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hank you for picking up The Paisano presents Dining & Drinking in SA. This is a startup guide to knowing your city put together by The Paisano staff.
Keep this guide handy for whenever you need a break from school and work to take the opportunity to get to know San Antonio. If you have any suggestions for our next installment of this guide, please contact us at paisanoeditor@sbcglobal.net
Where to Eat Americana: Kona Grill, The Lighthouse Café, Orderup, La Tuna, Yardhouse Asian: China Sea Buffet, HuHot Mongolian Grill, Mencius Hunan Gourmet, Mons Thai Bistro, P.F. Chang’s China Bistro, Samurai Sushi, Sushi Zushi, Syn Sushi, Thai Dee, Tong’s Thai, Wasabi Barbecue: Barbeque Station, County Line, Rudy’s Bakeries: Big Apple Bagel’s, Broadway Daily Bread, Einstein Bagel’s Lulu’s Bakery & Cafe, Magnolia Pancake Haus, Panera, Panifico Bake Shop
Burgers: Broadway 5050, Chester’s, Chris Madrid’s, Lucky Burger, Luther’s, MoMak’s, Sam’s Burger Joint, Timbo’s Burritos: Chipotle, Freebirds, Habaneros Coffee: Candlelight Café, It’s a Grind, La Taza, Madhatter’s, Olmos Perk, Tazas Coffee Indian: Bombay Hall, India Oven, India Palace, Taste of Malabar, Maharaja Sweets
Mediterranean: Pasha Mediterranean Grill, Sultan’s, Shisha’s, Cool Cafe Sweets: Bubblehead, Cupcake Couture Kate’s Frosting, Paciugo’s Wings: Buffalo Wild Wings, Wing Stop
Italian: Bravo, Dough, Fralo’s Art of Pizza, Goomba’s Pizzeria, Little Italy, Rome’s Pizza
Where to Play Antro Bombay Ranch Bonham Exchange Boston Pub The Cantina The County Line Crabby Jack’s Cross Eyed Seagull Dolce Espana Flying Saucer
Latin: Aldaco’s, Azuca, Betos, Cha Cha’s, Chacho’s, Las Palapas, Rolando’s, Mary Lou’s Café, Mama Margie’s, Mi Tierra, Paloma Blanca, Panchitos’, Pericos, Rosario’s
Fox & Hound Freetail Brewing Co. The Heat Hemingway’s Tavern Highlander Hills & Dales Houlihans Howl at the Moon Industry Irish Pub Kremlin
$ - Less than $10, $$ - Less than $20, $$$ - More than $20
Limelight Pat O’Brien’s Posh Rebar Revolution Room The Saint Scout Bar Silo Elevated Cuisine The Ten Eleven V Bar Vela
The Paisano Editor-in-Chief Mansee Muzumdar Words: Evan Anders, Elizabeth Charles, Robert Calcagno, Vanessa Elizarraras, Jared Kalmus, Stephanie Whitlow, Mark McDonald, Ruben Mercado, Nathaniel Miller, Adam Ngyuen, Noah Ramirez, Luis Rodriguez, Joe Vasquez Photos: Burk Frey, Annalise Perry, Bart Taylor Ads: Oscar Gonzalez, Kevyn Kirven Cover: Anthony Levine Design: Jessica Elizarraras Advisor: Diane Abdo The Paisano is published by the Paisano Educational Trust, a non-profit, tax exempt, educational organization. The Paisano is operated by members of the Student Newspaper Association, a registered student organization. The Paisano is NOT sponsored, financed or endorsed by UTSA. New issues are published every Tuesday during the fall and spring semesters, excluding holidays and exam periods. All revenues are generated through advertising and donations. Advertising inquiries and donations should be directed towards: © The Paisano 14545 Roadrunner Way San Antonio, TX 78249 Phone: (210)690-9301 Fax: (210)690-3423 E-mail: paisanoeditor@sbcglobal.net
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The Lighthouse Cafe
18730 Stone Oak Pkwy , Suite 100 $$ With a variety of food offered, The Lighthouse is a great place to have a casual brunch or a fancy dinner. Although it is a little farther away from campus than you might be use to driving, it is certainly worth it. The food is good and the atmosphere is comfortable. 210.495.5099.
