2017 was great for the food and drink scene in San Antonio.  I had so much fun trying out new spots that opened this year as well as seeing my favorites continue to thrive.  One thing I can admit to- if I like it, I’ll come back again and again. Check out my list of favorite food and drink spots for 2017.

Top Restaurants

Periphery

Periphery is a hidden gem that shouldn’t be so hidden.  They have garnered some attention for their roasted chicken, which is amazing, but the rest of Chef Mark Weaver’s menu is pretty great too.  On top of that, they have a pretty kick-ass happy hour that includes $5 cocktails and wine by the glass.  I’m planning on doing a full review soon but in the meantime, put Periphery on your short list of spots to check out.

Kings Highway Brew & Q

If I am asked for a BBQ recommendation, I will always respond with Kings Highway.  Hands down, this is my favorite BBQ restaurant in San Antonio.  Pitmaster Emo and his wife, Christi, serve up Tex Mex style BBQ with some of the best brisket to be found in the city.  I previously wrote about how much I love their food and nothing has changed.  Follow them on Facebook or give them a call before heading over for lunch or dinner because they frequently sell out- a sure sign of great food.

Fratellos

This is another restaurant that has been open for a while now that I have previously professed my love for their food which you can read here.  What can I say? Fratellos just consistently makes great food.  It’s the perfect spot for lunch or a simple dinner.  My favorites include the Lombardo (fried chicken sandwich with arugula, roasted tomatoes, and mozzarella) and the Bolognese.  Jonathan always opts for the La Griglia salad (grilled chicken over arugula and roasted veggies). They also have this amazing basil tres leches cake that you must try.

Sichuan House

This is one of the few places that can get me to make a drive outside of 410.  Simply put, the food is amazing.  Everything we have tried is so flavorful and delicious.  Plus- you can BYOB for a $10 corking fee!  I recommend ordering the garlic spicy cold noodles, hot and sour soup, cucumbers, spicy and savory fried fish, and the pork belly.  Not sure what to order?  Just ask the staff who are always happy to recommend their best dishes.

Outlaw Kitchen

We have only been to Outlaw Kitchen twice since it has opened and were blown away each time by the meal we had. I now frequently stalk their Facebook page to see what is on their changing weekly menu so we can go back again soon. This super cute restaurant is an old renovated house in Alta Vista. Part restaurant, part house- the owner and chef live there as well. The house is surrounded by a patio and the chef’s garden. The last time we visited, we really enjoyed the seafood stew (pictured below) and finished off the meal with a piece of chocolate flour-less cake. So good!

Top Bars

La Roca Cantina

How do I love La Roca? Let me count the ways….

Want to drink great cocktails? Want to grab a quick beer? Looking for a spot to have a party? Want to hear a DJ on a Saturday night? Need a spot to watch the Spurs?  Then this is definitely where you need to be. We normally do the house party thing but this year, we’ll be ringing in 2018 with our friends at La Roca.  Full review coming soon!

Juniper Tar

Two words: Martini Sucio.  It’s basically the best dirty martini ever.  The guys at Juniper Tar mix up this awesome martini and so many others.  Pick a cocktail from their menu or try something new from their huge liquor selection, either way you can’t go wrong.  I love hanging out in this old funky building.  Go and enjoy Juniper Tar now…I’m thinking when that new Frost tower opens, it won’t be on the quite side of Houston street anymore.

Brooklynite

We didn’t really go to Brooklynite all that much until this year when we re-discovered their happy hour, especially Whiskey Wednesday.  I prefer this spot during happy hour when it’s not as crowded and you can grab a spot at the bar.  I wrote about their specials earlier this year right before they celebrated their 5 year anniversary.  Congrats Brooklynite!

Bexar Pub

Guys, I really miss Folc.  I daydream about the pea toast.  I once tried to re-create it and it was no where near the original.  Thankfully, Chef Luis Colon and team opened Bexar Pub this year.  It doesn’t fully heal my Folc broken heart, but it does a great job of helping me to forget.  Bexar Pub is a great spot to grab drinks and yes, food!  You can get the famous Folc burger as well as fried chicken and nachos.  They have one of the best views of downtown from an expansive patio that is made for a happy hour watching the sun set.

And that’s it- my favorite eat and drink spots of 2017.  I can’t wait to see what the new year brings for San Antonio. Goodbye 2017 and Cheers to 2018!

-CL