Guidebook for San Antonio

Dan
Guidebook for San Antonio

Getting Around

While VIA bus service is a mainstay throughout the city - there's a bus stop just 1 block south of the house, at Houston and Monumental - a trolley service, providing an excellent option for downtown sightseeing, has just been reintroduced from Sunset Station, the entertainment district adjacent to the Amtrak station near downtown. For just $1.30 for adults - children 4 and under ride free - and from 7 am - 11 pm weekdays and 9 am - 11 pm on weekends, riders are treated to a pleasant and convenient circle-tour through downtown, with stops near or at all of the major tourist attractions. Simply board at Sunset Station, a 1 mile/21 minute walk from the house - or, a 5 minute ride on bus 24 from the aforementioned stop - sit back and relax and enjoy all of the sights and sounds that have made the Alamo City one of the most popular destinations in the world.
28 habitants recommandent
VIA Metropolitan Transit - Downtown Information Center
211 W Commerce St
28 habitants recommandent
While VIA bus service is a mainstay throughout the city - there's a bus stop just 1 block south of the house, at Houston and Monumental - a trolley service, providing an excellent option for downtown sightseeing, has just been reintroduced from Sunset Station, the entertainment district adjacent to the Amtrak station near downtown. For just $1.30 for adults - children 4 and under ride free - and from 7 am - 11 pm weekdays and 9 am - 11 pm on weekends, riders are treated to a pleasant and convenient circle-tour through downtown, with stops near or at all of the major tourist attractions. Simply board at Sunset Station, a 1 mile/21 minute walk from the house - or, a 5 minute ride on bus 24 from the aforementioned stop - sit back and relax and enjoy all of the sights and sounds that have made the Alamo City one of the most popular destinations in the world.

