In a few days we’re heading to San Antonio for a long weekend. Schilo’s is always on my list. Where else to dine? This is a family affair limited to the river walk and Lackland AFB. Looking for good food...not touristy. BBQ? TexMex? Stuff we don’t get in New England.

La Gloria

Several in The Pearl

The Granary Que and Brew

Boudreaux's

The Cove

The Riverwalk is all touristy, isn’t it?

The Barn Door http://www.thebarndoorrestaurant.com/home does a pretty good job, not sure if it is unique enough.

Pappadeaux https://pappadeaux.com/home/ is seafood, not unknown in New England, but super popular. No reservations, long waits and that is just for a parking spot.

I always stop at Pappasito's when I'm in Texas.

Are you going for an Air Force Basic graduation? If so your new Airman will be restricted to locations inside the 1604 loop.

Rudy's on 151 serves great barbecue. It is no frills and fast service and great for large groups. A bit away from Lackland so not so much of a crush on graduation day.

The Riverwalk is all touristy but there are a lot of good restaurants there. There is a Saltgrass on the Riverwalk and they never disappoint. Other good ones there as well.


The Colonial Room in the Menger hotel on the Riverwalk is another great restaurant. They are well known for an excellent Sunday Brunch.

The 1718 Steak House Restaurant is across the street from the Alamo. A little pricey but you are right in view of the Alamo.

Whichever you choose call ahead and make a reservation for your group NOW. Those restaurants are going to be slammed on graduation day with all the families in town

Boudreaux's is in the tourist area of the Riverwalk but it is good.

The Granary is not on the river but just off it.

La Gloria is at the Pearl, on the North end of the river. There are several places in The Pearl that are very good.

You can also head to South Town. Many "foodie" places there.

The Little Red Barn Steakhouse near I-10 and I-37 is actually pretty good. Not the greatest area and it’s kind of kitschy, but remember going there in college for a great lunch at a reasonable price.

+100 on Schilo’s, by the way. My wife and I discovered it on our honeymoon in San Antonio back in ‘87, and we go there every time we travel to that area.

quote:

Originally posted by HayesGreener:
Are you going for an Air Force Basic graduation? If so your new Airman will be restricted to locations inside the 1604 loop.

Yeah. We have a copy of the general orders. Poor kid is on a short leash but the rest of us will be out and about when he heads back to base.

Thanks for the heads-up!

Don't discount the Riverwalk as just touristy. There are a number of very good eateries there. I can't remember the names of the ones I enjoyed but if you like Tex-Mex food there are a few excellent choices.

Jim

Tommys. The BEST Texmex food north of the Rio Grande Valley.

Doesn't look like much, but the food is authentic and amazingly good (and my hispanic wife from the RGV agrees with this assessment).

IIRC, there are 3 Tommys in San Anton. I've only been to the one on Heubner/I-10.



Mamacitas has great atmosphere, but marginal food.

Southerleigh @ The Pearl and don't miss the opportunity for a couple of cocktails @ The Hotel Emma Bar next door. Two terrific experiences in SA.

Salsalitos...14535 Nacogdoches Rd.

quote:

Originally posted by PD:

quote:

Originally posted by HayesGreener:
Are you going for an Air Force Basic graduation? If so your new Airman will be restricted to locations inside the 1604 loop.

Yeah. We have a copy of the general orders. Poor kid is on a short leash but the rest of us will be out and about when he heads back to base.

Thanks for the heads-up!

Also look at restaurants at The Quarry. If you range further out the BBQ at Harmon's in Ciblo near Randolph AFB is some of the best.

My congratulations to your new Airman, welcome to my Air Force!

Can’t go wrong with County Line BBQ on the River Walk for outstanding BBQ.

quote:

Originally posted by StorminNormin:
Can’t go wrong with County Line BBQ on the River Walk for outstanding BBQ.

If that's the same County Line BBQ that is in Austin, I'd give it a +1. Good stuff.

Thanks to everyone. I’ve made a list with all your suggestions on a map.

quote:

Originally posted by HayesGreener:
My congratulations to your new Airman, welcome to my Air Force!

Thanks, HG. Between the Army, Navy, and Air Force experiences of his grandfathers and uncle he chose AF. After next weekend he heads to Shepard in Withita Falls for the next phase. He aimed high so he’s got a tough road ahead of him.

I just don’t understand this abstinence thing with the military today. I got two solid days of drinking after boot camp.

LATE seeing this but I can recommend El Mirador for traditional Mexican food. A nice place with very good food.

River walk is for sure a tourist thing, but hey, you'll be a tourist and it's worthwhile to spend a couple of hours strolling along the hmmm river, or take the little boat ride. Have a Margarita, cold beer or ice tea in one of the many places to do so. The nice thing is you can bail in short order if it's not your thing. No entrance fee or such.