Top 16 lunch restaurants in San Antonio
San Antonio, a vibrant city in Texas, is known for its rich culture and delicious food. When it comes to lunchtime, the city offers a wide variety of lunch restaurants in San Antonio that cater to all tastes and preferences. Whether you're in the mood for Tex-Mex, BBQ, or international cuisine, there's a lunch restaurant in San Antonio that will satisfy your cravings. From food trucks to fine dining, the options are endless, making San Antonio an excellent destination for food lovers.
- 1. Chama Gaúcha Brazilian Steakhouse - San Antonio
- 2. Iron Cactus Mexican Restaurant and Margarita Bar
- 3. Chris Madrid's
- 4. Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse
- 5. The Cove
- 6. Boudro's on the Riverwalk
- 7. Down on Grayson
- 8. Domingo Restaurant
- 9. Southerleigh Fine Food And Brewery
- 10. La Fonda On Main
- 11. The Original Mexican Restaurant
- 12. Ida Claire
- 13. Cured
- 14. Cappy's Restaurant
- 15. COVER 3 San Antonio
- 16. Zocca Cuisine D’Italia
1. Chama Gaúcha Brazilian Steakhouse - San Antonio
Authentic Brazilian steakhouse with continuous table-side service

The lunch experience was excellent and well worth the cost. The picanha steak stood out as a delicious choice, and the staff provided attentive service. I highly recommend this restaurant for a special lunch outing.
I enjoyed a lunch gathering with family at this establishment and we were all impressed. The ambiance is elegant yet comfortable, making it a great spot for a family meal. The food quality is top-notch, with a variety of options to choose from.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Italian Cuisine
- Affordable Nightlife
2. Iron Cactus Mexican Restaurant and Margarita Bar
Outdoor patio seating, extensive tequila selection
Vibrant, lively, and always packed with happy customers, Iron Cactus is the perfect spot for a riverside dining adventure. The energy is palpable, and the food is nothing short of extraordinary. From the succulent stuffed pork chop to the divine stacked pork enchiladas, every dish is crafted with meticulous attention to detail and an abundance of fresh, authentic ingredients. While there's room for improvement in the speed of service, the genuinely warm and inviting staff ensure a delightful dining experience. However, be prepared for a slight wait for your coffee, as it may arrive colder than desired. Overall, Iron Cactus is a fun and delicious choice for your next Riverwalk outing.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Waterfront
- Mid-Range
3. Chris Madrid's
Family-owned institution serving classic Tex-Mex fare since 1977.

The cheddar cheesy burger at this dining establishment is a satisfying meal with a generous slice of cheddar cheese and a well-sized patty. Upon lifting the bun, a side salad of vegetarian toppings, including lettuce, tomato, and onions, is revealed. The quarter pound option is an ample size for a typical lunch appetite.
If you're looking to try a new place to eat, this restaurant should be on your list. Their burger is delicious and the service is top-notch. The restaurant offers a bucket list-worthy burger experience, with pleasant staff that contribute to an enjoyable meal. It's highly recommended to give them a try.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Lunch
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4. Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse
Authentic Brazilian churrasco experience in the heart of San Antonio

The lunch experience was outstanding, with a salad bar offering an extensive selection of fresh and wholesome options. The meats served were expertly cooked, delivering an impressive taste and texture. Despite the slight delay in service, the delicious food, particularly the flavorful picanha, made the waiting worthwhile.
In summary, the lunch experience was fantastic, offering a wide variety of fresh salad bar options and perfectly cooked meats. The one drawback was the slow service, though the exquisite picanha made up for the wait.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Italian Cuisine
- Happy Hours
5. The Cove
Features a rooftop patio and daily specials.

The Cove, a popular dining destination, offers a perfect location for enjoying good food while kids eat and play. It features a vegan queso made from cashews that tastes like the real deal, appealing to vegans and non-vegans alike. During a recent visit, the Good'a Burger and Rodeo Burger were tried and loved.
Eva, during her visit, had the EggCeptional sandwich and was thoroughly impressed. The Cove provides ample seating, both indoors and outdoors, making it a convenient spot for friends and family gatherings. Additionally, the playground keeps kids entertained while adults enjoy their meals. The staff is commendably nice, and the service is quick, making The Cove a top recommendation for a delicious and enjoyable dining experience.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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6. Boudro's on the Riverwalk
Offers river barge dining experience

TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Waterfront
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Vegetarian Options
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7. Down on Grayson
Uses locally sourced ingredients and has a cozy atmosphere

Down On Grayson is a restaurant with attentive service, delicious food, and a great atmosphere. The restaurant offers a variety of outdoor seating options, including a beautiful courtyard, and a bar with a selection of drinks. During our visit, we ordered a Stella and a Bloody Mary, which was excellent with bacon strips and a great mix.
The menu features small portions of dips, including guacamole, chips, and jalapeno pimento cheese. While the chips were warm and tasty, the guacamole was just okay, and my wife found it tasteless. We also tried the Shishito peppers, which were very good but too spicy for my wife and plentiful for two people. Although the portions were small, the food and atmosphere made for an enjoyable experience.
The server Brandon was friendly but seemed nervous, perhaps due to COVID restrictions. Despite this, the service was attentive, and the restaurant's ambiance was warm and inviting. Down On Grayson offers a fantastic range of food and drinks, making it an ideal spot for a drink and snack with friends or family.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Vegan Options
- Downtown Spots
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8. Domingo Restaurant
Authentic Tex-Mex cuisine, historic location, lively atmosphere.

