San Antonio, Texas
(Bexar COUNTY)

The Bexar County Courthouse is across from the main plaza and San Fernando Cathedral. The current structure was built between 1892 and 1896 in the Romanesque Revival style favored by architect J. Rieley Gordon. The building is one of 72 courthouses Mr. Gordon designed across the nation, along with the Arizona Capitol and a host of other prominent public works. Gordon operated his national practice from San Antonio and was particularly proud of his work in his hometown. The materials are native Texas granite and red sandstone, with a red and green shingle-tiled roof. It is an almost perfect representation of the local architecture. 

Over the years, there have been more utilitarian additions and renovations, but a recent renovation project restored the building to how it looked in 1927, which was a considerable improvement. Outside the building, the County pays tribute to its ancient heritage with the sculptures of five representative San Antonians. Included are a Native American, a Frasician Friar, a Spanish soldier, and a couple of settlers from the Canary Islands, who were the first Old World settlers to remain in the city. 

The building is the largest and oldest continuously operating historic courthouse in Texas. It looks the part and honors the city’s rich and complicated heritage.

We need a little more detail on our highlights as well as some specific extras. 

The Alamo is San Antonio’s defining story, and so it deserves a little more consideration. For starters, the Alamo is located in Alamo Plaza, right in the heart of downtown San Antonio. The actual address is 300 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, Texas 78205. What we picture as the Alamo- the small stone building with the iconic arched roof over the entryway- was only one element of a larger Spanish encampment and mission. Spoiler alert here: that curved parapet that makes the structure instantly recognizable was not placed on the building until well after the famous siege and battle. In any event, the rest of the mission is no longer visible, replaced with commercial development. In fact, almost right next to the Alamo is the Menger Hotel, where Teddy Roosevelt organized his Roughriders before they departed for Cuba in the Spanish-American War. 

The Alamo’s story is being reimagined and retold. Texas Ten thinks people need legends to inform what we aspire to. Along with the heroes of the American Revolution and World War II, Americans would likely pick the Alamo’s defenders as the essence of how we view ourselves. Texas Ten is aware that the historical accuracy of that view, as well as its cultural impact, is not entirely factual. However, the idea of the Alamo is even more powerful, and we would argue that it is more valuable when we understand its history.

Texas is grappling with defining the exact history of the battle and the reasons for the Texas Revolution. How best to display that history while continuing to demonstrate pride in our state is an emotional issue. Some want what they see as uglier truths to be plain-spoken, while others prefer to focus on the heroism of those fighting for freedom to shape their own destinies. Inevitably, the crash of racism against the idea of American exceptionalism produces friction and heat. 

Our advice is to ignore that conflict while you are visiting. However the culture war plays out, the Alamo area has taken huge steps forward to become more of a reverent memorial and museum than the tricked-up attraction it once was. If you have not been in a while, another visit is in the cards. If you have never been, you must go. A visit to the Alamo is Item #1 on every Texas to-do checklist.  Plan on spending several hours on the tour, taking pictures, and visiting the new artifacts collections center. In the end, the men who fought and died on this site were imperfect, but they were selfless and inspiring during the siege and the battle. Hopefully, you will walk away inspired that we can write further chapters leading to freedom and dignity for all. 

Beyond the Alamo are four ancient Spanish Missions: Concepcion, San Jose, San Juan, and Espada. The National Park Service runs the missions as a National Historical Park, and the missions are also designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In other words, they are a big deal. San Antonio devised a wonderful hike and bike trail to visit all the missions or the ones you want to see. The bikes have an electric option, which is great for all fitness levels. Along the way, you will see other parts of the city that you will want to explore. To see them all making stops in between takes the better part of a day.

Also nearby downtown is San Fernando Cathedral, one of the great Texas churches. It is the oldest standing church building in Texas and the home to the oldest functioning religious body in the state. The building is gorgeous inside and out. You can find out more about the structure in the adjoining gift shop. 

If at all possible, visit the cathedral on a Tuesday-Sunday night at 9:00 pm or 9:30 pm. That is when The Saga takes palace. The Saga is a visual history of San Antonio broadcast against San Fernando’s facade. Designed by renowned artist Xavier de Richemont, the Saga is one of 40 such installations in the world’s leading cities. 

The River Walk has come a long way from a flood control project to one of the most visited attractions in the world. Over the last decade, the developed areas of the river have expanded greatly, and there is much new to see, eat, and drink. One of the best ways to take it all in and learn the history of San Antonio are the iconic riverboats with their narrated cruises. Look for the two “Go Rio” spots for tickets, one located next to the Iron Cactus restaurant and the second across the river from the Hilton Palacio Del Rio Hotel. Off the boat, enjoy a meal, a margarita, at one of the many restaurants that line the banks.

One thing to notice is the many young men and women in brand new U.S. Air Force blue uniforms who have just completed their basic training at Lackland Air Force Base. A huge percentage of Air Force personnel spend some time in San Antonio during their careers. Lackland is known as “The Gateway to the Air Force.”

Hemisfair Plaza hosted the 1968 World’s Fair, a seminal event in San Antonio’s history and development. In many ways, Hemisfair was San  Antonio’s beginning as a modern city. Hemisfair Plaza, the event’s epicenter, is currently undergoing a large-scale redevelopment project. One thing that has not changed and will not change is that the best view in the city can be found at the Tower of Americas observation deck. The tower reaches 750 feet into the air, with a rotating Chart House restaurant on top. The view is impressive, and kids never forget the ride up and down in the elevator or the revolving meal if you choose to eat there. 

Texas Ten is impressed with all the art museums, but the newer Briscoe Western Art Museum is special. First of all, it is downtown and next to the river, so it is easiest to access if you stay in the city’s heart. More importantly, the focus on Western art speaks loudest to Texas Ten. John Coleman’s life-size sculpture of Gall-Sitting Bull-Crazy Horse is memorable, telling a complicated and tragic story without using words. Of all the Texas art museums and galleries we have visited, the Coleman sculpture sticks with us the most. and it is only one of many treasures.

Also downtown in the market square is Centro de Artes, the largest Latin museum in the United States and the first formally recognized Smithsonian affiliate outside of Washington D.C. The works are always fresh and powerful, with the added bonus of some great shopping and restaurants right outside the door. Hopscotch is an immersive art experience, and something kids (particularly teens) will love. Try your hand at laser graffiti and let loose your inner Banksy. 

San Antonio is also a great town for murals, boasting “the largest outdoor gallery in Texas” throughout downtown. The McNay and the Witte are not far from downtown in trendy Alamo Heights. The McNay’s grounds are as interesting as the art, which is saying quite a bit. Texas Ten visited the DoSeum with their four-year-old grandson and had a blast. We thought the only way to get him out was to wait until closing. 

Speaking of children, Six Flags Fiesta Texas and San Antonio Seaworld are two huge draws to San Antonio. Fiesta Texas is 15 minutes northwest of downtown on I-10, where it hits HWY 1604, the outer city loop. The park has traditional rides, big and small, a water park that comes in handy during the summer, scheduled live performances, frequent concerts, and special events throughout the year. 

Seaworld is about 20 minutes west of downtown, between SH 151 and Loop 1604. You can get wet at SeaWorld, both intentionally and unintentionally. The shows and exhibits are equally educational and entertaining, but SeaWorld has its share of thrill rides also. Both parks build their schedules around school calendars and seasonality. So if you plan on a non-summer visit, check the calendars on the websites. 

The most unique theme park, however, is Morgan’s Wonderland. The Morgan in the name is Morgan Hartman, the 25-year-old, differently-abled daughter of San Antonio-based home builder Gordon Hartman. After Gordon and his wife Maggie sold their business, they threw themselves into building a theme park for everyone. The result is one-of-one. If you have someone who wants to feel at home in a theme park, Morgan’s Wonderland, located about 25 minutes to the northeast of downtown close to Loop 410, is a once-in-a-lifetime sort of thing.

Live music, mostly of the country variety, fuels Helotes, Texas. Although San Antonio is swallowing Helotes, it retains its rural charms. Rowdy weekend nights in Helotes have produced a million memories and stories.    

