10 Tex-Mex Restaurants You Can’t Miss in San Antonio
San Antonio is a treasure trove of Tex-Mex delights, each spot offering its unique twist on this beloved cuisine. As someone who adores Tex-Mex, I’ve had the pleasure of dining at several of the city’s top spots.
In this blog, we will dive into the 10 Best Tex-Mex Restaurants in San Antonio and my visit review of going there.
Rosario’s Tex-Mex (Best Southtown Tex-Mex)
Address
This is located at 722 S St Mary’s St, San Antonio, TX 78205, United States
Overview
Rosario’s Tex-Mex is a cheerful joint located in Southtown which has already gained numerous fans due to their astonishing salsa and margaritas. The establishment is brightly lit and appropriately lit, attracting the crowds of both the natives of the area and the tourists. It matters if one is out with friends or having a festive dinner with the whole family; Rosario’s does have it all for everyone.
My Review
Just by entering this place, I feel like I am in the right place for a fiesta known as Rosario’s. It is also full of energy and the items and the furniture are bright colored and warm. Mine was Salsa which was awarded the best; I can vouch for that since it was delicious. It is quite fresh, very tangy, and has the spiciness that hits the right notes on the palate and is best enjoyed with their tortilla chips.
The margaritas here are however another plus. I decided to go for the original house margarita and this was a perfectly tangy and sweet mix, in a large glass portion. As per my entree choice, I ordered the chicken enchiladas; they were tender and juicy chicken rolls rolled with rice and beans smothered in the delicious sauce and topped with melted cheese. Each chunk was juicy and captured the Tex-Mex flavor of spicy with hints of salt in the correct proportion.
La Fonda On Main (Best Historic Tex-Mex)
Address
This is located at 2415 N Main Ave, San Antonio, TX 78212, United States.
Overview
La Fonda On Main restaurant is a company that has been providing San Antonio with fine and delicious Tex-Mex culinary experience since 1932. The restaurant has a canopy shaded area meaning that having a meal at this restaurant can be considered as putting time aside to relax. Their cover list includes traditional meals, flaming fajitas, and ice-cold margaritas thus they never lose their customers.
My Review
La Fonda On Main Also has the appeal of a rustic feel or an old-world setting feel to it. The architectural design of the restaurant and the neat landscape design of the patio look excellent and create a conducive environment for dining. When I went there I went in the afternoon when the weather was still warm and I chose to sit outside, under the shade of one big tree.
To begin with, I tasted the starters which included the queso fundido, a delicious concoction of melted cheese, chorizo, and peppers. They were going to be the taste to set the mood and it was perfect, creamy, and full-bodied with a hint of spices. For the main meal, I thought I would stick to the Mexican and order the beef fajitas ‘hot off the grill’. As soon as they were done, they placed the food on the table with a great deal of pomp and the smell was just inviting. The beef could be enjoyed very well, accompanied by a large portion of guacamole, sour cream as well as pico de gallo. It was evident that each bite had a story to tell, hence proving why La Fonda On Main has been around for quite some time.
Mi Tierra Cafe y Panaderia (Best Tex-Mex for Breakfast Tacos)
Address
This is located at 218 Produce Row, San Antonio, TX 78207, United States.
Overview
Mi Tierra Cafe y Panaderia is an iconic San Antonio establishment that has been delighting diners since 1941. Mi Tierra is well-known for its having a great vibe and serving numerous meals including breakfast on a 24/7 basis, along with mouth-watering pastries. This bakery restaurant must be on everyone’s list to enjoy the exquisite taste of Tex-Mex food.
My Review
Mi Tierra is like getting into a festive mood that does not require a celebration because it is an all-day/all-year-round consumption space. It is open 24 hours and as such, is never empty and is always alive. The look and feel are jovial and warm with lighting and artwork that include sparkling fairy lights and graphic artworks on the walls.
Hence for breakfast, I ordered their recommended breakfast tacos. The first thing I tried was the crispy taco with chorizo and egg; it was very filling and delightful to begin the morning with. The tortilla was soft, freshly made, and warm and the filling had a nice mix of spicy chorizo and well-prepared scrambled eggs. Served with a side of fresh salsa for the eggs, it was one breakfast I did not regret having to wake up for.