Food Scene

The best breakfast, the best lunch, the best dinner.....well, you get the idea. A local favorite, within easy walking distance of the house, the friendly staff and quaint atmosphere make this the perfect spot for a cup of joe or a full meal.”
55 habitants recommandent
Panchos & Gringos Deli
900 Nolan St
55 habitants recommandent
The best breakfast, the best lunch, the best dinner.....well, you get the idea. A local favorite, within easy walking distance of the house, the friendly staff and quaint atmosphere make this the perfect spot for a cup of joe or a full meal.”
Great selection of comfort foods, from fried chicken and waffles to Eggs Benedict and wings. Open until midnight, it also hosts one of the best Sunday brunches in town, with a DJ and endless Mimosas! An Eastside and San Antonio tradition!”
48 habitants recommandent
Tucker's Kozy Korner
1338 E Houston St
48 habitants recommandent
Great selection of comfort foods, from fried chicken and waffles to Eggs Benedict and wings. Open until midnight, it also hosts one of the best Sunday brunches in town, with a DJ and endless Mimosas! An Eastside and San Antonio tradition!”
There are other vegetarian and even vegan restaurants in San Antonio, but there's just no place like Senor Veggie! Organic, made-when-you-order-it dishes that will make even the most die-hard carnivore question the need to ingest animal products, the food is simply outstanding. Housed in an old auto repair shop from the 1930's, this now-legendary Southtown eatery doubles as a gallery for a monthly rotation of artwork, and triples as a performance space for local bands and open mic nights that are as good as anything you'll see in Austin or Nashville. As good as all that is, though, it's really the food that ya gotta get your yoga pant-encased derriere in for....it's just simply that good!”
58 habitants recommandent
Señor Veggie
620 S Presa St
58 habitants recommandent
There are other vegetarian and even vegan restaurants in San Antonio, but there's just no place like Senor Veggie! Organic, made-when-you-order-it dishes that will make even the most die-hard carnivore question the need to ingest animal products, the food is simply outstanding. Housed in an old auto repair shop from the 1930's, this now-legendary Southtown eatery doubles as a gallery for a monthly rotation of artwork, and triples as a performance space for local bands and open mic nights that are as good as anything you'll see in Austin or Nashville. As good as all that is, though, it's really the food that ya gotta get your yoga pant-encased derriere in for....it's just simply that good!”
A local favorite with a loyal following of foodies from the neighborhood and as far away as Austin, this kid-friendly, BYOB hang-out satisfies with its prepared-when-ordered menu of organic ingredients that both taste and look good! Outdoor seating for lunch and dinner and WiFi access round-out the offerings, and there are even Gluten-free options for those that so choose.
45 habitants recommandent
Sweet Yams
218 N Cherry St
45 habitants recommandent
A local favorite with a loyal following of foodies from the neighborhood and as far away as Austin, this kid-friendly, BYOB hang-out satisfies with its prepared-when-ordered menu of organic ingredients that both taste and look good! Outdoor seating for lunch and dinner and WiFi access round-out the offerings, and there are even Gluten-free options for those that so choose.
Great Burgers! Seriously....GREAT burgers!
33 habitants recommandent
Mark's Outing
1624 E Commerce St
33 habitants recommandent
Great Burgers! Seriously....GREAT burgers!
Great sandwiches at this busy roadside eatery. Traffic is close and the all-outdoor seating can be a challenge during the hot months of the year, but the food - particularly the burnt-end sandwich and the mac-and-cheese - is, according to some, literally to die-for!
81 habitants recommandent
Dignowity Meats
1701 E Houston St
81 habitants recommandent
Great sandwiches at this busy roadside eatery. Traffic is close and the all-outdoor seating can be a challenge during the hot months of the year, but the food - particularly the burnt-end sandwich and the mac-and-cheese - is, according to some, literally to die-for!
Located just East of downtown and less than 1 mile from the famous Alamo and Riverwalk, J & I Café has been serving up some of San Antonio's finest Mexican food for over 22 years. At J & I Café, every dish is prepared fresh and daily, like their steaming Caldo (soup) and delicious Menudo. With a menu full of tasty choices to satisfy any hunger craving, and prices that fit into any budget, J & I Café is sure to offer a truly enjoyable dining experience. AND, they've got 3 breakfast tacos for $2.25!!
15 habitants recommandent
J & I Cafe
1431 E Houston St
15 habitants recommandent
Located just East of downtown and less than 1 mile from the famous Alamo and Riverwalk, J & I Café has been serving up some of San Antonio's finest Mexican food for over 22 years. At J & I Café, every dish is prepared fresh and daily, like their steaming Caldo (soup) and delicious Menudo. With a menu full of tasty choices to satisfy any hunger craving, and prices that fit into any budget, J & I Café is sure to offer a truly enjoyable dining experience. AND, they've got 3 breakfast tacos for $2.25!!
"Somewhere between the classic R&B music that greets visitors and the Hummingbird Cake that ends a filling meal, the food, atmosphere and staff at Mrs. Kitchen can brighten a day!" That's what the Taste editor of the San Antonio Express-News had to say about this little slice of culinary heaven, located just a hop-skip-and-a-jump from the house and oh-so-very near the San Antonio National Cemetery (no correlation, we swear....) And, with a philosophy that ensures that you'll be warmly-greeted with true Southern hospitality and served-up food in a clean, cozy and comfortable atmosphere just like at Grandma's place, it's a good bet that you'll keep coming back for more! It's classic soul food!
21 habitants recommandent
Mrs. Kitchen Soul Food Restaurant and Bakery
5237 Walzem Road
21 habitants recommandent
"Somewhere between the classic R&B music that greets visitors and the Hummingbird Cake that ends a filling meal, the food, atmosphere and staff at Mrs. Kitchen can brighten a day!" That's what the Taste editor of the San Antonio Express-News had to say about this little slice of culinary heaven, located just a hop-skip-and-a-jump from the house and oh-so-very near the San Antonio National Cemetery (no correlation, we swear....) And, with a philosophy that ensures that you'll be warmly-greeted with true Southern hospitality and served-up food in a clean, cozy and comfortable atmosphere just like at Grandma's place, it's a good bet that you'll keep coming back for more! It's classic soul food!
Literally just up the street from the house, in what always looks to us like a converted KFC franchise, sits what some call the greatest Chinese restaurant outside of Beijing and others feel is more dastardly than Tai Pei frozen meals. We leave that to you to decide....but, we do know that (a) there's not another Asian restaurant for miles, (b) they have a drive-thru lane, and (3) they're super cheap. Like, $5.99 dinner specials with entrée, fried rice and egg roll kinda cheap. Soooooo, as Donald Trump always says, "What have you got to lose?"
13 habitants recommandent
Wen Wah Chinese Restaurant
531 N New Braunfels Ave
13 habitants recommandent
Literally just up the street from the house, in what always looks to us like a converted KFC franchise, sits what some call the greatest Chinese restaurant outside of Beijing and others feel is more dastardly than Tai Pei frozen meals. We leave that to you to decide....but, we do know that (a) there's not another Asian restaurant for miles, (b) they have a drive-thru lane, and (3) they're super cheap. Like, $5.99 dinner specials with entrée, fried rice and egg roll kinda cheap. Soooooo, as Donald Trump always says, "What have you got to lose?"
In Sunset Station....in the building formerly-occupied by Ruth's Chris Steakhouse is a BBQ restaurant so trendy and so completely carnivorous that it could only be located in Texas. The space is amazing, and the food....well, if the idea of a BBQ sandwich with meat instead of bread and sides of beef instead of beans is to your liking, then this is definitely the place for you. Smoke's website features images of roasted pigs and all manner of Mesquite-infused protein, so you know they're serious about their menu - and, the art of BBQ.
38 habitants recommandent
Smoke BBQ+SKYBAR
501 E Crockett St
38 habitants recommandent
In Sunset Station....in the building formerly-occupied by Ruth's Chris Steakhouse is a BBQ restaurant so trendy and so completely carnivorous that it could only be located in Texas. The space is amazing, and the food....well, if the idea of a BBQ sandwich with meat instead of bread and sides of beef instead of beans is to your liking, then this is definitely the place for you. Smoke's website features images of roasted pigs and all manner of Mesquite-infused protein, so you know they're serious about their menu - and, the art of BBQ.

