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 Steakhouses because: Boiler House is the perfect place to go for both meat-lovers and vegetable-lovers alike.
Kimberly's expert tip: Known also for their sides and "nibbles," make sure to order some house chicharrones with hot sauce, pastrami-cured duck or quail poppers to start your meal off right!
Saltgrass Steak House offers patrons some of the most superb Texas steaks and barbeque this side of the Mississippi. Their story dates back to the 1800s, when millions of Longhorns roamed freely throughout Texas. Each winter the Longhorn were driven to the Texas Gulf Coast to graze on the rich coastal salt grass. And when they headed for market, they followed the legendary Salt Grass Trail, known far and wide for creating the best beef in the Lone Star State. Saltgrass is known for their certified Angus Beef Steaks and an assortment of other savory dishes such as Grilled Shrimp and Grilled Salmon.
Recommended for Steakhouses because: Saltgrass knows what Texans love to eat and that's meat, plain and simple.
Kimberly's expert tip: For something a little bit different, order their herb-crusted prime rib, which is slow-roasted for 10 hours.
J. Alexander's isn't just a San Antonio restaurant, but you can expect to find some of the most impeccable food here, cooked to perfection. J. Alexander's is consistent in their quality, customer service and attention to detail. This upscale restaurant is ideal for a business lunch or even a romantic rendezvous. The prices are fair and the ingredients top notch. Some favorites include one of the best burgers in town, the Tillamook Cheddar Burger and the Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes, not to mention the Steak and Frites. For dessert, they offer a killer Key-Lime Pie and a to-die-for Carrot Cake that defies any resistance to temptation, although you may want to ask for two forks.
Recommended for Steakhouses because: Located conveniently at the Quarry, you can always expect good service and affordable, good food from J. Alexander's.
Kimberly's expert tip: Located within walking distance to Quarry's Regal Theater, it's the perfect stop before an evening movie.
The San Antonio location of this national chain is praised for its comfortably elegant atmosphere, solid selection of prime beef, and noteworthy wine list, most of which is served by the glass. Treat your special someone or a business partner to a 12-oz. filet mignon, a 16-oz. prime rib-eye, or to beef Flemington; a filet encased in puff pastry with creamy duxelles. Seafood selections include a New Zealand salmon filet in cabernet butter sauce and tuna mignon seared rare with poppy seed au poivre. Take advantage of Discovery Dinners for groups of six or more, which feature four-course menus with wine pairings.
Recommended for Steakhouses because: Fleming's is centrally-located and always provides quality and great service every time.
Kimberly's expert tip: They offer a special three-course menu on Sundays. Check their website for details.
Little Rhein is celebrating its 50th year! San Antonio's first two-story structure now comfortably accommodates this charming steakhouse, which proffers some of the city's best filet mignon. Memorabilia collected by the steakhouse's original owner lines the interior (Chicago's old courthouse supplied the brass lights). The menu is an exercise in simplicity: meat and vegetables with a bit of seafood thrown in just for kicks. Not only locals but peripatetic celebs like to make frequent stops at Little Rhein. As the Little Rhein Steakhouse is conveniently located in a great part of downtown San Antonio, make sure to take time to explore the area of Southtown and Hemisphere park while you're down there!
Recommended for Steakhouses because: Little Rhein Steakhouse offers a fine dining experience and easy access to La Valita and Southtown, great neighborhoods for shopping.
Kimberly's expert tip: An ideal restaurant for those looking for a quaint, rustic atmosphere with a lot of history.
Fogo de Chao is a popular Brazilian steakhouse located in downtown San Antonio. The story of Fogo de Chao began in the mountainous countryside of Rio Grande do Sul in Southern Brazil, where its founders were born. Dining is a little different in a churrascaria but don't worry! The servers explain how everything works. You can choose from pecanha, a prime cut of sirloin or Beef Ancho which is a prime part of a ribeye. This has amazing flavor and is one of the most popular cuts at the restaurant. Side dishes include warm cheese bread and mashed potatoes. Truly your choices here run the gamut, from steak, chicken, lamb, pork and seafood, not to mention their seasonal market table.
