14 Unique Dining Experiences in San Antonio

In a city where Tex-Mex and BBQ options dominate, sometimes you just crave something a bit outside the standard San Antonio culinary box. Thankfully, there are a number of unique dining experiences in San Antonio that will fit the bill. 

We’ve compiled a list of some of SA’s singular dining establishments that are doing their part to add a little spice to the city’s food scene. Because, let’s face it, you can’t eat tacos or barbecue brisket for every meal, okay? Maybe for most meals, but not all.

14 Unique Dining Experiences in San Antonio

Here are 14 one-of-a-kind dining experiences in San Antonio! 

• Outlaw Kitchens
• Mixtli
• Comfort Café
• Cured
• Pharm Table
• Botika
• Schilo’s
• Vibrant Tex-Asian Fusion
• Riverside BBQ Fiesta
• Artistic Foodie Haven
• Hidden Gem Taco Truck
• Culinary Adventure at Sunset
• Flavors of the World Food Market
• Historical Dining Delight

Discover these gems and spice up your dining routine.

Outlaw Kitchens

If you’re going to focus on just one thing, you better rock it. Outlaw Kitchens totally nails this at their spot in Beacon Hill. Nestled in a charming stone house, this family-run joint is a neighborhood gem, open only from Thursday to Saturday for dinner.

Their deal? One meal per week. And guess what? They don’t just do it well; they hit it out of the park. The menu’s simple: an app, two mains (one veggie), and two desserts (one gluten-free). That’s your lineup. You can pick dishes solo or go all-in with a three-course prix fixe, usually $45-$55. And if you’re feeling fancy, there’s a $25 beverage pairing with wines or cocktails for the prix fixe fans.

Outlaw Kitchens skips the variety game and goes all-in on quality. And boy, do they deliver. When we swung by, the menu was rocking seafood sausage, grilled steak with homemade chimichurri, veggie lasagna bolognese, and killer profiteroles, plus a chocolate-almond torte for dessert. Every dish was a winner, seriously. Portions were spot-on, plates looked like art, and the flavors? were perfect.

Outlaw Kitchens easily bags a top spot on our list of unique San Antonio dining. Quick tips for your visit: check the menu on Tuesday to plan your weekend feast, book reservations, and park smart along Flores Street. You won’t regret it!

Mixtli

Mixtli, pronounced MEESH-lee (which means “cloud” in Aztec), isn’t your usual Mexican eatery. It’s a Mexican food journey, serving up a 7-course or 10-course tasting menu that changes with the seasons. They showcase different regional Mexican cuisines. But don’t just think of it as a plain “Mexican restaurant.” Mixtli is like a full-blown Mexican food adventure. Seriously, it’s not an exaggeration.

The chefs and owners, Diego Galicia and Rico Torres, got nods as some of the best new chefs by Food & Wine in 2017. They were also semi-finalists for the James Beard Foundation Award the next year. They built Mixtli to celebrate the rich history of Mexican cooking worldwide. In simpler terms, the food isn’t just tasty; it’s a celebration of Mexican culture.

When we visited, we went for the 7-course tasting menu, featuring flavors from Puebla, Mexico (known for its mole sauce). Each course looked amazing, and the portions were more generous than on your usual tasting menu. The star? The mole, showing up in three dishes. Highlights included the bread service with avocado butter (shaped like a real avocado), black bean soup, tamal, and mole de novia with a white mole sauce.

You might wonder, What makes Mixtli’s common dishes so awesome? It’s simple; they just do it better. While black bean soup and tamales are familiar in San Antonio, Mixtli’s versions are unmatched. It’s not about serving fancy food in a special place; it’s about perfecting everyday dishes. Mixtli, despite being a fancy spot, is like a cooking class that even non-foodies can enjoy.

To hit up Mixtli, make reservations and grab your tickets online (priced at $110 for the 7-course menu or $160 for the 10-course menu). If you’re not ready for a full dinner adventure, check out their bar or outdoor patio for seasonal cocktails or margaritas. No reservations are needed there. Cheers to an awesome taste of Mexico!

