Yeah, yeah, San Antonio is a taco town, but no one thought to tell that to the scrappy breakfast sandwich. When it’s time to call it a wrap on huevos con weenies, the morning sammy waits patiently in the wings, delivering ooey-gooey joy on the run. Zippy as they are, it may be best not to rush through Alamo City’s best breakfast sandwiches. Take a moment to savor — there’s gold in them there buns.
Boss Bagel — Hangover Cure
True to its name, this giant bagel sandwich is instant relief after an evening’s happy hour turns into a late-night bacchanal. Country ham, Cheddar, and egg are crammed into a smoked onion bagel big enough for breakfast and lunch. But the secret weapon is more carbs — a loaded baked potato schmear. Eat it slowly behind dark Ray-Bans, take a power nap, and get off the struggle bus.
The Bread Box — Breakfast Sandwich
This Far North Side bakery is known for its elegant tea parties, but don’t expect to eat this giant in one demure bite. It starts off with a honeyed English muffin, layered with garden tomatoes and a sprinkle of crisp greens. But breakfast sandwiches aren’t made to be delicate. This one has plenty of brawn from an omelet fused with a layer of sharp Cheddar and a criss-cross of bacon.
The Bread Box’s breakfast sandwich is piled high with eggs and bacon.Photo courtesy of The Bread Box
Cullum’s Attaboy — Attaboy Brunch Burger
Argue if you must whether a burger is a sandwich; our stomachs never studied semantics. And this sandwich can be anything it wants. Chef Chris Cullum always tops the patty with a sunny-side-up egg and bacon, but guests will want to add hollandaise or glace. By then, the price can be well over $30. Spend the rest of the paycheck on a bottle of Champagne.
Gigi’s Deli — Munchos, Egg, and Cheese
Potato chips in sandwiches may not be a new idea, but this St. Paul Square standout found a way to make it original. Chef Matt Garcia’s creation eats like the Pop Rocks of sandos, exploding in a crackling bite. It’s a temporary thrill before the featherweight dehydrated potatoes fall into egg and cheese, repeated in chomp after chomp.
Kewtie Boy Sando — Bodega Boy
San Antonio may not have proper New York-style bodegas, but this pop-up ensures locals can still get a killer BEC. That’s thick-cut applewood bacon, soft scrambled eggs, and scandalous ooze of American cheese, all squeezed into a milk bun slathered with a tangy house sauce, capisce? The concept usually sets up camp near coffee shops like Stranded and Estate, even better for that urban go-go-go. Check Instagram for the monthly schedule.
The buttery Breakfast Beignet at Beignet StandThe Beignet Stand/ Facebook
Kulture Kafe — Molletes
Proof positive that vegan eating can be maximalist, this Southtown food truck goes hog wild with its version of the traditional open-faced Mexican snack. A toasted bolillo is piled with black refried beans, then the flavor builds with vegan chorizo, avocado, queso fresco, cilantro, and pickles. The vibrant flavors are enough of a wake-up on a Saturday morning, but just in case, order a café de olla too.
The Beignet Stand — Breakfast Beignet
Don’t worry, this savory rendition of New Orleans’ signature pastry isn’t buried under a flurry of powdered sugar. Instead, this Broadway spot brushes it with garlic, a little honey, and what seems like a stick of butter. The eggs are equally buttery, and in truth don’t need any extra protein. Keep the ham or bacon on anyway. Laissez les bons temps rouler!
The Newstand — The Herald
Bacon mania had its moment, creating everything from unfortunate car fresheners to a surprisingly thorough Wikipedia page. It’s time to give other breakfast meats a shot. Consider ham — salty, woodsy, a sneak attack of flavor that effortlessly spans the seasons. This dapper Broadway coffee shop’s signature ham-witch leans autumnal with a hint of rosemary popping out among all the cream cheese. It’s best on a crisp San Antonio morning, when and if that ever happens.