It’s the largest and most active online food community in the Alamo City area, but San Antonio Restaurants began as just a hobby for Alan and Beverly Williams. This Facebook group has grown into a thriving community of more than 300,000 members sharing favorite dining spots, photos, and reviews. Several years ago, Alan teamed up with local marketing entrepreneur Susie LaFredo and her husband, Jim, to keep the group vibrant, supportive, and fun for both diners and restaurants. Today, Williams and LaFredo host the “Flavors of Texas” podcast, publish a magazine, and run a marketing business that connects food lovers while helping local restaurants shine.
We asked them to share some of their favorite local eateries, so get ready to save some bookmarks and dig in!
sa-restaurants.com | theflavorsoftexas.com
Black Board Bar B Q
blackboardbarbq.com | 1123 Sisterdale Rd., Sisterdale
Black Board Bar B Q is a delicious gem run by culinary arts-trained chef and pitmaster Joe Rodriguez and hospitality expert Melissa Garza. Their craft BBQ is a must-try, featuring perfectly smoked brisket, burnt ends, house-made sausage, and quail lollipops. The made-from-scratch sides and desserts are equally impressive. Located just up the road, Black Board offers a comfortable, family-friendly atmosphere that makes it a favorite from the first bite, so don't miss out on this exceptional Texas BBQ experience. We’ll see you there!
Our Highlight: Make sure to get the truffle fries. They’re fried in beef tallow and are worth the trip all by themselves.
Las Guitarras Cocina Mexicana
lasguitarrascocinamexicana.com | 911 S. Main St.
When I first met Fernando Santafe, he was known as an accomplished guitarist whose music lit up every room. So when I heard he was opening a Mexican restaurant, I’ll admit—I was skeptical. What did a musician know about running a restaurant? Turns out, plenty. At Las Guitarras, Fernando shares the flavors of his life journey: authentic dishes from his birthplace in interior Mexico, bold flavors from 15 years in New Mexico, and, of course, Tex-Mex favorites from his time here in the Lone Star State. With delicious food, great drinks, and a lively atmosphere, this spot is a must. And don’t forget to say hello to Fernando!
Our Highlight: Every Sunday, Las Guitarras goes all-out for an incredible buffet featuring breakfast and lunch items. It's all-you-can-eat, so come hungry, but save room for dessert.
PoPo Family Restaurant
poporestaurant.co | 829 FM 289
Just six miles north of downtown Boerne sits a Hill Country treasure that has been serving up comfort food for nearly a century. Since 1929, PoPo Family Restaurant in Welfare has welcomed generations of diners with a menu featuring classics, including golden-fried chicken and hearty chicken-fried steak, as well as fresh seafood. There’s even a full bar to round out the experience. While you wait, take time to wander the dining room and admire the more than 2,000 commemorative plates lining the walls. With its Texas countryside charm, PoPo feels like stepping back in time to a simpler era when meals meant community.
Our Highlight:
In addition to all the great food, PoPo is now making beautiful, whole cakes to enjoy there or to take home. They’re all scratch-made and delicious, so call the restaurant for orders.
The Creek
thecreekrestaurant.com | 119 Staffel St.
The Creek is a delightful culinary gem owned by the talented Chef Jean Tardif. (Learn more in “Hill Country à la Française,” p. XX) Known for its commitment to quality, the menu features dishes made with the freshest ingredients, all prepared in-house. The budget-friendly lunch menu includes favorites like “The Famous Creek Burger” (which is huge), steak-frites, chicken diavolo, and weekly specials. The dinner menu offers a more elegant dining experience while maintaining a cozy and charming atmosphere overlooking the Cibolo Creek. Don't miss out on their craft cocktails and house-made desserts—they're a must-try.
Our Highlight: The restaurant now offers a very popular Sunday brunch featuring prime rib, chicken and waffles, made-to-order crepes and omelets, and much more. Don’t miss it!
The Lion & Rose
thelionandrose.com | 23330 I-10 W, San Antonio
The Lion & Rose first opened in 2001, quickly becoming one of San Antonio’s favorite British-style pubs with multiple locations around the city. Like many restaurants, it closed its doors during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021. But now it’s back, bigger and bolder than ever. The striking new location along I-10 near the Dominion offers something for everyone: outdoor patios, cozy corners with a fireplace, a massive bar showing sports on the “telly,” and space for live music. True to pub tradition, the menu is stacked with classics like fish and chips, cottage pie, and Scotch eggs—comfort food for every crown-worthy craving.
Our Highlight: Now that (American) football season is here, remember the Lion & Rose has a great bar with more than 15 screens showing all the great games. Follow them on social media to see the schedule.
Vino Grotta Wine Bar
vinogrotta.com | 19338 Babcock Rd., Ste. 209, San Antonio
Vino Grotta is a hidden gem where the name "grotta" fittingly means “cave.” This enchanting Hill Country-inspired wine cave offers a cozy atmosphere perfect for bringing the community together. They boast a diverse selection of wines—sample several with a wine flight—as well as beer and non-alcoholic options. The food is not to be missed either, with house-made meatballs from a family recipe and gooey grilled cheese among the favorites. Vino Grotta also features an amazing happy hour, live music, and trivia nights on the weekends, making it a must-visit spot for both locals and visitors alike.
Our Highlight: Although it's a wine bar, the food is truly exceptional. Be sure to save room for the delicious flatbreads, charcuterie boards, and small plates. There’s truly something for everyone!