New kids on the bawk

Popular chicken finger chain flocks to San Antonio with 2 new restaurants

Raising Cane's is opening two San Antonio area locations.

One of the nation's fastest growing chains is making a fowl play for Alamo City. On December 3, popular chicken finger restaurant Raising Cane’s announced the openings of two new area locations, one in New Braunfels and another on San Antonio’s Southside.

The first to arrive will be the New Braunfels location, making its debut at 1188 N. Interstate 35 Frontage Rd. on December 4 with a day of giveaways. Then, the quick service brand roosts near South Park Mall at 2525 SW Military Dr. and S. Zarzamora St. on December 6.

According to a release, the Southside location will be the second San Antonio outpost for the restaurant, known for crisp chicken strips, crinkle-cut fries, and tangy signature dipping sauce. Since entrepreneur Todd Graves founded the brand in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in 1996, it has rapidly grown to more than 400 locations across the United States and the Middle East.

But as big as the brand has grown, the company still makes a commitment to become a part of the communities it serves. Part of that comes from outreach to local organization like youth baseball club Normoyle Pony League, and the Najim Family YMCA where general manager Christopher Phelps — a southwest San Antonio native — and his team spent a day volunteering on December 1.

Giving back is also a part of the grand opening festivities. In additions to door prizes like vouchers and swag, the eatery is holding a drawing between December 6-12 to award one lucky customer a $1,000 donation to a local charity of their choice along with free Cane’s for a year.

Speaking of complimentary chicken, guests will get another chance to win a year’s supply by entering a drawing between 8:30-9 am. Twenty customers will be selected between 9-10 am, but must be present to win. While waiting for the doors to open at 10 am, visitors will be entertained by “traditional cheers and other high-energy chants" (no, we don’t know what that is either) and an appearance by the Spur’s wily mascot, The Coyote.

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11 essential dishes at San Antonio's Michelin-recognized restaurants

Leche de Tigre/ Facebook

Leche de Tigre.

By now, most local food enthusiasts are aware that the famed Michelin Guide recently dispatched its famously secretive reviewers across Texas. Although only Southtown's Mixtli garnered a coveted star, seven San Antonio eateries will now be listed as "Recommended." Five others nabbed a Bib Gourmand, a designation for "restaurants that offer great quality food at good prices."

Locals and tourists will no doubt be flocking to the 13 spots in the upcoming months and wondering what to order. While Mixtli and Nicosi's prix fixe format makes that easy with a chef-curated meal, here's the must-eat dish at the others.

Recommended

The Barbecue Station
Perhaps the biggest surprise among the Michelin nods, this North Side joint sticks with Texas barbecue traditions. Patrons should follow suit with a brisket barbecue plate paired with potato salad and a never-ending bowl of pinto beans.

Garcia's Mexican Food
The New York Times named Garcia's smoked brisket taco one of the 23 Best American Dishes of 2023, praising its "blanket-soft tortilla." Who are we to argue with the Gray Lady?

Leche de Tigre
This Southtown cebicheria has had a meteoric rise since debuting in February 2023. The Nikkei cebiche, made with delicate yellowfin tuna, a tamarind ponzu, and fried sweet potato, fires off all the rocket boosters.

Little Em's Oyster Bar
East Coast oysters are the raison d'être of this Southtown spot and undoubtedly worth a slurp. But even landlocked cities deserve the buttery lusciousness of a Connecticut lobster roll.

Signature Restaurant
Perhaps the stateliest San Antonio restaurant to earn Michelin recognition, this La Cantera stunner oozes Provençal charm. Though the short rib burger served during happy hour should not be missed, pony up for the elegant halibut adorned with celeriac, zucchini, dill, and a mouthwatering yuzu beurre blanc.

2M Smokehouse
It may seem strange to advocate a side over smoked meats, but folks seldom eat with logic. The Chicharoni Macaroni, a pile of mac 'n' cheese topped with crunch fried pork, is a lightning bolt.

Bib Gourmand

Burnt Bean Co.
This Seguin barbecue joint is on a winning streak, receiving kudos from the James Beard Foundation and Texas Monthly. The Brass Monkey sandwich, filled with queso mac, sausage, and brisket, distills that success into one bite.

Cullum's Attaboy
No other restaurant in San Antonio does simplicity so well. Order the omelette topped with a miracle hollandaise and a side of dressed frisée. And splurge on a dollop of caviar.

The Jerk Shack
While all the Caribbean dishes are worth a nibble at this San Antonio darling, do as the name commands. The assertively spiced jerk chicken clearly stands out.

Ladino
Only Michelin critics would consider this Pearl eatery as a budget option, but one can eat here without feeling impoverished. Whatever entrée makes the cut, precede it with chef Berty Richter's impeccable hummus.

Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery
At its root, Southern food is about comfort. Though this Pearl anchor has more fanciful fare, the fried chicken is its keystone.

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