If sports are your thing, try to make it to a San Antonio Spurs home game. The Spurs are Texas’ most successful sporting franchise of the 21st century, with five NBA championships to their credit since 1999. With the retirement of their core of superstars, the team fell off the pace recently but has been re-energized with the drafting of French sensation Victor Wembanyama.  The Spurs are San Antonio’s lone major sports franchise, so they command an unusually devoted following. You can endear yourselves to most locals simply by repeating the team mantra- Go, Spurs, Go.

The University of Texas at San Antonio Roadrunners has emerged as a powerhouse athletic program at the “Group of Five” level. Their football program, in particular, regularly battles for conference championships and takes on traditional powers. A game in the Alamodome (just east of downtown) is an event. The San Antonio Missions are the Double-AA affiliate of the San Diego Padres. The Missions play at Wolff Stadium, a modern minor-league stadium with charm and comfort, next to SH 90 just west of downtown. The San Antonio Brahmas made it to the inaugural championship game of the United Football League under long-time NFL coach Wade Phillips. The Brahmas also play in the Alamodome. San Antonio FC (soccer club for the uninitiated) does battle at Toyota Field in northeast San Antonio in the United Soccer League. 

For music, theater, and comedy, San Antonio is blessed with a number of new and restored small and medium-sized venues that regularly capture touring musicals, intimate music performances, or big-name comics. Schedules are constantly changing, of course, so check in with the box office at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, the Majestic and Empire Theaters (two locations but jointly managed), and the Aztec Theater. Huge shows make their way to the Alamodome. 

Outside of downtown, there are many interesting neighborhoods to explore. Southtown and the King William District are the gentrified/gentrifying neighborhoods with tons of energy, new restaurants, bars, and great architecture. The historic walking tours of King William give you a real feel for the city. Villa Finale is an excellent look into the interior lives of the city’s early aristocrats. 

King William is either next to or part of Southtown, depending on who you ask. If you fancy day drinking, nightlife, or high-quality food in a relaxed vibe, Southtown is tough to beat. The Blue Star Complex is a common destination for Southtown visitors. 

A common activity for Texas Ten on their city visits is to see how “the other half” lives. In San Antonio, that means touring Olmos Park and Alamo Heights. You will find quaint restaurants and shops along with some spectacular older homes. Nestled close to these enclaves are some great city parks, particularly Brackenridge and its lovely Japanese Tea Garden. 

The Pearl District is the other rock star for places to spend money and time. The Saturday morning Weekend Market has all sorts of delightful offerings. The activity in the Pearl District is constant. We explore it in more detail in the restaurant, hotel, and shopping guides, but you should make the effort to see it. 

Texas Ten also loves the more working-class “Heights Neighborhoods” (Balcones Heights, Los Angeles Heights, etc.) that line Fredericksburg Road between downtown and Loop 410. Although not as kept as they should be, there are great examples of Art Deco and mid-century modern architecture. There are iconic San Antonio restaurants that have been family favorites for decades. And then there is Cool Crest miniature golf and beer garden, a time-capsule experience if there ever was one. It is also a sentimental, romantic favorite for Texas Ten. 

A little further northwest from Cool Crest along I-10 is the La Cantera development, which has much to offer, particularly in its chic outdoor shopping village. Indeed, the trek northwest from the Alamo to La Cantera seems like an accurate timeline for how San Antonio started, grew, and is now. There is immense value in all of that, and we encourage you to look around. 

Not wanting to leave anyone out but only having so much space, here are some links to other attractions.

Museums of interest include Ruby City; The San Antonio Art Museum; The Buckhorn Saloon and Texas Ranger Museum; The San Antonio Fire Museum; and the Texas Transportation Museum. 

Natural Bridge Caverns is an underground wonderland in the far northeast part of the town.

The Spanish Governor’s Palace is a historic building showing the rudimentary way in which Spain ruled over the territory.

North Star Mall is a nice enough mall, but its fame comes from its home to the biggest pair of boots in Texas. It’s a great spot for the ultimate Texas selfie.

San Antonio Aquarium is a first-class aquatic habitat.

Kiddie Park is a 1920s-style amusement park for children 12 and under and those who will pay for them. There is a rich history here; San Antonians have loved these rides for generations. 

Legoland is for builders of all ages. 

Institute of Texas Cultures teaches the melting pot of Texas, and the many origin stories for those who claim Texas as home—currently closed while it moves to a new location, scheduled to reopen in the Spring of 2025.

Casa Navarro Teas State Historic Site Texas was claimed as a nation and a state away from Mexico by more than Stephen F. Austin’s Old 300 (white) settlers and the Kentuckians and Tennesseans who came to join the fight. Tejanos played every bit as important a role. Jose Antonio Navarro lived that story and was one of two native-born Texans to sign the Texas Declaration of Independence. 

Tejas Rodeo Company’s eight-second thrill rides provide entertainment every Saturday night from March to November, with a year-round steakhouse.

Texas has six cities ranked among the nation’s 25 most populous (in order: Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, Austin, Fort Worth, and El Paso). It is difficult to be comprehensive about even the local restaurants in cities that large. So, in each of the Big Six, we start with the ten most iconic restaurants in town and then move to the best by neighborhood. 

Lest there be confusion, we are not claiming that our list of iconic restaurants is the best eating via Michelin Star standards, but that restaurants on the list best represent the city they are in. It is like the Hall of Fame; longevity matters. So, without further explanation, the San Antonio 10 is…. 

Wait, Stop! We need further explanation. San Antonio is the king of Mexican food outside of Mexico, with due apologies to Laredo and Austin. There are just so many great places. So, for San Antonio, there are two San Antonio 10s- one for Tex-Mex/Mexican and one for all others.

The Mexican Food Top 10

1. Mi Tierra
2. Ray’s Drive-Inn
3. La Panaderia Bakery & Cafe
4. Garcia’s
5. Mixtli
6. La Fonda on Main
7. La Hacienda de Los Barrios
8. Rosarios
9. Blanco Cafe
10. La Fogata

The All Other Food Top 10

1. Cappy’s
2. Schilo’s
3. Bohannon’s Prime Steaks and Seafood
4. Chris Madrid’s
5. Biga on the Banks
6. Jim’s
7. Aldo’s Ristorante Italian
8. Cullum’s Attaboy
9. Barn Door Restaurant and Meat Market
10. Paesanos – Lincoln Heights

By Neighborhood:

On the River Walk

There are just short of a million restaurants on the expanded San Antonio River Walk. They all deal with a huge volume, so you will see glowing and negative reviews for each establishment. During particularly busy times, the waits can be long. All to say, plan ahead with reservations and be patient. Everyone will be happy to bring you drinks while you wait. 

You might note that while Tex-Mex food dominates the San Antonio food scene, the best of Tex-Mex list has only one on the river. The truth is that most of the Tex-Mex restaurants on the river are very good, not great. You will enjoy the meal and the margarita; the ambiance cannot be beaten. However, if you want the very best Tex-Mex food, it is wise to check elsewhere in town. That said, here are 10 great options (and then some) for a meal and a good time on the river other than Biga on the Banks for fine dining.

1. Landrace
2. Ostra
3. Domingo
4. Boudro’s Texas Bistro
5. Amble
6. Blush
7. Dorregos
8. Zocca Cuisine d’Italia
9. The Range
10. Little Rhein Prost Haus

Honorable Mention: Paesano’s River Walk, Fiume Pizzeria, Tre Trattoria, Yard House, Casa Rio, Cafe Ole, The Original Mexican Restaurant and Bar, Republic of Texas, Collette, Elsewhere, and Esquire Tavern

River Walk Nightlife: Margaritas are de rigueur on the River Walk, so almost every restaurant in the area classifies as a bar also. Most are quite good. But Texas Ten’s focus is on places that excel after dinner, the places where you are going to have the night you remember for the rest of your life. If you can remember it the next morning. On the River Walk that means:

1. Esquire Tavern
2. Durty Nelly’s Irish Pub
3. Tenfold Rooftop Bar
4. Elsewhere Kitchen & Bar
5. Waxy O’Connor’s
6. Bond’s 007 Rock Bar
7. Yard House
8. Mad Dog’s British Pub
9. Paramour at the Phipps
10. Hugman’s Oasis

Downtown

In addition to Bohannon’s, Schilo’s, and Mi Tierra, here are 10 can’t-miss selections downtown. Although close, this group is not on the River Walk, which often means less crowding and shorter wait times. The food is sensational at all of them.

