Owned by San Antonio celebrity Chef, Johnny Hernandez, Burgerteca, is a new restaurant and the first to open up along the Mission Trail extension of the river walk, south of downtown. The concept itself is also the first of its kind, a burger and ice cream concept inspired by ingredients and flavors distinct to traditional Mexican food. Although you can almost always expect to find a crowd, this is a fun place to go for dinner on the weekends. You can relax outside on the patio or in their vibrantly decorated dining room. The burgers, too, are fun and tasty. These might not be the traditional burgers you're used to, but that's a good thing! Experiment with options such as the Al Pastor with beef, grilled pineapple, tomatillo and manchego cheese or even better, the Pacifica, a seared tuna burger with slaw, sesame seeds and avocado. Delicioso!
Recommended for Group Friendly because: With a large dining area and patio along the riverwalk in Southtown, Burgerteca is a fun choice for groups.
Kimberly's expert tip: A great spot to grab a refreshing treat after a day of sight-seeing! They make their own Mexican ice cream, frozen popsicles (paletas) and shaved ice (raspas).
Get ready for some wonderful Texas barbecue, right in the middle of San Antonio - more specifically in Alamo Heights, right across the street from the Witte Museum and Brackeridge Park. If the weather's nice, there's nothing better than grabbing your meats to go and taking them to the park for a picnic. This location is new, but Smoke Shack has been around has a food truck at 410 & Nacodoches for quite a while. Their food truck still operates during the week. It's encouraged that you opt for the 3 meat combo. The barbecue is smoked to perfection and utterly tender. There's plenty of choices, from brisket and sausage to smoked turkey, chicken and succulently carmelized pork ribs. The sides are just as good and include potato salad, mac & cheese, fried okra and more. The portions are generous and potentially enough food for two to share, although you may not want to. If you're feeling frisky, give the frito pie a chance. It's one of the best in town!
Recommended for Group Friendly because: Smoke Shack is a great place for a quick, affordable and finger-licking-good meal with friends.
Kimberly's expert tip: Make sure to try the potato salad, complete with bacon!
Rosario's, which has been around now for over 20 years, has transported itself from a local favorite to a critically-acclaimed restaurant. They have been featured in Southern Living, Texas Monthly and The New York Times, and have been listed as one of the "Top 50 Restaurants in the U.S." by Hispanic Magazine. From their Chile Relleno de Pescado (shrimp and fish stuffed poblano pepper) to their fajitas and enchiladas, there is not one thing on the menu you won't be wanting to return for again and again. They offer live music on the weekends and specialize in gigantic margaritas that are almost a meal by itself!
Recommended for Group Friendly because: Rosario's is a tried and true Tex-Mex restaurant in the downtown area with affordable food, out of this world margaritas and plenty of room!
Kimberly's expert tip: For large groups, a round of appetizers might be all you need. Their Chicken Fajita Nachos are some of the best in town.
There's nothing better than take-out pizza, and no one does it better than Grimaldi's, who serves up authentic New York style thin crust pizza. When it comes to pizza, you can't go wrong with their brick-oven cooked options which are made to order. The ingredients are superbly fresh and piquant. With their homemade mozzarella, sauce, and crust, you be pleasantly satisfied, not overly-stuffed with greasy food. They have some great salad options if you're wanting to avoid carbs, but if you're eating pizza, you might want to consider sharing the salad. The meatball is definitely one of the best around, but you can never go wrong with pepperoni!
Recommended for Group Friendly because: Grimaldi's knows how to throw a pizza party like none other. Located just 10 minutes north of downtown, they offer fantastic pizza and more.
Kimberly's expert tip: Make sure to sign up to get a free pizza on your birthday!
Boiler House Texas Grill & Wine Garden is a true Texas original. Situated in the historic Pearl Brewery complex on the San Antonio River Walk, this wine-centric restaurant occupies the former "boiler house" which powered the adjacent brewery. The menu focuses on grilled items from local farms and markets, with a focus on "Texas ranch-style" cuisine. The good news is they have a wide variety of gluten-free dishes and are clearly noted on the menu. These delicacies are paired with extraordinary wines from around the world (all available by the glass, bottle and "to-go"), live music and a casual yet energetic atmosphere. The unique list of wines features pricing based on a "retail" model, and boasts some of the lowest prices in the area.
Recommended for Group Friendly because: A popular restaurant at the Historic Pearl, Boiler House has a large menu, a great wine list and spaces for private parties.
Kimberly's expert tip: Try the Chorizo Sausages or Braised Kurabuta Pork Belly for some gluten-free yumminess!
Dependable food and reliable service are Ernesto's mainstays and two of the main reasons that locals keep coming back. Behind the modest, strip-mall exterior, items like crab and shrimp crepes are favorites. A casual yet romantic atmosphere makes Ernesto's a popular choice for anniversaries and birthdays, and Ernesto himself might even offer a few recommendations. Years ago, Ernesto taught French cooking in San Antonio, and now he's artfully merged French elements with Mexican cuisine to create one-of-a-kind delectable dishes, such as Red Snapper stuffed with crab meat, accompanied by some incredible sauces that will have you coming back again and again. It's a wonderful restaurant for a special evening out with family and friends. Make sure to save room for their cajeta caramel crepes for dessert. To-die-for!
