Food & Drink
Best New Braunfels Restaurant: Muck & Fuss Craft Beer and Burgers
Winner: Muck & Fuss Craft Beer and Burgers
295 E. San Antonio St., Suite 101, New Braunfels
(830) 255-7055
muckandfuss.com
Muck & Fuss Craft Beer and Burgers claimed a decisive win with this year’s debut of the Best New Braunfels Restaurant category. The trendy spot located in the heart of the Hill Country town’s historic downtown features lots of outdoor seating and an affordable, approachable menu that includes an array of American casual-dining favorites, 16 different burgers among them. This spot also doubles as a beer garden, offering anything from the German-style brews befitting New Braunfels’ cultural heritage to hoppy and bold IPAs and more adventurous craft creations.
2. McAdoo's Seafood Company
196 N. Castell Ave., New Braunfels
(830) 629-3474
mcadoos.com
3. Huisache Grill
303 W. San Antonio St., New Braunfels
(830) 620-9001
huisachegrill.com
Best Barbacoa: Rios Barbacoa
Winner: Rios Barbacoa
Multiple locations
2. Papi's Barbacoa
Multiple locations
papisbarbacoa.com
3. Martinez Barbacoa Y Tamales
728 Fredericksburg Road
(210) 734-6621
Best Breakfast Tacos: Pete's Tako House
Winner: Pete's Tako House
502 Brooklyn Ave.
(210) 224-2911
petestakohouse.com
2. Con Huevos Tacos
1629 E. Houston St.
(210) 229-9295
instagram.com/conhuevostacos
3. Taquitos West Avenue
Multiple locations
taquitos-west-ave.com
Best Brunch: Magnolia Pancake Haus
Winner: Magnolia Pancake Haus
Multiple locations
magnoliapancakehaus.com
2. La Panadería
Multiple locations
lapanaderia.com
3. Max and Louie's New York Diner
226 W. Bitters Road, Suite 126
(210) 483-7600
maxandlouies.com
Best Burger: Burger Boy
Winner: Burger Boy
Multiple locations
burgerboy.com
2. Chris Madrid's
1900 Blanco Road
(210) 735-3552
chrismadrids.com
3. Pumpers
1101 Broadway
(210) 888-0666
eatpumpers.com
Best Charcuterie: Cured
Winner: Cured
306 Pearl Parkway, Suite 101
(210) 314-3929
curedatpearl.com
Founded in 2013, Cured is more than a name — it’s a nod to chef Steve McHugh’s journey from cancer survivor to culinary star. It’s also a bold reference to the house-cured meats that made the Pearl hot spot a must-visit. As famous as the James Beard-nominated chef himself, Cured invites diners to build their own charcuterie boards stacked with anything from 90-day pork belly to pickled pimento cheese and country-style pork pâté. McHugh’s obsession with fermentation runs so deep, he wrote the book on it, literally: Cured: Cooking with Ferments, Pickles, Preserves and More.
2. The Board Couple
2218 N. Zarzamora St.
(210) 573-2100
theboardcouple.com
3. Honey and Pickle
honeyandpickle.com
Best Chicken Fried Steak: Bobbie's Southern Kitchen
Winner: Bobbie's Southern Kitchen
606 Embassy Oaks, Suite 100
(210) 923-1158
bobbiessouthernkitchen.com
2. Good Time Charlie's
2922 Broadway
(210) 828-5392
gtcsatx.com
3. MK Davis
1302 N. Flores St.
(210) 223-1208
facebook.com/mkdavisrestaurant
Best Chinese Food: Best Quality Daughter
Winner: Best Quality Daughter
602 Avenue A
(210) 819-4236
bestqualitydaughter.com
Chef Jennifer Hwa Dobbertin opened Best Quality Daughter at the Pearl in fall 2020, a brutal time for restaurants. But her bold Chinese-fusion menu made the dining spot an instant standout. Set in a pink-hued historic building, the Best Quality Daughter draws crowds for craveable plates including peanut-tamarind Brussels sprouts, curry guisada dan dan and family- style cashew chicken. Don’t skip dessert: ice cream sandwiches made with scoops from local Dorp Creamery. Rooted in Dobbertin’s heritage, Best Quality Daughter feels like a warm, rebellious celebration — and also like home.
