BBQ, tacos and margaritas are 3 of San Antonio’s iconic offerings. Now, there are 3 food trails that let you experience all three. Thanks to Culinaria, an independent, not-for-profit organization that’s committed to promoting San Antonio as a premier food and wine destination, you can visit some of San Antonio’s best barbecue, taco and margarita establishments. The San Antonio Food Trails launched on March 19, 2019 and each of the 3 trails explore the city’s rich culinary culture. Honoring this rich culture, in 2017, San Antonio was designated a Creative City of Gastronomy by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). There are only 2 cities in the U.S. that have this recognition- San Antonio and Tucson, Arizona, which was designated in 2015.
BBQ Food Trail- 10 Stops
2M Smokehouse BBQ– 2731 South WW White Road- Barbecue favorites like pulled pork & brisket pair with classic sides in casual, cool digs. What to try: The 2M Sandwich, chopped brisket, pulled pork and sausage, topped with coleslaw.
Augie’s Alamo City BBQ Steakhouse– 909 Broadway Street- Generous BBQ plates, comfort grub & draft brews are the draw at this busy, down-home counter serve. What to try: Pulled Pork Plate.
B&B Smokehouse– 2619 Pleasanton Road- Family-run BBQ joint with a drive-thru turning out house-smoked meats, Texas-style burgers & sides. What to try: BBQ Chicken Plate.
Dignowity Meats– 1701 East Houston Street- BBQ joint that pays homage to both the Midwest smokehouse and the classic East Coast deli. What to try: Burnt End Melt Sandwich, smoked brisket burnt ends, cheddar mac, sliced pear and BBQ sauce on a ciabatta.
Smoke Shack– 3714 Broadway Street- Hopping counter-service place with a rustic, retro feel offers BBQ sandwiches, platters & sides. What to try: Big Dog Sandwich, hoagie stuffed with brisket, pulled pork, sausage links, 2 kinds of BBQ sauce, topped with vinegar slaw.
South BBQ & Kitchen– 2011 Mission Road- Oak-smoked Texas barbecue and creative sides in a funky Mission Historic District space. What to try: St. Louis Style Pork Spare Ribs.
The Barbecue Station– 1610 Northeast Interstate 410 Loop- Casual family-owned eatery serving up wood-smoked meats & classic sides in a former filling station. What to try: Chopped Chicken Sandwich, with onions, pickles and sauce.
The Big Bib BBQ– 104 Lanark Drive- Wood-smoked meats, hearty sides & classic desserts are the draws to this casual barbecue haunt. What to try: BBQ Brisket Sandwich.
The Granary Cue & Brew– 602 Avenue A- Cozy modern joint features BBQ staples, microbrews & upscale global dinners in a warm wood interior. What to try: Brisket Ramen, made with smoked shoyu broth, brown ale noodles, onsen egg and shallots.
Two Bros. BBQ Market– 12656 West Avenue- Casual BBQ spot serving oak-smoked meats & homey sides in a kid-friendly setting with a play yard. What to try: Cherry-glazed Baby Back Ribs.
Tacos Food Trail- 10 Stops
Garcia’s Mexican Food– 842 Fredericksburg Road- Informal option offering a range of classic Mexican eats in a simple environment. What to try: Smoked Brisket Taco.
Henry’s Puffy Tacos– 3202 West Woodlawn Avenue- Festive eatery offering made-to-order tacos, burritos & seafood dishes plus margaritas. What to try: Spicy Beef Fajita Puffy Taco.
Los Barrios Restaurant– 4223 Blanco Road- Family-style mainstay serving Mexican & Tex-Mex fare in a casual setting with a full bar & patio. What to try: Carne Asada Taco, flour tortilla with sautéed tenderloin, garnished with guacamole and Pico de Gallo.
Pollos Asados Los Nortenos– 4642 Rigsby Avenue- Low-key option offering a variety of traditional Mexican chow in a casual environment. What to try: Roasted Chicken Platter with corn tortillas, grilled jalapenos, grilled onions, lime and green & red sauce.
