Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in San Antonio

OpenTable

Updated January 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants that have the most vibrant bar scenes in San Antonio? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Bazille – Nordstrom La Cantera

4.9

4.9 (100)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

La Cantera

About the restaurant

Bold flavors elevate beloved bistro classics in chic and inviting Bazille. Meet up with friends at the bar for internationally sourced wines and handcrafted cocktails. Stay for appetizers, salads, brick-oven pizzas and our tempting housemade desserts.
The Bazille is located on level 2 inside Nordstrom at The Shops at La Cantera.
Join us for Brunch on weekends.

Top review

MVIP

Dined on Dec 21, 2024

Excellent menu, kept it simple with the classic breakfast and grapefruit mimosas. Delicious and will be back!

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Experience

Weekend Brunch 11am-3pm

Experience

Happy Hour at the Bazille!

Experience

Wine Wednesdays

The Study at Dean’s

4.9

4.9 (23)

$31 to $50

Speakeasy

Downtown

About the restaurant

Study the Classics.

Tucked away in a historic courtyard under century-old live oak trees, find The Study at Dean's. This reservation-only, intimate bar is a cocktail aficionado’s haven, ideal for those who appreciate higher touch ingredients, presentation, and ambiance. Linger over high-end cocktails and small bites in a charming atmosphere with raised banquettes, brass details, and original limestone walls - this is the educated choice for a place to connect and unwind.

Top review

LilaneVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Loved the experience...the ambience of the bar to begin with, the cocktail menu and the delicious cocktails themselves. We will definitely be back!

Leche de Tigre Cebicheria Peruana

4.8

4.8 (30)

$31 to $50

Peruvian

Downtown

About the restaurant

*2024 Michelin Recommended* - Leche de Tigre is a cebichería and pisco bar with an authentic Peruvian essence. We invite you to a party of flavors and culture. A cebiche bar is a gastronomic experience in which the cook prepares different ceviches in front of the diners using fresh products while sharing information and part of the process. Pisco is a Peruvian drink with a designation of origin, the drink is made from the grape brandy obtained from the distillation of the fermentation of grape must.

Top review

Reese

Dined 3 days ago

Had a 8pm reservation for my birthday. They got us in 30 min past and gave our table to someone that came after us. Was pretty upset about it but they found us different seating in the greenhouse which was very nice. The manager came to apologize with champagne and two appetizers on the house. Our waitress Michelle was awesome and the food was amazing. Ordered a piece of cheesecake (which was also comped) and Michelle placed a candle in for my bday celebration. Total experience was one of my favorites. Started off not so great but they really went above and beyond to make up for it. Definitely a favorite now

La Cosecha

4.7

4.7 (788)

$30 and under

Traditional Mexican

New Braunfels

About the restaurant

La Cosecha is a local neighborhood Mexican restaurant. La Cosecha or " The Harvest" is a brevity of our stance to bring forward dishes inspired from interior Mexican cuisine; all while utilizing seasonal and local Texas ingredients. The menu centers around sharable dishes, progressing from small to large, with intentions to create a family setting at the dinner table. The food and drink invites you to experience familiar comforts, as well as original flavors, all to tell a story that is modest yet thoughtful.

Buen Provecho!

Top review

Kathy

Dined 1 day ago

Food and service was excellent as always. A favorite of mine and my family from out of state.

La Margarita

4.5

4.5 (530)

$30 and under

Mexican

Downtown

About the restaurant

La Margarita Restaurant & Oyster Bar is proud to be a part of Market Square, “The Heartbeat of Mexico,” where locals and visitors alike enjoy spectacular fiestas, shopping as diverse as produce and piñatas, and the romantic music of strolling Mexican troubadours.

In San Antonio, “The Mecca of Mexican Cuisine,” the Cortez Family and the entire staff of La Margarita welcomes you to the “Home of the Sizzling Fajitas.” Here, the most exciting dishes from across the border are presented to the most discriminating tastes.

Top review

Anne

Dined on Dec 22, 2024

We were surprised at having to wait so long to be seated even though our complete party checked in on time for our 1:30pm reservation. After checking in at the desk again after 30 mins has passed, we were told it would be another 20 mins for an inside table. Because everyone was hungry, we said we would take an outside table. While we were waiting for that to be ready, they advised an inside table became available. This is what I would have expected without a reservation. Once we were seated, the service and food were great!

P.F. Chang's - La Cantera

4.5

4.5 (155)

$30 and under

Chinese

La Cantera

About the restaurant

We are an Asian & Chinese restaurant offering dine-in, takeout, to-go, delivery, and catering. Make a reservation online to dine in. Order Asian and Chinese food delivery, takeout, and catering online or through the P.F. Chang's mobile app. Let us cater the perfect feast for you - corporate office catering menus are also available. P.F. Chang's offers a variety of signature Asian, Thai, Korean, Japanese, Mongolian, and Chinese food dishes including Chicken Lettuce Wraps, Chicken Pad Thai, Signature Lo Mein, Fried Rice, Mongolian Beef, Chang's Spicy Chicken, and Pork and Shrimp Dumplings. Order online for sushi delivery and takeout. Many gluten-free and vegetarian menu items are available. Try our seasonal cocktails and seasonal menu items.

