The Best 22 Southtown San Antonio Restaurants for Every Craving

Southtown is a go-to spot for food, just a few minutes from downtown San Antonio. While the San Antonio Riverwalk has nice views and a lot of history, the restaurants there can feel too touristy. In Southtown and the nearby Pearl Brewery, you’ve got way better options for a fantastic meal. There are cool businesses in old houses and plenty of great places to eat.

The only downside is parking. It’s a bit of a headache, especially on weekends when the area is packed with people. Most restaurants don’t have parking lots, so you’ll probably end up circling the side streets trying to find a spot. It can feel like a veritable nightmare, but places like Bliss and Battalion are worth it. Plus, the walk will help you burn off some calories! While you’re there, take in the historic homes in the King William neighborhood—they’ve been restored from the 1800s and are really something to see.

Bliss

Bliss is a cool spot in Southtown, run by the chef who owns it. It used to be a gas station, and you can still see some of that in the layout. They serve upscale New American food, and the menu changes with the seasons. You’ll find things like scallops, red snapper, short ribs, and quail. Their wine list is huge, with plenty of options for any taste or budget. If you’re celebrating or on a date night, you can go for the 7-course tasting menu for $150/person with a wine pairing. They even have a dedicated parking lot with free spots, so you won’t have to search for parking—just show up and enjoy a great meal.

Maverick Texas Brasserie

Maverick Texas Brasserie is where French cooking meets Texas flavors. They’ve got everything from fish to steak dishes, with some really good sides. The menu changes often, so you might find things like coq au vin or veal stroganoff. They also have a three-course special every day, and sometimes it includes classics like beef bourguignon. It’s a great spot if you want to try a mix of European and local dishes.

Mixtli

Mixtli (sounds like MEESH-lee) is a cool Mexican restaurant in San Antonio that offers something special. Their name comes from the Aztec language, and they serve a 7-course or 10-course tasting menu that changes with the seasons. You’ll get to try different regional cuisines from across Mexico, like tamales, black bean soup, and chile en nogada, all made by highly decorated chefs. They have a great bar and an outdoor patio where you can sip on seasonal cocktails or margaritas made by their head bartender. Just make sure to book your spot ahead, as reservations and tickets are required, with prices between $110 and $160.

Rosario’s ComidaMex & Bar

Rosario’s ComidaMex & Bar is a go-to spot in Southtown, sitting in a cool two-story building at its original location. They serve up all the classic Tex-Mex favorites like fajita nachos and cheesy enchiladas. Locals love hanging out here, especially for their tasty margaritas. It’s a real part of the neighborhood, and you can try different variations of their dishes. If you like tequila, their tequila-based cocktail is a must.

Battalion

Battalion is a cool Italian restaurant in Southtown San Antonio, inside an old fire station. It’s got a modern vibe and serves really delicious food. Their menu has all the Italian classics like antipasti, salads, and different types of pasta. Some top picks are the eggplant parmesan, chicken parmesan, and pepper-crusted pork chop, plus a solid NY strip steak. Prices are pretty reasonable, around $12-$14. They have a dedicated parking lot, but when it gets busy, finding a parking spot or a table might take a little extra time.

Hot Joy

Hot Joy is a funky spot in Southtown with Asian-inspired dishes. Their ramen and shrimp pad thai are crowd favorites, but the $5 wings and crispy twice fried wings are what people really rave about. They’ve got classic American Chinese dishes like orange chicken and tasty dim sum bites. On the drink side, the cocktail menu has cool tiki classics like Saturns, Zombies, and a strong Mai Tai. They switch it up with daily offerings, so there’s always something new to try.

La Frite Belgian Bistro

La Frite is a go-to spot in the Southtown neighborhood. It’s a cozy classic French bistro with a bit of a Belgian vibe. Their menu has some favorites like crepes, mussels, and escargot. Whether you want a French-inspired lunch or a nice, romantic dinner, it’s a solid choice option for any time of day.

