Get Acquainted With Pancake Joe’s, A Favorite Breakfast Spot in San Antonio

When San Antonio locals are looking for a great place for breakfast, Pancake Joe’s is always at the top of the list. Pancakes are the name of the game at this casual, diner-style eatery, and you’ll even find creative styles like pineapple upside down cake, apple cinnamon, and classic blueberry. In addition to pancakes, Pancake Joe’s serves Monte Cristo French toast, eggs Benedicts, and biscuits and gravy to those who prefer a more savory breakfast.

There is often a wait at breakfast time at this popular locale, but with ample seating and efficient service, the line always moves quickly. If you’re looking for a hearty, homemade meal, endless cups of coffee and a fast, friendly environment, Pancake Joe’s is the place to go.

Pancake Joe’s is open 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays. The restaurant is closed on Mondays.

Pancake Joe’s
1011 Donaldson Ave.
San Antonio, TX 78228
(210) 785-9007
www.yelp.com/biz/pancake-joes-san-antonio-2

Los Barrios Mexican Restaurant: A Local Favorite That Everyone’s Taco-ing About

Los Barrios Mexican Restaurant is a great choice for tacos in San Antonio, offering a true taste of Mexican fare favorites mixed with American cuisine classics. Whether you’re looking for a platter of zesty tacos, a burrito stuffed full of rice and beans, or even a traditional Mexican breakfast, you’ll find it at Los Barrios.

In the morning, the menu features flavorful dishes like huevos rancheros and chilaquiles, while the lunch and dinner menus switch over to fajita plates and combination platters that will leave you feeling full for hours. Los Barrios offers large portions for low prices, and there are even juicy cheeseburgers and fries for those with less adventurous palates.

The restaurant is always clean and well decorated inside, and it is located in a convenient location that makes it perfect for a casual and family-friendly dinner out in San Antonio.

Los Barrios Mexican Restaurant
4223 Blanco Road
San Antonio, TX 78212
(210) 732-6017
www.facebook.com/losbarrios1

Meson European Restaurant: Plan Your Next Date Night at This Romantic Eatery

If you want to experience artful, European fare, you don’t have to invest in a pricey international plane ticket. Meson European Restaurant offers this type of global cuisine in an upscale atmosphere right here in San Antonio, and it has the feeling of a locals-only hidden gem that makes it even more special.

Meson’s menu consists of healthy, whole foods with a European flair, including premium cuts of New York strip steaks, fresh seafood, and handcrafted pasta dishes that change from season to season. Regular diners say that the prices are fair for the large portion sizes and high quality of the meals, and there is also a full bar and an impressive wine list for of-age guests.

Floor-to-ceiling windows fill the restaurant’s dining room with natural light, while multiple four-person tables covered in white tablecloths make any meal luxurious. On the weekends, Meson also features the occasional live jazz band that adds even more ambiance to your relaxed, upscale dining experience.

Meson European Restaurant
923 N. Loop 1604 East
San Antonio, TX 78232
(210) 690-5811
www.mesoneuropeandining.com
www.yelp.com/biz/meson-european-dining-san-antonio

Chris Madrid’s: Macho Nachos and Mango Margaritas

Chris Madrid's started out serving tacos and burgers in 1977, but it wasn't long before patrons had picked a favorite: the burgers. Consequently, Chris Madrid's owners removed the tacos from the menu all together. They did leave a few relics of the original Mexico-inspired menu, however, including the Macho Nachos.

The reigning favorite among customers, the Macho Nachos are heaped with house-made refried beans, picadillo, and cheddar cheese. Spicy jalapeno peppers come on the side for spice as needed. You can also order the bean nachos, a similar creation, just sans the picadillo. If you have room left for the main course, try the signature tostada bean burger with the house's refried beans and cheddar cheese piled on top. Wash it all down with a mango margarita, one of the most popular libations available. Wine, beer, and other colorful cocktails are also on tap at Chris Madrid's, so take your pick.

Chris Madrid's
1900 Blanco Road
San Antonio, TX 78212
(210) 735-3552
www.chrismadrids.com
www.yelp.com/biz/chris-madrids-san-antonio

Kirby’s Steakhouse: San Antonio Steaks

Kirby's Steakhouse has been a San Antonio fixture since 1954, having fed a few generations of diners their grain-fed, aged midwestern Prime Beef. Seafood, wine and some yummy sides and desserts are also on their menu, making this a pleasant spot to enjoy a meal.

