Don’t Miss the Fried Chicken and Peach Cobbler at Pappy G’s Country Kitchen

Southern fare is the draw at Pappy G's Country Kitchen, a casual restaurant that hosts a smattering of checkered cloth-covered tables and booths within its open dining room. Dressed in his white chef's coat, restaurant founder Pappy is a frequent fixture in the dining room, too. In fact, he's likely to make a stop by your table to ensure your meal meets your expectations—or just to crack a joke.

Regulars of this soul food eatery will attest that everything on the menu is worth trying, but particular praise is heaped upon the fried chicken, which is reportedly crispy and moist and pairs nicely with a bite of creamy macaroni and cheese. Meatloaf is just like Mom used to make, while the blackened tilapia and fried fish baskets are flavorful enough to make fans out of even the staunchest landlubber. (Don't pass over the freshly baked corn bread muffins!) Be sure to request two spoons if you order the peach cobbler; this sweet dessert is presented in a large sundae dish and can easily serve two.

Pappy G’s Country Kitchen is open Wednesdays through Sundays.

Pappy G’s Country Kitchen
1210 Pat Booker Road
Universal City, TX 78148
(210) 659-7799
www.pappygs.com
www.yelp.com/biz/pappy-gs-country-kitchen-universal-city

Sandwiches and Sweets at Four Kings

Tucked away in a strip mall, Four Kings is a popular Universal City lunch spot serving artisanal sandwiches, made-from-scratch soups, salads that make use of local produce, and an array of tempting desserts.

Sandwiches are said to be the real star of the show here, served on freshly baked bread and piled high with quality ingredients. There are around six sandwich varieties to choose from at any given time, but regulars will likely recommend you order the roasted turkey sandwich. This crowd-pleaser pairs savory sliced turkey with the crunch of fresh spinach and the unexpected bite of chipotle mayo. Those looking for something a little out of the ordinary are advised to request the banh mi, a traditional Vietnamese sandwich that offsets bites of marinated pork with fiery jalapeno peppers. Whatever you do, be sure to save room for something sweet. Four Kings's brownies, blondies, cookies, and bread pudding are sinfully good.

Four Kings is open 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays and 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. While you'll find a handful of tables for dining in, most of Four King's regular patrons choose to get their order to-go.

Four Kings
2047 Universal City Boulevard
Universal City, TX 78148
(210) 687-6649
www.letseat.at/fourkings
www.yelp.com/biz/four-kings-universal-city

Youz Guyz: A Taste of Philly in the Heart of Texas

Whether you’re a Philadelphia transplant or you simply can’t get enough of the city’s famous cheesesteaks, Youz Guyz is a quirky taste of Philly in Universal City. This casual restaurant is owned and operated by former Philadelphia residents with a vast knowledge of how a proper cheesesteak is prepared, from the thinly sliced pieces of steak to the Cheese Whiz topping. In addition to their cheesesteaks, Youz Guyz offers hoagies, hot dogs, hot sausages, and the classic greasy sides like fries and onion rings.

All of the food prices are very affordable, so you can indulge in the melted goodness of a cheesy sandwich without spending a fortune. Youz Guyz also offers both an inside dining room and a spacious outdoor patio that’s perfect for cooler Texas nights.

Youz Guyz is open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. The restaurant is closed on Sundays.

Youz Guyz
316 Pat Booker Road
Universal City, TX 78148
(210) 659-8930
www.youzguyzcheesesteaks.com
www.yelp.com/biz/youz-guyz-universal-city

Choose From 11 Flavors of Chicken Wings at Wingstop

Craving great wings? If so, with 11 flavors from which to choose, Wingstop aims to satisfy. Flavors range from Atomic for the ultimate hot wing lover to Original Hot, Garlic Parmesan, Teriyaki, Hickory Smoked, Chili Lime, and more. Menu items include classic wings, boneless wings and strips, gliders, and fresh cut fries.

Looking for a budget-friendly place to dine with the kids? This is the place to go. Easy on the wallet, Wingstop offers specially priced menus for two and family packs. The food comes out hot, and fast and the staff is courteous, helpful, and friendly.

Wingstop's Universal City location is open 10:20 a.m. to 11:50 p.m. daily. While delivery is not available, convenient online ordering is offered.

Wingstop
2921 Pat Booker Road
Universal City, Texas 78148
(210) 945-4400
www.wingstop.com/locations/details.php?id=98
www.yelp.com/biz/wing-stop-universal-city

Tazas Cafe: Enjoy A Famous Cinnamon Roll at This Unique Cafe

Taza’s Cafe has secured a place in the Universal City food community because of its well-made coffee, and, most of all, its incredibly popular cinnamon rolls. The stylish cafe features a modern coffee bar, comfortable wooden tables, and fireplaces that add to the interior’s ambiance.

The eclectic menu's most popular items are its personal pizzas, salads, and croissant sandwiches for both breakfast and lunch, and the expansive bakery options include brownies, cookies, and those famous cinnamon rolls. For those who enjoy working on their computers or finishing some homework, there’s also free Wi-Fi for customers. Whether you come early in the morning for breakfast and coffee or pop by after dinner, Tazas Cafe is a quirky alternative to the chain coffee shops in the area.

