The Best Breakfast Spots in San Antonio, Texas
A city steeped in history, San Antonio, Texas, has been influenced by European, Mexican and American cultures so it’s no surprise that its cuisine features flavors from across the globe. San Antonio’s breakfast scene has something for everyone, including local favorites such as breakfast tacos and barbacoa, and the more traditional pancakes and waffles. Here are the best places to grab breakfast in the Alamo City.
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Sip on drinks at Sangria on the Burg
For a truly memorable brunch with innovative dishes such as fried chicken with French toast, or bacon pancake tacos, Sangria on the Burg is the place to be. True to its name, Sangria on the Burg is located off Fredericksburg Road in the Medical Center area and its weekend brunch isn’t complete without a round of thirst-quenching sangria or margarita flights. Inspired by Texas barbecue and Mexican spices, the Burg’s ever-changing menu is one you’ll want to try again and again.
Get your fill at The Magnolia Pancake Haus
Come hungry and prepare yourself for the ultimate American breakfast at The Magnolia Pancake Haus, which has two locations in the northern part of San Antonio. This homely, family-owned establishment serves truly gargantuan pancakes in every flavor, ranging from original buttermilk to chocolate chip and even Banana’s Foster. The queue for Magnolia’s famous breakfast can get rather long on the weekends, so order a hot coffee or an iced beverage to enjoy while you wait.
Stay for tacos at The Original Donut Shop
You haven’t really experienced Tex-Mex until you’ve tried San Antonio’s famous breakfast tacos, and The Original Donut Shop serves the best around. Another Fredericksburg Road front runner, The Original Donut Shop’s glazed donuts will satisfy any sweet tooth, but the breakfast tacos are the real must-try. Fluffy flour tortillas are stuffed with your choice of fillings such as eggs, cheese, bacon, chorizo, beans and spicy salsa – the possibilities are endless.
Go sweet or savoury at Alamo Biscuit Company
Breakfast at the Alamo Biscuit Company & Panadería just off Huebner Road is an Instagram-worthy venture. The stars of the show are perfectly plated hot biscuits (or what some might call scones) smothered in your choice of creamy gravy, but if you’re in the mood for something else there’s plenty of other fabulous choices such as buttermilk hotcakes and breakfast tacos. Grab a typical Mexican sweet treat to go, such as a tres leches cake, empanada or concha bread bun.
Try something new at NOLA Brunch and Beignets
Get a taste of New Orleans at NOLA Brunch and Beignets. This effortlessly cool eatery in the heart of San Antonio’s St Mary’s Strip entertainment district is famous for its piping-hot, deep-fried beignet pastries – dusted with heaps of powdered sugar, of course. In addition to beignets, NOLA’s menu is brimming with traditional breakfast items with a Cajun twist; think crawfish hollandaise sauce, fried green tomatoes, creole cream cheese and a French-toasted po’boy.
Have a feast for your eyes at The Art of Donut
The authentic American donut gets an upgrade at San Antonio’s original The Art of Donut. Just across the highway from St Mary’s Strip, this crafted dough lab creates unique takes on traditional yeast and cake donuts. Far from your average, everyday donuts, these sugary treats stand out for their fun, bold flavors and unusual toppings including famous American cereals and crushed candies.
Enjoy authentic Mexican dishes at Vida Mia
Chances are you’ve heard about San Antonio’s incredible Mexican cuisine and Vida Mia is the best place in town for an authentic Mexican meal. This family-run restaurant prides itself on its Mexican heritage and is known for its full-flavored chilaquiles, a dish made of fried corn tortilla chips covered in melted cheese and salsa, classic breakfast tacos and molletes, a kind of open-faced sandwich with beans and cheese.
Do as the locals do at Sarah’s Barbacoa
Anyone from San Antonio knows that weekend breakfasts are for barbacoa: a mouth-watering, steam-cooked meat typically served in corn or flour tortillas. Barbacoa is so big in San Antonio that there is even a festival dedicated to the seasoned meat, and Sarah’s Barbacoa off De Zavala Road is a local hotspot where you can grab your fill of this local specialty to go. Don’t forget to try a Big Red, a Texas-original sweet carbonated drink that goes perfect with a hot plate of barbacoa.