Places to Eat
This information was prepared by Michelle Cox '07 and Lauren Edlund '07 for the 2006 New Student Orientation, part of Urban Studies' contribution to the campus-wide welcome of the First Year students.
Trinity Favorites:
Main Street Pizza (1906 N Main Ave)
A fabulous Italian food restaurant where the owner knows everyone who comes in and Trinity students have menu items named after them. Order a meal and get a Trini-tea for free!
Panchitos (4118 Mccullough Ave)
One of the many charms of San Antonio is the plethora of great Mexican food places. Panchitos is no exception. Any menu item is a great choice and it is only 3 min. from Trinity.
Mr. Taco (3905 San Pedro Ave)
If you are looking for great Mexican food and an interesting atmosphere at 3 AM then Mr. Taco is for you. Open 24 hours a day, so no late night taco craving will go unsatisfied.
Taco Taco (145 E Hildebrand Ave)
One of the gems of San Antonio, Taco Taco is known for their wonderful breakfast tacos. If you don’t know what these are, this is a perfect place to try your first one. If you are an experienced veteran of breakfast tacos, prepare to have your mind blown by the migas tacos.
Chris Madrid's (1900 Blanco Rd)
Who would not want to experience the wonder that is Chris Madrid’s? This place is a Trinity favorite for a reason – it is a great atmosphere with fabulous food—especially the burgers!
Cheesy Jane's (4200 Broadway St)
This restaurant’s menu is no less enticing than its name. Known for their fabulous cheeseburger, the Cheesy Jane, this small San Antonio place is something you can’t miss. In addition to that, all Trinity Students get a 5% discount!
Jim's Café (351 W Hildebrand Ave)
Jim’s Café is a huge upgrade from IHOP for the same price. You can have any kind of meal (breakfast, lunch, or dinner) at any time of the day. Jim’s is a Trinity and San Antonio favorite for good reasons.
Broadway Fifty-Fifty (5050 Broadway St)
Great atmosphere to grab a great burger and watch the game too. Close to Trinity also!
Joseph’s Storehouse & Bakery (3420 N Saint Mary's St. at Mulberry)
To miss out on Joseph’s would be a crime. Not only do they have the best bakery items in town, you can also order a city renowned meal.
Volare (5054 Broadway St)
Small hole-in-the-wall with great pizza and pasta. Go with some friends for some great pizza and to sit back and enjoy the great view, too.
Healthy Choices:
Twin Sisters Bakery and Café (6322 N New Braunfels Ave, 124 Broadway St)
If you are looking for healthy and unique meal, Twin Sisters is the way to go. From wheat blueberry pancakes to amazing sandwiches everything tastes great. If you have trouble finding vegetarian food, this is the place to go. Run by the aunts of a former Trinity Student, the food is just as good as the people who run it.
Sushi Zushi (I-10 & Wurzbach 9867 W. I-10, 203 S. Saint Mary's, 18720 Stone Oak Parkway at 1604)
A San Antonio favorite with three locations. The menu features everything from the basic California Roll to more exotic rolls for those who want to be adventurous.
W.D. Deli (3123 Broadway St)
Conveniently located close to Trinity, W.D. Deli is the perfect place to meet a friend for lunch. The food is healthy yet tasty, and is perfect for meat eaters and vegetarians alike. Also sports some marvelous desserts.
On the Riverwalk:
Rio Rio (421 East Commerce Street)
Rio Rio’s is unquestionably the best restaurant on the Riverwalk. Giving you the opportunity to eat next to the water as well as serving fantastic Mexican Cuisine at a fair price makes Rio Rio irresistible.
Paseano’s (111 W Crockett St)
A little more pricey that the others, but worth it. This Italian food restaurant is a no brainer when you are looking for a change in cuisine.
Dick’s Last Resort (406 Navarro)
If you are looking for an entertaining meal on the Riverwalk, Dick’s Last Resort is for you. The food is fine but you will find that the waiters make your meal a memorable one.
