Where To Find The Best Tex Mex In San Antonio

By Kelsey Kennedy | April 29, 2025

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If you know nothing else about San Antonio’s history, know this: San Antonio is Tex-Mex. It literally is a blend of both cultures!

It’s been a city in Mexico and it’s been a city in Texas and nowadays it’s a colorful blend of both Texan and Mexican culture. That’s why the best Tex Mex food in San Antonio is often the best Tex Mex in the entire country. Yup. I'm so excited for you to pick a restaurant and dive into your Tex Mex meal!!

$best tex mex in san antonio-03$

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kelsey Kennedy is a local Texas author, photographer, blogger, and native Texan who is fully obsessed with all things local San Antonio. She has written on her travel sites for more than 12 million readers across 38 countries who are looking for cool things to do in the hottest cities in Texas.

From good Tex Mex options on the Riverwalk to quick drive-thru spots, the most fabulous upscale Tex Mex in San Antonio to old family-run establishments, consider this your go-to guide to the best Tex Mex in San Antonio.

The Best Tex Mex Restaurants in San Antonio

1. La Fonda On Main

(Best all-around Tex Mex in San Antonio)

$La Fonda On Main$

La Fonda on Main is a San Antonio favorite for slightly upscale Tex-Mex, serving classics like beef nachos, oak-grilled fajitas, and chicken enchiladas alongside some interior Mexican dishes.

Open since 1932, it’s hosted the likes of FDR, LBJ, John Wayne, and Eisenhower.

The interior feels like a beautifully decorated Mexican home, with exposed beams, tile floors, and rich textiles. On nice days, the patio is the place to be.

Prices are a bit higher, but so is the experience—elevated, charming, and truly memorable for locals and visitors alike.

$La Fonda On Main$

WEBSITE | 2415 N Main Ave, San Antonio, TX 78212

2. Mi Tierra

(Best historic Tex-Mex in San Antonio)

$Mi Tierra$

Mi Tierra has a rich history, starting as a 3-table café in the 1930s and growing to span a full block of Market Square. Though no longer open 24/7 post-COVID, it still serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a festive, colorful setting.

Expect hanging piñatas, mariachi bands, and themed servers.

It’s a lively, tourist-friendly spot—perfect for Tex-Mex with family or friends. Check out my full review of Mi Tierra here!

$Mi Tierra$

WEBSITE | 218 Produce Row, San Antonio, TX 78207

3. Rosario’s Tex Mex

(Best Southtown Tex Mex in San Antonio)

Rosario’s is the go-to spot for Tex-Mex in Southtown. (Psst: all the best Southtown restaurants are right here!)

Since opening in 1999, it’s earned praise from Southern Living, Texas Monthly, and the New York Times for its vibrant vibe and flavorful menu.

You’ll find live music on weekends and a huge selection of Tex-Mex favorites—think Tacos Norteños, Enchiladas Suizas, and sizzling parrillas perfect for sharing.

With a spacious dining area and a menu full of crowd-pleasers, Rosario’s is ideal for big groups and anyone craving bold, satisfying eats.

WEBSITE | 9800 Airport Blvd, San Antonio, TX 78216

4. Garcia’s Mexican Food

(Best mom-and-pop Tex Mex diner)

Garcia’s has been a San Antonio staple since 1962, and today, the original owner's children keep the tradition alive with great food and a laid-back vibe.

Open for breakfast and lunch, the menu is packed with authentic Tex-Mex favorites—served with your choice of homemade flour or corn tortillas (both are delicious).

The standout? The brisket taco with guacamole. It’s tender, flavorful, and an absolute must.

Whether you're a longtime local or a first-time visitor, Garcia’s delivers classic comfort with every bite.

WEBSITE | 842 Fredericksburg Rd, San Antonio, TX 78201

5. Ácenar

(Best Tex Mex on the Riverwalk)

$Acenar$

Ácenar is a must-visit for elevated Mexican and Tex-Mex fare on the Riverwalk—where truly great food can be hard to find. The menu offers flavorful dishes like enchiladas y mole, seafood tacos, and top-shelf margaritas made with premium tequilas.

It’s slightly overpriced, but that’s expected for the location, and the friendly service makes up for it.