However, I could not go without trying some of the pastries that this café has become quite well known for. To make it complete, the pan dulce that was served was light and sweet which complements the overall enjoyable dining experience. Dining at Mi Tierra takes you not only through different Mexican dishes but also through a fun gastronomic experience.
The Original Donut Shop (Best Tex-Mex Breakfast Tacos)
Address
This is located at 3307 Fredericksburg Rd, San Antonio, TX 78201, United States.
Overview
The Original Donut Shop might be famous for its donuts, but it’s their breakfast tacos that have earned them a dedicated following. This place is a small and simple diner that serves both Tex-Mex cuisine and breakfast meals, which has earned it a solid following in the community.
My Review
As you might guess from its name, the selection of donuts offered is delicious; however, it is the breakfast tacos that shine at this establishment. The background is quite plain and nothing fancy, however the meal offers great value for what it lacks in presentation.
For instance, the bacon and egg taco I opted for was well prepared and wrapped in a soft hot, and newly made tortilla. The crispy bacon and the eggs cooked to perfection offered a delectable taste that was more of comfort food. This was helped by the addition of the salsa which complimented the food by giving it a little kick with each bite.
Then finally, I decided to have a taco which was Super yummy, then I had to taste their donuts which apparently they are famous for. Fried to crispy perfection and coated in honey, it was exactly the right touch of dessert to end my meal. Certainly, the Original Donut Shop shows that good finds can come from anywhere least expected.
Henry’s Puffy Tacos (Best Puffy Taco Restaurant)
Address
This is located at 6030 Bandera Rd, San Antonio, TX 78238, United States.
Overview
Henry’s Puffy Tacos offers a unique Tex-Mex experience with their signature puffy tacos. These delicious morsels are made of crispy fried shells with tasty fillings inside and remain a testimony of Tex-Mex traditional tastes.
My Review
Henry’s Puffy Tacos can still be found today in San Antonio. The ambiance of this restaurant is relaxed, jovial, and typical of eateries that are designed to provide a casual dining experience. The puffy taco, of course, is the main dish of this show.
Another favorite of mine is the beef puffy taco – and the dish did not let me down. Taco shell, which surprisingly was quite thin and crunchy, served as an excellent holder for the beef patty. It was presented garnished with lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese which made this dish have an added texture and taste. Every chew, every mumble was a satisfying sound of crumble coupled with the robust taste of seasoned beef.
The chicken puffy taco also tasted very good and I also ordered it. This one was succulent and juicy; the coating crunchy right to the end. It is considered by many as the best, most delectable Tex-Mex restaurant around and is called Henry’s Puffy Tacos.
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Ray’s Drive Inn (Best Nostalgic Tex Mex)
Address
This is located at 822 SW 19th St, San Antonio, TX 78207, United States.
Overview
Ray’s Drive Inn is widely known as a place in Southtown, that offers award-winning salsa and margaritas. This popular joint has all the charm of a traditional diner, with options of yummy Tex-Mex dishes and buzzing music. This restaurant stands out as a fusion of the traditional and the modern, with tasty meals that entice people to book another round often from the locals and tourists.
My Review
The moment one gets to experience the environment at Ray’s Drive Inn you can tell that you are in the right place and right time. From beautiful and colorful furnishing that is reminiscent of the 50s and jovial waiters, the moment you step into the restaurant the aroma of Tex-Mex food wafts into your nostrils. I began my experience with their award-winning salsa and chips, and it was nothing less than what one would expect from a restaurant of this caliber. The salsa contains the spiciness of chili, and the tanginess of vinegar so I could not just stick to one bite.
Their enchiladas are a must-try, generously stuffed and smothered in a rich, flavorful sauce. And let’s talk about their margaritas—hands down, the best I’ve had in San Antonio. Whether you’re a fan of classic lime or prefer something more adventurous, Ray’s margaritas are the perfect way to complement your meal. The overall experience at Ray’s Drive Inn is a nostalgic journey through Tex-Mex heaven.
Paloma Blanca Mexican Cuisine (Award-winning Tex-Mex)
Address
This is located at 5800 Broadway #300, San Antonio, TX 78209, United States.
Overview
Paloma Blanca Mexican Cuisine offers an upscale Tex-Mex dining experience in a beautiful setting. As one of the best Mexican restaurants in the United States, this restaurant has a unique approach to serving its best dishes with traditional Mexican food preparation methods fused with modernity.