Recommended for Group Friendly because: Ernesto's is an unexpected treasure with exceptional French-inspired Mexican cuisine and the kind of service you want for any special party.
Kimberly's expert tip: Make sure to take a moment to ask Chef Ernesto about his background and culinary knowledge. He's one of the most gracious restaurant owners in town!
Boudro's Texas Bistro is the ideal spot for intimate lunches or dinners as well as large parties and convention groups. They can accommodate you inside or on one of their special river barges, catered exactly to your taste. The Chef offers culinary inventiveness with the use of fresh, local ingredients that help make this restaurant so sought after. The delicious frozen margaritas are made with swirls of crimson prickly pear juice, and the menu revels in dishes like black lacquered duck leg, papaya-marinated flank steak, mesquite-grilled Texas quail, and shrimp and crab enchiladas. Boudro's truly has some of the best food on the River, from smoked shrimp enchiladas and blackened prime rib to seafood straight from the Gulf.
Recommended for Group Friendly because: Spacious, with stunning decor and incredible food, Boudro's is bound to please if you want to impress your family and friends.
Kimberly's expert tip: Ask about their gorgeous private rooms, which are a great option for large parties and special events in the downtown area.
Rebelle Restaurant in the newly-renovated St. Anthony Hotel has finally come to fruition and oh what a plump, juicy treat it is. Once, years ago, the restaurant at the St. Anthony was the place to go for dinner... and now it is once again! Executive Chef Stefan Bowers along with restaurateur Andrew Goodman, have already proven their talents at the successful Feast Restaurant in Southtown, San Antonio. With Rebelle, they're now well on their way to earning national attention. With Chef Bowers' gift for blending scintillating flavors and Goodman's aesthetic grace, this duo is a match made in heaven - which is what Rebelle looks like, if heaven is an enchanting, purple-hued dreamscape where the lusty libations and seductive cuisine never end. For Chef Bowers, it's all about the flavor. While the dishes are certainly thoughtfully put together, you quickly lose sight its beauty once you taste it. Chef Bowers calls it "high-risk" cuisine because if even one component of these highly composed dishes is not on point, it throws the entire dish off. The concept is shared plates of elegant, extraordinarily fresh and diverse cuisine. Rebelle is French for rebel and is their acknowledgement of the common use of French techniques used in the dishes, even though the menu is quite global. It's also the perfect description for these two men who are true to their own vision and no one else's. The menu includes the most succulent Char-Grilled Spanish Octopus with braised corona beans and basil pistou; a decadent 32 oz. Cote de Bouef (bone-in Ribeye with tarragon butter); perfectly-cooked Veal Sweetbreads with black trumpets and lobster knuckle butter and Rosemary and Red Pepper Spiced Goat Shank, to name a few. Bon appetit!
Recommended for Group Friendly because: Rebelle is a wonderful fine dining option for groups, with creative seafood and superb service.
Kimberly's expert tip: Try the "Funday," a pitcher of rum, pineapple, orange juice, pomegranate and lemon.
La Tuna is an ice house and a restaurant with largely outdoor seating. It's been a staple of the Southtown Arts District for many years and is easily one of the most popular hangouts for locals. Catch live music, down a cold local brew and enjoy a relaxed, friendly atmosphere at this chill spot just a few minutes south of downtown. Go hungry because they serve up some of the best casual eats in town, and they don't skimp on portions. Options include their whopping signature burger, cheesy nachos and amazing blackened fish tacos. This is an ideal place to take friends and family out for a leisurely lunch or dinner, especially if you have the kids with you. With tree-covered picnic tables, it's not even too hot in the height of summer.
Recommended for Group Friendly because: With a large outdoor patio and great Tex-Mex food, La Tuna is a fun spot for a family or friends afternoon or evening out.
Kimberly's expert tip: La Tuna is now open for brunch! Dig into their Chicken and Waffles for delicious, hearty meal.
Bourbon Street Seafood Kitchen Restaurant is a place for exquisite New Orleans-style cuisine in the heart of San Antonio, Texas. The dishes range from fresh, healthy options like the Seafood Cobb Salad to decadent entrees such as the Sea pan-seared Sea Bass Piccata with crab meat in a lemon butter caper wine sauce, not to mention frog legs! They have been voted as one of the best restaurants in San Antonio and with their willingness to accommodate gluten diets (be sure to ask!), we are sure that you will have a magnificent dining experience. At Bourbon Street Seafood Kitchen they make it their goal to provide you with a great place for parties and informal get-togethers, evenings out with the family or a delicious change of taste from fast-food lunches. All served with a smile. The entire staff at Bourbon Street Seafood Kitchen takes pride in preparing great food of the finest quality in a comfortable setting, and ensuring that the dining experience is one you won't soon forget!
Recommended for Group Friendly because: Located downtown, Bourbon Street hits on all levels from the cuisine to the service and has a spacious dining room for large parties.
Kimberly's expert tip: For dessert, don't miss out on a rare treat - the Baked Alaska. It's the perfect marriage between a lemon meringue pie and an ice cream cake, and it's big enough to share with a group!