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Chips and salsa spots in Downtown

A lunch break is incomplete without chips and salsa. You know exactly what you want to snack on while you wait for your main meal.

Based on 604 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
El Castillo Mexican Restaurant image 1
El Castillo Mexican Restaurant image 2
El Castillo Mexican Restaurant image 3
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Small storefront with high ceilings and authentic Mexican decor creates a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. Mexican music adds to the relaxed vibe, making it a good spot for breakfast or lunch. The space feels homey and down to earth, distinct from tourist-heavy areas.

Casual spot with a diner atmosphere serves large platters at good prices. Popular lunch dishes include parrillada and steak a la mexicana, attracting many local workmen.

Chips come fresh and crunchy with salsa that has a rich flavor and balanced spice. Both pair well and make a solid starter.

People are saying

"I loved the flavorful breakfast tacos and fresh ingredients."

"This lunch spot's food is amazing and always a 10/10."

"The chips and salsa here are really good."

Good to know

1

Expect a 30-minute wait for food during busy hours.

2

Prices are affordable, making it a budget-friendly option.

3

The restaurant is located near the touristy Riverwalk area.

02
Agave Bar image 1
Mexican restaurant

Riverside setting offers beautiful views and shady outdoor seating along the walk. Atmosphere stays relaxing and family friendly with live mariachi music enhancing the vibe. The space combines great decor with a peaceful, inviting environment.

Lunch happens with friendly service from attentive staff like Chris and Angel. Seating by the river adds a nice touch to the meal.

Complimentary chips and salsa come with the meal and stand out as some of the better ones in the area. Plenty of chips and salsa are served, making them a notable part of the dining experience.

People are saying

"The food suggestions were great and the service was amazing."

"The service at this lunch spot was so friendly and attentive."

"The chips and salsa here are great."

Good to know

1

Happy hour specials offer discounted drinks and bar food.

2

Seating is available directly on the riverwalk for a scenic view.

3

Expect high prices for food and drinks, which may not match the quality.

03
Cafe Ole image 1
Mexican restaurant

Outdoor seating along the riverwalk offers shaded trees, fans, and live mariachi music creating a relaxing atmosphere. Views of the river and people passing by add to the calm, enjoyable vibe. The place draws those looking to unwind with margaritas and authentic Mexican flavors.

Great service stands out during lunch with servers like Juan, Yaneli, and Paul handling busy times smoothly. The spot suits lunch, dinner, or drinks with friends, offering a memorable experience.

Complimentary chips and salsa come in a large amount and stay fresh. The salsa tastes amazing and pairs well with the chips.

People are saying

"The nice view of the riverwalk was beautiful."

"Our server was awesome and took great care of us."

"The chips and salsa here were amazing and fresh."

Good to know

1

Happy hour starts at 5 pm with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

Kids eat free with an adult entrรฉe purchase.

3

The restaurant is located on the River Walk, offering scenic views.

04
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.

Lunch here offers quick service and good food by the water. Returning for lunch is common due to the consistent quality.

Freshness stands out with the chips and salsa served here. Both the drinks and salsa complement the crispy chips well.

People are saying

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

"Monica made our lunch so pleasant and was a great server."

"I ordered the chips and salsa, and they were pretty good."

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.

05
Rita's on the River image 1

Restaurant offers great views of the Riverwalk with a loud, hectic, and fun atmosphere energized by an outstanding DJ. Guests enjoy top-notch margaritas and some of the best guacamole, queso, and tacos around.

Attentive service stands out with servers like Bash and Greg checking in often and keeping drinks filled. Lunch moves quickly even during the Saturday rush, making it a smooth spot for midday meals.

Complimentary chips and salsa arrive quickly while waiting. The salsa pairs well with the table-side Guacamole and crunchy chips.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and came out fast and hot."

"The chips and salsa were served promptly by attentive staff."

"Our server made our lunch experience great."

Good to know

1

Rita's on the River offers a 10% discount for military personnel.

2

Expect high prices, with tacos costing around $18 for four.

3

The kitchen may run out of popular menu items like pork and quesadillas.

06
La Margarita Mexican Restaurant & Oyster Bar image 1

Live mariachi bands roam a spacious patio overlooking a market square, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere. The setting combines nostalgic decor with lively music, drawing a busy crowd that often sings along. Tables offer ample space, supporting a relaxed and engaging dining experience.

Lunch features large portions and flavorful specials. Seafood options include a fish dish paired with a seafood enchilada, rice, and beans.

Chips come with addictive flavor that feels like a special ingredient. Staff quickly offer refills and more chips and salsa when needed.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and great."

"This lunch spot's food is delicious and perfectly cooked."

"The chips and salsa here are great."

Good to know

1

Each song requested by the mariachis costs $10.

2

Happy hour offers discounted drinks and snacks.

3

Parking discounts are available with a stamped ticket from the adjacent lot.

07
Poblanos Mexican Restaurant and Catering image 1

Mexican restaurant with retro decor and a cozy, inviting atmosphere featuring live country western music. The space balances pleasant music volume and warm service, attracting a crowd for breakfast and lunch with fresh, authentic dishes and strong, well-crafted margaritas.

Lunch features fresh food served quickly, ideal for a break. Options include poblano chile enchiladas and chicken enchiladas for a light meal.

Salsa stands out as very good and keeps people coming back. Chips come with salsa and sometimes guacamole, though they may need to be requested.

People are saying

"The breakfast tacos here have incredible, fresh tortillas."

"This lunch spot's Mexican dishes are fresh and mouthwatering."

"The chips and salsa here are warm, spicy, and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Sunday is menudo day, offering a special dish for visitors.

2

The restaurant closes at 2 pm from Monday to Wednesday.

3

Poblanos is open until 7 pm from Thursday to Saturday.

08
Tiaโ€™s Taco Hut image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small space filled with hand-painted Mexican-style decor and vibrant decorations creates a festive, intimate atmosphere. Bright, colorful setting feels cozy and fun, often crowded with a lively vibe. Drive-thru window adds convenience alongside complimentary chips and salsa for dine-in.

Lunch specials offer inexpensive, tasty meals like enchiladas, carne guisada, rice, and beans with tortillas and a large tea. The spot works well for group lunches and serves filling options just before closing.

Complimentary chips and salsa arrive fresh and ridiculously fresh with every dine-in. Staff often bring a second order without hesitation when asked.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is great, and the people are so sweet."

"I found the food at this lunch spot to be pretty good."

"The chips and salsa here are ridiculously fresh."

Good to know

1

Expect to wait about 30 minutes in the drive-thru.

2

Prices for tacos start at over $5 each.

3

They charge an extra fee for using credit or debit cards.

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Downtown, San Antonio

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