Okay, let's talk San Antonio Restaurant Week. You've probably heard the buzz, seen the Instagram posts, maybe even tried to book a table last year only to find everything decent was gone. Yeah, been there. It happens every time. Restaurant Week San Antonio (or SA Restaurant Week, as the locals often call it) is kind of a big deal here. It's not just eating out; it's an event. Think of it as the city’s biggest culinary block party, but spread across two weeks and dozens of kitchens.
So, what's the point of this guide? Simple. I want you to actually enjoy Restaurant Week San Antonio this year. Not just participate, but enjoy it. Get the good tables, the standout dishes, avoid the potential letdowns, and walk away feeling like you scored. Because honestly, done right, Restaurant Week is an amazing chance to try places you might normally hesitate about – maybe the price tag at Bliss seemed a bit steep for a gamble, or you've been curious about the hype around Mixtli but weren't sure. This is your window.
What Exactly IS Restaurant Week San Antonio? (The Nitty Gritty)
Forget the fancy jargon. Restaurant Week San Antonio is basically a two-week stretch (usually late summer or early fall, but sometimes shifts – always check the official dates!) where a bunch of restaurants across the city agree to offer special prix-fixe menus. You pay one set price ($35 or $45 for dinner seems standard lately, lunch often cheaper), and you get a multi-course meal. Part of that price? It goes to the San Antonio Food Bank. So you eat well, feel good. Win-win.
It started small, years ago, trying to boost business during a slow season. Well, guess what? It worked. Too well, maybe. Now it feels like half the city is trying to book at the hottest spots. The San Antonio Restaurant Week website is your official hub. That's where you find the master list of participating spots, menus (when they drop!), dates, times, and booking links. Bookmark it. Seriously. www.sarestaurantweek.com.
| Course | Lunch (Approx. Price) | Dinner (Approx. Price) | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appetizer / Starter | $15 - $25 | $35 - $45 | Usually 2-3 choices: soup, salad, maybe a smaller savory bite. |
| Main Course / Entree | Included | Included | The star! Often 3-4 choices including seafood, meat, vegetarian. |
| Dessert | Often Included | Included | Usually 1-2 signature sweet options. |
| Extras (Drinks, etc.) | Extra | Extra | Beverages, cocktails, wine pairings, extra sides - not part of the RW price. |
That pricing table? It's a guideline, not gospel. Some fancier spots might charge $55 for dinner. Some lunch deals might be an astonishingly good $25. Always, always, ALWAYS check the specific restaurant's menu listing on the official SA Restaurant Week site. Don't assume.
When is San Antonio Restaurant Week 2024? Mark Those Calendars!
This is crucial. Restaurant Week San Antonio dates change slightly year to year. For 2024, the main event is set for August 15th through August 31st. That's two full weeks plus a weekend kickoff. But here's the insider tip: Don't sleep on the start date. Like, at all.
Restaurant Week San Antonio reservations often open weeks in advance. Like, early July sometimes. Sign up for emails on the official site. Follow your favorite restaurants on social media. They will scream it from the digital rooftops when their RW bookings go live. If you wait until the week before Restaurant Week San Antonio starts? Buddy, you're likely looking at 5:30 PM or 9:30 PM slots at best, or worse, just pure disappointment. Popular spots like Fig Tree, Cured, or Signature literally book solid within hours. I missed out on Bliss last year because I hesitated by half a day. Learned my lesson.
Pro Tip: Want a weekend dinner during Restaurant Week San Antonio? Set a reminder on your phone for the minute reservations are rumored to open. Treat it like concert tickets. It kinda is.
The Real Meat: Choosing Where to Go During SA Restaurant Week
Alright, the master list drops. Dozens of places. How do you pick? Don't just scroll randomly. Think strategy.
First, what's your goal?
- Bucket Lister? Target the high-end icons where the regular prix-fixe would cost double (think Supper, J-Prime, Rebelle). Restaurant Week San Antonio is your best shot at affordability.
- Food Adventurer? Seek out the unique concepts: Mixtli's constantly changing tasting menu (if they participate), the modern Mexican at Cocina Heritage, the inventive flavors at Clementine. Places where the RW menu might showcase something wild.
- Value Seeker? Look for spots known for generous portions or where the RW price is significantly less than ordering à la carte. Italian places like Tre Trattoria Downtown or Luce often deliver solid bang for buck. Also, lunch is almost always the better value proposition financially during SA Restaurant Week.
