Top 10 San Antonio Riverwalk Restaurants for 2023
Welcome to the vibrant and diverse culinary scene of the San Antonio Riverwalk. A food lover’s paradise, the Riverwalk offers a unique dining experience with beautiful views, a lively atmosphere, and a variety of San Antonio Riverwalk restaurants to suit every taste.
From fresh seafood and authentic Tex-Mex to elegant fine dining and innovative culinary concepts, there’s something for everyone on this picturesque waterfront destination.
Short Summary
- Experience the best of San Antonio’s Riverwalk dining with a variety of restaurants offering unique charm, atmosphere and international flavors.
- Enjoy happy hour deals on drinks & appetizers at popular spots like The Esquire Tavern or Mad Dogs British Pub.
- Indulge in must-try desserts while exploring unique themed restaurants for an unforgettable culinary adventure!
San Antonio Riverwalk Dining Experience
The San Antonio Riverwalk, is a bustling destination that offers an incredible dining experience. With numerous restaurants to choose from, breathtaking river views, and a festive atmosphere, the Riverwalk is truly a food lover’s dream.
Whether you’re visiting San Antonio or a native and craving traditional Tex-Mex, contemporary American cuisine, or international flavors, you’ll find it all along the winding banks of the San Antonio River in downtown San Antonio, TX 78205.
Riverwalk Ambiance
The ambiance of the river walk is one of its most attractive features. Outdoor seating, stunning river views, and a lively atmosphere combine to create an unforgettable dining experience at a riverwalk restaurant.
Imagine savoring delicious South Texas cuisine, like Tex-Mex, at Casa Rio, a park-like setting with a mariachi band serenading you as you dine. Or, indulge in exquisite French and American dishes at Restaurant Gwendolyn, a cozy and romantic spot just steps away from the San Antonio Museum. These are just a couple of the amazing San Antonio restaurants you can experience.
Each restaurant on the Riverwalk offers its unique charm and atmosphere, making every dining experience a memorable one.
Culinary Diversity
The culinary diversity of the San Antonio Riverwalk is truly impressive. You’ll find a wide variety of options to satisfy your cravings, from classic Tex-Mex dishes like fajitas and enchiladas to mouthwatering seafood platters and international cuisine. For example, Acenar offers a unique Texas flair in their Mexican dishes, while the Colonial Room Restaurant serves elegant American cuisine with live jazz music and romantic lighting.
No matter what type of cuisine you’re in the mood for, the Riverwalk boasts an array of delicious food options. And don’t forget to save room for dessert – from decadent chocolate brownies to refreshing sherbets, the Riverwalk offers plenty of sweet treats to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Top Riverwalk Restaurants
To make your dining experience on the San Antonio Riverwalk even more memorable, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 best Riverwalk restaurants that offer exceptional food, service, and ambiance: Ambler, The Fig Tree, Landry’s Seafood House, Elsewhere Garden Bar & Kitchen, Bourbon Street Seafood Kitchen, Range, Guillermo’s, Zinc Bistro & Wine Bar, and The Rainforest Cafe.
Each of these establishments offers a unique dining experience that will leave a lasting impression and have you longing for your next visit to the Riverwalk.
Ambler Texas Kitchen + Cocktails ( Las Ramblas )
Ambler Texas Kitchen + Cocktails, formerly known as Las Ramblas is a romantic riverside restaurant offering Spanish-inspired cuisine, making it the perfect spot for date nights and special occasions. Savor dishes like Brisket Enchiladas with Chocolate Mole Sauce, and enjoy their extensive wine list in an unforgettable setting.
With its beautiful river views and exceptional dining experience, Las Ramblas is a must-visit on the San Antonio Riverwalk.
The Fig Tree
For an elegant fine dining experience on the Riverwalk, look no further than The Fig Tree. This sophisticated restaurant is renowned for its exquisite French and American dishes, such as Fried Oysters and Pork Belly, as well as its stunning river views.
The Fig Tree’s refined ambiance and superb cuisine make it an ideal choice for a memorable night out on the San Antonio Riverwalk.
Landry’s Seafood House
Landry’s Seafood House on the San Antonio Riverwalk is a family-friendly restaurant that serves up fresh seafood and Southern-style dishes in a laid-back atmosphere. From delicious entrees like Bourbon-Basted Salmon to their famous Chilled Spiced Shrimp, Landry’s offers a fantastic dining experience for seafood lovers of all ages.
With its inviting environment and tasty dishes, Landry’s is a top choice for families visiting the Riverwalk.
Elsewhere Garden Bar & Kitchen
For a trendy spot with a lush garden setting, head to Elsewhere Garden Bar & Kitchen. This stylish establishment features creative cocktails, delicious shareable plates, and a beautiful garden atmosphere that’s perfect for a relaxing night out.
Whether you’re in the mood for a refreshing drink or a tasty bite to eat, Elsewhere Garden Bar & Kitchen offers a unique dining experience on the San Antonio Riverwalk.
Visit Elsewhere Garden Bar & Kitchen
Bourbon Street Seafood Kitchen
Experience the flavors of New Orleans at Bourbon Street Seafood Kitchen on the Riverwalk, located near Commerce St. This lively restaurant specializes in Cajun and Creole cuisine, offering dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, and po’boys.
With its festive atmosphere and authentic New Orleans-inspired decor, Bourbon Street Seafood Kitchen is a must-visit for those seeking a taste of the Crescent City in the heart of San Antonio, just a short distance from Houston St.
Visit Bourbon Street Seafood Kitchen
Range
If you’re craving a high-quality steak in a sophisticated setting, Range is the place to be. This modern steakhouse offers top-notch steaks, an impressive wine list, and a truly refined dining experience.
