7 Best Restaurants in King William Historic District, San Antonio

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We've compiled the best of the best in King William Historic District - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.

The Guenther House

$$ | King William Historic District Fodor's Choice

This popular restaurant, where breakfast is served from open to close (8 am–2 pm), is housed in a stately 1860 home built by the founder of Pioneer Flour Mills. Fluffy Pioneer Brand biscuits, pancakes, and Southern sweet cream waffles, fresh fruit, and delectable pastries are half the reason to eat here. The other half is the 1920s art nouveau decor of stained, beveled, and etched glass along with plant motifs that create the illusion of a fine home's conservatory. The lunch menu starts at 10:30 am.

205 E. Guenther St., San Antonio, TX, 78204, USA
210-227–1061
Known For
  • No reservations, weekends are very busy
  • Pastries and biscuits baked fresh daily
  • Beautiful historic setting
Restaurant Details
Closed Mon. and Tues. No dinner
No reservations

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Hot Joy

$$ | King William Historic District Fodor's Choice

Nationally acclaimed Hot Joy has an eclectic menu that occasionally calls for an adventuresome spirit. You can try a Mexican twist on Asian fare like migas fried rice or pozole verde ramen, or go for the consistent standouts like the twice-fried crab wings—chicken wings fried in crab fat. The authentic Spam fried rice is a surprise hit (although not to anyone from Hawaii). Wait times can be long, but you'll have the surroundings to entertain you. There's a wonderful cocktail menu and a good selection of beer. Ramen Monday is very popular, a good way to try various dishes at an affordable price. 

1014 S. Alamo St., San Antonio, TX, 78210, USA
210-368–9324
Known For
  • Stylish, vibrant decor
  • Authentic Spam fried rice
  • Cash-only policy
Restaurant Details
No lunch weekdays

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El Mirador

$$ | King William Historic District

Nuevo Mexican and traditional Tex-Mex flavors collide at this family-owned restaurant, a much-loved King William–district mainstay since 1967. Owner Dona Marie's mole enchiladas shine here, with the extra-sweet but smoky sauce designed to be sopped up by homemade corn tortillas. Shrimp and fish play a major role, bringing new life to tacos, nachos, and chiles rellenos. And if you've never had a breakfast taco, this is the place to try one in any of almost a dozen ways. A full bar during dinner and an outdoor dining patio seal the deal on a quintessential San Antonio eating experience.

Recommended Fodor's Video

Liberty Bar

$$ | King William Historic District

Formerly a convent, this historic pink building now offers an eclectic, something-for-everybody menu that includes sourdough pizzas, homemade fettuccini, hearty pot roast, grilled salmon and late-night bites. The bar has seasonal cocktails, wines, and draft beer in bottles and cans. Reservations are recommended for weekend brunch.

1111 S. Alamo St., San Antonio, TX, 78210, USA
210-227–1187
Known For
  • Fun weekend brunch
  • Fascinating history of building
  • Hip, friendly, welcoming vibe
Restaurant Details
Closed Tues. and Wed.

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Pharm Table

$$$ | King William Historic District

On a mission to reinvent health food into something more flavorful and inspiring since 2015, Pharm Table's chef-owner Elizabeth Johnson takes a plant-forward approach to anti-inflammatory cuisine. The restaurant uses locally sourced produce with no dairy, refined sugar, or processed foods anywhere on the menu. To that end, they also  incorporate smaller portions of clean animal proteins with an emphasis on nutrient-dense foods.

Rosario's ComidaMex & Bar

$$ | King William Historic District

A longtime popular Southtown mainstay, this vibrant, colorful, contemporary space is just one of the restaurants launched by notable restaurateur Lisa Wong. Dubbed Rosario's "Forever Home," the 25,000 square-foot indoor/outdoor dining areas feature the popular made-fram-scratch Mexican favorites that have delighted locals and visitors alike since 1992, including chicken chipotle, enchilidas, tender tips of beef tongue, fresh fish tacos, and some of the city's best margaritas. Check out the restaurant's 24x69-foot mural by Chilean-born artist INTI.

722 S. St. Mary's, San Antonio, TX, 78205, USA
210-223–1806
Known For
  • Rooftop lounge and seating, age 25+ only
  • Vegetarian and gluten-free options
  • Extensive menu of Mexican classics
Restaurant Details
Closed Mon.

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South Alamode Panini & Gelato Company

$ | King William Historic District

A cute place with top-notch gelato and panini; fresh and handmade are the best words to describe the items here, from the gelato to the pickles and mayonnaise. They import their meats and cheeses from Italy and so far have created more than 125 flavors of gelato, although they only rotate 20 flavors a day. You'll just have to keep coming back to try them all.