San Antonio

Mexican Food is a Must in San Antonio. Here’s Where to Taste the Best

The best Mexican food in San Antonio has to include tacos, enchiladas and tamales. (Photo: John Kelly / Alamy Stock Photo)

Short of crossing the border, you probably won’t find better Mexican food anywhere than in San Antonio. It is a staple for any local and so it should be for you. Prep your taste buds for these three favorites.

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SoLuna

A two-generation family restaurant in San Antonio, SoLuna consistently delivers an authentic taste of Mexico, according to long-time fans.

What they love? The handmade tortillas, the large margaritas with a lovely balance of sweet and tart, and the chips and salsa.

This upscale haven of legit Mexican food also wins kudos for the varied menu.

If you’re willing to look beyond enchiladas (although the enchiladas at SoLuna are a hit thanks to the three different sauces of varying heat), order the pescado veracruzana, snapper with a white wine sauce flavored by capers, olives, tomatoes and onion.

Know Before You Go: It can get loud and busy here, so be prepared to take your time and have another margarita. After two, you won’t mind the wait.

Cascabel Mexican Patio

Cascabel Mexican Patio can be hard to find, but diehard fans its food love that fact.

This tiny restaurant has only nine indoor tables plus patio seating, so, instantly, you’ll feel like a local when you sit down for lunch.

If all you know is the typical Mexican fare found in restaurants around the U.S., you’re in for a surprise. This menu reflects the best dishes found in the heart of Mexico.

The daring might start with a fresh nopalito salad followed by puerco ala Cascabel, a tasty treat of pork with house sauce, white rice, black beans and homemade corn tortillas. If tacos are calling your name, the tacos al pastor can’t be beat.

Know Before You Go: They’re only open for lunch, Monday through Saturday.

Ácenar

If you’re staying downtown, seek out Ácenar for Tex-Mex cuisine along the River Walk at the theater district’s Houston St. Bridge.

Led by the woman behind Rosario’s (famous for their fish tacos), this contemporary eatery is a hit with those who adore their margaritas made with fresh-squeezed juice or guacamole made table-side.

Craving tacos? They do them up well here, with options ranging from jicama to blue crab. Between the food, the club-style décor and the patio seating, this restaurant hits all the right notes.

Know Before You Go: While it is part of River Walk, it isn’t part of the tourist scene.