2. Ding How Chinese Food
4531 NW Loop 410
(210) 340-7944
dinghowsa.com
3. Ming's
Multiple locations
mingsthing.com
Best Coffee Shop: Summer Moon Coffee
Winner: Summer Moon Coffee
Multiple locations
summermooncoffee.com
A true Hill Country original, Summer Moon Coffee roasts its beans over seasoned Texas oak for a signature smooth flavor you can taste in everything from its bold espresso shots to the fan- favorite iced Summer Moon latte. Born in 2002 from a group of caffeine-loving friends, the Texas-born brand now boasts five San Antonio locations. With its signature Moon Milk (vegan option included), campfire-cozy vibe and a menu full of inventive sips, Summer Moon isn’t just honoring Texas tradition, it’s forging a new one.
2. What's Brewing Coffee Roasters
138 W. Rhapsody Drive
(210) 308-8882
sacoffeeroasters.com
3. La Panadería
Multiple locations
lapanaderia.com
Best Comfort Food: Comfort Cafe
Winner: Comfort Cafe
6812 Bandera Road, Suite 101
(210) 501-9719
serenitystar.org/comfort-cafe
2. Southerleigh Fine Food and Brewery
136 E. Grayson St., Suite 120
(210) 455-5701
southerleighatpearl.com
3. Tony G's Soul Food
Multiple locations
tonygssoulfood.com
Best Concha: La Panadería
Winner: La Panadería
Multiple locations
lapanaderia.com
2. Concha Style
Multiple locations
conchastyle.com
3. La Concheria
Location not available
(210) 328-8723
laconcheria.com
Winner: H-E-B
Multiple locations
heb.com
2. BB's Tex Orleans
5423 W. Loop 1604 North
(726) 600-2022
bbstexorleans.com
3. Smashin Crab
Multiple locations
smashincrab.com
Best Date Night Restaurant: Bar Loretta
Winner: Bar Loretta
320 Beauregard St.
(210) 757-3607
barloretta.com
Bar Loretta is King William in a nutshell: stylish, storied and effortlessly cool. Housed in a century-old building on Beauregard Street, the spot blends chef Paul Petersen’s Texas-inspired dishes with Roger Herr’s polished hospitality, an impressive wine list and standout cocktails. With late-night hours and moody lighting, it’s tailor-made for date nights or post-work wind- downs. Bonus: there's a charming market next door worth a peek.
2. The Moon's Daughters
115 Lexington Ave.
(210) 942-6032
themoonsdaughters.com
3. Bliss
926 S. Presa St.
(210) 225-2547
foodisbliss.com
Best Donut Shop: Art of Donut
Winner: Art of Donut
3428 N. St. Mary's St.
(210) 265-5423
artofdonut.com
2. The Original Donut Shop
3307 Fredericksburg Road
(210) 734-5661
facebook.com/theoriginaldonutshop
3. Mini Donut Lab
Location not available
(210) 307-0959
minidonutlabsa.com
Best Enchiladas: Blanco Cafe
Winner: Blanco Cafe
1720 Blanco Road
(210) 732-6480
blancocafesa.com
2. Los Barrios Mexican Restaurant
4223 Blanco Road
(210) 732-6017
losbarriosrestaurant.com
3. La Fonda on Main
2415 N. Main Ave.
(210) 733-0621
lafondaonmain.com
Best Family Friendly Restaurant: The Cove
Winner: The Cove
606 W. Cypress St.
(210) 227-2683
thecove.us
Nestled off San Pedro Avenue just north of downtown, the Cove is the perfect spot to grab a beer and eat as healthy — or unhealthy — as you want while knowing the ingredients are sourced close to home. Beyond that, though, because of its expansive outdoor seating area, the Cove is a standout for kid-friendly gatherings, from family reunions to birthday parties, or just a casual weeknight family meal. The centerpiece there is a large play structure where kids can blow off steam while their parents can maintain a watchful eye from picnic tables arrayed around the perimeter. It certainly doesn’t hurt that the icehouse-style setting offers Mom and Dad a selection of more than 50 beers on tap while the youngsters play.
