and her family live there—and if Clayton and I ever left the DFW metroplex, San Antonio would be at the top of our list. We love the city’s welcoming neighborhoods, family-friendly atmosphere, and especially the food scene. On our most recent trip we splurged on a stay at The Hotel Emma, which sits right in the heart of The Pearl District. The hotel’s beautiful rooms and attentive staff made our visit extra special. The Pearl is one of Kourtney’s top recommendations—perfect for weekend mornings at the farmers market, casual shopping, and plenty of kid-friendly space like an open lawn and a splash pad.
Below is Kourtney’s curated list of favorites—restaurant picks, coffee shops, kid-friendly activities, and places to go for date nights or live music. Each recommendation includes a short note so you know what makes it special. Thank you, Kourtney!
Best Margarita and Queso — Soluna
A local favorite for bright, well-balanced margaritas and flavorful queso—great for a relaxed evening out.
Best Upscale Mexican — La Fonda on Main or Paloma Blanca
Both offer elevated Mexican cuisine with lovely patios and attentive service, ideal for a special night.
Best Puffy Tacos — Los Barrios
Known for classic San Antonio-style puffy tacos with authentic flavors and a casual atmosphere.
Best Tacos — Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant (try the Brisket Tacos)
A go-to spot for well-seasoned tacos—don’t miss the brisket option if you’re there.
Best Breakfast — Twin Sisters Cafe
Hearty morning fare with friendly service, perfect for fueling up before a day of exploring.
Best Breakfast Tacos — Taco Taco
Classic, satisfying breakfast tacos served fresh and fast—ideal for a quick local start.
Best Acai Bowl — Rise Up
Fresh, vibrant acai bowls that make a healthy and delicious breakfast or snack.
Best Juice Shop — Revolucion Coffee+ Juice
A great stop for fresh juices, smoothies, and light bites to recharge during the day.
Best Bakery — Bakery Lorraine
Delightful pastries and baked goods—perfect for breakfast or a mid-afternoon treat.
Best Coffee Shop — Local Coffee or Common Wealth
Both are excellent choices for expertly brewed coffee and a cozy place to relax.
Best Brunch — Cappy’s Restaurant
A popular brunch spot with classic favorites and a lively weekend crowd.
Best Lunch (pet-friendly patio) — Down on Grayson
Casual lunch spot with a welcoming patio where dogs are welcome—great for a laid-back meal with friends or family.
Best Healthy Lunch Spot — The Good Kind or Pharm Table
Both offer fresh, ingredient-driven options for a nutritious midday meal.
Best Sandwich — Zitos (order “the Serious”)
Hearty deli sandwiches with big flavors—”the Serious” is a satisfying choice for sandwich lovers.
Best Sushi — Sushiana
Fresh sushi and sashimi in a comfortable setting, good for a casual dinner.
Best BBQ — Smoke Shack
Smoky, well-prepared barbecue that showcases Texas-style flavors.
Best Charcuterie and Martinis — Cured
An upscale spot for artfully arranged charcuterie boards and expertly mixed martinis.
Best Pizza — Dough Pizzeria Napoletana or Playland
Both deliver great pies—Dough for Neapolitan-style and Playland for a casual, playful pizza experience.
Best Italian — Nonna Osteria
Warm, comforting Italian cuisine ideal for a date night or family dinner.
Best Burger — Chris Madrid’s or Chesters
Classic, satisfying burgers that locals love—simple and delicious.
Best Thai — Thai Dee
Flavorful Thai dishes prepared with fresh ingredients and bold seasonings.
Best Vietnamese — Pho Kim Long
A solid choice for comforting pho and other Vietnamese classics.
Best Steak House — Bohanan’s
A classic steakhouse known for high-quality cuts and a refined dining experience.
Best River Walk Dinner — Biga on the Banks
An excellent option for a scenic dinner along the River Walk with a creative, seasonal menu.
Best Happy Hour and Snack on the River — Ocho at Hotel Havana
A relaxed spot for drinks and small plates right by the river.
Best Place for a Date — The Historic Pearl
Charming and vibrant, the Pearl offers dining, shopping, and beautiful outdoor spaces that make for a memorable date.
Best Live Music Venue/Eatery — The Rustic or Sam’s Burger Joint
Both combine good food with live music and a lively atmosphere—great for an evening out.
Best Places to Eat with Kids — The Pig Pen or The Cove
Family-friendly menus and outdoor space make these spots ideal for dining with children.
Best Activities for Kids — Weekend farmers markets at The Pearl (Saturdays and Sundays) and the Pearl splash pad, Hemisfair Park, The DoSeum (children’s museum), the San Antonio Zoo, Kiddie Park, and the Botanical Garden with its kid-friendly water features and café—all great options for family outings.
Have more San Antonio recommendations? Share your favorites in the comments below—we’d love to hear them!