With its elegant ambiance and mouthwatering menu, Range is an excellent choice for a special night out on the San Antonio Riverwalk.
Guillermo’s
For a cozy Italian dining experience on the Riverwalk, visit Guillermo’s. This charming restaurant offers delicious pasta dishes, wood-fired pizzas, and a lovely outdoor patio that’s perfect for al fresco dining.
With its warm atmosphere and scrumptious Italian cuisine, Guillermo’s is an ideal spot for a relaxing meal along the river.
Zinc Bistro & Wine Bar
Wine lovers will delight in Zinc Bistro & Wine Bar, a chic and sophisticated spot on the Riverwalk. With an extensive wine list, small plates, and a modern decor, Zinc offers a unique dining experience for those seeking to indulge in a glass of wine or two.
Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or just looking for a relaxing evening out, Zinc Bistro & Wine Bar is a must-visit on the San Antonio Riverwalk.
The Rainforest Cafe
For a family-friendly dining experience like no other, visit The Rainforest Cafe on the San Antonio Riverwalk. This unique jungle-themed restaurant offers American fare, entertaining animatronics, and a one-of-a-kind atmosphere that kids and adults alike will love.
From talking trees to singing birds, The Rainforest Cafe provides a truly unforgettable dining experience that the whole family will enjoy.
Best Happy Hour Spots
If you’re looking for the best happy hour spots on the San Antonio Riverwalk, you’re in luck. With great deals on drinks and appetizers, these lively establishments are perfect for unwinding after a long day of exploring the city. Some popular happy hour spots include The Esquire Tavern, Iron Cactus Mexican Grill and Margarita Bar, Drink Texas, Sangria On the Burg, and Mad Dogs British Pub.
In addition to these notable spots, many Riverwalk restaurants offer regular happy hour specials, such as Rio Rio Cantina and Acenar. With so many fantastic options to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect happy hour spot to quench your thirst and satisfy your appetite while enjoying the lively atmosphere of the San Antonio Riverwalk.
Must-Try Desserts
For those with a sweet tooth, the San Antonio Riverwalk has plenty of delectable dessert options to satisfy your cravings. From decadent cakes and pastries to refreshing ice creams and sorbets, you’ll find a variety of mouthwatering treats to indulge in after a delicious meal. Be sure to try churros at Ocho, gorditas at Ray’s Drive Inn, or the double chocolate brownie with azteca and toffee crunch at Boudro’s Bistro.
If you’re in the mood for something cool and refreshing, don’t miss out on the unique ice cream flavors at Justin’s Ice Cream, such as guava, rainbow sherbet, coconut sherbet, and blueberry sherbet. And for a truly indulgent treat, stop by Rocky Mountain Chocolate for an assortment of chocolates, ice cream, caramel apples, and milkshakes.
With so many tempting desserts to choose from, you’ll want to save room for something sweet on your next visit to the San Antonio Riverwalk.
Unique Dining Experiences
Besides the incredible variety of restaurants and cuisines, the San Antonio Riverwalk also offers a selection of unique dining experiences. From themed restaurants and historic venues to innovative culinary concepts, you’ll find something truly special on the Riverwalk. For instance, the Esquire Tavern is a popular spot with a cool atmosphere and an awesome menu.
Another unique dining venue is the Crockett Tavern, a restaurant located in the historic Crockett Hotel not too far from the Alamo. These unique dining experiences provide an unforgettable backdrop to your culinary adventures on the San Antonio Riverwalk.
Whether you’re seeking a themed restaurant, a historic venue, or an innovative dining concept, the Riverwalk has something to satisfy your cravings and create lasting memories.
Summary
In conclusion, the San Antonio Riverwalk offers a diverse and exciting culinary scene that caters to all tastes and preferences. With its picturesque setting, lively atmosphere, and wide variety of restaurants, the Riverwalk is a food lover’s paradise.
From elegant fine dining and trendy bars to family-friendly establishments and unique dining experiences, there’s something for everyone along the banks of the San Antonio River.
So, the next time you’re in San Antonio, be sure to explore the Riverwalk’s amazing restaurants and indulge in some of the best food the city has to offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most popular part of the San Antonio Riverwalk?
The most popular part of the San Antonio Riverwalk is the stretch between San Fernando Cathedral and Market Street adjacent to the Alamo, where tourists can find Joe’s Crab Shack, Boudro’s, Dave & Buster’s, and Fogo de Cho Brazilian Steakhouse.
This stretch of the Riverwalk is a popular destination for tourists, offering a variety of restaurants and entertainment options. Joe’s Crab Shack, Boudro’s, Dave & Buster’s, and Fogo de Cho Brazilian Steakhouse are all located in this area, providing visitors with a variety of dining and entertainment options.
Looking for more? See all our San Antonio Foodie Spots.
What time does everything close on the River Walk?
The River Walk never closes, but restaurants usually close around 10pm and bars close at 2am.
What food is San Antonio known for?
San Antonio is famous for its Tex-Mex cuisine, offering dishes such as enchiladas, tamales and chiles rellenos. Also featured on its culinary scene are puffy tacos and barbecued meats; local favorites like raspa (snow cone) are always a delicious treat and don’t forget Texas’ official dish — chili con carne!
Aside from that, San Antonio is a very diverse community and can find a great mix of all types of foods and fusion joints across the city that are sure to hit the right spots. It’s the perfect place for foodies alike.
How long is the River Walk in San Antonio?
The San Antonio River Walk is 15 miles long, flowing through 5 miles of downtown, according to Go Rio. Its GPS address is 849 E. Commerce Street, San Antonio, Texas 78205.
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