2. Viola's Ventanas
9660 Westover Hills Blvd.
(210) 684-9660
violasventanas.com
3. Pinstack
Multiple locations
pinstackbowl.com
Best Fried Chicken: Cullum's Attagirl
Winner: Cullum's Attagirl
726 E. Mistletoe Ave.
(210) 437-4263
cullumsattagirl.com
The Cullum’s Attagirl name may not adorn the sign of this St. Mary’s Strip fave, but take its win in this category as your sign to pay it another visit. Locals and visitors alike love Attagirl for its fresh, hip take on Southern cuisine, and its crisp, melt-in-your-mouth fried yardbird is definitely a star attraction. Don’t sleep on the fries, sandos and impressive craft beer selection either. Word of warning: if you decide to have a romantic date enjoying some of Attagirl’s chicken under the mood lighting of the outdoor patio, wipe the chicken grease off your mouth before you make out.
2. Bill Miller's
Multiple locations
billmillerbbq.com
3. Southerleigh Fine Food And Brewery
136 E. Grayson St., Suite 120
(210) 455-5701
Best Food Truck: Pete's Hot Chicken
Winner: Pete's Hot Chicken
2418 S. Presa St.
(210) 262-1109
instagram.com/peteshotchicken
Turning up the heat since 2020, Pete’s Hot Chicken has made a name for itself with fiery Nashville-style wings, tenders, sandwiches, burgers, loaded fries and a formidable Sunday brunch. From “mild” to “aww, hell no,” the mobile kitchen’s heat scale is not for the faint of heart. What started as a local food truck with a cult following now boasts a full-blown brick-and- mortar — with the OG truck still parked out front and slinging hot chicken just like day one.
2. Malik's Philly's Phamous Cheesesteaks
Multiple locations
maliksphillysphamous.com
3. UBP Burgers
840 S. Business I-35, New Braunfels
(830) 624-9404
ubpburgers.com
Best Mexican Restaurant: Rosario’s
Winner: Rosario’s
722 S. St. Mary's St.
(210) 223-1806
rosariossa.com
2. La Fonda on Main
2415 N. Main Ave.
(210) 733-0621
lafondaonmain.com
3. Los Barrios Mexican Restaurant
4223 Blanco Road
(210) 732-6017
losbarriosrestaurant.com
Best Food Truck Park: El Camino Food Truck Park & Bar
Winner: El Camino Food Truck Park & Bar
1009 Avenue B
elcaminosa.com
2. 1604 Cantina Food Truck Park
1850 W. Loop 1604 South
(210) 255-3755
1604cantina.com
3. The Block SA
14530 Roadrunner Way
(210) 690-3333
theblocksa.com
Best French Fries: Sam's Burger Joint
Winner: Sam's Burger Joint
330 E. Grayson St.
(210) 223-2830
samsburgerjoint.com
2. La Frite
728 S. Alamo St.
(210) 224-7555
lafritesa.com
3. Mark's Outing
Multiple locations
Best French Restaurant: Brasserie Mon Chou Chou
Winner: Brasserie Mon Chou Chou
312 Pearl Parkway
(210) 469-3743
brasseriemonchouchou.com
A stroll through Paris is just steps away at the Pearl thanks to Brasserie Mon Chou Chou. Opened in December 2020 by Laurent Réa, Philippe Placé and Jérôme Sérot, this charming brasserie delivers French flair from the first bite to the last sip. An assortment of breads seemingly plucked straight from a boulangerie greets guests at the door, while the menu offers classics such as filet de boeuf, croque monsieur and a melty raclette sandwich served tableside. With its breezy terrace, warm lighting and pitch-perfect details, Mon Chou Chou — “my darling” in French — is a love letter to la belle vie.
