The Best Mexican Restaurants in San Antonio

15 Best Mexican Restaurants in San Antonio 2024 (Top Eats!)

San Antonio is a city filled with bustling culture and a fascinating history.

It has several beautiful landmarks like the Spurs, Alamo, and the San Antonio river. 

San Antonio is also irrevocably popular for its barbecue food options and chili cook off’s, which offer more than what one can imagine.

It’s also a perfect place to enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine with some top-notch choices like tacos, barbacoa, flan, and sopapillas. 

By searching all over the state, we made this list of some of the best Mexican restaurants in San Antonio that you can visit as per your preference.

Let’s check them out.

The Best Mexican Restaurants in San Antonio This Year

1. Rosario’s Mexican Cafe Y Cantina

Rosario's Mexican Cafe Y Cantina

Why it’s a must visit?

Rosario’s Mexican Cafe Y Cantina restaurant is known for its bright neon lights and gorgeous atmosphere right on the S. Alamo St. in the magnificent King William district.

This restaurant was first opened in 1992 and had been consistently serving delicious Mexican cuisine for more than 30 years.

It’s one of the top-rated Mexican restaurants with a neon aesthetic golden rod yellow and white walls with bright turquoise.

Chef’s choice

With several eye-catching fixtures and colorful highlights, this restaurant has become one of the best places to have a fancy Mexican dinner in San Antonio.

It is also won several awards in the category of providing delicious Mexican and authentic Texas meals with its south border dishes.

Try their delicious margaritas with fire-roasted salad, which has won several accolades for its flavor.

Also, a bite of their delicious and delicate mole enchiladas will definitely not leave you disappointed with enjoyable draft beers, live music, and frozen margaritas.

Location and Contact

2. Pollos Asados Los Nortenos

Pollos Asados Los Nortenos

Why it’s a must visit?

The Pollos Asados Los Nortenos restaurant is one of the nicest Mexican restaurants in San Antonio that is located on the east side of Rigsby. 

It has a fascinating history of getting started as a fundraiser for the church in Mexico and evolving into one of the top Mexican restaurants.

They also have two brick-and-mortar locations in different parts of San Antonio in the form of a food truck.

Chef’s choice

This casual and laid-back Mexican restaurant remains in popular demand and is one of the best family restaurants for Mexican cuisine in San Antonio.

It’s worth noting that its low-key atmosphere with quality food at cheap rates, in the form of classic grilled meat options, has made it extremely loved.

Its signature polos asados and mouth-melting chargrilled chicken that comes marinated in orange color is heavenly beyond imagination.

Also, don’t miss out on the green and red salsas with rice and beans that this restaurant offers.

Location and Contact

3. Ernesto’s Mexican Specialties

Ernesto's Mexican Specialties

Why it’s a must visit?

The Ernesto’s Mexican Specialties restaurant delivers people a fine dining experience in one of the top locations in San Antonio right outside the loop 410 on Jackson Keller Street. 

It remains open for lunch and dinner every day at specific times. 

The restaurant has a shopping center near it in the form of a storefront with deep red interiors, a whole table setting, and white tablecloths.

Chef’s choice

With the welcoming atmosphere of the restaurant and the entire beautiful concept, it’s one of the perfect date spots with a romantic interior. 

The restaurant is also exceptional in providing fine wine selections with tons of choices.

Their tortilla soup deserves a special mention, and also, their seafood, like gourmet seafood crepe and ceviche, are exceptional choices.

Location and Contact

4. Garcia’s Mexican Food To Go

Garcia's Mexican Food To Go

Why it’s a must visit?

Garcia’s Mexican Food To Go restaurant is a family restaurant that has been running for almost 60 years.

It remains one of the most famous Mexican restaurants in Beacon Hill at Fredericksburg Road. 

It’s a great place to enjoy various Mexican classics and stays really busy on Tuesdays till Saturdays.

Chef’s choice

This incredible restaurant near me serves delicious Texas and Mexican fusion food near me dishes.

It has also been given the catchphrase ‘home of the brisket taco’ that has earned a spot as one of the many great Mexican restaurants in San Antonio.

It’s worth grabbing a Mexican Coke with some of their delicious carne guisada but definitely don’t forget to try their brisket tacos.

Location and Contact

5. La Fonda on Main

La Fonda on Main

Why it’s so must visit?

The La Fonda on the Main restaurant is situated in the historic District of monte Vista on the north main side.

This restaurant is one of the oldest Mexican restaurants in San Antonio, with a reputed image since its opening in the year 1932.

This beautiful establishment has a pristine hacienda-styled interior with clear roof tiles that feel timeless and exquisite.

With large artwork hanging on its walls of Mexican bullfighters and special Talavera plates, this restaurant evokes a sense of old age feel. 

Chef’s choice

It’s a perfect place to enjoy regional Mexican as well as fusion of Texas and Mexican dishes in one go.

It is a perfect place to dine under the patio of this eye-catching oak tree with a lovely ambiance and creative margaritas.

Make sure to give their skirt steak a bite, but do save some room for their delicious coffee and flan.