The real standout is the setting: Ácenar’s second-story balcony lets you enjoy river views without the sidewalk crowd right next to your table.

$Acenar$

WEBSITE | 146 E Houston St, San Antonio, TX 78205

6. Iron Cactus

(Second Best Tex Mex on the Riverwalk)

$Iron Cactus$

Iron Cactus, an Austin-born spot with a San Antonio Riverwalk location, offers a calm, scenic place for Tex-Mex—especially fajitas—by the water.

The outdoor patio is lined with planters, creating a buffer from foot traffic, making it more relaxed than Casa Rio, though not as private as Ácenar.

The tequila selection is impressive, with 100 premium options, shaken-to-order margaritas, and flights for the curious. Menu-wise, expect a Tex-Mex lean with tamale pops, beef fajitas, ceviche, and tres leches.

While it’s not a top destination on its own, it’s a solid Riverwalk pick when you're craving good Tex-Mex and a great drink by the water.

WEBSITE | 200 River Walk Suite 100, San Antonio, TX 78205

7. Carriqui

(Best for Happy Hour Margaritas)

Carriqui may not be a Tex-Mex restaurant—it’s a “South Texas cuisine” spot—but it’s too gorgeous not to include. If you’re looking for an upscale, trendy place with ½-priced margaritas and queso on the patio (don’t miss their happy hour!), Carriqui delivers.

While not strictly Tex-Mex, many dishes are inspired by it: think old-school nachos, chicken tortilla soup, and smokehouse platters with beans, rice, and fresh tortillas.

It’s South Texas through and through, and since Tex-Mex is such a big part of the culture, you’ll find comfort in every bite.

WEBSITE | 239 E Grayson St, San Antonio, TX 78215

8. The Original Donut Shop

(Best Tex Mex breakfast tacos)

At the Original Donut Shop, donuts take center stage, but their breakfast tacos are a hidden gem. Known for their creative, delicious donuts (apple fritters, anyone?), this San Antonio staple has been serving up breakfast tacos for decades.

The menu boasts a variety of tacos, with fluffy, made-daily tortillas. Don’t miss the popular toasted bean and cheese with bacon, topped with their tasty salsa.

While they also offer breakfast and lunch Tex-Mex plates like chilaquiles and gorditas, the breakfast tacos are the real draw. And with wallet-friendly prices (think drive-thru donut shop rates), it’s well worth the wait in line. (Psst: see our guide to the best breakfast tacos in San Antonio here!)

WEBSITE | 3307 Fredericksburg Rd, San Antonio, TX 78201

9. Henry’s Puffy Tacos

(Best Puffy Taco Restaurant)

$Henry's Puffy Tacos$

If you haven’t tried a San Antonio puffy taco yet, head to Henry’s Puffy Tacos immediately. This iconic spot is known for its light, crispy tacos, and it’s a local favorite for a reason.

The restaurant has the classic Tex-Mex vibe: a central bar with tequila, booths lining the walls, and well-worn menus from years of use.

Henry Lopez, the founder, created the legendary San Antonio puffy taco, and while you’ll find them around town, Henry’s is the OG. It’s the perfect spot for puffy tacos, margaritas, and chips & queso in a true Tex-Mex setting.

WEBSITE | 6030 Bandera Rd, San Antonio, TX 78238

10. Ray’s Drive Inn

(Best Nostalgic Tex Mex)

$Ray's Drive Inn$

Ray’s Drive Inn, a San Antonio icon since 1956, is still serving up classic drive-in fare, including the famous puffy taco, created by Henry (of Henry's Puffy Tacos fame!) and Ray Lopez.

The small, dated corner spot features neon lights and carhop service, but it’s just as fun to dine indoors surrounded by historic memorabilia—photos of Ray with celebrities, a jukebox, and original wood paneling.

While the food, like BBQ wings, burgers, and puffy tacos, isn’t mind-blowing, the nostalgic atmosphere and history make it a must-visit.

Fun fact: Ray’s actually received the trademark for the puffy taco in 1992, cementing its place in Tex-Mex history.

