DMN Blog: A quickie tourist guide to San Antonio

[WoodysGirl]

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It's not difficult for tourists to find things to do in San Antonio other than watch the Cowboys practice.

You stroll the Riverwalk. You tour the Alamo. You take the family to Sea World.

The Riverwalk restaurant I'd most strongly recommend is Boudro's. If there's better guacomole in the world, I've never tasted it. They bring all the ingredients to the table and make it right there, and you can sit outside overlooking the (muddy) water.

La Fogata is a little bit of a drive from the Alamodome and Riverwalk, but it's worth it for the best Mexican food in a town full of good Mexican restaurants. It's so authentic that there's always a mariachi band playing.

Alamo Cafe, known for its tortiallas, gets high praise from my brother who lived in San Antonio for a few years. He's also a big fan of Brindle's Awesome Ice Cream, although I'm not sure about taking dessert advice from a skinny guy.

Bill Miller Bar-B-Q is pretty much guaranteed to be the spot I hit the most. It's solid BBQ, but it gets my business because of location: right across the street from the Alamodome, which is awfully convenient for lunch during two-a-days.

As far as the nightlife goes, you can stumble into plenty of decent bars by strolling the Riverwalk. There's a Coyote Ugly a short walk from there, which seems to appeal to the 24-54 male demographic.

Feel free to add your own recommendations.



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[theogt]

From Blogging the Boys a few weeks ago:

Beyond Cowboys Camp: A San Antonio Tourist's Guide

Tiny by Rafael Vela on Jul 12, 2009 10:00 PM CDT Comment 39 comments

I’m going to get the camp ball rolling by listing some of my favorite places to visit in the downtown San Antonio and in the surrounding areas. Think of this as an open-source tour guide. All additions are welcome.

All attendees of course, will see the Cowboys in the air-conditioned comfort of the Alamodome. It’s a big step down from the naturally air conditioned Pacific breezes at Oxnard, but given that this is San Antonio in late July and early August, it’s just fine.

Star-divide

The Alamodome is located just east of I-37 and across from the former 1968 World’s Fairgrounds. The city has torn down much of what fair buildings remained, but you can still take an elevator ride up the 750 foot tall Tower of the Americas, grab a beer, sit in the rotating lower deck and get a panoramic view of Central Texas.

You can tour the Alamo, at 300 Alamo Plaza and soak up some Texas history.

Continue your historical tour by visiting the Menger Hotel, directly across the street from the Alamo to the mission’s right. Built in 1859, it’s now a historical landmark that has housed several US presidents, from Ulysses S. Grant to Bill Clinton. Babe Ruth, Roy Rogers (who has a suite on the second floor) and many other celebrities have also stayed at the Menger. Have a drink in the historic Menger Bar, where Teddy Roosevelt recruited Roughriders, and see the world in an older time.

If you’re a blues or rock fan, stop by the Hotel Gunther, on 205 East Houston Street and pay your respects to Robert Johnson. For two days in November 1936, Johnson and backer Ernie Oertle rented a suite and recorded much of Johnson’s seminal repertoire. The San Antonio Blues Society holds a “S.A. Sessions Festival” every November in the Gunther to commemorate Johnson. It’s only July, but check out their web site for more timely events.

If you’re looking for food and drink you can find several options on the Riverwalk, though you’re smack dab in touristville.

For something more offbeat, visit Schilo’s Delicatessen. Built in 1917, it has that old timey feel, with the original pressed tin roof hovering over benches. They make their own strudel every day and brew their own root beer daily too. You’ll find honest to goodness deli fare, from corned beef to tongue sandwiches.

For good Mexican Food downtown, visit El Mirador on St. Mary’s Street. They’re known for their weekend brunch. I’ve only visited during lunch and dinner hours but their sopas and migas come highly recommended. Their afternoon fare is the standard Mexican menu, only better.

El Mirador was featured in Esquire magazine about 14 years ago, when they had a renowned chef whose name now escapes me. He put together a wonderful menu built around seafood. I doubt he’s still there, but he did come out to speak to my table back in ‘95 and talked for a long time about Troy Aikman, his love of the Dallas Cowboys and how much he missed attending games. This place has a good Cowboys vibe.

It also has a tiny parking lot. Go early or be prepared to stand a while.

Closer to the Riverwalk is Mi Tierra. Their claim to fame? Great margaritas and they serve 24/7. I’ve had great meals there and mediocre ones. The mediocre one was at 3:00 am, and at that time, be happy there’s food at all.

The County Line serves BBQ in that area, but if you want to sample some transcendent ‘cue, get some friends, get in a car and take a pilgrimage to four BBQ shrines, all within an hour of the Alamodome. Start by taking I-10 east towards Houston for about 55 miles until you reach Luling. In the downtown, just off the railroad tracks, you’ll find City Market. Nothing fancy — just the holy trinity of brisquet, ribs and sausage — but done right. The sausage, which is sold in small links, is some of the best you’ll find anywhere.

Don’t stuff yourself, because fifteen minutes up the road, in Lockhart, are Kreutz’s and Smitty’s. Opinions differ on the two. Kreutz’s gets a mention in PBS BBQ guru Steve Raichlen’s BBQ USA and Texas Monthly named Smitty’s one of the top five BBQ restarants in Texas.

I’m a Smitty’s partisan myself. Wash your hands before you go. Plates are for sissies. You’ll be served in all three on butcher paper and sit on benches. Whichever you choose, you’ll satisfy your carnivore self.

