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Top picks in San Antonio

Ice cream lunch spots

Made for those who believe a proper lunch should always conclude with a frozen treat.

Based on 776 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill - San Antonio, TX image 1
The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill - San Antonio, TX image 2
The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill - San Antonio, TX image 3
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Small counter-service spot with clean, 50s diner decor and a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere. Outdoor patio offers a comfortable space for meals on nice days. Soft music plays, creating a relaxed vibe that suits dates and casual dining.

Baklava ice cream offers an unbelievable, heavenly flavor that stands out. Ice cream pairs well with baklava and pudding, making the flavors worth the drive.

Offers a healthy and delicious meal option for lunch with items like the Greek wrap and baklava ice cream. Accommodates groups and caters for work lunches with advance notice.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be fresh and flavorful."

"You have to try the baklava ice cream; it's unique and delicious."

"This Lunch Spot's Mediterranean food is delicious and fresh."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is a counter-service place where you order at the counter.

2

Combo prices do not include drink or side.

3

The plates provide enough food for two meals.

02
Ray's Pizzaria image 1
Pizza restaurant

Cozy space with classic golden age music creates a vibe reminiscent of old New York. Huge, delicious pizza slices and made-from-scratch dishes draw a steady lunch crowd. Clean, inviting interior with affordable lunch specials sets it apart from typical pizzerias.

Fresh-made gelato stands out with its handmade quality and daily preparation. Both gelato and ice cream deliver amazing, top notch flavors.

Lunch specials offer great variety and come with options like two slices and a drink for around $10. These specials are affordable and provide a quick, satisfying meal.

People are saying

"I found the pizza here to be huge and delicious."

"The lunch specials here offer great variety and value."

"The gelato here is fresh and handmade in-house."

Good to know

1

Lunch specials include two slices and a drink for around $10.

2

The restaurant maintains a high level of cleanliness throughout.

3

Lock your car doors and avoid leaving valuables in sight after dark.

03
Himalayan Kitchen image 1
Indian restaurant

Family-owned Indian restaurant offers a cozy, inviting atmosphere with comfortable booths and clean, beautiful decor. Jazzy music and TVs showing football games add a relaxed vibe. Staff provide personal, attentive service that enhances the welcoming environment.

Turmeric ice cream stands out with its unique flavor and comes with occasional free sample desserts. The menu also includes unexpected treats not listed officially.

Family owned and operated spot serves excellent lunch with a focus on quality and flavor. Offers a great lunch and dinner experience in a welcoming setting.

People are saying

"The garlic naan is delicious, soft, and pillowy."

"This Lunch Spot's food is fresh, flavorful, and absolutely divine."

"The momos here have excellent chew and tender, flavorful filling."

Good to know

1

Himalayan Kitchen accommodates larger group events with prior notice.

2

All dishes can be made 100% vegan upon request.

3

Prices are reasonable for the quality and service provided.

04
Josephine Street image 1
American restaurant

Historic building with a 500-year-old tree growing through the roof creates a unique setting. Atmosphere blends old school diner vibe with open kitchen and oldies music, offering a cozy and lively experience. Patio seating welcomes dogs and features umbrellas and fans, adding to the casual charm.

Vanilla ice cream pairs with desserts like peach cobbler and Texas sheet cake. Peaches in the cobbler keep a slight crunch, adding texture to the creamy ice cream.

Steak and sides come out cooked perfectly for lunch. Groups playing golf nearby often stop here for a meal.

People are saying

"I found the chicken fried steak to be the best I ever had."

"The chicken fried steak at this Lunch Spot is amazing."

"The onion rings were delicious and a good size."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3-6pm on Tuesdays with $1.00 off specials.

2

During happy hour, appetizers are half price.

3

The Spurs watch parties offer a bus service to and from the games.

05
Alfredo's Gelato Pizza Cannoli & Caffè image 1

Small, cozy pizza joint with limited outdoor seating and an old school vibe. Atmosphere feels welcoming and relaxed, with 80s alternative rock music playing nonstop. Busy spot known for excellent, fluffy pizza slices perfect for a quick bite.

Great ice cream comes at a perfect temperature and reasonable prices. Strawberry cheesecake gelato stands out as a recommended flavor.

Located near many hotels and downtown offices, it offers quick slices of pizza ideal for a fast lunch. The spot suits those needing a simple, easy meal during busy days or tourist activities.

