The Luxury: Relax on the River

With outdoor seating adjacent to the River Walk and an extensive beer and wine selection, The Luxury tops the list of many San Antonio locals’ favorite restaurants. Place your order at the counter, seat yourself and wait to be served—but be advised that lines can get long and many customers approach the counter still undecided. Those who know the menu well will probably order the French fries right away, however, which come with a special sauce. Other popular menu items include the milanesia, the veggie banh mi, the pura vida salad, the cargo salad, and the pulled pig sandwich.

Though the outdoor-only seating at The Luxury can get hot in the summer time, locals say it’s worth it for the food. While you wait for your food, enjoy a craft beer from The Luxury’s long list, people-watch or play with your table marker, a toy animal. The Luxury is open Sundays through Thursdays from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The Luxury
103 E Jones Avenue
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 354-2274
www.facebook.com/pages/The-Luxury/117378781683528
www.yelp.com/biz/the-luxury-san-antonio

Tacos El Piquin: Affordable Mexican Cuisine

Tacos El Piquin worked its way up from a food truck to a taqueria in San Antonio, opening its brick-and-mortar location on Huebner Road in 2012. Regulars say Tacos El Piquin uses fresher and tastier ingredients than other taquerias in the area. The salsa bar here offers plenty of fresh options as well, including pickled red onions and roasted serranos. Popular menu items include the asada and al pastor tacos, the quesadillas, the tostra al pastor, the El Impossible taco, the huarache, and the costra.

Locals say that Tacos El Piquin serves some of San Antonio’s most authentic Mexican cuisine. You’ll often find expatriates from Mexico dining here. Since Tacos El Piquin stays open late, it’s a good option if you want to grab something on the way home from a late night. Tacos El Piquin is open Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. and Thursdays through Saturdays from 6 p.m. to 4 a.m.

Tacos El Piquin
19211 Huebner Road
San Antonio, TX 78258
(210) 303-4129
www.facebook.com/pages/Tacos-El-Piquin/100148946719669
www.yelp.com/biz/tacos-el-piquin-san-antonio

Marioli: Sandwiches by Day, Tacos by Night

Owner and chef Mariana Oliver brings her Mexico City roots to bear on the menu of Marioli. It serves sandwiches and salads by day, but brings out the spitted pork to transform itself into a taqueria after 6 p.m. Regulars say that Marioli may serve some of the tastiest and most authentic Mexican food in San Antonio. Locals recommend the ceviche, the chicharron de queso, the tacos al pastor and cochinita pibil. If you’re in the mood for a sandwich, try the Marioli’s special or the club sandwich. For dessert, try one of the Mexican-style pastries, like the tres leches cupcake or the concha.

Customers almost invariably say that the service at Marioli is warm and welcoming. Marioli also caters corporate events, lunches and formal dinners of all kinds. Marioli is open Mondays through Wednesdays from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Thursdays through Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sundays from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Marioli
18730 Tuscany Stone
San Antonio, TX 78258
(210) 496-1111
www.marioli2go.com/default.html
www.yelp.com/biz/marioli-san-antonio

Chefs Work Their Magic in an Open Kitchen at Drew’s American Grill

An upscale, casual ambiance, friendly service, and a menu of innovative dishes for brunch, lunch, and dinner are what await you at Drew’s American Grill. A large, open kitchen lets you observe the cooks working their magic.

The weekend brunch menu features classic eggs Benedict, buttermilk pancakes, and challah French toast. Sandwiches, burgers, and pizzas are also offered for those who prefer lunch to breakfast fare. Stop by for lunch to quell your hunger with an Asian salmon salad with ginger sesame vinaigrette, New York-style pizza, or a deli sandwich. Dinner offerings include prime New York strip, Atlantic salmon, and rack of Colorado lamb, all cooked on a wood-fired grill.

Drew's American Grill is open every day.

Drew's American Grill
18740 Stone Oak Parkway
San Antonio, TX 78258
(210) 483-7600
www.drewsamericangrill.com
www.yelp.com/biz/drews-american-grill-san-antonio

Nothing Bundt Cakes: Freshly Made Cakes

Nothing Bundt Cakes is the brainchild of childhood friends Dena Tripp and Debra Shwetz, who channeled their entrepreneurial spirit into perfecting the bundt cake. Their cakes are handmade fresh daily with Grade A eggs, real butter, and real cream cheese.

The variety of cake sizes ranges from bite-sized Bundtinis, to single serving Bundtlets. They also make 8 and 10 inch cakes and double layer cakes that are perfect for special celebrations. Creative, colorful decorations make them even more special. Cake flavors include Pecan Praline, White White Chocolate, Chocolate Chocolate Chip, Lemon, White Chocolate Raspberry, Marble, Cinnamon Swirl, and Carrot. You can call in your cake order or stop by to place it. They can even deliver it.

San Antonio's Nothing Bundt Cakes is open Monday through Saturday.

Nothing Bundt Cakes
700 E. Sonterra Boulevard
San Antonio, TX 78258
(210) 495-2253
www.nothingbundtcakes.com
www.yelp.com/biz/nothing-bundt-cakes-san-antonio

Public Domain/Public Domain

Trilogy Pizza: A San Antonio Pizzeria

You'll find specialty pies and other dishes at San Antonio's Trilogy Pizza. Cruise by for the lunch buffet to have pizza, salad, and dessert for one low price. Order off the menu and you can design your own pizza from a bounteous list of ingredients, or choose one of their specialty pies.