Comfort Café

Comfort Café has become a beloved local spot that the entire city has embraced and fallen in love with. It’s more than just a restaurant; it’s a community hub where people come together to support one another.

With two locations, one nestled in the lovely Los Patios complex off 410 in northeast San Antonio, and a food truck called Comfort Café On the Go downtown, they’ve become brunch essentials in the city. No wonder, as Yelp crowned Comfort Café the #1 brunch spot in the USA in 2021, making it one of San Antonio’s top brunch spots.

Their menu is a treasure trove with breakfast delights and lunch options like salads, sandwiches, and pasta. For breakfast lovers, try their scrambler specials or creative takes on eggs Benedict. If you have a sweet tooth, their stuffed French toast is a must-try. Portions are generous and perfect for sharing, so arrive hungry.

Beyond the delicious food, it’s the heartwarming story that has captured the city’s affection. Comfort Café is part of SerenityStar, a nonprofit offering a sober living environment for families recovering from addiction. The restaurant provides jobs and financial support for program participants. There are no prices on the menu; guests are encouraged to pay what they can, with a suggested minimum of $15 per entrée. All proceeds go directly to supporting the organization and those overcoming addiction.

Comfort Café opens its doors only on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 8 a.m. to p.m. Be prepared for wait times, and it’s wise to join the waitlist on Yelp beforehand. They accept cash or checks only (no credit cards), and there’s an ATM on-site.

Good food and a strong sense of community make Comfort Café stand out as one of the most unique dining experiences in San Antonio.

Cured

Comfort Café has evolved into a cherished local spot that the entire city has embraced and fallen in love with for its exceptional dining experiences. It’s more than just a restaurant; it’s a community hub where people come together to support one another.

With two locations, one nestled in the lovely Los Patios complex off 410 in northeast San Antonio, and a food truck called Comfort Café On the Go downtown, they’ve become brunch essentials in the city. No wonder, as Yelp crowned Comfort Café the #1 brunch spot in the USA in 2021, making it one of San Antonio’s top brunch spots.

Their menu is a treasure trove with breakfast delights and lunch options like salads, sandwiches, and pasta. For breakfast lovers, try their scrambler specials or creative takes on eggs Benedict. If you have a sweet tooth, their stuffed French toast is a must-try. Portions are generous and perfect for sharing, so arrive hungry.

Beyond the delicious food, it’s the heartwarming story that has captured the city’s affection. Comfort Café is part of SerenityStar, a nonprofit offering a sober living environment for families recovering from addiction. The restaurant provides jobs and financial support for program participants. There are no prices on the menu; guests are encouraged to pay what they can, with a suggested minimum of $15 per entrée. All proceeds go directly to supporting the organization and those overcoming addiction.

Comfort Café opens its doors only on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Be prepared for wait times, and it’s wise to join the waitlist on Yelp beforehand. They accept cash or checks only (no credit cards), and there’s an ATM on-site.

Good food and a strong sense of community make Comfort Café stand out as one of the most unique dining experiences in San Antonio.

Pharm Table

Pharm Table’s idea is simple – eat good food for energy, strength, and vitality. Chef Elizabeth Johnson thinks what we eat affects everything, so she made a restaurant where only the best food goes on plates. With national awards, like getting picked by the James Beard Foundation for their Taste America series, it looks like the cooking world is paying attention. Chef Johnson’s place is a special eating experience in San Antonio that’s really worth your time.

In San Antonio’s Southtown, Pharm Table is almost a vegetarian/vegan restaurant. They use local stuff like fresh veggies, beans, and a bit of lean protein for people who aren’t too keen on vegetarian food. If you’re looking for dairy, processed sugars, and refined wheat (Chef Johnson thinks these are bad for health), you won’t find them here. But don’t worry, Pharm Table’s smart team has done great things with their plant-focused ingredients, making us almost forget about cheese and bread.

