The 25 San Antonio dishes you should eat before you die

Nashville hot wings from Cullum's Attagirl
Fans of heat can clear their sinuses with the Nashville-style hot chicken wings. Brined in buttermilk for up to two days, the drumettes are then dredged in Attagirl's signature Southern-style spices and a helping of a thick cayenne paste.
Cullum's Attagirl, 729 E. Mistletoe Ave., (210) 437-4263, facebook.com/Cullums-Attagirl.

Photo via Dan Payton

Fried snapper throats from Southerleigh
If you're going to have snapper throats on the menu, your staff has to be ready to answer some pretty silly questions. Thankfully, Southerleigh's servers are more than adept at guiding adventurous eaters through this surprisingly meaty number. Take your time and savor the richness, though don't forget to add a dab of Crystal aioli.
Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery, 136 E. Grayson St., Suite 120, (210) 455-5701, southerleigh.com.

Photo via San Antonio Current

Barbacoa from El Milagrito
High in fat content and strong in flavor, the barbacoa at El Milagrito is both impeccable and delectable, especially when paired with avocado, onions and cilantro for a little added flavor.
El Milagrito Cafe, 521 E Woodlawn Ave., (210) 737-8646, elmilagritocafe.com.

Photo via Facebook (El Milagrito Cafe)

Cabrito from Los Cabriteros
The plate of costillas cargadas (cross-cut Angus ribs) suggest a brushing of soy or Maggi, only added to their deep flavor.
Los Cabriteros, 17660 Henderson Pass, 468-2904, loscabriteros.net.

Photo via Dan Payton

Tonkotsu from Kimura
Kimura gained local attention for its ramen creations, to the credit of chef Michael Sohocki of Restaurant Gwendolyn. The tonkotsu noodles in pork bone broth are a good place to start.
Kimura, 152 E. Pecan St. #102, (210) 444-0702, kimurasa.com.

Photo via Facebook (Elias Popa?)

The crudité plate from Alchemy
While Alchemy's crudité plate changes weekly — granted "preparations subject to a capricious growing climate" — it always retains its vibrant colors.
Alchemy Kombucha And Culture,1123 N. Flores St. (210) 320-1168, alchemysanantonio.com.

Photo via San Antonio Current

Tacos Bistec from La Gloria
La Gloria offers a wide array of delicious items reminiscent of the street foods from interior Mexico, but the wisest carnivores will opt for the juicy bistec tacos at this vibrant cantina.
La Gloria, 100 E. Grayson St., (210) 267-9040, lagloriaicehouse.com.

Photo via Facebook (La Gloria)

Arrachera skirt steak from Ácenar
The tender skirt steak listed on the dinner menu of "HotMex CoolBar" Ácenar is grilled arrachera style, and accompanied by onions, pico de gallo, guacamole and charro beans.
Ácenar Mexican Restaurant, 146 E. Houston St., acenar.com.

Photo via Facebook (Ácenar Mexican Restaurant)

Vegetable tagine from Moroccan Bites
The pile of seasonal vegetables form a pyramid of squash, carrots, peas, and potatoes atop a pool of steaming hot broth. Simple, savory, and a touch peppery.
Moroccan Bites, 5714 Evers Rd., (210) 706-9700, moroccanbitescuisine.com.

Photo via San Antonio Current

Monster Kong Nachos from Chacho's
Quantity is the main objective with Chacho's Monster Kong Nachos, which tosses picadillo, shredded chicken and mesquite beef fajitas onto one platter with beans and cheese.
Chacho's, multiple locations, chachos.com.

Photo via Facebook (Chacho's)

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Conchas from the Horno Mision San Jose Bakery
All dessert fiends in Alamo City need to experience the bright sugar coating and perfect shell-like shape of the traditional conchas sold at the cozy Horno Mision San Jose Bakery.
Horno Mission San Jose Bakery, multiple locations, simtrom.wix.com/hornomsjbakery.

Photo via Facebook (Horno Mission San Jose Bakery)

Tea-Smoked Duck from Sichuan House
A quintessential dish of Szechuan cuisine prepared by hot smoking a marinated duck over tea leaves, the tea-smoked duck at Sichuan House is a hearty meal that features exotic hints of black pepper and camphor.
Sichuan House, 3505 Wurzbach Rd #102, (210) 509-9999.

