Pearl Brewery: 15 Best Restaurants! The Historic Pearl Brewery in San Antonio, TX, has undergone a remarkable transformation in the last 20 years. What was once a dilapidated industrial complex has now become a vibrant, sprawling, and fully serviced area featuring apartments, restaurants, and entertainment.
It has emerged as the go-to destination in San Antonio, offering a pedestrian and family-friendly environment for both locals and visitors. With a high concentration of restaurants within a half-mile radius, the Pearl Brewery Historic District provides a plethora of excellent dining options for hungry patrons.
To simplify the decision-making process when selecting a restaurant, we have compiled a comprehensive list of our favorite places to eat at the Pearl Brewery Historic District. This list spans everything from coffee shops to fine dining, ensuring there’s something for everyone’s taste and preference at the Pearl.
List:
- Ladino: 4.7 rating, Exceptional (661 reviews)
- Carriqui: 4.6 rating, Exceptional (386 reviews)
- Boiler House at Pearl: 4.5 rating, Awesome (1920 reviews)
- Nineteen Hyaku: 4.6 rating, Exceptional (124 reviews)
- Brasserie Mon Chou Chou: 4.8 rating, Exceptional (2909 reviews)
- Cured: 4.4 rating, Awesome (1759 reviews)
- Supper: 4.5 rating, Awesome (2943 reviews)
- Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery: 4.6 rating, Exceptional (2860 reviews)
Where to Eat at the Pearl Brewery Historic District
Allora or Arrosta
Allora and Arrosta opened in San Antonio in early 2022, offering a delightful taste of Italian cuisine to the city. Both restaurants, managed by the same executive chef, bring unique Italian flavors to the table.
Allora focuses on upscale coastal Italian dishes, emphasizing freshness and delivering a premium dining experience. Meanwhile, Arrosta specializes in Italian comfort food, featuring classics like Chicken Parmesan and Lasagne Bolognese.
Whether you’re in the mood for the familiar warmth of Fettuccine Alfredo or the sophisticated flavors of Grilled Octopus, Allora and Arrosta cater to Italian food enthusiasts.
Brasserie Mon Chou Chou
Brasserie Mon Chou Chou brings the comfort of French cuisine to San Antonio. Part of the Southerleigh Hospitality Group, this restaurant is the creation of three French food enthusiasts who aimed to share the flavors of their homeland with South Texas.
The result is a culinary haven with authentic French dishes, from classics like Cordon Bleu to more elaborate options such as Filet de Beef. A must-try is the Sandwich Au Fromage Raclette, a heavenly, ooey-gooey delight for cheese lovers.
Read More:Best Brunch Restaurants in San Antonio
Southerleigh Fine Food and Brewery
Named after its location and the art of crafting fine food, Southerleigh Fine Food and Brewery offers a delightful experience. Following a brief renovation and menu update, the restaurant retained its commitment to delicious food, craft brews, and personalized service. Housed in the historic Pearl brewhouse, Southerleigh continues the tradition of brewing all its beer in-house.
The menu at Southerleigh features seasonal shifts, focusing on Southern cuisine. From classics like deviled eggs and cornbread to their renowned fried chicken, the restaurant offers a diverse range of flavors. An unexpected standout on the menu is the pork schnitzel and spaetzle, drizzled with a rich beurre blanc sauce – a dish so heavenly it might just stop your heart mid-bite, but at least you’ll die happy.
Full Goods Diner
Full Goods is a shiny new spot at the Pearl, opening its doors in September 2022. Picture this: it’s a classic all-day diner with happy red and white booths that set the mood for the whole place.
Now, let’s talk about the grub. They whip up brunch favorites from scratch, like Cinnamon Toast, Steak and Eggs, and Migas. And don’t forget about the fluffy pastries, baked fresh every day. But here’s the kicker – their cocktail game is strong. Because, let’s be real, no brunch is truly complete without a Bloody Mary or Mimosa. Cheers to good eats and sips at Full Goods!
Bakery Lorraine
Bakery Lorraine is a bakery everyone’s talking about, led by the talented Anne Ng, a 2023 James Beard Award semi-finalist, and her partner Jeremy Mandrell. It’s the go-to place at the Pearl when those bread cravings hit – the croissants, tarts, and macarons are simply out of this world. And if you’re in the mood for something heartier, they’ve got you covered with delightful sandwiches, soups, and salads.
Sure, there’s seating inside Bakery Lorraine, but we’ve got a better idea. Grab your goodies and head outside. Find a spot along the Pearl’s green space. Or even cooler, bring a blanket and turn it into a picnic. Pastries + picnics? Now, that’s perfection.
Cured
Welcome to Cured, where the name says it all – it’s a haven for cured meats and delicacies, from charcuterie to pickles. Housed in the original 1904 Administration Building at the Pearl, this restaurant flaunts a renovated rustic chic design, matching perfectly with its menu of finely cured meats and cheeses.
The chef at Cured is no small fry – a James Beard Award finalist. Brace yourself for a menu that’s truly one-of-a-kind. If you’re all about exploring exciting new flavors and textures, this is the spot for you.
Now, onto the must-haves: Cured’s signature charcuterie boards. But here’s the twist – you can take it up a notch with eight more types of meat, including standouts like Hazelnut Salami, Diablo Goat Salami, or Smoked Habanero Oysters. Talk about a flavor adventure!
Supper
Bow down to the royalty of the Pearl Historic District – none other than the majestic Hotel Emma. This stunning boutique hotel, ranking among the best in San Antonio, stands tall, casting its impressive shadow over the entire area. Trust me, you can’t miss it. And with a hotel this grand, you’d expect an equally fabulous restaurant, right? Well, in this case, you’re absolutely right.
