13 Restaurants You Need To Try On The San Antonio River Walk
There is always something going on in San Antonio. According to Frommer's, the center of it all is the River Walk downtown. It used to be just a tourist attraction — a place where people from out of town would gather to take a dinner cruise, do some shopping, and pass the time before touring the nearby Alamo. But things are a little different now, as locals have reclaimed the area and nearby Pearl District as hotspots for nights out in their hometown.
Although the plans to develop the San Antonio River Walk were finally approved in the 1930s, it has a long history dating back to 1536 (via The River Walk). After a major storm, there was a need to revitalize downtown San Antonio. A young architect named Robert H. H. Hugman had the idea to create a social gathering place along the neglected river. The engineering of the space solved the problem of flooding in the area and laid the groundwork for the esplanade we know and love today.
While there are plenty of places to shop and explore along the River Walk, what it's really known for is its restaurants. Here are a few of our favorites you should try next time you're in town.
Prost Haus
If you're in the mood for something a little German, consider stopping into the Prost Haus for a pretzel and some of the best sauerkraut in San Antonio. Central Texas has a strong German heritage, and the restaurant leans into this history, as it is in a building designed in the 1800s by German immigrant Otto Bombach. If the weather is bad and you choose to eat inside the dining room instead of outside on the patio, it almost feels like you are stepping back in time. The bones of the interior haven't changed much since the 19th century, so it's a bit like having lunch in a Texas history museum.
If you do sit outside, you'll likely get to enjoy some live music, as Prost Haus has a local artist on stage most nights. It's a great atmosphere, and sometimes you might forget you are in San Antonio and think you are actually in a Biergarten in Germany. Reviews on Google hint that you can't leave without trying the warm pretzels with mustard and that the service is out of this world, as the staff is friendly and helpful. While there are plenty of meat options, if you are vegetarian or vegan, you'll also be able to find something delicious.
Crockett Tavern
Named after the iconic Texas folk hero Davy Crockett, Crockett Tavern is located in the hotel that also bears the frontiersman's name. The establishment really leans into the Texas history angle: During your visit, keep an eye out for the two oil paintings in the dining room. The first shows the Battle of the Alamo, where Texans faced a crushing defeat, mere minutes from where you will be eating. The second depicts the Battle of San Jacinto, where the Texan army avenged its loss and gained independence for the then-nation.
The restaurant has live music all weekend long, so if you prefer the lively atmosphere that it brings, be sure to stop in then. When looking over the menu, in true Texas fashion, some guests recommend the pecan-smoked ribs and brisket, although these are just a few of the delicious options for carnivores. In addition, don't forget to stop by the bar, as visitors enjoy the friendly bar staff who will go out of their way to craft a signature drink for you.
Biga
Biga is a fine dining establishment open for dinner service only. It's the passion project of London-born head chef and owner Bruce Auden and proudly serves American fusion cuisine. The restaurant has definitely earned its reputation for excellence, as Auden was the James Beard Award Nominee for "Best Chef – Southwest" for over a decade, from 2000 to 2011. In addition to the many other awards the establishment and its staff won, guests have stated that Chef Auden's meals are "extraordinary creations that play havoc with tradition" (via Biga). It's an experience you won't want to miss.
While the menu changes daily, there are plenty of delicious options, like seared Hudson Valley foie gras and green chile Wagyu burger as starters, and a three-course prix fixe menu for the culinary evening of a lifetime. The Biga experience scores well on Google, as guests praise the views of the River Walk from the restaurant and the quality of service. Biga also gets high stars for the availability of private dining options for corporate guests, wedding receptions, and other celebrations.
Casa Rio
Casa Rio is famous along the San Antonio River Walk for being one of the businesses that provide dinner cruises. While the experience is highly sought after, logistics and staffing mean that it's not available year-round. However, you can still charter a river cruise and hire Casa Rio for catering anytime if you have a large enough group. Something to keep in mind if you plan to eat on land is that Casa Rio doesn't take reservations. It is one of the most popular and busiest places to eat along the river, so to keep things fair and spontaneous, it operates on a first-in, first-served plan.
