Best mexican restaurants in san antonio 2022

Tex-Mex restaurants have been a part of U.S. cuisine for many years. So, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that San Antonio’s food scene is rich in diversity when it comes to Mexican food.

If you’re ever in the mood for a delicious Mexican meal, you will have no trouble finding a joint in San Antonio. Not sure where to start? Continue reading to learn more about San Antonio’s most lively and vibrant Mexican restaurants and most popular Mexican dishes. 

You can’t go wrong with any of these restaurants, and I can assure you that they will make your time in San Antonio even more delightful, considering that this list of the top Mexican eateries was created based on the ambiance, food, and service in the restaurants. 

Let’s start with our guide to the best Mexican food in San Antonio:

Tito’s Mexican Restaurant

955 S. Alamo St., San Antonio, 210-212-8226

Tito’s Mexican Restaurant, located in Downtown San Antonio, is a popular location for delicious fajitas and tasty tacos. Tito’s is owned and managed by the Rodriguez family, who have been in business since 2003. The homey and elegant setting makes dining at this restaurant to another level. It deserves its place amongst the restaurants that offer the best Mexican food in San Antonio.

You’ll find inventive specialties on the menu, like the Hatch Queso and Los Tacos Favoritos. This renowned restaurant also serves enchiladas, quesadillas, and nachos. The Shish Kabob de Arrachera was unlike anything I had tasted before. Feeling thirsty and in need of a drink? No worries, Tito’s serves a wide variety of refreshing and delicious margaritas. 

• Special Diets: Vegetarian options. 
• Cuisines: Mexican, Southwestern, Latin. 

Acenar Mexican Restaurant

146 E. Houston St., San Antonio, 210-222-2362

Acenar is the place to go if you want to relax with a company while eating excellent meals. This renowned Mexican place is well-known for its large outdoor patio and diverse menu and has the best Mexican food in San Antonio and maybe even further. 

Acenar is also offering unique family-style dinners to go. All day, the Enchilada Dinner, Taco Dinner, and Fajita Dinner are served with chips, charro beans, salsa, and Mexican rice. 

Enchilada de Mole was my personal favorite; I couldn’t forget its distinct flavor for days to come. Classic and traditional dishes such as vegetarian enchiladas and fish tacos can be found on the standard evening menu. The restaurant also has a separate kids menu for those visiting with children. 

The Mexican design, vivid colors, and excellent Latin music all add to a pleasant dining experience at this restaurant.

• Special Diets: Vegetarian, Vegan, and Gluten-Free options 
• Cuisines: Mexican, Southwestern, Latin

Rosario’s Mexican Cafe Y Cantina

910 S. Alamo St., San Antonio,  210-223-1806

This amazing place, named the best Mexican bestaurant in San Antonio in 2020, is a must-visit when in San Antonio. If you’re in the mood for fajitas, fish tacos, nachos, or sweet desserts, this lively restaurant has it all. The Enchilada Suizas wasn’t like anything I had tasted before.

Rosario’s serves innovative drinks and delectable sweets in addition to its comprehensive lunch and dinner menus. The Margaritas are unbelievably refreshing and delicious; 10/10 would recommend. Overall, Rosario’s is ideal for grabbing a drink with friends or having a nice relaxed lunch with family. 

• Special Diets: Vegetarian and Vegan options. 
• Cuisines: Mexican, Spanish.

Fidelo’s Mexican Restaurant

10929 Nacogdoches Rd., San Antonio, 210-655-8737

If you prefer a more relaxed and calm atmosphere to enjoy a meal with your family or friends, I recommend going to Fidelo’s Mexican Restaurant. This diamond in the rough serves all of the classics from the Mexican kitchen, with the right ingredients and authentic flavor. 

Fidelo’s specialties, especially the homemade tortillas, will leave you full and delighted. All the food is prepared from scratch, and I thoroughly enjoyed the barbacoa, pork carnitas, and chicken mole. The staff is incredibly friendly, and all the food was prepared fast even though the entire restaurant was full. The tea and coffee were an excellent finish to the delicious meal. 

However, Fidelo’s is only open until 3 p.m., so you’ll have to keep it on your restaurant bucket list for breakfast and lunch only. 

• Special Diets: Vegetarian Options.
• Cuisines: Mexican.

Paloma Blanca Mexican Cuisine

5800 Broadway St., San Antonio,  210-822-6151

Paloma Blanca Mexican Cuisine is well-known for its sophisticated interior design and friendly ambiance. This place defines a lively and energetic restaurant with a delicious gluten-free and paleo menu! 

This place takes inspiration for its menu from Mexico’s interior and coastal areas. Their most popular meals are the Ceviche, Tacos al Pastor, and Grilled Snapper. In addition, it provides an enticing weekend brunch menu in addition to their lunch and supper offers.

The pig tips in a somewhat smokey red sauce served with refried beans, chilaquiles, and tortillas were the absolute highlight of the meal. The Mango Margarita was the best sweet and refreshing finish to the meal. 

• Special Diets: Paleo, Vegetarian, Vegan, and Gluten-Free Options
• Cuisines: Mexican, Southwestern, Latin. 

Jacala Mexican Restaurant

606 West Ave., San Antonio, 210-732-5222

Do you desire soft yet crispy tacos, delicious enchiladas, burritos, and other Mexican delicacies? Then, check out Jacala Mexican Restaurant, one of San Antonio’s longest family-owned businesses! This place is definitely for you if you enjoy a dynamic and vibrant atmosphere with excellent service and friendly staff. 

The Carne Guisada, Fajita Chalupa, and Puffy Tacos were perfectly prepared, while the mug of beer made the taste of the meal even more enjoyable. 

