Planning a trip to San Antonio and looking for the best places to eat in San Antonio? Check our guide to the best places to eat on the San Antonio Riverwalk and elsewhere in the city. Whether you want Mexican, Tex-Mex, American cuisine, we have you covered. You might also like our post on the Best Things to do in San Antonio.
San Antonio is our favorite day trip or weekend getaway from Houston. We love going to the Riverwalk and eating delicious food while people-watching.
This is also our kids favorite trip as they can watch the Riverwalk boats, climb over the bridges, and see the ducks swimming in the river.
But San Antonio’s food history goes way beyond the Riverwalk – its cuisine is influenced by the Spanish since colonial times.
In fact, San Antonio is a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy due to its unique culinary heritage. Today, you can enjoy iconic Tex-Mex dishes, authentic Mexican food on the Riverwalk, and pan-Asian cuisines in the city.
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There are several great restaurants along the Riverwalk and picking one place to eat is really difficult.
Since we have been to San Antonio several times, we have tried a wide variety of Riverwalk restaurants and can easily advise you on our favorites. Here are some of the best places to try in San Antonio while on a trip to the city.
Best Places to eat along the San Antonio Riverwalk
Many of the Riverwalk attractions are touristy and not worth a visit. That applies to some restaurants as well. Often we have walked into a place to find mediocre food and exorbitant prices.
But there are a few gems along the Riverwalk too – we have always had a great experience at some restaurants like Casa Rio, Dorrego’s, and Acenar. Here are some of the best Tex-Mex, Italian, and seafood restaurants in Riverwalk.
We have also given recommendations on our favorite ice cream places since we are big ice cream fans and eat it on all our trips.
Bella on the River
Bella on the River is upscale compared to most other restaurants on San Antonio Riverwalk and is a great option for anniversaries, dates, and birthdays.
It has a southern European inspired menu and is a good place to eat. Bella’s serves lamb chops, pasta, cheese plates, and has an extensive wine list. The Texas quail here is especially good
The Esquire Tavern
This is the oldest bar on the Riverwalk. It was opened the day after Prohibition ended in 1933.
Since then it has been serving customers and is known for its longest wooden bar in Texas. Have a drink on this 100-foot long bar and savor the history of the place as you enjoy the Riverwalk.
The pub food here is also quite good – we love the homemade chips, deviled eggs, grilled cheese sandwich, and the burgers.
Acenar
For a nice sit-down Tex-Mex meal on the Riverwalk, try Acenar. The restaurant is not directly accessible from the Riverwalk and you need to take an elevator to the entrance.
They have indoor seating and a patio that overlooks the Riverwalk. We love sitting out on the patio and enjoying the hustle below on the Riverwalk.
They have great tableside guacamole and we also love the fish tacos at Acenar. They have Happy Hours from 3 to 6 pm and you can order cheap margaritas.
Schilo’s Delicatessen
Schilo’s Delicatessen is the oldest restaurant on the Riverwalk. It can be accessed at street level. This is popular with locals and professionals who work in the San Antonio downtown.
The menu has sandwiches, soups, and is a great place to grab a quick bite on the cheap. Their split pea soup is particularly well known.
This is definitely one of the hidden gems and best place to eat on riverwalk.
Casa Rio
Casa Rio is the oldest Riverwalk restaurant. In fact, Casa Rio was the first restaurant to open on the Riverwalk in 1946. It is operated by the same family that owns Schilo’s.
Casa Rio’s colorful umbrellas are the most photographed and iconic picture of the San Antonio Riverwalk. At Casa Rio, you can enjoy authentic Tex-Mex food with a gorgeous view of the Riverwalk. The restaurant serves tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and it is frankly one of the best tex mex in San Antonio riverwalk.
It also has a Mariachi band that plays songs on request. Casa Rio was the first restaurant on the Riverwalk to start the tradition of dinner cruises. Casa Rio also has lunch cruises where you can experience floating down the river while enjoying your food and drinks.
It is definitely one of the best places to eat on Riverwalk in San Antonio.
Biga on the Banks
This Riverwalk restaurant is not in the popular Downtown Reach but located on a quiet area of the Riverwalk. It is still worth the visit and serves really great food.
The menu changes daily but the focus is on American cuisine and you will find a variety of meats at this restaurant.
However, the real highlight of a visit to Biga on the Banks is the Sticky Toffee Pudding.
