Top 17 lunch restaurants in Downtown San Antonio
Downtown San Antonio is a foodie's paradise, offering a wide variety of lunch restaurants that are sure to delight. Whether you're in the mood for Tex-Mex, barbecue, or something a little more upscale, you'll find it all in this vibrant district. Lunch restaurants in Downtown San Antonio range from casual eateries to fine dining establishments, ensuring that there's something for every palate and budget. So why wait? Start planning your lunch adventure in Downtown San Antonio today!
- 1. Iron Cactus Mexican Restaurant and Margarita Bar
- 2. Boudro's on the Riverwalk in Downtown San Antonio
- 3. La Panadería Bakery Café
- 4. Domingo Restaurant
- 5. Yard House
- 6. Landry's Seafood House
- 7. Stout’s Signature
- 8. The Republic of Texas Restaurant
- 9. Lone Star Cafe
- 10. Battalion
- 11. Biga - San Antonio Riverwalk Restaurant
- 12. NONNA Osteria - Downtown
- 13. Rebelle in Downtown San Antonio
- 14. Texan Sizzle
- 15. Candy's Old Fashion Burgers
- 16. Four Brothers
- 17. Corinne San Antonio
1. Iron Cactus Mexican Restaurant and Margarita Bar
Riverfront views, live music, and extensive tequila selection
Upscale Mexican restaurant, offering a reasonable price and located on the Riverwalk, provides a great alternative to overpriced American Mexican restaurants that often feel like tourist traps. The husband and wife had the combination fajitas for two, which turned out to be more than enough for three people. The table-side guacamole was a nice touch, and their daughter enjoyed a kids meal quesadilla that came with vanilla ice cream for dessert. Despite being in a busy location, the service was commendable.
The restaurant offers a great lunch experience on the Riverwalk, with outdoor seating providing a beautiful view. The mango margarita with a spicy rim and a frozen margarita were excellent, although there was a slight delay in getting them. The Hickory Salmon salad was delicious, but the stuffed burger with fries did not meet expectations. The service had a couple of hiccups, including a long wait for ketchup, but overall, it was a good dining experience. Complementary chips and salsa were provided and were very tasty. The restaurant is definitely worth visiting again for a lovely meal.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Waterfront
- Mid-Range
2. Boudro's on the Riverwalk in Downtown San Antonio
Located on the famous Riverwalk and known for its Texas-style cuisine

Boudro's, located on the Riverwalk, is known for its exceptional service and delicious food and drinks. One of their specialties is the prickly pear margarita, which is a must-try. It's an excellent spot for lunch with friends, offering a lively atmosphere and delicious menu options.
During a recent visit with my family, we enjoyed a delicious lunch at Boudro's. The seared sea scallops stood out as a favorite, cooked to perfection and not overpowered by seasoning. However, the seafood enchiladas, while flavorful, had a red sauce that was a bit too dominant. Overall, Boudro's is a great choice for a satisfying meal on the Riverwalk.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Waterfront
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Vegetarian Options
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3. La Panadería Bakery Café
Local sourcing, artisanal bread, in-house roasted coffee

Carnitas on a buttery croissant and the chorizo, egg, and black bean torta with fresh jalapeños are popular lunch options at this establishment. The delicious food and excellent customer service have received rave reviews from customers. One of the standout menu items is the tres leches pastry, which is also highly recommended.
The establishment is known for its fresh and delicious food, with a focus on traditional Mexican dishes. The croissants, in particular, have received high praise for their freshness and quality. In addition to the carnitas croissant and the chorizo torta, other popular menu items include the tres leches pastry. Customers can't seem to get enough of this delicious dessert.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
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4. Domingo Restaurant
Live music on weekends, pet-friendly patio, offers gluten-free options

This restaurant is an excellent choice for lunch, offering a beautiful view of the river. Two popular menu items are the short rib quesadilla and guacamole. For those seeking seafood, the halibut is highly recommended. The cornbread is also a standout. The atmosphere is pleasant and relaxing, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely meal.
The service at this establishment is exceptional, with friendly and attentive staff. Regarding the lunch menu, the short rib quesadilla and guacamole are customer favorites. For seafood lovers, the halibut is a must-try. The cornbread is a delicious complement to any meal. Overall, the restaurant offers a delightful dining experience with a stunning river view, tasty food, and excellent service.
TOPICS
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Waterfront
- Mid-Range
5. Yard House
Featuring a modern, upscale industrial design with over 100 taps

