Fattboy Burgers and Dogs: Don’t Miss the Fried Pickles

The menu at Fattboy Burgers and Dogs may be succinct, but what the menu lacks in size, Fattboy's chefs makes up for in careful preparation and fresh ingredients. Freshly ground, high quality beef and kosher franks come from the kitchen, which is probably why local families and couples alike come by time and time again for lunch or dinner.

Regulars highly recommend kicking off your meal with an appetizer, particularly the fried pickles. The crunchy, deep-fried treat is a good way to ease into your main course. The classic Fattboy burger or Fattchick chicken sandwich both come in standard and slim sizes, and then there's also the Fattdog if you prefer a frank. Paired with fries or onion rings, the burgers and sandwiches make for a hearty meal any time of day. Wash down your meal with one of the craft or domestic beers on the menu at Fattboy Burgers and Dogs.

Fattboy Burgers and Dogs
2345 Vance Jackson Road
San Antonio, TX 78213
(210) 377-3288
www.fattboyburgers.com
www.yelp.com/biz/fattboy-burgers-and-dogs-san-antonio

You Can’t Go Wrong With a Late Lunch at Picnikins Patio Cafe

On the next breezy afternoon, grab a group of friends and head out to the patio at Picnikins Patio Cafe. This upscale eatery is just as stylish as it is laid back, with an artistic, modern dining room decorated in shades of turquoise with interesting ceiling fixtures and artwork throughout. There is a spacious outdoor seating area ideal for lunch al fresco, and the items on the European-inspired menu are practically designed to eat outside.

Juicy burgers are served on homemade buns, the signature poblano soup is always a spicy favorite, and the very hearty salads are filling ways to eat healthy for lunch or dinner. Picnikins Patio Cafe also offers entree specials, like mushroom meatloaf, flavorful curries, and salmon Piccata. There is a selection of wine and beer to pair with your meal, as well as an ever-changing list of decadent desserts that will really round out your meal at this beloved area favorite.

Picnikins Patio Cafe
6901 Blanco Road
San Antonio, TX 78216
(210) 616-0954
www.picnikinspatiocafe.com

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

Wrigleyville Grill: A Little Taste of the Windy City Near Retreat at Cross Mountain

Chicago’s food scene is well known for its plump, ballpark hot dogs topped with mustard, relish, and pickles and its famous deep dish pizzas, and in the San Antonio area, you’ll find a true taste of Chicago at Wrigleyville Grill. This Chicago-themed eatery features memorabilia from the Windy City hanging all over its walls, including Bears flags and Cubs jerseys, and its long, narrow dining area contains a spacious counter where you can dine on hot dogs while watching the latest sporting events on TV.

In addition to its pizza and hot dogs, Wrigleyville Grill offers gyros topped with lamb sliced fresh in front of you, cheese fries smothered in melted goodness, and Italian beef just like you’ll find in Chicago. There is even a great selection of Chicago craft beers that any local will love!

Wrigleyville Grill is open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and noon to 6 p.m. Sundays.

Wrigleyville Grill
602 NW Loop 410
San Antonio, TX 78216
(210) 369-9833
www.wrigleyvillegrill.com

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

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

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

Local Coffee: A San Antonio Cafe

Local Coffee features fierce dedication to buying and brewing one of the best cups of coffee you'll find near Retreat at Cross Mountain. That’s their aim, and their fans say they hit their mark.

Spacious seating with plenty of comfy chairs and couches for relaxing, plus table seating and lots of light with big, sunny windows, makes it a great spot to kick back with a coffee or espresso drink while you have a conversation with a friend, read a book, or work on your laptop. If you'd like a bite to eat, they’ve got some yummy pastries like muffins and almond croissants to pair with your java drink. You can even get a bag of beans to brew at home at Retreat at Cross Mountain or at the office. Local Coffee offers beans from Counter Culture, Madcap Coffee Company, Verve, and Tweed.

Local Coffee is open every day. Visit its website to learn more about this San Antonio cafe.

Local Coffee
700 E. Sonterra
San Antonio, TX 78258
(210) 530-8740
www.localcoffeesa.com
www.yelp.com/biz/local-coffee-san-antonio

Tejas Steakhouse and Saloon: Kick Up Your Cowboy Boots at This Western Eatery

Tejas Steakhouse and Saloon got its start when its owners sold steaks out of an outdoor smokehouse during local rodeos, and although it has since expanded into a large, stylish restaurant, it still focuses on choice cuts of steaks made with special rubs and traditional preparation. Here, you’ll typically encounter a lively crowd of customers dining on complimentary biscuits (served with made-from-scratch honey butter), various cuts of steaks, and classic Southern sides like chili macaroni and cheese and warm baked potatoes.

Tejas Steakhouse is decorated with authentic spurs, chaps, and saddles that date all the way back to the late 1800s, creating an authentic saloon feel alongside the restaurant’s wooden dining furniture and lodge-style building. Best of all, Tejas even holds nightly rodeo-style dinner entertainment that makes for one of the most exciting meals you’ll find in San Antonio!

Tejas Steakhouse and Saloon
401 Obst Road
Bulverde, TX 78163
(830) 980-2205
www.tejassteakhouse.com
www.yelp.com/biz/tejas-steakhouse-and-saloon-bulverde

Vegeria Vegetarian Restaurant: Tex-Mex Cuisine That’s Meat-Free

Vegeria Vegetarian Restaurant is a vegetarian eatery in San Antonio that offers a diverse menu of Tex-Mex dishes made entirely without meat, creating a tasty lunch or dinner option that even meat eaters will enjoy. You’ll easily spot this small eatery from the street because of its wild murals out front, and once inside, you’ll find a colorful and cozy dining room perfect for a quick lunch or a casual dinner.

Vegeria’s menu includes vegetarian dishes with quirky names like the Super Human Nachos and the Gratitude Bowl, as well as creative takes on Mexican fare favorites like chilaquiles, enchiladas, and tostadas. On Saturdays, you’ll even find an all-day brunch and vegan buffet where you can taste all of Vegeria’s tasty specialties.

Vegeria is open 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays.

Vegeria Vegetarian Restaurant
8407 Broadway Street
San Antonio, TX 78209
(210) 826-4223
www.myvegeria.com

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