2 Best Restaurants in San Antonio, Texas

This venerable and popular downtown institution has been serving up hearty German soul food for breakfast (served all day), lunch, and dinner since Mama and Papa Schilo established their first location in 1917. The delicatessen moved to its current spot on East Commerce Street in 1942; Schilo's even lays claim to being the oldest operating restaurant in San Antonio and nobody has challenged them for the title. Fuel up with their famous split-pea soup; Reuben, sausage, and deli sandwiches; or weekday lunch specials, such as chicken and dumplings or meat loaf. There are also plenty of German classics like schweineschnitzel (panfried pork loin) or wienerschnitzel (panfried veal). Wash it down with fantastic homemade root beer, and top off your meal with rich, creamy cheesecake or delectable apple strudel. They also offer draft beer and spiked root beer specials. To add to the cool history, the building was originally a bank; the old bank vault is now the restaurant's walk-in cooler. They don't take reservations for groups smaller than 20, so be prepared to wait a bit during peak breakfast and lunch times.

Housed in a limestone structure built in 1847, this rustic restaurant was originally the residence and store of German immigrant Otto Bombach, and now it's a spot to enjoy traditional German fare and music in a historic River Walk setting. A highlight is the Bavarian Beer Room, an Opera Haus–style space with live entertainment at selected times. Starters include deviled eggs and Prost fries topped with pork belly, scallions, pickles, and bier cheese. Handhelds (sandwiches) include a classic Reuben, a brat dog, a chicken schnitzel club, and burgers (either beef or veggie), plus sides of sauerkraut and potato salad. The terrace dining reminiscent of a biergarten gives diners scenic views of the San Antonio River. It's a historically protected site that was once a boarding house, a private school, and reportedly a hangout for desperados.