The Parmesan fries and the Lobster & Garlic Noodles were standout dishes during a recent lunchtime visit. The restaurant proved to be an excellent choice for a meal. On a prior visit, the Lobster Shrimp Pasta and a Caesar Salad were ordered, making it an ideal location for a lunch date.
During the last lunch visit, the Parmesan fries were a highlight, as were the Lobster & Garlic Noodles. The restaurant's offerings were delightful and made for a memorable meal. Similarly, on the previous visit, the Lobster Shrimp Pasta and the Caesar Salad were enjoyed, highlighting the restaurant's ability to provide delicious food for a variety of tastes. Overall, the restaurant is a great choice for a lunchdate or casual meal.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Vegetarian Options
- Downtown Spots
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6. Landry's Seafood House
Live music on weekends, Outdoor seating on a patio

Landry's Seafood House is a restaurant known for providing an exceptional dining experience. Located near the San Antonio Riverwalk, the atmosphere is enhanced by stunning views. The menu offers a variety of delicious dishes, including the Oyster Bar Trash and Shrimp Enbrochette, which are highly recommended.
During a recent visit with friends, we had the opportunity to taste the calamari and bacon-wrapped shrimp, which were both delicious. However, we did notice that the service was a bit slow, which affected our dining experience to some extent. Despite this, Landry's Seafood House remains a popular destination for those seeking a memorable dining experience with excellent food.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Vegetarian Options
- Downtown Spots
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7. Stout’s Signature
Handcrafted sandwiches and soups, Craft beers

Upon visiting the establishment, our goal was to enjoy some drinks and light fare. The service provided by Carl W. was exceptional; he offered informed suggestions and made us feel welcome. He recommended a Lavender-infused old fashion, which turned out to be an excellent choice. The arancini and caprese salad were also delightful selections, complementing our drinks perfectly.
Beyond the drinks, we were impressed by the quality of the food. We shared a Mediterranean quinoa salad and a Stout Special pizza, and both exceeded our expectations in terms of taste. The salad, in particular, was bursting with flavor, making it a standout dish that I would eagerly order again. By the end of the evening, we were completely satisfied with our meal and would not hesitate to return.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
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8. The Republic of Texas Restaurant
Replica of the Capitol rotunda, lively atmosphere, and rooftop patio

The first aspect to highlight about this experience is the refreshing and delicious drinks. A notable example is the pina colada mocktail, a top choice for those who prefer non-alcoholic beverages. The second feature is the food, which is neither fancy nor expensive, but rather decent in quality and complemented by attentive and responsive service.
In summary, this experience features a variety of refreshing and timely drinks, such as the popular pina colada mocktail, and offers decent food at affordable prices. The service is commendable, with attentive and responsive staff who contribute to an enjoyable dining experience.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Waterfront
- Mid-Range
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9. Lone Star Cafe
Family-owned Tex-Mex and BBQ restaurant with a lively atmosphere and live music.
The Riverwalk location is known for its pleasant atmosphere, although there have been some complaints about the quality of the food. The staff is the main draw of this establishment, with many customers praising their attentiveness and friendliness. Specific servers, such as Israel, Tommy, and one who gave excellent recommendations including the brisket tacos, were mentioned by name.
The bar counter service at this location is efficient, offering reasonable prices and a delicious burger. There are two dining options: the upper terrace, which is quieter, and the lower terrace, which has a more lively atmosphere. Despite some issues with the food, the standout features of this establishment are the attentive and friendly staff and the efficient bar counter service.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Waterfront
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Vegetarian Options
10. Battalion
Historic location, pet-friendly patio, and military memorabilia.

I had a wonderful experience with the service during my visit, and the food was delicious. If I'm in the area again, it is definitely a place I would like to go back to. The customer service was outstanding, making my visit even more enjoyable.
The food can be described as fresh and authentic Italian with a good presentation and generous portions. However, there were mixed reviews when it came to the pasta. Some people found it to be undercooked, hard, or clumpy, while others had no complaints and thought it was delicious. Overall, the food was a highlight of the visit.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Vegetarian Options
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11. Biga - San Antonio Riverwalk Restaurant
Spacious patio seating, pet-friendly, and live music on weekends

I have visited Biga restaurant on multiple occasions and have always been impressed with the quality of the food. The service is not only excellent but also unpretentious, making for a comfortable and enjoyable dining experience. I highly recommend giving Biga a try.
During one of our visits to Biga, we had the pleasure of being served by Chris. His service was exceptional, and we can't recall having a better dining experience with any other server. Chris went above and beyond to ensure that we were satisfied with our meal and that our needs were met. His level of professionalism and attentiveness truly enhanced our time at the restaurant.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Waterfront
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
12. NONNA Osteria - Downtown
Authentic Italian cuisine in the heart of Downtown San Antonio