People are saying

"The staff here are awesome and super friendly with the ice cream."

"I thought the pepperoni pizza was exceptional and handmade."

"This lunch spot's pizza is really good and cooked perfectly."

Good to know

1

They sell pizza by the slice and offer a downtown worker discount.

2

The seating is very limited, with only four inside spots available.

3

They do not serve gelato despite the name.

06
El Valle Fruiteria, Restaurant, & Bar image 1

Small Mexican restaurant combines fresh fruit offerings, homemade tortillas, and a candy storefront with live music. Atmosphere shifts from calm indoors to lively outdoors with plenty of seating. Popular for authentic enchiladas and budget-friendly meals, it draws a steady, diverse crowd.

Ice cream sundaes and cookies & cream stand out with rich flavors. Options include chocolate ice cream and refreshing raspas, all consistently delicious.

Lunch here offers a relaxed vibe with options for both lunch and snacks. Arriving early avoids the crowd, making it easy to bring friends for a casual meal.

People are saying

"You have to try their refreshing Mexican fruit cups and agua frescas."

"The food here is delicious, and I loved the fruit."

"I found the ice cream sundae awesome and delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, but expect long lines during peak hours.

2

The kitchen closes early, so check hours before visiting.

3

Menu prices are not displayed, which can make ordering difficult.

07
Golden Chick image 1
Fast food restaurant

Fast food restaurant offers a clean, welcoming atmosphere with attractive interior design and free ice cream for dine-in. The environment feels friendly and well-maintained, creating a pleasant dining experience.

Dine-in customers get a free ice cream cone from a working ice cream machine. The ice cream is complimentary and often described as yummy.

Fast, friendly service makes lunch quick and easy. Food arrives hot and ready to eat, keeping the pace steady during work breaks.

People are saying

"The food here is always hot and fresh."

"The drive-thru service here is always fast and accurate."

"This lunch spot has hot, fresh food and fast, friendly service."

Good to know

1

The restaurant has a perfect health score of 100 and is always very clean.

2

Golden Chick offers free ice cream with your meal.

3

Food is served hot and fresh with no wait time during peak hours.

08
Red Lobster image 1
Seafood restaurant

Seafood restaurant offers a quiet, peaceful atmosphere with soft lighting and nautical-themed décor that creates a cozy, upscale feel. The vibe is relaxed and family-friendly, with occasional live music and special touches like interactive experiences for children. Drinks include well-made margaritas and a variety of beers, complementing a menu known for fresh crab legs and seafood boils.

Celebrations come with custom ice cream desserts like sundaes with handwritten cards and large servings in martini glasses. Staff often bring out ice cream with singing or special presentations to mark occasions.

Lunch offers reasonably priced options with good-sized portions. Service supports a relaxed meal, suitable for a casual treat-yourself occasion.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be amazing."

"The lunch spot staff are so attentive and kind."

"They brought out a huge ice cream sundae for my birthday."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers discounted drinks and appetizers from 4-6pm on weekdays.

2

Lobsterfest features special lobster dishes available for a limited time.

3

Expect a $25 surf and turf special on Wednesday nights.

09
Hanamaru Cafe image 1
Japanese sweets restaurant

Quaint café with an open kitchen and Japanese theme offers a calm, cozy atmosphere without background music. Spacious seating and seasonal decor create a chill vibe suited for dates or small groups. Aromas from fresh sweets fill the air, enhancing the inviting, relaxed energy.

Soft serve pairs well with freshly made egg custard taiyaki and comes in flavors like matcha, vanilla, and ube. The taiyaki ice cream is super fresh and delicious, often served with mochi or matcha powder.

Generous portions make it easy to have leftovers for lunch the next day. The setting suits a nice lunch date with a relaxed vibe.

People are saying

"The Japanese food, especially the taiyaki, is really yummy."

"The ube ice cream in the fish cone is amazing."

"The taiyaki here is crispy outside, soft inside, and comes in yummy flavors."

Good to know

1

The kitchen closes at 5 PM, so plan your visit accordingly.

2

They stop serving food at 7:40 PM, even though the restaurant closes at 10 PM.

3

The cafe offers drinks and snacks after the kitchen closes.