Complete the BBQ tour by heading west to San Marcos. Take highway 142 to 80 and take 80 to San Marcos. (Or, just head north from S.A. on I-35). When you hit I-35 in San Marcos, take it north about eight miles to Kyle. Exit 35 there and head west on highway 150 about 18 miles until you reach the city of Driftwood. There sits The Salt Lick. Another renowned joint (City Market, Kreutz’s and The Salt Lick all get top honors in Raichlen’s BBQ USA) you can stuff yourself with top meats and amazing potato salad. It’s all you can eat, but save some room for the bread pudding or the cobbler, which varies according to season. And it’s good in every season

There’s a lot to see and do when you’re at camp, aside from following the Cowboys.

Hope I didn’t make you hungry.

Okay, that’s my lineup. What are your favorite downtown S.A. hangouts?

 

[Four]

better mexican food can be found in the hole in the wall taqerias

 

[theogt]

better mexican food can be found in the hole in the wall taqerias

That's a two way street. I'm a huge Mexican food fan and you can find good and bad at both nicer restaurants and "hole in the wall" joints.

 

[Hostile]

I loved Boudro's when we went to Dale's wedding 2 years ago. I highly recommend it to anyone going to Camp this year. The guacamole really is the best ever.

Dirty Dick's Last Resort was cool too.

The Riverwalk is awesome. I wonder if the players visit there on off times?

 

[Faerluna]

I was born in San Antonio and used to go back to visit my dad when I was a kid. He grew up there and knew it like the back of his hand, along with the rich history of the city and the missions in the area. It was wonderful, even as a child.

I would love to go back there as an adult and see everything again....especially training camp!

 

[WoodysGirl]

Boudro's the dining choice of Cowboys media
By Tom Orsborn on Jul 28, 09 10:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

There's no shortage of delicious dining choices in San Antonio.

From Tex-Mex to BBQ to traditional Lone Star steakhouses, the Alamo City has it all.

But from what I can tell from the various blogs, the absolute favorite for out-of-town media is Boudro's on the Riverwalk.

Yesterday, DallasCowboys.com Nick Eatman was singing the praises of Boudro's blackened prime rib. Today, it's Tim MacMahon of the Dallas Morning News lauding the guacomole.

Write MacMahon: "If there's better guacomole in the world, I've never tasted it. They bring all the ingredients to the table and make it right there, and you can sit outside overlooking the (muddy) water."

For out of towners visiting camp, I would suggest a trip to El Mirador on South St. Mary's.
And if you like soul food, check out Mr. & Mrs. G's on South WW White Road. It's a favorite of the Express-News sports staff and you might also see a few Cowboys there since San Antonio's Sam Hurd counts it among his favorite dining spots.

 

[theogt]

Looks like Boudro's is a must.

As well as Kruetz's and Smitty's. A weekend of football and food. Love it.

 

[TellerMorrow34]

I was a big fan of the Riverwalk stuff but that's more for the atmosphere and such, more so than really good food. There is some good food down there but nothing great.

 

[WoodysGirl]

Looks like Boudro's is a must.

As well as Kruetz's and Smitty's. A weekend of football and food. Love it.

Hey theogt,

I just posted a new thread about some tips on training camp in the daily zone if you're interested.

http://cowboyszone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=157245

 

[theogt]

Hey theogt,

I just posted a new thread about some tips on training camp in the daily zone if you're interested.

http://cowboyszone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=157245

Sweet, thanks!

 

[kmp77]

Any suggestions where to eat near the alamodome? Me and my parents are looking for a mexican joint...most likey be driving so not on the riverwalk.

 

[CrazyCowboy]

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It's not difficult for tourists to find things to do in San Antonio other than watch the Cowboys practice.

You stroll the Riverwalk. You tour the Alamo. You take the family to Sea World.

The Riverwalk restaurant I'd most strongly recommend is Boudro's. If there's better guacomole in the world, I've never tasted it. They bring all the ingredients to the table and make it right there, and you can sit outside overlooking the (muddy) water.

La Fogata is a little bit of a drive from the Alamodome and Riverwalk, but it's worth it for the best Mexican food in a town full of good Mexican restaurants. It's so authentic that there's always a mariachi band playing.

Alamo Cafe, known for its tortiallas, gets high praise from my brother who lived in San Antonio for a few years. He's also a big fan of Brindle's Awesome Ice Cream, although I'm not sure about taking dessert advice from a skinny guy.

Bill Miller Bar-B-Q is pretty much guaranteed to be the spot I hit the most. It's solid BBQ, but it gets my business because of location: right across the street from the Alamodome, which is awfully convenient for lunch during two-a-days.

As far as the nightlife goes, you can stumble into plenty of decent bars by strolling the Riverwalk. There's a Coyote Ugly a short walk from there, which seems to appeal to the 24-54 male demographic.

Feel free to add your own recommendations.



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La Fogata is a little bit of a drive from the Alamodome and Riverwalk, but it's worth it for the best Mexican food in a town full of good Mexican restaurants. It's so authentic that there's always a mariachi band playing.

 

[Four]

I also think the riverwalk is a cesspool.

It used to be a great place to get shot at too, have they cleaned SA up any? It was awful when I lived around there.

That was 10 years ago though, crap I am old.

 

[theogt]

I also think the riverwalk is a cesspool.

It used to be a great place to get shot at too, have they cleaned SA up any? It was awful when I lived around there.

That was 10 years ago though, crap I am old.

What? Last time I went was probably 10 years ago and it was clean and "touristy" at the time.

 

[Four]

What? Last time I went was probably 10 years ago and it was clean and "touristy" at the time.

I spent the night in a river walk hotel a few times, one time a kid got shot just outside the hotel and every other time I heard gun shots ring out more than I would like.

maybe I was there in a bad time, I left with the impression I never wanted to go back.