16 Fantastic Restaurants On The San Antonio Riverwalk

The San Antonio Riverwalk is one of the most popular tourist attractions in San Antonio. This beautiful walkway stretches over 2 miles long and connects many historical landmarks such as Alamo Plaza, Pearl Brewery, and the historic downtown area.

16 Fantastic Restaurants on the San Antonio Riverwalk

You can’t visit San Antonio without checking out some of the iconic restaurants along the river. With over 60 restaurants lining both sides of the river, there are plenty of options for everyone.

From casual diners to fine dining establishments, you’ll find everything here. Whether you want to grab some food while taking in the sights, or just relax with a drink, we’ve got you covered.

1. Casa Rio

Located in downtown San Antonio, Texas, Casa Rio is known for being one of the oldest Mexican restaurants in the city.

Established in 1946, the restaurant has been standing strong ever since. With over 50 years under its belt, it has become synonymous with good food and great service.

The restaurant is located near the famous Riverwalk and serves up authentic Texan cuisine. Its menu features classic dishes such as tacos al pastor, enchiladas, burritos, fajitas, quesadillas, tamales, chile rellenos, nachos, and much more.

2. Supper

After running one the country’s top restaurants, Jorge returns to his Texas roots to teach his craft to the community that raised him, the same community he grew up in.

The San Antonio native has over 15 years of distinguished industry experience, honed through his tenure at DC’s two star Michelin restaurant, Minbar by José Andres, as well as Austin’s Qui Restaurant and the Carpenters Hotel.

The restaurant opened in September 2018 and offers an unparalleled fine dining experience in San Antonio Riverwalk.

Located inside the historic Hotel Emma, it opens up to a truly breathtaking view of the river and is reachable via river taxis departing from downtown.

3. Boudros On The Riverwalk

Located on the second floor of the historic Mercado San Juan building, Boudros offers a unique dining experience in one of San Antonio’s most popular tourist destinations.

With sweeping views of the San Antonio River, the restaurant features an open air patio where guests can enjoy lunch or dinner overlooking the waterway.

The menu includes dishes such as tacos, enchiladas, fajitas, quesadillas, nachos, burritos, salads, and more.

Guests can choose from a traditional Mexican fare like carnitas, carne guisada, chile rellenos, chicken mole, tamales, and tortas, or opt for something different like the shrimp ceviche, lobster ravioli, and grilled salmon.

Whether you enjoy your meal nestled among the limestone cliffs inside the restaurant, at a booth along the river walk, or on a boat while floating on the river itself, you’ll find out how Boudro’s turns a meal into an eating experience.

For any occasion, from intimate dinners to business meetings, from family celebrations to conventions, Boudro’s provides the perfect setting for your next get together.

4. Schilo’s Delicatessen

This restaurant opened in 1891, making it one of the oldest restaurants along the river walk.

When you enter the building, you are greeted by a large mural depicting the history of Texas and Mexico. There is also a small gift shop where you can buy local art and souvenirs.

The menu takes inspiration from German Cuisine and gives it a Texanian twist. They serve up dishes like brats, sausages, burgers, and steaks.

If you’re looking for something lighter, try out some of their salads. You’ll find items such as spinach salad, chicken caesar salad, and even a vegetarian option.

5. The Esquire Tavern

The Esquire Tavern is located in downtown San Antonio, Texas. This historic building dates back to the 1930s and it is still owned and operated by the same family today.

The Esquire Tavern was founded in 1933 to celebrate the repeal of prohibition. Since then, it has remained one of San Antonio’s favorite drinking establishments.

With a dark, cool atmosphere, great drinks, and delicious food, it’s no wonder why so many people love coming here.

The tavern is famous for serving great pub food and having a variety of drinks such as amazing beer and wine.

6. Bier Garten Riverwalk

A stone’s throw from the Alamo shaded by live oaks, the Bier Garten offers authentic Bavarian food, including sausage, pretzels, cabbage and ice cold German beer.

They also offer wine, and while we may not be able to make your favorite margarita, they also carry an extensive selection of imported and domestic beer.

The restaurant pays homage to the colorful German culture while enjoying authentic German food and drink at Bier Garten Riverwalk. It is located along the banks of the Guadalupe River, this restaurant offers a relaxing setting.

The outdoor seating area is beautified with multi-colored foliage, umbrellas and waterfalls with the sound of the trickling river flowing nearby.

7. Iron Cactus

Iron Cactus Mexican Grill & Margarita Bar is an upscale restaurant serving authentic Mexican cuisine and margaritas.

Located in both downtown Austin and San Antonio, Texas, they offer a variety of delicious dishes as well as a full bar featuring premium tequilas and margaritas.

Located along the riverwalk, Iron Cactus offers a unique atmosphere where guests are treated like family. This casual Tex Mex eatery serves some of the best food around. You can even enjoy watching live music on stage whilst you dine.

The menu features dishes that are sure to satisfy every taste bud. If you’re looking for something light, try the shrimp cocktail appetizer or the chicken salad sandwich.

For those craving something spicy, try the jalapeno poppers or the firecracker chili cheese fries. If you want to indulge, try one of the many entrees such as the grilled steak, pork carnitas or the blackened fish tacos.

8. Dorrego’s

Dorrego’s Restaurant is an innovative Argentinean eatery serving delicious dishes inspired by the country’s diverse culture.

Located in downtown San Antonio, Texas, Dorrego’s is a place where you can enjoy a variety of dishes while enjoying the beautiful views of the city.

With a wide selection of items ranging from traditional Mexican cuisine to Argentinian fare, it’s easy to see why this establishment is one of the most popular restaurants in town.

The restaurant serves up a delicious combination of Latin American and Argentinean flavors.