Kona Grill
$$ 15900 La Cantera Pkwy, Suite 7300 Famous for its unique combination of East meeting West, Kona Grill certainly has lots to offer to both Asian and American food lovers. The menu provides choices from sandwiches, noodles, meat specialties, seafood, sushi, pizza and salads. Happy Hours are from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Friday. Customers can order $ 9873 IH-10 W drinks under five dollars including cosmopolitans and sake bombers. The half-priced pizzas and sushi rolls, and scrumptious burgers will be Branded as a pizzeria, taqueria and burgeria all rolled into one, well worth the trip. konagrill.com or 210.877.5355 Orderup is the place to go when you just don’t know what you’re
Orderup
La Tuna
100 Probandt St. $ Voted Best of the City in 2007 by San Antonio Magazine, La Tuna sits behind the Blue Star Art Complex and is a hot spot for cool indie kids in search of beer and food. Choose from their Loaded Fries or the La Tuna Trio or their Portobello Sandwich with diced nopales on the side. Don’t worry about your bottlecaps, toss them on the floor to join their other fallen comrades in creating La Tuna’s paved outdoor section. latunagrill. com or 210.212.5727
Yard House
$$$ 15900 La Cantera Pkwy Offering a wide variety of entrees, this trendy new spot is likely to become a favorite to the San Antonio area. Menu choices include Spicy Buffalo Wings, Coconut Shrimp, Chicken Tortilla Soup, BBQ Chicken Salad, Pepper-Jack Grilled Burger, Zesty Jambalaya, Fish and Chips and the Grilled Rib Eye. Yardhouse also claims to have the world’s largest selection of draft beers. Other drinks provided are martinis, champagne, wine and margaritas. yardhouse.com or 210.691.0033
asian China Sea Buffet
$ 9919 Colonial Sq. It’s everybody’s favorite. A good ol’ Chinese buffet. When you’re really hungry and feel like you could eat forever, come here and revel in the insane amount of food offered for your liking. Have as many plates as you want of Chinese dishes and finish your meal with some ice cream. Just make sure to allot time for a nap, because you’ll need it after this food. 210-696-8787
in the mood for. Build your own pizza, taco or burger from their extensive list of add-ons including green olives, grilled pineapple, avocado and chorizo. The chill atmosphere is perfect for a laid back lunch. orderup-sa.com or 210.877.0007
HuHot
12710 IH 10 W., Suite 100
$$
Forget slaving over your stove for your favorite Mongolian creation. Pick your favorite raw meats, seafood, vegetables, spices and sauces and somebody will make it for you. It’s like cooking without actually cooking! Prices are fair, especially if you consider that you can have as many bowls as your heart desires. huhot.com or 210.641.1288
Mencius Hunan Gourmet
7959 Fredericksburg Rd. $ Feeling the pinch of the recession? Stop by Mencius for a filling lunch under $10 complete with iced tea, fried or white rice, an egg roll or wontons and heaping portions. Pick from 32 different entrees all under $8. Don’t worry if you can’t make the extended lunch special hours, there’s always the Early Bird Specials between 3-6 p.m. menciussanantonio.com or 210.615.1288
Mons Thai Bistro & Sushi
4901 Broadway $$$ If you’re looking for an elegant Thai restaurant, stop by Mons Thai Bistro and Sushi for lunch or dinner. Mons has a wide selection of Thai, Chinese and Japanese appetizers, soups, salads and entrees. Try the Penang Curry for a savory blend of spices, chicken and red and green bell pepper that will likely make your nose run. monsthai.com or 210.822.3253
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P.F. Chang’s China Bistro
$$ 15900 La Cantera Pkwy Bldg. #1, Suite 1100 Start off with the platters which range from Chang’s Chicken lettuce Wraps to Crab Wontons. For soup lovers, classics such as Hot and Sour soup and Egg Drop soup are also offered. Some favorites are the Kung Pao Chicken, Mongolian Beef, Sweet and Sour Pork, Shrimp with Lobster Sauce and the Coconut Curry Vegetables. For those on a lower budget, the lunch specials serve many of the main course items with rice and a cup of soup for under $10. Another great feature of this restaurant would be the pleasing selection of full-leaf hot teas such as the Organic Green, Dragon Eye and the Citrus Spice. pfchangs.com or 210.507.6500
Samurai Sushi 2320 Babcock Rd.
$$
Need to satisfy a craving for sushi without dropping a fortune? Head to Samurai Sushi for a lunch where specials are under $15. Pick from five bento box lunches, four sushi combos or Udon and Soba specials. Bringing your friends? Share a lunch boat for $32.95 with a variation of sushi. mysamuraisushi.com or 210.692.7555
Syn Sushi
$$ 11703 Huebner Rd. With roll names like Guilty Pleasure, Hell Yeah and Sex Red Devil, your experience at Syn Sushi is bound to be good. Check out their creative dishes while enjoying a glass of wine. synsushi.com or 210.561.0495
Thai Dee 5307 Blanco Rd.
$$
Located next to a convenience store, this quaint restaurant offers more than its appearance suggests. The inside is very cozy and the wood paneling on the walls and ceiling gives the restaurant a foreign and authentic feel. Be adventurous in your menu selection: try the Thai ice tea, and remember they specialize in vegetarian cuisine, so try the tofu! 210.342.3622
Tong’s Thai 1146 Austin Hwy.
$$
Whether you’ve been eating Thai food your entire life or trying it for the first time, Tongs Thai has a menu that will keep you happy. From curry dishes to pad Thai, the food is all authentic and tasty. Bubble Tea is also available. tongsthai.com or 210.829.7345
Wasabi 9921 IH-10 W.
$$
Try Wasabi’s Spider Roll, if you can unhinge your jaw. Loaded with deepfried soft shell crab, cream cheese, avocado, smelt roe, cucumber and drizzled with a sweet ginger sauce, the Spider is just one of the few concoctions that will leave your belly full without emptying your pocket. Sit at the cozy tables or watch as the chef’s prepare your roll. wasabisa. com or 210.877.2300
Barbecue Sushi Zushi 9867 W. IH-10
The County Line $$
From the traditional California rolls to a My Spurs roll (or My Mavericks roll for all you Dallas fans!), Sushi Zushi offers a variety of sushi to suit everybody’s tastes. They also have chicken and noodle dishes if you can’t take the idea of stomaching raw fish. And if you feel like staying in, but feel trendy, they do take-out and delivery too. What more could you ask for? sushizushi.com or 210.691.3332
$$ 10101 W. I-10 Fill up on The Rib King’s signature pork, while staying entertained. The County Line’s entertainment package consists of Open “mic” night Tuesdays, Texas Music Series Wednesdays and Throw Down Thursdays. The Texas Music Series is the largest event at County line where Texas country stars perform a free concert on the patio stage. For specials and concert info visit countyline.com or 210.641.1998
Barbeque Station
$ 1610 N.E. Loop 410 Built in an old Exxon gas station, the walls are stained with smoky goodness. Offering BBQ essentials like brisket, pulled pork, turkey, smoked sausage and award-winning ribs, this restaurant is a cozy, laid-back joint that harkens back to the classic hole-in-the-wall pitstops your grandfather told you about. Stop by for their $5.19 Wallet Watcher Specials, which includes one meat entree, side of beans, additional side and a drink. barbecuestation.com or 210.824.9191
Rudy’s
10623 Westover Hills
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$$
Some say Rudy’s has the best brisket in Texas. Test it for yourself, but make sure to leave room for the turkey, sausage, chicken, chopped beef, corn, beans, coleslaw, potato salad…well, you get the point. rudys.com or 210.520.5552
Breakfast and more Big Apple Bagels 8434 Fredericksburg Rd.
