7 Best Restaurants in Downtown and the River Walk, San Antonio

In a city filled with Mexican bakeries, brothers José and David Cáceres kicked the whole pan dulce (pastry) game up a notch with La Panadería. Their love for baking comes from selling their mama Doña Josefina's loaves of fresh-baked bread on the streets of Mexico City, and they've translated that passion into a winning combination of fresh, quality products available for only a limited amount of time each short day. Bestsellers include empanadas, tres leches (three-milk) croissants, and Nutella cruffins (a croissant-muffin hybrid). Brunch items include avocado toast with grilled chicken, ranchero eggs Benedictine, and tequila-butter steak and eggs. They also have salads, tortas, cakes and cookies, and a nice assortment of freshly baked breads. Their other locations are 8305 Broadway (Alamo Heights) and 17030 Fiesta Texas Drive (La Cantera Heights).

The heart of Market Square boasts one of San Antonio's most venerable culinary landmarks, part of the notable Cortez Family of restaurants. Opened in 1941 as a three-table café for early-rising farmers to get breakfast, Mi Tierra ("my land") is a traditional Mexican restaurant, bakery, and bar that serves its hallmark breakfasts all day; the chilaquiles famosas—eggs scrambled with corn tortilla strips and topped with ranchero (mild tomato-based) sauce and cheese—are alone worth coming back for again and again. Yes, the Christmas decorations stay up year-round.

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. 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.

Big and bold contemporary design creates a lively atmosphere for this exciting collaboration by restaurateurs Lisa Wong of Rosario's fame, Pete Selig, known for Biga on the Banks, and executive chef Richard Sanchez. The modern Tex-Mex spot sits astride a less-traveled section of the River Walk and offers excellent libations such as the cucumber jalapeño margarita and handmade mojitos. guacamole made table-side, and fresh ceviche. For the main course, move onto grilled fish tacos or a host of seasonal fare. The outdoor dining area is small, but worth the wait for views of the river. Reservations aren't required, but think about making them for busy weekends or holiday times. Note: The patio is not pet-friendly, except for service animals.

A household name in barbecue with several locations in Texas and one in Albuquerque, the Country Line is famous for its barbecued ribs, smoked brisket, sausage, and chicken. The barbecue here is dry-rubbed, with the sauce on the side, and the various combo platters and family-style options let you sample from all the offerings. They even provide recipes for sides on their website. The atmosphere is rustic-casual, so don't be afraid to put your elbows on the table. There is a second location at 4334 Hyatt Place Dr.

In the heart of Market Square, you can sample Mexican fare or oysters or both while surrounded by Spanish tile and lively ambience. Try the fajitas, enchiladas, or puffy tacos, seated inside or on the patio under colorful umbrellas with a great view of the square. If you want to try a bit of everything, go for the Fiesta San Antonio appetizer plate for yourself or to share with friends over a fantastic array of margaritas—it's what the restaurant is named for, and the moniker is justified. There's plenty of live entertainment, and mariachis will serenade your table upon request (and please do tip).

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 a variety of live music in a historic River Walk setting. Starters include deviled eggs, Prost jumbo chicken wings, Kraut balls and more. Handhelds (sandwiches) include a classic Reuben, a brat dog, a chicken schnitzel club, and burgers (beef or veggie). One house specialty is the Jaeger Schnitzel, a handbreaded pork cutlet with bacon cabbage and buttermilk smashed potatoes. The terrace dining reminiscent of a biergarten gives diners scenic views of the San Antonio River.