2. Julia's Bistro & Bar
1725 Blanco Road
(210) 476-5404
juliasonblanco.com
3. Frederick's Restaurant
7701 Broadway, Suite 20
(210) 828-9050
fredericksrestaurantsa.com
Best Juice or Smoothie Shop: Bee’s Wellness Cafe & Juicery
Winner: Bee’s Wellness Cafe & Juicery
3030 Thousand Oaks Drive, Suite 102
(210) 836-8141
beeswellnesscafe.com
2. Queen Bee Juicery
13469 Wetmore Road
(210) 332-5065
queenbeejuicery.square.site
3. Revolución
Multiple locations
enjoyrev.com
Best Frutería: Las Nieves Fruit Cups & More
Winner: Las Nieves Fruit Cups & More
Multiple locations
lasnieves.net
2. Frutería La Tropicana
Multiple locations
sanantonioicecreamshop.com
3. Frutería La Mission
553 E. White Ave.
(210) 922-2997
facebook.com/fruterialamission
Winner: The Dogfather
Multiple locations
sadogfather.com
When it comes to dressed up dogs, San Antonio’s The Dogfather is the undisputed Don, and it’s time to kiss the ring. And for those who like a good sequel, there's also their second location, Dogfather II. To make someone an offer they can’t refuse, we recommend the Frito Pie Dog, The Elote or the Tot Dog.
2. Chicago Hot Dogs 12914
Jones Maltsberger Road, Unit 101
(210) 906-5260
chicagohotdogs.com
3. El Chunky
2620 S. Presa St.
(210) 418-2538
instagram.com/el.chunky.sa
Best Ice Cream: Lick Honest Ice Cream
Winner: Lick Honest Ice Cream
Multiple locations
ilikelick.com
Known for some of the wildest artisanal flavor combinations in the game, inventive ice cream emporium Lick has developed a following for good reason. Flavor combos such as Blackberry Lime Basil, Goat Cheese Thyme and Honey and Roasted Beets and Fresh Mint add sophistication and panache to its creamy concoctions. Lick refers to its approach as “honest,” meaning it mixes fresh local ingredients with crumbles and mix-ins made in house and by hand. It also means no preservatives, artificial colors and flavors or high fructose corn syrup. The Texas-based business is intentional about every step of its process, from sourcing dairy at family farms to serving it up with compostable spoons and cups.
2. Paletería San Antonio
510 S. Alamo St., Suite 104
(210) 954-6753
paleteriasanantonio.com
3. Freshest Ice Creams
8053 Callaghan Road
(210) 371-6510
freshesticecreams.com
Best Indian Restaurant: Tarka Indian Kitchen
Winner: Tarka Indian Kitchen
Multiple locations
tarkaindiankitchen.com
Austin-based casual dining chain Tarka Indian Kitchen isn’t going to introduce aficionados of the subcontinent’s rich and varied cuisine to new flavor profiles. Its menu sticks to tried-and-true restaurant favorites such as tikka masala and korma curries, fragrant biryani rice dishes and crisp fried samosas. However, it’s easy to understand why Tarka’s two San Antonio locations are a hit with readers. First, its kitchens get the basics right — the ingredients are fresh and the dishes pack the requisite spice. Second, its simple-to-understand menu helps demystify what can be a tough cuisine for novices to unpack. The stores’ quick counter service also offers them an ideal spot for a quick lunch that avoids the buffet experience that’s tempted so many of us to overeat and end up wishing we’d passed up that last plate of channa masala and saag paneer.
