San Antonio, Texas is a city teeming with distinctive neighborhoods full of great restaurant options for family travelers in search of good food and fun. Our family had several terrific meals, but a few stand out. Note that Riverwalk restaurants are typically more expensive than those in the city, but it's worth it on a nice evening, when kids can stretch their legs while you relax at an outdoor cafe. Reservations recommended over holiday periods and weekend evenings.
Boudro's
421 E. Commerce
San Antonio, TX 78205
210/224-8484
Shops, restaurants and hotels line the bridges, fountains and abundant foliage of the city's famed Riverwalk. Here families will find Boudro's, a lively dining gem that has long attracted a loyal following of locals, tourists and visiting celebs. One bite and you will understand why. Like the city itself, the menu is a blend of cultures – a little bit Mexican, a touch of Louisiana and a nod to Texas Hill Country. Start with the fresh guacamole made tableside and a prickly pear margarita, then move on to lobster tail fajitas, smoked shrimp enchiladas or blackened prime rib. If you are lucky enough to nab a table riverside, you can watch the barges pass by with passengers taking a tour or enjoying a dinner cruise. (Reservation's for Boudro's popular dinner cruise must be made two weeks in advance). Although there is no children's menu, Boudro's accommodates the smaller set by offering a burger, chicken breast or smaller order of coconut shrimp on request. Plus the bustling scene means there's no need to "shush" a boisterous toddler.
Luke
Embassy Suites San Antonio Riverwalk-Downtown
125 E. Houston
San Antonio, TX 78205
210/226-9000
For a fine dining experience, visit this new Riverwalk Hotel, home to celebrity Chef John Besh’s Cajun-inspired restaurant Luke. As his first venture outside Louisiana, the menu mingles notes of Swiss, German and Italian cuisines, reflecting Besh’s global training. Chef Besh is a father of four boys, so children are welcome on this culinary adventure.
MadHatter's Tea House & Café
320 Beauregard
San Antonio, TX 78204
210/212-4832
Over in Southtown, San Antonio's Art District, sits this unassuming café. MadHatters serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and tea (over 50 offerings) every day in a funky, eclectic setting that draws a diverse crowd. Many menu items follow the tea theme, such as a tea-smoked Mediterranean chicken salad and blackberry-tea-infused waffles. If that sounds too fussy, there are burgers, sandwiches and soups. Prices are inexpensive, service is friendly and portions are abundant. There is plenty to please kids, from the MadHatter's children's tea to a simple PB&J or a plain turkey sandwich, not to mention the yummy baked goods for dessert.
The Guenther House
205 E. Guenther Street
San Antonio, TX 78204
210/227-1061
Not far from Southtown is the King William Historic District, one of the oldest historic districts in Texas where numerous German families settled in the 19th century. If you're not staying in one of the B&B's (we were at the more modern, family-friendly Radisson Resort Hill Country), a trip to The Guenther House is your chance to dine in one of the neighborhood's historic homes on this lovely stretch of the San Antonio River. Up until 1948, this stately circa 1860 home served as the family estate for the Pioneer Flour Mills founder. Lucky for us, The Guenther House now serves hearty breakfasts (breakfast tacos, waffles, fluffy Pioneer biscuits with gravy) and light lunches (salads, sandwiches and a few entrees) until 3pm daily (2pm on Sunday). You can choose to dine on the trellis-covered patio or in the Victorian-style dining room. If the kids get restless post-pancake, take a stroll through the River Mill Store located in a former bedroom and a music room of the stately home. The store features all kinds of delightful gifts and baking-related items, including mixes for many of The Guenther House goodies.
Mi Tierra Café & Bakery
218 Produce Row
San Antonio, TX 78207
210/225-1262
El Mercado, San Antonio's Market Square, is filled with shop after shop of Mexican and South American jewelry, crafts and apparel. It is also home to Mi Tierra, a San Antonio institution for the past 63 years. Mi Tierra never closes and seems always packed despite its el grande size. Locals and tourists feast on large portions of authentic Tex-Mex food and pastries in a lively, casual setting. Kids love the colorful painted murals on the walls, year-round Christmas lights, sombreros hanging from the ceiling and strolling musicians. In addition to a huge menu serving breakfast (available 24 hours a day), lunch and dinner Mi Tierra offers a kids' menu with the usual suspects (chicken tenders, burger, fried fish) plus some simpler Mexican entrees.
Silo
1133 Austin Highway
San Antonio, TX 78209
210/824-8686
The kids will especially enjoy the elevator ride up to the dining room, as Silo stacks Alamo Heights (a more formal dining room) on top of Nosh (their new tapas bar). The varied menu makes this an easy place for everyone to order and parents will appreciate the lively and ever-changing dining concepts. This group also has another place, 1604, in San Antonio.
New Braunfels Smoke House
6450 N. New Braunfels Avenue
San Antonio, TX 78209
800/537-6932
A showplace for the region's ethnic German heritage; home to a variety of wurst and smoked meat.
Casa Rio Mexican Foods Restaurant
430 E. Commerce
San Antonio, TX 78205
210/225-6718
This restaurant is open daily from 11 am-11 pm and serves passable Mexican cuisine; the real draw to the establishment is its excellent location along the River Walk, which affords excellent views of the surrounding area and has done since 1946.
Rio Rio Cantina
421 E. Commerce
San Antonio, TX 78205
210/226-8462
Another Mexican establishment with a great location on the River Walk, calling ahead for reservations is a good idea since it can be difficult to get a table.
Luby's Cafeterias
(14 Locations)
210/654-9000 (Downtown location: 210/223-1911)
This cafeteria chain is spread throughout the city (and throughout all of Texas). Luby's variety of hot and cold dishes, vegetables (the mixed plate of four veggie side orders is a favorite) and cheap, quick dining make it a good alternative for the thrifty or impatient traveler looking for a bite.
Pig Stand
801 S. Presa Street
San Antonio, TX 78210
210/227-1691
A local San Antonio fast-food chain open 24 hours, essentially an old fashioned McDonald's, for pork lovers only. Vegetarians need not bother.
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If you eat on the Riverwalk the ambiance makes anything good. There are some great restaurants there.