There are a handful of San Antonio taco spots synonymous with greatness, and Garcia’s Mexican Food has been part of that conversation since 1962. The New York Times, the Michelin Guide and food critics across Texas have praised the taqueria, and despite those accolades, the restaurant keeps much of its menu affordable for customers.
It’s been a long time coming, but it was finally time to hit up Garcia’s for MySA’s Budget Bites series, where I travel far and wide across San Antonio in search of cheap eats. Located on the southern tip of Beacon Hill, Garcia’s is known for its brisket tacos and classic Tex-Mex comfort foods, including enchiladas, breakfast tacos and nachos.
Dining room at Garcia’s Mexican Food in San Antonio. (Polly Anna Rocha/MySA)
The recognizable green building was teeming with people when I pulled up, but I was lucky to find a parking spot right in front. Inside, the restaurant is homey, cozy even. After some instruction from the kind woman at the register, I found a table near a window, where I could see families, friends and coworkers gathering for lunch. Everyone seemed happy to be there, from customers to employees, with smiles, laughter and banter filling the room.
Garcia’s has several Mexican dinner plates under $10, so my eyes were already set on ordering one for my midday meal. However, I couldn’t drop into this iconic taqueria without ordering a brisket taco. In the end, my order consisted of one brisket taco ($5.49) and the #2 Mexican Dinner, which features one enchilada, one tamale with gravy, rice, refried beans and fresh tortillas for $7.99.
The brisket taco from Garcia’s Mexican Food is a San Antonio delicacy. (Polly Anna Rocha/MySA)
To drink, I kept it simple with water, but as I looked around, I envied the folks who paired their food with iced tea. As quickly as I could glance across the small dining room, my food arrived on two lovely plates. The server also dropped off some extra-spicy salsa and left me to my own devices. I took a mouthful of the enchilada first, and I was instantly transported to Tex-Mex heaven, with that delightfully savory sauce and cheese coating the hefty bite.
Every part of the #2 Mexican Dinner was jam-packed with flavor, and for once, I found myself scraping every last crumb from the plate, even before I really gave the brisket taco a chance. Do not let looks deceive you. The brisket, though it may look lackluster, is some of the best in San Antonio, and when sandwiched inside a fluffy flour tortilla, you simply cannot go wrong. Run, don’t walk to Garcia’s if you’re looking for one of the best (reasonably priced) Tex-Mex meals in San Antonio.
Find it: 842 Fredericksburg Road, San Antonio, TX 78201
This article originally published at We found a $7.99 Tex-Mex feast at a beloved San Antonio taqueria.