Drinks & Nightlife

If you've never been to San Antonio, then you may not know that, in addition to being the 7th largest city in the US and one of the top 10 recommended travel destinations in the world, it is quickly becoming the craft beer mecca of the western hemisphere. So, instead of buying-up Subway franchises, local investors are putting their money into beer gardens and brewpubs...and, earning high returns from the legion of crafty beer-types that firmly believe that paying anywhere from $4.50 to $7.00 for a glass of hops, barley and spices is perfectly acceptable. Big Hops has three locations in San Antonio, but this one on Austin Street is the only one anywhere near the downtown core and the cool part of the city....which means that it's a cool place, right?
21 habitants recommandent
Big Hops
306 Austin St
21 habitants recommandent
If you've never been to San Antonio, then you may not know that, in addition to being the 7th largest city in the US and one of the top 10 recommended travel destinations in the world, it is quickly becoming the craft beer mecca of the western hemisphere. So, instead of buying-up Subway franchises, local investors are putting their money into beer gardens and brewpubs...and, earning high returns from the legion of crafty beer-types that firmly believe that paying anywhere from $4.50 to $7.00 for a glass of hops, barley and spices is perfectly acceptable. Big Hops has three locations in San Antonio, but this one on Austin Street is the only one anywhere near the downtown core and the cool part of the city....which means that it's a cool place, right?
Just down the street from Big Hops is another hugely-popular brew vendor that is taking SA by storm. Unlike Big Hops, however, Burleson focuses on the outdoors with a huge, really big patio complete with umbrellas to shield you from the hot, south Texas sun and hammocks to lounge-on when all of your beer-sampling takes the wind out of you. Pet- and kid-friendly, the Yard has Monday Movie nights plus a host of other special events and live music throughout the year, and the staff is possibly the best in the whole Alamo City....especially Daniel, the Bearded and Omni-present manager-cum-draft purveyor that makes everyone feel welcome and even remembers your favorite brew months after your last visit.
69 habitants recommandent
Burleson Yard Beer Garden
430 Austin St
69 habitants recommandent
Just down the street from Big Hops is another hugely-popular brew vendor that is taking SA by storm. Unlike Big Hops, however, Burleson focuses on the outdoors with a huge, really big patio complete with umbrellas to shield you from the hot, south Texas sun and hammocks to lounge-on when all of your beer-sampling takes the wind out of you. Pet- and kid-friendly, the Yard has Monday Movie nights plus a host of other special events and live music throughout the year, and the staff is possibly the best in the whole Alamo City....especially Daniel, the Bearded and Omni-present manager-cum-draft purveyor that makes everyone feel welcome and even remembers your favorite brew months after your last visit.
Everyone loves a dive bar, right? Ya know, the kinda place that's not pretentious; where the staff treats you like a long-lost friend; where the beer is cold and served in huge, really big glasses; where everyone is chill and the music comes from a jukebox and the clinking of glasses is drowned-out only by the clacking of the cue ball slamming into a set-up. That's Ringside, in a nutshell. In the shadow of Sunset Station and just across the freeway from downtown, Ringside only serves beer and wine...just like a real dive ought to.
14 habitants recommandent
Ringside Sports Bar
1161 E Commerce St
14 habitants recommandent
Everyone loves a dive bar, right? Ya know, the kinda place that's not pretentious; where the staff treats you like a long-lost friend; where the beer is cold and served in huge, really big glasses; where everyone is chill and the music comes from a jukebox and the clinking of glasses is drowned-out only by the clacking of the cue ball slamming into a set-up. That's Ringside, in a nutshell. In the shadow of Sunset Station and just across the freeway from downtown, Ringside only serves beer and wine...just like a real dive ought to.
Having lived in New York City, Los Angeles, London, Dallas, Houston and San Francisco, we can definitely attest to the allure of a good rooftop bar. Sipping a glass of wine or a cocktail while enjoying the sight of the twinkling lights of a downtown skyline is one of the single-greatest sigh-inducing moments in a lifetime. So, naturally, when Paramour opened, we were just verklempt in anticipation of that first sip. Having now experienced said sip, we can safely attest to the fact that, along with sighs and sips and twinkling lights, the other thing that stands-out about all of our rooftop imbibings is the decidedly pretentious air that circulates amongst those that flock to such experiences. Yes, the décor is divine; and, yes, the staff and clientele all resemble the folks featured in those editorial spreads in fashion magazines, but c'mon....it's a rooftop bar, not the second coming.
142 habitants recommandent
Paramour
102 9th St
142 habitants recommandent
Having lived in New York City, Los Angeles, London, Dallas, Houston and San Francisco, we can definitely attest to the allure of a good rooftop bar. Sipping a glass of wine or a cocktail while enjoying the sight of the twinkling lights of a downtown skyline is one of the single-greatest sigh-inducing moments in a lifetime. So, naturally, when Paramour opened, we were just verklempt in anticipation of that first sip. Having now experienced said sip, we can safely attest to the fact that, along with sighs and sips and twinkling lights, the other thing that stands-out about all of our rooftop imbibings is the decidedly pretentious air that circulates amongst those that flock to such experiences. Yes, the décor is divine; and, yes, the staff and clientele all resemble the folks featured in those editorial spreads in fashion magazines, but c'mon....it's a rooftop bar, not the second coming.
