Food and attractions?

So I'm headed your way tomorrow for about a week. I really needed a change of scenery. Anyway, I wanted to know if I could get some advice from the locals on a few things.

1) Where can a gal get a good steak in your city for no more than $40-$50? I really love little independent places that take great pride in their food if anyone knows of one, but I welcome all suggestions as long as it's good.

2) Good sushi. I like places that are pretty creative with their custom rolls. There's a place in Dallas that I love that has a ton of custom rolls, my favorite of which is a crab meat, cream cheese, cucumber creation that is battered and fried. I know, not the healthiest thing, but it's gooood. If anyone knows of a place I might like, I'd love to hear it.

3) I know you have a Six Flags and a Sea World. Also, I've been to the river walk and the Alamo. Are there any other attractions, perhaps lesser known ones, that might be fun to try? Something not too terribly expensive, but kinda neat. I particularly enjoy aquariums, zoos, botanical gardens, comedy clubs, etc. I don't seem to be in the mood for museums and art galleries lately. And I don't drink, so bars and clubs really aren't my thing.

Really appreciate any and all suggestions. And I hope I get to see a few of you while I'm in your area.
3) I know you have a Six Flags and a Sea World. Also, I've been to the river walk and the Alamo. Are there any other attractions, perhaps lesser known ones, that might be fun to try? Something not too terribly expensive, but kinda neat. I particularly enjoy aquariums, zoos, botanical gardens, comedy clubs, etc. Originally Posted by tracibrooks
Well I don't know when the last time you were down here but they recently opened up a new section of the Riverwalk. It heads north up to the Pearl Brewery area. That area is being transformed to have shops and restaurants. Could check that out.

The Botanical Gardens here are close to downtown just to the east of the University of the Incarnate Word off of Broadway. AND The zoo is around that area too.

Comedy clubs, well there is one downtown at Rivercenter Mall and there is also another one at Park North which is off Loop 410 between Blanco and San Pedro. There is also an Alamo Drafthouse there if you feel like a movie

Hope this helps a bit
nushi's Avatar
  • nushi
  • 09-04-2011, 10:43 PM
Maybe you would like Natural Bridge Caverns up the 35N from San Antonio. Price, times, and map on the website. www.naturalbridgecaverns.com/
you gotta try myrons steakhouse in newbraunfuls tx. excellent. try little red barn, texas land and cattle,saltgrass outback , oldsanfrancisco. those are decent. picodegallos is excellent for mexican imho. so are mitierra and margaritas if you wanna bit more of a tourist trap but they are all the same. italian i prefer big lous pizza on the southside its really good. theres tons of places for good eats here.
check out goddai, sake cafe or sushi zushi.

Checking out the missions for a nice change of pace.
Precious_b's Avatar
I'd try any Sushi place LN recommends.
FootLong's Avatar
Well, unless you just don't like it, the thing to eat in SA is Tex-Mex. That is what we are known for, not so much steak or sushi. Though folks here do have some favorites when it comes to those.

We do have a good zoo here. Enjoy your stay!
SpursFan's Avatar
I would like the suggest the Josephine Street Steakhouse:

http://josephinestcafe.com/

Check the blue tab on the link above for $2 off entrees on Tuesday's after 4pm. You will be well within your budget and is a favorite amongst the locals here. There is also a tab for their menu.

I have found the service to be good and the place has a great casual atmosphere.

It is just outside of downtown close to the Pearl Brewery area which is just North of downtown.

Have fun,

SF
hardjeans212's Avatar
For sushi you could go to Tokyo Inn, off od Blanco and Hildebrand. It's not one of the most fancy looking places but probably the most authentic place we have in town. Goddai is okay too.

Steak - Most of them are good, I personally like going to the Brazilian steak places now. Fogo de Chao downtown is really good. I like the selection and you can pick and choose what you want.
JMcB's Avatar
  • JMcB
  • 09-05-2011, 07:33 AM
Steak: Saltgrass, TX Land and Cattle and Roaring Fork or my BBQ LOL actually would go to Roaring Fork as it is a chain like the others, there isn't that feel.

Sushi: Thai Bistro and Sushi off De Zavala about 1 mile west of I-10 near the little post office, they also have a fried roll that rocks!! and the owners there are SUPER nice.

Attractions: Both the SA Zoo and Botanical gardens are near Downtown and the Brackenridge Park area.

I hope that your stay is a pleasant one and that you enjoy yourself and return soon to the Alamo City so that I will then get to meet you, as I will not be able to this trip.
Thank you all so much for the suggestions! And here I was afraid I wouldn't have enough options! You guys are awesome. If anyone else has any ideas on interesting attractions, I'm all ears.
  • DaMan
  • 09-05-2011, 08:49 AM
My work is with restaurants and chefs (and I occasionally cook professionally), so I will claim some expertise here.

One of the best steaks in town for the money is at Olmos Park Bistro, a wonderful little French place. You can get a nice hanger steak or the ribeye cut called entrecote. www.bistroatolmospark.com

For sushi, I'd suggest two places:
-- Izakaya Nin. It's a pretty new place that serves wonderful yakitori grilled over Japanese white charcoal and a lot of nice sushi rolls and the nigiri-style (fish on rice). izakayanin.com
-- Koi Kawa. Next to Witte Museum just north of downtown and it's also outstanding. Here's their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Koi-K...379108?sk=info

If you go to Koi Kawa, you're near Brackenridge Park, the SA Zoo and the SA Botanical Garden. Since you have been to the Alamo, try the other missions. Also consider a stroll along the upper reach of the river, just a little north of the main Riverwalk. It goes just past the SA Museum of art and is lovely. You can also take a river taxi and it's great.

Enjoy your stay. I wish I had some time and available hobby funds to enjoy some time with you!
WetVelvetSAT's Avatar
Hi,

Welcome to our city....I'm sure you will be busy all week but if you get a chance to look around our city...this site will help you!

http://www.visitsanantonio.com/index.aspx

Sincerely,
Wet
Thanks for the suggestions, DaMan, and the link, Wet. (I love that avatar, btw!) I should have taken one of these suggestions and gone out to eat last night. I ordered room service, and it was both highly amusing and frustrating to watch the three-ring-circus that erupted just from a simple room service order. Lol. Crazy hotel. Glad to be here, though!
flinde's Avatar
Welcome to San Antonio, tracibrooks. Since we dont have that stinking Mark Cuban here, our city is a wonderful place. Fucking idiot, coaching from his wallet.

With all due respect, and not to be sexist or anything tracibrooks, I examined your showcase pics very carefully. In my opinion, with a rack like yours, you should never have to pay anything for a steak dinner anywhere.

Seriously, hot as you are, I would avoid the Little Red Barn Steakhouse--hot as you are you might cause some of the octogenerians there to have a stroke or a heart attack, although you would look good in one of those cowgirl costumes the waittresses wear.