1. The Fairmount Hotel (Nonna Osteria and Silo Prime)
2. Pinkerton’s
3. Stout’s Signature at the Tobin
4. Oro
5. The Golden Goose
6. Dough Pizzeria Napoletana
7. La Frite Belgian Bistro
8. Shiro
9. April’s Choice
10. La Margarita

Honorable Mention: Alfredo’s Gelato Pizza Cannoli Cafe, Poblanos, The Buckhorn Cafe, Saveurs 209, Colonial Room at the Menger, KK Thai Lao Sushi, Plantequeria, Delicious Indian Cuisine, and Guillermo’s.

Nightlife: Of course, you do not have to be on the river to have a great time. There are bars with deep history all over the place. There are new bars highlighted by great art and cosmopolitan vibes. There are ironic bars, bars next to the shows, high-class bars, and good-friends-in-low-places bars. There is a bar for you. We are sure of it. Try these until you find one that fits. 

1. Double Standard
2. Bombay Bicycle Club
3. Menger Bar
4. Hopscotch Lounge
5. Be Kind & Rewind
6. Bar 321
7. Bonham Exchange
8. Anaqua Garden Bar
9. Zinc Bistro & Bar
10. Bar 601

Southtown/King William

While Texas Ten was writing this, it is likely that another great restaurant just opened in Southtown. But of the ones we know about (and do not forget Mixtli and Rosarios already listed as Texas Ten Best Mexican food spots), here are the recommendations:

1. Battalion
2. Bliss
3. Maverick
4. Little Em’s Oyster House
5. Pharm Table
6. Bar Loretta
7. Liberty Bar
8. Blush
9. Camp Outpost
10. The Guenther House

Honorable Mention: Leche de Tigre, The Haven Southtown, The Good Kind, Casa Hernan, Hola!, Azuca, and Cascabel

Nightlife: First, all the restaurants we just listed serve killer drinks. Second, Southtown nightlife is not just at night; the “weekend-afternoon-wasting-time scene” is the best in Texas. Third. to each their own. With all due respect to the River Walk, this is the place to do your bar crawl. Our list of ten is suggestive, not authoritative.

1. Bar Loretta
2. Hermann Sons Rathskeller
3. The Friendly Spot Ice House
4. Bar America
5. Filling Station Taproom
6. Lowcountry
7. Bruno’s Dive Bar
8. Liberty Bar
9. Camp Outpost
10. Southtown Joe’s Bar

The Pearl District

Selecting a restaurant in the Pearl District can be intimidating as there is a huge variety and the eateries tend to be on the expensive side. You get the feeling that you are supposed to be a polyglot foodie, even if you are wearing socks with your sandals. Not surprising given that the Culinary Institute of America is in the Pearl District, drawing future superstar chefs from all over the world. 

Not to worry. First, this list is here to help you. Second, it is okay to like what you like. Third, the Food Hall at the Bottling Department (this really was a brewery, after all) is a great option for high-quality vittles in a relaxed atmosphere and at a reasonable price. Beyond the Food Hall, take a swing at any of these.

1. Supper
2. Cured
3. Brasserie Mon Chou Chou
4. Josephine St. Cafe
5. Best Quality Daughter
6. Savor at CIA
7. Mezquite
8. Jazz, TX
9. Southerleigh Fine Food and Brewery
10. Boiler House Texas Grill

Honorable Mention:, Isidore, Ladino, The Cove, Sancho’s Cocina & Cantina, Naco Grayson, Chika,Full Goods, NOLA Brunch & Beignets, Boiler House Texas Grill, Down on Grayson and La Gloria.

The nightlife scene in the Pearl District proper is more sophisticated. This is date night territory. Like “I want to impress my date” territory as opposed to “my date already knows I can’t afford this, so let’s just chill” date night. Not much thrash metal played here. But note that we said “Pearl District proper.” Just to the north of the Pearl District and just to the south of Olmos Park is the St. Mary’s Strip. The Strip owns the largest concentration of small music venues in the city. Close to the east of the Pearl District is Lower Broadway, also home to many tragically hip night owls. As the Strip is sort of in a netherland, we are going to credit those clubs both to the Pearl District and to Olmos Park/Alamo Heights. Therefore, the Pearl District Top 10 clubs both on and off St. Mary’s Strip and remembering Lower Broadway is close are:

Pearl District Proper:

1. Sternewirth
2. Jazz, TX
3. Easy Baby Underground
4. Stable Hall
5. Down on Grayson
6. Josephine St. Steaks & Whisky
7. Amelia Social Lounge
8. Blue Box
9. Tribute Sports Bar
10. High St. Wine Co.

St. Mary’s Strip:

1. The Lonesome Rose
2. Paper Tiger
3. The Cove
4. The Mix
5. The Amp Room
6. Little Death
7. Joey’s
8. Jandros Garden Patio
9. Hi-Tones
10. Gallery Club

Honorable Mention: Rumble, Midnight Swim, Faust Tavern, Brass Monkey, Last Caress, Neon Moon Saloon, El Buho 

Lower Broadway

The Pearl District sits right to the west of SH 281 before it intersects with I-35.  Right to the east of SH 281 is a section of Broadway Ave. a St. that travels from downtown well north to the airport. This area of Broadway is both a forerunner of and an extension of the Pearl District, with a great variety of food and nightlife on its own and basically also within walking distance of the Pearl. The price point is not inexpensive but often a notch below what you find in the Pearl.

1. Nineteen Hyaku
2. Restaurant Claudine
3. Smoke Shack BBQ
4. Postino South Broadway
5. The Newstand
6. Sam’s Burger Joint
7. Smash’d
8. Besame Bar and Food Truck Park
9. Pichana na Brasa (truck) 
10. It is a small area!

Nightlife: This is a small, developing area. Of note, Sam’s Burger Joint consistently hosts some of the best small concerts in the city and The Modernist gets raves for its intimate atmosphere, chic styling, and quality craft cocktails. 

1. Sam’s Burger Joint
2. The Modernist
3. Besame Bar & Food Truck
4. Backyard on Broadway
5. Three State Bar
6. Build it and they will come
7. Build it and they will come
8. Build it and they will come
9. Build it and they will come
10. Build it and they will come

Alamo Heights/Olmos Park/Terrell Hills

The enclaves of Olmos Park, Alamo Heights, and Terrell Hills are just north of downtown. Each is a separately incorporated city, although San Antonio surrounds the three cities. This is the “old money” part of town (more Olmos Park and Alamo Heights than Terrell Hills) with plenty of sights for fans of 20th-century architecture and boutique shopping.

F. Scott Fitzgerald  famously observed that the rich are different from you and me. He gave lots of reasons but forgot to say that they eat better. Not everyone in Alamo Heights, Olmos Park, and Terrell Hills is rich, but they definitely eat well. A location right next to the Pearl District should be enough. Yet, the locals also have La Fonda on Main, Cappy’s, Cullum’s Attaboy, Sabor Cocinabar, several Jim’s, and the Barn Door, plus a host of others, including:

1. Paladar Fusion Mexico Cuba
2. Capparelli’s on Main,
3. Carriqui
4. Tycoon Flats
5. Curry Bros. BBQ
6. Paloma Blanca
7. Full Belly Cafe & Bar
8. Taco La Gardenia
9. Demo’s Greek Food
10. Ida Claire

Honorable Mention: Sorrento Pizza & Restaurant, Pizza Classics, The Hayden, W.D. Deli & Bakery, The Winchester, Krazy Katsu, YaYa’s Thai, Piranha Izakaya, Singh’s Vietnamese, LadyBird Beer Garden, Cheesy Jane’s, Broadway 50/50, Taco Broadway, Vegan Ave. on Main, Stonewerks Grill, Yippon Ramen, ardin, Burger Boy, Augie’s Barbed Wire BBQ, Volare, Little Death, Smoke Shack Barbecue, Good Time Charlie’s

Nightlife: This area has a split personality after 7:30 pm. It borders the St. Mary’s Strip, home to dive bars and most of the city’s small live-music venues. All young and high energy. On the other hand, there is a chronologically mature yet young at heart element to the Olmos Park/Alamo Heights population. That group enjoys a more sedate, nostalgic, and upscale nightlife. Luckily, the area has plenty to accommodate all points on the spectrum.

