The 16 Hottest New Restaurants in San Antonio
Today, Dinogo is back in San Antonio, Texas, exploring 16 of the city’s most exciting new Mytouries. Once again, San Antonio Current food and nightlife editor Jessica Elizarraras has generously shared her recommendations for the most talked-about openings from the past year.
“This year’s selection has something for everyone,” notes Elizarraras, “from highly sought-after carnitas and midcentury modern cocktails to two new barbecue spots.” Her top choices include a sprawling new food hall (Bottling Department Food Hall), a Vietnamese food truck-turned-restaurant (Singhs), and an outdoor homage to Jamaican cuisine (the Jerk Shack).
Without further delay, here is the Dinogo Heatmap for San Antonio, organized geographically:
Clementine
John Russ, formerly of Luke San Antonio, and his wife Elise Russ are the dynamic duo behind San Antonio’s most thrilling dining spot. They offer a sought-after omakase-style ‘Feed Me’ experience where guests are treated to creative dishes like a white mushroom salad, fresh cavatelli with broccoli pesto, and buttered turnips.
Outlaw Kitchens
Outlaw Kitchen, one of San Antonio’s unique live-work dining spots, is the creation of chef Paul Sartory, a former Culinary Institute of America instructor, and his wife Peggy Howe. They transformed a former hair salon into a vibrant kitchen, offering dinner five nights a week with a minimalist menu that features vegetables from their extensive gardens. Highlights include Greek pastitsio, paella, and a variety of vegetarian dishes.
Singhs Vietnamese
At Singhs Vietnamese, a food truck-turned-restaurant, a Texan son brings his Vietnamese mother’s cherished recipes to life. Located on St. Mary’s Strip, this spot offers a concise yet flavorful menu featuring chile oil ribs, hand-rolled egg rolls, banh mi, bun, and goi (a chicken and cabbage salad) with your choice of protein—try the braised brisket or crispy shrimp.
Still Golden Social House
Run by Jeret Pena and the Boulevardier Group, Still Golden Social House is the successor to Stay Golden Social House, which was demolished in 2017 to make room for a 10-story building. Just a block away, this relaxed patio bar draws crowds with its cozy interiors and expansive deck.
Alamo BBQ Company
Not satisfied with just launching Range in October and relocating Tre Trattoria to the San Antonio Museum of Art, the prolific chef Jason Dady has shifted from Spanish tapas to classic Texas barbecue. At Alamo BBQ Co., with Laura Loomis at the helm as pitmaster, you'll find Two Bros. BBQ Market’s smoked specialties reimagined with fresh offerings like peach-glazed baby back ribs and beloved smoked jalapeno poppers.
The Modernist
This Grayston Street bar combines midcentury modern cocktails and decor with a newly added patio featuring retro flamingos, a revamped trailer bar, and refreshing fruit-based drinks perfect for the hottest days.
Bottling Dept Food Hall
Opened in July 2017, The Pearl's Bottling Dept Food Hall showcases a diverse array of dining options. Savor Japanese dishes at Tenko Ramen, indulge in Maybelle’s doughnuts and churros, enjoy fresh greens from The Good Kind, relish Cajun fare at Bud’s Rotisserie, and bite into burgers and hot dogs from Fletcher’s Hamburgers. The bar offers seasonal pairings and refreshing specials like frosé and peach sangria.
The Jerk Shack
Lattoia and Cornelius Massey, retired Army veterans, are serving up authentic Jamaican flavors on the westside with their patio-only Mytoury. Their menu, which has quickly become popular, features mouthwatering jerk chicken and pork, succulent jerk shrimp with grits, whole steamed fish, and tender braised oxtails.
La Panaderia Bakery Cafe
Brothers Jose and David Caceres have expanded La Panaderia with a second location in Downtown San Antonio, offering an array of sweet pan dulce and inventive French pastries like their tequila almond croissant. This fast-casual spot is perfect for both conference attendees and local patrons.
Playland Pizza
Houston Street welcomes a new pizza destination with Playland, the fourth venture from Andrew Goodman and Stefan Bowers, following Feast, Rebelle, and Battalion. This vibrant Mytoury features futuristic décor and a menu brimming with favorites like General Tso’s wings, pimento cheese-stuffed jalapenos, and charred sourdough pizza.
Pinch Boil House
Andrew Ho and Sean Wen, along with new partner Ben Annotti, are bringing their Southeast Asian-inspired seafood and snacks to downtown San Antonio. Their restaurant features signature boils drenched in OG (original garlic) sauce, seasonal noodle pop-ups in the winter, and regular bao pop-ups, all complementing their diverse menu.
Shotgun House Coffee Roasters
Located in a West Side warehouse that doubles as a co-op and incubator for new ventures, this coffee shop boasts a blend of wooden and green decor. Co-owner Eddie Laughlin roasts single origin beans from Costa Rica, Peru, and Ethiopia, crafting vegan horchata iced lattes that are a hit among visitors.
NONNA Osteria
Nonna Osteria, the latest culinary gem at The Fairmount Hotel, features Luca Della Casa from Season 10 of Next Food Network Star. Indulge in Italian classics like a refreshing cold seafood salad and the luxurious pasta e tartufo.
Maverick
Chef Chris Carlson, previously with Sandbar and Francis Bogside, now heads Maverick, a standout in Southtown’s dining scene. This restaurant blends global comfort foods like crab cake sliders, curried chicken salad, and tender gnocchi. The restaurant’s patio, Le Palm, is the ideal setting for enjoying wine-filled happy hours and lively brunches.
Carnitas Lonja
Since opening last April, Alex Paredes' Carnitas Lonja has become a go-to for succulent carnitas, with a minimalist menu that highlights flavor and freshness. From hand-pressed tortillas to simple guacamole and vibrant guajillo salsa, the focus is squarely on quality.
South BBQ & Kitchen
Andrew Samia, co-owner of Dignowity Meats, has brought his passion for smoked meats to the Southside of San Antonio with South BBQ. Here, you'll find tender brisket, savory pulled pork, and delectable sides such as tater tot casserole, house-made pickles, Mexican rice, and borracho beans that elevate the experience.
Evaluation :
5/5