The Best Restaurants on the Riverwalk in San Antonio, TX
As a Texas native, I can’t wait to introduce you to my beloved city. There’s no better way to show off San Antonio than through its spectacular Riverwalk. It’s always a pleasure to bring visitors downtown and share this gem. But, one of the most loved experiences is visiting one of the many fabulous restaurants on the Riverwalk. Luckily, we have many that line the scenic pathways and serve up delicious favorites.
In this post, I’ll share well-known hotspots and those hidden San Antonio Riverwalk restaurants cherished by locals.
Enjoy one or all when you’re downtown.
He Works So I Travel content may contain affiliate links for products I use and love. If you make a purchase after clicking one of these links, I’ll earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. For full details, please read my full affiliate disclosure here.
San Antonio, also known as “The Alamo City,” is my hometown, so it is special in my heart.
It’s a beautiful city with deep cultural roots. The iconic architecture, fantastic food, and friendly people contribute to San Antonio’s popularity among tourists.
You will not find a city with better hospitality or friendlier people than San Antonio.
When you visit our beautiful city, you have many fabulous options for dining in the downtown area.
Luckily, many restaurants offer dining along the river walkway, making it an even more memorable experience.
It is impossible to choose just one of the best restaurants on the Riverwalk in San Antonio, TX; I’ve given you many choices.
Best Restaurants on the Riverwalk for Breakfast
The Guenther House
Although still on the Riverwalk, The Guenther House is in the historic King William District, a beautiful neighborhood with enormous historic homes.
This breakfast spot is 1.3 miles south of downtown, the furthest restaurant from the immediate downtown Riverwalk area.
The Guenther House, a restaurant, store, and museum, is housed at the Pioneer Flour Mills, a leader in flour, mixes, and baked goods since the mid-1800s.
Formally the residence of the Pioneer Mill founder, Carl Guenther, the house was restored in 1988 to become the restaurant you visit today.
The restaurant is a popular breakfast spot in San Antonio for tourists and locals. Expect a bit of a wait, especially on the weekends.
The restaurant serves breakfast all day, so you can enjoy it even if you get a late start to the day.
While in the area, consider taking a morning kayaking trip along the San Antonio Riverwalk before eating breakfast. It’s a great way to see parts of downtown from the water while getting some exercise.
Guenther House – King William Historic District – 205 E. Guenther St.
La Panadería Bakery
For another option downtown, but not on the Riverwalk, you must try La Panadería Bakery Café located near the Majestic Theater.
La Panadería Bakery Café has the absolute best pastries in San Antonio.
Choosing a favorite is difficult, but the tequila almond croissant is delicious. Check the bakery out online or get there early because these mouthwatering morsels sell out quickly.
Year after year, these are a staple at our Christmas morning celebrations.
La Panadería Bakery Café – 301 E Houston St.
Best San Antonio Riverwalk Restaurants for Brunch
Ambler Texas Kitchen
For a fabulous brunch on the San Antonio Riverwalk, head to Hotel Contessa’s riverside restaurant, Ambler Texas Kitchen.
Brunch is served on Saturdays and Sundays from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
The brunch menu includes typical breakfast fare, but their specialty, the Chicken & Waffle dish, is delicious.
In addition to the brunch menu, the specialty cocktail menu is outstanding. The Ambler favorite is The Riverwalk Sangria, made of red and white wine, citrus, and a floating popsicle.
The Ambler also serves fabulous coffee made daily with freshly ground coffee beans.
Ambler Texas Kitchen – Located inside Hotel Contessa – 306 W Market
TRIP TIP: If you are not staying downtown, make a day trip to the Riverwalk. Park using Hotel Contessa’s valet, then eat at the Ambler. Ask the waitress to stamp your ticket, and your parking is free. This goes for locals as well.
Box St. All Day
Try Box St. All Day in Hemisfair Park for another terrific brunch option downtown. Their fabulous brunch menu offers many gluten-free and vegetarian choices.
Box St. All Day – 623 Hemisfair Blvd
Best Mexican Restaurants on the Riverwalk
Casa Rio Mexican Food
You cannot come to San Antonio and not try Mexican food. I may be a bit biased, but it is the absolute best.
There are many excellent, authentic Mexican restaurants, but tourists love Casa Rio for its tasty food, affordable prices, and central location along the river.
The iconic colorful umbrellas in many downtown San Antonio pictures belong to Casa Rio’s outdoor tables. Both indoor and outdoor seating is available, but you must ask for outside dining if you visit. The tables are a step away from the river.
You won’t find more affordable dinners along the Riverwalk. My favorite plate is the El Chiquito, which includes a chicken fajita taco, rice, and beans for less than $9.