Olmos Park/Alamo Heights/Terrell Hills:

1. Broadway 50/50
2. Hanzo
3. The Bombay Bicycle Club
4. The Winchester
5. Bar Mon Ami
6. Lady Bird Beer Garden
7. The Bang-Bang Bar
8. The Growler Exchange
9. R.D. Hidden Speakeasy
10. Cootey’s Tavern

Honorable Mention:  The Pig Pen, 2015 Place, Wild Barley Brewpub, Thirsty Camel Bar, The Base Line Bar, 

Far Northwest San Antonio (UTSA, Fiesta Texas, La Cantera)

At the intersection of 1604 and I-10 sits the new San Antonio with three big economic drivers-The University of Texas at San Antonio, Fiesta Texas, and the retail juggernaut around the La Cantera Resort, including the Shops at La Cantera and The RIM Shopping Center. The countryside in the area is Hill Country perfect, and there are many high-end residential developments stretching in a solid line to at least Boerne. The money has drawn every chain restaurant known to mankind, particularly the upscale type. In addition, it is a popular spot for many classic San Antonio restaurants to open an additional location. 

This list focuses on dining experiences unique to the area, followed by a list of “additional locations.” The chains can fend for themselves. Of course, we had listed Aldo’s as one of the best in San Antonio.  Also, do not sleep on the recommendations for the Heights neighborhoods just to the south as they are close and more “Old School San Antonio.”

1. Dining at La Cantera Resort
2. Rudy’s BBQ-Leon Springs Location
3. Sustenio Restaurant & Bar
4. Luciano Ristorante Italian
5. ACU Bistro Bar
6. Yozora Japanese
7. Fralo’s Pizza
8. Tardif’s,
9. Roca & Martello
10. Mae Dunne

Honorable Mention: Tiago’s Cabo Grill, Kin Thai & Sushi, Noodle Tree, Luxor Mediterranean, Bakuden Ramen, UNI’KO Japanese House, B-Daddy’s BBQ, and  Alamo Biscuit Co.

Outposts (Additional locations of restaurants mentioned elsewhere): Box St. All Day, Southerleigh Haute South, Mi Familia at the RIM, Bakery Lorraine, Ming’s at La Cantera, La Panaderia, La Fogata Comida, Paesanos 1604, Silo Terrace

Nightlife: One word here-Helotes. Helotes is a town just to the west of La Cantera. Once a rural outpost, then a suburb, and now part of San Antonio, the area has kept its “we are no doubt in Texas” atmosphere. That authenticity comes in large part from the presence of John T. Floore’s Country Store, one of the all time great Honky Tonks. We mean Willie once had a regular gig there so its bona fides are unmatched. It is just as great as when Willie was gigging and understandably heads our list. But there are bars of all types for you to enjoy in this area.

1. John T. Floore’s Country Store
2. George’s Keep
3. Sire Bar
4. Rock & Rye
5. Helotes Country Club and Beer Garden
6. Hills and Dales Icehouse
7. The Edison Experiment
8. Bar 301
9. St. Peters
10. Camp 1604

Honorable Mention: Deol Bar & Grill, The Silver Fox

Westside (Seaworld)

San Antonio’s west side has two dominant influences: Seaworld and Lackland Air Force Base. Close to Seaworld is the Hill Country Hyatt Resort.  Outside of the resort, the eating scene tends to be more utilitarian and price-conscious. Jim’s offers three location in the area, on Marbach, at 302 Loop 1604, and 6107 Loop 1604. 

1. Henry’s Puffy Tacos Cantina
2. Elise Cuisine
3. Viola’s Ventana
4. Hill Country Hyatt Resort
5. The Jerk Shack
6. Sichuan House
7. Tripoli’s
8. Babe’s Old-Fashioned Food
9. Rocoto’s Grill
10. Stixs & Stones

Honorable Mention: Mattenga’s Pizzeria, Mad Pecker Brewing Company, Dr. Banh Mi, Big Z Burger Joint, Umberto’s Italian Grill, Biryani Bowl, El Bucanero, and MIna & Dimi’s,

Outposts (additional locations of restaurants mentioned elsewhere): Longhorn Cafe, Sea Island Shrimp House, Burger Boy, and Pasha

Nightlife: just as Helotes is a little to the west of the La Cantera area, it is a little to the north of the West Side, but close enough to count. And Helotes is awesome for Texas-style nightlife, headlined by John T. Floore’s Country Store. Beyond that, expect casual spots with outdoor options.

1. John T. Floore’s Country Store
2. The Rusty Nail
3. Helotes Country Club and Beer Garden
4. Stetson Bar
5. 151 Saloon
6. Mad Pecker Brewing Co.
7. The Yard @ 1224
8. Charlie’s Long Bar
9. St. Peters
10. Serna’s Backyard Sports Bar

Honorable Mention: Chifladas, Tree House Burgers and Brew, Deol Bar II, 90 Proof Bar & Grill. In addition there are locations of the San Antonio bar chains Big Hops and Stout House in the area.  

By the Airport

If you fly into San Antonio, you debark on the north-central side of town. Just to the South is Loop 410, the inner loop around the city. A bit to the north is Loop 1604, the outer loop to the city. Connecting these loops is SH 281. This area was the first option of the upwardly mobile for northern expansion as the city began to expand in the late 1960’s. There are still some well-heeled neighborhoods and a lot of middle-class ones. The highways described above make sure there is a ton of foot traffic. So, while the area lacks tourist destinations, there are many great restaurants, most of which have been established for decades. 

1. Clementine
2. Comfort Cafe
3. Max & Louie’s New York Diner
4. El Mirasol
5. Zito’s
6. Las Azulejos
7. Myron’s Prime
8. Mama’s Cafe
9. Lucy Cooper’s Ice House
10. The Last Slice Pizza

Honorable Mention: Blanco BBQ, Fidelo’s Mexican, Sabor Mexico Express, Ro-Ho Pork & Bread, Dashi Sichuan, Bushwood BBQ, John the Greek, and Pacific Moon 

Outposts (additional locations of restaurants mentioned elsewhere): Burger Boy, El Bucanero, and The Hayden.

Nightlife: The bars in this area take their cues from Cheers. They are generally small, “everybody knows your name” places. Elegance is going to be an exception, but honest drinks are the rule. 

1. The Hangar
2. Fitzgerald’s Bar & Live Music
3. Thirsty Horse Dance Hall & Saloon
4. 502 Bar
5. Barflys
6. Charlie Brown’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill
7. Evil Olive
8. The Three Legged Monkey
9. Marty’s Cocktails
10. Hidden Tavern

Honorable Mention: Paseo Bar, McFinnigans, Rookies Too Bar & Grill, Schooners Sports Bar, Sir Winston’s Pub, Coco Beach, Crazy Ape, Mitchell’s Sports Bar.    In addition there is a location for the budding Lucy Cooper’s Icehouse empire as well as a Big Hops.

Stone Oak Area 

Over the last several decades, San Antonio has expanded in all directions, but primarily to the North. SH 281 is the real spine of Texas and it goes right through San Antonio.  Following that road north out of San Antonio takes you past much of the newer development and towards the recreational opportunities in Comal County and the Hill Country Lakes. The area is home to the northern locations for the Baptist and Methodist hospital systems and close to the large J.W. Marriott resort. Stone Oak Pkwy. is the busiest of the boulevards where large developments have sprung up, thus the general name for the area. While here there are great options, including the already-mentioned La Hacienda de Los Barrio and a Jim’s outpost, specifically the Blanco Road location. 