From appetizers like ceviche, empanadas, and churros to entrees such as beef tenderloin, chicken parmesan, and pork chops, there are plenty of options to choose from.

If you want to try something different, don’t miss out on the lobster ravioli, duck confit, and paella.

Not only do you get to taste some great food, but you’ll also get to take in some amazing views of the city.

Located just off the San Antonio RiverWalk, the restaurant sits atop the Hotel Valencia and offers guests a view of the river and surrounding buildings. You won’t find anything quite like it anywhere else in San Antonio.

9. Pinkertons Barbeque

This is a comfortable and homey restaurant that serves the best barbecue on the San Antonio riverwalk. You get a wide range of menu options including sandwiches, BBQ main dishes, desserts, and more, all served in a friendly atmosphere.

They also have outdoor seating where you can enjoy the park view while enjoying a delicious meal.

The barbeque selection offers a wide variety of meats including brisket, sausage, ribs, chicken, turkey, pulled pork, burgers, etc. Their specialty is smoked meat, but they also serve some vegetarian options.

They offer catering too, so if you have a special occasion or business event coming up then discuss your requirements with them they’ll be happy to accommodate you.

10. Tre Trattoria

Experience a taste of Italy at Chef Jason Dady’s Tre Trattoria! Inspired by the rolling hills of Tuscany and the region’s family style dining, Tre Trattora at the San Antonio Museum Of Art is the perfect setting for date nights, family dinners or celebrations of any kind!

The menu features classic Italian fare from fresh antipasti selections to homemade cast iron pizza alongside modern interpretations, including the signature “deviled” eggs and nutella x 3 dessert.

In addition to the above, the menu offers authentic dishes like pasta primavera, veal osso bucco, and gnocchi with porcini mushrooms.

There are plenty of vegetarian options too, including lasagna al pesto, eggplant parmesan, and roasted zucchini. For dessert, there’s tiramisu, cannoli, and gelato. What’s not to love?

11. Acenar

Restaurant owners Lisa Wong and Pete Selig teamed up in 2005 to open Acenar, one of the largest and trendiest Mexican eateries along the San Antonio Riverwalk and downtown.

With an emphasis on Texan regional cuisine, guests can expect authentic flavors and ingredients from both Mexico and the United States.

The tranquil and picturesque Mexican restaurant is beside the historic hotel Valenciana in a multi-leveled building with a spectacular riversite balcony to enjoy wonderful views of the city.

The innovative menu offerings with a contemporary twist is unique and should be experienced, especially if you’re a ‘foodie.’

The familiar flavors are heightened with modern concoctions to deliver dishes such as short rib tacos and alambres skewers.

12. La Villita Cafe

This is a very cozy restaurant with artsy walls that serves some of the most delicious breakfasts in the area.

You can order lots of different kinds of breakfast items including pancakes, waffles, omelets, etc.

With different types of tacos such as brisket tacos, egg taco, etc this place offers the best breakfast in San Antonio RiverWalk. The perfect option to set you up for a day of sightseeing.

13. Saltgrass Steakhouse

This restaurant story begins in the year 1885, when an old cowboy named John Chisum came into possession of a large herd of cattle.

He was so impressed with these animals that he decided to keep them himself instead of selling them. In order to do this, he had to build a fence around his property, which took him two years to complete.

Afterward, he began raising crops such as wheat, corn, and cotton, and also started breeding horses. His ranch became one of the largest in the state, and he eventually sold off most of his land to others who wanted to raise cattle.

Today, the Chisum Ranch is owned by the family of the current owner, who continues to run the business as it did during the days of John Chisum.

This steakhouse serves up delicious beef dishes like New York strip steaks, rib eye steaks and filet mignon.

There are also lots of seafood choices like shrimp scampi, crab cakes and lobster tails. Plus, you’ll find plenty of appetizers, salads and desserts.

You can also enjoy a fine selection of drinks while you’re here. However, at Saltgrass Steakhouse, it’s all about the meat.

14. Rio Rio Cantina

This Mexican restaurant serves authentic Tex Mex cuisine. They offer a variety of dishes including tacos, burritos, enchiladas, nachos, chimichangas, and much more.

This is where the San Antonio RiverWalk turns up the heat on Mexican food.

Rio Rio Cantina is one of the original Mexican restaurants on the San Antonio riverwalk, it is locally famous. This downtown restaurant indulges your cravings with a festival of flavors.

Rio‘s fresh tex-mex recipes, handmade flour tortillas and hand crafted margaritas bring the taste of Mexico to your table.

15. Zocca Cuisine D’Italia

As we’ve seen, the San Antonio Riverwalk is home to many great places to dine, shop, and enjoy live music. One of those places is Zocca Cuisine. Located along the banks of the river, it serves up some amazing Italian fare.

From appetizers like fried raviolis and chicken Alfredo, to entrees such as lasagna and meatballs, there is something for everyone.

If you want to try out some authentic Italian food, this is the place to go.

16. Republic Of Texas

The Republic of Texas is located along the San Antonio RiverWalk and offers great food options for both locals and tourists alike.

With over 20 different types of meat, including buffalo, beef, chicken, pork, lamb, rabbit, duck, turkey, venison, elk, ostrich, and even bison, there are plenty of choices for everyone.

From appetizers like jalapeno poppers and cheese dip, to entrees like steak and shrimp tacos, to desserts such as banana pudding and chocolate cake, there is something for everyone.

The menu changes seasonally, so check out what’s available during your next trip to San Antonio.

Conclusion

The San Antonio Riverwalk is a great place to enjoy some of the best food in town, and we’ve rounded up our favorite restaurants for you! From classic Tex-Mex to upscale dining, there are plenty of options here.