We spent years and years driving past the old Nairobi, always wondering what it was like inside...what the folks that called it their nightlife home were like. And, then, we met Robyn, who has subsequently become a dear gal-pal, and were afforded the opportunity to investigate for ourselves. We have to admit, we were a wee bit nervous heading into the place...new experiences often make us a bit farklempt. But, we had nothing to worry about. The staff was A-MA-ZING...friendly as all get-out, and wanting nothing more for or from us than that we had a great time. And, we did! With grilling on Tuesday (wings and burgers, mostly, but you can always bring a brisket or some ribs and the grilling experts will be happy to make it all melt in your mouth,) Karaoke on Saturday and Ladies Night on Thursday, there's always something fun to do...and, it's so close to the house, that you can actually imbibe to your heart's content, knowing that a casual stroll or a $5 Uber ride will getcha home in no time!
12 habitants recommandent
Nairobi Bar & Grill
514 N Hackberry
12 habitants recommandent
We spent years and years driving past the old Nairobi, always wondering what it was like inside...what the folks that called it their nightlife home were like. And, then, we met Robyn, who has subsequently become a dear gal-pal, and were afforded the opportunity to investigate for ourselves. We have to admit, we were a wee bit nervous heading into the place...new experiences often make us a bit farklempt. But, we had nothing to worry about. The staff was A-MA-ZING...friendly as all get-out, and wanting nothing more for or from us than that we had a great time. And, we did! With grilling on Tuesday (wings and burgers, mostly, but you can always bring a brisket or some ribs and the grilling experts will be happy to make it all melt in your mouth,) Karaoke on Saturday and Ladies Night on Thursday, there's always something fun to do...and, it's so close to the house, that you can actually imbibe to your heart's content, knowing that a casual stroll or a $5 Uber ride will getcha home in no time!
It might be pretty obvious that ice houses, brewpubs and beer gardens are a staple in old San Antonio...Latin culture has always had a focus on park spaces and outdoor activities, after all. So, the addition of the Alamo Ice House is not only expected, probably, but also eagerly-anticipated. But, what makes AIH so special? Is it the plethora of live music, the pleasing array of sandwiches and Tex-Mex favorites that come out of its kitchen, the friendly staff, the cyclists and rugby and soccer and football participants and enthusiasts that pepper the people on their mailing list, the family-friendly atmosphere....or, is it all of that? Whatever the reason, drop on in for some awesome beer and amazing barbecue!
13 habitants recommandent
Alamo Ice House
802 N Alamo St
13 habitants recommandent
It might be pretty obvious that ice houses, brewpubs and beer gardens are a staple in old San Antonio...Latin culture has always had a focus on park spaces and outdoor activities, after all. So, the addition of the Alamo Ice House is not only expected, probably, but also eagerly-anticipated. But, what makes AIH so special? Is it the plethora of live music, the pleasing array of sandwiches and Tex-Mex favorites that come out of its kitchen, the friendly staff, the cyclists and rugby and soccer and football participants and enthusiasts that pepper the people on their mailing list, the family-friendly atmosphere....or, is it all of that? Whatever the reason, drop on in for some awesome beer and amazing barbecue!
If you're looking for the Best Margarita in all of San Antonio, then you simply must - MUST, do you hear - hit Oro Bar at the Emily Morgan Hotel, just absolutely next-door to the Alamo on Alamo Plaza. That's because their margarita - one of many luscious libations on offer - has been voted so by those that know about such things. And, to make matters even better, their rich roster of magnificent martinis has also been named one of the Top 3 offerings of such bevies in SA. The fact that you can enjoy such comely cocktails in a century-old building that now houses one of the city's most-cherished hotels, namely the Four Diamond Award-winning Emily Morgan, is just the icing on the cake....or, the pearl onion in the martini, as it were. The Emily Morgan is purportedly haunted, just soze ya know, so panic not if, after a rousing round of refreshing adult beverages, you espy the altruistic apparition, not aperitif, of a night-shift nurse gliding through the lobby - the Emily Morgan, you see, was constructed as The Medical Arts building in 1924.
12 habitants recommandent
Oro Restaurant & Bar
705 E Houston St
12 habitants recommandent
If you're looking for the Best Margarita in all of San Antonio, then you simply must - MUST, do you hear - hit Oro Bar at the Emily Morgan Hotel, just absolutely next-door to the Alamo on Alamo Plaza. That's because their margarita - one of many luscious libations on offer - has been voted so by those that know about such things. And, to make matters even better, their rich roster of magnificent martinis has also been named one of the Top 3 offerings of such bevies in SA. The fact that you can enjoy such comely cocktails in a century-old building that now houses one of the city's most-cherished hotels, namely the Four Diamond Award-winning Emily Morgan, is just the icing on the cake....or, the pearl onion in the martini, as it were. The Emily Morgan is purportedly haunted, just soze ya know, so panic not if, after a rousing round of refreshing adult beverages, you espy the altruistic apparition, not aperitif, of a night-shift nurse gliding through the lobby - the Emily Morgan, you see, was constructed as The Medical Arts building in 1924.
Just a pleasant walk, short drive or delightful bike trip from the house lies the resurrection of one of the most potent names in suds in the state of Texas, Alamo Beer. Originally brewed in 1884, but sidelined by Prohibition and other nasty events, the potent potable is adored by many, loathed by some and imbibed by virtually everyone. It's, once again, a tradition in the making, and it's a destination of choice for residents and visitors alike. Add great varieties, live music and a really awesome yard and you've got the makings of a life-changing experience.
99 habitants recommandent
Alamo Beer Company
202 Lamar St
99 habitants recommandent
Just a pleasant walk, short drive or delightful bike trip from the house lies the resurrection of one of the most potent names in suds in the state of Texas, Alamo Beer. Originally brewed in 1884, but sidelined by Prohibition and other nasty events, the potent potable is adored by many, loathed by some and imbibed by virtually everyone. It's, once again, a tradition in the making, and it's a destination of choice for residents and visitors alike. Add great varieties, live music and a really awesome yard and you've got the makings of a life-changing experience.

