{"id":183661,"date":"2026-02-27T23:05:17","date_gmt":"2026-02-27T23:05:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/183661\/"},"modified":"2026-02-27T23:05:17","modified_gmt":"2026-02-27T23:05:17","slug":"20-delicious-downtown-san-antonio-restaurants-that-arent-just-for-tourists","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/183661\/","title":{"rendered":"20 delicious downtown San Antonio restaurants that aren’t just for tourists"},"content":{"rendered":"

San Antonio is a tourist destination, which means downtown is flooded with restaurants claim to offer authentic taste of our city. Some of them offer pricier versions of the same food you can find elsewhere in town, while others are straight-up tourist traps.<\/p>\n

Plenty of locals avoid the downtown dining for that exact reason, but if you know where to look, it\u2019s possible to find dining spots in the center city that are cooking for more than the tourists. Some are surprisingly affordable, while others, even though, pricy offer an upscale experience worth the ticket. <\/p>\n

From Japanese street food to inventive American cuisine to vegan tacos, you can find just what you want in the heart of Alamo City.<\/p>\n

\"\"Credit: Facebook \/ La Tuna Icehouse<\/p>\n

La Tuna Icehouse & Grill\u00a0<\/p>\n

100 Probandt St., (210) 224-8862,\u00a0latunasa.com<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Southtown is full of new culinary concepts, but La Tuna Icehouse & Grill has been a local favorite for over three decades. Come for the killer comfort food \u2013 from jumbo shrimp to portobello sandwiches \u2013 and stay for another one of their ice-cold domestic beers.<\/p>\n

\"\"Credit: Courtesy Photo \/ Tokyo Cowboy<\/p>\n

Tokyo Cowboy\u00a0<\/p>\n

135 E. Commerce St., (726) 227-4989,\u00a0tokyocowboy-tx.com<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Nestled in the middle of the San Antonio Riverwalk, Tokyo Cowboy brings you comfort- inspired Japanese street food with the elegance of a high-end cocktail bar. Marketing itself as a \u201cwhisky diner,\u201d you can try their brisket egg rolls or gulf shrimp & noodles while you sip on one of their many house-made cocktails.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"\"Credit: Sanford Nowlin<\/p>\n

The Station Cafe\u00a0<\/p>\n

108 King William St., (210) 444-2200,\u00a0thestationsa.com<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Station Cafe offers a variety of sandwiches on fresh-baked bread for under $9. Filled with protein and veggies, diners are sure to get the bang for their buck while lounging on their gorgeous patio. Wash down any sandwich with their selection of soft drinks or lagers at the adjacent Filling Station Taproom, open after 5 p.m.<\/p>\n

\"\"Credit: Michael Karlis<\/p>\n

Toro Kitchen + Bar\u00a0<\/p>\n

1142 E. Commerce St., (210) 592-1075,\u00a0torokitchenandbar.com<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Toro Kitchen + Bar is a local mini-chain with three locations in the Alamo City \u2014 one of which is in a prime downtown location off Commerce Street. That spot has live music every Friday and Saturday, all while enjoying authentic Spanish cuisine and endless drinks. Take a friend \u2013 or a date.<\/p>\n

\"\"Credit: Sanford Nowlin<\/p>\n

Ming\u2019s\u00a0<\/p>\n

Multiple locations, (210) 277-0705 & (210) 600-4083,\u00a0mingsthing.com<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Bringing authentic Chinese cuisine to all San Antonians, Ming\u2019s provides delicious comfort food with classic dishes like their ma-la noodles, orange chicken and iconic steam buns, adding to the identity of the city\u2019s diverse palate.<\/p>\n

\"\"Credit: Instagram \/ cherritybar<\/p>\n

Cherrity Bar\u00a0<\/p>\n

302 Montana St., (210) 598-0496,\u00a0cherritybar.com<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Seated at the corner of Cherry and Montana streets on the East Side, Cherrity Bar covers nearly an entire city block, combining cocktails, charitable giving and a ramen shop. Guests can sit in the huge covered patio area, where a spectacular view of the Tower of the Americas adds to the vibe.<\/p>\n

\"\"Credit: Instagram \/ stellapublichouse<\/p>\n

Stella Public House\u00a0<\/p>\n

1414 S. Alamo St., (210) 277-7047,\u00a0stellapublichouse.com<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Southtown\u2019s Stella Public House dishes out wood-fired pizza and craft beer in its sleek contemporary American setting just off the river. Be sure to check the seasonal menu: a rotation of salads, cheeses and shared plates with locally sourced ingredients.<\/p>\n

\"\"Credit: Michael Karlis<\/p>\n

ReRooted 210\u00a0<\/p>\n

623 Hemisfair Blvd., Ste. 106, (210) 239-9763,\u00a0rerootedwine.com<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n

San Antonio\u2019s first-ever urban winery and tasting room made a splash on the local scene with its state-of-the-art draft system for pouring inaugural house wines on tap. The venue takes advantage of the newly redeveloped Hemisfair complex and its open-container rule, giving guests the option to take their vino on-the-go.<\/p>\n

\"\"Credit: Instagram \/ dossirenosbrewing<\/p>\n

Dos Sirenos Brewing<\/p>\n

231 E. Cevallos St., (210) 442-8138,\u00a0dossirenosbrewing.com<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Since 2019, Dos Sirenos has produced inventive brews named for Greek gods. You can sip on Zephyr and Kronos\u2019 IPA while you relax on their large patio, friendly for both kids and dogs. Their food menu also offers brunch opinions until 2 p.m. and bites ranging from shareable pretzels to big ol\u2019 pub burgers.<\/p>\n

