7 Best Tex-Mex Restaurants In San Antonio
San Antonio is the heart and soul of Tex-Mex cuisine, where authentic flavors meet Texas flair in the most mouthwatering ways.
I’ve spent years exploring the city’s culinary landscape, sampling everything from sizzling fajitas to cheesy enchiladas.
Whether you’re a local or just passing through, these eight restaurants serve up the most unforgettable Tex-Mex experiences in the Alamo City.
1. Mi Tierra Café y Panadería: A 24-Hour Fiesta Of Flavors
Last Christmas Eve, while the rest of the city slept, I found myself devouring the most delicious chilaquiles at this Market Square institution. The restaurant’s twinkling lights and colorful décor create a perpetual celebration that’s as much a feast for the eyes as their food is for your taste buds. Family-owned since 1941, Mi Tierra never closes—literally!
Their bakery case tempts with pan dulce while mariachis serenade diners at all hours. The walls tell stories through murals depicting San Antonio’s rich cultural heritage. Don’t miss their Carne Asada Tampiqueña or the legendary Menudo for those post-celebration mornings. Their margaritas pack a punch that’ll have you dancing with the papel picado hanging from the ceiling. Trust me, it’s impossible to leave without a smile—and probably a doggy bag.
2. La Margarita: Market Square’s Sizzling Sensation
The sound hit me before the smell—that unmistakable sizzle of fajitas on cast iron that turns heads across the entire restaurant. La Margarita claims to have introduced the first sizzling fajita platter to San Antonio, and buddy, they’ve perfected the art. Nestled in the vibrant Historic Market Square, this place serves up atmosphere by the bucketload.
Tourists and locals alike pack the colorful dining room and sprawling patio. Their Parrillada Mixta—a mountain of grilled meats and vegetables—once fed my entire family with leftovers to spare! The margaritas (naturally) come in flavors ranging from classic lime to prickly pear, each one stronger than your abuela’s opinions. While waiting for your table, browse the surrounding El Mercado shops or enjoy the frequent live music. Just save room for their sopapillas, which arrive at your table puffy and glistening with honey.
3. Pete’s Tako House: Breakfast Tacos Worth Waking Up For
Morning grumpiness doesn’t stand a chance against Pete’s breakfast tacos. I’ve dragged myself here at unholy hours, bleary-eyed and caffeine-deprived, only to be revived by their chorizo and egg masterpieces wrapped in handmade tortillas. This no-frills joint near downtown keeps it real with plastic baskets and paper plates that somehow make everything taste better.
The line often stretches out the door on weekends—a testament to their legendary status among locals. Their salsa has just enough kick to clear your sinuses without triggering tears. Beyond breakfast, their carne guisada makes for a hearty lunch that’ll fuel you through the rest of your day. The walls are adorned with photos of satisfied customers and local celebrities who’ve made this their regular haunt. Pete’s proves that sometimes the most unassuming places hide the most authentic flavors.
4. Henry’s Puffy Tacos: The Inflated Delicacy That Made San Antonio Famous
Biting into a Henry’s puffy taco is like experiencing a textural revelation—crispy yet chewy, delicate yet substantial. My first encounter with these iconic creations left me wondering how I’d lived so long without them in my life. The secret lies in the masa dough that puffs dramatically when fried, creating a pillowy pocket for fillings. Founded in 1978, this family-owned spot has become so synonymous with San Antonio that their mascot (a walking puffy taco) entertains at Spurs games!
The restaurant maintains a casual, family-friendly vibe with quick service and affordable prices. Load up your puffy vessel with picadillo beef, shredded chicken, or guacamole—each one delivers a different but equally satisfying experience. Their rice and beans aren’t afterthoughts but worthy accompaniments. Fair warning: these unique tacos require a specific eating technique to prevent filling spillage. Watch the locals and follow their lead!
5. Paloma Blanca: Upscale Tex-Mex In Alamo Heights
Sometimes you need to impress a date or celebrate a special occasion with something fancier than plastic baskets and paper napkins. Enter Paloma Blanca, where I once closed a business deal over the most elegant enchiladas I’ve ever encountered. Nestled in upscale Alamo Heights, this refined restaurant elevates Tex-Mex classics with presentation worthy of Instagram fame. Their courtyard, with its bubbling fountain and twinkling string lights, transports you to a Mexican hacienda.
The tableside guacamole preparation adds theatrical flair to your dining experience—and tastes better than anything pre-made. Health-conscious diners appreciate their paleo and gluten-free options that don’t sacrifice flavor. Their Pescado Veracruzano showcases Gulf fish in a vibrant tomato sauce that balances acidity and spice perfectly. The attentive service matches the quality of the cuisine, making this my go-to recommendation for visitors seeking Tex-Mex with a touch of class.
6. Los Barrios: Family Recipes That Stand The Test Of Time
Grandma’s cooking has nothing on the generations-old recipes at Los Barrios. The first time I brought my mother here, she spent the entire meal trying to reverse-engineer their enchilada sauce—a futile but delicious investigation. Started in 1979 by Viola Barrios, this restaurant remains firmly in family hands, with recipes passed down and perfected over decades. The sprawling hacienda-style building on Blanco Road welcomes you with warm colors and the mouthwatering aromas of simmering chiles and roasting meats.
Their Nachos a la Butler—individually topped nachos rather than the typical pile—prevent that sad moment when you’re left with naked chips. The puffy tacos rival Henry’s for city supremacy, while their chile relleno achieves the perfect balance of spice and cheese. Despite their expansion and cookbook fame, Los Barrios maintains the soul of a family kitchen, where every customer is treated like a long-lost relative returning home.
7. Nicha’s Comida Mexicana: Neighborhood Comfort Since 1977
My Saturday morning ritual involves nursing a mild hangover with Nicha’s legendary Machacado con Huevo and bottomless coffee. This neighborhood staple feels like eating in your favorite aunt’s kitchen—if your aunt could cook better than anyone you know. With three locations across San Antonio, Nicha’s has grown without losing its soul. The Roosevelt location, with its retro signage and no-nonsense interior, draws a diverse crowd from politicians to construction workers to families after church.
Their tortilla soup could cure anything from the common cold to a broken heart. The portions border on ridiculous—I’ve never managed to finish their Especialidad Mexicana plate in one sitting. Their flour tortillas, made fresh throughout the day, achieve that perfect balance of flaky and chewy. While tourists flock to more famous spots, Nicha’s remains the place where locals go when they want consistent, unfussy Tex-Mex comfort food that tastes like San Antonio on a plate.