Food & Drink
Winner: La Panadería
Multiple locations
When two hermanos from Mexico City arrived in San Antonio in 2014 with extensive bakery expertise, they introduced local foodies to the addictive crossover creation that is the tequila cream-filled almond croissant. That delight remains a favorite nearly a decade later, even if the Nutella-filled cruffin is the bakery's bid for meme status. Even so, the breads that brought the owners their initial recognition are not to be overlooked. Also, as evidenced by its dual-category win, La Panadería's lofty conchas are exceptional enough to stand out in a city full of bakeries offering the classic pan dulce. The topping has just the right sugary crunch, while the interior is delectably flaky.
2. Bakery Lorraine
Multiple locations
3. Fiesta Bakery
Multiple locations
Winner: Rios Barbacoa
Multiple locations
2. Tommy's Restaurant
Multiple locations
3. Tellez Tamales & Barbacoa
Multiple locations
Winner: Smoke Shack
3714 Broadway
(210) 957-1430
Smoke Shack first garnered attention from the order window of an appropriately rustic mobile rig. It's since gained uptown respectability at its permanent location on Broadway across from the Witte Museum. Brisket is a star attraction at Smoke Shack — it gets slipped into sliders, tops the house's rendition of a Frito pie and adorns orders of macaroni and cheese. Chicken gets the South Texas treatment with lashings of chili piquín oil, and house-made sausages are also not to be missed. Enjoy the bangers either as part of a barbecue plate or purchased at the butcher shop next door to be cooked at your own — we assume also respectable — shack.
2. Rudy's Country Store and Bar-B-Q
Multiple locations
3. 2M Smokehouse
2731 S. W.W. White Road
(210) 885-9352
Winner: The Original Donut Shop
3307 Fredericksburg Road
(210) 734-5661
facebook.com/theoriginaldonutshop
One might not expect a place called The Original Donut Shop to excel at serving up breakfast tacos, but this one certainly does. This drive-thru wonder has served San Antonio's Deco district since the 1950s and an in many ways stays true to its retro ideals — including a strict cash only policy and its use of fresh, handmade ingredients. Its attention to quality is clear both when it comes to the donuts and breakfast tacos. The tortillas are all made from scratch, whether they're flour or corn, and whichever salsa you decide to drizzle onto your taco is made daily.
2. Tommy's Restaurant
Multiple locations
3. Bill Miller Bar-B-Q
Multiple locations
Winner: La Panadería
Multiple locations
When two hermanos from Mexico City arrived in San Antonio in 2014 with extensive bakery expertise, they introduced local foodies to the addictive crossover creation that is the tequila cream-filled almond croissant. That delight remains a favorite nearly a decade later, even if the Nutella-filled cruffin is the bakery's bid for meme status. Even so, the breads that brought the owners their initial recognition are not to be overlooked. Also, as evidenced by its dual-category win, La Panadería's lofty conchas are exceptional enough to stand out in a city full of bakeries offering the classic pan dulce. The topping has just the right sugary crunch, while the interior is delectably flaky.
2. The Hayden
4025 Broadway
(210) 437-4306
3. Bistr09
6106 Broadway
(210) 245-8156
Winner: Chris Madrid's
1900 Blanco Road
(210) 735-3552
It should come as no surprise to see Chris Madrid's rack up another win in this category. This iconic Blanco Road haven has served up one of SA's go-to burgers since 1977. Not even a 2017 fire could keep Madrid's down, and the renovated spot has been thriving since. Despite the changes to its building, the burgers remain the same. Choose a patty: a ¼ lb. "Regular" or ½ lb. "Macho." When it comes to all the fixings, the default is the Cheddar Cheezy, which features copious amounts of melted cheddar cheese with mustard, lettuce, tomatoes, onions and pickles. A puro SA take, the Tostada Burger amps things up with refried beans, chips, onions and melted cheddar cheese.
2. Burger Boy
Multiple locations
3. Whataburger
Multiple locations
Winner: The Jerk Shack
10234 TX-151
(210) 776-7780
2. Jamaica Jamaica Cuisine
2026 Austin Highway
(210) 590-0515
3. Mi Roti
312 Pearl Parkway, Building 6
Winner: Cured
306 Pearl Parkway, Suite 101
(210) 314-3929
Steve McHugh is a perennial nominee for the coveted James Beard Award, and though he hasn't yet won, fans don't need no stinkin' Beard badge to beat a path to Cured. As the name suggests, cured meats greet the diner at the door, and those same treasures find their way onto charcuterie platters featuring the likes of smoked duck ham and 30-day lamb salami. Smoked bockwurst can be added to the board for extra allure, but don't stop at the charc. McHugh's expertise extends to mains such as heritage hog poutine and, for that special splurge, a 45-day, dry-aged cowboy ribeye. They all taste better in the restored Pearl structure that's a treasure in its own right.
2. Tim the Girl Catering
1127 S. St. Mary's St.
(210) 439-0030
3. Cheese & Honey
(210) 391-5724
Winner: Good Time Charlie's
2922 Broadway
(210) 828-5392
Good Time Charlie's has been a staple on San Antonio's Broadway corridor since opening in 1979. Although primarily a nightspot in its early days, it's evolved into lunch-and-dinner mainstay for those seeking homestyle vittles. The family-friendly spot can be a little cacophonous given its old-school digs, but those not averse to a little noise will find the food comforting and filling, particularly its award-winning chicken fried steak. Crisp, generously portioned and smothered in thick gravy, it's as indulgent as they come. The "Burgers & Stuff" section of Charlie's menu boasts nearly two dozen options, while its "Homestyle Specialties" includes favorites ranging from steak fingers and grilled pork chops to Polish sausage.
2. MK Davis
1302 N. Flores St.
(210) 223-1208
facebook.com/mkdavisrestaurant
3. Mama's Cafe
2442 Nacogdoches Road
(210) 826-8303
