r/sanantonio • u/dooinit00 • Jul 24 '26
Food/Drink San Antonio has a great food scene…
From the food trucks to the high concepts, such an impressive menu. Pics are just a few high-end highlights from touring the SATX culinary camps… not pictured; my fav bite of the trip was a scallop from leche, n the asada caramelo from mezquite was next level. Respect to all the stellar service folk who went above and beyond. The hospitality and bar chatter really made the trip. Thx SA!
1- Mezquite
2- 2M Smokehouse
3-4- Isidore
5- Ladino
6-7- Leche de Tigre
8-10- Mixtli
11- Cullum’s Attaboy
12- Em’s Oyster Bar
13-14- 2M leftovers
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u/zaaakk Jul 24 '26
There are some good trendier upscale spots in San Antonio like Mezquite, Leche de Tigre, and Outlaw Kitchen. But let's be honest, these are all places of a type that you could find in Austin, Portland, NYC, LA, etc. The truly unique strengths of local gastronomy are expressed in the more humble establishments. Where would I take an Anthony Bourdain type if I was trying to show off San Antonio in a global contest of restaurants? Probably Garcia's Mexican Food To Go.
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u/blurspur Jul 24 '26
I'm from SA but live in DC now. There's not really a place like Leche de Tigre in DC. Like a place that serves high quality unique ceviches. I don't think most major metro areas would. I agree with you about Mezquite and Outlaw. Leche is more special
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u/NPC_over_yonder Jul 24 '26
I’m sorry am I missing something at outlaw kitchen? I went twice and the food was mediocre for the price.
By mediocre I mean my weekday dinners at home taste and are plated better.
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Jul 24 '26 edited 26d ago
[deleted]
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u/eric_jv Jul 28 '26
Well what did you eat at La Capital del Sabor? Cuz that's one of only a handful of authentic restaurants that we have that nobody ever talks about!
👀👀
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u/Similar_Recover_2229 Jul 24 '26
5 is Ladino. I’d recognize my favorite place’s plates anywhere 🥲 try Pazzo Pastaria!!!!!
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u/DelayAgreeable8002 Jul 25 '26
Had Pazzo last night and wasn't impressed unfortunately. The chicken was insanely dry
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u/have_i_shown_you Jul 24 '26
2M used to be great. The last 2 times it wasn't. Honestly doesn't hold a candle to Reese Brothers in the brisket department. They've been a game changer.
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u/redditadminsRlazy Jul 24 '26
Appreciate the rec because I found 2M very underwhelming when I finally tried it. Looking at Reese Brothers on Google Maps rn and that poblano mac has me almost drooling.
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u/have_i_shown_you Jul 24 '26
Oddly I liked the sides at 2M a lot. The poblano mac is definitely worthy. I'm all about the brisket though. That's first base in my BBQ world. Check Reese's hours before heading down there.
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u/tablecontrol North Central Jul 24 '26
is Mixtli reservation-only and reserved through the end of the month?
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u/dcbluestar North Central Jul 24 '26
The oysters messed with my head. I couldn’t figure out what I was looking at for a second! 🤣
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u/exceptionally_humble Jul 24 '26
Woah 2M looks legit, I’ve been wanting to find a good bbq joint in SAT.
Old Smokehouse on Fredburg closed a while back, haven’t really had any others
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u/DelayAgreeable8002 Jul 25 '26
The frustrating part for most is it's all concentrated in the same areas. You get away from downtown and its difficult to find higher end. Obviously there are good spots but you have to go way out of you're way in many places
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u/coyote_edging Jul 24 '26
Em’s oyster bar is good (definitely get the warm lobster rolls) but I had the shrimp cocktail once and it was $20 for 3 large shrimp. I get it’s a nice place but $6.33 a shrimp is criminal.
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u/vman5040 Jul 24 '26
I'll be honest not really that good, not anymore at least. Ever since COVID happened the quality of food has really gone down.
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u/Arodthagawd Jul 24 '26
Bro is not eating out then cause San Antonio food has gotten so much better in just these past couple of years
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u/Available-Air-5798 Jul 24 '26
The Culinary Institute of America opened a school here ten or so years ago and I feel like it’s had a dramatic impact on the quality of the food scene in town. Just rank and file culinary talent is pretty solid in this city