Brunch might just be the most delightful meal ever because, with brunch, there are no strict rules. It’s a simple joy in life, and we’re pointing you towards some of the absolute best brunch spots in San Antonio.
Brunch is fantastic because you can have breakfast or lunch, and if you fancy a cocktail at 10 am, go for it – the sky’s the limit!
The beauty of brunch lies in its freedom; it’s a choice, not an obligation dictated by our body’s needs. We don’t devour it first thing in the morning to break a fast, nor in the middle of the day for a recharge, and it’s not a late-night caloric boost. We indulge in brunch here in San Antonio simply because it brings us joy. It’s all about having fun – that’s right, we’ve turned “brunch” into a verb because, in the brunch world, rules are meant to be broken!
Brunch Togetherness
Moreover, brunch isn’t a solitary affair.
While people might dine alone during regular meals due to preference or necessity, brunch isn’t a solo venture. It transcends being just a meal; it’s a communal activity shared with loved ones and friends.
We come together, relish our bacon, donuts, or sandwiches, and simply revel in each other’s company. Brunch, accompanied by delicious food and great companionship, isn’t about fulfilling bodily needs; it’s about satisfying the cravings of our hearts.
Brunch in San Antonio
When you’re in search of a brunch spot in San Antonio, options abound. Whether you crave breakfast tacos or pancakes, soups or salads, there’s a little something for everyone. Whether you’re a leisurely Sunday brunch-goer or a midweek business brunch enthusiast, we’ve got you covered.
Below, we’ve compiled a list of tried and true San Antonio brunch options (though, of course, there are many more!) found in and around the city. So, work up an appetite, gather some friends, and go feed your hearts.
10 Best Brunch Places In San Antonio
Nola Brunch and Beignets
In simple terms, Nola is always truly exceptional. Chef Peter Sypesteyn, a New Orleans native, has brought the delightful flavors of the Big Easy to San Antonio’s brunch scene, and the results are nothing short of spectacular. Nestled in charming Tobin Hill, just north of downtown SA, Nola welcomes guests to both indoor and outdoor dining.
The shaded outdoor patio is even pet-friendly, making it an ideal spot to relax with your furry friend while savoring delicious New Orleans cuisine with a touch of Texas flair.
And when we say “enjoy,” we mean it. The food at Nola is always outstanding. The beignets steal the spotlight and are a definite must-have on any visit. Choose from classic beignets, ones with lemon curd, or indulge in the chef’s enticing seasonal fillings. If you can’t decide, go for the mixed beignets to savor them all!
For a savory delight, give the Cajun Boudin Chilaquiles a try. It’s a blend of New Orleans and San Antonio flavors, creating a taste that’s simply perfect.
Keep in mind that parking is available on residential side streets, so plan to arrive early unless you’re up for a short stroll.
Cullum’s Attaboy
Just around the corner from Nola and inside the building Nola formerly occupied is the newcomer, Cullum’s Attaboy. Bearing the same name as its popular food trailer, Cullum’s Attaboy took the plunge and moved to a brick and mortar in March of 2022.
The brunch menu at Cullum’s is largely a tribute to great meals from San Antonio restaurants that have long since closed, so you can expect some oldies but goodies from longtime resident and chef, Chris Cullum.
While the menu itself is small, the food delivers big time on flavor. Start with the 1915 Spudnut Donut, and then move on to the Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Sandwich (it may not sound special, but trust us, it’s all in the ingredients). If you are feeling a little thirsty, pair it with a mimosa served Cullum’s way – a glass of champagne with just a spritz of orange juice.
Bonus: For a little more southern variety, head next door to Cullum’s older sister restaurant, Cullum’s Attagirl, on Saturday or Sunday for weekend brunch specialties which include chicken and waffles and funnel cake. Hey, it’s brunch, anything goes!
Full Belly
Full Belly may not look like much from the outside, but it’s what’s on the inside that matters at this Stone Oak eatery. It has been serving up its seasonal American cuisine to enthusiastic guests since early 2020. And with a second location set to open in Olmos Park this fall, Full Belly is a San Antonio brunch restaurant that’s going strong.
The menu largely focuses on innovative takes on American breakfast and lunch standards and includes an extensive cocktail list that ranges from traditional mimosas and bloody marys to several house specialty drinks. A few menu standouts include the Melty Cheesy Thang, Pecan Pie French Toast, and the Barbacoa Breakfast Poutine.
Full Belly offers standard inside dining, or al fresco dining on their covered patio. Wherever you choose to eat, we promise, as their name suggests, you won’t leave hungry.
La Panadería
Welcome to San Antonio, where conchas are a brunch must-have! Meet La Panadería, serving the community since 2014 with three locations across the city, skillfully bringing Mexican bread culture to San Antonio.
Brothers and owners, José and David Cáceres, kickstarted their journey by selling their mother’s fresh bread on the streets of Mexico City. After taking over her business and successfully running a bakery in Mexico for years, they brought their talents and delectable brunch offerings to San Antonio.
The menu leans heavily on bread, offering a wide array of pan dulces (sweet bread and pastries), breakfast sandwiches, and tortas. Yet, they also serve up soups, salads, and desserts.
Indulge in a vanilla or chocolate concha paired with their traditional Mexican hot chocolate. If sweetness isn’t your vibe, try one of their specialty tortas (we recommend the Hawaiana or Mexican Cubana) or build your own with a choice of their scratch-made bread – the sourdough, in particular, is heavenly. So, if you’re in San Antonio and craving a taste of Mexican pastry perfection for brunch, La Panadería is the place for you.
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Guenther House
At the Guenther House, nestled in the picturesque King William District, you don’t just experience brunch; you get a slice of Texas history. The building, now a restaurant, gift shop, and museum, originally served as a family home and mill dating back to 1859. It stands proudly among the oldest homes in the King William neighborhood, boasting stunning architectural beauty.