10
King Buffet image 1
Buffet restaurant

Large, spacious buffet with modern lighting and stylish decor creates a clean, peaceful atmosphere. Mongolian grill station offers custom stir-fries made to order, adding interactive dining. Environment feels upscale and well maintained, blending comfort with a touch of elegance.

Soft serve ice cream comes from a machine alongside fresh fruits and a chocolate fountain with goodies to dip in. Desserts combine these elements for a varied sweet treat.

Stir-fry and sushi bar offer great value during lunch. Staff provide exceptional service even in busy times.

People are saying

"The buffet has an amazing variety of food options."

"This lunch spot has a huge selection of delicious food."

"You can get soft serve ice cream from the machine."

Good to know

1

Crab legs are available on weekends at the buffet.

2

King Buffet offers lunch specials during the week.

3

They provide a free buffet for birthdays.

11
Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers image 1

Diner styled with '50s decor offers a lively yet cozy atmosphere with good music and a clean dining area. Burgers feature perfect seasoning and crispy edges, paired with standout items like fried cheese curds and chili cheese fries. The place stays open late and attracts happy, satisfied guests.

Frozen custard stands out with its creamy texture and rich flavor. It offers a tasty alternative to traditional ice cream cones.

Drive thru service offers a quick lunch option. Meals include steakburgers and frozen custard, suitable for a lunch break or casual dining.

People are saying

"These burgers are perfectly seasoned and cooked to perfection."

"I thought the steak burger had a really good tasting piece of meat."

"I found the food at this lunch spot to be delicious and fresh."

Good to know

1

The restaurant closes at 10:00 p.m.

2

They offer free meals for veterans.

3

The dining area is generally clean.

12
Jason's Deli image 1
Restaurant

Restaurant offers a wide salad bar with fresh, varied options and generous sandwiches including authentic New York deli styles. Atmosphere feels comfortable and family friendly with close seating arrangements. Occasional live entertainment adds a lively touch to the dining experience.

Free soft serve ice cream is offered after meals, with the machine working consistently. The ice cream serves as a delicious ending to the dining experience.

Quick service stands out even during busy lunch hours. The all you can eat salad bar offers a healthy and filling option, complemented by attentive staff ensuring a smooth lunch experience.

People are saying

"The salad bar here is awesome with so many fresh choices."

"The staff here are so attentive and friendly during lunch."

"I enjoyed the free ice cream; it was a great way to end my meal."

Good to know

1

The salad bar offers a wide variety of options for healthy eating.

2

Expect longer wait times during peak lunch hours.

3

The restaurant maintains a clean environment with friendly staff.

13
Hemisfair image 1

Park offers breathtaking city views and interactive water features that attract families and couples alike. Green spaces and playgrounds create a lively, comfortable atmosphere where children play and adults relax. Evening brings a romantic vibe with dining options overlooking the skyline.

Unique flavors and a very fresh taste make the ice cream stand out. The shop offers very good quality despite a steep price, and it's easy to grab a scoop after playing or alongside brunch options nearby.

Lunch offers a very good selection with options from both lunch and dinner menus. Several spots serve breakfast and lunch, making it a great lunch spot for varied tastes.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the amazing city view from up high."

"The ice cream here has unique flavors and tastes so fresh."

"The view from this lunch spot is perfect."

Good to know

1

Hemisfair hosts free events throughout the year for all ages.

2

Happy hour at Bar 601 offers stunning views and great deals.

3

Día de Los Muertos celebration features vibrant cultural activities.

14
JPOT image 1
Asian restaurant

Open flame grill and spacious booths create a modern, comfortable setting with Japanese decor. Sauce bar and music curated by management add interactive and lively touches. Atmosphere feels fun and inviting, suitable for various occasions.

A small dessert bar offers a great selection of ice cream. Kids enjoy the ice cream alongside the kids' food and bar options.

Hot pot costs about $28 including tip for lunch. The spot works well for birthday lunches with a relaxed vibe.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be great."

"The servers at this Lunch Spot are so great and always have a smile."

"Nicole, our server, was such a delight."

Good to know

1

Kids under 7 eat for free during certain visits.

2

The restaurant offers a limited-time free kids' meal deal.

3

The 2 for 1 Happy Hour is available at JPOT.

15
Chester's Hamburgers image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Rustic old-style burger joint with classic neon signs and a southern vibe sets a laid-back, friendly atmosphere. Oldies music plays softly alongside sports on TV, creating a lively but easygoing environment. Large, fresh burgers and best onion rings attract crowds, especially after local games.