Other San Antonio Favorites
Magnolia Pancake Haus (13444 West Ave Ste 300)
If you do like pancakes than this place is heaven; if you don’t then by the time you leave you will. Don’t miss the glory that is Magnolia Pancake Haus.
Paloma Blanca (5800 Broadway St.)
Throughout San Antonio you will find a million Mexican food restaurants, but Paloma Blanca is unique. Serving food from a different area of Mexico than most places, there is something on the menu for everyone that provides a new and exciting experience.
Radius Café (106 Auditorium Circle, Suite 105)
A non-profit organization that provides space for other non-profits to run their businesses, the Radius Café also has a fabulous café on the first floor complete with great food, an art gallery featuring local artists, and other fabulous events.
Rosario’s (901 South Alamo St.)
A chic restaurant found on the edge of King William’s Historical District is a great place for a meal any time of the month, but especially the on the first Friday. On this night local artists come out to sponsor the monthly First Friday celebration and Rosario’s has salsa dancing lessons before the festival begins. Don’t miss on of San Antonio’s favorite experiences.
Rudy's Country Store and Barbecue (24152 W. IH 10)
“Horrible Barbecue, the trick is Location, Location, Location!” And that would be true if Rudy’s had horrible food and was not 25 miles outside of San Antonio. However, the drive is always worth it, and many boast that this is the best barbecue in the State of Texas, and definitely the country.
Piatti's (255 East Basse Suite 500)
Tired of barbecue and Mexican food? This quaint Italian restaurant is for you. With reasonable prices and great food, make sure you go.
Liberty Bar (328 East Josephine St.)
Although you may be nervous when you realize that the house the restaurant is located in resembles the Leaning Tower of Pisa, in that it is leaning, don’t fret. The food is great and the atmosphere is fabulous.
Madhatters (320 Beauregard)
In the heart of the King William District, it’s a great place to study or just people watch. The food is great but the real reason to go is for their 50 types of tea!
Demo's Greek (2501 North St. Mary’s St.)
Family owned and family run, this is one of the best places in San Antonio. Not only is the food spectacular and the prices cheap, but every Saturday night there is Greek dancing. This is one experience not to pass up.
Spaghetti Warehouse (1226 East Houston St.)
If you are looking for Americanized Italian food you have found your place. Sometimes you just need a big plate of Spaghetti and Meatballs.
Alamo Café (10060 West I-10, 14250 U.S. Hwy. 281 North)
If you are looking for a casual place to hang out with your friends, this is the place for you. The fabulous painting on the ceiling and walls provides a great atmosphere for relaxation and the food is a fabulous blend of the Mexican and the San Antonio food culture.
Canyon Café (255 East Basse Rd.)
Located in the Alamo Quarry Market, this restaurant is a great place to have a nice dinner at a reasonable price. The Southwestern cuisine is wonderful and there is not a bad choice on the menu.
La Fogata (2427 Vance Jackson Rd)
Whether you dine in or out, enjoy the great atmosphere! It feels like a true Mexican hacienda tucked into the heart of San Antonio. It’s so popular that it’s often the site of banquets and wedding receptions. Try one of their great specialty dishes.
Candlelight Coffee House (3011 N. St. Mary’s)
So close you can walk! It’s San Antonio’s own Central Perk, complete with big comfy couches. A great place to study or relax with friends, or be your Starbucks alternative. Don’t miss out on their great desserts!
Places to Go
Museums:
San Antonio Museum of Art (200 West Jones Ave.)
SAMA is not limited to what you may think a museum of art would typically present, but also offers concerts, poetry readings, dance performances, art workshops and more at the San Antonio Museum of Art to pique your interest. If you are lucky, you might even catch the San Antonio Symphony practices. With a variety of amazing collections and exhibits, your visit will be one to remember. Admission $4 with a student ID, open Sunday 12-6, Tuesday 10-8, Wednesday-Saturday 10-5.
McNay Art Museum (6000 North New Braunfels Ave.)
