Our Favorite Mexican Restaurants

Clinton W. Wright, Pharm.D., BCPP

In the first blog about “our favorite things” to do and places to eat in and around San Antonio, restaurants were discussed.  As I mentioned it did not include any Mexican restaurants.  Mexican food is so integral to San Antonio that we decided to dedicate an entire blog to it.  Our committee asked several CPNP members, who either live currently in San Antonio or have resided here in the past, what their favorite Mexican 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” Mexican restaurants:

  • Mi Tierra Cafe & Bakery is a right of passage.  The décor is over-the-top.  It is great Tex-Mex food that you can get any time night or day.  Phil Lau states “It's a different crowd depending on when time you go. It's tourists by day and then locals/after bar crowd at 4 AM eating menudo and tacos.  The bakery is a must-stop in San Antonio for the empandas.”
  • Acenar is located in the Valencia Hotel which has an excellent bar upstairs as well as in the restaurant.  The mojitos here will knock your socks off.  They also serve a great chicken breast in a mole poblano sauce.
  • Boudros serves the best guacamole in town bar none.  It is made with fresh lime and orange juice, as well as chipotle salsa.  The rest of the food is good as well, but don’t miss out on the guac!
  • Mexican Market Square Street Vendors and La Margarita are located in Market Square.  During the weekends, there are street vendors selling gorditas and puffy tacos in the market square. Phil states that “street gorditas taste nothing like restaurant gorditas. They are amazing!”  La Margarita has serves great flautas and mariachis serenade you at your table.  With Fiesta going on, the square is bound to be an exciting place.

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

  • La Fogata was mentioned by almost everybody.  And margaritas were noted by everyone.  Sheila Botts recommends limiting it to just one.  Phil states that it has “an incredible ambience because of the garden, fountains and friendliness of the wait staff.”  Troy Moore recommends the Enchiladas Verde (Green chili chicken enchiladas).  Cynthia Mascarenas recommends enjoying the patio in the spring.
  • La Fonda's on Main is located just north of downtown in Monte Vista (3 blocks from my house).  It is owned by the same owners of Cappy’s mentioned last week.  They serve very authentic Mexican food and not too sweet margarita (Steve’s margarita) made with fresh lime. 
  • Paloma Blanco has great chipotle cream chicken and excellent chicken flautas.  It is near the McNay Art Museum on Broadway.  The patio is great  place to while away the afternoon and the margaritas aren’t bad either.
  • Rosario's is located just south of downtown in King William.  It is a traditional Mexican restaurant and a favorite of locals.
  • Patty’s Tacos is a little off the beaten path, but Christopher Wallen says that has the best Mexican food in town.

I hope these suggestions help you plan your trip to San Antonio. Next week, we will explore things to do while in the city.

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