Spend an afternoon getting up close and personal with exotic animals at Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch. This popular area attraction is a self-described “Texas-style African safari,” encompassing more than 400 acres of land that you can explore via car or on foot. Drive through the well-maintained paths and observe spunky zebras, giant giraffes, and leggy camels just as you would on a real African safari, and if you’re lucky, a few might even come right up to your window to say hello.

If you want to get even closer to the animals, Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch offers a Petting Barnyard where you and the kids can pet friendly African Pygmy goats, llamas, and more. The Walk-A-Bout section of the park is more like a traditional zoo, with sturdy fences offering a safe but close-up view of wild birds and monkeys, while the park’s Safari Camp Grill provides a tasty meal before or after your visit.

Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch
26515 Natural Bridge Caverns Road
San Antonio, TX 78266
(830) 438-7400
www.wildliferanchtexas.com

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr marsupium photography

Widely regarded as one of the most unique bars in San Antonio, Esquire Tavern been a fixture of the community since opening in 1933 at the end of Prohibition. The bar closed from 2006 to 2011, but was bought by new owners, who restored it to its former glory.

When you step through the door, you’ll immediately feel the history of the place, with the dark wood walls and long bar. The bartenders here are top of the line, with regulars raving that drinks are some of the strongest for the price in San Antonio. The food is another selling point, with the kitchen knocking out high-quality pub grub at all hours. Go for the house-made fried pickles, the pickled beet salad, or the deviled eggs to start. Recommended entrees include the pecan porter beer-battered shrimp toast, and the thick and flavorful hamburgers.

Esquire Tavern
155 E. Commerce St.
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 222-2521
www.esquiretavern-sa.com
www.yelp.com/biz/esquire-tavern-san-antonio

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr blondinrikard

San Antonio locals recommend Muelle 58 for its quirky atmosphere, friendly service and wide range of fresh seafood options. If you like ceviche, this is the restaurant for you—the menu features 58 different kinds of ceviche, and indecisive customers can order a ceviche sampler to try several varieties. Other popular dishes at Muelle 58 include the sautéed octopus, the enchiladas, the salmon al pastor, the tostones, the fish tacos and the churros, which some Yelp reviewers have called the best they’ve ever tasted.

Regulars say that prices are particularly reasonable at Muelle 58, and that it’s a good place to catch the game. Kids love eating at Muelle 58, and customers say that staff are always willing to explain menu items. Service is generally swift and courteous.

Muelle 58 is open Sundays through Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Muelle 58
19903 Stone Oak Parkway
San Antonio, TX 78258
(210) 267-5865
www.facebook.com/pages/Muelle-58/265709896922792
www.yelp.com/biz/muelle-58-san-antonio-2

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/leyla.a