Lone Star Hidden Gems

Tex-Mex hidden gems shine in San Antonio's Lone Star neighborhood

La Parrilla Azteca is a hole-in-the-wall place that welcomes all.

San Antonio's Southtown has its fill of buzzy restaurants, bars, and shops. While the King William and Lavaca districts nab much of the attention, the nearby Lone Star neighborhood retains a certain charm despite the surrounding redevelopment.

Named after the former Lone Star brewery, the area's redevelopment plan is looking to become another Pearl in a few years. But before it changes entirely, catch these hidden gem restaurants for homespun, affordable Tex-Mex cuisine that will satisfy anyone's cravings south of downtown San Antonio.

La Familia Bakery
This family owned and operated bakery is modest but offers a reliable selection of tacos and pastries made onsite. While the thought of breakfasting with tacos and doughnuts may not make sense to some folks, it simply works. Trust us.

La Parrilla Azteca
La Parrilla Azteca is a hole-in-the-wall-type place that welcomes all. Neighborhood locals have come to embrace the no-frills restaurant for over 30 years. In addition to traditional Tex-Mex and Mexican cuisine, the menu includes burgers and sandwiches. Tacos are a must, such as the al carbon, potato and egg, and carne guisada. It all truly tastes and feels homemade. Service is typically fast and very friendly, and you can order at the curbside window if you're on the run.

My Little Taco House
Another hidden gem on South Flores is the compact My Little Taco House, where a budget- and family-friendly atmosphere rules. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, tacos are fresh and delicious, served on thick homemade flour tortillas. The al pastor taco, chorizo and egg taco, and green salsa are particular hits. Menudo is served on the weekends, and the fried fish is also worthy of a mention. Need one more piece of motivation to visit My Little Taco House? The movie Selena has a brief scene shot onsite. If it's good enough for the one-and-only Selena, it is good enough for you too.

Taqueria Los Potrillos
Taqueria Los Potrillos, at 715 Nogalitos St., is the very definition of "blink and you'll miss it." It's a small, unassuming restaurant that's straight-forward, family-friendly, and very familiar with the neighborhood residents. It's likely you'll catch an owner's family member or two waiting tables or attending to some other chore. The menu is basic Tex-Mex, including barbacoa on weekends, that features unforgettable homemade flavor. The beverages are plentiful, including horchata.

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Home for the Holidays

San Antonio street lights up with at least 9 holiday events and activities

Photo courtesy of Visit San Antonio

Holidays on Houston Street was announced in an extravagant press conference.

A San Antonio holiday happening that debuted on Houston Street in 2023 is back for another year of festivities, but this year it's going much bigger. Holidays on Houston Street will transform its surroundings for holiday shopping from November 29 to January 2, both decorating the corridor for holiday cheer and organizing deals with local businesses.

This activation will take place across five blocks on the namesake street, from Broadway to Legacy Park. Of course, everything will be draped in twinkling lights — a release counts nearly 400,000 on 80 trees — and other decor like wreaths and ornaments. Shops, hotels, restaurants, and bars will take care of their own decorations, adding to the immersion.

There will also be a more concentrated event within the larger project from December 13-15, heightening the effects with even more decor and some holiday activities. This is where the market comes in; organized by the City of San Antonio's Shop Local campaign, it'll highlight 30 local businesses that will surely have some unique gift ideas ready to go. Plus, carolers and other entertainment including a drone show will provide that extra-festive ambiance.

During the market, visitors can stop by the Houston Street Experiential Lounge for food and beverages, plus "experience-based gifts from various San Antonio attractions," according to a press release.

With those main plans in place, there will be a multitude of other events and entertainment, including:

November 22 to January 5: The Rotary Ice Rink, presented by Valero, returns to Travis Park.
November 29: The activation kicks off with a Christmas tree lighting.
November 30 to January 2: Old Town Trolley Tours will operate a decked-out trolley for a 45-minute sing-along tour downtown. Since the song list contains classic carols, you probably already know some of the words.
December 3: Restaurants and bars between Navarro Street and North St. Mary’s Street will contribute to a block-long communal potluck table.
December 7: The San Antonio Coffee Festival is organizing a new shop-and-stroll event where visitors can bring a mug to sample coffee, tea, cider, and hot chocolate, plus more themed treats.
December 12: The Paseo Market at Legacy Park offers more gifts from local vendors, plus live music and complimentary drinks while supplies last.
December 14: Visitors of all ages at The Alamo can try making frontier-style crafts like yarn dolls, Victorian greeting cards, and pomanderballs (oranges with cloves stuck in the peel). Living history reenactors will present Christmas storytelling, caroling, candy making, blacksmithing, leatherworking and more.
December 17: A costumed fun run and a more challenging 5K will get heart rates up, ending in an after party with live music, food, ice skating, games, and giveaways.

These fun events are meant to draw tourists to San Antonio, as well as to support local businesses through the gifting season.

“Holidays on Houston Street represents the future of Downtown San Antonio,” said Trish DeBerry, President and CEO of Centro San Antonio, as quoted in the release. “These initiatives are much more than just ‘events downtown’ — they serve as a catalyst for economic progress, revitalizing local businesses throughout the area. As we work toward a cleaner, safer downtown and look ahead to new projects, it’s essential to continue bringing activations that energize the downtown community and foster growth that extends beyond the core.”

More information about Holidays on Houston Street is available at visitsanantonio.com.

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