Our Suggestions

If you’re a smaller group, we’ve got you covered with these suggestions of our tried-and-true favorite spots in and out of town. Or contact Food Chick Tours to discuss a custom private tour. We love creating wonderful experiences that become happy memories of this incredible area.

Favorite San Antonio Things To Do

Mark Twain included San Antonio in his list of four unique cities in the U.S. (New Orleans, San Antonio, Boston, and San Francisco). Discover why today’s San Antonio remains unique.

You remember the Alamo, right? Locals will suggest you see the other missions first, all UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Mission San Jose is “the queen of the missions” and shouldn’t be missed. The missions are part of the National Parks system so they’re free and offer guided tours. Check the Alamo website about timed admission.
- There’s a standout snack stop near Mission San Jose: Fruteria la Mission. Don’t miss the fresh-cut fruit cups, fresh corn cups topped with cheese and crema, hot corn on the cob, ice cream, aguas frescas and everything else.
The famed Riverwalk (built by the WPA in 1939) is lined with restaurants, bars and greenery. We love dinner at Biga on the Banks.
The nearby and new San Pedro Creek Cultural Park features tile artworks along a quiet stretch of water downtown, and the city has a slew of murals and intentional street art. A map is available at sanantoniostreetart.org.
Don’t miss the outstanding San Antonio Botanical Gardens, with its acres of wild and curated gardens and artscapes. A mile or so away is the Japanese Tea Garden at Brackenridge Park. Both venues have cafes to fill in your hunger gaps.
The McNay Art Museum was once a private estate and now features works of art from across the centuries and into the present.
The San Antonio Museum of Art, along the northern reach of the Riverwalk, was once the home of the Lone Star brewery. The building and grounds are as impressive as the works within the walls.
The Briscoe Western Art Museum houses a rotating collection and special exhibits of the art and artifacts that give meaning and context to the history of the west.
Walk through the beautiful King William district in Southtown and enjoy impressive residential architecture from the mid-1800s and early 1900s. If you get a bit peckish while you’re there, stop for lunch or dinner at Pharm Table, Tito’s, Oh Yeah Cakes, The Friendly Spot, Liberty Bar, Maverick Texas Brasserie or Battalion. Or relax over a margarita on the rooftop of Rosario’s.

Visit and dine at the city’s culinary center: Pearl

Once the leading city brewery, the main brewing building was dedicated in 1883 and is still at the heart of the complex. This historic district along the northern reach of the river is now home to a campus of the Culinary Institute of America, plus about a dozen restaurants, boutiques, and green spaces. Don’t miss the lobby of the luxurious Hotel Emma in that original brewing building, a AAA Five Diamond and 2-Michelin keys hotel. At the Pearl we love dining at Ladino, Mon Chou Chou, Southerleigh, Best Quality Daughter and Cured, as well as strolling through and noshing on upscale snacks at the Pullman Market as we shop for unique packaged goods and fresh baked treats. The many restaurants in the restored warehouse there – and especially the ceviche bar – provide outstanding meals. Between bites, walk along the beautifully landscaped art-filled stretch of the San Antonio River. Or spend a magical evening listening to live music and sipping cocktails at Jazz, TX.

Dine Around Town

Our favorite San Antonio restaurants can also be found in the pages of San Antonio Cooks. Order it on Amazon before your visit as a reference guide, or while you’re here, buy it at one of our independent booksellers or participating restaurants. Try a featured dish at each spot, then try your hand at recreating it at home to place memories of San Antonio on your table.

Head North to the Texas Hill Country

For authentic Texas BBQ head to BlackBoard BBQ in Sisterdale. You won’t be disappointed in the smoked meats, handmade sides and wonderful desserts. They’re open Friday/Saturday from 11 – 7 and Sunday 11 – 4.

The Saint Tryphon winery is just down the road from there and offers tastings and bottles. Check their website for tasting times and events.
On the way there or back, stroll through downtown Boerne – loaded with great boutiques, breweries, cafes and Texas charm.
Have more time? Check out the quaint town of Comfort for additional charm, shopping therapy, antiques and art galleries.
Want a blast of iconic Texas? Head to famous Luckenbach, Texas after your meal. It’s about 20 minutes north of BlackBoard BBQ and at least 100 years in the past. You just might find some impromptu live music at the saloon and general store.
Fredericksburg is a full day trip you can fill with more wine, beer and German food than you can imagine. Consider making it an overnight stay at Cotton Gin Village and definitely have dinner at Cabernet Grill.

Head 30 miles southwest of downtown to Castroville

Founded in 1844 by European colonists from Alsace, the charming architecture and small-town streets reflect early Texas roots. After strolling past historic homes and shopping at boutiques and antique shops, dine on great BBQ at Blue Lacey and finish next door with something sweet from Baked.