Casa Rio does not accept reservations, so expect to wait. However, there are many tables, and mariachis usually play close by for entertainment.
Casa Rio – 430 E Commerce St
Ácenar Mexican Restaurant
For another fabulous Mexican food restaurant downtown, also on the Riverwalk, visit Ácenar Mexican Restaurant.
The restaurant is located at Hotel Valencia, one of the best hotels with balconies overlooking the San Antonio Riverwalk.
Ácenar has both indoor and outdoor seating and offers a more contemporary take on its design and menu.
It offers happy hour specials, a kid’s menu, and outdoor seating overlooking the Riverwalk. I highly recommend the enchiladas, the fajitas, and the decadent Mousse de Chocolate Mexicano.
Ácenar – 146 E. Houston St.
The Best Restaurant on the Riverwalk for Tableside Guacamole
Boudro’s on the Riverwalk
There are so many delicious restaurants that choosing one is too difficult, especially for Mexican food.
If you want a San Antonio Riverwalk restaurant that offers a unique dining experience, head to Boudro’s on the Riverwalk and order the tableside guacamole.
For around $15, you can witness the freshest ingredients come together at your table.
For visitors unfamiliar with guacamole, it is a cold dip made with fresh avocados, citrus, cilantro, tomatoes, red onions, garlic, and jalapeno. It is delicious when it is served with freshly made warm tortilla chips.
Order a prickly pear margarita and have an authentic San Antonio experience.
Boudro’s is also a top-rated steakhouse if you want to eat more than appetizers.
Boudro’s on the Riverwalk – 421 E Commerce St. Riverwalk level
RELATED POST: Visiting San Antonio during the holidays? Use my guide to Make Plans Now to See These San Antonio Christmas Lights. I also include details on how to book a dinner river barge.
The Iron Cactus
The Iron Cactus is a standout spot on the San Antonio Riverwalk, perfectly located directly across from the iconic Omni La Mansion hotel, known for its stunning balconies overlooking the water.
This prime location makes it an ideal stop for a relaxing meal after a day of exploring or a romantic dinner with unbeatable views.
But it’s not just about the location. The Iron Cactus delivers on flavor too.
Their tableside guacamole is a must-try, made fresh right before your eyes, and pairs perfectly with one of their signature margaritas, mixed to perfection.
The Best Italian Restaurants on the Riverwalk
Tre Trattoria
San Antonio has impressive museums. One is the San Antonio Museum of Art, located along the Museum Reach of the Riverwalk. Just behind the museum is the best Italian restaurant on the Riverwalk, Tre Trattoria.
Tre Trattoria is one of five restaurants in San Antonio owned by James Beard award-winning chef Jason Dady.
Tre Trattoria is a Tuscan-Italian family-style restaurant serving made-to-order cast iron pizza, house-made fresh pasta, and outstanding desserts.
I highly recommend starting with the pulled-to-order fresh mozzarella. It is to die for when eaten with warm bread.
Two of our main dish favorites are the Campanelle Bolognese and the Pizza Bianca.
The restaurant offers a large covered patio overlooking the Riverwalk and is open every day except for Mondays.
Tre Trattoria – Located at The San Antonio Museum of Art – 200 W Jones Ave
Dough Pizzeria Napoletana
Not directly on the San Antonio Riverwalk, but nearby in Hemisfair Park is Dough Pizzeria Napoletana.
Their food is out of this world, amazing! The staff is super friendly, and you will love the atmosphere.
Obviously, try the pizza, but the burrata appetizers are delicious!
RELATED POSTS: To read more about things to do in San Antonio, check out A Spotlight on the Witte, San Antonio, and The Sunken Gardens, San Antonio: A Beautiful Japanese Tea Garden.
The Best Barbecue Restaurants on the Riverwalk in San Antonio, TX
Smoke BBQ and Riverbar
Smoke BBQ and Riverbar is the sister property to downtown’s popular Smoke BBQ and Skybar. Newly opened on the Riverwalk, Smoke BBQ and Riverbar offers the most extensive patio overlooking the Riverwalk. You can see the deck under the red canopy in the picture below.
Smoke is just past the Arneson River Theater, near La Villita, where Night in Old San Antonio is held during San Antonio Fiesta on the river’s bend.
The three-level outdoor patio serves authentic mouthwatering Texas BBQ. Order the barbecue plate with brisket and chicken or sausage and cream corn, macaroni and cheese, potato salad, or charro beans.
You’ll feel so full and be happy for the Riverwalk path to help you walk it off when you are done.
Smoke BBQ and Riverbar – 511 Villita St.
Pinkerton’s
It is Texas, so one barbecue suggestion isn’t enough. Just two blocks away from the Riverwalk is another downtown favorite, Pinkerton’s BBQ.