The restaurant is a great choice for special dinners and date nights, making it one of the best restaurants on the riverwalk in San Antonio.
Boudro’s on the Riverwalk
We love visiting Boudro’s on the Riverwalk for one thing – tableside guacamole!
The guacamole is made fresh at the table and is a fun experience.
Our kids love watching the servers scoop the avocado, make fresh guac, and serve it with lemon and orange slices.
The restaurant also has a great riverside location and fantastic food.
They also have amazing margaritas: we especially love the prickly pear margarita and the serrano chile margarita. Definitely one of the best riverwalk restaurants in San Antonio, plus also best Mexican food on San Antonio riverwalk.
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Rio Rio Cantina
Another great riverwalk Mexican restaurant with tables by the water and great indoor seating for larger families.
They have great Tex-Mex food – we have tried street tacos, enchiladas, fajitas, salsa and chips, guacamole, quesadillas, and more.
The menu has the restaurant’s history & story and the Mariachi band serenades you as you eat.
Dorrego’s
Another riverwalk favorite, this San Antonio Riverwalk best restaurant is located inside the Hotel Valencia.
It serves Argentine and fusion Latin American food. While we have dined here just once, it was one of the best meals in recent times.
We tried the grilled baby lobster, pisco sours, grilled street corn, and many deserts and loved it.
Mr. Ice Cream
Mr. Ice Cream looks like a retro ice cream bar with funky seating and tables.
They have over 40 flavors of ice cream, shakes, and malts so there’s something for everyone.
However, the shop accepts cash only so keep the bills handy.
Justin’s Ice Cream
If you want delicious local ice cream and unique flavors visit Justin’s Ice cream.
This is a riverwalk classic since 1981 and has gelatos, sherbets, ice cream, and more.
The ice cream flavors are really creative – we have tried many different ones including guava, rainbow sherbet, coconut sherbet, blueberry sherbet, and more.
Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream
If you love Ben & Jerry’s, then you must visit the riverwalk location on Crockett Street.
The store has nice seating overlooking the riverwalk and there is an elevator right next to it where you can reach riverwalk level. This is very convenient if you have strollers and/or bags.
Besides these restaurants, the Riverwalk also has the most popular chain restaurants including Landry’s Seafood House, Joe’s Crab Shack, Bubba Gump Shrimp, Rainforest Cafe, Dick’s Last Resort, and Hardrock Cafe.
These are a great option if you have picky eaters and want to visit a familiar place where you know the menu and still dine at Riverwalk restaurants in San Antonio.
Best Places to eat elsewhere in San Antonio
Most tourists known about the best San Antonio Riverwalk restaurants, but did you know that there are several amazing places to eat in San Antonio’s other neighborhoods as well?
Whether you are in Historic Market Square area or visiting the popular Pearl District, here’s where you should go.
Historic Market Square
If you want to try authentic Mexican cuisine in a pretty authentic setting, visit the El Mercado or the Historic Market Square.
Here you will find restaurants, shops, and booths inspired by ‘south of the border’.
Some of the must things to eat and drink at the Mercado include the street corn, churros, micheladas, horchatas, Mexican as well as Tex-Mex cuisine, and Texas’ famous Blue Bell ice cream.
La Margarita
This restaurant located in Historic Market Square is famous for its margaritas and oyster bar.
They also have great Mexican food and are popular for their fajitas.
We have been to La Margarita many times and loved their service and food.
The building is New Orleans inspired and the seafood is also delicious here.
Mi Tierra Cafe Y Panaderia
This restaurant is a San Antonio icon. It is also located in Historic Market Square and is always full.
They have a huge Tex Mex menu and the interior is inspired to look like Christmas year-round. It is fascinating to visit the place and look at the hundreds of stars, twinkling lights, and other decorations on the ceiling.
The restaurant also has a famous mural on its wall. It is open 24 hours and is perfect for your late-night cravings.
Viva Villa Taqueria
Another popular restaurant in El Mercado.
They have a huge Tex-Mex menu and also serve Texas-style barbeque.
You can order enchiladas, street tacos – the al pastor are our favorite – and tortas.
Ro-Ho Pork & Bread
This is a hole in the wall place that serves really good food from the Mexican region of Guadalajara.
A must eat on the menu is the Torta Ahogada – a pulled pork sourdough sandwich dipped in a salsa sauce.
Little wonder that the name, Torta Ahogada translates to a drowned sandwich.
