The Alamo City, where the winding San Antonio River turns into lush Hill Country, is a hotspot for culinary expertise infused with Tex-Mex traditions and flavors. And it’s not all tacos and steak: Asian fusion, barbecue, and wine and beer from local producers are all worth seeking out. When you’re ready for an incredible meal, here’s where to find San Antonio’s best and most authentic flavors^.*

VISIT RIVER WALK CLASSICS

The River Walk is San Antonio’s biggest attraction—and not just for the bright teal and pink river cruise boats carrying sightseers along the water. Picture yourself sitting waterside under an umbrella at Rita’s on the River, where the frozen Big Red Ritas (a Big Red soda dunked into a margarita) pack a punch and the guacamole prepared tableside is the perfect snack.

For a more upscale dinner after learning the history of the Alamo or shopping in the Historic Market Square, head to Boudro’s Texas Bistro for chile-fried Gulf oysters and wood-grilled steaks, or to Biga on the Banks for the daily offerings of chef Bruce, a multi-time James Beard Award nominee for best chef: Southwest. The menu changes frequently, but dishes may include habanero jerk scallops with cheesy Texas grits or a butternut squash tamale with lentil and white bean chili.

One of the newest spots on the River Walk, Tokyo Cowboy, adds a Japanese spin to Texas fare, with standouts like brisket egg rolls and kimchi-topped mac and cheese. Keep the night going with a Mai Tai downstairs at tiki-themed Hugman’s Oasis. Or head next door to The Esquire Tavern's downstairs bar to try Mexican corn whiskey in a spot that feels like the ultimate Texas Hill Country getaway.

EXPLORE HERITAGE-INSPIRED MENUS

San Antonio’s cobblestone streets and horse-drawn carriages evoke a sense of old-world charm, and that same sense of place extends to its nationally recognized food scene.

Southerleigh Fine Foods & Brewery’s down-home crawfish rolls, Cullum’s Attaboy’s classic French omelet, and Isidore’s dry-aged Berkshire pork chop have all earned recognition from the MICHELIN Guide, signaling the city’s growing culinary reputation. San Antonio’s James Beard honorees include Naco, where you can find chilaquiles (crispy corn tortilla chips dripping in spicy salsa) and The Magpie, where chef Jungsuk “Sue” Kim serves up Korean-inspired dishes like rich pork belly tucked into lettuce and topped with savory bites like ssamjang and kimchi. Another standout is Leche de Tigre, a Peruvian restaurant named after the bold, milky, lime-based marinade served with ceviche, where the menu ranges from authentic to adventurous.

Among the most unique culinary experiences is Nicosi Dessert Bar, an all-dessert restaurant with a prix fixe menu headed by James Beard finalist and pastry chef Tavel Bristol-Joseph. Book ahead to secure one of the limited seats, and expect a pastry tour de force, which might include crispy, cinnamon-and sugar-coated crackers called buñuelos or green tea cake served with perfumes that change the flavor of the dish depending on which one you sniff.

Mixtli, a James Beard Outstanding Restaurant finalist, is known for the intricate creations of chefs Diego Galicia and Rico Torres that celebrate Mexican heritage and ingredients in dishes that sound familiar—like chiles rellenos and tamales—but will take your palate to faraway times and places.

GO FOR THE BARBECUE AND TACOS

It goes without saying that Texas has great barbecue, and San Antonio is no exception. Reese Bros Barbecue and 2M Smokehouse offer up some of the best in the city; both take a Mexican-inspired spin on sides and flavors. 

For those looking to imbibe, Copper Rose Wine and Roadmap Brewing Co. are must-hits for locally produced wine and beer, while mixologists at Bar Loretta and Sternewirth pour some of the finest cocktails in town.

If you’re hungry for a taco any time, day or night, you're in the right place. Tacos El Guero on North Main Avenue (known for its carne asada) and Taquitos West Avenue (where tacos al pastor are king) are tried and true, while Carnitas Don Raúl’s all-pork menu and breakfast tacos are also standouts.

Kris Seavers is a culture and lifestyle writer who’s lived around the world but calls Texas Hill Country home. Her work has appeared in The Infatuation, Complex, NPR, and more. 

WHERE TO STAY

Hyatt Vacation Club^® at Wild Oak Ranch

Did you know that San Antonio is one of only two cities in the United States designated as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy? Book a stay at Wild Oak Ranch to be in the center of all the delicious food trends. While you’re there, enjoy amenities the whole family will love, including:   

• Indoor/outdoor heated pools with waterslides
• 800-foot lazy river
• Hot tubs
• Fire pits and grills
• Nature trails and fitness center

ADDITIONAL AVAILABILITY ACROSS NETWORKS^**

Platinum Collection and Heritage Collection Owners can access each other’s resort networks through Interval^®, with priority access and a reduced exchange fee when exchanging between the two collections.

• Visit The Lounge to find out how many Platinum Points, Portfolio Points, or Club Points you need to make an exchange. 
• Place an exchange request on the Interval International website or mobile app or call 800-GO-HYATT.
• Owners can exchange for stays at some 3,200 resorts in 90+ countries.
• Receive confirmation for your vacation and get ready for your next adventure.

^* No inquiry has been made into the off-site locations, activities, services, or events, or the qualifications, safety, or quality of the off-site locations, activities, services, or events, and WHV Resort Group, Inc. and HV Global Group, Inc. (collectively, “HVC”) make no warranty, express or implied, as to the condition, capacity, performance, or any other aspect of such off-site locations, activities, events, or service providers listed herein. Do not consider this an endorsement of or recommendation for any of the off-site locations, activities, services, events, or providers. Neither WHV Resort Group, Inc. nor HV Global Group, Inc. assumes liability for attendance at, or visits to, any off-site locations, or the products, activities, or services furnished by independent service providers. Additional fees and costs may apply. Activities and events are subject to change. Some activities or events may require the participant to be in good health and have a certain level of skill.

^** Participation is subject to Interval International^®’s Terms and Conditions of Membership and Exchange. Access to resorts and services described as part of the exchange with Interval International is provided via an affiliation with Interval International, Inc. Actual participating resorts are subject to change. Participation in exchange may require the payment of additional fees.