The restaurant is a beautiful and spacious spot, boasting a terrace with a river view. It provides a peaceful atmosphere, away from the crowded and noisy areas. The food served is delicious, making it a great dining destination.
However, the service at the restaurant receives mixed reviews. Some guests praise it for being fast, friendly, and top-notch. On the other hand, other diners criticize it for being slow and having unhelpful staff. This inconsistency in service standards can impact the overall dining experience.
TOPICS
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Waterfront
- Mid-Range
9. Southerleigh Fine Food And Brewery
Brewery on-site with daily tours and tastings.

The food at the establishment is delicious. Steak frites, along with a side of carrots and a few beers, were enjoyed by me and my wife, leaving us with a positive impression and a desire to return.
The service at this place is highly rated by many users. Many patrons have praised the staff for their friendliness, attentiveness, and compassion. The service is often described as being top-notch, on point, and excellent.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Downtown Spots
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10. La Fonda On Main
Historic building with a beautiful courtyard and murals

Experience Tradition: Chile Relleno Indulge in their signature dish, Chile Relleno - a poblano chile filled with cheese and meat, then fried for a scrumptious, traditional Mexican treat. With authentic flavors and delightful textures, this dish promises a memorable culinary adventure. Don't miss your chance to taste it!
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Vegetarian Options
- Hidden Gems
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11. The Original Mexican Restaurant
Authentic Mexican cuisine located in the historic River Walk district

The atmosphere at the location is amazing, offering a welcoming and enjoyable experience. The chips and salsa provided as a starting course are a standout, with the salsa being particularly delicious thanks to its spicy and flavorful taste. Many guests recommend trying the chicken and steak combo fajitas, which have received high praise.
However, opinions on the food were mixed. Some visitors found the dishes to be average or good, enjoying the flavors and variety. On the other hand, others were disappointed with their meals, describing them as greasy and of poor quality.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Mexican Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Waterfront
12. Ida Claire
Stylish environment with Southern charm and creative cocktails
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Affordable Nightlife
13. Cured
Uses locally sourced meats and artisanal cheeses, offers gluten-free options and catering services.

Cured, a standout establishment in San Antonio's Pearl district, offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere, perfect for unwinding. The diverse wine list and impressive whiskey selection, curated by a knowledgeable bartender, make it a top destination for cocktail enthusiasts. The menu provides a range of options, from light shrimp salad to hearty charcuterie plates, with the star dish being their highly-acclaimed fried chicken.
A great place to indulge in charcuterie and wine, Cured's small chef's choice plate with sliced smoked duck, pork, and gruyere-type cheese is a must-try. The special of the day, fried quail legs drizzled with honey, is also a crowd-pleaser. The dishes have been praised for their exceptional taste and quality, making Cured a go-to spot for food lovers.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Asian Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Hidden Gems
14. Cappy's Restaurant
Family-owned since 1976, offering dine-in, takeout, and catering services

Cappy's Restaurant is an institution in San Antonio, Texas. This family restaurant opened its doors in 1977 and since then has offered homemade food seven days a week. The menu offers a wide variety of meals, from salads to delicious lamb chops marinated with rosemary and citrus, and the restaurant also has a wide selection of wines. Try their famous green chili and chili burgers! The restaurant is ideally located near the San Antonio Zoo, San Antonio Botanical Gardens, and San Antonio Country Club, also making it the perfect spot for a weekend brunch. Weekend specials include Commodore eggs and tasty Texas barbecue. 5011 Broadway St. San Antonio, TX 78209 (210) 828-9669 http://www.cappysrestaurant.com/
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- High-End
- Downtown Spots
15. COVER 3 San Antonio
Spacious patio, daily specials, and happy hour discounts

COVER 3 is a popular restaurant located in San Antonio's north side, known for its innovative American cuisine served for lunch and dinner. The restaurant prides itself on using only the finest and freshest ingredients in each of its menu items, which are thoughtfully prepared to offer a distinctive dining experience.
For instance, the Shrimp Platter and Doug's Reuben are two of the many offerings that showcase the restaurant's unique twist on classic dishes. The Reuben sandwich, served on marble rye bread, is packed with flavorful corned beef, Swiss cheese, tangy kraut, and spicy Russian dressing. It's a delicious and satisfying meal, especially when paired with the restaurant's signature skinny parmesan fries on the side.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
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16. Zocca Cuisine D’Italia
Family-owned since 1992, using original recipes from Italy

The lunch menu at this establishment features a range of Italian dishes that are not only delicious but also beautifully presented. One standout aspect of the dining experience is the riverside patio, which provides a lovely ambiance for patrons.
I had a very enjoyable lunch here, thanks in part to the perfectly cooked pasta and attentive service. The view of the Riverwalk from my table was an added bonus that enhanced the overall experience.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
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