Where to find the best Tex-Mex in San Antonio

One of the most popular questions tourists to San Antonio ask is: “Where’s the best Tex-Mex in town?” It’s no wonder San Antonians get this question, as the Alamo City is well known for its delicious and diverse Mexican cuisine.

Tex-Mex, a cuisine born in and reflective of the regions of Texas, New Mexico, and northern Mexico, has become a staple of San Antonio life and culture. This cuisine, the perfect blend of Mexican and American foods, has evolved over time and become something truly unique. From traditional Texan dishes to mouth-watering Mexican creations, San Antonians all enjoy their share of Tex-Mex.

Whether you’re looking for an upscale dinner boasting great local ingredients or a small diner serving up traditional Tex-Mex favorites, San Antonio has something for anyone who loves healthy and delicious Tex-Mex food. Throughout the city, you’ll find locavore restaurants mixing traditional Mexican recipes with locally-sourced ingredients, while classic Tex-Mex spots can be found serving up breakfast tacos all day. No matter what type of Tex-Mex cuisine you’re after, you’ll be able to find an amazing spot in San Antonio.

Let’s take a look at some of the best places to get Tex-Mex in San Antonio:

Rosario’s

Rosario’s Mexican Café y Cantina has been a staple in Southtown since 1991 and has been voted San Antonio’s number one Mexican restaurant multiple times. This popular local chain is known for its specialties like chicken enchiladas with charred jalapeno cream sauce and ropa vieja with grilled asparagus. Not only do they serve up great food, but also offer a great beer and margarita selection!

Mingo’s

Mingo’s restaurant has proudly been serving up San Antonio dishes since 1976 and is owned by family of San Antonians. This classic Tex-Mex eatery can be found at the Historic Pearl Brewery on Avenue F in downtown San Antonio. Famous for their delicious house-special brisket tacos with crispy onions and their award-winning queso, Mingo’s has been beloved by locals since its inception.

La Gloria

Chef Johnny Hernandez opened La Gloria in 2010 as a way to reinterpret old recipes to create new flavors. Located on the River Walk, La Gloria serves up classic Mexican dishes as well as tacos of all sorts using ingredients from small-scale vendors. This popular spot for lunch or dinner draws crowds for their street tacos—be sure to try their delicious seafood or queso fresco wrapped tortillas!

El Machito

El Machito is located at The Pearl between the farmers market buildings in the Bottling Department and serves pre-Hispanic cuisine. Although the ingredients and dishes may be unfamiliar to some, El Machito offers an abundance of flavors for customers to try. Find some of their non-traditional dishes like grasshopper tacos and bean sopes with pork or chicken.

Mi Tierra Café y Panadería

If you really want to come to a local favorite, visit Mi Tierra Café y Panadería. This authentic eatery has been serving the downtown area since 1941, offering delicious food during all times of day. Customers can order breakfast tacos starting in the morning and grab lunch or dinner on their way home. Many come here just for the cakes, pies, and pan dulce!

Now that you know where to find the best Tex-Mex in San Antonio, let’s dive into some more information about this beloved cuisine. Although it is not disclosed who created the first Tex-Mex dish, we do know it dates back to the 1800s when people started blending a variety of Mexican dishes with traditional American ingredients such as biscuit dough for enchiladas or ground beef for tacos.According to the City of San Antonio, some popular dishes include chili con carne, cheese enchiladas, tamales, chili gravy, Molé sauce—a blend of chilli powder and other spices—and Carne Guisada (beef stew).

Tex-Mex is an important part of the local identity and culture of San Antonio—one visit to any of these popular eat-in spots is enough to understand why. With its unique blend of flavor that isn’t found anywhere else in the world, it’s no wonder that people from all over love the taste of Texas!

Insider’s Guide: Discovering the Hidden Gems of San Antonio

San Antonio is a city rich in history, culture, and a vibrant food scene. While popular tourist spots such as the Alamo and River Walk are undoubtedly worth visiting, there are plenty of hidden gems that only locals know. Here’s our guide to exploring the lesser-known but equally fascinating side of San Antonio.

Local Attractions: Discovering off-beat locations

While most visitors flock to the popular spots, locals know that there is much more to San Antonio than meets the eye. Take, for instance, the off-beat art installation, the Colorful Crosswalks, located in the historic Five Points neighborhood. Another must-visit location is the Japanese Tea Gardens, located inside Brackenridge Park, which boasts stunning scenery and the perfect spot for a peaceful picnic.

Dining Spots: Experiencing the Local Cuisine

San Antonio’s food scene is an experience in itself. Tex-Mex is the star of the show here, and for good reason. Head to Rosario’s Mexican Cafe Y Cantina for some of the best Tex-Mex dishes in the city. If you’re feeling adventurous, visit Garcia’s Mexican Food, a local favorite for their mouth-watering barbacoa tacos. To indulge in a San Antonio original, try the puffy tacos at Ray’s Drive Inn, famously known as the birthplace of this popular dish.

Cultural Experiences: Embracing the City’s Traditions

San Antonio is a city that takes pride in its traditions and cultural heritage. The city’s beloved Fiesta celebrates the rich culture and history of San Antonio with parades, live music, and colorful costumes. For a deeper understanding of the city’s past, head to the Spanish Governor’s Palace, a historical landmark dating back to the 18th century. You can also visit the Aztec Theatre downtown, built in the 1920s and featuring a unique blend of Spanish Colonial Revival and Art Deco architecture.

Local History: Delving into the Past

San Antonio has a rich and colorful past, with plenty of fascinating stories that are not often told. Take, for example, the Spanish missions, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. These missions played a significant role in the city’s history and are a must-visit for anyone interested in exploring the city’s past. The city’s German influence can be seen in King William Historic District, once home to many prosperous German merchants, meatpackers, and brewers.

Off-the-Beaten-Path: Insider Tips

For a truly unique experience, head to the bar at the Menger Hotel. The hotel was built in 1859 and has welcomed several famous guests, including Theodore Roosevelt and Babe Ruth. Many claim that the hotel is haunted, and the bar features a bullet hole that was left by a gambler during a poker game in the 1800s. Another must-visit location is The Pearl, a trendy neighborhood that once housed the Pearl Brewery and is now a chic mixed-use development featuring shops, restaurants, and an excellent farmers market on Saturdays.

San Antonio is a city that surprises and delights at every turn. While the popular tourist spots are a must, the lesser-known places and experiences offer a unique and unforgettable glimpse into this vibrant city.