Panera Bread
$$ 999 E. Basse Rd.
$$
These are serious bagels for serious bagel lovers. Pick from your favorite cream cheese schmear, bagel and make it a meal. Choose your favorite muffin in mini or jumbo, pick up a cup of java or a Freshen Smoothie, and head to work. babcorp.com or 210.614.3095
Panera Bread serves much more than fresh, delicious breads. They also make hot breakfasts, sandwiches, soups and salads for anyone wanting a flavorful meal at a low price. panerabread.com or 210.822.7000
Broadway Daily Bread
Want seconds?
5011 De Zavala Rd.
$
Broadway Daily Bread is a great find with tons of sweets and mouthwatering sandwiches. Baked goods are made daily from scratch and use only the best ingredients. If the delectable aroma of the bakery doesn’t bring you back for more, the food definitely will. 210.697.0020
Einstein Bros. Bagels
12730 IH-10 W. $ If you’re jonesing for a toasty bagel and schmear, stop by the newly opened Einstein Bros. Bagels. Choose from over 15 types of bagels and nine schmears for a quick breakfast. Try a breakfast or signature sandwich, wrap or an open-face deli melt if you need a fast meal. einsteinbros. com or 210.699.7400
Magnolia Pancake Haus 606 Embassy Oak, Suite 100
$$
Don’t forget that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. If you’re craving fluffy pancakes, crispy waffles and friendly service, MPH is your best bet. Make sure to get there early, the wait can be as long as 45 minutes, but the Jambalaya Omelet smothered in mild Creole sauce and stuffed with chicken and jambalaya, will be worth your wait. magnoliapancakehaus.com or 210.496.0828
Make reservations 210.690.9301
The Paisano
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Lulu’s Bakery & Cafe
918 N. Main Ave. $$ Lulu’s Bakery was featured on the Travel Channel’s “Man vs. Food” for their 3.5 pound cinnamon rolls. Find out if you can take on the gargantuan pastry or share it with friends if you want to keep your figure. If you’re not into sweets, stick around for the diner-style breakfast or try the Chicken Fried Steak. 210.222.9422
burgers
Luther’s Cafe 1425 N. Main Ave
Broadway 50/50
5050 Broadway $$$ Fan of Quentin Tarantino? Check out Broadway 5050, where Tarantino filmed the first scene of the now-classic “Reservoir Dogs.” Even if you’re not a movie buff, stop by the Alamo Heights establishment for their giant burgers, cocktails and live music. broadway5050.com or 210.826.0069
Chris Madrid’s 1900 Blanco Rd.
Lucky Burger
This classic burger joint has evolved into a nighttime staple (it stays open until 3 a.m. throughout the week) in the North Central area. Come by Friday nights for karaoke and stay around for their famous burgers and macaroni bowls, as well as their drink varieties such as the customizable mojitos and the frozen Jack ‘n’ Coke. lutherscafe.com or 210.223.7727
Momak’s
$$ 13838 Jones Maltsberger Rd.
Be prepared to wait if you head to this S.A. staple on a weekend. Try everyone’s favorite, the Cheddar Cheesy burger, piled high with cheddar cheese. Feeling brave? Order the Frisbee-sized Macho portions. chrismadrids.com or 210.735.3552
Chester’s Burger Co.
$$$
Located next to McAllister Park, MoMak’s was rated the # 1 Kid-Friendly Restaurant by the San Antonio Express-News. They offer a variety of burgers from the simple cheeseburger to the spicy Tres Caliente burger. They are also known for their backyard playground for the kids and an outside deck for any occasion. momaks.com or 210.481.3600
$ 2114 N.W. Military This classic burger joint has the traditional offerings and more. It’s been around for 6 1/2 years and has a cozy feel inside. Kid-friendly, it has a game room and a jukebox. Outside seating is available. Kids eat free on Tuesdays with an adult entree purchase. 210.341.8866
$ Voted some of the best in San Antonio, Chester’s boasts a impressive standard of burgers with all of the fixings and an extensive import and domestic beer selection. If you want a great burger, a great beer and an atmosphere to boot, Chesters is your place. 210.699.1222 9980 I-10 W.
$$$
Sam’s Burger Joint
$$$
330 E Grayson St. Music and burgers make a good combination at Sam’s. Go for the buttery Sam’s-branded buns with delicious extra toppings and stay for a show. Sam’s features musicians from across Texas and the U.S. in a smoke-free environment. samsburgerjoint.com or 210.223.2830
burritos
Timbo’s
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1639 Broadway $$$ Located behind Sam’s Burger Joint, Timbo’s can easily be missed, but it’s definitely worth searching for. Try the bacon cheeseburger that’s chock-abock full of crispy bacon and American cheese with your choice of tots or fries. If you’re not into red meat, try the Uncle Al chicken fried chicken sandwich. timbosburgers.com or 210.223.1028
Chipotle
11745 IH-10 W., Suite 401 $ Looking for something that’s not infused with weird chemicals that have 18-syllable names? Give Chipotle a shot: the chicken and pork served are completely organic, as is 60 percent of the beef. All dairy products come from cows that do not receive growth hormones. Choose from burritos, burrito bowls, tacos and quesadillas (made on request but not on the menu). chipotle.com or 210.699.4392
Habanero’s
$ 17711 I-10 W. Like burritos the size of your face? Go to Habaneros. Located near the UTSA Main Campus, this restaurant boasts a lot of flavor in a little building. Don’t forget to check out their Web site for tons of salsa recipes. habanerosgrill.com or 210.699.4681
Freebirds
$ 11224 Huebner Rd. The burrito is a commodity in San Antonio, but Freebirds has soared ahead of the pack. With tiered pricing and a plethora of options in which to bask, wrap and stuff your burrito, consumer choice is the king at Freebirds. While you can order online and through fax, nothing tops watching your meal come to life right before your eyes with the help of Freebirds’ burrito artists. Make a sculpture out of the tin foil your burrito comes wrapped in and adorn the restaurant with your masterpiece. freebirds.com or 210.877.9606
coffee It’s A Grind 11255 Huebner Rd.
