There are endless arguments about which city in Texas has the best Tex-Mex. I am one of the proud locals to claim that the best of the best comes from San Antonio, where excellent barbacoa, puffy tacos, and Micheladas can be found on almost every corner.
Although the origin stories of Tex-Mex vary, I believe that San Antonio was the true birthplace. As early as the 1860s, Mexican women served chili and tamales in open-air food stalls around downtown. And although they were eventually forced out due to the city's health codes, the "Chili Queens" legacy continues today thanks to restaurants that have passed down recipes for generations and treat customers like familia, making for a very special dining experience.
With such a great history of Tex-Mex, I've made it a mission to eat my way through my hometown, and the following represents my personal list of favorite Texas Mexican joints, along with the bars and restaurants I recommend the most to visiting family and friends looking to taste the best of Texas.
The best Mexican and Tex-Mex restaurants in San Antonio
Mi Tierra Café
Located in the Historic Market Square (sometimes called El Mercado), Mi Tierra Café is open 24 hours and is known for its traditional Tex-Mex dishes, lively decorations, and killer conchas (Mexican sweet bread).
I recommend trying Menudo, a sharply seasoned soup typically served over the weekend for breakfast that is best enjoyed with a generous serving of lime juice and raw onions.
Rosario's
For a traditional Mexican meal, Rosario's delivers with dishes like pollo con mole, or chicken with mole, a dish typically made using over 20 ingredients, including nuts, dried fruits, and spices.
Don't forget to add a healthy serving of my favorite salsa, a red, charred, and spicy mixture. The salsa is often voted No. 1 in San Antonio.
Teka Molino
Teka Molino is a hole-in-the-wall Tex-Mex restaurant that sells some of the best breakfast platters and puffy tacos (San Antonio's signature fried taco), all for less than $6. My grandmother lived just five minutes away from one of the locations, and we used to drop by to split the puffy taco plate.
Mixtli
Mixtlihas a rotating menu of Mexican cuisine and blends modern, fine-dining techniques with pre-Hispanic culinary traditions, making it a go-to for those wanting to try a twist on dishes served south of the Texas border.
When I visited, I tried some of their menu featuring cuisine inspired by Chiapas, a state in southern Mexico, which had delicious offerings like pork rib and a crawfish huarache.
Best margaritas and drinks in San Antonio
La Fogata
I grew up frequenting La Fogata for family get-togethers. My family adored the Tex-Mex staples like cheese enchiladas covered with gravy sauce, but the margaritas served in glasses about the size of your face are what I love most about this spot.
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Come hungry and give your best shot at finishing un poquito de todo (a little bit of everything), which comes with a taco, chicken flauta, quesadilla, cheese enchilada, and rice and beans. Try as I might, I haven't been able to finish the plate in more than a decade of visits.
The Friendly Spot
With over 300 brews, The Friendly Spot is known for being a good watering hole to gather with friends and family. The kid-friendly bar is outdoors and especially popular for watching Spurs games. My friends and I have enjoyed visiting the Friendly Spot with our dogs in tow many times.
Halcyon
Serving coffee by day and elaborate co*cktails by night, Halcyon is a trendy lounge that is ideal for getting some work done and meeting up with friends. I like to visit in the afternoon when I can seamlessly exchange a 4 p.m. work coffee for a 6 p.m. happy hour sangria.
Other great eats in San Antonio
2M Smokehouse BBQ
Out-of-state tourists who are uninitiated to Texas barbecue should visit 2M Smokehouse BBQ to try pulled pork, spicy sausage links, and a myriad of Tex-Mex sides (try the chicaroni macaroni).
Although it's based in a humble building and has only been open since 2016, 2M Smokehouse will surpass your expectations. It's been voted one of the best barbecue spots in the state, too.
Bakery Lorraine
My pick for the best spot for indulging a sweet tooth, Bakery Lorraine is always packed and serves up sinful macarons and French-style pastries.It's located at the Historic Pearl Plaza, so I love to visit after browsing the nearby bookstore.
Little Em's Oyster Bar
This hip, brightly colored restaurant in Southtown — my preferred neighborhood near downtown San Antonio — offers East Coast oysters, caviar, and lobster rolls. I like to visit Little Em's Oyster Bar after the sun has set when the temperatures are cool enough to enjoy my food on the patio.
Bliss
Bliss is a must for a romantic dinner or special occasion, with its beautiful presentations, charcuterie boards, and extensive wine list. Sometimes I stop by just for a slice of the chocolate cake.
Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery
Southerleigh Fine Food & Breweryserves southern-style comfort food, and the brunch is unbeatable. Think frozen mimosas and biscuits and gravy. Plus, you can't beat the flight of beers crafted at Southerleigh's microbrewery right upstairs.
Schilo's
In the 1800s, immigrants from Germany moved to the Texas Hill Country, purchased land, and established communities. There is still a lot of German influence in San Antonio, from restaurants to community music halls (like the Beethoven Männerchor) and beer gardens.
My mom's side of the family came from this lineage of German immigrants, so I grew up visiting Schilo's to splurge on bratwurst, Reuben sandwiches, and the homemade cane-sugar root beer.
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