Bar Loretta

If you’re at Bar Loretta, you’ve got to try their cocktails and the Loretta Burger. It’s a simple but delicious smash burger with prosciutto, manchego, arugula, tomato, and grilled red onion on a soft brioche bun. People love it, and it’s always on the menu. For starters, the crispy Brussels sprouts or the cheese board are great options to share with friends.

Liberty Bar

Liberty Bar is in this old building on South Alamo Street. They’ve got a menu that covers everything—burgers, sourdough pizzas, and even homemade pastas and warm soups. If you’re just looking for something light, they’ve got small bites like crispy calamari (they call it “Squid Pro Quo”) and fresh salads too. It’s a good spot for whatever you’re in the mood for.

Little Em’s Oyster Bar

Little Em’s Oyster Bar is a seafood spot in Southtown San Antonio run by Emily Carpenter and her husband. They opened it in 2021 during the pandemic, but they made it work. The place used to be a gas station, but now it’s got blue awnings, white lines, and a pink, satiny-white look that makes it stand out.

Inside, it’s simple and clean—nothing fancy but really nice. They serve seafood like oysters, mussels, tuna tartare, and the popular Maine lobster roll. It’s also a great spot to snap photos because everything looks so good and instagrammable. If you like champagne, they’ve got 12 kinds to choose from, plus wines and beers if you’re feeling thirsty. It’s a solid choice for a fun meal in Southtown.

Pharm Table

Pharm Table is all about fresh, plant-based food in a calm, relaxing space. They use local ingredients to make dishes with flavors from around the world. You’ve got to try the mushroom ceviche, sweet potato waffles, or the chapuline-grilled salmon. Check out their website to see more about these dishes and what else they serve.

Stella Public House

If you’re looking for good pizza made with fresh, local stuff, Stella Public House is the place to go. They work with local growers and ranchers to make their farm-to-table pizzas, baked in a wood-fired Italian oven that gives the crust a nice crispy edge and great flavor.

They’ve got over 10 specialty pizzas, including a really tasty BBQ pizza with pulled pork, smoked brisket, jalapeños, red onions, and BBQ sauce with a sweet and spicy mango serrano drizzle. You can also order small plates, appetizers, and other dishes, plus there’s a great bar menu with 15 craft beers and 10 house cocktails. It’s a perfect spot for a relaxed Friday night.

The Good Kind

If you’re in Southtown and looking for lunch options, check out “The Good Kind.” They serve simple, fresh comfort food made with locally sourced, responsibly grown ingredients. The menu, created by Chef Tim McDiarmid (who’s been on Food Network’s Chopped and is a James Beard Fellow), has stuff like sandwiches, salads, tacos, and bowls. You’ll find favorites like gluten-free fish tacos and crispy mozzarella bites. It’s all about nourishing and sustainable meals. You can sit inside or outside, grab takeaway options, or hang out in their outdoor garden lounge with live music, markets, and pop-ups—plus a great view of the San Antonio city skyline.

The Friendly Spot

In Southtown, there’s a cool, old-school icehouse called the Friendly Spot. It’s a great community gathering place with a bar, a fenced-in playground for the kids, and a big inflatable screen to watch Spurs games. You can bring your leashed pets too. They have over 300 bottles and cans of beer, plus 76 options on tap. The food menu is all about classic bar food like fries, wings, and nachos—perfect with an ice-cold beer. It’s a chill spot to hang out and relax with friends.

Blue Star Brewing Company

Blue Star Brewing Company is a well-known spot in Southtown San Antonio. It’s been around since 1996 and is located in the Blue Star Arts Complex. Besides being a brewery, they also have a full restaurant with a solid mix of traditional American food and tasty pub grub. They brew their own beer, with 9 craft options to choose from, including their popular sour beer and the special Barnstormer Series. Whether you’re just there for a beer flight or a full meal, this place has built its culinary success by offering great beer and food together.