Photo via Yelp (Sonia C.)

Puffy tacos from Ray's Drive Inn
Famously profiled on the Food Network Channel, the puffy tacos at Ray's Drive Inn makes the family-friendly joint a "Westside Landmark" in San Antonio.
Ray's Drive Inn, 822 S.W. 19th St., (210) 432-7171, raysdriveinn.net.

Photo via Instagram (markmartinez62)

Vegetable sauté from Twin Sisters
Not only does the vegetable sauté strike the perfect balance of crisp and soft with perfectly cooked veggies on a bed of brown rice, but the mixture of broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, cabbage, squash, and minced ginger (plus leeks if you’re dining at the downtown location) can taste totally different depending on how you order it.
Twin Sisters Bakery and Café, 6322 N New Braunfels Ave., (210) 822-0761, twinsistersbakeryandcafe.com.

Photo via San Antonio Current

Chilaquiles from Vida Mia Cuisine
Casual daytime fixture Vida Mida evokes the aromas of your childhood home with its perfectly authentic chilaquiles.
Vida Mia Cuisine, 19141 Stone Oak Pkwy #803, (210) 490-2011, vidamiacuisine.com.

Photo via Facebook (Vida Mia Cuisine - Stone Oak)

Ba Ba Burger from O'liva
The lusty olive tapenade asserts itself in the Ba Ba Burger, which features local ground lamb, Bibb lettuce, tomato relish and, most importantly, a gently fried egg.
O'livia, 115 Plaza de Armas, Suite 107, (210) 229-2638, olivasa.com.

Photo via David Rangel

Pulled pork sandwich from Box Street Social
Served with zucchini pickles and cabbage, the pulled pork sandwich is a regular favorite at Box Street Social. And, it's no mystery way — the flavors are all on point.
Box Street Social, (210) 617-0775, theboxstreetsocial.com.

Photo via San Antonio Current

Avocado toast from Fairview
Fairview's food menu is small, but has some real standouts. Pastries and breads are made in-house, and the craftsmanship shows. The sourdough makes for a tangy toast, topped with sliced avocado and tomatoes. This dish sounds humble, but the flavors balance perfectly.
Fairview Coffee Bar and Grub, 3428 N St. Mary's, (210) 731-8009, thefairviewsatx.com.

Photo via Facebook (The Fairview)

Wood-oven roasted chicken from Tre Enoteca
The wood-oven, free-range chicken served in a nest of arugula with piquillo peppers, fingerling potatoes and winningly chunky/porky lardons is your best bet at Tre Enoteca.
Tre Enoteca, 555 W. Bitters, (210) 496-0555.

Photo via Lizzy Flowers

Vegan nachos from Viva Vegeria
Expect a well-balanced plate of delicious nachos at Viva Vegeria. The nachos, which come in a half or full order, are topped with quinoa, spinach and guacamole.
Viva Vegeria, 1422 Nogalitos St., (210) 465-9233.

Photo via Dan Payton

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Falafel from Jerusalem Grill
Flavors and textures of the falafel at Jerusalem Grill are balanced, spot on and ultimately more satisfying than others about town.
Jerusalem Grill, 3259 Wurzbach Road, (210) 680-8400, jerusalemgrill.net.

Photo via Bryan Rindfuss

Pastrami sandwich from The Granary 'Cue & Brew
You can get your fix of pastrami at The Granary 'Cue & Brew where chef Tim Rattray entices with his scratch-made sandwich on homemade rye, thick-cut pastrami and delicate sauerkraut.
The Granary 'Cue & Brew, 602 Avenue A, 210-228-0124, thegranarysa.com.

Photo via Facebook (The Granary 'Cue & Brew)

Cheeseboard from Brigid
There are cheese boards and then there is THIS cheese masterpiece. You'll find four cheeses — a Chabichou French goat cheese, a cave-aged sheep in the Pecorino Toscano Oro, a Délice de Bourgogne cow's milk cheese and a Jasper Hill — paired with a colorful assembly of accouterments.
Brigid, 803 S. St. Mary's, (210) 988-3063.

Photo via Bryan Rindfuss

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