In a Pinch
Snag last-minute items at these San Antonio grocery stores open on Thanksgiving Day
It’s inevitable. Every year, you plan your Thanksgiving meal perfectly, and then, right before the guests arrive, you realize you’re missing that one crucial thing. We all know that stores like Walmart, H-E-B, CVS, and Walgreens can help us out in a pinch, but sometimes we don’t want to brave the crowds. Fortunately, there are a number of other area grocery stores open on Thanksgiving for your last-minute needs (or, let’s be honest, more beer).
Ali Baba International Market
Specializing in foods from Eastern Europe, Pakistan, India, Iran, and the Mediterranean, this grocery store also has a large selection of produce in case you forgot an essential ingredient for one of your dishes. And you might just find a new spice to kick up your traditional holiday fare.
Open: 10 am-10 pm
9307 Wurzbach Rd. — 210-691-1111
Arlan’s Market
As convenient as your corner Quickie Mart, Arlan’s is the stop when you need more than just a bag of Xtra Cheezy Cheetos Mix-ups. The family-owned chain offers almost everything you would find in a megastore, without the long lines.
Open:
6 am-3 pm
340 Old Hwy 90 West — 210-434-0694
2118 S Zarzamora St. Ste. 436 — 210-227-4197
3614 Pleasanton Rd. — 210-922-2159
Central Market
H-E-B's upscale grocery chain may not be the go-to for Tide sticks when you tip the gravy boat onto your aunt’s new blouse, but they have plenty of other things to make your Turkey Day dinner a success, including flowers and tons of wine. Plus, if you find yourself in a pickle with something you purchased there, you can call the “Holiday Hotline” at 210-368-8607 for help.
Open: 8 am-2 pm
4821 Broadway St. — 210-368-8600
La Fiesta
With a large produce department and all the essentials, La Fiesta is where to go when you totally blanked on Thanksgiving Day. You may not find a turkey, but who says you can’t serve pork?
Open: 7 am-3 pm
Multiple locations
La Michoacana Meat Market
The Texas chain is especially known for affordable cuts of meat. If you wake up to a still frozen bird, make lemonade out of lemons, fire up the grill, and head to La Michoacana for some steaks.
Open: 7 am-7 pm
Multiple locations
Larder
You won’t find aisles of fresh ingredients at this tiny market in Hotel Emma, but you can surely cobble together enough gourmet treats for a celebratory meal. Plus, if you really need a break from family, cocktail bar Sternewirth is just around the corner. When you're late getting home with that extra can of cranberry sauce, just blame it on us.
Open: 6 am-6 pm
136 E. Grayson St. — 210-448-8355
Sasha’s European Market
Located in a strip mall, Sasha’s is also a world away, specializing in the foods native to Russia and Eastern Europe. Try a few cubes of Polish sausage in your stuffing to change things up, and don’t forget to stock up on Baltic beer.
Open: 10 am-2 pm
8023 Callaghan Rd. — 210-348-7788
Shahi IndoPak Groceries
Forgot the brown-and-serve rolls? Head over to Shahi for a few packages of freshly baked naan. You might inspire a new holiday tradition.
Open: 10 am-10 pm
20323 Huebner Rd. — 210-481-2225
Sprouts
The health food chain is stocked with great produce, a sizable bulk section, and plenty of plant-based products which all comes in handy when your vegan brother unexpectedly shows up at your door. Plus, the beer and wine selection will help get you through making the extra meal.
Open: 7 am-4 pm
17700 N. US Hwy. 281 — 210-499-1446
8101 Callaghan Rd. — 210-979-8121
Target
Okay, so unless you are having a late dinner you probably won’t be able to make a meal from a last-minute stop to the retail giant. (After all, a package of string cheese and a handful of spaghetti does not mac and cheese make.) But if you need an extra vase to tszuj up your tablescape before guests arrive, this may be your best bet.
Open: 6 pm to midnight
Multiple locations
Whole Foods Market
Whole Foods has everything you will need to make your Martha Stewart Thanksgiving a reality, but the hot bar is where it’s at. Scoop up some vegetables in the morning and your guests will never know you didn’t break a sweat.
Open: 8 am-3 pm
255 E. Basse Rd., St. 130 — 210-826-4676
18403 Blanco Rd. — 210-408-3110
Too busy to run out for that extra pound of butter or a can of cranberry sauce? Amazon Prime Now will be operating in San Antonio 10 am-8 pm and will deliver any number of goods right to your door.