I'll be in San Antonio for a conference in March. We are located at the convention centre by the Riverwalk. Does anyone have any suggestions for things to do, places to eat etc.?

Thanks!

There are many, many casual Mexican and Tex-Mex style places in that whole area. For a step up (haute Mexican?), Acenar is right on the River Walk and has an extensive menu of more upscale choices (at a price, of course). I can't remember what I had, but I do remember it was good and the whole scene along the River is pretty good too.

Of course, you're close to the Alamo, which is worth a visit, too.

I never got more than four or five blocks away from the River Walk area, so that's all I have to offer.

Jerry, in Podie's trip report from 2006, she highly recommends Pesca on the River for a spectacular meal. Unfortunately, our SlowTrav restaurant reviews have no reviews for Texas - here's hoping you have some enjoyable meals while you are there, and maybe you can add a review to our coffers.

Thanks for that link Terry. I will do some restaurant reviews to add to the 'Texas collection'!

An organization I belonged to met in San Antonio several times. The last time I went was in 2004. Unfortunately, I can't find my notes from that trip.

San Antonio is a big, spread-out city, with many neighborhoods. Prior to that last trip, I always stayed in or near the River Walk. The last time, though, we deliberately stayed elsewhere - at a B&B in the Monte Vista historic area, as we rented a car. This permitted us to try places outside the main tourist area, which is around the River Walk and the Alamo.

Among other places, we went to a rather large Tex-Mex restaurant which had been recommended to us; it was fun and good. I wish I could be sure, but I believe it was Rosario's. The picture looks familiar.

Also, if you have a car and the time, a drive out to closer places in the Hill Country would be worth the trip.

Ann

Thanks Ann. I'm hoping to rnet a car on one day and 'wander' a bit farther a field. I like the suggestion of the Hill Country.

t is called Shilos or Schilos.

I don't know what happened there, but only the last part of my entry made it on. I grew up southeast of San Antonio and so we are there periodically. I love Tex-Mex (I know some people don't and prefer more authentic Mexican). We love Casa Rio on the riverwalk because it is good basic Tex-Mex and you can sit right by the river. Right near there but not on the riverwalk is Mi Tierra which is also good and a place called Pico di Gallo which we also like. There is also a deli near there on Commerce St. called either Shilos or Schilos. There are many Czech and German folks in south Texas and that is a big influence there as well.

Jerry,

If you do drive out to the Hill Country and you're a history buff, you might consider going to the LBJ Ranch. It's almost straight north of San Antonio.

Ann

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LBJ Ranch

You mean the President who is famous here in Canada for grabbing our Prime Minister and shaking him when he didn't like Pearson talking to him about peace in Vietnam?

HGHSPL - I love Mex and I love Tex Mex! I appreciate your recommendations.

Now can anyone tell me a place to get some real Texan BBQ?

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I love Mex and I love Tex Mex!

Tex Mex is not Mexican food--ask a Californian. Plus, you never have had and never will again have as good as you will have March 13. It is in a class by itself.

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Tex Mex is not Mexican food--ask a Californian.

Oh I am aware of that - hence the separation of the two in my comment. The best Mexican food I've had in the US was sold from an insulated cooler at the side of the road in Guernville along the Russian River. Now IT rocked!

Be sure and try one Cactus pear margarita from the Zuni Grill on the river walk. You don't need a second one, you wont remember it anyway.

You might also have a beer at the Menger Bar at the Menger Hotel. A lot history dating back to the King Ranch Era

Remember the Alamo!!!

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Cactus pear margarita

Now that sounds like a plan indeed!

If you have an hour or two to escape from the convention center, here are three things I did in San Antonio last month:
1) walk or take the bus to Market Square, about a mile east on Commerce St, browse the riotously colorful market stalls full of souvenir-type stuff, and have a snack or meal at La Margarita or Mi Tierra, opposite the Mercado and adjacent to each other. If you have more time, a stop at the Spanish Governor's palace and/or the cathedral (about midway between the CC and Market square) might be in order.
2)taxi to Mission San Jose (about $20 each way, get the mobile phone number of your cabbie and call him to come back for you because you progably won't find them cruising in that area); this is the largest of the 5 missions that make up the national park and has the visitor center with a short historical film and small bookshop.
3)stroll around La Villita, almost next door to the CC and see artsy shops in an old village.

I love the chorizo scrambled eggs at Mi Tierra and make it a point to go there for breakfast when I am in SA, usually also pick up some treats from its bakery for the folks back home.

In terms of barbecue, there is a very Texas place just north of San Antonio on the way to Kerrville on 10 north. It is called Rudy's in Leon Springs. The other places I know in Texas are in Lockhart, which is south of Austin. Smitty's and Kreutz there are both good.

A correction to my post of 25 Feb re directions to Market Square: go WEST on East Commerce Street (bus) or East Market (walking) from the convention center area.