Location and Contact

6. Mi Tierra Cafe y Panaderia

Mi Tierra Cafe y Panaderia

Why it’s a must visit?

The Mi Tierra Cafe y Panaderia restaurant is one of the most excellent Mexican restaurants in San Antonio, located on North San Saba behind the famous Market Square.

It’s run by a three-generation of Cortez family who has been spearheading this place since its opening in 1941. 

It remains open 24 hours for both patrons and farmers and remains highly crowded with local people.

Anyone who is looking for a cool place to eat in the most fabulous manner should try coming to this restaurant.

Chef’s choice

The restaurant invites people from all over the world to captivate them with beautiful murals and glorious Mexican and Texas dishes.

The mellow brick and warm wood interior of the restaurant, with lovely twinkle lights and other adorned festive spaces, makes drinking beers a lot more enjoyable.

Also, when it comes to beers, their mariachi band is a perfect drink to pick up at the bar and eat with their delicious fresh pan dulce that you can also take home.

Location and Contact

7. Paloma Blanca Mexican Cuisine

Paloma Blanca Mexican Cuisine

Why it’s a must visit?

The Paloma Blanca, a Mexican Cuisine restaurant, is situated off Broadway in Alamo Heights in San Antonio with a history of operating for more than 20 years. 

It’s a sophisticated and upscale Mexican restaurant offering people fancy and gourmet Mexican and Texas dishes with authentic Mexican cuisine as well.

The rustic atmosphere of the restaurant with a contemporary interior feels gorgeous with soft leather seats, a mellow color palette, and magnificent art pieces with raw wood tables. 

Chef’s choice

It’s definitely one of our top choice for enjoying specialized Mexican dishes like ceviche, which definitely needs to be tasted. 

One can also take a sip of their rejuvenating margarita, which has received a lot of positive reviews from the popular Texas monthly magazine. 

They also have tons of beer and wine options that one can choose from, with exclusive gluten-free dishes and a lovely paleo menu.

Location and Contact

8. El Bucanero

El Bucanero

Why it’s a must visit?

The El Bucanero restaurant was started in 2012 on the north side of Blanco Road in San Antonio.

It’s a restaurant people go to when they are wondering where to eat excellent Mexican choices with enjoyable drinks are the highlight of the menu. 

The presentation here is one of the most gorgeous ones you might ever see and is the reason why this restaurant is so different from others.

It has a bustling and vibrant ambiance with a fun pirate theme and lovely illustrations on the walls, probably depicting a mariachi band playing.

Chef’s choice 

This restaurant is ideal for large groups to have a fun Mexican hangout late at night with some of the most decadent seafood choices too. 

With the gorgeous presentation of the plates and fabulous drink options, it’s definitely a beloved restaurant.

One can decide between Panchanga six, which comes with delicious six beers and remarkable Camarones ahogado placed on top of it. 

One can also relish their delicious and gorgeously plated shrimp in four different ways, like their bacon wrap.

Location and Contact

9. Tortas Ahogadas El Chivito

Tortas Ahogadas El Chivito

Why it’s a must visit?

The Tortas Ahogadas El Chivito restaurant can be found on the lanes of Balcones Heights right on the crossroads Boulevard in San Antonio at the proximity of the wonderland mall.

It’s a family-friendly restaurant with a casual atmosphere and outdoor seating with a drive-thru area which is pretty convenient.

It was opened in 2013 with a newly styled version of Guadalajara tortas and tacos right in the heart of San Antonio. 

This restaurant remains one of the most famous Mexican restaurants in San Antonio to grab a quick bite without much hassle.

Chef’s choice

This restaurant remains a popular place to stop by for various Mexican food near me specialties like tortas and ahogadas. 

It comes with spicy red chili sauce and delicious tomato broth as dips to add flavor to the feast.

The restaurant also serves a lot of other things like elotes, which come with corn in cup form, aguas frescos which is a kind of a staple dish, and birriamen, which is a combination of birria with Ramen.

Location and Contact

10. Taquitos West Ave

Taquitos West Ave

Why it’s a must visit?

The Taquitos West Ave restaurant is situated on IH 10 on West Avenue in San Antonio, serving one of the most delicious tacos in the entire city. 

It has a window where one can take a seat inside with bright pop-up colors, stainless steel counter seating with stools, and charming zigzag tile.  

The loud music playing inside the restaurant and its overall lively atmosphere make the restaurant a delightful place to enjoy various taco flavors. 

Chef’s choice

This is a restaurant that everybody in San Antonio knows about, as the cheap rates available here with delicious and flavorsome taco variety make it perfect.

It’s usually crowded but is worth the wait as it has quite a fascinating selection of street tacos that are delightful on taste buds. 

On the other hand, street tacos come in different choices, like lengua, tacos de tripas, and Cabeza. 

But no matter what, there is no arrival against their exquisite tacos al pastor or their flavorful bistek.

Location and Contact

11. Fidelos Mexican Restaurant

Fidelos Mexican Restaurant

Why it’s a must visit?

The Fidelos Mexican restaurant is undoubtedly one of the best places to eat Mexican food in San Antonio, without a doubt.

