Boudros: The Best Restaurant on the San Antonio Riverwalk

Boudros the best restaurant on the San Antonio Riverwalk! The San Antonio Riverwalk is a prime Texas destination, spanning about 15 miles from the city’s southern edge to the north of downtown, near the San Antonio Museum of Art. However, when folks envision the Riverwalk, they often think of the stretch from Rivercenter Mall to where the river curves west, just below 

N. Presa St.—a distance of less than half a mile. This compact section is the most frequented and bustling area, flooded with restaurants, bars, shops, and throngs of tourists. Among these spots stands out the top eatery on the San Antonio Riverwalk: Boudros.

Boudros is among many excellent restaurants on the San Antonio Riverwalk. While not strictly the absolute best, it’s unique for being in the bustling stretch of the Riverwalk that attracts everyone’s attention. 

Amidst the touristy spots, Boudros stands out. It’s a smart move to skip the common tourist traps and pay a visit to Boudros. It might just be your best bet in that area.

Boudros: The Best Restaurant on the San Antonio Riverwalk

Location

Boudros sits on Commerce Street in downtown San Antonio, near the Rivercenter Mall. It’s located on the river level, nestled between Rio Rio Cantina and the Naked Iguana Riverwalk Bar. To reach Boudros from Commerce Street, take the elevator down a level. Once inside the restaurant, head outdoors to access the Riverwalk and check in for your table.

Parking

Boudros doesn’t have its own parking area. However, it’s downtown and close to several parking garages. The Riverbend garage at the intersection of Commerce St. and N. Presa St. is the nearest, but it can be expensive at $30 for an hour or longer.

Exterior

Boudros might be hard to spot from street level—it’s an unassuming tan stone storefront with dark red accents, lacking a visible street sign (you’ll find it under the awning from the sidewalk).

Down by the river, the restaurant stands out in a green building with red umbrellas shading its spacious outdoor dining area. There are two seating zones: one near the restaurant and another right by the river, offering some of the city’s finest views. Reservations are a must if you fancy these tables, but expect a wait.

A heads-up: While outdoor seating offers great sights, summers can bring scorching temperatures, making it less enjoyable. It’s best to relish the open-air dining experience from October to May.

Interior

Inside Boudros, the vibe resembles a New York City bistro: packed tables, plenty of dark wood, and a vibrant vintage tile floor. The indoor seating is split into two main areas, divided by the bar (which isn’t for seating) and the entrance to the kitchen.

The smaller front section has a big window providing views of the Riverwalk, plus the luxury of air conditioning. On the other hand, the larger back area lacks views but can handle more guests and bigger parties.

Service

Boudros claims the title of the best restaurant on the San Antonio Riverwalk, particularly in the touristy stretch, for two key reasons. First and foremost is the service. Over the past two decades of dining at Boudros, the quality of service has remained consistently exceptional without any decline.

The service at Boudros stands out, with servers who are attentive, friendly, and well-informed. They skillfully serve tourists without adopting an uninterested or rushed demeanour often seen in touristy spots. Moreover, they warmly welcome locals and aim to ensure that locals aren’t just locals but regulars, going above and beyond to make them feel valued.

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Food

The second reason Boudros shines on the San Antonio Riverwalk is its stellar food. In this bustling stretch, dining quality often falls short, ranging from mediocre to downright disappointing. With hordes of tourists needing to eat, Riverwalk restaurants easily fill up without much effort. Sadly, this leads to a noticeable decline in food quality. Who really craves awful Tex-Mex? Certainly not me.

Boudros stand out because they truly value their food. It’s a remarkable standout in a largely average food scene. Their menu celebrates South Texas cuisine, blending gulf seafood and steaks, all prepared deliciously and in perfect harmony. Dining here guarantees you won’t leave unsatisfied or let down.

Boudros really values its food, making it an outstanding standout in a generally ordinary food scene. Their menu honors South Texas cuisine by mixing gulf seafood and steaks, all cooked wonderfully and in great balance. Dining here ensures you’ll leave fully satisfied and impressed.

The tableside guacamole at Boudros is a must-try, especially for appetisers. It’s bold, but true – this place serves the best guacamole in town. The fun starts when your server brings the guacamole cart to your table and crafts this masterpiece right before your eyes. Be quick to grab a chip because once it’s on the table, it’s every person for themselves!

And if you’re not up for sharing, no worries! Ordering the guacamole for two just for yourself is totally okay. Been there, done that, and might do it again!

End your meal with the double chocolate brownie. This brownie sundae is heavenly, topped with Azteca and toffee crunch ice cream. While their entrées like shrimp and grits, coconut shrimp, or steaks are fantastic, you could easily feast on just the margarita, guacamole, and brownie sundae alone. It’d be an absolutely amazing evening!

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Overall

Boudros is always top-notch. The river views are great, the service is fantastic, and the food is consistently delicious. In that bustling part of the San Antonio Riverwalk, Boudros stands out as the best restaurant without a doubt.

FAQs

What is the best section of the San Antonio Riverwalk?

The best section of the San Antonio Riverwalk is subjective and depends on individual preferences. However, many visitors enjoy the bustling and lively atmosphere of the central downtown area, which features iconic landmarks, restaurants, and shops. The Museum Reach section is also popular for its art installations and cultural attractions. Ultimately, exploring different segments allows visitors to discover unique charms along the picturesque river.

Who owns Boudros San Antonio?

As of my knowledge cutoff in January 2022, Boudros San Antonio is owned by Cappy and Suzy Lawton. The Lawton family has been prominent in the San Antonio restaurant scene, and Boudros, known for its Texas bistro cuisine and famous tableside guacamole, has been a staple on the San Antonio Riverwalk since its opening in 1986. It’s advisable to check for any updates on ownership since my information might be outdated.