Enter Supper, an upscale, new American restaurant that’s the real deal – top-notch service, exceptional food, and a design so chic it feels like an extension of the hotel itself.
The menu at Supper is a revolving showcase of seasonal flavors sourced from local farms, making every dish a masterpiece of creativity and balance. And the best part? You can enjoy this culinary experience for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
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Boiler House
Let me introduce you to a real Texas treasure – The Boiler House. Nestled in a 130-year-old building, this place is pure history. Picture this: the kitchen is set right into the original Pearl Brewery’s boilers, and much of the old-school architecture is still intact, giving you that authentic vibe.
Now, let’s talk grub. The Boiler House is all about the steak game, with a variety of toppers (trust me, you don’t want to miss the yummy gulf shrimp or bacon-wrapped quail) and sides to level up your meal. But fear not if you’re in the mood for something lighter – they’ve got salads, sandwiches, and burgers too.
And here’s the cherry on top – a vast wine list, craft beers, and a Texas-focused cocktail menu. The real magic happens outdoors on the patio and wine garden, especially on those beautiful Texas days.
Food Hall at the Bottling Department
If you’re on the hunt for a quick bite instead of a full-on sit-down affair, the Pearl’s got you covered with its own twist on a classic food court – the Food Hall. Picture this: it’s set on the original spot where the Pearl Brewery’s Bottling Department used to be. Here, you get top-notch, scratch-made food and meals, but with the speed, efficiency, and affordability of a quick counter service joint.
Now, here’s what makes it exciting – the Food Hall hosts 4-5 pop-up eateries that change regularly, letting chefs showcase their skills and build a fan base before they dive into a permanent spot. Since the lineup shifts quite often, keep your finger on the pulse by checking the Food Hall’s website for the latest offerings.
When it’s time to chow down, just place your order and grab it at the counter once you get the call. While there’s some indoor seating, you’ll find more tables just outside along the Pearl’s green space. Quick, tasty, and surrounded by good vibes!
Lick Honest Ice Creams
Let me share a sweet story from 2011 in Austin, TX. Two pals had a dream – to open an ice cream shop where every ingredient was sourced fresh, guaranteeing absolute deliciousness. And voila, Lick Honest Ice Creams was born. Fast forward, and now they’ve got three spots in San Antonio.
Here’s the scoop on Lick’s menu: they’ve got the classics (think chocolate, caramel, and mint chocolate chip) and the unexpected (like roasted beets with fresh mint or goat cheese with thyme and honey).
What makes it even cooler is that Lick’s flavors change with the seasons. Picture this – a menu that dances with whatever’s fresh and available. Plus, all their milk and cream come from family-owned dairies in Texas and Wisconsin, so every lick you take is pure goodness made from the finest ingredients.
Botika or Best Quality Daughter
In the Pearl Historic District, you’ve hit the jackpot with not one, but two fantastic Asian fusion spots – Botika and Best Quality Daughter.
First up, we’ve got Botika, a Peruvian-Asian gem that blends the zingy flavors of pan-Latin cuisine with the whole spectrum of Asian goodness, creating an unmatched experience in San Antonio. Think delights like Cebiche Caribe, Aji de Gallina Empanadas, Potstickers (seriously, the best ever!), and Lomo Saltado. And don’t forget to wash it down with a classic Peruvian cocktail, the Pisco Sour.
Now, let’s talk about Best Quality Daughter. Under the guidance of chef Jennifer Dobbertin (the genius behind SA staple Hot Joy), this place, located in the historic Mueller House at the Pearl, is an absolute charmer. With vibrant wallpaper and equally vibrant flavors, it’s a feast for the eyes and the taste buds.
The menu at Best Quality Daughter is a mix of smaller plates, noodle dishes, and family-style entrees meant for sharing with your crew. Oh, and keep an eye out for nightly specials, but make sure to arrive early – they tend to vanish off the menu in a flash.
Local Coffee Founders
When you’re at the Pearl and in need of a fantastic cup of coffee, your go-to spot is Local Coffee Founders, the OG Local Coffee Shop of San Antonio, sparking the specialty coffee wave in 2009.
Fast forward to today, and Local Coffee Founders is as reliable as ever, serving up top-notch cappuccinos, lattes, and pour-overs. They proudly brew beans from Tag Coffee Company, a local roaster that generously gives 50% of its profits to local children’s shelters.
This isn’t just about coffee; it’s about community. At Local Coffee Founders, one of San Antonio’s finest coffee joints, each sip contributes to a good cause. So, feel good about fueling that caffeine addiction – you’re making a difference with every cup.
FAQs
Who owns Pearl Brewery?
The Pearl Brewery is owned by Silver Ventures, a private investment firm based in San Antonio, Texas. Silver Ventures acquired the historic brewery site in 2002 and has since transformed it into a vibrant mixed-use development, featuring a variety of shops, restaurants, residential spaces, and cultural attractions.
What is there to do in the Pearl District San Antonio?
The Pearl District in San Antonio offers a diverse range of activities and attractions. Visitors can enjoy shopping at boutique stores, dine at acclaimed restaurants, attend events at the Pearl Stable, explore the culinary offerings at the Pearl Farmers Market, or take a leisurely stroll along the scenic River Walk extension. Additionally, the district often hosts cultural events, live music performances, and art exhibitions, providing a dynamic and engaging experience for locals and tourists alike.
It’s Ethan Richards, the guy leading the way at “San Antonio Vista.” I’ve been making tourism a whole lot of fun. Over at San Antonio Vista, we’re here to make your visit incredible. Let’s add some excitement and insights to your San Antonio experience together!