The restaurant serves traditional Tex-Mex, so you can find all sorts of favorites, like sizzling fajitas that turn everyone's head in the restaurant on the way to your table, warm quesadillas, and fish tacos that will blow your mind. It's been in continuous operation since 1946, and the land it sits on was first titled by the King of Spain in 1777. When trying to find Casa Rio, just keep an eye out for the colorful umbrellas on the patio of 430 E. Commerce Street, and you'll be set.
Elsewhere
Elsewhere makes its mark on the River Walk dining scene because of its commitment to sourcing from local suppliers and always serving the freshest food possible. The patio is also one of the few pet-friendly places along the River Walk; if you want to bring your furry (or even scaly) friend along for a drink, head to Elsewhere. That's right, dogs, cats, birds, and even snakes are welcome at the spot. Even if you don't bring your pet, you can enjoy the amenities of the patio, like a game of giant Jenga or Connect Four. There is even a special Trivia Tuesday competition for those wanting to flex their knowledge of random facts.
Guests of Elsewhere love the overall vibe of the spot, calling it "a unique place" with "lots of cute art pieces that make great photos" (via Google). So if you'd like to go home after a night out with a few new pictures to post on your Instagram, this could be the place for you. There is a large selection of alcoholic and soft drinks, too, if you just prefer to stop by for happy hour.
Durty Nelly's Irish Pub
Durty Nelly's Irish Pub has been making visitors to the River Walk happy since 1974 and shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. The pub is modeled after another spot of the same name back in mother Ireland, near Bunratty Castle in Limerick, County Clare. That location has been keeping folks happy for much longer: since 1620. Based on how things are going at the San Antonio location, the stateside establishment seems to be on a similar path.
The venue is 21 and up after 7 pm and offers free peanuts to everyone, especially those who plan on drinking. Durty Nelly's is famous for the amazing piano players who stop in and lead the best singalongs this side of the Mississippi. Guests can't stop gushing about just how fun it is to eat and drink at the bar. Foodwise, you have traditional pub food. You can get a burger, fish and chips, and even potato leek soup. It's definitely worth a stop next time you're down by the River Walk, even if it's just for a drink or two.
The Republic of Texas
Named after the former country, The Republic of Texas has served delicious Tex-Mex to those visiting the San Antonio River Walk for almost 50 years! You can find sizzling fajitas, the cheesiest chile con queso you've ever had, or even a hamburger at the restaurant. There is truly something for everyone, no matter what you are craving. There is a large patio for guests to enjoy dining right next to the water, but if the weather is bad or you prefer to sit inside, you are also in for a treat. This is because The Republic of Texas is inside the Clifford Building. It was built in 1893, but its claim to fame isn't the yummy food from the restaurant below but the historic offices upstairs. That's right, Robert H. H. Hugman, so-called "Father of the River Walk," had his office in the structure.
Guests rave about the high level of service available here and the appreciation that sitting inside doesn't take away from the great views of the river. The restaurant has ensured that no matter where you sit, you can still see the iconic river, as there are big windows along the front of the establishment.
On the Bend
Look no further than On the Bend if you want Cajun food while down on the River Walk. It is located in the Hyatt Regency Hotel, and its claim to fame is that cornet player, Jim Cullum, used to perform there. The restaurant likes to keep things upscale, and you'll notice that the décor reflects this. It has a minimalist-inspired warehouse vibe, as the floors are polished concrete, and all the booths are leather. There are also two patios. Downstairs is the best place to enjoy the live music, which is around seven nights a week, and have a bite to eat, while upstairs is one of the only places in San Antonio — and the only spot on the River Walk — where you can enjoy cigars legally.
On the Bend is proud to offer an all-day happy hour and fresh oysters from the Gulf of Mexico daily. Patrons rave about the fun atmosphere there, as well as the polite and friendly service, even for large groups. If someone in your party doesn't like oysters — or even seafood in general — there are still menu options for them, too.
