Romantic Restaurants in San Antonio, Texas

A true San Antonio icon, The Esquire Tavern is the oldest bar on the Riverwalk and a must-visit for history lovers and cocktail enthusiasts alike. Opened in 1933 just after Prohibition ended, this legendary spot boasts the longest wooden bar top in Texas—100 feet of rich, beer-soaked history and charm.

Highlights:

• Historic bar with 100-foot-long wooden bar top—the longest in Texas
• Rustic, old-world ambiance with wood paneling and classic charm
• Spirited menu featuring bold Tex-Mex and spicy Southern flavors
• Local Texas draft beers, creative house cocktails, and curated wines
• Signature bites like chalupitas, pork belly rillettes, and shrimp campechana

Pro Tip:

Grab a seat at the bar and soak in the atmosphere—it’s perfect for people-watching and great conversation. Pair a craft cocktail with their Texan-sized burger or shrimp campechana for a satisfying night on the Riverwalk.

155 E Commerce St, San Antonio, Texas 78205
Phone: 210-222-2521
esquiretavern-sa.com

A beloved San Antonio institution, the Guenther House serves up comforting Southern classics and Tex-Mex favorites in the historic home of the Pioneer Flour Mills founding family. Nestled between the King William and Arsenal districts, this charming café is as rich in history as it is in flavor.

Highlights:

• Set inside a beautifully preserved 1920s Art Nouveau home
• Signature dishes like Chicken Pot Pie, Pioneer Meatloaf, and Champagne Chicken Enchiladas
• Buttermilk Biscuits & Sausage Gravy and Sweet Cream Waffles are brunch favorites
• Owned and operated by C.H. Guenther & Son, Inc.—makers of Pioneer Flour
• Located just steps from the River Walk in a peaceful historic district

Pro Tip:

Arrive early for brunch—this place gets busy fast. Be sure to browse the gift shop and museum upstairs to learn more about the mill’s legacy and pick up some Pioneer Flour goodies to take home.

205 East Guenther Street, San Antonio, TX 78204
Phone: 800-235-8186
guentherhouse.com

Located at the Golf Clubhouse of the luxurious JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort, 18 Oaks is a refined steakhouse serving premium steaks and fresh seafood in a sophisticated setting. With sweeping views of the TPC San Antonio golf courses, this upscale dining destination emphasizes sustainability, featuring locally sourced ingredients in every carefully crafted dish.

Highlights:

• Elegant steakhouse with panoramic views of PGA Tour golf courses
• Signature dishes like Béarnaise-Stuffed Maine Lobster and 18 Oaks Benedict with short rib
• Full bar offering fine wines, handcrafted cocktails, and premium spirits
• Executive Chef Alex Glass curates a rotating menu of seasonal specialties
• Located within the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort

Pro Tip:

Make a reservation around sunset to enjoy the golden-hour views of the golf course while sipping a craft cocktail. For brunch lovers, the 18 Oaks Benedict with short rib is a standout.

23808 Resort Parkway, San Antonio, Texas
Phone: 210-491-5825
marriott.com

If seafood is your love language, a visit to Rebelle is a must while in San Antonio. Housed inside the historic St. Anthony Hotel, this bold and stylish restaurant is known for redefining seafood dining in the city. With a revamped menu and visually stunning presentations, Rebelle pairs modern coastal flavors with a dramatic, upscale atmosphere.

Highlights:

• Located inside the landmark St. Anthony Hotel in downtown San Antonio
• Celebrated for inventive seafood dishes and gorgeous presentation
• Small plate favorites include Hot Crab Rangoon Dip and Char-Broiled Oysters
• Signature entrées like Shrimp Bucatini, Herb-Crusted Mahi-Mahi, and Cioppino
• Sleek, moody interior perfect for a date night or special celebration

Pro Tip:

Start with a round of small plates to share—especially the Deviled “Creole” Eggs and Crab Rangoon Dip. Then go big with the Cioppino—it’s packed with seafood and flavor. Be sure to make a reservation for dinner, especially on weekends.

300 East Travis Street, San Antonio, Texas 78205
Phone: 210-352-3171
rebellesa.com

First Date Restaurants

Set right on the Riverwalk, Ácenar brings bold, modern Mexican cuisine to the heart of downtown San Antonio. With stylish multi-level seating—including a scenic balcony overlooking the river—Ácenar is known for its colorful design, vibrant flavors, and creative takes on regional favorites.

Highlights:

• Modern Mexican cuisine in a sleek, artistic space
• Scenic Riverwalk seating, including outdoor patio and balcony
• Innovative dishes like duck crepes, buttermilk-fried oysters, and young Texas goat
• Traditional favorites like enchiladas, parrilladas, asadas, and chiles rellenos
• Átomar Bar on the Houston Street level serves Latin-inspired cocktails and small plates

Pro Tip:

Ask for a seat on the balcony at sunset for one of the best views along the Riverwalk. Pair your meal with a premium margarita from Átomar Bar and try at least one of the chef’s more adventurous small plates—they never disappoint.

146 E Houston St, San Antonio, TX 78205
Phone: 210-222-2362
acenar.com

For a relaxed, rustic dining experience with bold flavor and a farm-to-table approach, Whiskey Cake Kitchen and Bar is a San Antonio favorite. This laid-back country-style kitchen serves up hearty, wood-fired fare and handcrafted cocktails using locally sourced ingredients and slow-cooked methods that bring out the best in every bite.

Highlights:

• Farm-to-kitchen American comfort food with wood-fired and grilled flavors
• Signature dishes like Grilled Texas Striped Bass and Toffee Torte Whiskey Cake
• House cocktails including the Guava Gimlet and Mighty Agamemnon
• Chill vibe with indoor and alfresco patio dining
• Open daily for brunch, lunch, and dinner

Pro Tip:

Don’t skip dessert—the Whiskey Cake with toffee torte and bourbon whipped cream is a must. Enjoy your meal on the patio with a whiskey cocktail in hand for the full experience, especially during golden hour.

15900 La Cantera Pkwy Suite 21200, San Antonio, Texas
Phone: 210-236-8095
whiskeycake.com

Born from a love of French culinary tradition, Saveurs 209 is the passion project of Parisian natives Sylvain and Sylvie Nykiel, who brought a taste of France to San Antonio. This contemporary French bistro offers a beautifully crafted menu full of elegant starters, refined entrées, and artful desserts—each dish thoughtfully prepared with seasonal ingredients and a creative touch.

Highlights:

• Elegant French cuisine with a modern, seasonal twist
• Starters like fig & mushroom carpaccio and foie gras with berry coulis
• Entrées include roasted monkfish, Maine lobster, and Angus beef tenderloin
• Decadent desserts like Bischoff cookie panna cotta with Grand Marnier granite
• Curated selection of fine wines and French-inspired cocktails

Pro Tip:

For the full experience, opt for a multi-course meal and pair it with selections from their elegant wine list. Be sure to save room for dessert—the panna cotta with orange tuile is as stunning as it is delicious.

209 Broadway St, San Antonio, Texas
Phone: 210-223-0209
saveurs209.com