WEBSITE | 822 SW 19th St, San Antonio, TX 78207

11. La Margarita

(Best Tex Mex at Historic Market Square)

$La Margarita$

f you find yourself facing an hour-long wait at Mi Tierra in Market Square, head directly across the square to La Margarita Mexican Restaurant and Oyster Bar.

Founded by Jorge Cortez, son of Mi Tierra’s founder, both spots offer similar Tex-Mex menus. However, the vibe at La Margarita is more laid-back, set in a New Orleans-style two-story house with a spacious wrap-around patio.

While the menus are largely the same, La Margarita stands out with a seafood twist—shrimp cocktail, ceviche, and Gulf oysters, along with deep-fried seafood plates. It’s the perfect mix of Tex-Mex and seafood, with plenty of fried goodness.

WEBSITE | 120 Produce Row, San Antonio, TX 78207

12. Nicha’s

(Best For Classic And Traditional Tex-Mex)

$Nicha's$

When you think "Tex-Mex," you’re likely picturing margaritas, fajitas, chips, salsa, and quick service—and that’s exactly what you get at Nicha’s. It’s the classic Tex-Mex experience.

A San Antonio staple since 1977, Nicha’s has three locations, including one near Mission San Jose. It’s a great spot to stop by for breakfast if you’re visiting the missions.

Nicha’s is all about no-frills, tasty Tex-Mex. It may not be the most exciting spot, but it reliably hits the mark when you’re craving those familiar flavors.

Expect crispy beef tacos, sizzling fajitas, and margaritas under $10. It’s fast, affordable, and perfect for satisfying your Tex-Mex cravings without the fuss.

WEBSITE | 5059 Northwest Loop 410, San Antonio, TX 78229

13. Pete’s Tako House

(Best Tex Mex for Breakfast/Lunch)

Serving up fantastic tacos since 1978, Pete’s is a family-owned San Antonio staple that delivers consistently delicious Tex-Mex. You can’t miss it!

Originally located off Main Ave., Pete’s moved to its current location in 2011 to accommodate its loyal fanbase. The larger space allows them to serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Pete’s hours reflect the best time to enjoy their food: they’re open from 7 am to 3 pm daily. It’s the perfect spot for some of the best breakfast tacos in San Antonio.

If you’re in the mood for lunch, start with chili con queso and then try their famous Tako Salad—Tex-Mex at its finest.

WEBSITE | 502 Brooklyn Ave, San Antonio, TX 78215

Ok but...what exactly qualifies as Tex Mex cuisine?

$best tex mex in san antonio-03$

It’s worth explaining this! If you’re not from Texas, you might be new to Tex-Mex. Or you might be asking yourself, “What’s the difference between Tex-Mex and Mexican food?”

The easiest way to explain it is that Tex-Mex cuisine is fusion food that came from Texan residents of Mexican descent. The Tejano population brought their parent's authentic Mexican cuisine and married it with Texas flavors. Tex-Mex cuisine is typically heavy on beef, lots of yellow cheese, and the use of cumin and ground chili seasoning.

Authentic Mexican cuisine, in contrast, is heavier on pork instead of beef, whole chilis instead of ground seasoning, and dairy, corn, and garlic. Of course, Mexican food is diverse and food on one side of the state is totally different from food on the other side.

But if you want a very dumbed-down version of Tex Mex vs Mexican food, you can say that Tex Mex is flour tortillas, beef, and yellow cheese, while Mexican food is pork, corn tortillas, and queso fresco.

(No, that’s not a comprehensive guide to every similarity and difference between these two rich and complicated food groups. But it’s enough to get you going.)

Tex Mex Example: The Puffy Taco

Want a perfect example of Tex Mex cuisine? Look at San Antonio’s puffy taco.

$Ray's Drive Inn$

It was created by brothers Henry and Ray Lopez (of Henry’s Puffy Tacos and Ray’s Drive Inn, respectively.) They had an air fryer and started playing around with it, and they found that if they throw the raw masa in there (instead of cooking it on a griddle) it “puffs” up into a light, flaky, delectable taco shell.

Masa is from Mexican cuisine. Deep-fried masa? 100% Tex-Mex.

By the way, here are 5 interesting facts about the famous San Antonio puffy taco that you might want to know.