An Expert’s Guide to the 12 Best Mexican Food Restaurants in San Antonio

San Antonio is home to a vibrant, up-and-coming food scene. If you’re ever in the mood for authentic Mexican food or Tex-Mex cuisine, you will have no trouble finding a joint in San Antonio. Not sure where to start? In our latest blog post, we’re reviewing 17 of our favorite Mexican restaurants in San Antonio. Check it out now!

Want to surprise your loved one with a fun gift? Surprise them with a virtual GiftYa card! Within seconds, you can text a card to your friend. GiftYa cards can be applied to a number of different restaurants around San Antonio, including the ones we featured below. Don’t forget to add a special note to your gift before sending it!

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These are the 17 best Mexican restaurants in San Antonio: 1. Tito’s Mexican Restaurant

2. Acenar Mexican Restaurant

3. Rosario’s Mexican Cafe Y Cantina

4. Fidelos Mexican Restaurant

5. Paloma Blanca Mexican Cuisine

6. Garcia’s Mexican Food 

7. Pete’s Tako House

8. Jacala Mexican Restaurant

9. Sartia’s Mexican Restaurant

10. Iron Cactus Mexican Restaurant and Margarita Bar

11. Los Barrios Mexican Restaurant

12. Cascabel Mexican Patio

13. Tlahco Mexican Kitchen

14. La Fonda On Main

15. Mi Tierra Cafe & Bakery

16. La Fogata Mexican Cuisine

17. Los Azulejos Restaurant

1. Tito’s Mexican Restaurant

While Tito’s is most known for its enchilada selection, it also offers delicious beef fajitas, tacos, ceviche, and more!

955 S Alamo Street | Downtown | titosrestaurant.com

Located in Downtown San Antonio, Tito’s Mexican Restaurant is a premier destination for delicious fajitas and savory tacos. Tito’s is run by the Rodriguez Family, who have operated the popular restaurant since 2003. 

On the menu, you’ll find creative specialty dishes like the Los Tacos Favoritos and Hatch Burrito. Nachos, quesadillas, and enchiladas can also be found at this popular restaurant. Feeling thirsty? Tito’s offers a wide selection of margaritas. 

“I ordered a Jalapeno Cream Enchiladas Plate. Wow, it ranks at the top of all of the enchiladas I've had anywhere.I will be eating here again.” - Yelp Review

2. Acenar Mexican Restaurant

Stylish restaurant where you can try creative and authentic Mexican cuisine!

146 E Houston Street | Downtown | acenar.com

If you’re looking for a laid back atmosphere where you can relax with friends and enjoy some delicious food, head to Acenar. This popular Mexican spot is known for its spacious outdoor patio and extensive menu. 

For patrons who want to dine at home, they can order curbside pickup. Right now, Acenar is also offering special family-style dinners to go. The Fajita Dinner, Enchilada Dinner, and Taco Dinner are offered all day and are served with chips, salsa, charro beans, and Mexican rice. On the regular dinner menu, you can also find classic dishes such as fish tacos, vegetarian enchiladas, and more. 

“This place was surprisingly amazing. Starting with the Mexican decor and bright colors, awesome Latin music, this place leaves you with a constant good mood.” - Yelp Review

3. Rosario’s Mexican Cafe Y Cantina

Popular Tex-Mex bar located in Southtown, San Antonio!

910 S Alamo Street | Southtown | rosariossa.com

Named the Best Mexican Restaurant of 2020, Rosario’s Mexican Cafe Y Cantina also ranks high on our list. Whether you are craving some fish tacos or fajitas, you can find all of this and more at this bustling cafe. 

In addition to its extensive lunch and dinner menus, Rosario’s also offers inventive cocktails and sweet desserts. If you just want to grab a drink with friends, you’ll love Rosarios. Their Happy Hour specials include $5 House frozen and rocks margaritas and a $4 draft beer. Since the start of the pandemic, Rosario’s has also started to offer margaritas to-go! Both single serve and ½ gallon sizes are available.

“My first time here and everything was really great. I had the Enchiladas Suizas and it was unlike anything I have ever had.” - Yelp Review

4. Fidelos Mexican Restaurant

Laidback spot in San Antonio known for its delicious and authentic Mexican dishes!

