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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Downtown SA

Cool American food

Made for those who seek out American staples in environments that feel current and intentional.

Based on 616 Opinions
+613
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Updated May 2026
01
The Golden Goose image 1
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Small restaurant with jade green finishes and convex mirrors creates a cozy, low-key atmosphere filled with artwork and Korean posters. Music and puzzles add to the casual, welcoming vibe. Seating includes outdoor options and window views.

Fried chicken stands out as a highlight, praised for its flavor and quality. The menu also features hearty sandwiches like the BLT and Patty melt, both offering generous portions and satisfying taste.

Big convex mirrors and jade green finishes shape a cool, clean vibe. Staff offer friendly recommendations that match the welcoming atmosphere.

People are saying

"The Korean fried chicken here is fantastic and amazing."

"The American food here is phenomenal and incredibly delicious."

"The art and decorations here are really cool."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays with discounted drinks.

2

Brunch is served on Sundays from 10am to 2pm.

3

Parking at the garage on Laredo St. is free for 2 hours with validation.

02
The Rose of San Antonio image 1

Cocktail bar offers live music with a chill atmosphere and ambient lighting. Seating includes couches and comfy chairs alongside high top tables and a well-stocked bar. The vibe is relaxed yet upscale, drawing a crowd that enjoys well-crafted drinks and good tunes.

Adult Grilled Cheese stands out with its rich, satisfying flavor. This dish captures classic American comfort food in a simple, tasty way.

Live music plays almost every weekend, creating a cool vibe and smooth atmosphere. The place feels locally owned and perfect to unwind.

People are saying

"The bar's craft cocktails were excellent and reasonably priced."

"It's a cool place with a smooth vibe and live music."

"This American food, the grilled cheese, is so delicious and stuffed just right."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with budget-friendly drink specials.

2

Live jazz performances occur every Friday and Saturday night starting at 9pm.

3

The bar offers a late-night cocktail experience until 2am on weekends.

03
The Esquire Tavern image 1

Longest wooden bar in Texas stretches over 100 feet, setting a historic and classy tone. Romantic, old-timey atmosphere blends with classic rock music and a lively speakeasy downstairs. Multiple floors offer varied experiences, including an outdoor patio overlooking the river.

Handmade fried apple pie comes with ice cream and fresh ground French press coffee. The menu features brisket fries, a unique shrimp and grits, and a chicken tortilla soup that stands out.

A 100-foot-long wood bar dominates the space, offering a unique spot for cocktails. Downstairs features a speakeasy vibe that adds a lot of character and makes the atmosphere feel really cool.

People are saying

"The food and drinks here are fantastic."

"Daniel's awesome, he really made our experience better."

"The American food here is served with truly outstanding customer service."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-5pm with drink specials available.

2

Lunch food specials and happy hour drink specials are offered Monday through Friday.

3

Food includes $2 deviled eggs during happy hour.

04
Back Unturned Brewing Co. image 1

Retro-style brewery offers a family-friendly vibe with pet-friendly indoor space and ample TVs for games. Atmosphere feels welcoming and lively, blending comfort with craft beer flights and casual fun. Small size enhances a cozy, social environment where kids and dogs fit naturally.

Pizzas stand out with unique toppings like pickles on the cheeseburger pizza and options to swap meats. Wings come in flavors like honey buffalo lemon pepper and buffalo. Kids enjoy the flatbread pizza, nachos, and Texas salad.

Intimate atmosphere creates a relaxed and inviting space. Staff contribute to the cool vibes throughout the brewery.

People are saying

"I loved their exceptional craft beer, especially the Vienna lager."

"They were so accommodating to my kids, even making pink lemonade."

"I loved the American food, especially the pizza and wings."

Good to know

1

Happy hour features $5 appetizers on weekdays from 4-7pm.

2

Trivia night occurs on the second and fourth Mondays of the month at 7pm.

3

Brunch is served on weekends with daily lunch specials available.

05
The Buckhorn Saloon & Museum image 1

Saloon with historic Western decor and extensive taxidermy displays creates a nostalgic, immersive atmosphere. Vintage game room and Texas Rangers memorabilia add unique entertainment and cultural elements. The space feels expansive and lively, blending bar and museum experiences.

Texas Pecan Pie offers a rich, nutty, and sweet finish. The menu features a cheeseburger praised for its flavor, along with pulled pork, chili paired with fresh cornbread, and classic grilled cheese.

