quote:

Originally posted by arfmel:
We are all talking about the same Rudy's. Leon Springs is a wide spot in the road just past The Dominion on I-10 west of 1604. It's a chain, now, but that one is their original restaurant.

Leon Springs has grown up since Rudy's opened, haven't been to this one is several years so the urban sprawl may have taken over. As you mention this one is the original (and company owned) and way better than the franchised stores (believe the one @ 151 & Westover Hills Blvd is another company store).

There are Rudy's all over the place. I don't care for that style, just too hot, even the Sissy sauce. Really good barbeque need not be hot.

If you are towards Austin, Salt Lick in Dripping Springs is popular, and of course, Franklins, but you will likely not be able to get near the place. My nephew drove there, arrived at 6 AM, sat in line until it opened at 11 and was something like 30th in line. He got his order filled. Not everybody does. It closes when they sell out every day.

Whataburgers are everywhere.

A In and Out Burger just opened on FM306 and I 35 north New Braunfels, for those that like that style.

Pappadeaux Sea Food Kitchens is across Loop 410 from the Airport. We have had some very good meals there, and it is very crowded, another sign of excellence.

You're in NE San Antonio and youre 1:15 min from Lockhart which is some of the oldest and best bbq in Texas. Kreuz is the only one who made the May '17 Texas Monthly Top 50 list.

In San Anton itself, 2M smokehouse and The Granary 'Cue and Brew made the Top 50.

Harmon's Barbecue over in Cibolo is our favorite BBQ place in the San Antonio area.

National Shooting Complex (shotguns only) west of 1604 on Culebra, turn south on Roft Rd.

Grey Moss Inn in Helotes for a NICE dinner.

Thursday night dinner at Welfare Café (60 min drive from downtown, in Welfare TX) well worth the drive, usually has a 3 piece swing band in the beer garden. Fabulous food.

Ok, the Leon Springs Rudy's has stayed true to its original form. And if you want the best burger in town, trust me on this, head down to Chris Madrid's on McCullogh.

Fiesta Texas has one of the biggest water parks around too, and there is a Bass Pro across the highway, and a slew of other shops to occupy your time.

Since the kiddos are only 5-6, maybe you'll want to steer clear of the Riverwalk at night, its a party. Plan to go there during the day, yes its hot but there is lots to do and lots of shade.

Just north of where you are staying is a small town called Blanco, with a park just off the highway on the Blanco River. A great place to cool off. Avoid Landa Park and the Comal River, like Jallen said, its wall to wall tubes.

Enjoy the food and hospitality!

Mission San Jose...

https://www.nps.gov/saan/planyourvisit/sanjose.htm

quote:

Originally posted by tatortodd:
You're in NE San Antonio and youre 1:15 min from Lockhart which is some of the oldest and best bbq in Texas. Kreuz is the only one who made the May '17 Texas Monthly Top 50 list.

In San Anton itself, 2M smokehouse and The Granary 'Cue and Brew made the Top 50.

Kreuz' is delicious. One of the best.

Blacks is there, and Smitty's (there was an ugly split between the family that owned the old Kreuz Market which gave rise to Smittys) is also good. Smitty's got the old Kreuz location, but the current consensus is that Kreuz, in the new location, makes better 'que. All three are good.

If you go to the mission parks, look for my dad - he volunteers there. They are interesting.

The highlight of your trip will be found here...

http://www.awsfzoo.com

Kids will love it.

Remember the Alamo!

You owe it to yourself to go to "Mi Tierra" for some Mexican food, I have gone since I was a kid with my parents. Order the Carne Guisada, its really a great breakfast place, breakfast tacos, huevos rancheros, menudo (what I order). They have Mexican sweet bread (Pan Dulce) that is made fresh there.
Across the walkway is a "Mexican Market" with all kinds of Mexican stuff, get a nice Mexican Wedding Shirt there for yourself and souvenirs for the kids.

Welcome to Texas, enjoy your stay!

HK Ag

quote:

Originally posted by arfmel:

quote:

Originally posted by Hound Dog:
Best food in town is Tommy's. It's a small hole-in-the wall place that looks really sketchy, but it has the best Mexican food in Texas. My wife routinely buys several quarts of refried beans to take home with us when we visit. There are 2-3 of them in town.

If you want less tasting food (but still good) with a really cool atmosphere, try Mamacitas. It's big and open and is made to look like a Alamo-era village. Even has an animatronic Davey Crocket play the violin ever 15 mins.

That's a fiddle.

OP: Rudy's barbecue on I-10, west of 1604 about 5-10 miles, is a fairly good bbq joint.

DeWeses Tip-Top cafe, on Fredericksburg road in San Antonio has been there since 1938. It's the real deal. Good burgers, chicken fried steaks, onion rings, etc. I recommend it, and it's not too far from your hotel.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Re...n_Antonio_Texas.html

DeWeese's is good but only took cash last time I was there, just FYI.

Rudys is OK. two good local BBQ places not far from your hotel are Blanco BBQ and Two Brothers BBQ.

If you tire of BBQ and Mexican Max and Louie's NY diner is just down the road as well.

For kids and A dad who likes guns, I suggest the Buckhorn downtown. They have a cafe with decent food and a cool old west museum including an very nice firearms collection.

Bigs is a another good local burger joint, they have two locations and great playgrounds for the kids. One is on loop 1604 not far from your hotel.

Hit the Alamo first thing Saturday morning, then a boat tour of the River Walk around 11. I imagined the Alamo was way out of town, in a desert type area. I was surprised when the GPS told us where it actually was.

I took a 40 of Colt 45 and spilled some beer for my fallen homies.

quote:

Originally posted by TXJIM:
Speaking of food, when you get tired of Mexican food and want a good burger, or need something cheaper than resort prices, this place is a great dive. I recommend the cheeseburger and onion rings followed by a nap

About 10 minutes from your hotel just off 1604.

https://www.google.com/search?...17904056229304486003

Thanks for the advice Jim! Took the family there for dinner last night. Fed the entire family of 4 for under $35. That included a Shiner Bock (tap) for me and a Chardonnay for the wife. Plenty of rings, fries and tots! Definitely worth the trip! We were all stuffed. When we got there around 5:30 there were only a few open tables. When we left around 6:15 there was a line out the door...Always a good sign.

quote:

Originally posted by jhe888:
No restaurant on the River Walk itself has good food. Decent food is the best you can hope for in those tourist joints..

Although for the most part I would agree with you, I think Bella is a cut above the typical corporate food joints on the Riverwalk.

To the OP,
You might consider going on one of the Ghost Walks.
They can provide some interesting historical aspects to the city.
Depends upon how well well your kids could handle it though.

quote:

Originally posted by 1967Goat:
Hit the Alamo first thing Saturday morning, then a boat tour of the River Walk around 11. I imagined the Alamo was way out of town, in a desert type area. I was surprised when the GPS told us where it actually

You went to the real Alamo, not Alamo Village, the movie set. Alamo Village

Lots of convenient parking out there, fewer tourists.