2. India Oven
1031 Patricia Drive, Suite 106
(210) 544-5968
indiaovensa.com
3. Spice Fine Indian Cuisine
3720 NW Loop 410
(210) 253-9658
spiceindiantx.com
Best Latin American Restaurant: Gloria's Latin Cuisine
Winner: Gloria's Latin Cuisine
17623 La Cantera Parkway, Suite 103
(210) 451-5412
gloriascuisine.com
2. Ocho (Closed June 29)
1015 Navarro St.
(210) 222-2008
bunkhousehotels.com
3. Cuba 1918
2809 W. Southcross Blvd.
(210) 236-9925
cuba1918.com
Best Mediterranean Restaurant: Mina & Dimi's Greek House
Winner: Mina & Dimi's Greek House
7159 W. U.S. Highway 90
(210) 674-3464
agreekhouse.com
2. Pasha Mediterranean Grill
Multiple locations
gopasha.com
3. Demo's Greek Food
Multiple locations
demosgreekfood.com
Best Menudo: Mi Tierra Café y Panadería
Winner: Mi Tierra Café y Panadería
218 Produce Row
(210) 225-1262
mitierracafe.com
2. Taqueria Chapala Jalisco
1902 McCullough Ave.
(210) 735-5352
taqueriachapala.top
3. El Milagrito Café
521 E. Woodlawn Ave.
(210) 737-8646
facebook.com/elmilagrito
Best New Restaurant (January 2024-Present): Fife & Farro
Winner: Fife & Farro
221 Newell Ave.
(210) 759-0087
fifeandfarro.com
A taste of Italy in the heart of the Pearl’s Pullman Market, Fife & Farro serves up wood-fired pizzas and scratch-made pastas bold enough to crush any carb craving. Since debuting with the Pullman’s April 2024 launch, the Emmer & Rye concept has hit its stride as both a lively family hangout and cozy date-night spot. Don’t skip the wine list, lovebirds. While the pizzas and pastas are undeniable stars, the towering Caesar salad just might steal the spotlight.
2. Blü PrimeSteakhouse
1818 N. Loop 1604 West, Suite 101
(210) 879-1111
bluprimesteakhouse.com
3. Isidore
221 Newell Ave.
(210) 756-7359
Best Peruvian Restaurant: Leche de Tigre
Winner: Leche de Tigre
318 E. Cevallos St.
(210) 265-5933
lechedetigretx.com
Astute readers might recognize that Best Peruvian Restaurant is a new addition to our Best of San Antonio poll — and perhaps wonder if the category was created expressly for an eatery that’s garnered major buzz since opening just two years ago. Instead, it’s an approving nod to San Antonio’s rapidly expanding dining landscape. Housed in a quaint cottage that’s been thoughtfully updated with murals, artwork and decor, Leche de Tigre is a family affair created by brothers Alec, Axel and Emil Oliva, who developed an affinity for Peruvian cuisine while living in Lima for eight years. With a culinary spirit that’s equal parts reverence and innovation, the menu is highlighted by Peruvian mainstays such as potent pisco sours and five varieties of ceviches — incredibly fresh and tangy concoctions combining seasonal fish with everything from avocado and habanero to plantains and sweet potato. A testament to Leche de Tigre’s understated love for global fusion, the incredibly popular “Nikkei” ceviche is a Japanese-inspired mélange of tamarind ponzu, avocado and sushi-grade yellowfin tuna sourced from Austin-based “fresh fish wizards” Minamoto Foods. Bonus: In addition to the aforementioned pisco sours — the national drink of Peru — Leche de Tigre caters to non-imbibers with mocktails including a Sana-gria and a Ritual crafted with spiritless tequila.