Sightseeing

About halfway between the house and Mrs. Kitchen Soul Food Restaurant and Bakery lies the San Antonio National Cemetery, one of 31 cemeteries in the 100 acre Old San Antonio City Cemeteries Historic District that are owned by different religious congregations, fraternal organizations and military groups. The earliest inhabitants of this amazing necropolis arrived in 1853 and, since then, some of the most prominent, wealthy and influential living residents of San Antonio submitted a change-of-address form for this multi-block neighborhood upon their passing. Former San Antonio Mayor, Sidney Lanier, kvelled that “…the visitor may stroll off to the eastward, climb the hill, wander about among the graves of heroes in the large cemetery on the crest of the ridge, and please himself with the noble reaches of the country east and west and with the perfect view of the city." Couldn't have said it better ourselves.
11 habitants recommandent
San Antonio National Cemetery
517 Paso Hondo Street
11 habitants recommandent
About halfway between the house and Mrs. Kitchen Soul Food Restaurant and Bakery lies the San Antonio National Cemetery, one of 31 cemeteries in the 100 acre Old San Antonio City Cemeteries Historic District that are owned by different religious congregations, fraternal organizations and military groups. The earliest inhabitants of this amazing necropolis arrived in 1853 and, since then, some of the most prominent, wealthy and influential living residents of San Antonio submitted a change-of-address form for this multi-block neighborhood upon their passing. Former San Antonio Mayor, Sidney Lanier, kvelled that “…the visitor may stroll off to the eastward, climb the hill, wander about among the graves of heroes in the large cemetery on the crest of the ridge, and please himself with the noble reaches of the country east and west and with the perfect view of the city." Couldn't have said it better ourselves.
Southtown is just south of downtown San Antonio, Texas, where three unique areas unite: The King William Historic District, Blue Star Arts Complex and Lavaca, San Antonio's oldest existing neighborhood. It's an incredible array of galleries and shops, restaurants and clubs, history and future-facing that has drawn an eclectic assortment of movers and shakers and doers and thinkers that make the art scene more artsy, the music scene more musical and the literary world more literal....San Antonio entices travelers from around the world with splashy attractions like the River Walk and SeaWorld, as well as such popular sites as the Alamo and the historic mission trail. But what many visitors—even native Texans—don’t realize is that San Antonio shelters a thriving bohemian district just beyond downtown. Three overlapping neighborhoods harbor a welcoming vibe that dovetails centuries of history with modern art-house culture. Bounded loosely by South Flores and South Presa on the west and east, Durango and Lone Star to the north and south, Southtown is rich with galleries, coffeehouses, hipster dive bars, artists’ compounds, vintage clothing stores, crafts ateliers, family-run taco joints, and chic new bistros. All draw loyal customers, as do longtime favorites Rosario’s, El Mirador, and the stately Guenther House. The result: a vibrant “arts underground” that invites exploration. Southtown is sophisticated, welcoming, and sprawling: A day-long walking tour isn’t enough to see it all. So, unless you have the legs of Lance Armstrong, it’s wise to employ a combination of transport modes: perhaps a pedicab for King William, the 150-year-old National Historic District founded by German émigrés; your own vehicle for St. Mary’s and South Alamo; and a tram or taxi from downtown to enjoy South Flores. In the King William Historic District, pick up a walking-tour map from the San Antonio Conservation Society headquarters at 107 King William Street. Southtown encompasses King William, a diverse residential collection of Victorian architecture, and the South Alamo Street/South St. Mary’s Street Historic District, dotted with more modest, late-19th- and early-20th-Century houses. The development of this area parallels San Antonio’s 19th-Century growth, and these days, many structures are beautifully restored and carefully maintained, with styles ranging from Italianate, Neoclassical, and red-tiled-roof Spanish Revival to classic Victorian and Central Texas limestone. Some houses, such as the Ogé House, built in 1857 by Texas Ranger/cattle rancher Louis Ogé, double as bed and breakfasts. If you’re not up for walking the whole way, hail one of the human-powered pedicabs that circulate in this area. After visiting The Guenther House restaurant/museum, we forged a diagonal path across South Alamo to the Blue Star Arts Complex. In addition to the namesake gallery, Blue Star Contemporary Art Center (local, national, and international exhibits—always thought-provoking), the renovated warehouses house artist studios, a microbrewery, galleries, lofts, a bike shop, print shops, sundry arty retailers and non-profits, along with JumpStart Performance Co., a groundbreaking theater company that has produced more than 500 performances for 300,000 visitors since it was founded in 1985. As Hank Lee, owner of the San Angel Folk Art Gallery, says, “The whole Southtown area is the quintessential old, small-town San Antonio. Out-of-towners who stay on the River Walk can get a whole other sense of San Antonio down here. The trolley is only 50 cents, and there’s a stop right at Blue Star.” Lee adds that the area’s bohemian feel is amplified “by locally owned establishments, like Jive Vintage, MadHatters, and La Tuna. You won’t find chain stores or franchise operations down here.” Many thanks to Shermakaye Bass for the wonderful information, and be sure to check-out the below-referenced article for even more rave reviews of our beloved Southtown! www.texasmonthly.com/travel/southtown-and-down/”
142 habitants recommandent
Southtown
142 habitants recommandent