My Review
Paloma Blanca has the appeal of glamour and fun combined with bold sharp flavors. Right from the point when one makes an entrance he or she is confronted with an air of elegance topped with friendliness. Customer service is great, and the food selection is a nice mix of traditional Tex-Mex and/ or new creations.
The Pollo en Mole Poblano was calling my name, and I wanted to explore their exquisite cooking at its best. The chicken was juicy and succulent and the mole sauce was delectable, served with a unique sweet note. Another appealing dish that cannot be missed is their queso flameado which is served with freshly made tortillas and the taste of the dish is simply divine, cheesy, and has the gooey feel to it.
For dessert, I ordered their tres leches cake and it was quite delightful, the cake was so soft and it satisfied my sweet tooth. Eating at Paloma Blanca is not a simple process of ordering and eating food but it is a dining out experience that is posh and incorporates the best of the Tex-Mex food culture.
Ácenar (Best Tex Mex on the Riverwalk)
Address
This is located at 146 E Houston St, San Antonio, TX 78205, United States.
Overview
Ácenar is a fine restaurant that is indeed a part of the Riverwalk, and it provides a good Tex-Mex cuisine. This restaurant gives an excellent opportunity to have a truly unforgettable meal in San Antonio as it offers beautiful views and, at the same time, modified classic cuisine taste.
My Review
If you are eager for a Tex-Mex experience with view then Ácenar restaurant is the place to get it. It is located in Riverwalk which is a lovely setting making it attractive for dinner. The outdoor eating area provides a scenic beauty for those who like to dine on delicious Tex-Mex food.
For the first course, I decided to have the crab-stuffed jalapeño which was spicy but had that savory flavor. Next, I tried the chile relleno – a classic dish that encases a tender poblano pepper with creamy cheese and bathes it in a rich sauce. This place also offers a great range of margaritas which go well with the thrilling colors of their food.
Overall, Ácenar offers great food and an even better view, so it is worth checking out if you want tasty Tex-Mex food in one of the city’s most picturesque locations.
Los Barrios Mexican Restaurant (Family-style Tex-Mex)
Address
This is located at 4223 Blanco Rd, San Antonio, TX 78212, United States.
Overview
Los Barrios Mexican Restaurant is well suitable for families who want to have massive portions of Tex-Mex foods in a friendly environment. It is ideal for a family-style seated meal as the food is wholesome and the ambiance is quite friendly.
My Review
It is as good as a home away from home, they are friendly. They say that first impressions are everything the smell of homemade Tex-Mex food welcomes you as soon as you enter the establishment. The kitchen is family-oriented and has a very home-like feeling, which makes a guest feel at ease.
Their puffy tacos truly distinguish themselves – they’re crispy yet light and packed with a good amount of meat and vegetables. I also ordered the fajitas which were extremely spicy and full of flavor as they touched my tongue. The portions are large, and well-proportioned, which will make sure that you are full when you leave the restaurant.
Favorite among all, sopapillas are soft and perfect to accompany a honey dip. When it comes to eating out in Los Barrios, it’s the kind of place one goes to to fill their stomach and have a good time with loved ones.
Iron Cactus Mexican Grill and Margarita Bar
Address
This is located at 200 River Walk Suite 100, San Antonio, TX 78205, United States.
Overview
Iron Cactus Mexican Grill and Margarita Bar is a vibrant spot on the Riverwalk, known for its creative Tex-Mex dishes and extensive margarita selection. This lively restaurant offers a dynamic atmosphere perfect for a fun night out.
My Review
Iron Cactus is where you want to head when you want good, fun Tex-Mex dining. This is a bursting with energy place and the food they offer is not any different. They still maintain a conventional dining menu while providing exciting variations for you to try out every time.
But of course, I also had to try their avocado margarita – just as creamy and tasty as the drink itself. My favorite dish at the restaurant is fajitas, served with the usual toppings we desire. Another recommendation is their stuffed jalapenos – they have just the right blast of spiciness and are juicy.
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Final Note
San Antonio is a dynamic city and so is its Tex-Mex scene. Starting from the early heritage of La Fonda On Main restaurant to the modern and vibrant ambiance of Rosario’s Tex-Mex restaurant, each restaurant serves this style of food with a different attitude. If the regular tacos are not your cup of tea, then you can try breakfast tacos from Mi Tierra or more famous puffy tacos from Henry’s.
