I often hear San Antonio visitors (and even locals) asking where they should eat in San Antonio, so I decided to put together a comprehensive guide representing our local food culture.
I realize that most travelers are short on time, budget or both. Conversely, I believe you can reduce the entire Texan culinary experience into about 2 destinations, if necessary.
San Antonio is uniquely located in the land of Texas cattle and authentic Tex-Mex, between Cajun country, the Gulf Coast and a place where the abomination known as "nachos" were mistakenly invented. To be honest, we don't have an abundance of spicy Cajun bayou selections, the Gulf coast is generally too far to have fresh seafood restaurants on every corner, and if you're idea of Mexican food involves either Taco Bell or sprinkling dehydrated cheese on stale chips, well, this will be an educational experience.
First destination: Savor the bark of some slow-smoked, moist brisket.
You only live once and you're in Texas, so eat up! The best brisket doesn't need help from sauce, so, please, please, find a pit and savor the meat. Slowly. Let the smoke melt in your mouth.
The best barbecue is generally located out in the hill country (deep-pit barbecues don't go over well in town), and entirely worth the beautiful, scenic drive. Hell, the anticipation is part of the experience... Texas is huge after all!
Salt Lick (Driftwood, TX): You won't find a place more "Texas" than this, and it's BYOB!
Second destination: Sip a unique margarita with the most popular chips, salsa and guacamole you can get your hands on.
The thing about Tex-Mex is that no matter where you go, what you order, and how much it costs, you're going to drink a margarita and eat chips and salsa while you wait on some kind of protein served in the vicinity of a tortilla.
So here's the dirty little secret: find good salsa and margaritas, hope for some decent tortillas, and you're set.
Boudro's: World famous guacamole, award winning Prickly Pear margaritas, and a mean smoked salsa and regional menu to make your day.