1. Blu Prime Steakhouse
2. Panfila Cantina
3. Longhorn Cafe
4. Cuishe Cocina Mexicana
5. Fork & Bowl American Bistro
6. Aldino at the Vineyard
7. Sushishima Japanese
8. Jerusalem Grill
9. Trilogy Pizza
10. Mian Noodles & Dumplings

Honorable Mention: Popo Pizzeria Trattoria, Aldaco’s Mexican, Arenas Marisquerias Lounge, Guero’s Taco Diner, Toro Kitchen and Bar, and Costa Pacifica  

Outposts (Additional locations of restaurants mentioned elsewhere): Curry Boys BBQ, Silo 1604, Stonewerks (The Vineyard), Taqueria Datapoint, Pasha

Nightlife: The money and the buildings are newer in this area. So think comfortable bars or updated patio settings with live music on a Sunday afternoon. But one of Texas Ten’s favorites in the whole city is in the far northern part of the area that has history behind it, proving that you can still get that country feel pretty close to the big city. Plenty of live music also. If you get this far north, check out the many great places in Bulverde and Spring Branch in Comal County. 

1. Spechts Texas
2. Stone Terrace Gastropub
3. ShinDig
4. Copa Wine Bar
5. The Roo Pub
6. The Green Lantern
7. The Hollow
8. The Hoppy Monk
9. Qulture
10. Puzzles Tavern

Also locations for locations for Stout House 

Central Loop 

There is a sliver of San Antonio roughly defined as west of Olmos Park, east of I-10 and south of Loop 410. At the north end of this slice isNorth Star Mall, which is a surprisingly healthy example of mall shopping, circa second-half of the 20th century. The neighborhoods to the south of the mall are middle-class residential. The main thoroughfares are full of places where the middle-class shops. Thus, not a ton of tourist activity other than vacationing Mexicans who like to shop at North Star, given its proximity to the airport. But if you are hungry in this area (which is centrally located and close to the airport, downtown, and Alamo Heights/Olmos Park) you can score some great food. Blanco Cafe and Chris Madrid’s are on our overall Top Ten lists because they excel at what they do-great, simple food at great, simple prices with great, simple service.  You have many other options for the same idea.

1. Sea Island Shrimp House
2. Julia’s Bistro & Bar
3. La Hacienda Tamales
4. Los Barrios
5. Gold Feather
6. Wrigleyville
7. Beacon Hill Market & Deli
8. Mr. Teriyaki
9. Picknikins
10. Teka Molina

Honorable mention: Mediterranean Turkish Grill, Oblate Cafe, Sawasdee Thai Cuisine, Niki Tokyo Inn, SP Cafe Vietnamese, Miguelito’s, La Revolución, Lonchería El Popo, Las Nieves Fruit Cups & More,, Tlacho, and the Dogfather. 

Outposts (additional locations of restaurants already listed): Dough Pizzeria Napoletana

Nightlife: To be truthful, this is not a real nightlife part of the city. There are chain brew pubs near the malls and Loop 410, but if you want a more authentic experience you will be choosing from three great, but smaller spots: The Martini Club, Cootey’s Tavern, or a location of Slacker’s Sports Bar.

The Near Northwest

As the city moves west from its primary north/south artery (SH 281) you get more and more of an old-school feel. Small ranch-style houses, old motor courts, and strip centers of either mid-century modern or art deco design dot the landscape. This area is nestled between two of San Antonio’s biggest tourist attractions in Seaworld and Fiesta Texas; is not far from the downtown with its many attractions; and is also close to three huge employers in USAA, Lackland Air Force Base and a medical center. Yet, modern development has escaped the Northwest side. 

That means plenty of old-school eateries. Texas Ten heartily recommends a good meal before or following a round at Cool Crest Golf as one of the great authentic San Antonio experiences. Besides La Fogata, Garcia’s and Jim’s (Hillcrest location), here are some great options.

1. The Original Donut Shop
2. Creppeccino Cafe & Creperie
3. Sichuan House
4. De Wese’s Tip-Top Cafe
5. El Remedio Mexican Kitchen
6. Ray’s Pizza & Gelato
7. Chunky’s Burgers
8. King of Shawarma and Halal
9. The Hut Diner
10. Magnolia Pancake Haus

Honorable Mention: Sabores Cali-Baja Mexican Grill, El Buen Gusto Mexican Grill, Maria Bonita Mexican Restaurant, Zeke’s BBQ Smokehouse, Crystal’s Cafe, The Lighthouse Seafood, Suck It The Restaurant, Noppagao Thai Cuisine, Mencius Gourmet Hunan, Makan Halal Cuisine, Afghan Kabob House, Afghan Village, El Paraiso Ice Cream, Oak Hills Tavern, Luby’s, El Pastor es mi Senor, Kung Fu Noodle, Adelita Tamales, B-Daddy’s BBQ, Sar-Sari Supper Club, Dallah Mediterranean, Papouli’s Greek Grill, Pasha, Zaatar Lebanese Grill, Taquitos West Ave, Henry’s Puffy Tacos, Taqueria Datapoint, and Chester’s Hamburgers

Outposts (additional locations of restaurants listed elsewhere): Babe’s Old-Fashioned Foods, Blanco Cafe. 

Nightlife: In keeping with the old-school vibe to the area, the night life and day-drinking scene focuses on established, cozy bars that celebrate their dive status, as well as plenty of ice-house style beer gardens. Nothing pretentious but there are a few large sports bars and a great dance club.  If your goal is a chill good time where you can hear you and your companions talk, we have plenty of options.

1. Oak Hills Tavern
2. The Hop Doctor
3. Gibson’s Tavern
4. Black Potion
5. The Urban Yard Bar
6. Industry Dance Club
7. Boneheadz Sports Pub
8. Whiskey Smith
9. The Lucky Rabbit
10. Wurzbach Ice House

Honorable Mention: Bash Hideaway, Who’s Who Cocktails, My Bar, Callaghan’s Ice House, O’Malley’s Irish Pub, R & R Tavern, Urban Cocktail, I-10 Icehouse, The Hop Doctor

Eastside 

Just to the east of I-37 in downtown San Antonio is the Alamodome. Approximately three and a half miles farther east is Joe Freeman Coliseum, home to the rodeo, and Frost Bank Center, home to the San Antonio Spurs. San Antonio refers to this area as the “Arena District,” and the area is the center of San Antonio’s Eastside. Obviously those large venues regularly draw large crowds. For some reason the crowds retreat to the River Walk, downtown, and points north for the pre- and post-game eating and merriment. 

The crowds are missing out. San Antonio’s east side has a vibrant food scene most notable for housing most of the city’s best barbecue, soul food and Southern “down home” cooking. If you want to find the place you can talk about with fond affection that other travelers to San Antonio have missed, this is your hunting ground. 

1. 2M Smokehouse
2. Chatman’s Chicken
3. The Magpie
4. Ma Harper’s Kitchen & Creole
5. BBQ Life By Chris
6. Ruben’s Homemade Tamales
7. Sweet Yams
8. Radickes Bluebonnet Grille
9. Black Laboratory Brewing
10. Dignowity Meats

Honorable Mention: Pollo Asados Los Nortenos, Mark’s Outing, Tony G’s Soul Food, Pancho’s  & Gringo’s, Tank’s Pizza, Mittman Fine Foods, Wen Wah, Texas Burger Co. Nairobi Grill, The Ridge at the Hill, Lung Fung Chinese, Snow Island What U Want Southern Foods, The Dakota East Side Ice House, Chas Market & Kitchen, Burleson Yard Beer Garden, The Smokehouse, Con Huevos Tacos, Angel’s Mexican Haven

Outposts (Additional locations of restaurants mentioned elsewhere)   Cuishe Cocina Mexicana, Burger Boy, Thai Lucky

Nightlife: The Alamodome is the dominant building on San Antonio’s east side; it makes sense that the nightlife congregates around a building that holds 70,000 people. St. Paul’s Square is the focal point, but it is undergoing a bit of transition at present. Texas Ten does not understand why there are not more pregame and postgame spots near Frost Center, the Spurs’ home.  Perhaps we will see the area blossom when Wembayan reaches his full potential. Until then, here are your Eastside opportunities:

1. The Dakota East Side Ice House
2. La Ruina
3. The Cherrity Bar
4. Pastiche
5. Lilly’s Greenville
6. Burleson Yard
7. Boxcar Bar
8. Alibi’s Sports Bar & Grill
9. Gembler’s BarnYard

Honorable Mention: Francis Bogside-Anne’s-Blayne’s (these are long-time favorites that deserve a higher ranking, but the ownership group has announced plans to rebrand; we will see what happens); Sanchez Ice House II, Alchemy.  