Visitors at the Guenther House can meander through charming gardens, savor the view of the San Antonio River, or explore the museum showcasing antiques from the Guenther family’s life. Once inside the restaurant, diners can admire beautiful stained glass and beveled glass while indulging in some of the finest brunch offerings in the Alamo City.
We highly recommend trying the Strawberry Sweet Cream Waffles or the Champagne Chicken Enchiladas. After relishing these delights, head over to the store to purchase the sweet cream cake mix and champagne-flavored chicken gravy mix because, trust us, you’re going to want to enjoy them again. And soon.
Box Street All Da
If brunch vibes matter as much as brunch food, consider Box Street All Day – a go-to spot. The beloved San Antonio food truck and catering company, Box Street Social, rooted itself in Hemisfair Park in early 2022, introducing an all-day brunch menu (hence the new name) that quickly won the hearts of locals and tourists alike.
With sweeping views of the park and the Tower of the Americas, it’s an ideal spot for a leisurely outdoor brunch.
But it’s not just about the outside; Box Street goes the extra mile in design, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor spaces in a charming “pretty in pink” aesthetic. From rose gold utensils to pink-striped umbrellas shading the patio, Box Street strikes the perfect balance between brunch vibes and quality brunch foods.
For a breakfast highlight, go for the Box Street Brekky. If you have a sweet tooth, indulge in the Milk Bread French Toast or specialty donuts. Whatever you choose, pair it with the visually exquisite and refreshingly delightful Hibiscus Sparkler – it’s pink, just like everything else at Box Street. And clearly, pink works.
Magnolia Pancake Haus
If your brunch craving involves pancakes, make a beeline for the Magnolia Pancake Haus. Since opening in 2000, they quickly outgrew their space within six years and relocated to a larger facility, now boasting three locations as a San Antonio brunch staple.
Previously featured on a 2012 episode of Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives with Guy Fieri, what sets the Magnolia Pancake Haus apart is their unwavering commitment to quality. From the food to the service, everything is top-notch, earning them various awards and recognitions over the years, including being voted San Antonio’s best breakfast.
When it comes to what to eat, ordering pancakes is a no-brainer. These are, quite simply, some of the best pancakes in San Antonio. If you prefer simple, go for the Old World Buttermilk pancakes. Feeling fancy? Try the Apple Cinnamon pancakes or Bananas Foster pancakes, but be warned, they might make you weak at the knees.
We also recommend one of the “haus” favorites, corned beef hash, which took years to perfect, leaving Guy Fieri so speechless all he could do was hug the chef. In our minds, any brunch food that makes you want to hug someone is brunch food worth having.
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Comfort Café
Nestled in the scenic Los Patios complex off of 410 in northeast San Antonio, Comfort Café is not just about brunch; it’s a place with a mission. Voted the #1 brunch spot in the USA by Yelp in 2021, Comfort Café, a division of SerenityStar, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, contributes to providing a sober living environment for families recovering from addictions. By offering jobs and financial support, Comfort Café encourages guests to pay what they can, with 100% of the proceeds directly supporting the organization’s mission.
Comfort Cafe’s menu goes beyond breakfast, featuring lunch options like salads, sandwiches, and pasta. For savory delights, explore their Scrambler specials or creative takes on eggs benedict. If your sweet tooth is tingling, three words: stuffed French toast. Portions are generous, so arrive hungry and take home leftovers for later.
Open only on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 8 am to 4 pm, Comfort Café tends to have long waits. Plan ahead by hopping on the waitlist on Yelp and be prepared to pay with cash or checks as they don’t accept cards (an ATM is available on-site).
The Hayden
A NYC diner, a Jewish deli, a San Antonio gem – The Hayden in Alamo Heights excels at being all of these. Recently featured on an episode of Food Paradise on the Cooking Channel, this eatery, located just around the corner from the zoo, has perfected comfort food for various tastes.
If you’ve experienced an NYC Jewish deli, you’ll spot familiar items on their menu like bagels and lox, latkes, and a mix of traditional (and some not-so-traditional) deli-style sandwiches. They’ve added some creative flair with our favorite, the Chicken Biscuit – a matzo crusted, crispy fried chicken breast, pimento cheese, pickled onion, and jalapeño jam, all on a cheddar biscuit. Food like that deserves a hearty “Mazel tov!”
Honorable mention: Another fantastic NYC diner in SA is Max & Louie’s on the north-central side of town. Explore their enormous menu; it’s all about BIG flavors. So arrive hungry and be ready to take a to-go box, or two, home with you.
Ida Claire
At Ida Claire, a southern-style eatery, when it comes to biscuits, they say, “Yes, please!” This delightful spot invites guests to take it easy, sit back on the patio under the nice tree cover, sip on a cocktail, and enjoy a San Antonio brunch on Saturdays and Sundays just like in the deep south – with good friends and even better biscuits.
Situated near the Alamo Quarry Market, Ida Claire offers a generous mix of southern favorites, from Nashville-style hot chicken to catfish po’boys, fried green tomatoes, and shrimp and grits. If it’s a southern dish, you’ll find it at Ida Claire.
No brunch experience is complete without trying a plate of Ida’s heavenly biscuits, smothered in bacon gravy, house jam, or honey butter. Then again, you might not want to share, and that’s completely okay.
I’m Dariel Campbell, the guy who loves making your experience awesome at “San Antonio Vista.” Playing with stories and attractions is my thing. At San Antonio Vista, we’re here to make your visit stand out and shine. Let’s make your time in San Antonio unforgettable—come and join the fun at San Antonio Vista!
