Why is your travel guru writing about San Antonio, Texas?
Let me share a little bit more about my past.
Born and raised in Mexico, (more to come on traveling through various cities in Mexico!), and then one day, my family decided to pack the house, and make the big move to Texas.
I’m thinking that’s where the wanderlust started. It wasn’t scary. Instead, I arrived to a new city and I was intrigued to discover life in a new place.
I started school within a few weeks and did my homework every night with the help of a Spanish-English dictionary. I learned to speak fluent English within a few months and made few school friends, but really what I remember the most during that time period was the excitement of discovering the San Antonio Cody Library, a few blocks down the road. What a nerd!
10-year-old Salma started visiting the library every weekend to check out as many books as possible. Yes I was a little book worm. I guess it’s not so much a surprise that now having my own published book is quite the dream!
Although travel blogging is a bit different than creating a hard cover book, it shares the same core foundation. I’m writing non-fiction blog posts because I believe in the outreach and influence it can have. I hope you can relate to certain aspects of my life, find interest in new places, and learn a little bit more about the world through my words.
So here I am now, 15 years later, realizing a little girl’s dream in my own way. It’s never too late.
With that being said… back to the main topic of this post. Most people from other states hear of Austin, Texas, our capital “weird”, musical, & tech city. I love Austin too!
But just an hour away is San Antonio, a place that I’ve learned to love too. I decided to treat this city as I would any other new city I would visit. And honestly, I was quite surprised and excited to find what I found!
Because we all love to eat and drink, and because San Antonio was recognized last year by UNESCO as a “Creative City of Gastronomy”, I’m starting with my most recommended restaurants and bars in San Antonio:
Unique Places to Eat in San Antonio
Mi Tierra Cafe y Panaderia – Colorful, a little overwhelming, but very much a traditional and festive stop. Papel picado and pinatas decorate the ceilings and mariachis serenade the clients. Did I mention this place is open 24 hours? Join the party at night or swing by during the day for the bakery and traditional Mexican desserts!
218 Produce Row, San Antonio, TX 78207
The Luxury– Porch swings along the San Antonio River where you can sit and people watch, or lose yourself in a book. I prefer the latter, but that’s just me!
103 E Jones Ave, San Antonio, TX 78215
Go Rio Riverboat Dining – 2 hour dinner cruise through the downtown San Antonio River Walk! Enjoy scenic views while learning about the history of the city. Afterwards, explore the riverwalk area. Did you know open containers are actually allowed along the river?
Online reservations for downtown San Antonio
Burlenson Yard Beer Garden – Picnic tables, food trucks and beer, need I say more?
430 Austin St, San Antonio, TX 78215
Brick House Tavern + Tap – Stone Oak stop, perfect for the cold days. Last time I curled up on the couch in front of the fireplace and enjoyed an oven-baked cookie topped with ice cream with a glass of milk. I was craving dessert! Or you could sit at the bar and watch your preferred sport on the countless of TVs around you. Your choice.
1011 N Loop 1604 W, San Antonio, TX 78232
Dignowity Meats – Trivia Thursday for some smoked meat sandwiches. It’s Texas, of course BBQ makes it to this list! Outdoor seating, pet friendly!
1701 E Houston St, San Antonio, TX 78202
Date Night Stops in San Antonio
George’s Keep – Crafted cocktails at the Eilan, a Tuscan-inspired community near La Cantera. The speakeasy style takes you away from San Antonio for a night.
17803 La Cantera Terrace Suite #1200, San Antonio, TX 78256
Ocho – This is the romantic, riverside, glass conservatory restaurant and bar that will surely impress your date. After dinner, swing by Havana Bar downstairs for candlelit time.
1015 Navarro St, San Antonio, TX 78205
Merkaba – Trendy cocktail lounge with river views, with nightlife brought to you by Howl at the Moon. The 60 ounce Rainbow Row will surely have you and your date dancing the night away.
111 W Crockett St St.Suite 205, San Antonio, TX 78205
The Lonesome Rose – Honky Tonk on St. Mary’s Strip? You read that right. Grab your cowboy boots and let’s get your boogie on!
2114 N St Mary’s St, San Antonio, TX 78212
Jazz, TX – Live music jazz club, underneath the Food Hall at The Pearl. No cover for the early 5:30 show. Reservations preferred for the main show.
Pearl Brewery, Building 6, 312 Pearl Pkwy #6001, San Antonio, TX 78215
Alamo Beer Company – I’m all for promoting our local breweries! Stop by for craft draft beer, games, live music. Right along the famous Hayes bridge. Casual and fun.
202 Lamar, San Antonio, TX 78202
Cellar Mixology by Toro Kitchen + Bar – Underground speakeasy. St. Paul’s Square. You won’t be disappointed.
1142 E Commerce St, San Antonio, TX 78205
*Fun fact, I used to drive for Lyft in my free time first year out of college. Please drink responsibly & Lyft home if you need to! Lyft promo code for ride credit: TRAVELGURU
My Top 5 Favorite Restaurants in San Antonio
Toro Kitchen + Bar – A little bit of Spain in San Antonio is exactly what I needed. One of San Antonio’s top 10 restaurants with authentic Spanish food such as mouth-watering toro paella, pulpo a la gaella and morcilla.
115 N Loop 1604 E #1105, San Antonio, TX 78232
Battalion – Found in a two-story, nearly 100 year old firehouse in Southtown, its a tapas-style, Italian restaurant in a sleek and modern ambience. The spinach dumplings and pan sealed veal are my personal favorites.
604 S Alamo St, San Antonio, TX 78205
Costa Pacifica – By far my favorite Mexican-inspired seafood restaurant in town. All day happy hour Monday and Tuesday – I go for their cucumber margaritas. Live music every night Thursday through Saturday.
434 N Loop 1604 W #2101, San Antonio, TX 78232
Tycoon Flats – Best burger on St. Mary’s strip. I dream of their feta, cranberry, caramelized bacon burger. Also their Benedict burger and Greek burger. So many good choices. Dog friendly spot with an outside patio!
2926 N St Mary’s St, San Antonio, TX 78212
Hula Poke – Simple and quick stop. Imagine a Chipotle but with Hawaiian twist. Poke bowls and sushi burritos – ahi tuna, tamago, and edamame for me, please!
12730 10 W STE #304, San Antonio, TX 78230
Do you have another place that would have made it to this list? I’m always up for trying out new places when I’m home sweet home!
Read it next!!! —> 20 Fun Things to do in San Antonio from a Local.
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Salma Travel Guru
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Love these suggestions Salma! One of my favorite happy hour hotspots is Cured at The Pearl. They have 1/2 off beer, wine, and cocktails and an excellent charcuterie board consisting of whatever meats and cheeses tickle your fancy! They also have dog-friendly outdoor seating and a beautiful faux-grass lawn out front!
The Pearl is always a good choice!! I don’t think I’ve been to HH there yet, but you know I’ll be there! I’m a little mouse too and obsessed with cheese. Hehe thanks for sharing Taylor!