This museum is located in a Mediterranean mansion with a lovely patio and gardens featuring an impressive collection of post-impressionist paintings in addition to a fabulous sculpture gallery. On a nice day this museum is an amazing place to spend the day. Admission is free. Open Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 10am – 4 pm, Thursday 10am – 9pm, Saturday 10am – 5pm, and Sunday 12 – 5 pm.
Witte Museum (3801 Broadway St.)
As San Antonio’s premier museum the Witte has something for everyone including: an extensive collection, nationally acclaimed traveling exhibits, and beautiful grounds where historic homes and log cabins reside. Admission is $7 except from 3pm – 8pm on Tuesdays when it is free.
Institute of Texan Cultures (801 South Bowie St.)
Not from Texas? Even if you are, come here to learn more about Texan culture (as the name suggests!) Behind museum is the Back 40 living history area, where you can experience how early Texans lived.
Plaza Wax Museum & Ripley’s Believe it or Not (301 Alamo Plaza)
Two amazing attractions in one, how could you possibly pass this up? With a fabulous wax museum that offers a chance to make your own wax hand at the end and a Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! with over 500 exhibits making it one of the biggest in the world this is a must see. Open daily, admissions are $9.95 plus tax.
Cultural:
El Mercado (514 West Commerce St.)
Patterned after an authentic Mexican market, this area contains 32 shops at “El Mercado” as well as 80 specialty shops in Farmers Market Plaza. This area is also alive with mariachi music and Hispanic festivals. Free admission, Open 10am – 8pm in the summer and 10am – 6pm in the winter.
La Villita (418 Villita St.)
A unique area that houses an arts and crafts community with shops, working artists, restaurants and a collection of art objects, artifacts, and symbols rellevant to the history of La Villita and San Antonio. Open Daily 10am – 6pm, free admission.
Riverwalk (Downtown)
If you’ve made it all the way to Trinity and you haven’t been to the Riverwalk yet, it’s about time! Loved by both tourists and locals, it’s a great place to stroll, enjoy the sights, and eat at one of the many restaurants. Sometimes you can get some great finds when street vendors set up along the walkways.
The Alamo(1037 South Alamo St.)
Again…we don’t think we need to explain this one! You’ve probably seen it in the movies; go see the real thing and learn the truths, not the myths, about the famed monument.
Missions
The mission trail is a great place to explore, whether on foot or on bike. We recommend biking the trail, and you can rent bikes at Abel's Bicycle Shop, (210) 533-9927. You’ll receive a map so you can see all of the missions!
King William Historic District
The King William Historic District is a 25-block area near downtown which was created in the late 1800’s. It was originally the most elegant residential area in the city, housing the most prominent German residents. There are walking tours available at the Wulff House at 107 King William Street, which is also the headquarters of the San Antonio Conservation Society. Open Weekdays.
San Antonio Conservation Society (107 King William St.)
If you’re still interested in the King William District, check out the San Antonio Conservation Society. It offers great walking tours in the heart of San Antonio for a low price. See some of San Antonio’s greatest treasures—the historic homes of the King William District. Also offers tours around downtown.
Outdoor:
San Antonio Botanical Garden (555 Funston)
The Botanical Garden is beautiful in full bloom but open year-round, offering a quiet getaway in the city. The Garden also hosts a variety of events, from concerts to a Halloween festival (Bootanical, Oct. 22).
Brackenridge Park & San Antonio Zoo (3903 North St. Mary’s St.)
Neighbors of Trinity, the park and zoo are a great way to spend a quiet, sunny afternoon. Brackenridge Park features fields, pavilions, and many picnic spots.
Japanese Tea Gardens, or “Sunken Gardens” (3853 North St. Mary’s St.)
A beautiful park built on an abandoned quarry. It features natural rock landscaping, lily ponds, and Japanese pagodas. The “Sunken Gardens” refers to the adjacent natural amphitheatre, which hosts concerts and other events.
Old Spanish Trail (3400 Fredericksburg Road)
San Antonio is at the center of the Old Spanish Trail, which spans from St. Augustine, Florida to San Diego, California. At the marker at City Hall, you can visit the zero milestone.