Top review

MELISSA

Dined on Dec 24, 2024

Great everytime and the service is always excellent 👏

Cover 3 - San Antonio

4.5

4.5 (57)

$30 and under

American

North Central

About the restaurant

Located on San Antonio's north side, within the 1604 loop near the Stone Oak neighborhood, COVER 3 offers a diverse menu of inventive American fare for lunch and dinner. Each menu item is carefully prepared with the finest, freshest ingredients. COVER 3 offers brunch on the weekends and an impressive Bloody Mary & Bubbles Bar, inviting you to mix up your favorite brunch cocktails. The restaurant also offers a full bar with a premium well, a spectacular selection of spirits, a variety of draft beers chilled to perfection, and a fabulous collection of wines available by the glass. COVER 3's accolades include best Mac N Cheese, best Wings and top Sports Bars. Whether you stop in for a quick lunch, take the family to brunch or host clients for dinner, COVER 3 is ready to serve you. Come and experience their specialties: Dining, Spirits and Sports.

Top review

jimjVIP

Dined on Jan 5, 2025

Julian is an amazing and fun server. He is professional and very efficient The food items were excellent also.

RU RESTAURANT

4.5

4.5 (13)

$50 and over

Fusion / Eclectic

Mcallen

About the restaurant

RU: tu nuevo SPOT favorito. Dos letras que, separadas, no significan nada, pero juntas lo representan todo... Nuestra propuesta gastronómica, con nuestra herencia mexicana y matices internacionales, ofrece una experiencia única, fusionando tradición y creatividad. En RU encontrarás el ambiente perfecto para compartir en familia, celebrar con amigos, vivir momentos especiales o simplemente explorar nuevos sabores. Ven y #BeRU

RU: your new favorite SPOT. Two letters that, on their own, mean nothing, but together, represent everything... Our culinary offering, rooted in Mexican heritage with international touches, delivers a unique experience, blending tradition and creativity. At RU, you’ll find the perfect setting to enjoy with family, celebrate with friends, cherish special moments, or simply explore new flavors. Come and BeRU.

Top review

WILLIAMVIP

Dined on Jan 5, 2025

All great Great food and service Inloved it But only noice not too bearable

Luna Rosa Puerto Rican Grill y Tapas

4.4

4.4 (120)

$31 to $50

Puerto Rican

Downtown

About the restaurant

Authentic Puerto Rican cuisine right in the heart of Downtown San Antonio. Luna Rosa Puerto Rican Grill y Tapas, is a family owned restaurant that will give you an experience you won't soon forget! Your senses will be entertained and appetite will be pleased.
el sabor de la vida...
The savory pernil y arroz con ganudules, mofongo, sorullitos, tostones and more. From Spain, we will offer the amazing paellas, tapas and sangria. The Tapas concept offers patrons the option to choose from a variety of tasty dishes to share. We offer a fully stocked bar specializing in a variety signature Puerto Rican rum cocktails, tropical margaritas and a selection of tintos and white wines.

Top review

michelle

Dined on Jan 3, 2025

Love this place. When we come into town this is a must go to.

Rock & Brews - San Antonio

4.4

4.4 (17)

$30 and under

American

North Central

About the restaurant

We have it all! American food, craft beers, signature cocktails, large parties and private dining space, live music, catering, live sports, dog-friendly patios, and more!

Rock your taste buds with our American inspired menu boasting creative spins on the standards. Our menu items are prepared from scratch using fresh ingredients from the local community. Wash down our culinary creations with one of our 48+ craft beers on tap from local, national, and international breweries or check out our signature cocktails and extensive bourbon and tequila selections!

The restaurant can accommodate sports fanatics and large parties of any size (including family and corporate gatherings, youth sports teams, and rehearsal dinners) in our sizable dining room or on our private patios. The restaurant also features live music, weekday lunch specials, a dog-friendly outdoor patio (ask to see our dog menu), and brunch on the weekends.

Top review

PAULA

Dined on Dec 28, 2024

Mikayla, our server was amazing, funny and engaging. My first time having a burger here. The Ultimate was NOT a disappointment! I will be back and already know which entree I want to try next....the blackened chicken Alfredo! I almost asked my neighbor for a taste. Lol! Bobby G & The Drive (band) was great! Energetic and nostalgic Rock! And the view of Fiesta Texas fireworks was an unexpected bonus! Loved it!!!

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