Kirby's ambiance is casually elegant, with lots of dark wood and white tablecloths. Pick something from their flavorful list of appetizers to get your meal started, like Snow Crab Claws, Oysters Ladybird, Grilled Tequila Shrimp or Fried Pickle Chips. Move on to the main event with an entrée such as Prime Cowboy Cut Ribeye, Blue Ribbon Filet Mignon, Grilled Redfish with Jumbo Lump Crab, or Australian Rack of Lamb. You can also enjoy tasty side dishes including Sauteed Mushrooms, Creamed Spinach and Mushroom Risotto.

Located in San Antonio, Kirby's Steakhouse is open every day.

Kirby's Steakhouse
123 N. Loop 1604 E
San Antonio, TX 78232
(210) 404-2221
www.kirbyssteakhouse.com
www.yelp.com/biz/kirbys-steakhouse-san-antonio

Jacala Mexican Restaurant: Plan Your Next Taco Tuesday

If you find yourself craving Mexican food just about every day of the week, Jacala Mexican Restaurant is a must-try eatery in San Antonio. This award-winning locale is known for its flavorful margaritas and its unique “puffy tacos,” which are made with puffy tortilla shells that are denser than traditional tortillas. The restaurant’s menu also includes favorites like enchiladas, loaded nachos, and housemade tortilla soup, as well as a number of other combo plates and Mexican classics. Jacala also offers lunch specials throughout the week, which include low prices on combo platters and even to-go options on any of the items on its expansive menu.

There is a large selection of fruity margaritas and imported cervezas, which can be enjoyed with your meal or in the lively bar area. With a spacious, colorful interior and lively atmosphere, this is the perfect spot for a flavorful meal with friends!

Jacala Mexican Restaurant
606. West Ave
San Antonio TX 78201
(210) 732-5222
www.jacala.com

Esquire Tavern: A Step Back in Time

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

Choose from 58 Ceviches at Muelle 58

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

Zinc Bistro and Bar: Dine Al Fresco in San Antonio

Just off the scenic San Antonio Riverwalk, Zinc Bistro and Bar transports diners to a quaint European eatery in both its cuisine and atmosphere. Snag a table in its picturesque courtyard and enjoy the bubbling melodies that emanate from its fountain. They set the soundtrack for a romantic dinner, worlds apart from the busy riverwalk just beyond the brick patio.

Begin your meal with one of the popular prickly pear margaritas and a serving of the truffle fries, which come loaded with Parmesan cheese. Pair it with a few other small plates from the tapas menu to create a full feast, such as the flash-fried calamari, the garlicky escargot, or the spicy two-alarm hummus. You can also opt for your own entree, like a bubbly pizza topped with Italian sausage or New York strip steak with home fries. Wash it all down with your margarita, a glass of wine from the lengthy and internationally inspired list, or a craft beer.

Zinc Bistro and Bar
207 N. Presa Street
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 224-2900
www.zincwine.com
www.yelp.com/biz/zinc-bistro-and-wine-bar-san-antonio

Raising Cane’s: Dig Into Some Chicken Fingers

At Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, every meal centers on a helping of chicken fingers. Raising Cane’s brags that its chicken is never frozen, and fans say they can taste that this is true. Choose from one of four combo meals that contain three to six chicken fingers. The kid’s meal gets you two chicken fingers, sides, a drink, and a prize. The sandwich combo for adults, on the other hand, includes three chicken fingers on a Kaiser roll. Sides include fries, coleslaw, and Texas toast.

Buy tailgates—quantities of 25, 50, 75, or 100 chicken fingers—to feed a group. Locals love the chicken fingers, the special dipping sauce, the slaw, the fries, the Texas toast, and the lemonade. The quality of the food remains consistent with each order, regulars say.

Raising Cane’s is open 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and 10 a.m. to midnight Fridays and Saturdays.

Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers
19110 Stone Oak Parkway
San Antonio, TX 78258
(210) 499-0011
www.raisingcanes.com
www.yelp.com/biz/raising-canes-san-antonio-3

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