Southside

As of the 2020 census, San Antonio is the largest city in the United States with a majority Hispanic population. That influence is of course, throughout the town, but the heart of Hispanic culture is on San Antonio’s southside. If you want the real stuff; the true hole-in-the-wall greatness, look no further. There are many, many places you will remember.

1. Rolando’s Super Taco
2. Del Rio Tortilla Factory
3. Rudy’s Seafood
4. Bobbie’s Cafe
5. Birria Barrio
6. Che’s Chicken & Burgers
7. Sherry’s Texan
8. Georgia’s Mexican Restaurant
9. Mendez Cafe
10. Trailblazer Cafe

Honorable Mention: El Chunky, Kunstler Brewing, El Taco Huevon, Cuba 1918, Pollos Asados Don Jose, Bar-B-Q Republic, Linda’s Cafe, Mad Mack’s Burgers, B & B Smokehouse, Brenda’s Burgers, B & B Tamales, Blue Moon Mexican BreakfaSt. Las Cazuelas, La Chinta’s, El Coqui, El Puesto, El Sol, Las Islas Marias, Tortilleria La Grande, Pho Garden, Rosie’s Cafe, Silver Star Cafe, Tamale Boy Tacos and Tamales, and Uncle Barney’s Old-Fashioned Hamburgers

Outposts (additional locations of restaurants mentioned elsewhere): Burger Boy, Caparelli’s

Nightlife: There must be some sort of rule that if you are opening a bar on San Antonio’s Southside, you must name it a sports bar. They are all over and play home to die-hard fans of The Cowboys, El Tri, and of course, the beloved Spurs. Here are your best bets:

1. Kuenstler Brewing
2. Pecan Grove Drive Inn
3. Shady Lady Saloon
4. R & J Saloon
5. El Luchador
6. The Aquaduck Beer Garden
7. Mustang’s Sally’s Bar
8. Thirsty’s San Antonio
9. B & N Sports Bar
10. Billy’s Bar 47

Honorable Mention:  The Steer, Destiny Sports Bar, Gone Fishing Sports Bar, 1102 Sports Bar, EXL Sports Bar, Coco Loco Sports Bar, Silverado Sports Bar, Tee Time Sports Bar. Also a location for Stout House.

Northeast and Suburbs 

The northeast side is the entry and exit point to San Antonio for many who travel by car as themuch-traveled I-35 funnels millions up and down the San Antonio-Austin corridor or to closer cities like New Braunfels and San Marcos. Outside the city limits on the east you will pass by Schertz, Selma, Converse, and Universal City which surround Randolph Air Force Base while Garden Ridge and tiny Bracken are to the West. Once inside loop 410 the city is a mix of light industrial and middle-class residential.  

Chances are that you will be traveling through or on business while in the area. Fine dining is not going to be a regular occurrence, but you can still eat really well.

1. Oak Valley Vineyards (Garden Ridge)
2. Grumpy’s Mexican Cafe (Garden Ridge)
3. At the JW  Marriott Resort (San Antonio)
4. Mia Marco’s Pizza (Selma)
5. Barbecue Station (San Antonio)
6. The Purple Pig BBQ (Schertz)
7. Happy Day Cafe (Universal City)
8. Bracken Store  & Ice House (Bracken)
9. Mama Maggie’s Restaurant and Bar (San Antonio)
10. Bella Sera Italian Restaurant (Universal City)

Honorable Mention: Noy’s Bistro (Universal City), Four Kings (Universal City), Bayseas Restaurant (Universal City), Big Aloha’s Ali’i Cove (Universal City), Los Tapatíos Taco Shop (Universal City), Mahal’s Kitchen (Universal City), My Chockdee Oriental Market (Universal City), Thai Ocha (Universal City), Gather Brewing Co. (Universal City),, Taqueria Mariscos El Marinero (Universal City), Melanie’s Cafe (Universal City), 375 Social Kitchen (Selma), Thai Spice Sushi & Hitachi (Selma), Ginza Ramen & Poke (Selma), Siam Cuisine (Schertz), Izumi Sushi & Hibachi (Schertz), Garcia’s Mexican (Schertz), Pollos El Gallo (Garden Ridge), 46th St. Pizzeria (Garden Ridge). Bracken Creekside Saloon (Bracken), The Big Bib BBQ (San Antonio), Arirang Korean (San Antonio) Birria Estilo Jalisco (San Antonio), Salsalito Cantina (San Antonio), Pompeii’s Italian Grill (San Antonio), Mi Rancho Alegre (San Antonio), Molino Rojo Cafe (San Antonio), Trevino’s Barbacoa (San Antonio), Los Adelitas El Pacifico (San Antonio)

Outposts (Additional locations of restaurants mentioned elsewhere): Longhorn Cafe, Dog Father, Sea Island, Papouli’s Greek, Pasha, Mattenga’s Pizzeria, Magnolia Pancake House, Caparilli’s, Babe’s Old-Fashioned Foods, Burger Boy. and three separate opportunities to have a Western Burger at Jim’s.

Nightlife: If you are looking to spend an afternoon or evening partying, the far Northeast side of the city offers a surprising number of options, hitting just about any sophistication level you want. This one is tough to rate so you better try them all.  

1. Bluebonnet Palace
2. High Velocity and Crooked Branch at the J.W. Marriott
3. Oak Valley Vineyards Tasting Room
4. Gather Brewing Co.
5. Bracken (Hanging Tree Saloon/Bracken Creekside/Bracken Store & Ice House)
6. The Hidden Grove
7. Our Glass Lounge
8. JT’s Sports Bar & Grill
9. Deer Crossing Saloon
10. Cowboys Dancehall

Honorable Mention: Bar 1899, The Ticket Sports Bar & Grill, Two Rivers Tavern

Lots of places is the answer. Before we get to the specifics, let’s talk about general areas. Texas Ten thinks if you are looking for something unique, your best shot is shopping in the Pearl District, particularly during market days on the weekend, when scores of outdoor vendors complement the brick-and-mortar stores. For higher-end general retail, the favorite is the outdoor mall at La Cantera and the nearby Rim Shopping Center. The Quarry in Alamo Heights is another popular destination. North Star Mall in the city center is a good option also. For essential San Antonio tourist items to take home to the kids, try Market Square, a/k/a the Mercado downtown. Finally, if you want art or quirky, visit Southtown. 

By category, here are our suggestions:

Antiques, Vintage and Memorabilia– 

Alamo Antique Mall is the one must visit if recycling old things is your interest. Three stories, well organized, and with a wide variety of items, you can spend days there. North Star Antiques and Interiors offers eclectic and high-quality items.  Vogt Auctions is what the name implies: an auction house. Sort of the Sotheby’s of South Texas with great access to ranch and hill country items. Antiques on Broadway enjoys the unique advantage of being plugged into the Olmos Park and Alamo Heights estate sale world and its offerings reflect that fact. Mid-Century Modern enthusiasts have their own little paradise at Mod Pad Modern Furniture. The same goes for Contact Modern. Music informs many but not all of the great pieces at La Segunda Bartique & Gallery, and they have food and drink service to boot!

For the more budget-conscious, vintage instead of antique shopper, great deals can be had at Ironsides, Antiques on Hildebrand, Armadillo Antiques N More and Karolina’s.

Art Galleries

This all depends on the number of zeros you can put on a check. For all of us in the one or two zero range, the place to start is Blue Star in Southtown, which is a complex offering a variety of art. You can spend more obviously, but Texas Ten likes to buy art that is only vaguely acquainted with the expensive stuff, so Blue Star is perfect for us. Also in Southtown are Caliente Hot Glass (keep an eye on the kids while shopping here), Southtown Art Gallery, and Dock Space. Great and affordable art has long been a staple of La Villita. There is no better place to find pieces representative of San Antonio’s culture. The area is being “re-imagined,” so there is quite a bit of dust and noise and you have to work to get to the shops. Hopefully, we will all come out great on the other side. We have already mentioned Hopscotch as a museum to visit, but their store has many eye-catching items. 

