Restaurants in Dallas, Austin and Houston may get more time in the spotlight, but San Antonio has a culinary scene worth exploring. With trendy Pearl Brewery bursting with eclectic restaurants and bars and downtown booming with outdoor eateries, San Antonio has everything a foodie could want.
Some new, some tried-and-true, here are 10 hot spots to hit on your next trip down I-35.
Bakery Lorraine
511 E. Grayson St. 210-862-5582
Look for the hipster bicycles parked outside this hidden gem in Government Hill. Inside, find a plethora of fresh and delicious baked goods for the taking. Bakery Lorraine churns out buttery croissants, canalés and macarons that rival those found in real French patisseries.
Bliss
926 S. Presa St. 210-225-2547
Bliss offers diners quality and elegantly plated dishes on its frequently rotating menu. Try the oysters and duck confit spring rolls, vegetarian mushroom risotto, whole Mediterranean branzino, and anything chocolate for dessert. The menu is vegan- and vegetarian-friendly, with many vegetable-centric dishes.
Blue Box Bar
312 Pearl Pkwy. 210-227-2583
Cocktail connoisseurs ought to pay a visit to Blue Box at Pearl Brewery for a cleverly named concoction. Here, drink enthusiast Olaf Harmel creates unique libations such as Ramos Gin Fizz with gin, lime, lemon, sugar, cream, orange flower water, vanilla, egg white and soda, or The Liberal with rye, house sweet vermouth blend, amaro and orange bitters.
The Cove
606 W. Cypress St. 210-227-2683
This vegetarian-friendly spot downtown offers a chill outdoor dining experience. All of the menu items are made with organic, local and sustainable ingredients. Order a burger or fish tacos (or both) at the counter, then take a seat at any of the picnic tables outside. There's an indoor bar for the adults and a play area for the kids.
Cured
306 Pearl Pkwy., Ste. 101. 210-314-3929
This appropriately named charcuterie at Pearl Brewery offers a plethora of cured meat as well as other meat-focused dishes. Think smoked pork, cured foie gras, pan-seared quail breast, jalapeño sausage and more. Cured has a large beer menu and offers a few specialty cocktails. The restaurant is open for brunch, lunch and dinner.
The Granary 'Cue & Brew
602 Avenue A. 210-228-0124
The Granary is Pearl Brewery's latest hot spot, featuring meat-centric dishes made from Texas ingredients as well as house-made beers. This farm-to-table eatery — recognized on Texas Monthly's list of best new restaurant in Texas — also turns out homemade pickles, breads and desserts.
La Fonda on Main
2415 N. Main Ave. 210-733-0621
La Fonda on Main has been a destination for drinks and reliable Mexican food since its inception in 1932. Sip on a margarita or mojito as you dive into the fresh guacamole and spicy salsas. Order the enchiladas de espinacas, fajitas or any of the tacos so you can try the house-made tortillas. Or just ask for some and slather them in butter.
The Luxury
103 E. Jones Ave. 210-354-2274
James Beard Award winner (and founder of Il Sogno and Sandbar) Andrew Weissman recently opened The Luxury, which offers a laid-back foodie experience. Dine under the stars and indulge in a Milanesa sandwich or veggie banh mi with a side of ridiculously tasty fries. Wash it down with wine or one of the many beers on tap.
Ocho
1015 Navarro St. 210-222-2008
Hotel Havana's Ocho Lounge is hot. Whether you're staying in the boutique hotel or simply searching for a new watering hole, Ocho offers excellent food and drink in a sexy-chic atmosphere. Opt for a mojito or the Montserrat cocktail, or choose a glass of vino from the selection of Argentinean and Spanish wines. Food options include snacks such as huitlacoche quesadillas, tortas such as the Havana Cubano, and plates such as pan-roasted red snapper.
One Lucky Duck
303 Pearl Pkwy., Ste. 109. 210-223-3825
This raw food eatery at Pearl Brewery is its first location outside of New York City. Founded by the same owners of Pure Food and Wine, a fancy raw-food restaurant in Manhattan, One Lucky Duck is its trendier, more relaxed sister cafe. The menu includes a variety of salads, savory dishes such as veggie wraps and zucchini lasagna, fruit- and veggie-centric shakes, and unique juices.
One Lucky Duck at Pearl Brewery is the restaurant's first location outside of New York.