So if you want to try something different and more authentic, then definitely pay a visit to Ro-Ho Pork & Bread.
Cured
Cured, located in San Antonio’s trendy Pearl District, is a must for foodies.
The farm to table & whole animal cooking based restaurant has a whole charcuterie display case that shows off the meat options: smoked sausages, ham, pork, etc.
Cured offers a dining experience to be savored and is a highlight of your visit, making it one of the best restaurants in San Antonio.
Bakery Lorraine
Located in Pearl District, this bakery is a must on everyone’s San Antonio bucket list.
This bakery has the most fantastic sandwiches, pastries, and drinks.
While everything on their menu is delicious – the macaroons, lemon blueberry muffins, orange muffins, and quiche are our favorites.
If you visit on a weekend, you can see the Pearl Farmers Market while enjoying breakfast or brunch outside at Bakery Lorraine. It is definitely one of the best places to eat in San Antonio.
We hope you liked our list of the best places to eat while in San Antonio as well as the comprehensive list of best riverwalk restaurants. While the list is not exhaustive, we do try to include new restaurants as and when we try them out. If there’s anything that we must try, let us know – and maybe we can drop in on our next visit to San Antonio.
That’s a great spot for travelers. I love nachos and I can eat a lot of it within the day. The salsa looks so delicious, I love making home made salsa that are Mexican-inspired.
I love San Antonio and the riverwalk is the best! Will definitely check out Casa Rio I am there next time.
xx, Kusum | http://www.sveeteskapes.com
OOOH I want to be sernaded while I eat. Where can I sign up for that? They are going to thrive as a place with that alone!
XO Via Bella Blog
Oh I love Mexican food it is one of my favourite cuisines and I am glad that they offered you to dine there that is really sweet! Cheese nachos look rather tasty x
I have a friend who I think had dinner there. I remember him sending me photos of the mexican singers and videos of the happy atmopshere. The food looks delicious and it’s nice that you get some snacks and dips on the house as well.
Cheese nachos and guacomole look delicious! Colorful umbrellas are certainly adding charm to the whole experience. I’ll surely visit Casa Rio whenever I’m there.
I really, REALLY want to go to San Antonio! Now, my urge to go is increased, as is my appetite!
I have heard so much about San Antonio but I’m yet to visit. I love the fact that there’s a different atmosphere altogether out here.Thanks for info on this restaurant, will surely visit it whenever I’m there.
This post and the gorgeous pictures made me super hungry. I am craving some good ol’ loaded nachos now. Thanks for sharing this post, I bet it would have been so much fun dining under those umbrellas.
I’ve been to the San Antonio Riverwalk! In fact, my brother and sister-in-law live in San Antonio and when my husband I visit, the Riverwalk is one of our favorite places to go. It’s fun to have dinner under one of the colorful umbrellas and be part of a crowd that’s so diverse and interesting. It always leaves me in a better mood and a spring in my step! x
Wow what a pretty spot for some yummy food! I’m from California where we have amazing Mexican food and I miss it so much when I’m traveling!
This looks like such a vibrant spot! And I love spicy food, so I’m definitely going to need to check this out. Love your photos!
I love the river walk in San Antonio and this restaurant looks like the perfect stop on a day there! So colorful and fresh looking food.
This looks so amazing, i would like to visit this place as i love travelling and i love Mexican food.
Wow, the food looks absolutely delicious. The deluxe dinner looks like my cup of tea, but it would be too big for me: I’m pretty sure it would feed 2 of us 🙂
Wow, Casa Rio is so beautiful! I bet this was such a great experience to see! 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻 I really need to visit this place myself one day!
Wow! I just love this place. It looks like a Mexican Venice. 😀
*Meanwhile, Casa Rio successfully added to the bucket list*
What a great review! I love Mexican food and your pictures look so good that I might just order some Mexican food 🙂
We had the pleasure of visiting the Riverwalk 2 years ago when driving through San Antonio on a 3 month roadtrip, and we loved it! We didn’t eat anywhere, but we very much enjoyed the wander along the river! The food here looks delicious, and how cool to eat at the first restaurant on the Riverwalk! Especially right on the water!
I just ordered dinner and now I wish I’d ordered Mexican. Darn it! Thanks for the delicious description! It looks like a great spot.
What a great review, I love eating by the water so good job in getting a riverside table! Tempted to grab some Mexican for lunch now….