Guenther House

If you’re looking for a nice brunch spot in Southtown, check out Guenther House. It’s in the King William District and has a lot of history and natural beauty. The menu has all the breakfast and lunch standards, but the cool thing is they use flour milled right on the property. You can’t go wrong with the Strawberry Sweet Cream Waffles or Guenther’s Favorite Breakfast Platter, but the Champagne Chicken Enchiladas are also a great choice. The gardens are beautiful, and you get great San Antonio river views while you eat. Plus, there’s a little museum that shows off the 100+ year history of this old family home.

Bar 1919

Bar 1919 is a hidden speakeasy-style bar in the Blue Star Arts Complex in San Antonio. You can find it using GPS, then walk up a flight of stairs lit by soft red lights. Inside, it’s cozy and a little dark, with over 1400 liquors behind the bar. The staff knows their stuff and can make any drink you want, whether it’s a Cosmo, a Long-Island Iced Tea, or something mixed with an energy drink. It’s a whiskey bar with hundreds of whiskeys, but they also have some great non-whiskey craft cocktails.

Tito’s Mexican Restaurant

Tito’s Mexican Restaurant has been a favorite in the King William District for over 20 years. It’s a steady and dependable spot where locals and visitors know they can get a good, affordable meal. Even with places like Rosario’s nearby, Tito’s holds its own with a huge menu. They’ve got everything from tacos and enchiladas to big combos and special plates. People always talk about their sopes, which are a fried corn base topped with things like picadillo, pollo guisado, or even chipotle cream. Everything’s topped with white cheese, onions, and cilantro. Just be ready for a wait since it’s a smaller spot, and they don’t take reservations.

Sukeban

If you’re around Southtown and craving sushi, you should check out Sukeban. They have some great happy hour specials and a big menu with lots of choices. Their Southtown roll is full of flavor with stuff like salmon, goat cheese, and a little heat from serrano pepper. They also use fresh things like cucumber, avocado, tuna, and escolar. If you’re feeling extra hungry, try the Oki combo with 21 pieces of sashimi for $64. Grab a glass of Champagne and enjoy their specialty rolls with a bit of sriracha and miso vinaigrette.

Leche de Tigre

If you’re in Southtown, check out Leche de Tigre for some tasty Peruvian food. It’s got a laidback feel, and the staff is really attentive, so you can just relax and enjoy your time. They have fresh dishes like chalaco cebiche and pulpo anticuchero that are worth trying. Their drink menu also features pisco, a popular Peruvian spirit, making it a great spot to grab a refreshing cocktail while you eat.

The Station Café and Filling Station Taproom

In Southtown, there’s a cool spot that used to be a gas station but now serves some of the best food in the area. The Station Café started back in 2006, offering great artisan sandwiches. Later, they expanded into the old Texaco station next door and opened a taproom.

Everything here is made from scratch, whether it’s the sandwiches, pizzas, or other dishes. It’s a great place for lunch if you’re after something simple and tasty. With over 30 hot and cold sandwich options, like the Jalapeño Roast Beef, Turkey Chupacabra, and Garlic Roast Beef, you’ll definitely find something you like. They also have soups, salads, and plenty of craft beer and ciders if you want to switch things up.

Boozy’s: Creamery + Craft

If you’re in Southtown around King William, check out Boozy’s Creamery + Craft. It’s an ice cream shop for adults that serves up fun alcohol-infused treats. You’ll find everything from boozy ice cream and drunken desserts to alcoholic coffees and sober sweets for those who don’t drink. Their ice cream menu changes regularly, so there’s always something new to try along with your favorites. One of the best picks is the Boozy Affogato—a scoop of boozy ice cream with hot espresso poured over it. They also make milkshakes and coffee drinks with a splash of vodka, kahlua, or chila horchata. It’s a spot the kids can enjoy until 8 pm, then it’s just for adults with a full-on bar vibe.