Night Time:
First Friday (downtown)
First Friday is a showcase of local artists and talent that takes place on the Riverwalk on the first Friday of each month. For added flair, go salsa dancing at Rosario’s, a Mexican restaurant prior to the event.
Majestic Theater (208 East Houston St.)
A beautiful theatre, the Majestic is a great place to catch the symphony (Trinity students have traditionally enjoyed free admission to some symphony events, earning it the nickname “sympho-free”), other concerts, and even off-Broadway shows.
Cowboys Dance Hall (3030 NE Loop 410 and I-35)
With an ambiance that makes you think you are in a Western film (including a mechanical bull), Cowboy’s is one of San Antonio’s favorites. You’ll see everyone here two-stepping and there are often Texas country favorites in concert. Wednesday night is college night, so grab your cowboy boots and go!
Floore's Country Store (14492 Old Bandera Rd, Helotes, TX)
A little more Texan than Cowboys Dance Hall—it’s a great place to see up-and-coming country bands and let loose.
Rivercenter Comedy Club (849 East Commerce, Suite 893)
Whether you like stand-up or improve, this is the place for you. Don’t miss the OxyMorons Improv Troupe though—they’re the best!
Mission Drive In (3100 Roosevelt Ave.)
The Mission Drive In is the city’s only operational drive-in theater. Tickets and show times are available at 210-496-2221. It’s located right behind the Missions too—so the view is great!
The Hauntings History of San Antonio Tour (300 Alamo Plaza)
Daily, 8:30 p.m. The tour takes you through San Antonio’s spots located in the heart of downtown. The tour lasts an hour and a half and meets in front of the Defenders Monument at the Alamo. (210-436-5417). Reservations are required and tickets for adults are $10.
Festivals:
Fiesta
10-day, city-wide, fun-filled, multi-cultural, family-oriented celebration. Includes over 100 different events, and it's the biggest party and greatest community benefit in the state of Texas. You can’t miss it! Every April: 2007 dates are 20-29.
Poteet Strawberry Festival
Every April in Poteet, Texas. It’s one of the oldest, most popular events in the state and is recognized as the largest agricultural festival in Texas as well as one of the most exciting, dynamic festivals in the Greater Southwest. The 100 acre site, which is located on Hwy. 16, 20 minutes south of San Antonio. Great food, carnival rides and games, and entertainment—and strawberries, of course! 2007 dates: April 13-15.
Corn Maze & Nightmare on Grayson
Check these out around Halloween. Nightmare on Grayson is just down the street at Grayson and 281—go on a weeknight, because otherwise you could wait up to three hours to get in! The Corn Maze is in Helotes (North West San Antonio) is unlike anything you’ve ever seen!
King William Fair (1032 S. Alamo Street)
Held in late April (the 2007 fair is April 28th from 9:30am-6pm), the $2 admission benefits inner city scholarships, art programs, and renovation of the district. Features live music, great ethnic food, and a variety of rides and games.
Other San Antonio Attractions:
Hemisfair Park/Tower of the Americas (600 Hemisfair Plaza Way)
The second tower in the title “Tower to Tower,” the Tower of the Americas is 750 feet tall and was built by O’Neil Ford, the same architect who designed much of Trinity’s campus including Murchison Tower. Both the tower and park were commissioned for the 1968 world’s fair, and Hemisfair Park includes a local historic park. Strolling through the park is as relaxing as going to the observation deck, 4-D ride, or restaurant.
San Antonio Central Library (600 Soledad St.)
You cannot miss this building painted “enchilada red” and situated downtown. It is open most days 9-5, Sundays 11-5, and you can get one hour free parking in the library’s garage with a validated ticket.
Farmer’s Market (7660 Bandera Rd.)
Website references:
http://www.texancultures.utsa.edu/
http://www.nytimes.com/top/features/travel/destinations/unitedstates/texas/sanantonio/index.html
http://www.saconservation.org/
http://www.texasmonthly.com/ranch/ghostcity/paranormal.php
http://www.strawberryfestival.com/