Southtown is just south of downtown San Antonio, Texas, where three unique areas unite: The King William Historic District, Blue Star Arts Complex and Lavaca, San Antonio's oldest existing neighborhood. It's an incredible array of galleries and shops, restaurants and clubs, history and future-facing that has drawn an eclectic assortment of movers and shakers and doers and thinkers that make the art scene more artsy, the music scene more musical and the literary world more literal....San Antonio entices travelers from around the world with splashy attractions like the River Walk and SeaWorld, as well as such popular sites as the Alamo and the historic mission trail. But what many visitors—even native Texans—don’t realize is that San Antonio shelters a thriving bohemian district just beyond downtown. Three overlapping neighborhoods harbor a welcoming vibe that dovetails centuries of history with modern art-house culture. Bounded loosely by South Flores and South Presa on the west and east, Durango and Lone Star to the north and south, Southtown is rich with galleries, coffeehouses, hipster dive bars, artists’ compounds, vintage clothing stores, crafts ateliers, family-run taco joints, and chic new bistros. All draw loyal customers, as do longtime favorites Rosario’s, El Mirador, and the stately Guenther House. The result: a vibrant “arts underground” that invites exploration. Southtown is sophisticated, welcoming, and sprawling: A day-long walking tour isn’t enough to see it all. So, unless you have the legs of Lance Armstrong, it’s wise to employ a combination of transport modes: perhaps a pedicab for King William, the 150-year-old National Historic District founded by German émigrés; your own vehicle for St. Mary’s and South Alamo; and a tram or taxi from downtown to enjoy South Flores. In the King William Historic District, pick up a walking-tour map from the San Antonio Conservation Society headquarters at 107 King William Street. Southtown encompasses King William, a diverse residential collection of Victorian architecture, and the South Alamo Street/South St. Mary’s Street Historic District, dotted with more modest, late-19th- and early-20th-Century houses. The development of this area parallels San Antonio’s 19th-Century growth, and these days, many structures are beautifully restored and carefully maintained, with styles ranging from Italianate, Neoclassical, and red-tiled-roof Spanish Revival to classic Victorian and Central Texas limestone. Some houses, such as the Ogé House, built in 1857 by Texas Ranger/cattle rancher Louis Ogé, double as bed and breakfasts. If you’re not up for walking the whole way, hail one of the human-powered pedicabs that circulate in this area. After visiting The Guenther House restaurant/museum, we forged a diagonal path across South Alamo to the Blue Star Arts Complex. In addition to the namesake gallery, Blue Star Contemporary Art Center (local, national, and international exhibits—always thought-provoking), the renovated warehouses house artist studios, a microbrewery, galleries, lofts, a bike shop, print shops, sundry arty retailers and non-profits, along with JumpStart Performance Co., a groundbreaking theater company that has produced more than 500 performances for 300,000 visitors since it was founded in 1985. As Hank Lee, owner of the San Angel Folk Art Gallery, says, “The whole Southtown area is the quintessential old, small-town San Antonio. Out-of-towners who stay on the River Walk can get a whole other sense of San Antonio down here. The trolley is only 50 cents, and there’s a stop right at Blue Star.” Lee adds that the area’s bohemian feel is amplified “by locally owned establishments, like Jive Vintage, MadHatters, and La Tuna. You won’t find chain stores or franchise operations down here.” Many thanks to Shermakaye Bass for the wonderful information, and be sure to check-out the below-referenced article for even more rave reviews of our beloved Southtown! www.texasmonthly.com/travel/southtown-and-down/”
When we first came to San Antonio, shortly after Daniel Boone lost his coonskin cap, we just assumed that the city's most-famous landmark would be out in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by brush and tumbleweed and arrowhead fossils...'cause that's what it looks like in all of those John Wayne, shoot-'em-ups, after all. So, when we arrived at the Plaza, in the middle of downtown....next to the old Joske's department store and across the street from a bunch of T-shirt shops and souvenir emporiums....well, we were disappointed. But, there's a McDonalds on the Champs Elysees and a KFC just a stone's throw from the Forbidden City, so we gave it a chance. And, it was pretty cool. Being such an important landmark, it's naturally well-maintained and has some genuinely-interesting exhibits. Most importantly, it's a tradition....and, a World Heritage site....and, it's located downtown...near all the great restaurants and bars and shopping that have made San Antonio one of the most-popular destinations in the world. And, you can probably even find a coonskin cap.....
879 habitants recommandent
L'Alamo
300 Alamo Plaza
879 habitants recommandent
When we first came to San Antonio, shortly after Daniel Boone lost his coonskin cap, we just assumed that the city's most-famous landmark would be out in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by brush and tumbleweed and arrowhead fossils...'cause that's what it looks like in all of those John Wayne, shoot-'em-ups, after all. So, when we arrived at the Plaza, in the middle of downtown....next to the old Joske's department store and across the street from a bunch of T-shirt shops and souvenir emporiums....well, we were disappointed. But, there's a McDonalds on the Champs Elysees and a KFC just a stone's throw from the Forbidden City, so we gave it a chance. And, it was pretty cool. Being such an important landmark, it's naturally well-maintained and has some genuinely-interesting exhibits. Most importantly, it's a tradition....and, a World Heritage site....and, it's located downtown...near all the great restaurants and bars and shopping that have made San Antonio one of the most-popular destinations in the world. And, you can probably even find a coonskin cap.....
In 2009, a new River Walk extension was completed and christened as the Museum Reach, a 1.33-mile stretch featuring San Antonio’s world-famous zoo; the Japanese Tea Gardens; Brackenridge Park; the historic, but funky Pearl District; and three very distinguished, but very different, museums – The Witte, The Doseum and The San Antonio Museum of Art. The Museum Reach is north of downtown, pedestrian-friendly, and a great way to explore and experience a variety of different activities for individuals and families of all ages. Don’t feel like walking? Hail one of our famous river taxis and see the city from an entirely different perspective.
25 habitants recommandent
Museum Reach
Museum Reach
25 habitants recommandent
In 2009, a new River Walk extension was completed and christened as the Museum Reach, a 1.33-mile stretch featuring San Antonio’s world-famous zoo; the Japanese Tea Gardens; Brackenridge Park; the historic, but funky Pearl District; and three very distinguished, but very different, museums – The Witte, The Doseum and The San Antonio Museum of Art. The Museum Reach is north of downtown, pedestrian-friendly, and a great way to explore and experience a variety of different activities for individuals and families of all ages. Don’t feel like walking? Hail one of our famous river taxis and see the city from an entirely different perspective.