Tired of Starbucks? It’s a Grind has pretty much everything you could want from a coffee shop. With a menu that features hot and cold beverages, as well as muffins and cheesecakes, there is sure to be something to keep you happy while studying or chatting with friends. itsagrind.com or 210.561.5551
$
La Taza
15060 San Pedro Ave.
$$$
This neighborhood coffee shop offers a selection of lattes, smoothies and pastries. If you’re looking for a place to study or hang out, La Taza is ideal. It’s open areas, comfortable couches and work tables are used by various clubs in San Antonio for meetings and events. lataza.biz or 210.494.8292
Olmos Perk Coffee Bar
$ 5223 McCullough Ave. Olmos Perk serves a variety of both hot and cold drinks, with a selection of muffins, bagels, cookies and rolls. They offer patrons free Wi-Fi, and a quiet and pleasant atmosphere to study or just enjoy great coffee and good customer service. olmosperk.com or 210.858.2956
Taza’s Coffee
$$$ 3126 Pat Booker Rd. Tazas Coffee has a comfortable, relaxing setting and free WiFi. It is the perfect place for either a cup of coffee and lunch with some friends, or a place to study. They offer an assortment of sandwiches, and soup and salad with a list of hot and cold drinks. tazascoffee.com or 210.658.2927
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Just 5 minutes North of Downtown. Enjoy romantic two-level dining, a beautiful courtyard and live music in this restored historic building in the heart of Monte Vista. The Capparelli Family has been serving San Antonio families authentic 3rd generation recipes since 1963, including homemade breads, sauces and award winning pizza. Serving pizza, pasta, seafood, veal, chicken, calamari, homemade soups, salads, fine wines, cappuccino and delicious desserts. Available for private parties & catering. Open 7 days a week. 210.735.5757
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Candlelight 3011 N. St. Mary’s
$
Just down the street from the White Rabbit and Limelight is a distinctly classy winebar and cafe. Candlelight offers a wide selection of vintage wines and gourmet coffee to please everyone from the poorest college student to the most discriminating connoisseur. They also offer a fine selection of soups, fruit and cheese appetizers, and pastas. Come for the wine, stay for the cheese. candlelightsa.com or 210.738.0099
indian
Maharaja Sweets
Bombay Hall
8783 Wurzbach Rd. $$ Fairly new to San Antonio, Bombay Hall offers a variety of traditional Indian dishes. Choose from their different breads, chicken or vegetable dishes and experience a flavor that can only come from India. Make sure to try their specialty Tandoori (clay oven) dishes to really experience true traditional Indian fare. And if you want a taste of everything, go for their buffets. bombayhall.com or 210.691.5900
India Oven
1031 Patricia $$$ India Oven is about 13-years-old, and is decorated with Indian art and has an exotic atmosphere. It has the feel of a formal restaurant, but at an affordable price. The lunch buffet is terrific, because the quality and variety of foods offered is so high. Take an afternoon to explore the many flavors of India. Ask about their dinner specials. 210.366.1030.
India Palace 8474 Fredericksburg Rd.
$$$
A little taste of India in San Antonio. Go for the lunch or dinner buffets so you can try a little bit of everything, especially if you haven’t tried Indian food before. The dishes are authentic and tasty. indiapalacesa.com or 210.692.5262
$$ 5718 Evers Rd. Despite the name, Maharaja Sweets offers more than just dessert. Check out their traditional Indian dishes, including vegetarian and non-vegetarian platters. And if you’re sweet tooth does start acting up, try the galub jamun, a kind of Indian “donut hole” dipped in warm syrup or kheer, a rice pudding cooked in sweetened, creamy milk and nuts served cold. maharajasweets.com or 210.495.5099.
Taste of Malabar 5999 De Zavala Rd.
$$$
Taste of Malabar brings the flavorsome food of India here to San Antonio. With vegetarian, rice, chicken and beef dishes, there is something for everyone. The friendly service and delicious Indian cuisine at affordable prices make this restaurant a must try. tasteofmalabar.com or 210.561.4409
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Bravo Cucina Italiana
$$$ 15900 La Cantera Pkwy The restaurant offers many popular appetizers such as the Crispy Mozzarella Ravioli. Salad lovers will be delighted at the choices of delicious salads including the Caesar Classico or the Grilled Chicken Chopped salad. Some of the most beloved entrees are the Mama Lasagna Belognese dressed in creamy alfredo sauce or the decadent Lobster and Shrimp Ravioli. The lunch specials also offer a variety of choices ranging from Margherita pizzas to Pesto Tortelloni. Desserts include the Affogato di Gelatto, a champagne flute of vanilla gelatos, and the coffee liqueurflavored Tiramisu. bravoitalian.com or 210.877.9300
Capparelli’s
$$ 2524 N. Main Ave. Capparelli’s On Main, located in the historic Monte Vista area, is the perfect place for a quiet dinner in a classical Italian setting. Capparelli’s prides itself on offering traditional Italian dishes based on recipes that have been in the family for generations. Try the lasagna, Grandma Capparelli’s specialty, or the linguine grilled chicken primavera. Traditional favorites include fettuccine alfredo, meatballs in a boat and eggplant parmigiana. The private upstairs party area is perfect for graduation celebrations or a special occasion. 210.735.5757
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Paciugo’s
15900 La Cantera Pkwy, Suite 25140 Pacuigo Gelato offers more than 32 flavors of rich, all natural, Italian ice cream–no artificial flavoring, no artificial preservatives. Every batch is freshly handmade each morning, the authentic Italian way. The gelatos have 70 percent less fat than traditional ice cream and feature dairy/fat free sorbets. Simply delizioso! Feeling thirsty? Order a frappe or frizzante. Coffee lovers–Pacuigo has a special blend just for you. If you can’t decide between coffee or gelato, why choose? Indulge in an affagoto, a gelato drowning in espresso. But sweets and treats aren’t the only things you’ll find at Pacuigo. Pacuigo is recreating an Italian tradition right here in Texas. They offer all UTSA students a 20 percent discount, and cater all events. So think of Paciugo for your next function, fraternity or sorority party! 210.558.7545 $
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Dough Pizzeria Napoletana
$$ Take a trip to Italy without leaving town. This beautiful new restaurant incorporates Mediterranean decor and ambiance, creatiang a cozy atmosphere that lets you leave the world behind. Sit inside or outside on the patio, and enjoy a glass of wine as you listen to live music. Try Valentino’s award winning calamari and then treat yourself to chicken marsala. Whatever you order, you will not be disappointed. $$$ Party room available. valentinosdiolmos.com or 210.832.0600
$$$ 6989 Blanco Rd. A serious name for some serious pizza. Phone take-out orders and delivery aren’t available yet, but these pies are worth picking up. Try the Fontina pizza made with creamy Fontina cheese, oak-roasted mushrooms, caramelized onions and Parmigiano Reggiano. If you can’t go to Italy, bring Italy to you. doughpizzeria.com or 210.979.6363
Fralo’s
23651 IH-10 W. If you’re looking for a nice outdoor lunch, Fralo’s is a hop-skip away from the Main Campus. Fralo’s has a variety of meat, vegetable and cheese toppings to choose from, but if you’re not sure what you’re in the mood for, try the 16” sampler. Sweet tooth? Order a Cappuccino Mousse Pie! fralos.com or 210.698.6616
Goomba’s Pizzeria 7214 Blanco Rd.
