For die-hard New York Knicks fans braving the unpredictable and sometimes scorching Texas weather for the NBA Finals over the past week, homesickness may be setting in. But there’s much more to the Alamo City than highways and breakfast tacos. In fact, there are little slices of New York City right here in the Lone Star State.
Need to drive past some familiar street signs? We have our own Broadway, even if there aren’t many playhouses along the route. And even famed filmmaker Spike Lee simply had to snap a photo of Brooklyn Avenue on Broadway while in town for the NBA showdown between the San Antonio Spurs and the New York Knicks.
But there are also places to eat and walkable spaces that may feel a bit more like home, a familiar feature found in most major metros scattered across the globe. Plus, you can get your touch of home with some true Texas hospitality, assuming you’re not decked out in Knicks merch.
While breakfast tacos will always reign supreme in San Antonio, this city doesn’t sleep on its bagels or classic bodega breakfast fare either. There are many classic New York-style bagel places worth a visit across San Antonio, including Chicago Bagel & Deli, BOSS Bagels, Bagel Babes and Wild Barley.
But you can also satisfy some nostalgia with a classic New York dinner at Max & Louie’s New York Diner. If it’s a slice you’re after, Leo’s Hideout or Pizza Classics are staples for a classic, greasy slice. But there are also Neapolitan-style places with big ovens, like Dough.
While most of Texas is notorious for being unwalkable, with highways cutting through nearly every major city, there are small slices of walkable blocks around San Antonio worth checking out to get your steps in.
Of course, Pearl is a fan favorite among locals and tourists. It boasts several blocks of walkability along the San Antonio River Walk, with a locally sourced grocery store, tons of one-of-a-kind eateries, shops galore and plenty to explore. Or you can head to the ever-changing downtown square, Hemisfair, for a park hang, several great food options and local artistry on full display.
Pretty much every big city across the globe has a love lock bridge, and San Antonio is no exception – even if it’s tucked away in a place that feels more for locals than for visitors. In the Alamo City, this iconic symbol of romance is located just outside the Bexar County Courthouse Wedding Chapel at 126 East Main Plaza. It reportedly began with a couple celebrating their nuptials.