10929 Nacogdoches | San Antonio | facebook.com/Fidelos-Mexican-Restaurant

If you prefer a casual, no frills environment, we recommend stopping by Fidelos Mexican Restaurant. This diamond in the rough offers all of the classic Mexican dishes you love. From the huevos rancheros to the chili relleno, Fidelo’s dishes will leave you filled and satisfied. That said, Fidelo’s is only open until 3pm. So you’ll have to keep it in the breakfast/lunch section of your restaurant bucket list. 

“The food here is incredible because it's our default breakfast spot (they serve breakfast from open to close) regardless of what time we roll out of bed and head over here.” - Yelp Review

5. Paloma Blanca Mexican Cuisine

Lively and vibrant Mexican restaurant in San Antonio offering a fine selection of gluten-free and paleo options!

Buy a gift card for Paloma Blanca Mexican Cuisine

5800 Broadway Street, Suite 300 | San Antonio | palomablanca.net 

Paloma Blanca Mexican Cuisine is known for its upscale interior and welcoming atmosphere. While the pandemic temporarily shuttered restaurants in San Antonio, Paloma Blanca is back open for dining services inside their spacious restaurant or outside on the patio. Curbside and delivery services are also available.

As for the cuisine, Paloma Blanca draws inspiration for its menu from the interior and coastal regions of Mexico. The grilled snapper, ceviche, and tacos al pastor are their most popular dishes. In addition to their lunch and dinner menus, Paloma Blanca also offers an appetizing weekend brunch menu. 

“Pork tips in a slightly smoky red sauce, served with chilaquiles, refried beans, and tortillas. So freaking good and really big portions.” - Yelp Review

Buy a gift card for Paloma Blanca Mexican Cuisine

6. Garcia’s Mexican Food 

Casual spot perfect for enjoying delicious Tex-Mex dishes with friends and family!

842 Fredericksburg Road | Beacon Hill | facebook.com/Garcias-Mexican-Food 

For over 58 years, Garcia’s Mexican Food has served some of the best cuisine in San Antonio. This informal eatery offers a wide range of classic Mexican dishes, such as the Carne Guisada, Brisket Plate, and Huevos Rancheros. 

Garcia’s also serves delicious specialty plates like the Enchiladas Verdes, Chicken Fried Steak, and Brisket Plate. Of course, whatever you order, you are sure to be delighted by your selection. 

“This place is heaven for Tacos. My usual is Brisket/Avocado taco (2) and an Egg, Sausage and Cheese Taco. The brisket is so tender and delicate with a hint of smoke.” - Yelp Review

7. Pete’s Tako House

Fun family-owned bar that offers a wide selection of American and Tex-Mex dishes!

502 Brooklyn Avenue | Downtown | petestakohouse.com

At Pete’s Tako House, you can find some of the freshest and most delicious Mexican food in San Antonio. Since 1978, Pete’s Tako House has blessed the bustling city of San Antonio with its special recipes and homemade tortillas. 

Speaking of the food, Pete’s Tako House offers a wide selection of authentic dishes. From the Fajita Quesadillas to the Mexican Burger, Pete’s dishes are sure to delight your taste buds. 

“I was planning on going to a different spot but couldn't resist stopping at Pete's for lunch. They had a few different lunch specials...I chose the mole enchiladas plate for only $8!” - Yelp Review

8. Jacala Mexican Restaurant

Enjoy a family-style setting with puffy tacos, enchiladas, margaritas, and more!

606 West Avenue | Los Angeles Heights  | jacala.com

Are you craving some puffy tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and many other Mexican favorites? Make sure to check out Jacala Mexican Restaurant, which is one of the oldest family-owned restaurants in San Antonio! With a fun ambiance and being served by some amazing people dedicated to food, this place may just be for you.

At Jacala Mexican Restaurant, you can try out everything from their signature puffy tacos, an enchilada plate, their chile con queso, enchiladas verde, fish tacos, and so much more that you will want to come back again and again. Make sure to check out Jacala Mexican Restaurant right now!