Valentino’s 4331 Mccullough Ave.
latin Beto’s
$ 8142 Broadway Looking for some good Latin cuisine, well then Beto’s is the place to go. Go in on Tuesdays for their special of two grilled fished tacos topped with cilantro cole slaw and poblano sauce, a salad and a soft drink for only $5. Try the “Empanadas famosas” filled with either chicken, beef and red chili, calabacita con puerco, spinach, potato and cheese, chicken mole, or bean and cheese. If you have a sweet tooth try one of their dessert empanadas the guava and cream cheese is especially good. betosinfo.com or 210.930.9393
$
Fresh food made to order and an inviting, cozy atmosphere make Goomba’s Pizzeria a nice place to enjoy a meal. With their lunch specials under $6 and featuring their huge slices of pizza, be prepared to stand in line to place your order. Check their Web site for coupons! goombaspizza. com or 210.348.9090
Little Italy
824 Afterglow St. $$ A high-class Italian restaurant that is easy on the wallet; but the main star of the restaurant is its pizza. Thin and crispy and featuring an assortment of toppings, the restaurant intentionally entices you to try their pizza by offering you a free sample of their cheese pizza before your meal. 210.349.2060
Rome’s
$ 5999 De Zavala Rd. If you want award winning-pizza make sure to check this place out. Their daily specials attract a large lunch crowd and their standard beer and wine selection make for a good after-work drink. They offer traditional Italian food, including pastas, stromboli, calzones, manicotti and delicious appetizers such as cheesy garlic bread and Italian chicken wings. Take a break and go to Romes. You won’t be disappointed. romespizza.com or 210.691.2070
Perico’s 10820 Bandera Rd.
$$ As if good, authentic Mexican food and delicious drinks weren’t enough, Pericos hosts live music and Karaoke nights throughout the week. Located off Bandera Rd, this restraunt is normally packed on the weekends, but the wait is definitely worth it. pericosgrill.com or 210.684.5376
Cha-Cha’s 2026 Babcock Rd.
$
Enjoy old and modern Mexican traditions with their menu of nachos, gorditas, enchiladas and other favorites. Not far from the main campus, Cha-Cha’s is a great if you love Mexican flavors but want to try something new. 210.615.7000
Chacho’s
$ 7870 Callaghan Rd. Like greasy, cheesy nachos? If so, head to Chachos. Open 24 hours, this joint is perfect for when a craving strikes. Also make sure to try their margaritas and frozen Jack&Coke. And if that craving happens to come when you’re in your pajamas, just zoom through the drive-thru to get your fix. chachos.com or 210.366.2023
Las Palapas
$ 1615 N. FM 1604 With its authentic, fresh Mexican cuisine, its no wonder the locally owned chain has grown so much in recent years. Some of the house specialties are Pork Chops Ranchero, the Monterrey Special (two Chicken or beef enchiladas with salsa ranchera, Jack cheese, sour cream) and a Puffy Tacos plate. las-palapas.net or 210.495.0757
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Paloma Blanca
$$ 5800 Broadway Upscale Mexican dining doesn’t get any better than this. Paloma Blanca offers the basics with a twist like the Enchiladas ’09 or the Enchiladas Divorciadas, two chicken enchiladas topped separated by a heap of rice and covered in Salsa Verde and Salsa Ranchera. Be careful, Paloma Blanca can get a little pricy so watch out with the ‘09 Margaritas and ‘09 Mojitos. palomablanca.net or 210.822.6151
Rolando’s Super Taco
919 W. Hilderbrand Ave. $ Appropriately named Super Taco, Rolando’s provides delicious home-style Mexican cooking. Made with a flour tortilla the size of your head and filled with deliciuos ingredients such as bean, rice, carne asada and chicken you’ll walk out of there a satisfied customer. So, next time you’re in class and your stomach starts growling head over to Rolando’s. 210.732.6713
