San Antone, San Antone
I been gone for way too long
As some of you might know, even though I’ve been calling New Orleans home for the past 5 years (OMG has it really been that long?), I have a soft spot for Texas and it’ll always also be my home. I went to college in San Antonio and made some of the best friendships and memories all over Texas.
A few weeks ago, while day dreaming on Google Flights, I found that tickets to San Antonio from MSY were less than $100 roundtrip. Those who know me know I could not let that opportunity pass. I booked me and my boyfriend on that flight + a hotel on the Riverwalk and was ready to two step my way back to Texas!
It had been a few years since I had explored San Antonio’s hot spots, and went back to the places where I used to go on the good ole’ days. I was happy to find that San Antonio was better than ever and there is so much to be done, eat and drink.
Where To Stay
I ended up booking my flight and hotel through Expedia, #ProTip: you save A TON by booking a bundle of a hotel + flight through them. I wanted a hotel on the San Antonio Riverwalk that was close to good places but far enough that I wouldn’t have to deal with the weekends crowds. We decided on the Hotel Indigo San Antonio Riverwalk. The rooms were spacious, the staff was so kind and it was just about a 10 min walk from the hustle and bustle of the Riverwalk. Additionally, we ended up renting a car – if you want to go out of Downtown it is way cheaper to just rent a car – and parking was only about $15/day. 10/10 would recommend.
What To Do
Walk Around the Riverwalk
It’s the most touristy area in San Antonio but it’s so lovely. There’s tons to eat and drink. PS: Even though it’s Texas, you can have an open container while you walk through the Riverwalk!
Check out Pearl District’s Farmers Market and other activities
This was by far one of the funnest activities we did. There were so many people out there on Saturday and Sunday, there was live music, lots of pop up shops, food, drinks and it felt awesome to see how much the Pearl District has grown in the past few years.
Visit The McNay Museum of Art
This was my favorite museum in San Antonio, not only does it house an impressive collection of art but the museum itself is beautiful. We went to the special exhibition: Immersed: Local to Global Art Sensations (open till Sept 2, 2018). If you’re in San Antonio you can absolutely not miss this. Why? Just look at that photo. It was magical to be in there!
Visit The Alamo, Duh
You just HAVE to.
Where We Ate and Drank
Ocho Lounge
Inside Hotel Havana (and surprisingly right across the river from our hotel) is Ocho Lounge. This used to be one of my Senior year spots and I just love it so much. Why? The place is gorgeous, the food is wonderful and the drinks are just perfection. This is a great spot for a lunch that turns into quite a few cocktails, or a place to start off your night.
What you MUST order: The Martinique Punch & Hemingway Daiquiri
Bohanan’s Prime Steaks and Seafood
I heard so much about Bohanan’s when I was at Trinity University, because every guy in a certain fraternity worked there. Never went during my college years, but just had to try it this time around. Be ready to spend quite a few $$$ if you have dinner here. If you’re more on a budget, fear not. They have a wonderful happy hour at the bar area! The cocktails were AMAZING and the bartenders were super knowledgable about different spirits, and knew how to recommend the perfect drink for both Javi and me.
What you MUST order: a Paloma Picante and a Paper Plane
Zinc Bistro & Bar
Talk about a perfect date night spot! Despite the Texas heat that weekend, Friday night was breezy and we decided to sit on the outdoor patio area at Zinc Bistro & Bar. The patio was spacious, perfectly decorated with string lights, our server was the sweetest gal ever & can’t say enough good things about the food. Plus, any place that has a huge wine list is always gonna have a special place in my heart.
What you MUST order: Devil’s River Lamb Burger & Molten Chocolate cake for dessert
Maverick Texas Brasserie
You know, at Babes & Beignets, we’re always looking for the latest & greatest of any city we travel to. We kept seeing amazing reviews about Maverick Texas Brasserie, and my friend who lives there also highly recommended it for brunch. We spent our Sunday Funday at Maverick ordering way too much food at this new hot spot. One word: WOW. I was blown away by the space; the whole restaurant was beautifully decorated and furnished. Y’all, even the bathrooms were gorgeous! And the food…OMG.
What you MUST order: Brown Butter Brioche Donut (made to order – it’s still warm when it reaches the table), Braised Pork Belly and House Fruit Flavored Mimosa (so many juice options, you’re gonna have to try them all!).
More Spots to Check Out
This speakeasy is perfect for late night cocktails. We recommend reserving a table in advance!
Only my favorite Mexican restaurant in the whole wide world. Don’t miss their frozen margaritas or their enchiladas verdes.
A cute little place we stumbled upon at Pearl.
A fabulous little market with a coffee shop inside Hotel Emma.
Get your meat fix at Boiler House. You can’t go wrong with their Sarsaparilla Flank Steak; the salchipapas are to die for!
Although I explored a lot and went back to my usual spots, there is still a ton that I still need to check out around San Antone. I hope it doesn’t take another 5 years for me to visit again. Till next time, my dear Texas
