San Antonio's dining scene is heating up this week with upcoming restaurant openings from local obsession Whataburger and dirty soda shop Swig. Elsewhere, a Tex-Mex favorite is recovering from fire damage, and a River Walk hotel is going all out for prime rib. Read on for more essential Alamo City restaurant updates — including outrageous waffles in New Braunfels.
Openings and closures
Amid a nationwide expansion push, San Antonio's beloved Whataburger is opening a new outpost of the city's Southwest Side. According to filings with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, the newest Alamo City location will be at 6311 Old Pearsall Rd. The timeline listed suggests a summer opening, which should allow it to serve the Pico de Gallo Burger, a limited-time return of one of the chain's fan favorites.
Swig is building a new San Antonio store at 3627 E Evans Rd. The Utah-based chain is known for its dirty soda, customizable drinks made with flavored syrups, cream, and fruit purees. The trendy beverages first gained popularity in Mormon circles before becoming a social media obsession of influencers and pop star Olivia Rodrigo. State records indicate the newest local outpost will be ready for customers in January 2026.
A new restaurant specializing in sweet and savory waffles recently debuted in New Braunfels. The aptly named Wafflelicious serves innovative twists on its namesake dish, including Caprese topped with burrata, oven-dried tomatoes, and basil and the decadent s'mores with marshmallows, Hershey's chocolate chunks, and Graham cracker crumbles. The eatery is located at 2188 SH 46 W #109.
Wafflelicious specializes in over-the-top waffles.Wafflelicious/Facebook
Other news and notes
The 1003 Culebra Rd. location of Tex-Mex chain El Canelo is temporarily closed following a June 4 blaze. The San Antonio Fire Department has not yet released a report on the cause of the fire, but video footage captured by News 4 San Antonio shows what appears to be minimal damage.
Hyatt Regency Hill Country is bringing some thrills and chills to San Antonio this summer through a new partnership with local entertainment company Baker Street Mystery. Every Saturday in June, July, and August will feature Murder Mystery events, complete with sleuthing shenanigans and bites prepared by the property's culinary team. The weekly investigations have a new theme each week and tickets cost $88.50 for adults and $47.20 for children.
Dorrego's at the Hotel Valencia Riverwalk is offering a sizzling prime rib special every Friday and Saturday in June. The dinner portion, priced at $50, includes a 16-ounce cut, creamed corn, and a baked potato. The $21 lunch sandwiches a 5-ounce portion on a brioche bun with smoked tomato jam, arugula, and blue cheese.
Robert Fleming Jr., the beloved founder of breakfast spot Magnolia Pancake Haus, has passed away. In a social media remembrance, the restaurant said Fleming "was more than the heart behind Magnolia Pancake Haus — he was a visionary, a mentor, a friend, and a man whose passion for hospitality brought joy to countless lives."