Essentials

Literally within walking distance of the house is San Antonio's answer to Albertson's, HEB. Part of the ginormous South Texas grocery chain that was founded by Florence Butt in Kerrville in 1905, and subsequently named for her son, Howard Edward Butt, the company now boasts over 350 stores in south and southeast Texas and northeastern Mexico. The store on North New Braunfels is one of the company's oldest still in existence and, though it has had an exterior facelift, the interior still looks pretty much as it did back in the 70s...which, for us, is a good thing. A couple of Yelp reviews call it a ghetto store, but those were written by WASPy Northsiders and Polo-wearing one-percenters, so take it with a grain of salt. We're always treated with the utmost respect by staffers and other customers alike so, just because we're not all the same color, doesn't make it ghetto....to us, it makes it worldly!
354 habitants recommandent
H-E-B
2118 Fredericksburg Road
354 habitants recommandent
Literally within walking distance of the house is San Antonio's answer to Albertson's, HEB. Part of the ginormous South Texas grocery chain that was founded by Florence Butt in Kerrville in 1905, and subsequently named for her son, Howard Edward Butt, the company now boasts over 350 stores in south and southeast Texas and northeastern Mexico. The store on North New Braunfels is one of the company's oldest still in existence and, though it has had an exterior facelift, the interior still looks pretty much as it did back in the 70s...which, for us, is a good thing. A couple of Yelp reviews call it a ghetto store, but those were written by WASPy Northsiders and Polo-wearing one-percenters, so take it with a grain of salt. We're always treated with the utmost respect by staffers and other customers alike so, just because we're not all the same color, doesn't make it ghetto....to us, it makes it worldly!