“The food here is just amazing. I actually started eating here twice a week and am addicted.” - Yelp Review

9. Sartia’s Mexican Restaurant

Looking for some exceptional Mexican food? Make sure to try out this restaurant ASAP!

8224 Fredericksburg Road | Medical Center | sartiastexmex.com

Do you want a combination of authentic Mexican food and Tex-Mex to choose from at a restaurant? Well, if you go to Sarita’s Mexican Restaurant, you will get just that and so much more! Expect authentic Mexican and Tex-Mex food when you come here, along with knowing that everything is home cooked and made from scratch too.

Whenever you decide to go to Sarita’s Mexican Restaurant, make sure to try out the cheese quesadillas, the crab enchilada plate, chicken enchiladas, the huevos rancheros, flautas, and much more. Check out Sarita’s Mexican Restaurant for yourself and see what the hype is all about!

“Had dinner with my family and our god daughters here last night and the food was delicious, I had the burrito grande with fajita and it was amazing.” - Yelp Review

10. Iron Cactus Mexican Restaurant and Margarita Bar

Come here for river views as you sip on a margarita and chow down on some traditional Mexican dishes!

Buy a gift card for Iron Cactus Mexican Restaurant

200 River Walk, Suite 100 | Downtown | ironcactus.com

Are you looking for a place with the best Mexican food and margaritas? Have no fear because the Iron Cactus Mexican Restaurant and Margarita Bar is here to save the day! The Iron Cactus is known for both its traditional and modern Mexican dishes, along with eighty different kinds of tequila that are perfect to mix into any margarita.

Check out the Iron Cactus where you can try out some baja fish tacos, Mexican meatloaf, tortilla soup, shrimp enchiladas, brisket enchiladas, chicken enchiladas, lobster tacos, shrimp tacos, and so much more. Order a Mexican dish of your choice and a margarita when you come to the Iron Cactus Mexican Restaurant and Margarita Bar!

“Here we are in the Iron Cactus on the RiverWalk in San Antonio! If you haven't gone there be sure to have the very tasty Spicy Watermelon (I had to have two) and the delicious Chicken Quesadillas!” - Yelp Review

Buy a gift card for Iron Cactus Mexican Restaurant

11. Los Barrios Mexican Restaurant

Dive into some Mexican and Tex-Mex favorites family-style!

4223 Blanco Road | Los Angeles Heights | losbarriosrestaurant.com

Does your family like going out to family-style restaurants where everyone can try a little bit of everything? If you are interested in some Mexican and Tex-Mex favorites, we recommend that you stop by Los Barrios Mexican Restaurant as soon as you can! With live music, attentive staff, and some incredible food, you will fall in love with this restaurant.

Stop at Los Barrios Mexican Restaurant today and try out the puffy tacos, cheese enchiladas, ground beef puffy tacos, fish tacos, tortilla soup, guacamole salad, chicken moles, and so much more. Check out Los Barrios today and try out some good food now!

“Los Barrios has been a part of my life since I was little. We would go to this location weekly. Always a great time.” - Yelp Review 

12. Cascabel Mexican Patio

Sit outside on the patio of this restaurant and dive into some delicious homestyle Mexican eats!

1000 S Saint Mary’s Street | Downtown | facebook.com/cascabelmexicanpatio

Thinking about sitting outside on a beautiful San Antonio day and indulging in some Mexican dishes? Check out Cascabel Mexican Patio where you can sit outside, enjoy some homestyle Mexican eats, margaritas and so much more as you sit outside and enjoy the nice weather!

At Cascabel Mexican Patio, you can try out everything from tacos, sopes, enchiladas verde, quesadillas, tortas, and so much more. Try out Cascabel Mexican Patio today for an enjoyable experience that you won’t forget!

“This place was absolutely amazing. The free Fideo was delicious. Would definitely be back when I'm in the area. Great customer service.” - Yelp Review 

13. Tlahco Mexican Kitchen

Mexican food unlike what you’d find anywhere else. 

6702 San Pedro Ave | San Antonio | tlahcokitchen.com

Tlahco Mexican Kitchen is not your average Mexican kitchen. They serve delicious and authentic cuisine straight from Mexico, and because of that have become San Antonio’s new favorite spot for Mexican food! But their menu consists of foods that you won’t find in most nearby Mexican restaurants. 

