Fried pork chop with a side of rice and beans and cornbread from Ma Harper’s.
Polly Anna Rocha/MySA
The 2026 NBA Finals are here, and San Antonio’s own Spurs have made it to the last stretch of games that will decide which team between the Spurs and the New York Knicks will take it all the way. Locals and visitors are expected to flood the Frost Bank Center for Spurs home games, but that begs the question of where all these people are going to eat beforehand?
Sure, the Frost Bank Center has a cornucopia of on-site restaurants and vendors to choose from while you’re at the Spurs-Knicks games, but if you’re hungry before tip-off (or after), the Eastside will treat you right if you know where to go. Don’t worry, MySA has you covered with a few nearby food picks, and if you’re planning on heading closer into downtown, we’ve also got a list for that too.
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Fried shrimp plate at The Ridge at the Hill.
Polly Anna Rocha/MySA
The Ridge at the Hill
Decades of experience go into this Government Hill eatery that’s serving up all kinds of comfort foods. The Ridge at the Hill is a 9-minute drive from Frost Bank Center, and its menu features some crowd-pleasing favorites, like the fried mushrooms with gravy and the restaurant’s signature beer-battered fish and chips, and a selection of house cocktails. The Ridge at the Hill is open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday and noon to 10 p.m. on Saturday.
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Find it: 2119 I-35 Frontage Road, San Antonio, TX 78208
Ma Harper’s gumbo is still some of the best in San Antonio.
Polly Anna Rocha/MySA
Ma Harper’s Creole Kitchen
At 96 going on 97, chef Alice “Ma” Harper continues to manage her restaurant about 8 minutes away from the Frost Bank Center on New Braunfels Avenue, where she and her team cook up Creole classics. If you’re looking for a life-changing bowl of gumbo, Ma Harper’s Creole Kitchen is open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays and noon to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
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Find it: 1816 N. New Braunfels Ave., San Antonio, TX 78208
Mozzarella sticks from Tank’s Pizza.
Polly Anna Rocha/MySA
Tank’s Pizza
Tank’s Pizza has been serving San Antonio’s Eastside since 2011, and the pizzeria — which is 7 minutes down the road from the Frost Bank Center — continues to act as both a restaurant and a gathering space for locals. Do try one of the specialty pizzas, like the Maxed Out, a meat-heavy pie topped with pepperoni, ham, sausage, bacon and beef. Fans of cheesy bites should also order the mozzarella sticks for some impressive cheese pulls.
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Tank’s Pizza is open from 4:30 p.m. to midnight Monday through Thursday, 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, and noon to midnight on Sunday.
Find it: 902 N. New Braunfels Ave., San Antonio, TX 78202
The Philly cheesesteak sandwich at Texas Burger Company.
Chuck Blount / Staff
Texas Burger Company
For a quick and easy burger option (that isn’t Whataburger), head over to Texas Burger Company, a mere 15-minute walk or 3-minute drive from Frost Bank Center. This old-fashioned burger joint has drive-thru and window ordering and a full menu of affordable burgers, hot dogs, milkshakes and more. Texas Burger Company is open from 9 a.m. to 8: 30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday.
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Find it: 3038 E. Commerce St., San Antonio, TX 78220
Pork chop taco is a popular dish at Angel’s Mexican Haven.
Julysa Sosa/San Antonio Express-News
Angel’s Mexican Haven
Travelers will surely want to sample some of San Antonio’s local delicacies, and yes, we’re talking about tacos. While many taquerias close up shop in the early afternoon, Angel’s Mexican Haven is a beloved Mexican cafe serving up homestyle eats beyond lunchtime. The pork chop taco is a must-try for first-timers (and return customers), and you can’t go wrong with any of the enchilada plates.
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Angel’s is a 5-minute drive from the Frost Bank Center. The local taco spot is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday.
Find it: 2302 E. Commerce St., San Antonio, TX 78203
Beef and broccoli from Wen Wah.
Polly Anna Rocha
Wen Wah Chinese Restaurant
Wen Wah is a neighborhood favorite for American Chinese dishes, like orange chicken and beef and broccoli, and the occasional regional specialty. While some might be deterred by the restaurant’s exterior, real ones know to look beyond appearances to acquire delicious entrees, soups and lo mein from the expedient dive.
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Wen Wah Chinese Restaurant is about a 7-minute drive from the Frost Bank Center and is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Find it: 531 N. New Braunfels Ave., San Antonio, TX 78202
A selection of Korean dishes from Chat Market & Kitchen.
Polly Anna Rocha/MySA
Chas Market and Kitchen
This pick is a little further out than the rest, but Chas Market is the absolute best place to find Korean barbecue on San Antonio’s Eastside. Choose from protein options like spicy bulgogi and pork belly or have it all by opting for the all-you-can-eat option. You can also find an assortment of Asian beverages and snacks at this local spot.
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Chas Market and Kitchen is about 9 minutes from the Frost Bank Center and is open from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday through Friday, and from 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturdays.
Find it: 1431 N. Pine St., San Antonio, TX 78208