- Diet Restricted? Vegan? Gluten-Free? Scrutinize menus EARLY. While options are improving yearly, not every restaurant offers solid alternatives. Call ahead if the menu online isn't clear. Bliss and Botika have historically been great with vegan/veg during RW.
Here's a snapshot of popular categories and past standouts (check 2024 menus for exact participation!):
Top Tier / Fine Dining (Worth the Splurge)
- Bliss (Southtown): Consistently innovative New American. Expect things like seared scallops, duck confit. RW menu usually reflects their quality. ($45 Dinner?)
- Supper (Hotel Emma, Pearl): Stunning setting, elevated American classics. Expensive normally, RW is a relative steal. Atmosphere is half the experience. ($45-55 Dinner?)
- Signature (The St. Anthony Hotel): Classic fine dining, elegant, impeccable service. Think steak, lobster, sophisticated dishes. ($45 Dinner?)
- Mixtli (Southtown): If they participate, it's an EVENT. Progressive Mexican tasting menu in a tiny, intimate space. Books insanely fast. Pricey even on RW, but unique. ($55+? Check if offered)
Best Bang for Your Buck (Great Flavors, Less Wallet Pain)
- Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery (Pearl): Great atmosphere, solid seafood/coastal Southern, plus their own beer! Usually a well-priced RW menu with hearty options. ($35-$40 Dinner)
- Cured (Pearl): Charcuterie heaven and inventive dishes in a cool historic space. RW often features their famous charcuterie board as a starter. ($40 Dinner?)
- Barbaro (Monte Vista): Fantastic pizza/pasta spot. Their RW dinner often includes a salad, pasta main, and dessert – very satisfying for the price. ($35 Dinner?)
- La Fonda on Main (Alamo Heights): San Antonio institution. Classic, reliable Mexican interior cuisine in a beautiful setting. RW lunch is a particularly good deal. ($25 Lunch?)
Unexpected Gems (Worth Venturing Beyond Downtown/Pearl)
- Clementine (Castle Hills): Modern American with global twists. Consistently delicious, creative plates. Feels like a neighborhood secret. ($40 Dinner)
- Dough Pizzeria Napoletana (Various locations): Some of the best authentic Neapolitan pizza in SA. RW often lets you try pizza + salad + dessert affordably. Great for groups. ($35 Dinner)
- Carnitas Lonja (Southside): James Beard recognized for a reason. Mind-blowing carnitas. If they participate, GO. Expect simplicity and perfection. Price? Who cares, it's carnitas magic. (Check their format)
Restaurant Week San Antonio: The Good, The Bad, The Realistic
The Good: Amazing value at high-end spots. Chance to try multiple places affordably. Supports the Food Bank. Great energy in the city. Discovery of new favorites. Often see chefs putting special effort into RW menus.
The Potential Downsides: Crowds. Noise levels can be high. Service sometimes stretched thin (be patient!). Not every dish on every menu is a winner (research!). Limited menu choices can be a bummer if you're picky.
My personal take: I avoid places known *only* for their atmosphere during RW. If the food isn't consistently good normally, a RW prix-fixe won't magically fix it. Focus on spots with solid reputations year-round. That being said, I tried Toro Kitchen & Bar at Hotel Valencia during RW last year purely for the downtown River Walk patio vibe – food was just okay, honestly. Nice setting, but wouldn't rush back based on the meal. Service was slammed too.
Booking Your San Antonio Restaurant Week Table: Tactics for Success
Here's where things get real. You've picked your targets. Now, how to actually snag the reservation?
1. The Official Source is King: Always start with the official San Antonio Restaurant Week website. They link directly to OpenTable or the restaurant's own booking system. This ensures you get the RW menu/price.
2. Book EARLY, Like, Seriously Early: Did I mention this? Reservations for prime spots (Friday/Saturday dinner, 7-8 PM slots) vanish faster than free chips and salsa. Aim to book the moment they open, or within the first few days at the absolute latest. Set alerts!
3. Flexibility is Your Superpower: Can't get Saturday at 7 PM? Try:
- Weeknights: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday are way easier.
- Off-Peak Times: Early bird (5-5:30 PM) or later (8:30 PM+) often have availability.
- Lunch: Way less competitive, often the same menu quality for less money.
- First Weekend vs. Second Weekend: Second weekend can sometimes be slightly less frantic.
4. Call Directly (Especially for Groups): If OpenTable shows nothing, try calling the restaurant directly. Sometimes they hold back tables for phone bookings or larger parties. Be polite! Mention it's for SA Restaurant Week.