If you just inherited a ranch, Hunt Gallery is the place to find what will go well on the walls.  Other fine art stops (this is three zeros and up) include AnArte Gallery, Ruiz Healy Art, and Presa House. San Antonio Artists Collective and Art Incorporated each showcase local works in a range of prices. 

Boutiques

Again, there are several options at the Pearl. But do not stop there! Each of the following get raves from people acquainted with Vogue: Bohemian Gemme and Style Therapy in Southtown; Chic’tique, Couleur & Blinde, Penny Lane, and Moss (designer consignment) in Alamo Heights; Julian Gold Fashion and Lifestyle and Meadow in Olmos Park; and Eye Candy in the near Northwest side. 

But our favorite is so, so San Antonio. Fiesta Couture is the place to go to find the 21st Century take on the classic Mexican dress. More traditional Mexican dresses are at House of Mexican Imports. For Fiesta accessories try La Casa Frida. 

Belles & Beaux is one of the best-appointed children’s stores Texas Ten has shopped in. We love to shop for our grands, and this store in Sunset Village is just the best for grandkid spoiling.

Independent Bookstores

Texas Ten loves nothing better than browsing a bookstore made for browsing. Barnes and Noble serves a purpose, but discovery is not it. San Antonio has a great selection of cozy nooks to find your next great read that is not on the bestseller list.

The Twig Bookshop at Pearl,  Nowhere Bookshop and Cheever Books in Alamo Heights, Pandora’s Bookshop and Coffe Bar downtown, Neotopia Books in central San Antonio, Nine Lives Books in northwest San Antonio, and Crazy Lady Used Books & Emporium in northeast San Antonio all fit that bill.

You can great deals for a good cause shopping at the Book Cellar, which sells used books out of San Antonio Library system’s inventory.

Western Wear

Define “Western.” Most people default to cowboy, but cowboys descended from Vaqueros. So, we opt for anything you would see on a ranch in South Texas. With that in mind, start at Penner’s downtown, a menswear institution for over a century. In particular, their guayabera shirts are the best.  Paris Hatters, also downtown, is just as iconic. Started in 1917 and still family owned, you can get your top and bottom cowboy perfect with the best hats and boots Texas can offer. For the full American cowboy experience, Outlaws Western Wear near the airport gets an A+ for men’s and women’s clothing. There are two Lucchese stores (one at the Quarry and one at La Cantera) worth stopping just to smell the leather. Gil’s Boots and Western Wear on the east side are great if you plan to actually work in your new duds. Wandering Cowboys on the west side and Cowtown Boots on the northwest side also get high marks. 

Vinyl Records

Texas Ten grew up spending Saturday afternoons at the sound warehouse on San Pedro. Alas, that chain is no more but you can recreate those idyllic afternoons at a host of places in the city. In alphabetical order, try the following:

Alamo Reocrds and Sheet Music (Downtown)

Batcave Vinyl (Airport Area)

CD Sam (Near Northwest in Wonderland Mall)

Crazy Rhythyms Vinyl Records (Alamo Heights)

Crescent Moon Music and Collectibles (Central Loop)

Del Bravo Records (Westside)

Flagship Records (Northeast)

Flip Side Record Parlor (Southside)

Friends of Sound Records (Central Loop Area)

Hogwild Records (Olmos Park)

Janie’s Records (Near Northwest)

Music Connection (Westside)

Retro Records 210 (Central Loop San Antonio)

Southtown Vinyl (uh, Southtown)

The Spin Coffee & Vinyl (NortheaSt. second location of a Dallas store)

Unique and Miscellaneous

Grey Moon Vintage is just cool. No telling what you might find, so we are going to recommend it rather than describe it.  Hyped Goods is for sneakerheads and vintage tee lovers. Broadway Pin-Ups celebrates vintage clothing and accessories associated with the Pin-up Girls era. You cannot beat Bird & Pear for a unique gift or memento. Sunset & Co. is one-stop shopping of sorts. You can purchase beautiful china, children’s clothing, women’s & men’s clothing, unique gifts, and hardware!

San Antonio is an in-demand convention city and a huge tourist draw.  It makes sense that every type of accommodation is available, assuming a little advance planning. In this category Texas Ten focuses on those places that give an authentic experience connected to the River City’s history and culture. For hotels, this is the “wallet blind” list:

1. Hotel Emma
2. The Saint Anthony
3. La Cantera Resort and Spa
4. Hotel Havana
5. The Menger Hotel
6. Hotel Contessa
7. Mokara Hotel & Spa
8. The Emily Morgan
9. The Fairmount Hotel
10. Omni La Mansion Del Rio

Honorable Mention: Hotel Valencia River Walk, Eilan Hotel & Spa, The Gunter Hotel.

All of the above are full-service hotels and then some. If you are looking for a Bed & Breakfast type experience, pick from these eight: King William Manor, Noble Inns (Multiple options), Brackenridge House, O’Casey’s Boutique Inn, A Yellow Rose Bed & Breakfast. Inn on the River Walk, Arbor House Inn & Suites, Bullis House Inn.

Of course, VRBO’s are throughout the city: 

Downtown and River Walk

Seaworld

Fiesta Texas

San Antonio is urban by definition, making close-in RV parks and campgrounds more of a rarity. If you want a spot close to the attractions, plan ahead.

For Downtown, the River Walk, Alamo Heights/Olmos Park, and Southtown: Traveler’s World, San Antonio/Alamo KOA Holiday, Mission City RV Park, Ft. Sam Houston RV Park (for active duty and military retirees)

For Seaworld: Sun Retreats San Antonio West. Admiralty RV, Dominion Oaks RV Park, Tejas Valley RV Park, Fam Camp (for active duty and military retirees), Westhill Mobile Home & RV Park, Hidden Valley RV Park, Alamo River RV Resort & Campground, Lost Woods Campground

For Fiesta Texas: Helotes Creek RV Park, Lost Woods Campground, Oak Hills RV Park

Rural settings-More country feels are available on the city’s outskirts, with the majority of locations being on the far south and southwestern reaches of the city: Hidden Valley RV Park, Alamo River RV Resort & Campground, Lost Woods Campground, Yanawan Camp RV, Braunig Lake RV Resort, Greenlake RV Resort, Waterview RV Park. On the north side, there is Stone Creek RV Park.

Fiesta, Fiesta, Fiesta! From late April to early May each year, the city explodes in a whirlwind of color, food, music, and tradition. All to celebrate Texas Independence from Mexico in 1836. There are three large parades (The Battle of Flowers, the Flambeau, and the River Parade) and NIOSA, or Night in Old San Antonio for the uninitiated. Other than New Orleans’ Mardi Gras, this might be America’s best party.

Every February, the cowboys and cowgirls takeover with the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo. Three weeks of top-flight rodeo, great concerts, and fairs, all kicked off with the stock drive parade. 

Christmas on the River Walk is one of the spectacular Texas Christmas experiences, with the iconic setting bejeweled in holiday lights. It all kicks off with the Holiday River Parade. You may have gotten the correct impression that San Antonio loves parades. 

It’s not surprising that, given the city’s rich Hispanic Heritage, Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) offers more great color and folk art experiences. German heritage also plays a huge role in San Antonio’s history. That fact is celebrated at OktoberFest each year from late September to early October. 

If you happen to be in San Antonio from late February through March 6, make sure to take part in the annual retelling of the Battle of the Alamo, the event that makes the city famous throughout the world.Those are just the tip-top highlights. There is always a celebration in Texas’ River City.

If playing 18 (or 36) is one of your favorite activities, San Antonio is one of your favorite cities. Start with San Antonio’s eight municipal courses, one of which (the San Pedro facility) is a Par 3 and another (Cedar Creek) just finishing renovations. The others offer a wide range of experiences. Check them all out at the Alamo Golf Trail. 

Foremost among the municipals is the delightful Brackenridge Park Course in the heart of the city. The oldest public course in Texas and the first inductee into the Texas Golf Hall of Fame hosted the Texas Open (San Antonio’s PGA tour stop) for 38 years sprang from the mind of one of the country’s great early golf course architects, A. W. Tillinghast, who counts some of the world’s most iconic courses among his achievements.