2. Rocotos Grill Peruvian Cuisine
8333 Culebra Road, Suite 204A
(210) 521-4367
rocotos-grill-peruvian-cuisine-105967.square.site
3. El Ceviche de Waldito
5526 Evers Road
(210) 214-7812
elcevichedewalditotx.com
Best Pho: Pho Kim Long
Winner: Pho Kim Long
4230 McCullough Ave., Suite 2
(210) 829-8021
kimlongsatx.wixsite.com/pho-kim-long
2. Heavenly Pho
19178 Blanco Road, Suite 305
(210) 545-3553
orderheavenlypho.com
3. Pho Four Star
2921 Pat Booker Road, Suite 120, Universal City
(210) 659-2568
pho4starsatx.com
Best Pizza: Mattenga's Pizzeria
Winner: Mattenga's Pizzeria
Multiple locations
mattengas.com
With seven locations dotting the metro, Alamo City residents are never too far from a Mattenga’s Pizzeria. Husband and wife Matt and Enga, both engineers by trade, launched Mattenga’s in 2014 with little restaurant experience but a strong passion for high-quality pies. Clearly, the pair had their fingers on SA’s pizza pulse, having now racked up the chain’s third win in this category. We’re guessing Mattenga’s consistent quality, combined with Alamo City- appropriate specialties such as the Honey Bexar Pizza dressed with jalapenos and hot honey and brisket-stuffed Texas Rolls, continues to seal the deal.
2. Dough Pizzeria Napoletana
Multiple locations
doughpizzeria.com
3. Pizza Classics
3440 N. St. Mary's St.
(210) 225-3356
pizzaclassics.com
Best Puffy Tacos: Henry's Puffy Taco
Winner: Henry's Puffy Taco
Multiple locations
henryspuffytacos.com
2. Los Barrios Mexican Restaurant
4223 Blanco Road
(210) 732-6017
losbarriosrestaurant.com
3. Ray's Drive Inn
822 SW 19th St.
(210) 432-7171
raysdriveinn.net
Best Ramen: Bakudan
Winner: Bakudan
Multiple locations
bakudanramen.com
2. Suck It
Multiple locations
chefsuckit.com
3. Kimura
1017 N. Flores St.
(210) 444-0702
kimurasa.com
Best Salsa: Las Palapas
Winner: Las Palapas
Multiple locations
laspalapas.com
A San Antonio staple since 1981, Las Palapas is so iconic, its red, green and roasted salsas have sparked online copycats. From classic breakfast tacos to house specials such as its panko-crusted fish and flame-grilled Norteño tacos topped with grilled avocado, every bite is puro San Antonio, down to the extensive affordable menu and hearty margaritas to match. It’s the legacy of late founder Edward “Ron” Acosta — and his deep love for the city — that continues to fuel this homegrown chain’s delicious growth across Texas.
2. Rosario's
722 S. St. Mary's St.
(210) 223-1806
rosariossa.com
3. Panchito’s Mexican Restaurant
Multiple locations
panchitos.net
Best Sandwiches: Gino's Deli Stop N’ Buy
Winner: Gino's Deli Stop N’ Buy
13210 Huebner Road #110
(210) 764-0602
myginosdeli.com
2. Beacon Hill Market & Deli
1717 Blanco Road
(210) 999-5239
beaconhillmarketanddeli.com
3. Picnikins Patio Cafe
Multiple locations
picnikins.com
Best Schertz Restaurant: The Purple Pig BBQ
Winner: The Purple Pig BBQ
537 Main St., Schertz
(210) 442-8246
thepurplepigbbq.com
2. Makos on the Creek
169 Buffalo Place, Cibolo
(830) 730-5947
makostx.com
3. Noli's Vite Italian Kitchen
170 Buffalo Place, Cibolo
(210) 257-6566
cibolo.nolisvite.com
Best Tacos: Las Palapas
Winner: Las Palapas
Multiple locations
laspalapas.com
A San Antonio staple since 1981, Las Palapas is so iconic, its red, green and roasted salsas have sparked online copycats. From classic breakfast tacos to house specials such as its panko-crusted fish and flame-grilled Norteño tacos topped with grilled avocado, every bite is puro San Antonio, down to the extensive affordable menu and hearty margaritas to match. It’s the legacy of late founder Edward “Ron” Acosta — and his deep love for the city — that continues to fuel this homegrown chain’s delicious growth across Texas.
