by Cynthia Guido
For many of us, what and where we eat can become a delicious obsession; flavoring life, seasoning our experience and tempting exploration wherever we may be. In short, we live to eat.
Who could be blamed for wanting it all?
Virginia Woolf summed up our philosophy perfectly when she said, “One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.”
If ‘dining well’ ensures the rest, then rest easy fellow foodies, San Antonio is unquestionably an idyllic nirvana right here deep in the heart of Texas.
Simple or sophisticated, cosmopolitan or cozy, eclectic or elegant, whatever your culinary cravings and cultural curiosity may be, just pull up a chair and you’re sure to be charmed at San Antonio’s tables.
Though options for any eater’s enchantment are endless, let’s explore the obvious first.
Temples to Tex-Mex, Mex-Mex and even Tex-Mix are abundant, alluring and certainly not to be missed here in the Alamo city. But, let’s retire any notion that San Antonio is all about sipping long necks, spooning up fiery chili con carne and eating tacos. There’s a whole world to savor here. Don’t misunderstand; we suggest that you indulge in all of the above as soon and as often as possible.
While strolling the beautiful banks of our renowned river (Yes, it is a must.), take a picturesque break. Spice up the gorgeous scenery with some chili con carne at Casa Rio, the first and original Grande Dame of all riverwalk restaurants. It’s the paradigm ‘bowl of red’, no beans of course, and has been a local favorite since 1946.
Great tacos can be found, almost literally, on every corner. Just to get you started; it’s truly hard to go wrong at any Panchito’s, Taco Haven or Taco-Taco. Honestly, there are way too many more that deserve mention. Explore all possibilities. Order your favorite filling wrapped in a freshly made corn tortilla. Then, close your eyes, take a bite and be transported across the Rio Grande with no hassle at U.S. Customs.
Los Barrios on Blanco Road, Hacienda de Los Barrios, Aldaco’s either in Sunset Station or Stone Oak, Guajillo’s, Rosario’s and El Mirador in historic King William, La Fonda on Main and Paloma Blanca in tone-y Alamo Heights all shake up preconceived palate prejudices along with sublime margaritas.
Go beyond the ‘tourist special’ combo-plates at any of the eateries mentioned and you’ll discover why Mexico’s kitchen is recognized as one of the most sophisticated on the planet.
In the mood for something totally Texas?
We’d bet you’re conjuring up smoky visions of beef on a pit, or beef in any guise, for that matter.
Rudy’s and the County Line consistently deliver barbecue that’s finger lickin’ great. The Smokehouse on Roland at Rigsby, The Hot Spot and Augie’s Barbed Wire Grill, both on St. Mary’s, are all flat out funky-luscious, though a little less citified.
Do try sausage, chicken, ribs, lamb, duck or cabrito (baby goat) if they’re on the pit when you visit any of the above ’cue joints. Also, remember that in San Antonio the sauce is incidental; it’s that pink smoke ring on the meat that’s the real credential.
Prime cuts and primo service are always on the menu at Bohanan’s, Ruth’s Chris, Morton’s, Kirby’s and The Palm, along with swimmingly fresh seafood. The Barn Door, Josephine Street and Grey Moss Inn are home grown venues where grilling has been an art form for decades.
If words like ‘crispy’ and ‘golden brown’ quicken your pulse; get yourself to Tip Top Café, Lulu’s Café, 410 Diner or Good Time Charlies as fast as you can and order your steak “chicken-fried”.
Seeking global adventure?
No need to leave the city; just travel with your taste buds.
Visit Azuca for pan-Latino perfection on a plate. Turquoise Grill, Shiraz in Olmos Park, and Taste of Malabar purvey Middle Eastern delights that would tempt Aladdin. At La Frite Belgian Bistro, the sensational ‘moules frites’ (mussels and fries) and cozy European vibes will keep you coming back for more. Oloroso, newly ensconced in King William, is generating loads of laudatory buzz with a contemporary Mediterranean menu and house-made charcuterie. There’s Bin 555 for vino and glorious ‘tapas’ (small plates) with a global bent. For lovers of chocolate (and lovers in general) Coco Chocolate Lounge is sure to seduce with sexy sips, decadent bites and aphrodisiacal atmosphere.
SA is boot country, so top to heel Italy’s boot is welcome on our table any day. Good manners be darned; we favor great Italian flavors. You’ll find them for sure at Aldo’s, Ristorante Grissini, Tre Trattoria, Piatti, Luce Ristorante e Enoteca and Ciao Lavanderia or the its’ new sibling, Ciao2.
We’re wondering how one says “many many choices” in Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese or Japanese. Just a few favorites, in the above ethnic categories: Hunan Gardens, Taipei, Mencius and yes, PF Changs; Thai Chili, Siam Bangkok Cuisine, Chaba Thai; Vans on Broadway, Asia Kitchen, Godai Sushi Bar and Restaurant and Samurai Sushi. Now, how do you say “we could go on and on”?
Craving comfort?
Start any downtown day with breakfast at The Guenther House. It’s tucked into a sublimely scenic bend of the San Antonio River at historic Pioneer Flour Mills. Do we need to mention that their baked goods, especially biscuits, are celestial?
Head to Liberty Bar for seriously yummy food and bodacious beverages served with aplomb and an unexpected historic tilt. (You’ll see when you get there.) Desserts at LB are a local legend. Chocoholics should save room for a slice of Virginia Green’s Chocolate Cake, though a slice of any pie or cake is sure to elicit an ahhhhhh!
Pam’s Patio Kitchen subscribes to a theory of fresh food, cooked with loving care and shared in good company. Every bite proves that Pam’s theory is more than conjecture. For heaven’s sake, and your own, save room for dessert!
Even after a move to new digs, Earl Abel’s dishes up nostalgia and the same divine fried chicken, and desserts that have delighted diners since 1933.
To us, basic + hungry = burger; and our fair city proffers some mighty fine choices. We make frequent stops at Chris Madrid’s for a famously ooze-y Cheddar-Cheezy and The Lord’s Kitchen where you decide how big you want it and every size tastes terrific.
Palate for posh?
Biga on the Banks is Chef Bruce Auden’s jewel on the river. Auden, San Antonio’s first honest to goodness ‘star chef’ way back in the 80’s, has kept his contemporary kitchen innovative and scrumptious.
Chef Scott Cohen holds court in the kitchen at Brasserie Pavil, the spectacular new paean to every sort of fine French fare. That means whatever the dish, it will be delish, or should we say, délicieux?
We hope that by the time you are reading this line you will consider yourself personally introduced and warmly invited to just a few of San Antonio’s enticing restaurant tables…because this foodie has worked up a Texas size appetite and is heading out to eat!