Walls covered with taxidermy animals create a unique and cool vibe. The museum and saloon offer an authentic atmosphere that feels connected to American history.

People are saying

"You'll see lots of interesting history and taxidermy animals here."

"It's a cool place with a unique atmosphere and vibe."

"The American Food here feels like stepping back into the wild west."

Good to know

1

Admission includes access to both the taxidermy and Texas Ranger museums.

2

Daily specials are available, offering unique food options.

3

Guided boot scooting events happen in the main ballroom.

06
Mala Fama Bar & Nightclub image 1

Bar with balcony patio overlooking riverwalk offers a cool atmosphere with live DJs upstairs creating great vibes. The space combines air conditioning and awesome decor for a comfortable, trendy spot to enjoy music and drinks.

Fresh and flavorful dishes stand out, especially the Mexican burger and Mexican hot dogs. The Mac and cheese is rich, and the Nachos come with minimal toppings but remain tasty.

Air conditioning and a balcony patio overlooking the river walk create a cool atmosphere. Staff and waitresses add to the laid-back vibe.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here, especially the tacos, is excellent."

"This place is pretty cool, a chill spot to hang out."

"The American Food here is great, and the service is friendly."

Good to know

1

Karaoke nights happen every Thursday starting at 10pm with a two-drink minimum.

2

Taco Tuesday features $2 tacos and drink specials all night.

3

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with discounted drinks.

07
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. image 1
Seafood restaurant

Seafood restaurant with Forrest Gump themed decor and riverwalk views creates a picturesque atmosphere. Indoor and outdoor seating offer a clean, relaxed vibe with moderate noise and positive energy. Occasional character appearances and a souvenir shop add to the experience.

Seafood dishes like shrimp mac and cheese and peel and eat shrimp with Cajun seasoning stand out. Fried items such as seafood stuffed hush puppies and fried chicken are also popular, alongside tender baby back ribs and a good, mildly spicy gumbo.

A Forrest Gump theme shapes the venue with lots of movie photos and fun items. Misters keep the outdoor riverside setting cool on hot days, creating a theme park vibe inside the restaurant.

People are saying

"I loved the fried shrimp; it was the best I'd had in a long time."

"The American Food here is great, and Jaime is so funny!"

"It's a cool place with lots of movie photos and fun items."

Good to know

1

Trivia night occurs every Tuesday at 8pm with a $5 entry fee.

2

Expect a short wait time even on busy Saturday nights.

3

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted; cash is also welcome.

08
The Republic of Texas Restaurant image 1

Dining alongside the flowing river creates a bright, lively atmosphere with live Mexican and country music enhancing the experience. The space offers indoor and outdoor seating with unbeatable river views attracting families, couples, and solo diners. Strong, flavorful margaritas and a diverse menu complement the festive vibe.

Brisket and ribs stand out with rich flavors and great variety. The menu features fried chicken sandwich and chicken fried steak that deliver solid classic American tastes.

Super cool back area overlooks the river with windows open. Inside feels original and visually pretty cool. Bartenders come off as friendly and cool.

People are saying

"Our server Jordan was amazing and provided an awesome dining experience."

"The American Food here, especially the chicken fried steak, is fantastic and crispy."

"The vibe and atmosphere here are really cool."

Good to know

1

Happy Hour is available all day long.

2

The restaurant is dog friendly.

3

Expect no wait for a table during off-peak hours.

09
Ritaโ€™s Riverwalk image 1

Big space with outdoor seating and river views creates a lively, festive atmosphere. Energy comes from mariachi bands and enthusiastic staff, making it popular for groups and tourists. Fresh margaritas and hand-made tortillas complement the vibrant vibe.

Classic nachos, fajitas, tacos, and steaks come full of flavor. A hamburger with fries pairs well with an Arnold Palmer for a solid American meal.

Location right in the heart of the action gives a vibrant vibe. Outside seating adds a laid-back feel to the atmosphere.

People are saying

"The fajitas here are tender and juicy."

"The American Food here is served with such kindness and heart."

"I found the location and atmosphere to be seriously cool."

Good to know

1

Expect to pay around $50 for a meal for one adult and one child.

2

No complimentary chips and salsa are provided with meals.

3

The restaurant runs out of popular items like tacos early in the evening.

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