Trilogy's three different crust styles include California traditional, whole wheat, and deep dish. Specialty pies include the Salute with mozzarella, goat cheese, chicken, zucchini, tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, & garlic-infused olive oil, and the Italian Deli with mozzarella, salami, ham, pepperoni, black olives, pepperoncini, bell peppers, & onions. Antipasti, salads and pasta are also on the menu.

Triology Pizza is open Tuesday through Sunday.

Trilogy Pizza
19141 Stone Oak Parkway
San Antonio, TX 78258
(210) 404-1818
www.trilogybistro.com
www.yelp.com/biz/trilogy-pizza-san-antonio-2

Luke: Cajun Cuisine Delights in San Antonio

Helmed by celebrated New Orleans chef John Besh, Luke brings the flavors of Louisiana to San Antonio. Sit outdoors on the patio and bask in the Riverwalk view. Order up a signature cocktail, a glass of wine or an artisan beer and get your taste buds primed with a starter like Baked Texas Coast Oysters on the Half-Shell, or Buttermilk Fried Quail. Move on to the main event with Wild Texas Shrimp Etouffe with artisan pasta, Peeler Farms Grilled Chicken with pearl barley, or Steak Frites with roasted garlic herb butter. Be sure to save a spot on your dining agenda for a sinfully delectable dessert like Texas Blueberry Crisp, Bourbon Vanilla Crème Brulee or Chocolate Hazelnut Pot de Crème.

Luke is open for lunch and dinner daily. Don't miss the Sunday brunch, which comes complete with live jazz.

Luke
125 East Houston Street
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 227-5853
www.lukesanantonio.com
www.yelp.com/biz/l%C3%BCke-san-antonio-2

Public Domain/Public Domain

Knife and Fork Gastropub: Craft Beer and Comfort Food in San Antonio

Knife and Fork Gastropub features a modern take on the traditional pub. They offer an innovative menu of bistro fare along with a nice list of craft brewed beers, free Wi-Fi, and an assortment of games!

Some of the draft beers on tap include Ballast Point Calico Amber Ale, Karbach Weisse Versa Wheat, Big Sky Moose Drool Brown Ale, and Kona Big Wave Golden Ale. If you need a bite to eat, choose from a list that includes a House Burger with bacon, gorgonzola & horseradish cream, a Cuban Sandwich with Swiss cheese & bread & butter pickles, and Seared Ahi Tuna Tacos with chimichurri slaw. Pasta Primavera, Beef Stroganoff, Fish & Chips, Brisket Fried Rice and Roasted Airline Chicken are also offered.

Just a short trip from Avana Stone Canyon in San Antonio, Knife and Fork Gastropub is open every day.

Knife and Fork Gastropub
20626 Stone Oak Parkway
San Antonio, TX 78258
(210) 497-7111
www.knifeforkgastropub.com
www.yelp.com/biz/knife-and-fork-gastropub-san-antonio

Chama Gaucha: Brazilian Steakhouse

From beginning to end everything at Chama Guacha is delicious. This Brazilian Steakhouse in San Antonio is providing you with all the meat you can eat, not mention a salad bar and amazing cheese bread balls. Take a stroll around the salad bar to pick up your tasty sides like mashed potatoes, polenta, grilled bananas, and of course salad. There is no menu per say. Servers walk around with slabs of meat for you to try like ribeye, chicken wrapped in bacon, and lamb. All different cuts of meat are available so you can try a little bit of everything. Order the Brazilian Lemonade to go with your meal. The price is a little steep but for all-you-can-eat meat, it's definitely worth it. The service is attentive and friendly. Prepare yourself for a dining experience at Chama Gaucha.

Chama Gaucha
18318 Sonterra Place
San Antonio, TX 78258
(210) 564-9400
http://www.yelp.com/biz/chama-gaucha-san-antonio

Copa Wine Bar: A San Antonio Wine Bar

Enjoy a glass of wine at Copa Wine Bar, a local venue in the Stone Oak area of San Antonio that grew out of the owner’s former business, Wines Etc. This San Antonio wine bar offers an expansive list of wine varietals from around the world, plus some flavorful tapas to go along with them.

Whether your taste in wine runs to Prosecco from Spain, Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand, Cabernet Sauvignon from Washington state, or Pinot Noir from California, you’re sure to find something delightful at Copa. Pair your glass or bottle with a tasty small plate like Fire Roasted Chevre with crostini, Hummus San Antonio with warm toasted pita, or Albondigas – meatballs simmered in wine demi-glace. A meat or cheese plate is always a good choice for sharing at the table. Panini, Pommes Frites – crispy, Belgian-style fries, and Pizzettes – small, hand-tossed pizzas, are also on the menu.

Copa Wine Bar
19141 Stone Oak Parkway
San Antonio, TX 78258
(210) 495-2672
www.thecopawinebar.com
www.yelp.com/biz/copa-wine-bar-san-antonio

Pin It on Pinterest