\"\"Credit: Instagram \/ tonygssoulfood<\/p>\n

Tony G\u2019s Soul Food<\/p>\n

Multiple locations, (210) 451-1234 & (210) 236-9492,\u00a0tonygssoulfood.com<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n

It\u2019s hard to find a Sunday brunch that beats authentic Southern comfort food accompanied by live jazz music. Tony G\u2019s does just that. A longtime crowd favorite, the restaurant offers tasty soul food for breakfast and lunch.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"\"Credit: Michael Karlis<\/p>\n

Elsewhere Garden Bar & Kitchen\u00a0<\/p>\n

103 E Jones Ave., (210) 201-5595,\u00a0elsewheretexas.com<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Elsewhere\u2019s notoriety may start with its impressive outdoor space \u2013 backing right up to the San Antonio River \u2013 but that\u2019s bolstered by quality burgers, fries and tacos and an impressive bar program to pair them with.<\/p>\n

\"\"Credit: Instagram \/ eatatguillermos<\/p>\n

Guillermo\u2019s\u00a0<\/p>\n

618 McCullough Ave., (210) 223-5587,\u00a0guillermosdowntown.com<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Serving San Antonio for more than two decades, Guillermo\u2019s serves what some locals consider the city\u2019s best Italian food. Grab a classic cocktail and bite into their many dishes. From empanadas to classic pastas, you\u2019ll be here for a while.<\/p>\n

\"\"Credit: Brandon Rodriguez<\/p>\n

La Frite Belgian Bistro\u00a0<\/p>\n

728 S. Alamo St., (210) 224-7555,\u00a0lafritesa.com<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n

La Frite serves its signature Belgian fare in a cozy dining room that oozes comfortable intimacy. Nosh on European dishes and an all-French wine selection at this family-owned Southtown joint.<\/p>\n

\"\"Credit: Instagram \/ birriabarrio<\/p>\n

Birria Barrio\u00a0<\/p>\n

Multiple locations, (210) 289-4066,\u00a0facebook.com\/Birriabarrio<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n

To satisfy local night owls\u2019 super-late night cravings, Birria Barrio shuts down at 3 a.m. Don\u2019t wait too late, though: the downtown taco destination often sells out, so get your fixin\u2019 while you can.<\/p>\n

\"\"Credit: Facebook \/ Schilo’s<\/p>\n

Schilo\u2019s<\/p>\n

424 E Commerce St., (210) 223-6692,\u00a0schilos.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Claiming to be the oldest restaurant in San Antonio, this Riverwalk eatery has served Alamo City for over 100 years. Grab some split pea soup or one of their many schnitzels, and enjoy the Riverwalk vibes \u2013 deep in the heart of Texas.<\/p>\n

\"\"Credit: Kody Melton for Boudro\u2019s Texas Bistro<\/p>\n

Boudro\u2019s Texas Bistro<\/p>\n

421 E Commerce St., (210) 224-8484,\u00a0boudros.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Since 1986, Boudro\u2019s has been a Texas bistro for San Antonians all over the city. Grab a bottle of wine, shrimp and grits\u00a0 or a prickly pear margarita. What\u2019s more San Antonio than that?<\/p>\n

\"\"Credit: Sanford Nowlin<\/p>\n

Biga on the Banks<\/p>\n

203 S Saint Mary\u2019s St., (210) 225-0722,\u00a0biga.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Started by Londoner Bruce Auden, this spot has new takes on classic American cuisine and great views of the San Antonio Riverwalk. Try their three-course prix fixe for less than $50, or their variety of other offerings \u2013 from foie gras to mahi mahi.<\/p>\n

\"\"Credit: Instagram \/ bohanans<\/p>\n

Bohanan\u2019s Prime Steak and Seafood<\/p>\n

219 E Houston St., (210) 472-2600,\u00a0bohanans.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Get some of that old world steakhouse charm with Bohanan\u2019s. This restaurant \u2013 right across from the Majestic Theatre \u2013 has fresh seafood flown in daily and endless prime aged beef. No need to work around their schedule, either: They\u2019re open seven days a week.<\/p>\n

\"\"Credit: Brandon Rodriguez<\/p>\n

Plantaqueria<\/p>\n

124 Broadway, (210) 413-9863,\u00a0plantaqueria.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Craving Tex-Mex, but tired of the same ole\u2019 spots? Plantaqueria offers a new take on classic Mexican cuisine: all plant-based eats. This vegan joint, only a few blocks down from The Alamo itself, offers a variety of breakfast tacos and aguas frescas, as well as usuals like tortas and quesadillas. Stop by for delicious food \u2013 all heart-healthy and cholesterol-free.<\/p>\n

\"\"Credit: Instagram \/ down_on_grayson<\/p>\n

Down on Grayson<\/p>\n

303 E Grayson St., (210) 248-9244,\u00a0downongrayson.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Right outside the Pearl, Down on Grayson is perfect for that fun or romantic night out on the Riverwalk, without the chaos of downtown crowds. Relax on their expansive patio or airy, window-filled floor. You won\u2019t regret going down to this restaurant.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"San Antonio is a tourist destination, which means downtown is flooded with restaurants claim to offer authentic taste…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":183662,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[73523,73524,10824,82,5806,84,83,1950,907,73525],"class_list":["post-183661","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-san-antonio","tag-downtown-san-antonio-restaurants","tag-places-to-eat-in-san-antonio","tag-restaurants-near-me","tag-san-antonio","tag-san-antonio-food","tag-san-antonio-headlines","tag-san-antonio-news","tag-san-antonio-restaurants","tag-slideshow-gallery","tag-sna-antonio-dining"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/183661","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=183661"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/183661\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/183662"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=183661"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=183661"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=183661"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}