Legends of Dining

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The restaurants on this list are not for those seeking the American Franchise Fast Food Experience.  These places are where generations of San Antonio residents have gone to eat for decades.  I decided not to rate any of these restaurants.  I did not list hours or days closed.  I suggest that you call for that information.  I only recommend these establishments to you as places where San Antonio goes to eat.  I will be adding additional comments to restaurants on my list.  Enjoy.

(210) 495-4321

14250 Highway 281 North, San Antonio, TX 78232

  • Bud Jones

 (210) 977-9161

I have ate at Bud Jones several times this year.  I am pretty much addicted to their fish platter or chicken fried steak dinner.  I pass on their all you care to eat fish platter.  Their regular three piece fish platter is about all I can handle.

1440 SW Military Dr, San Antonio, TX 78221
  • Bun 'n' Barrel

(210) 828-2829

I have ate here several times this year.  Love their burgers and fries.  The onion rings are really great.  Austin Highway was one of San Antonio's main cruisin' streets.  Not so much anymore, but, time has stood still at the Bun 'n' Barrel.  Things are about the same as when I was a teenager out cruisin'.

1150 Austin Hwy, San Antonio, TX 78209

(210) 226-6718

I have dined here several times this year.  I love to sit outside watching the river, however, my wife does not share my enthusiasm.  I love the Casa Rio Deluxe.  I think that it is a great value.  I have been dining here all my life and Casa Rio has changed little. 

430 E Commerce St, San Antonio, TX 78205
  • Chris Madrid's

(210) 735-3552

Out of towners might find Chris Madrid's with a little luck.  This is the place where you go way out of your way for a dynamite burger.  I have been there several times this year.

1900 Blanco Rd, San Antonio, TX 78212

(210) 342-2772

Gosh, what can I say about Demo's.  I lived in Greece as a boy and this is the real deal.  They have been opened since 1979 and that is how long my family has been dining at Demo's.  I love this place.  This is the original location.

7115 Blanco Rd, San Antonio, TX 78216

(210) 732-7777

Across the street from the Orthodox Church.

2501 N St Marys St, San Antonio, TX 78212
  • Don Pedro's

    Another all my life restaurant.  I really like the owner, Mr. Ruben Sepulveda, a great gentleman with a fine restaurant.  I believe his sons are in charge now.  Bubbette is a country gal from a little bit south of town.  When she was a young lady their idea of a high time in the city included a stop at Don Pedro's.  Still delicious after all these years.

(210) 922-3511

1526 SW Military Dr, San Antonio, TX 78221
  • Earl Abel's (Opened 1933)

Alas Earl Abel's has been closed.  They are supposed to be reopening at a new location.  San Antonians will always have fond memories of Earl Abel's.  Here's two for you.  Students from Texas A&M would come here on Sundays looking for, or offering a ride back to the Mighty Texas Aggie's campus in College Station.  Earl Abel's is also the site of where Representative Henry B. Gonzalez (D-TX) took exception to the remarks of another patron, arose, and proceeded to demonstrate that he could still throw a punch.  Ah, the fond memories.

The new location is now open at the address below.

(210) 822-3358

1201 Austin Hwy, San Antonio, TX 78209-4858
  • Hungry Farmer

It is a hard choice between this place and the Little Red Barn.  I have been coming here just about as long as the Little Red Barn.  I really, really enjoy this place.  I like the owner also - a real nice good ol' boy.

210-922-4511

7015 Ih 35 S, San Antonio, TX 78224-1129
  • Liberty Bar

If you happen to decide to go here after a few drinks don't worry.  It's not you the dadburn ol' building leans.  Hasn't fallen on anyone yet that I'm aware.

(210 227 1187)

328 E Josephine St, San Antonio, TX 78215-1127
  • Little Red Barn

Big Bubba eating here recently is not the news.  I eat here frequently.  The waitresses know me.  I have been eating here practically all my life.  I LOVE THIS PLACE!  Bubbette and I cruise in here for two medium T-Bones, steak fries, salad and tea for just under $30.

(210) 532-4235

1836 S Hackberry, San Antonio, TX 78210-3500
  • Lulu's Cafe

Lulu's Jailhouse Cafe was originally located across the street from the Jailhouse.  One, or more, of the principles actually took up residence in the Jailhouse.  The survivors have moved the operation to Main Street.  They have a reputation for serving up huge chicken fried steaks.  They are indeed huge, and they are great.  Reportedly a favorite of Shaq's when he is back in town.

(210) 224-5001

918 N Main Ave, San Antonio, TX 78212-4729

Time has stood still at the Tip Top.  Step back into the fifties for some great food.

(210) 732-0191

2814 Fredricksburg Road, San Antonio, TX  78201

  • Schilo's Delicatessen

(210) 223*6692

424 E Commerce St, San Antonio, TX 78205

(210) 342-7771

322 W Rector Dr, San Antonio, TX 78216
  • The Barn Door

(210) 824-0116

8400 N New Braunfels Ave, San Antonio, TX 78209
  •   The Malt House

A little taste of authentic Westside San Antonio.  They have malts, they have burgers, they will come to your car and take your order if you flash your lights.  I have my ubiquitous Mexican plate pictures because I am weak.  If they got the plate I pass on the burgers.

(210) 222-2794

115 S Zarzamora St, San Antonio, TX 78207
  • The Original Donut Shop

Mexican food - what else?  I think they do sell the donuts.

(210) 734-5661

3307 Fredericksburg Rd, San Antonio, TX 78201
  • The Pig Stand (Established 1921, World's First Drive-in)

Alas, I am sad to report the demise of The Pig Stand and Hailey's Restaurants.  They have filed for bankruptcy.  The hope is that someone will buy the business and revive it.

(210) 222-2794

1508 Broadway St, San Antonio, TX 78215
  • Josephine Street

    Steaks and such with a solid dose of ambience.  If the tree growing out of the building ever heads west into the Liberty Bar it will be an epic disaster.

(210) 224-6169

400 E Josephine St, San Antonio, TX 78215