Tazas Cafe is open 6:30 a.m. to midnight daily.

Tazas Cafe
3126 Pat Booker Road
Universal City, TX 78148
(210) 658-2927
www.tazalicious.com
www.yelp.com/biz/tazas-cafe-universal-city

Bite Into New York-Style Pies at Ray’s Pizzaria

Upon stepping through the door of Ray's Pizzaria in Universal City, you're immediately transported to a small New York neighborhood pizza joint resplendent with movie posters, photos, and jerseys adorning the walls.

The menu is extensive and offers extra-large slices of pizza, hot and cold subs, pastas, calzones, stromboli, salads and more. Kid-friendly, Ray's offers a terrific children's menu. Pair your meal with a frosty beer, glass of wine, iced tea, or soda. After your meal, be sure to order a cannoli or a slice of tiramisu or chocolate cake.

Ray's Universal City location is open 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Sundays.

Ray's Pizzaria
12000 East Loop 1604 North
Universal City, Texas 78148
(210) 658-5000
www.rayspizzaria.com
www.yelp.com/biz/rays-pizzaria-universal-city-2

Taza’s Cafe: Tasty Treats in Universal City

With cinnamon buns to die for and excellent coffee from the espresso bar, a trip to Tazas Cafe in Universal City is worth the trip. Classical music abounds as customers relax and enjoy a drink or light bite from the reasonably priced cafe menu. Serving breakfast, lunch, and light dinner fare, menu choices include omelettes, quiches, pizzas, salads, sandwiches, and soups, as well as desserts. Be sure to try the mushroom brie soup and the fresh lemon and garlic caesar salad. After a relaxing meal, head into the Hooka lounge which is open from 6:30 am to midnight daily. Taza's currently stocks more than 50 flavors for your smoking pleasure and adds new ones monthly. Not particularly child friendly, it is recommended to leave the little ones at home when heading to this local hot spot.

Tazas Cafe
3126 Pat Booker Road
Universal City, Texas
(210) 658-2927
www.tazalicious.com
www.yelp.com/biz/tazas-cafe-universal-city

Don’t Skip the Lunch Buffet at Thai O Cha

Loved by locals and visitors alike, Thai O Cha is a must if in the Universal City area. Authentic to its roots, this Thai restaurant boasts a small lunch buffet for $10, as well as an extensive menu of traditional Thai fare. Fresh and plentiful, buffet items include pad Thai, penang beef, curries, spring rolls, ribs, as well as other tasty Thai dishes. Don't miss the papaya salad, cream cheese rolls, tom yum soups and laab, a mixture of ground meat with crushed rice, onion, cilantro and lime juice.

With more than 80 items, the menu is very reasonably priced and will not disappoint. Additionally, the service is attentive, friendly, and courteous, which enhances an overall very pleasant dining experience.

Thai O Cha is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and noon to 8 p.m. Saturdays.

Thai O Cha
220 Aviation Boulevard
Universal City, TX 78148
(210) 659-3310
www.facebook.com/pages/Thai-O-Cha/116125621742377
www.yelp.com/biz/thai-o-cha-universal-city

Your Seafood Favorites Are on the Menu at Sea Island Shrimp House

In the San Antonio area and looking for good seafood? Sea Island Shrimp House will not disappoint. This award-winning establishment serves fresh seafood daily. Specialties of the house include the lemon pepper fish and grilled shrimp entree, a delicious combination of lightly breaded fish served with seven seasoned grilled shrimp. Other entrees include broiled freshwater rainbow trout, Mexican style ceviche, and fresh shucked oysters.

Not in the mood for seafood? Sea Island Shrimp House also serves chicken a beef entrees, such as beef kabobs and grilled chicken. In addition, Sea Island Shrimp House offers kids' meals, seniors' meals, and large family meals to-go. Beer and wine is also served.

Open daily, Sea Island Shrimp House's Rector Street location is behind the Rector North Star Mall.

Sea Island Shrimp House
322 W. Rector Street
San Antonio, Texas 78216
(210) 342-7771
www.shrimphouse.com
www.yelp.com/biz/sea-island-shrimp-house-san-antonio

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Buon Giorno Cafe: Expect Old World Charm at This Italian Eatery

A well-edited menu of soups, sandwiches, and salads can be expected at Buon Giorno Cafe, a small Italian fare eatery in a San Antonio strip mall. The potato and split pea soups are a popular choice here, best paired with a tuna salad sandwich, BLT, or seafood salad on a light and flaky croissant. This casual cafe also specializes in coffee drinks, such as cappuccino and espresso, as well as Italian pastries made in-house. Don't miss the cannolis, coconut pecan cookies, and tiramisu, all of which are well-received by regulars. Service is laid back and unhurried, while the owner is personable and friendly, making for an enjoyable light meal.

Buon Giorno Cafe is open 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Fridays, and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturdays. Take-out is offered.

Buon Giorno Cafe
15033 Nacogdoches Road
San Antonio, Texas 78247
(210) 967-9830
www.facebook.com/pages/Buon-Giorno-Cafe/235452066513135
www.yelp.com/biz/buon-giorno-cafe-san-antonio

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