Entertainment & Activities

Just across the street from Tucker's Kozy Korner is one of San Antonio's premier live music venues, Alamo City Music Hall. Depending on whom one asks, this place is either on par with a cesspool or the next Apollo Theater, take your pick, but we're kind of partial to any entertainment option that makes EastPoint an even cooler place to live. As with any establishment in a warehouse district in a transitional neighborhood, safety should always be of paramount importance....but - and this is a huge but (ahem) - there's nothing wrong with the area. You're more likely to encounter problems in the mosh pit inside than you are on the street!
8 habitants recommandent
Alamo City Music Hall & Club
1305 E Houston St
8 habitants recommandent
Just across the street from Tucker's Kozy Korner is one of San Antonio's premier live music venues, Alamo City Music Hall. Depending on whom one asks, this place is either on par with a cesspool or the next Apollo Theater, take your pick, but we're kind of partial to any entertainment option that makes EastPoint an even cooler place to live. As with any establishment in a warehouse district in a transitional neighborhood, safety should always be of paramount importance....but - and this is a huge but (ahem) - there's nothing wrong with the area. You're more likely to encounter problems in the mosh pit inside than you are on the street!

Arts & Culture

Right around the river bend from Paramour sits the stately old and architecturally-interesting Lone Star brewery which, in its current incarnation, is the venerable relatively-new Museum of Art. Certainly not one of the great museums of the world, it is also definitely not even close to being one of the worst and, actually, boasts pretty significant Egyptian, Greek, Roman, European, Islamic and Asian collections. But, it's the Latin American collection, housed in the Nelson A Rockefeller Center for Latin American Art, it's very own building, that makes a visit an essential part of one's stay. The collection spans 4,000 years and contains paintings, sculpture, works on paper and other objects from Mexico, Central America, South America and countries of the Caribbean. It also contains an important collection of Spanish folk art from the eighteenth, nineteenth and twentieth centuries. So, while the Tate Modern and Museo del Prado have nothing to fear in the reputation category, SAMA is poised to make a significant impact on the art world in the years ahead.
352 habitants recommandent
Musée d'Art de San Antonio
200 W Jones Ave
352 habitants recommandent
Right around the river bend from Paramour sits the stately old and architecturally-interesting Lone Star brewery which, in its current incarnation, is the venerable relatively-new Museum of Art. Certainly not one of the great museums of the world, it is also definitely not even close to being one of the worst and, actually, boasts pretty significant Egyptian, Greek, Roman, European, Islamic and Asian collections. But, it's the Latin American collection, housed in the Nelson A Rockefeller Center for Latin American Art, it's very own building, that makes a visit an essential part of one's stay. The collection spans 4,000 years and contains paintings, sculpture, works on paper and other objects from Mexico, Central America, South America and countries of the Caribbean. It also contains an important collection of Spanish folk art from the eighteenth, nineteenth and twentieth centuries. So, while the Tate Modern and Museo del Prado have nothing to fear in the reputation category, SAMA is poised to make a significant impact on the art world in the years ahead.
The DoSeum is San Antonio’s only museum just for children, where kids learn by doing, creating and tinkering—instead of just looking and listening.
328 habitants recommandent
Le DoSeum
2800 Broadway
328 habitants recommandent
The DoSeum is San Antonio’s only museum just for children, where kids learn by doing, creating and tinkering—instead of just looking and listening.
The Witte Museum promotes lifelong learning through innovative exhibitions, programs, and collections in natural history, science and South Texas heritage. Founded in 1926 the story of the Witte Museum is one of community vision and dedication that created an institution and has sustained it for 80 years. It is the story of men and women from diverse walks of life whose creativity was challenged as they raised funds literally one penny at a time to establish the museum that we still enjoy three quarters of a century later. The Witte Museum has proven as resilient as those who founded it. It has survived the Depression and wars, and in the 21st century remains the most heavily visited museum.
421 habitants recommandent
Musée Witte
3801 Broadway
421 habitants recommandent
The Witte Museum promotes lifelong learning through innovative exhibitions, programs, and collections in natural history, science and South Texas heritage. Founded in 1926 the story of the Witte Museum is one of community vision and dedication that created an institution and has sustained it for 80 years. It is the story of men and women from diverse walks of life whose creativity was challenged as they raised funds literally one penny at a time to establish the museum that we still enjoy three quarters of a century later. The Witte Museum has proven as resilient as those who founded it. It has survived the Depression and wars, and in the 21st century remains the most heavily visited museum.