Rosario’s
$$
910 S. Alamo St.
Nestled into the beautiful Southtown neighborhood, Rosarios is a perfect spot for a semi-formal dinner at an extremely reasonable price. Featuring a menu of tex-mex delicatessens and gorgeous views of downtown San Antonio, Rosarios makes for a great spot to dine on a date- and on a budget. The restaurant also offers a full bar, specializing in margaritas. rosariossa.com or 210.223.1806
mediterranean
Cool Cafe 12651 Vance Jackson
$$
Popular for their sweet and savory crepes, Cool Café has a menu full of good food. And when you’re done eating, head outside to smoke a little hookah. Close to campus, it’s good spot for a quick study break. coolcafesa. com or 210.877.5001
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5500 Babcock Rd. $ You could probably spend half a day here with all the hookah, delicious food and various drinks they serve. Sit either inside or outside and enjoy time with your friends while watching the game or listening to music. shishacafesa.com or 210.694.4800
Sweets Bubblehead
Hookah Cafe
$ 2250 Thousand Oaks Dr. A hookah cafe that is a hot-spot for frequent-goers or for people that are trying it for the first time. This cafe features dozens of flavors that can lead to combinations that are entirely up to you. The food is commendable too, ranging from falafels to shish-ka-bobs and even American staples like chicken tenders. 210.499.4144
Papoulli’s
$$ 11224 Huebner Rd. If you’ve never had greek food (or even if you have) check out Papoulis for their authentic contemporary and traditional dishes. From gyros to platters and salads to desserts, this little resturaunt offers a variety of choices. Sit either inside or outside and enjoy your food while drinking a Greek or domestic beer or wine. papoulis.com or 210.641.1313
Petra Cafe
$ 7959 Fredericksburg Rd., Suite 215 Petra Café is a locally owned coffee and hookah establishment. With coffee prices all under $4 and a variety of hookah flavors ranging from Double Apple to Strawberry Peach, this location is a must for college students looking to enjoy the company of friends or just too get some quiet studying done. The location is also convenient for UTSA students, with a short drive from Main Campus. Petra also has salads, Gyros, sandwiches, and also appetizers hummus and falafel. 210.614.0700
Sultan’s
$ 5625 Babcock Rd. Although it looks tiny from the road, Sultans has enough room for anybody who loves a good hookah from time to time. With tons of flavors to choose from and indoor and outdoor seating, it’s a good place to get away from school once in a while. And if flavored tobacco makes you hungry, they have a full menu of Middle Eastern food. 210.641.5544
1035 S. Presa $ Have the best of both worlds at Bubblehead where you can enjoy a variety of hot teas, iced green and black teas, smoothies and specialty bubble teas. Try the Avocado Smoothie or the Albert Bubblehead Booster energy drink smoothie. Add your favorite sinkers (tapioca or glass pearls, basil seeds or vanilla ice cream) to your drink. bubbleheadtea.com or 210.224.0559
Brindle’s
$ 11255 Huebner Rd. Everybody needs a little ice cream. Brindle’s is the place to get it. With flavors you don’t see everyday, like Aztec (a cinnamon and chocolate mix) or tiramisu, it’s a nice break from regular ol’ vanilla. They also serve gelato and hot and cold drinks. 210.641.5222
Cupcake Couture
$ 11851 Bandera Rd., Suite 122 Designer cupcakes are more readily available than you may think. Cupcake Couture Bakery & Boutique has more than 12 cupcakes varieties at any given point. Choose from Cheesecake, White Chocolate Raspberry or S’more, or their seasonal flavors including Pumpkin Pie, Orange Marmalade or Apple Spice. cupcakecouturesa.com or 210.695.5115
Kate’s Frosting
$ 2518 N. Main Ave. Specialty cupcakes, such as Tres Leches and Boston Cream Pie, vary by day—check the Web site to see what is served when. Lunch/dinner specials start from about 3:30 p.m. and include a sandwich or salad, chips, a drink and a cupcake. katesfrosting.net or 210.248.9809
Nieves
$ 4310 Blanco Rd. Nieves’ shaved ice that comes in flavors like mango, melon, watermelon, pineapple and strawberry, is great in the summer when the temperature is getting into the 90s. Try their fruit cups that are always made with the freshest and sweetests fruits. 210.735.9884
Paciugo’s
$ 15900 La Cantera Pkwy, Suite 25140 Paciugo’s is a truly unique gelato shop that customizes to your liking. After taste-tasting some samples, you’re able to mix and match gelato however you please. Made fresh every morning, Paciugo’s gelato is healthy and a sweet snack for anytime. paciugo.com or 210.558.7545
eat Buffalo Wild Wings wings Wing Stop
5222 De Zavala Rd. $ There is more than one wing place in town. These wing experts have nine flavors to choose from including Cajun, Hickory Smoked BBQ, Lemon Pepper, Hawaiian, and the face-melting Atomic. Wing Stop is about keeping things simple: no giant screens, no loud music¬–just delicious wings and a chill atmosphere. wingstop.com or 210.697.9464
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$$ 5860 De Zavala Rd. The perfect place to have a beer, watch the game and have a wing eating contest with your friends all in one place. Choose from Mild to Hot, Sweet Barbeque to Asian Zing, or if you’re really daring, go for the Blazin’ and see how long it takes before your eyes start watering. They offer .35 wings on Tuesdays and .50 boneless wings on Thursdays. And if you suddenly decide you don’t care for wings, they offer burgers and salads as well. buffalowildwings.com or 210.694.9464
Nightlife Antro
$ 7959 Fredericksburg Rd. Featuring a huge dance floor, a big bar, good music and a comprehensive light and sound show, it will be impossible to not have a good time. Unless you hate big crowds, because this place is packed on the weekends. Plan on making new friends once you get in. 210.949.5131
Bombay Ranch
$ 8811 Fredericksburg Rd. Well sized bar with a small dance floor. Hip-Hop theme on Sunday nights with a live DJ. Great drink specials every night. bombayranch.com or 210.699.1077
Bonham Exchange