Pinkerton’s, owned by a native Texan, has been featured on The Food Network and The Travel Channel and was recently named on Texas’s Top 50 BBQ Joints list.
Pinkerton’s BBQ – 107 W Houston St.
The Best Restaurants on the Riverwalk for Steak & Seafood
Biga on the Banks
Touted as “Very New American Cuisine,” Biga on the Banks is in a prime location at the International Center along the San Antonio Riverwalk.
Chef Bruce Auden delights foodies with his creative menu. This is likely the most expensive restaurant on this list, but the food is outstanding.
They often have a three-course pre-fixe menu for a reasonable price.
For a fancy dinner on the San Antonio Riverwalk, you won’t be disappointed with Bigas.
Biga on the Banks – 203 S St. Mary’s St.
Bohanan’s Prime Steaks & Seafood
While not technically on the Riverwalk, the best restaurant for steak and seafood, Bohanan’s Prime is just a block away.
Bohanan’s Prime is the epitome of fine dining.
It’s the place you go on the San Antonio River Walk when you want to impress your guests.
It receives rave reviews for its food and service. Even the locals will head downtown for Bohanan’s.
Bohanan’s Prime Steaks & Seafood – 219 E Houston St
The Best San Antonio Riverwalk Restaurants with a Texas Flair
Ocho Restaurant
Ocho is in a beautiful glass conservatory inside the Havana Hotel, overlooking the River Walk.
It serves breakfast, dinner, and weekend brunch. The head chef, who was born and raised in Laredo, Texas, gives the South Texas dishes a Latin flair.
It has a fantastic outdoor covered patio overlooking the San Antonio Riverwalk. It is located near the Havana Bar, which San Antonians voted one of the Best Bars in the City.
Ocho Restaurant – Inside the Havana Hotel – 1015 Navarro St.
Lone Star Cafe
(Photo courtesy of Lone Star Cafe – Facebook)
For an authentic Texas menu, head over to the Lone Star Cafe.
Hand-breaded chicken fried steak, jalapeno cheeseburgers, homemade queso, and homemade pecan pie are just a few of the items you must try.
The restaurant’s Texas-sized patio is lined with Texas flag patio umbrellas overlooking the Riverwalk.
They say everything is bigger in Texas. That saying is especially true with the Lone Star Cafe’s giant-sized 60 oz. margarita!
Ask about Lone Star Cafe’s lunch specials.
Lone Star Cafe – 237 Losoya
The Best Restaurants on the Riverwalk in San Antonio, TX for Cocktails
The Esquire Tavern
A visit to San Antonio would not be complete without stopping at the city’s oldest bar, The Esquire Tavern.
Recently named the Top Bar in San Antonio by MySA Reader’s Choice poll, the bar is a city favorite and is located just around the corner from the Domingo Restaurant.
The Esquire Tavern – 155 E. Commerce St.
Domingo Restaurante
Domingo is a newer restaurant along the River Walk in the Canopy by Hilton Hotel. This beautiful and romantic restaurant overlooks the water in a modern setting.
They have weekday happy hours, and offer a special Cantarito bowl on the weekends.
This huge cocktail is served in a ceramic pot that serves two to five people. It’s the perfect drink for a group to toast the end of a great vacation.
Domingo Restaurant – 123 N St Marys
TRIP TIP: Many places sell incredible frozen drinks, including margaritas, local beer, and cocktails. Feel free to carry these alcoholic beverages with you as you walk the beautiful Riverwalk. However, open containers of alcohol are not allowed on the street level.
Come Find Your Favorite San Antonio Riverwalk Restaurants
My hometown loves tourists and will happily welcome you to visit one or more of its best restaurants on the Riverwalk in San Antonio, TX.
Whether you are a first-time visitor to the state or are a resident, you will surely find a favorite restaurant on the Riverwalk that you will love.
Use these resources to book your trip
- Discover the perfect stay in San Antonio by exploring these incredible hotel offers.
- If your adventure in San Antonio leaves you craving more, uncover a world of activities on Viator.com.
- Secure the best rental car deals with Discover Cars.
- For air travel, navigate to Skyscanner.com to book the most economical flights.
Looking for Something to do in Downtown San Antonio?
There are so many free and cheap things to do in Downtown San Antonio.
As you visit downtown, consider purchasing an Old Town Trolley Hop-On, Hop-Off tour to get around town.
The Hop-On, Hop-Off trolley tour offers 14 stops, including stops that will take you to the restaurants listed above.
- Stop at the Pearl Brewery complex to explore and shop. You will find Hotel Emma and other great restaurant options, like Brasserie Mon Chou Chou, Bakery Lorraine, and Cured.
- Visit the San Antonio Museum of Art and stop for lunch at Tre Trattoria.
