I get a lot of questions from my lesson families about my hometown of San Antonio around Spring Break and Summer. I figured I'd just copy from an email I sent out recently and let everyone in on this native San Antonian's view:
Mi Tierra is a San Antonio landmark and tourist favorite. It's the only place that's popular downtown that I'll agree to go to when with out of town friends/family. They have an authentic panaderia which is a Mexican bakery. It's kind of overpriced but the food is really good. Just don't go after 10pm or so because then the clientele gets...different.
You'll have the second best burger you've ever had at Chris Madrid's, located on the near-northside. It's in the middle of an older neighborhood and looks like a dive but it's fantastic. I always get the Macho Cheddar Cheesy and add pico de gallo. They also have great nachos. Another San Antonio favorite is Chester's, with multiple locations along the north side. I've yet to find fries that rival this place.
Try La Fogata, which is a pretty decent Tex-Mex place not too far from Chris Madrid's. I recommend it to anyone who hasn't gotten a good taste of Tex-Mex outside of the Riverwalk. I don't personally prefer it over my local favorites, but my wife really liked it and so do many of my friends from out of town.
You must go to Rosario's, our favorite Mexican place. It's not traditional Tex-Mex but has become a San Antonio landmark in less than ten years. We had our rehearsal dinner there and my sister did too! I always get whatever's on special, my wife gets the enchiladas, and you can't go wrong with their fish tacos or anything on the menu, really.
Two Bros. BBQ near the airport is the best in town. Bonus: there's a good Mexican place next door! Anthony Bourdain eats at Two Bros every time he's in town. The brisket is top-notch.
I also can't let anyone visit San Antonio without making them get some ice cream at Amy's Ice Cream in the Quarry. It's great, even though the workers there could also work at Freebird's.
And lastly is my favorite restaurant in San Antonio, just for sentimental childhood memories: Alamo Cafe. I love the chicken fried steak but my wife loves the Mexican food there. Everyone goes crazy for the tortillas. You can't go wrong here. There are two locations, and this one north of the airport is the newest one.
One last tip: From DFW to San Antonio can take quite a while by car. Avoid some headaches by taking the new Toll SH130 around the east side of Austin. The toll road is 85mph for almost 80 miles. It dumps you out near Seguin just east of San Antonio but it saves you a ridiculous amount of time and frustration just by avoiding Austin. (This road will also take you to my all-time favorite BBQ heaven, Lockhart, TX. Go to Kreuz Market for the best sausage you'll ever have. Brisket, while not the best in the state, can be face-punchingly incredible. Black's, Smitty's, Kreuz, Chisholm Trail...you can't go wrong.)
Ok I'm done. Feel free to email or text me with any questions you may have about my wonderful hometown of San Antonio. Have a great Spring Break!