$ 411 Bonham Love to dance? Go to the Bonham. With multiple rooms featuring $ 14541 Roadrunner Way different music styles it will be impossible to keep still while there. Walk into this bar and you’re sure to see someone you know from It can fill up pretty quickly on the weekends, so get there early to class. A perfect place to go to watch the game, have a drink after class, avoid standing in line. Drink specials on Friday and Saturdays. bonplay pool or just hang out with friends, The Cantina’s location is perfect hamexchange.net or 210.271.3811 for UTSA students. The prices are very fair and the new expansion allows for more room. myspace.com/thecantinabar or 210.558.9020 8202 N. Loop 1604 W. $ This bar features Boston-themed decals on walls with comfortable seating. Boston’s is large and can accommodate many people with its $ circular design. Cheap drink specials on Fridays, along with a great crowd. 19141 Stone Oak Pkwy, Suite 206 bostonpubsanantonio.com or 210.558.3110 Beers are always on special at Cross-Eyed, especially on Wednesday’s for $1 Buds night and you can find a $2 dollar drink almost any night of the week. This is a favorite chill spot on any Thursday, Friday and Saturday $$ 16084 San Pedro Ave. night. But be forewarned, while a hot spot for the college scene and up, Crabby Jacks offers the food, beer and entertainment that the average col- there is limited space throughout the two-level bar. 210.545.3440 lege student requires. Crabby Jacks boast a happy hour Monday through Friday 11-7 p.m as well as daily specials seven days a week. Sunday, $$$ 18322 Sonterra Place Tuesday and Thursdays are karaoke nights, Mondays and Wednesdays Dress to electrify at Dolce. With its swank design, sideway entrance and feature Texas Hold ‘Em, and Friday nights are theme night. Food is long bar, Dolce is the place to get down. Bottle service and table reservamoderately priced with numerous selections outside of seafood. Everyday tions are a must when you come here, which can limit the seating. But 9pm -10pm is extreme happy hour where all drinks are discounted 69%; Dolce is one of the most seductive lounges around that will assure firstGuinness on tap for $1.20, now that is living brilliantly. 210.496.3386 class service. 210.798.5680
The Cantina
Boston Pub
Cross-Eyed Seagull
Crabby Jack’s
Dolce
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eat
The Cantina
14541 Roadrunner Way $$$ Literally two minutes away from campus, The Cantina is the perfect spot to grab a drink, play some pool, watch the game and catch up with friends. Upon arriving you are sure to see at least one person you know from a class–it happens to everyone. Whether or not you’re really friends with them, we suggest taking a shot with them anyway! Now with two bars, you can get your drink of choice a little faster before taking it to one of the many tables or the lounge area. If smoking is your thing, feel free to hang out on the patio outside. Their Happy Hour is one of the happiest in town, extending from 4 p.m.-10 p.m., with drink specials and half-priced appetizers. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch a live band, but if not you can spend your money (and time) at their jukebox picking out your favorite songs. . The weekend crowd is huge, especially after 11 p.m., so if you get tired of your normal Friday night hangout, just head over here!
Espana
$ 5638 Hausman Rd., Suite 105 One of the few places in San Antonio to get traditional Spanish food, Espana boasts paella and various tapas dishes. But if it’s just a drink you are looking for, no worries. From beer to wine to sangria, their bar is fully stocked with whatever your drink of choice might be. Monday is Poker Night, Tuesday is Ladies’ Night, Wednesday has Karaoke and Thursday is College Night. Stop by Saturday’s for Flamenco. 210.690.4433
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Fox & Hound
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$$ 12651 Vance Jackson Rd., Suite110 Located off Vance Jackson, this bar is convenient for students. Although it can be a little pricy, it is a good place to go to watch the game, play pool or darts and meet up with people. Make sure to try their kryptonrita. They also offer a full selection of appetizers and pizzas. 210.696.1356
Flying Saucer $$ Choose from hundreds of brews. Give the beer cheese soup ($4.99) a shot! Featured beers only $2.75 a pint on Tuesdays, and brewery nights are every Wednesday: buy the featured draught and keep the glass! Try their massive collection of brews and see if you can be a Beer Knurd, too. Check the Web site for other special nights. 210.0696.5080
11255 Huebner Rd., Suite 212
Freetail Brewing Co.
$$ 4035 N. Loop 1604 W., Suite 105 Located among the quarried cliffs of North San Antonio, Freetails offers, arguably, the best brick-oven pizza and beer in San Antonio. Freetails, unlike other establishments, brew their own beer and bake the pizzas right there in the dining room. For a unique brew and pizza experience every time, visit Freetails Brewing Co. 210.395.4974
Hemingway’s Tavern
$ 893 Wurzbach Rd. Don’t be fooled by their shady exterior, the inside is roomier than one might think. Featuring karaoke nights, it’s a good place to take a big group of friends for a chill night out. 210.877.5410
Highlander Bar & Grill
$ 5566 Fredericksburg Rd. Although it doesn’t look like much from outside, Highlanders is a good example of the “don’t judge a book by its cover” rule. With a huge bar, a karaoke stage, pool table and tons of tables and booths, this bar measures up. 210.340.4577
Hills & Dales Icehouse
$ 5403 White Fawn Dr. The huge variety of brews is rivaled by the wild variation in tenants. From monthly MENSA meetings to bikers, Hills and Dales has it all. Over 50 brews on tap. 210.695.2307
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play The Heat
1500 N. Main Ave. $$ Similar to The Saint (they are owned by the same person after all) The Heat is catered towards the gay community. However, everybody is invited to drink and dance. The club is sectioned off into separate rooms with bars throughout. 210.227.2600
Howl at the Moon
Houlihan’s
$$ 938 N. Loop 1604 W. With Happy Hour specials that go on all day, Houlihan’s is the perfect place to go with friends after class or work. They offer a variety of drinks and food to satisfy your needs. Try the Long Island Iced Teas, or half-off draft beers. Come early, the parking lot fills up fast. But once you’re inside, take in the chill, upscale ambience. 210.651.4744.
$$ 111 West Crockett, Suite 201 Howl at the Moon is an entertaining and exciting bar in downtown San Antonio (right next to the riverwalk) that emphasizes on the musical talent of its piano players. The piano player’s help you become part of the show by playing songs that people want to listen to. Thursday nights are college nights with specials that include free entrance with a college id, $1 Bud Light and $2 Coronas. 210.212.4770
Industry
$ 8021 Pinebrook Dr. The Industry is a good place to dance to a mix of music. Good drink specials and a big dance floor. 210.366.3229
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Advertise with us next time 210.690.9301
The Paisano
Irish Pub
The Saint
$ 1430 N. Main Ave.