From breakfast and lunch to dinner, they always provide their guests with a great meal at a great price. So whenever you’re in the mood for tacos, tortas, enchiladas or more, this is the right place to visit for some unique versions!

“Cafecito de olla took me back to my roots, so many memories flew back through my head while I was eating my breakfast with my family. Wonderful service and the ambience, as soon as you walk through the door was amazingly sweet kind like walking into grandma's kitchen.”–Yelp Review

14. La Fonda On Main

The oldest Mexican restaurant in the San Antonio area. 

2415 N Main Ave | San Antonio | lafondaonmain.com

La Fonda On Main has been serving San Antonio since 1932. It is the oldest Mexican restaurant in San Antonio. They create interior Mexican dishes with a mix of Tex Mex cuisine. This place will really make you feel at home. You’ll get to relax in their hacienda style dining room or their outdoor patio. 

Every day of the week, they serve lunch and dinner, and on Saturdays and Sundays they also offer brunch. Some of the menu items include bean and cheese nachos, paella, and enchiladas verde. They also offer the best margaritas in town, and you can order a whole pumpkin spice cheesecake for curbside pickup!

“I'm a huge fan of La Fonda on Main and I couldn't resist trying their dinner special - Langosta al Mojo de Ajo- It was amazing! As always, the service was amazing and the patio is always cozy and relaxing.”–Yelp Review

15. Mi Tierra Cafe & Bakery

Tejano food served in a great atmosphere. 

Buy a gift card for Mi Tierra Cafe & Bakery

218 Produce Row | San Antonio | mitierracafe.com

Mi Tierra Cafe & Bakery is a Tex Mex restaurant that serves all your favorites! Tex Mex is an evolving cuisine that comes from Tejano culture, and this restaurant does it very well. This restaurant’s cuisine contains plenty of beef, cheese, chili and nachos. 

Some great menu options include tamales, chalupas, enchiladas, and tacos among many other things. You can go there for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a drink at the bar, and just overall go in to enjoy the great atmosphere. 

“Although the wait was a while to get a table, it was very well worth it. The wait staff are very accommodating and friendly. The serving is very hearty. Most of all, the food is AWESOME! So much so that Mi Tierra is now the best Mexican resto in my book!”–Yelp Review

Buy a gift card for Mi Tierra Cafe & Bakery

16. La Fogata Mexican Cuisine

Traditional recipes made with the freshest ingredients. 

2427 Vance Jackson Rd | San Antonio | lafogata.com

La Fogata Mexican Cuisine has been serving authentic Mexican food in San Antonio for over 35 years. Their meals are made with all the freshest ingredients and with traditional recipes from Mexico. “La fogata” means “open flame.” This restaurant makes a lot of their food over an open flame. 

The menu includes cheese enchiladas, tacos al pastor, tacos de pescado, and pollo loco.  They also have award winning margaritas! Try the mango margarita, the sangria margarita, or the skinny margarita. A trip to this restaurant will be beyond satisfying in many ways. 

“Enjoyed a great lunch. I had the carne asada tacos with charro beans, and I felt like my mom was in the kitchen. Our waitress Mel was constantly checking on us and amazing. One of my favorite spots in San Antonio.”–Yelp Review

17. Los Azulejos Restaurant

Family made food from scratch. 

2267 NW Military Hwy Ste 101 | San Antonio | losazulejosrestaurant.com

Los Azulejos Restaurant is a vibrant place that serves delicious Mexican food. Their daily mission is to serve San Antonio the best quality Mexican food that they can get. They make all their food from scratch in the kitchen with all natural ingredients. Some of their menu items include bistec ranchero, tacos de carnitas, enchiladas roja, birria tortas, and much more. They even host events from time to time!

“This restaurant was amazing. The ambiance was chill and the decoration was certainly unique. Food was absolutely fantastic both in terms of flavor and presentation.”–Yelp Review

San Antonio offers a wide selection of Mexican and Tex-Mex restaurants. Which ones are your favorite? Let us know!