• Special Diets: Vegetarian Options. 
• Cuisines: Mexican.

Los Barrios

4223 Blanco Rd. Central San Antonio, 210-732-6017

Do you and your family enjoy dining at family-style restaurants where everyone can try a little bit of everything? If you’re looking for some Mexican and Tex-Mex classics, I would recommend stopping by Los Barrios Mexican Restaurant as soon as possible! This is a family-style restaurant that is suitable for every taste and will make you fall in love with its live music, caring service, and delicious food.

At Los Barrios, you can have a delightful time tasting the cheese enchiladas, puffy tacos, ground beef puffy tacos, fish tacos, and tortilla soup, which were my personal favorites. 

• Special diets: Vegetarian Options. 
• Cuisines: Mexican, Southwestern, Latin. 

Cascabel Mexican Patio

1000 S. Saint Marys St., San Antonio, 210-212-6456

Thinking about sitting outside on a gorgeous San Antonio day and indulging in some Mexican fare? Check out this restaurant where you can sit outdoors and enjoy some homestyle Mexican meals, margaritas, and so much more while enjoying the fantastic weather!

This amazing place serves enchiladas verdes, tacos, quesadillas, tortas, and much more. Try Cascabel for a memorable dining experience with authentic flavors of diverse Mexican meals!

• Special Diets: Vegetarian Options.
• Cuisines: Mexican.

Mexican Food In San Antonio: Top 8 Must-Try Dishes

True greatness may be found in authentic Mexican specialties. You owe it to yourself to try all of the Mexican food on this list if you have bold taste buds, a stomach hungry for scrumptious spicy food, and the courage to live an adventurous life. Enjoy!

Birria

Traditionally cooked with goat meat or mutton, this spicy stew may also be found at select Mexican restaurants in the United States. The slow-cooked, very moist meat is usually served in a small dish with chopped onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime on top. 

Corn tortillas may be used to make birria tacos or soak up the hot liquid. Absolutely delicious!

Borracho Beans 

Pinto beans cooked in beer, bacon drippings, and seasonings are known as frijoles borracho (drunken beans). The taste layers are fantastic, and they go well with any Mexican cuisine, but especially ones cooked with pork. 

You should absolutely try borracho beans at some point in your life – even though it’s a staple Mexican food in San Antonio, it’s also popular around the US so you’ll have no problems finding a shack-like Rosarios to munch on these pinto beans.

Carnitas 

You are certainly missing out if you have never experienced carnitas. Carnitas are a kind of jerked pork. The pork shoulder roast is slow-cooked in fat or oil until soft and delicious. However, unlike pulled pork, the meat is completed by increasing the heat and gently crisping the exterior of the pig.

Carnitas are served on corn tortillas with avocado, onions, salsa, and other toppings. Carnitas can also be used in burritos or tamales. 

Ceviche 

This famous Latin American dish is seasoned with peppers, onions, and other ingredients. Mexican ceviche is frequently made with shrimp, avocado, cilantro, lime juice, and jalapeño. You may add spicy sauce or other peppers to make it spicier.

Nothing beats eating spicy ceviche and sipping a cool cerveza while lounging on a Mexican beach. An absolute delight and mix of many exciting flavors. 

Chile Relleno

A chile relleno is a filled, roasted poblano chile coated in egg batter, cooked till golden, and then frequently topped with red or green sauce. 

Sometimes chiles rellenos contain beef as well. In specific Mexican households, chiles rellenos are served around Christmas, along with tamales and other seasonal favorites. But, regardless of the season, you should taste this Mexican classic at least once in your life. I guarantee you won’t regret it. 

Chorizo

Chorizo is a spicy ground pork sausage famous in Mexican and Spanish gastronomy. It is served in two ways: dry (like salami) or semi-cured and soft. 

The Mexican version is typically scrambled with eggs and served with tortillas for breakfast, but chorizo may be eaten at any time of day. In addition, chorizo may be used to create chili, queso, or any other dish that calls for ground beef or pork.

Cochinita Pibil

Cochinita pibil is a delicacy created by marinating a whole suckling pig in sour oranges, onions, and achiote, wrapping it in banana leaves, and roasting it. It has traditionally been roasted underground in a pit with a fire at the bottom. 

This meal can be found in almost every Mexican restaurant, labeled on the menu as Yucatecan or Mayan-style pork. It is a mix of strong flavors combined with an authentic Mexican delicacy. 

Flan

Mexican flan is a smooth, creamy custard prepared with milk, eggs, vanilla beans, salt, and spices. Caramelized sugar is used to create a mold in which the mixture will cook. When the flan is taken out of the oven, it is flipped over onto a dish, and the caramelized sugar becomes the top layer of this delectable treat.

 If you’ve ever gone to a Mexican restaurant, you’ve undoubtedly seen flan on the menu. But, if you don’t order it the next time you see it, you’ll die with many flan regrets. Definitely a must-try Mexican food in San Antonio.

Final Thoughts 

I hope you enjoyed learning more about Mexican food in San Antonio, Texas. I guarantee you that you will have the joy of experiencing a delicacy, whether you choose to visit some of the mentioned restaurants or decide to cook a traditional Mexican meal in your home. 

Visiting different destinations in Texas? Check out these guides:

• 8 Must-Try Keller Restaurants | The Best Restaurants in Keller, Texas
• 10 Best Restaurants in The Woodlands, TX | Where to Eat in The Woodlands, Texas
• 9 Best Restaurants In Midtown Houston Texas

Which of these restaurants will you try next time you’re craving Mexican food in San Antonio? Let us know in the comments section below!