College of Psychiatric and Neurologic Pharmacists

Clinton W. Wright, Pharm.D., BCPP

In the next five blogs we will explore things to do and places to eat in and around San Antonio.  To me it is always about the food, so let’s start there.  Our committee asked several CPNP members who either live currently in San Antonio or have resided here in the past.  We asked what their favorite restaurants were, both on the river and within the 410 Loop (most are less than 15 minutes from downtown).

Here are some suggestions for “On the Riverwalk” restaurants:

• Sushi Zushi was a frequent mention.  Troy Moore says it is the “hands down best hybrid sushi place in the US, everyone I have taken there loves it (including a friend that is a chef).”  Recommended menu items include the spicy tuna roll, Bora Bora roll, or crawfish dynamite (found in the appetizers).  Like I always say, “If you can't find what you like on this menu, you are not looking hard enough.”
• Pesca is found in the Watermark hotel.  Jehan Marino remarks that the seafood here is always fresh and good.  As a side note, the Watermark has an excellent spa.
• Zuni Grill has an excellent view of the river from upstairs in the restaurant. Cynthia Mascarenas recommends the Diablo Shrimp and of course, a Mojito.

Here are some suggestions for “Inside the Loop” restaurants:

• Paesano’s was the top mention here.  Although there is one on the Riverwalk, the food seems to be much better at the one near the Quarry.  This is the “original” location (actually, the original location is no longer around, but this is the one that was built to replace it).  They are famous for their Shrimp Paesano.  Order it as an appetizer, for your meal, or I like to have it with a surf and turf dinner (shrimp and a filet).  This is not on the menu, but they are always happy to accommodate. 
• Bohanan’s and The Palm are two other great places for steaks.  Troy recommends the filet at either restaurant.
• Main Street Pizza and Chris Madrid’s can be found in the area just north of town surrounding San Antonio College.  Both are comfy local hang outs.  Cynthia recommends the jalepeno cheddar burger.  I recommend the bean burger.  Both are huge!  Also, while you are there, take a stroll around the national historic area of Monte Vista and see if you can find where I live.
• Madhatter’s is located south of downtown in the historic King William area (also called Southtown).  It is a great place for breakfast.  The southwest tweak on the classic Eggs Benedict is phenomenal.
• Tong’s Thai and Cappy’s are worth a visit if you are in the Alamo Heights neighborhood visiting the McNay Art Museum or the Botanical Gardens.  Tong’s is very close to the museum and is obviously Thai food (they serve sushi, but see above for the best place for sushi).  Cappy’s is a San Antonio institution.  Anything on their menu is great and they have a wonderful patio.

I hope these suggestions help you plan your trip to San Antonio.  I bet you noticed that no Mexican restaurants were listed.  They play such an important part of San Antonio culture that they will be featured in their own blog coming out next week.