Garcia’s makes New York Times list of 41 top Mexican restaurants in the U.S.

SAN ANTONIO – A longtime San Antonio favorite is getting national recognition from The New York Times.

Garcia’s Mexican Food was named one of “41 of the Greatest Mexican Restaurants Across the United States,” placing the family-owned San Antonio staple among standout Mexican restaurants nationwide.

Garcia’s has been serving San Antonio since 1962, when Julio and Yolanda Garcia opened the restaurant with Julio’s parents, Guadalupe and Nicolasa. The restaurant moved across the street to its current narrow location in 1970 and is now run by the founders’ children.

For John Garcia, the recognition is about more than the food. He sees it as a tribute to the family members who started the restaurant more than six decades ago.

“It’s a great honor to be part of this list with a bunch of restaurants,” Garcia said. “It’s a blessing. It’s a great attribute to my parents who started this in 1962.”

The New York Times highlighted Garcia’s housemade salsas and tortillas, affordable combination plates and its longtime tradition of serving house-smoked brisket. One favorite, the “Mexican No. 1,” comes with two enchiladas, a gravy-smothered tamale, rice, beans and a crispy taco. The restaurant has also been serving its smoked brisket wrapped in tortillas for more than two decades.

Garcia said the family has remained committed to preparing its food the same way his parents did.

“We’ve been in this 65 years. It says something,” Garcia said. “Using the best ingredients, best products, and we’ve used everything since the way my parents cooked for 64 years, and nothing has changed.”

That includes the restaurant’s brisket, which Garcia credits to his brother Andrew.

“My brother Andrew makes the best brisket in town,” Garcia said. “It’s what we strive for. We strive for the best.”

The restaurant has also been recommended by the Michelin Guide, a prestigious international restaurant guide whose anonymous inspectors evaluate restaurants and recognize standout dining experiences.

Garcia said the siblings are now in their 60s and aren’t sure whether another generation will eventually take over.

“Maybe one of our kids will do it, or it’s just time to hang it up,” Garcia said. “We’ll see.”

For now, Garcia said the family is grateful for the customers and employees who have supported the restaurant through the decades.

“Thank you for the confidence in us, and we appreciate all the love from our customers and our staff,” Garcia said. “We really appreciate it.”

Garcia’s is open Tuesday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is located near Fredericksburg Road and W Craig Place. They are closed on Sunday and Monday.