It ultimately embodies the meaning of a satisfying meal and remains a local hit restaurant right on the Wurzbach and Nacogdoches Road. 

It is on the north side of Lady Bird Johnson Park and offers people a good stroll after eating various Mexican specialties here.

The staff here is amiable and serves piping hot and fresh options with a variety of classic Mexican and Texas fusion dishes.

Chef’s choice

With its fresh ingredients, this restaurant feels energizing and is among the best classic options to visit in San Antonio.

The cheese tacos are here, and other varieties ranging from beans to pozole are also fascinating picks.

People also praise its breakfast tacos a lot, but our personal recommendation would go for its cheese enchiladas and fresh empanadas that can also be taken out.

Location and Contact

12. Tito’s Mexican Restaurant

Tito's Mexican Restaurant

Why it’s a must visit?

Tito’s Mexican restaurant is peacefully situated in downtown San Antonio and remains a fantastic location for enjoying mouthwatering tacos.

It’s a family-owned restaurant that is managed by the Rodriguez family and has been operating since 2003.

The elegant and homey atmosphere of the restaurant makes dining here look fancy with several luxury features.

It deserves a 5-star rating because of how glamorous it is.

Chef’s choice

The restaurant has several creative specialties like Los Tacos Favoritos and Hatch Queso.

It is also highly renowned for its flavorful nachos, quesadillas, and enchiladas.

If you are looking for something to drink, then their Shish Kabob de Arrachera will alleviate all your thirst with its rejuvenating effect.

Wide range of several other drinks and cocktails like margaritas, and one ends up feeling refreshed here.

Location and Contact

13. Acenar Mexican Restaurant

Acenar Mexican Restaurant

Why it’s a must visit?

The Acenar is a perfect place to go when one is looking to relax and enjoy a variety of excellent Mexican meals.

This fabulous restaurant is exceptionally well known for its vast outdoor patio space and a vibrant menu containing one of the best Mexican specialties in all of San Antonio.

By offering people a unique family-style dinner, this restaurant has become a personal favorite of many, known for its distinct flavors.

Chef’s choice

This restaurant has its own personal favorite dish, which goes by the name of Enchilada de Mole, which is undoubtedly worth mentioning dish.

The dishes that it serves all-day range from fajita, enchilada, and taco, with other side options like Charro beans, chips, salsa, and tasty Mexican rice for dinner.

The classic ones here are fish tacos and vegetarian enchiladas, which make for a lovely standard evening menu.

Not to mention it has a separate kid’s menu, which is why it’s a perfect place for families to visit to enjoy different regional flavors like southwestern, Mexican, and Latin.

Location and Contact

14. Fidelo’s Mexican Restaurant

Fidelo's Mexican Restaurant

Why it’s a must visit?

Fidelo’s Mexican Restaurant is not just a delightful Mexican restaurant but also has a relaxed and calm feeling to it, perfect for dining with friends or family. 

It’s definitely a hidden gem that specifies all staple Mexican dishes that come with the right ingredients and exquisite flavors.

While some of the best specialty is mentioned on the menu, the restaurant delights Mexican food lovers as everything here is prepared from scratch.

Chef’s choice

The restaurant serves the tastiest homemade tortillas that are very filling and enjoyable in every bite.

People highly praise the way certain dishes are made, like chicken mole, barbacoa, and pork Carnitas.

Also, the friendly staff and their impressive service prepare food in such a speedy way that it leaves people highly satisfied.

At the end of the meal, don’t forget to sip their tasty coffee or tea to finish off on a bright note.

Location and Contact

15. Paloma Blanca Mexican Cuisine

Paloma Blanca Mexican Cuisine

Why it’s a must visit?

The Paloma Blanca, a Mexican Cuisine restaurant, is exceptional for its splendid interior design and lovely ambiance.

All of that has made it one of the must-eat places to enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine in San Antonio.

This restaurant exudes an energetic liveliness with its specialized paleo and gluten-free menu.

Its overall welcoming service and constant inspiration from various coastal areas in its interior have made it a perfect weekend brunch option.

Chef’s choice

The restaurant has several crowd-favorite meals like tacos al pastor, ceviche, and Grilled snapper.

With so many enticing Mexican brunch options, its supper and lunch offers are also exciting to look at. 

If you want something on the aromatic side, then you can go for their big tips that come with delicious smoky red sauce that is served alongside tortillas, refried beans, and chilaquiles. 

Also, the mango margarita drink is extremely stimulating on the taste buds and is perfect as a sweet finishing option.

Location and Contact

Final Thoughts

Be it high-end or gourmet restaurants to the most casual places to eat; it seems that San Antonio has the widest variety of Mexican cuisine ever. 

Therefore, whenever authentic Mexican plus Texas and Mexican fusion arrive at the scene, San Antonio always manages to take the top spot in every list.

With some of the best hand-picked options and several lovely places to stop by, San Antonio seems like an exciting city to not only dine at but also explore the markets.

Every restaurant on our list is of high-class image and a promising value to it which is certainly not disappointing. 

Thereby, we hope that the narrowed choices on our list of some of the best Mexican restaurants in San Antonio have helped you locate your dream restaurant.

Bon appétit!

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