During a trip to San Antonio, a family celebration took place at Nonna, a popular Italian restaurant, on a busy Friday night. The high energy level added to the special atmosphere of the evening. Brooke, our server, was exceptional and attended to all of our requests, making us feel valued. The standout dish of the night was homemade pasta tossed in a cheese wheel with butter and fresh cheese, then topped with shaved black truffles.
Nonna Osteria - Downtown is known for its top-quality Italian cuisine, featuring dishes such as Caprese, Gnocchi, Tagliatelle with Wild Boar, and Tiramisu. The restaurant has received positive reviews for its responsive staff and excellent food quality. While the portions are smaller, the flavors are exceptional.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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13. Rebelle in Downtown San Antonio
Housed in a historic building with a lively atmosphere and friendly staff.

Rebelle is a restaurant that provides a fine dining experience, featuring a variety of delicious dishes. The grilled oysters, Lodge salad, and scallops are among the standout items on the menu. However, the oyster mushrooms with chili jam could be improved with a more savory flavor. The service at Rebelle has room for improvement, but the friendly atmosphere and exceptional service still contribute to a memorable dining experience.
High-end hotel bars and restaurants are a favorite of ours, and Rebelle met our expectations. During Happy Hour, the restaurant offers great cocktails at a fantastic price and some delicious HH oysters. Our bartender was excellent, attending to our needs promptly, and the food and drinks arrived quickly.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Vegetarian Options
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14. Texan Sizzle
Texas-style BBQ in a casual setting, popular for its homemade sides

Cool and clean, Texan Sizzle offers a delicious dining experience in a tasty atmosphere. This welcoming restaurant is a great spot for those seeking a quick and delicious meal. The atmosphere is not only cool and refreshing, but also charming, adding to the overall enjoyable dining experience.
The staff at Texan Sizzle, including the owner and Suzy, are friendly and accommodating, contributing to the establishment's warm and inviting ambiance. From the moment you step inside, you are greeted with a clean and comfortable environment that is perfect for a relaxing meal. The restaurant prides itself on offering delicious food in a setting that is both cool and cute.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Vegetarian Options
- Social Gatherings
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15. Candy's Old Fashion Burgers
Family-owned diner serving classic American fare since 1978, cash only

The ambiance of the dive-style restaurant is warm and inviting, creating a cozy atmosphere for its patrons. The staff is friendly and contributes to a delightful experience for visitors. However, the quality of the food seems to be a subject of debate among customers.
Some diners praise the restaurant's offerings, describing the food as delicious and top-notch. Others, however, find the food to be merely good or even mediocre for the price. Some critics have noted a lack of flavor in some dishes, which may account for the difference in opinions. Despite these criticisms, the restaurant remains a popular destination for many.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Hidden Gems
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16. Four Brothers
Family-owned local favorite since 1978

The ambiance at Four Brothers restaurant is fantastic, especially during Christmas time when the Riverwalk area is lit up and full of holiday cheer. The cocktails served at the restaurant are delicious and complement the meal well. The cornbread, in particular, was a highlight of the evening and received high praise for its taste and quality.
During the dinner, the service was excellent, providing a positive overall dining experience. The food served at Four Brothers was fantastic, with a varied menu that caters to different tastes and preferences. The cozy and pleasant ambiance of the restaurant made for a perfect setting for a nice meal during the holiday season.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Vegetarian Options
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17. Corinne San Antonio
Housed in a historic building with beautiful decor

Corinne is a South Texas-style American Bistro that offers a variety of fresh seafood, high-quality steak cuts, and a distinctive bone-in tomahawk pork chop. The restaurant is open for meals throughout the day, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. During our visit, we enjoyed a wonderful dinner, particularly the hamachi and salmon main courses, which were incredibly fresh with excellent preparation. The peanut butter pie dessert was also a hit.
The service at Corinne, provided by Alexis, stood out as exceptional. He was warm, friendly, and helpful, making our dining experience truly exceptional. We were so impressed that we plan to return on our next visit to San Antonio. Unfortunately, we didn't try any drinks or appetizers during our meal, but based on the quality of the main courses and dessert, we have high expectations for the rest of the menu.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Waterfront
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Vegetarian Options