Ray’s Drive Inn– 822 Southwest 19th Street- Family-friendly spot with a drive-thru offering tacos & enchiladas plus burgers & hot dogs. What to try: Beef Fajita Puffy Taco with avocado, lettuce and tomatoes.
Rolando’s Super Taco #2– 93 Shasta Avenue- Casual destination offering Mexican fare such as fajitas & burritos in a simple environment. What to try: Lengua A La Mexicana Super Taco.
Sanitary Tortilla Company– 623 Urban Loop- Founded in 1925, Sanitary Tortilla Company is a supplier of tortillas to 120 restaurants and 87 schools. What to try: (Saturday and Sunday only) Barbacoa Taco.
Taco Haven– 1032 South Presa Street- Bustling mainstay with classic Mexican fare, breakfast all day & cocktails in a colorful setting. What to try: Ralphie’s Special, comes with 3 tacos filled with chicken, fish, pork, carnitas de res and marinated cabbage.
Taco Taco Café– 145 East Hildebrand Avenue- Acclaimed spot with breakfast all day, Tex-Mex classics & signature Norteño tacos in a cozy setting. What to try: Famous Taco Norteno, flour tortilla with skirt steak, refried beans, grilled onions, grilled peppers and mashed avocado.
Taquitos West Avenue– 2818 West Avenue- Mexican, counter-service pit stop turning out an array of tacos in easygoing surroundings. What to try: Tacos Al Pastor.
Margaritas Food Trail- 10 Stops
Aldaco’s Mexican Cuisine– 20079 Stone Oak Parkway- Refined fare, steaks, seafood, margaritas & happy hour in a hip setting with a patio & scenic views. What to try: The “Zesty” Margarita, handcrafted blend of Pura Vida Reposado 100% Agave Tequila, Agave Nectar and slivers of fresh jalapeño.
El Jarro de Arturo– 13421 San Pedro Avenue- Vibrant eatery offering Mexican favorites & margaritas, plus frequent live music on the patio. What to try: Margarita Swirl, frozen lime margarita and fruit sangria.
La Fogata Mexican Cuisine– 2427 Vance Jackson Road- Festive eatery with patio seating offering classic Mexican cuisine & made-to-order margaritas. What to try: The monthly featured tequila.
La Fonda On Main– 2415 North Main Avenue- Refined mainstay from 1932 with classic Tex-Mex, interior Mexican fare, margaritas & a shaded patio. What to try: Jalapeno Cucumber Margarita, made with Sauza Silver Tequila, jalapeno-cucumber syrup and lime.
La Hacienda de los Barrios– 18747 Redland Road- Tex-Mex eatery offering puffy tacos & margaritas in bright digs with live music & a patio. What to try: Amorita Prickly Pear Flavored Margarita.
Ocho– 1015 Navarro Street, inside the Hotel Havana- Pan-Latin fare, mojitos & old-world charm in a chic riverside restaurant & lounge in Hotel Havana. What to try: Havana Margarita, made with Blanco Tequila, Paula’s Texas Orange Liqueur, lime and agave.
Paloma Blanca Mexican Cuisine– 5800 Broadway Street- Upmarket Mexican cuisine with gluten-free & paleo options served in a popular spot with a patio. What to try: Mango Chamorita, frozen mango margarita topped with chamoy.
Rosario’s Mexican Café Y Cantina– 910 South Alamo Street- Lively local chain serving classic & creative Mexican dishes, plus cocktails, in a trendy setting. What to try: Coco Rita, blend of Rosario’s original frozen margarita and Pina colada.
Soluna Cocina Mexicana– 7959 Broadway Street- Relaxed & colorful Mexican spot with patio seating serving innovative bites, beer & margaritas. What to try: Margarita So Luna, made with Tequila Herradura and Bauchant Orange Liqueur.
Sternewirth Tavern & Club Room– 136 East Grayson Street, inside the Hotel Emma- Swanky bar set in a historic cellar serving classic cocktails, craft beer, select wines & bar bites. What to try: La Babia Margarita, made with Blanco Tequila, orange liqueur and lime.