9726 Datapoint Dr. More of a traditional bar, the Irish Pub is a great place to meet the guys or girls, play a game of darts or just hang out. Everyday from 2-8 p.m. is Happy Hour, and every day has a new special that covers shots, beers, and liquors. Do be warned that this is a traditional bar, and smoking is still allowed. 210.692.7620
Kremlin
$$$ 212 College St. Kremlin nightclub, where the theme is always “Badass.” This bar promises to give the Vegas experience here in the Alamo city, and it does. Kremlin is all about the velvet rope and bottle service as they are always serving upscale. Will you drop a bill here and there? Most likely. Its dim setting and satin curtains in both its mezzanine and penthouse levels provide that exclusive feel high rollers are looking for. 210.222.1973
Limelight
2718 N. St. Mary’s The Limelight is a music venue and bar. Entertainment includes live $$ musical performances, and DJs. Tues. – Thur. the Limelight offers various DJs. Tuesday nights are called the Velcro Underground, Wednesdays are Shake ‘em Down, and Thursdays are F*** Yeah. Fridays and Saturdays offer live musical performances. Musical guests range from indie rock to hip-hop to electro. Finally, the Limelight is home to ArtSlam, where artists paint with inspiration from the theme of the night and live music and then auction their art. 210.735.7775
Pat O’Brien’s
$$ 121 Alamo Plaza Pat O’Brien’s is an enjoyable bar and restaurant that has live entertainers and brings the diversity of New Orleans to downtown San Antonio. It is known for its special drink “the hurricane” but if you stop by on a Wednesday night be sure to look for their $2 almost anything special. 210.220.1076
Revolution Room
$ 8123 Broadway St. Can’t decide whether you want to drink, dance, play pool or smoke hookah? Then don’t! Just go to Revolution Room and do it all. The dance floor, located on the bottom floor, is big and illuminated with blue strobe lights which just adds to the cool-ness of the entire establishment. If you’re lucky, you can catch a live band playing in their main room upstairs. 210.320.1683
Rebar
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$$ 8134 Broadway St. Rebar is a big enough place where over crowding is not an issue. The bar is split up into two areas which houses two separate bars, and two separate stages. A word of advice: come early. As the night gets older, parking along Broadway becomes scarce, and visitors will have to resort to long walking routes or paying for parking as all the good spots get taken up. 210.320.4091
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Predominatly cartered toward the gay community, The Saint offers a large dance floor and drink specials. 210.483.8989
Scout Bar
$$ 19314 US Hwy 281 N., Suite 110 Who is ready to melt some faces? Scout Bar is, that’s who. This is a multi-venue rock/dance club that has people throwing their hands up seven nights a week. Don’t under estimate Scout Bars’ oomph as they have spotlighted bands such as Candle Box, Cobra Starship, Hoobastank and the Toadies. Oh and Thursday is Big Ass Beer night for $2. 210.494.7700
Silo Elevated Cuisine
$$$ 434 N. 1604 W. Often listed as one of San Antonio’s best dining locations, Silo Elevated Cuisine on 1604 is the newcomer to the Silo family. The original located in Alamo Heights is renowned for their fine-dining atmosphere and the new 1604 location is no different. Positioned on the first floor is the bar where Happy Hour runs daily from 4 p.m.-9 p.m. Smoking is allowed. Menu prices are a tad steep for a college student budget, but consider Silo as an excellent site for an important first date or maybe a celebration dinner. 210.483.8989
The Ten Eleven
$$ 1011 Avenue B Let’s mosh. At the Ten Eleven, if you don’t leave with a busted lip or black eye, then you are not rockin’ hard enough. Any night of the week, grab a $2 beer and jump around with local gut punching bands. 210.320.9080
V Bar
$$$ 150 E. Houston St. V bar is located in the swank Hotel Valencia. This cosmopolitan bar overlooks the Riverwalk for an intimate and elegant setting for the classy and chic. DJs provide a relaxing mood setting the tone for a vibrant evening. 210.227.9700
Vela
$$$ 5800 Broadway, Suite 206 Undo your blazer and get a little intimate at the sexy Vela Wine Bar. Known for its extensive selection of red, white and sparkling wines, Vela will impress your date (male or female). This cozy, chic wine bar offers over 100 wines and champagnes and now a full bar offering beer, espresso and sake. To go along with an eclectic variety of desserts and appetizers, Vela will recommend a wine selection for a dual taste experience. Stop by for Champagne Wednesdays (1/2 price champagne bottles) or Spanish Sundays (homemade Paella and Sangria). 210. 822.7120 or 210. 822.6151
SPECIAL EVENTS
Monday:
$1.75 Bud Light, Miller Lite, Tecate $1.75 Well Drinks $3.00 Kamikaze’s & Washington Apples
Wednesday:
Friday:
Tuesday:
Texas Hold ‘Em starts @ 10 pm $$ prizes
$3.00 Jack Daniel’s $2.00 Miller Lite, Bud Light,Tecate $2.50 Dos XX $2.50 Well Drinks
DJ Catwalk spinnin’ $3.00 Crown Royal $3.00 Y Vodka $2.50 Dos XX $2.00 Bud Light, Miller Lite $2.50 Well drinks
Thursday:
Friday November 16: SOUL GRAMMAR the best in R&B and Hip-Hop Saturday November 28:DJ Catwalk and DMG (drummer Mike Gomez) Friday December 4th: End of School Bash. ALSO: All Roadrunner Men’s Basketball Games Check us out on FB at: The Cantina Bar
Saturday:
“COLLEGE NIGHT” DJ Catwalk Spinnin’ $3.50 Crown Royal $1.50 Bud Light, Miller Lite $3.00 Y Vodka $3.00 Y Vodka $2.50 Dos XX $2.75 Dos XX $2.00 Bud Light & Miller Lite $2.00 Well Drinks
$3.00 Well Drinks
14541 Roadrunner Way, San Antonio, TX 210.558.9020