2. Taqueria Datapoint
Multiple locations
taqueriadatapoint.net
3. Henry's Puffy Tacos
Multiple locations
henryspuffytacos.com
Best International Market: Tim’s Oriental & Seafood Market
Winner: Tim’s Oriental & Seafood Market
7015 Bandera Road #8
(210) 523-1688
facebook.com/timsorientalmarketsatx
2. Ali Baba International Food Market
9307 Wurzbach Road
(210) 691-1111
alibabainternationalfoodmarket.com
3. Minnano Japanese Grocery
7460 Callaghan Road, Suite 310
(210) 340-7900
instagram.com/minnano_sa
Best Italian Restaurant: Paesano's
Winner: Paesano's
Multiple locations
paesanos.com
Founded in 1969, Paesano’s has seen trends come and go, and it’s remained a San Antonio staple all the while, thanks to the dedication of founders Joe Cosniac and Nick Pacelli. While the brand has grown beyond Texas, its heart beats strongest in the Alamo City, where four outposts dish out crowd-pleasing Italian classics. Think rich fettuccine Alfredo, crispy pollo parmigiana and tender scallopine — all served in welcoming spaces just as suited for date nights, business lunches or special family dinners. The bar brings its own twist too, offering playful takes on classics such as its blackberry old fashioned, house-made limoncello martini and bold Paesano’s cosmo.
2. Little Italy Restaurant & Pizzeria
824 Afterglow St.
(210) 349-2060
littleitalysatx.com
3. Purple Garlic Italian Cafe
Multiple locations
purplegarliccafe.com
Best Late Night Place To Eat: Elsewhere Garden Bar & Kitchen
Winner: Elsewhere Garden Bar & Kitchen
103 E. Jones Ave.
(210) 201-5595
elsewheretexas.com
2. Bar Loretta
320 Beauregard St.
(210) 757-3607
barloretta.com
3. The Dogfather
Multiple locations
sadogfather.com
Best Seafood: Sea Island Shrimp House
Winner: Sea Island Shrimp House
Multiple locations
shrimphouse.com
2. Fish City Grill
Multiple locations
fishcitygrill.com
3. Smashin Crab
Multiple locations
smashincrab.com
Best Soul Food: The Jerk Shack
Winner: The Jerk Shack
10234 TX-151, Suite 103
(210) 776-7780
thejerkshacksatx.com
Chef and retired Army vet Nicola Blaque made her mark on San Antonio when she opened The Jerk Shack in 2018 — a tiny spot on Matyear Street that gained a quick following for its big, bold Jamaican flavors. Today, the Bib Gourmand-recognized eatery has found a new home on the Far West Side, but its soul remains the same. From smoky jerk chicken and fall-apart oxtails to creamy shrimp and grits and fiery Rasta pasta, every dish is a vibrant tribute to Blaque’s family roots — and a testament to her James Beard-nominated talent that fuses tradition with fearless flavor.
2. Tony G's Soul Food
Multiple locations
tonygssoulfood.com
3. Honey's Kitchen
7119 Joe Louis Drive
(210) 420-9645
facebook.com/mzhoneysplace
Best Steakhouse: Bohanan's Prime Steaks and Seafood
Winner: Bohanan's Prime Steaks and Seafood
219 E. Houston St.
(210) 472-2600
bohanans.com
2. Brasão Brazilian Steakhouse
19210 I-10 West
(210) 233-6868
brasaousa.com
3. Tu Asador Mexican Steakhouse
Multiple locations
tuasadorsatx.com
Best Sushi: Sushihana
Winner: Sushihana
1810 NW Military Highway
(210) 340-7808
sushihanasan.com
While some culinary snobs turn up their noses at any sushi not served up in a coastal town, the freshness and quality of Sushihana’s seafood could be enough to win them over. The Northwest Military stalwart's chefs display a deft hand with classic sashimi and nigiri sushi along with a variety of creative rolls. The soy paper-wrapped and tempura-fried Tiger Eye with nori, smoked salmon, jalapeño and masago is a standout, as is the Crazy Mike with spicy crawfish and spicy tuna topped with tuna, salmon, white fish, avocado, rice pearls and sriracha. Bento boxes available at lunchtime feature chicken teriyaki and grilled Scottish salmon among other tasty centerpieces.