Domingo
Domingo is popular because of the perfect fusion cuisine it offers. Texas is a melting pot of different cultures; after all, six flags have flown over the state through the years. Domingo's menu reflects this history and offers a delicious taste of true Texas, both past and present. You can dig into elote street corn as an appetizer and devour a piece of the area's Mexican heritage, or indulge in some classically Southern cooking and enjoy skillet cornbread with honey butter. For mains, consider a short rib quesadilla or Sonoran crispy hot dog.
Guests of Domingo credit the restaurant with an amazing standard of service, stating that no matter when you go, you will get the same delicious food and friendly waitstaff. In addition, the outdoor patio area is also a favorite if it is a nice day outside, as you get great views of the River Walk. There is also live music most nights, further elevating the overall atmosphere.
Rio Rio Cantina
Rio Rio Cantina is a great location for your next private dining event. The River Walk is a popular place for corporate team building, family birthday celebrations, and even wedding receptions, but choosing a location for a large group can be overwhelming. Rio Rio is the place to go if your party is in the mood for delicious Mexican food. If you just want to pop in for a drink before exploring the town, the attached cocktail bar, The Naked Iguana, is also a local favorite.
Rio Rio also does walk-in dining for smaller groups like couples and families. Diners have said that they enjoy the restaurant's overall atmosphere, as there is a mariachi band around most nights that even takes requests and makes for a fun, engaging meal. The management at Rio Rio also goes out of its way to ensure that guests are having a good time, as a recent patron commented that they were given a gift card because of a disappointing river cruise.
Chart House
The Chart House is a restaurant above the rest, literally. Located at the very top of the Tower of the Americas, there is nowhere else along the River Walk where you can get such great views of San Antonio. The restaurant has been delighting guests since 1961 by combining a delicious menu with a restaurant that literally rotates. This way, there isn't a bad seat in the house, and you'll get to take it all in. When attending your reservation, be sure to dress the part, as business or dressy casual is the minimum required dress code, and management has the discretion to turn those underdressed away.
Guests of the Chart House agree that it is a great place to celebrate a special occasion because of the elevated atmosphere. The wait staff is friendly, making the experience even better with their spectacular service. When you finish your meal, don't forget to order the world-famous chocolate lava cake. It's definitely as good as it sounds.
Ocho
If you like to eat with ambiance, then Ocho is a perfect fit. Its architecture mimics an old-fashioned greenhouse and all the trimming, including the chairs and velour booths, is a bright shade of azure. The space is bright and airy, making it the perfect place to enjoy brunch with pals or dinner with the family. In addition, Ocho prides itself on serving delicious coffee, so if you want to stay a while to work and take advantage of the free Wi-Fi, go for it. You also have the option to take your drink to go and enjoy it while strolling along the banks of the River Walk.
Those who have experienced Ocho think it strikes the perfect balance between being so crowded that you can't hear what your neighbor has to say and so empty that you wonder if something's wrong with the food. In other words, everything is just right. The restaurant is growing in popularity, and it is often possible to secure a table when walking in. After all, strolling past and seeing a place that looks good is what the River Walk is all about. However, if you really have your heart set on dining here, the establishment recommends reservations.
The Colonial Room
Eating at The Colonial Room is like stepping back in time. The restaurant first opened in 1859 and made history by having a woman at the helm, Chef Mary Menger. Now, the restaurant serves breakfast, brunch, and lunch from 6:30 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. to members of the public, while guests of The Historic Menger Hotel are invited to dinner. While reservations are not required, they are recommended to ensure you get a table.
Those who have enjoyed eating at The Colonial Room say the ambiance of the dining room is just as good as the food, which is fresh and delicious. You can sit at a formally set table under a sweeping arched ceiling with Greco-Roman-inspired décor. Gorgeous chandeliers hang from above, and a highly trained waitstaff attends to your every need. Guests insist that the experience of eating here is well worth all the hype.