Shakes come cold and thick, made with real ice cream in chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla. Homemade ice cream and milkshakes with fruit add to the rich flavors. Kids get free ice cream with meals.

Lunch draws a big crowd that fills up quickly, so arriving early helps. Service slows down during rush hours, and beers are not iced during lunch or dinner.

People are saying

"You have to try the onion rings; they're so crispy."

"The ice cream here is made with real ice cream and fruit."

"This Lunch Spot has great, fresh burgers."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait time of 20-30 minutes during peak dinner hours.

2

They only accept cash payments of $20 bills and under.

3

A 25-cent charge applies for each paper bag used for takeout.

16
Golden Corral Buffet & Grill image 1

Buffet restaurant offers a family-friendly atmosphere with a clean, organized dining room that feels busy and lively during peak times. Tables sit close together, creating a cozy but sometimes crowded space. Country music plays softly, adding to the casual vibe.

Dessert options include ice cream with many toppings like hot fudge and caramel, alongside cakes, pies, brownies, fudge, and pudding. The ice cream and slushie machines offer a solid choice for a sweet finish.

Fresh food stays well stocked during the lunch rush with plenty of options ready even at breakfast. Lunch prices stay reasonable while offering tasty dishes like menudo.

People are saying

"The buffet's variety lets you try a little bit of everything."

"This lunch spot has great, fresh food."

"The ice cream here is really good, especially with the brownie."

Good to know

1

The price is $20 per person, excluding drinks.

2

Expect limited food options one hour before closing.

3

Veterans Appreciation Night offers special events for veterans.

17
La Cafe image 1

Cozy cafe with warm modern decor and a quaint book nook invites relaxation. Atmosphere blends elegance and comfort with soft Christmas music and natural light from large windows. Frequented for high-quality pastries and a peaceful vibe, seating includes both indoor lounge and outdoor patio options.

Delicious ice cream pairs well with pastries like chiffon cake and Dubai chocolate croissant. Prices stay great alongside coffee and honey comb latte options.

Offers pre-made items ideal for a quick lunch. Serves a variety of breakfast and lunch options including light meals and desserts.

People are saying

"They even offered me a coffee, which was amazing."

"The food and service at this lunch spot were delicious and attentive."

"The staff serving the ice cream were so sweet and kind."

Good to know

1

The restaurant operates on a takeout-only basis; this should be clearly posted.

2

Expect some menu items to be out of stock, especially during peak hours.

3

Most menu items are priced around $10, which some may find high.

18
Kin's Chinese buffet image 1

Buffet offers a huge selection with fresh seafood and wide sushi variety. Dining area feels quiet and elegant, with warm lighting and a friendly atmosphere. Occasional loud noises from AC contrast with otherwise relaxing environment.

Soft texture and good taste stand out in the ice cream. Flavors include mango, peach, and strawberry coral.

Lunch offers a buffet style with prices around 15 to 20 dollars including tax. Weekend meals tend to be slightly higher, near 18 dollars each.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was great."

"The food at this Lunch Spot is super good and hot."

"The ice cream here is soft and tastes good."

Good to know

1

On Mother's Day, they give a flower and a small teddy bear to all mothers.

2

The holiday price is $18.99 per person on special occasions.

3

Expect to pay around $22 for adults, including a drink.

19
Chopsticks Chinese Buffet image 1
Chinese restaurant

Spacious Chinese buffet with high ceilings and a raised food platform creates an open dining environment. Atmosphere is loud and lively, especially during busy times, with a welcoming family vibe. Features include a dessert and salad bar with self-service ice cream, and seating is comfortable and uncrowded.

Wide variety of ice cream flavors complements a broad dessert selection. Options sit alongside diverse foods like meat, seafood, and salads.

Quick meals come with good food at reasonable prices. Options suit both a fast lunch and a relaxed family dinner.

People are saying

"I found the buffet food to be very good and fresh."

"The Lunch Spot buffet always had fresh food and a wide variety."

"They offered about six flavors of ice cream."

Good to know

1

Dinner costs $16.50 per adult, with drinks priced at $3.50.

2

Children aged 3 years and older pay $6.99 for lunch.

3

Expect a 15-minute wait on Saturday evenings around 5 pm.

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