2. Shiro Japanese Bistro
107 W. Jones Ave.
(210) 585-1863
shirossan.com
3. Toro'ko Sushi
Multiple locations
Toroko-sushi.square.site
Best Tamales: Alfonso's Tamales
Winner: Alfonso's Tamales
2000 SE Loop 410 Access Road, Suite 103
(210) 648-6060
alfonsostamales.com
2. SA Tamale Boy
5300 S. Flores St.
(210) 663-2033
satamaleboy.com
3. La Fonda on Main
2415 N. Main Ave.
(210) 733-0621
lafondaonmain.com
Best Thai Restaurant: Tong's Thai Restaurant
Winner: Tong's Thai Restaurant
1146 Austin Highway
(210) 829-7345
tongsthai.com
2. Thai Chili
2950 Thousand Oaks Drive, Suite 10
(210) 656-8589
thousandoaks.thaichili.net
3. Thai Bird Alamo Heights
Multiple locations
thaibirdrestaurant.com
Best Vegan Restaurant: Plantaquería
Winner: Plantaquería
124 Broadway
plantaqueria.com
Rooted in a grassroots vegan tamale company founded in 2020 by Sofia Maria Renteria, Plantaquería is a fairly new addition to the lower Broadway corridor. Although parking woes have long troubled this downtown stretch, destinations such as Saveurs 209, La Boulangerie and Alamo Antique Mall have made it worth the hassle — and the area boasts a vintage vibe that evokes a classic movie set. Occupying a sunlit corner that once hosted the downtown location of Twin Sisters Cafe, Plantaquería serves up “plant-based versions of the Mexican foods we grew up loving.” Among those health-conscious offerings are breakfast tacos made with soy chorizo, jackfruit and vegan cheese; quesadillas and tortas stuffed with portobello mushrooms and other plant-based proteins; scratch-made aguas frescas; and hearty sides spanning from street-style corn to charro beans — charmingly served in compostable coffee cups.
2. Hash Vegan Eatery
5007 S. Flores St.
(210) 332-9244
instagram.com/hash.veganeats.sa
3. Viva Vegeria
1422 Nogalitos St.
(210) 465-9233
facebook.com/myvegeria
Best Vegetarian Restaurant: Green Vegetarian Cuisine
Winner: Green Vegetarian Cuisine
255 E. Basse Road, Suite 940
(210) 320-5865
eatatgreen.com
2. The Pharm Table
611 S. Presa St., Suite 106
(210) 802-1860
pharmtable.com
3. Plantaquería
124 Broadway
plantaqueria.com
Best Wings: Fried Hard
Winner: Fried Hard
521 E. Grayson St.
(901) 598-7480
friedhard.square.site
Veteran-owned Fried Hard has Current readers’ finger-licking approval when it comes to wings. This kiosk, which operates from the back of Three Star Bar in the burgeoning Grayson Street nightlife district, serves up an assortment of Memphis-style wings. To that point, Fried Hard owner Laura Mountford argues that Memphis “produces the best wings, bar none.” Those looking for proof can order up the spot’s signature “Memphis Bold” wings and wash them down with its famous Kool-Aid. Bold indeed, Fried Hard is a must for local wing enthusiasts.
2. Wayne's Wings
Multiple locations
wayneswingssa.com
3. Cullum's Attagirl
726 E. Mistletoe Ave.
(210) 437-4263
cullumsattagirl.com