For Father's Day: the same steak again?

Our (non)apologies to the shirtless roid-raging influencers clogging TikTok’s arteries with saturated fat. Dude food is not really a thing. Gendered food is as clownish as gender norms — and the Father’s Day meal is not a one-size-fits-all affair.

Just as one wouldn’t give a tie to a jeans and t-shirt dad, one shouldn’t assume they’ll be happy with hotdog. San Antonio is filled with too many great restaurants not to make this holiday tailor-made.

For the ageless rock star — Gimme Gimme
Some fathers teach their kids how to change a flat, others how to identify a Mick Jones lick. This bar is for the dad whose denim vest can hardly support the weight of so many pins. With an always thumping soundtrack and killer bar food, Gimme always hits. But the Wednesday steak night and chicken fried steak Thursdays are a reason to celebrate the big day early.

For the barbecue stan — Reese Bros. Barbecue
Peak television died when The Walking Dead hurled out multiple spin-offs and peak menswear withered when Allesandro Michele bid ciao to Gucci, but the golden age of Central Texas barbecue is still very much aflame. The brothers Reese keep the embers burning with faithful renditions of the Texas trinity served with sides that are just as showstopping as the meats.

For the culinarian — Shiro Japanese Bistro
Though the dining room is unassuming, the food at this downtown delivers bold flavors by the megawatt. Create your own omakase by skipping the entrees and curating a spread of small plates, specialties, and nigiri. There’s only one dessert, but the teddy bear macarons end each meal with a hug.

For the dad with young kids — The Cove
Even the most well-behaved tots can get antsy in a king Louis chair. This Alamo City classic lets them blow off steam while dad sips a beer. The offerings — tacos, nachos, and burgers — aren’t anything fancy, but they’re made with local, organic ingredients. Besides, is anyone truly relaxed while eating a ritzy prix fixe?

For the health nut — Pharm Table
Protein powder is never the highlight of brunch. Where some healthy eateries forgo the experience for health, this Southtown standby offers a handsome setting for its dairy- and gluten-free fare. Plus, the flavors are diverse enough to keep anyone interested. The currently posted menu explores Peruvian, Mexican, Indian, and Southern flavors.

For the meat and potatoes guy — Bohanan's Prime Steaks and Seafood
Since 2002, this downtown steakhouse has set San Antonio’s standard for classic American dining. It hasn’t lost any of its luster. If it’s a party of two (babysitters can be their own gift), split the chateaubriand, enriched with both hollandaise and béarnaise. Yes, a food coma will ensure, but another martini should bring back the dad jokes.

For the real dads who eat quiche — Bakery Lorraine
With five area locations and an offshoot in Austin, this French bakery isn’t the upstart it once was. Still, growth hasn’t made a dent in the quality. And, seriously, the name of the world’s most perfect quiche is right in the name. It also excels in sandwiches, salads, and pastries — in other words, everything needed for an impromptu picnic.