If you want to play where the current pros play while in town, you have several opportunities. The TPC San Antonio is the current host of the Valero Texas Open and offers 36-holes of challenging and beautiful golf in a resort setting. Before the tour made its way to TPC San Antonio, it was at La Cantera Resort & Spa and the J. W. Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa. Both resorts are spectacular and so are their courses, annually rated among the very best in Texas. 

Other high-level courses that do not require membership are The Quarry, Hill Country Golf Course at the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort, Golf Club of Texas, Silverhorn, Canyon Springs, and Olympia Hills.

For those who “know somebody,” San Antonio’s country clubs also offer some outstanding tracks. Chief among them is Oak Hills Country Club, another Tillinghast design that hosted the Texas Open for decades. Dominion Country Club, The Club at Sonterra, Briggs Ranch, Fair Oaks Ranch (available to members of the Invited club network), and the exclusive San Antonio Country Club are all great. 

For value courses, there is Windcrest Golf Club (nine holes), and Oak Valley Golf (nine-hole par 3 in Helotes).   Finally, for active-duty and retired military, there are premium courses at Fort Sam Houston (36 holes), Randolph, and Lackland. Non-Department of Defense players are welcome with a sponsored pass.

San Antonio assumed its role as the primary city in the Spanish province of Tejas based on its location in relation to trade routes. Not much has changed centuries later as the city today sits at the intersection of Texas’ two biggest highways, I-10 on the east/west route and I-35 on the north/south route. A trio of other state highways (SH 16, SH 281, and SH181) bisect the city generally from north to south. Depending on where you are driving from, you will probably enter the city on one of those interstates or state highways. 

That intersection occurs in south central Texas at the north end of the Rio Grande Valley. San Antonio is about 2 hours and twenty minutes of driving time south/southeast of the state’s geographic center, Brady, Texas. 

If you are flying to San Antonio, it has a major international airport serviced by most carriers. Smaller craft can make use of a variety of facilities, including Stinson Field, Midlake Airport (Elmendorf), Cross B Airport, Boerne Stage Airfield (Boerne to the northwest), Bulverde Airpark (Bulverde due north of the the city), Kestrel Air Park (Spring Branch, due north of the city), San Geronimo Airpark in northwest San Antonio, Twin Oaks Airport in north San Antonio, New Braunfels National Airport (New Braunfels northeast of the city), Castroville Municipal Airport (Castroville west of the city); and Pleasanton Municipal Airport to the south of the city. 

More than 10,000 years ago, the earliest inhabitants of Béxar County came from the Clovis culture, which is said to be the ancestors of all Native American cultures. In recent history, however, this area was inhabited by Coahuiltecans, Tonkawas, Comanches, and Lipan Apaches.

In May 1718, Martin de Alarcón, a Spanish Conquistador, led an expedition with ten families and seventy-two others, establishing Mission San Antonio de Valero and Presidio San Antonio de Béxar. He called it this in honor of the Spanish dukes from the family Béxar (pronounced Bāy-har). This villa was to become the most essential town in Spanish Texas. 

From the time that the mission and presidios were first built, local Comanche and Lipan Apache Natives would raid them. Reports indicate that as many as one-quarter of the Mission population died in the first ten years due to these attacks, which continued until a truce was signed in 1749.  Though there were occasional raids, nothing ever compared to those in the earliest days of settlement again.  

In 1731, settlers from the Canary Islands arrived and established the first Spanish municipality of Texas, San Fernando de Béxar, with San Antonio as its capital.  Complex irrigation systems were set up around the missions, allowing farmlands to flourish for subsistence. It wasn’t until 1793 that the mission area became more secularized, and communities emerged.  Though Anglos came to settle in San Antonio, it remained primarily Mexican throughout the Texas Revolution.  

This area and the mission, in particular, were central to many of the Revolutionary Conflicts, including the in December 1835, the first major campaign of the Texas Revolution. Two months later, many residents fled during the Runaway Scrape when news spread of Mexicans gathering on the Rio Grande and didn’t return until after Texas had joined the Union. One month later, the famed Battle of the Alamo occurred in March 1836 and symbolized determination and sacrifice. 

The organization of Mexican municipalities, four in total stretching as far west as El Paso, lasted until the end of the Revolution when these areas were converted to counties. December 1836, the official establishment of Béxar County occured with San Antonio designated as its county seat.

However, Texan and Mexican forces continued to fight over this area as late as 1842, six years after the Revolution. 

As of 1844, the population was a mere 1,000. Populations began to increase as religious groups sought to settle in the area. Presbyterians arrived first in 1847, Methodists and Episcopalians in 1850, and by 1861, Lutherans and Baptists had also moved into the area, establishing congregations and building small churches.  The economy was much the same as in Spanish and Mexican rule.  Subsistence agriculture and livestock ranching accounted for the majority of income generations.  Oats, beans, and other vegetables were the most important crops, and this remained so throughout the Civil War.  Trade was the primary source of revenue, with several German Mercantile establishments present, but there was little to no industry in this area.  Enslaved people played a minor role in the economy in this part of Texas and, by 1860, accounted for less than 10% of the County’s population.  Bexar County, with its German immigrant population, was the center of antislavery sentiments but still managed to rally a vote of 827 to 709 in favor of secession.  Bexar County escaped much of the destruction during the Civil War but had to deal with Confederate currency, cattle rustling, and other crimes committed by Union sympathizers.  In the Reconstruction years, Union forces occupied the County, land values fell, and sanitation suffered, which was dramatically affected by a cholera outbreak in 1866, but San Antonio remained strong in commercial and military areas.

The economy fully recovered in the early 1870s when the great cattle drives started. Due to its central location, Bexar County became the original “Texas cattle kingdom.” At the same time, the high price of wool and the low cost of land spurred the development of the sheep ranching industry.  The economy was further improved by the addition of the railroad and the rapid growth this created in the late 1870s. With a second railway line added in 1881, The Great Northern created more prosperity, changing the demographics and appearance of San Antonio.  By the 1890s, San Antonio had numerous businesses, factories, and foundries, contributing to further economic growth and diversity and doubling the existing farms and cattle ranches. Oil was discovered in 1889, and production contributed almost thirty-three million barrels for the next century.

The end of WWI brought immigrants from Belgium and, with them, large-scale truck farming. Corn, cane, oats, fruits, and vegetables added to the County’s bottom line with an increase in tenant farmers and were also a significant source of dairy and poultry products. However, all of this was significantly impacted by the Great Depression and the devastating arrival of boll weevils. 

WWII created more military arsenals, training bases, and an important center for Aviation Cadet training.  Kelly Field became one of the chief employers during that time, leading to veterans settling in the area after the war.  San Antonio attracted colleges, universities, and two military medical research centers, eventually leading to a sizeable veteran retirement population.

By the 1980s, bottling, brewing, bookbinding, lumber and steel milling, clothing manufacturing, and other non-farm-related endeavors had taken over the economy. Tourism has become the primary nongovernmental job provider, with numerous museums, theme parks, and natural areas attracting large crowds yearly.

Like most Texas towns, Bexar County remained predominantly Democratic until the 1950s. Though Democrats enjoyed a majority in the 1960 election, political landscapes and sentiments changed through the 1960s and 1970s. Bill Clinton upset the trend in 1992 and 1996, but Republicans again gained the upper hand ever since.

As of the 2020 census, Bexar County had a population of 2,009,324 residents with a median income of $65,854. 32.1% of the population has a bachelor’s degree or higher, with over 38,000 employees. 60% of the population is Hispanic, with 35% White and the remaining 5% African American or bi-racial individuals.

Bexar County is proud of the Hollywood stars who call it home, such as Colton Haynes, Michelle Rodriquez, and Tommy Lee Jones. Television personality and medical examiner “Dr. G.” Jan C. Garavaglia and big-cat rights activist Carol Baskin also hail from Bexar County.

Primary Sources: 

History Cooperative

Texas State Historical Society

Census Bureau

254 Texas Courthouses

Texas Proud

OTHER: SCHERTZ