Recommended for Steakhouses because: Fogo de Chao is a fabulous churrascaria in a beautifully elegant setting.
Local Expert tip: Fogo de Chao is a smart choice for group or private dining, as they have semi-private and public group spaces for all occasions.
A graceful, mirrored dining room provides an elegant accompaniment to Bohanan's top-notch steaks and seafood. Noted for serving Akaushi beef, three grades above Prime, and dramatic flaming desserts, the restaurant has a loyal contingent of regulars and attracts new customers nightly. Try a juicy filet from the mesquite grill, or split a massive double center-cut pork chop with someone special. Unusual seafood dishes like Macadamia Encrusted Gulf Red Snapper and Mero Sea Bass served with a shrimp and tomato broth provide a welcome change of pace. Make sure to start the evening early with a few cocktails at the bar. This is the kind of restaurant where you want to spend the entire evening.
Recommended for Steakhouses because: Bohanan's is the place to go for a special celebration or date night!
Kimberly's expert tip: Bohanan's offers life music and is an excellent choice if you're looking for dinner and a show!
Biga on the Banks has earned a stellar reputation. Request table 31 when you make a reservation at Biga on the Banks, and you'll end up with the best view in the house. You won't be gazing at the river, but you will have an eye on chef Bruce Auden as he concocts lobster ravioli on arugula and guinea ham in guajillo sauce. Steak lovers will enjoy their Griddled Angus Beef Ribeye or their Grilled Beef Tenderloin, but you cannot go wrong with their Eleven-Spiced Hill Country Venison and Grilled Quail. The tasting menu is highly recommended, but the cuisine is equally as interesting when ordered a la carte. The loft-inspired space is airy and light, but don't worry, you'll have plenty of elbow room when you dig in.
Recommended for Steakhouses because: Biga on the Banks is a classic San Antonio restaurant for fine dining and superbly-cooked meats.
Kimberly's expert tip: For dessert, splurge with their Grand Marnier Souffle. Cooked to perfection!
Founded by a woman entrepreneur who was ahead of her time, Ruth's Chris Steak House is well known for its prime cuts. Ruth Fertel showed spirit and determination in choosing her restaurants. The quality of the restaurant steaks is a clear reflection of her eye for the best. Choose from a wide variety of full-flavored classic steaks, such as a T-Bone or Cowboy Ribeye, for an outstanding example of USDA Prime at its best. The steaks come out sizzling on a plate of butter and herb, and the smell alone will have you salivating. Complement your steak with a lettuce wedge salad or lobster bisque. You can wrap it all up with their customer favorite, Chocolate Sin Cake. Ruth's Chris Steak House may be a chain, but they continue to win points with steak lovers around the country for many delicious reasons.
Recommended for Steakhouses because: Ruth's Chris is a nationally acclaimed steakhouse which offers superb cuisine, from the steaks to the desserts.
Kimberly's expert tip: Currently, they are offering Happy Hour all evening on the patio, weather permitting.
Range is one of the newer restaurants to the downtown area and the creation of one of San Antonio's top chefs, Jason Dady. Chef Dady has outdone himself with this classic chophouse restaurant in a gorgeous space in the heart of the city, located at the Embassy Suites. It's a fantastic choice for both lunch, dinner and happy hour. If you're looking to treat someone to a special evening, dinner here is where it's at! Range sources the highest quality meats and produce, some of them locally. Choices include a New York Strip, Tenderloin Filet, Ribeye or Sirloin Coulette, for example, which you can enjoy with some yummy toppers or a side of succulent lobster tail. Their seafood game is on point and also includes Gulf Red Snapper and Pan-Roasted Ora King Salmon. One of the best aspects about Range is the exceptional service from knowledgeable staff, oh, and a giant cloud of freshly-made cotton candy that arrives at the end of your meal!
Recommended for Steakhouses because: Range is one of the newest steakhouses in San Antonio and offers a "range" of high quality steaks and seafood in an elegant atmosphere.
Kimberly's expert tip: Lunch is a great deal! Make sure to give their Wild Mushroom Bisque and Chopped Salad a try!