The food at Pharm Table isn’t just tasty and good for you; it’s also like art. Every plate is full of bright colors, showing off lots of tasty-looking dishes. They know how to make their food look good, following the chef’s saying that we eat with our eyes first. Some great items on the menu include heirloom corn tacos (it is San Antonio, after all), oyster mushroom masala, and berry pancakes – only on their weekend brunch menu but worth trying on a Saturday morning.

Pharm Table is more than just a restaurant; it’s a happy way of eating. Whether you love being healthy or just love great food, this place is a must-visit in San Antonio.

Read also: 8 Wineries Near San Antonio for Tastings and Tours (With a Map!)

Botika

Hey there! If you’re on the lookout for awesome food at Pearl Brewery, Botika is the place to be! It’s this fantastic Peruvian-Asian spot that mixes Chinese-Peruvian (chifa) and Japanese-Peruvian (Nikkei) flavors right here in the Alamo city. While this tasty combo is big in Peru, it’s still pretty new in the US, and Botika is leading the charge in bringing these yummy dishes to South Texas.

Meet Chef Geronimo Lopez from Caracas, Venezuela – he’s the genius behind Botika. With experience from all around the globe, you can see his influence in the cool modern decor with a touch of Asia.

Now, let’s talk about the menu. It’s a mix of Asian and Peruvian street foods, plus some more traditional dishes you’d find in Peru, China, or Japan – think sushi, sashimi, noodles, grilled goodies, and small plates. 

They encourage sharing, so grab your pals and immerse yourselves in unique dining experiences! Highlights? The zesty cebiche caribe, the smoky lomo saltado (add the sunny-side-up egg!), and those pork potstickers with a black tea and sake broth – so good you might want to sip it straight from the bowl!

And guess what? Botika isn’t just about the food. They’ve got a killer drink menu with cocktails, beer, wine, and sake. Try the Caracas by Night; it’s a mix of rum, falernum, pineapple juice, ginger syrup, and yuzu. Oh, and don’t miss the Pisco Sour, Peru’s national cocktail. It’s creamy, dreamy, and made with pisco, lime, egg white, and bitters. Cheers to good food and great times!

Schilo’s

Hey there! Let’s talk about Schilo’s, a total legend in San Antonio! Back in 1917, the Schilo family opened this German gem to satisfy the city’s big German crowd. Fast forward to today, and Schilo’s is not just the oldest restaurant in town but has kept its charm for over 100 years!

Now, you might wonder, what makes these dining experiences stand out? Well, it’s the combo of Schilo’s age, sticking to traditions, and that cozy hometown vibe that makes it a truly special spot in San Antonio. If you’re after a place with history and San Antonio soul, Schilo’s is your go-to.

You can find it in downtown San Antonio, and it’s a top pick for grub near the Riverwalk. At Schilo’s, you can dive into a German-inspired breakfast or lunch, along with some classic deli treats and burgers to mix things up. But let’s get real – there are three absolute must-tries at Schilo’s: their homemade split-pea soup, a Reuben sandwich loaded with sauerkraut, and a frosty mug of root beer brewed right there every day. And because one mug isn’t enough, why not go for a root beer float with a scoop of Bluebell ice cream for dessert? It’s a taste of history with every bite.

FAQs

What is the name of the revolving restaurant in San Antonio?

The revolving restaurant in San Antonio is called the Tower of the Americas. It offers stunning panoramic views of the city as it slowly rotates.

What food is San Antonio, Texas, famous for?

San Antonio is famous for its Tex-Mex cuisine, which includes dishes like tacos, enchiladas, and guacamole. The city also has a rich culinary heritage with influences from Mexican and American cuisines.

How do I choose a special occasion restaurant?

When choosing a special occasion restaurant, consider the ambiance, cuisine, and any personal preferences or dietary restrictions. Look for reviews and recommendations, and make a reservation in advance to ensure a memorable experience.

Is San Antonio a foodie town?

Yes, San Antonio is considered a foodie town with a diverse and vibrant culinary scene. From traditional Tex-Mex to upscale dining, the city offers a wide range of delicious options for food enthusiasts to explore.