5. Persistence Pays (Sometimes): Check back periodically. People cancel reservations! Especially a day or two before. Be ready to jump on a last-minute opening.
| Timeframe | What to Do | Chance of Prime Time Slot |
|---|---|---|
| 6-8 Weeks Before RW Starts | Sign up for official SA RW emails & follow favorite restaurants on social media. | N/A (Prep Phase) |
| 4-5 Weeks Before RW Starts | Reservations typically OPEN! BOOK IMMEDIATELY for weekend prime time. | High (If you act FAST) |
| 3 Weeks Before RW Starts | Weekend prime times mostly gone. Focus on weeknights, off-peak, or lunch. | Low for Prime Weekend |
| 1-2 Weeks Before RW Starts | Scramble mode. Check OpenTable daily for cancellations. Consider backup choices. | Very Low (Cancellation Luck) |
| During RW | Walk-ins possible at less popular spots or off-hours. Call day-of. | Low (Risky) |
Navigating Your Actual Restaurant Week San Antonio Meal
You booked! You made it! Now, how to maximize the experience?
Do Your Homework: Look up the specific menu for the restaurant before you go. It will be on the SA Restaurant Week website. Decide what you might want. Nothing worse than feeling rushed to choose under pressure.
Understand the Prix-Fixe Rules: Typically, you choose one item per course (App, Main, Dessert) from the designated RW menu. Swapping courses (e.g., two apps instead of dessert) usually isn't allowed. Substitutions within a course are often a no-go, especially for dietary preferences not stated on the menu. If you have allergies, CALL AHEAD. Seriously.
Budget Beyond the Ticket Price: The $35/$45 covers food only. Factor in:
- Drinks: Cocktails ($12-$15), Wine ($10-$15/glass, $40-$60/bottle), Beer ($7-$9), Soft Drinks ($3-$4). Adds up fast!
- Tip: Always tip (18-20%) on the original value of the meal, NOT just the RW price. Servers work incredibly hard during RW. Estimate the meal's regular cost ($60-$100+ per person) and tip accordingly. Under-tipping is a major faux pas.
- Tax: On the total bill, including drinks.
Timing & Patience: Restaurants are packed. Service might be slower than usual. Kitchens are slammed. Go in expecting a leisurely pace. Don't book a RW dinner if you have tight plans immediately after. Relax, enjoy the buzz. That said, if service is truly neglectful (water glasses empty for 30+ mins, food taking 90+ minutes after ordering), politely flag down a manager.
Communicate Needs Clearly: Dietary restrictions? Tell your server immediately upon seating, even if you called ahead. Remind them gently when ordering.
I went to Cured during Restaurant Week San Antonio with a friend who's vegetarian. She checked the menu online – one veggie main listed. When ordering, the server tried to push her towards a different appetizer, implying the veggie main wasn't that great that night. She politely but firmly stuck to the RW menu option. It was fantastic! Lesson: Know what's advertised, and don't be afraid to (politely) insist on getting it, especially if alternatives aren't RW-priced.
Making the Most of San Antonio Restaurant Week: Insider Hacks
- Lunch is the Secret Weapon: Often the same quality food, lower price ($25-$30 vs $35-$45), easier reservation, calmer atmosphere. Perfect for trying that fancy spot without the dinner chaos and cost.
- Go Beyond the Pearl/Downtown: Fantastic restaurants in Alamo Heights, Olmos Park, Southtown, even the Medical Center participate. Explore! Clementine is worth the drive.
- Check Social Media Day-Of: Restaurants sometimes post last-minute cancellations or walk-in availability on their Instagram/Facebook stories. Following them pays off.
- Share Dishes (If Possible): While RW menus are individual, nothing stops you and a companion from ordering different things and sharing bites! Great way to taste more.
- Ask About Wine Pairings: Some places offer optional wine pairings per course. Can be a fun splurge and takes the guesswork out.
- Leave Feedback (Kindly): If something was exceptional, or fell short, tell the manager politely on your way out. Constructive feedback helps restaurants improve for future events.
- Dress Code? Most RW spots are "smart casual." Avoid tank tops, flip-flops, overly ripped jeans at fine dining places. Check the restaurant's website if unsure.
Restaurant Week San Antonio FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered
Is Restaurant Week San Antonio actually a good deal?
Usually, yes! Especially at high-end restaurants. At Supper, a regular appetizer, entree, and dessert could easily top $75-$90 before tax/tip. Paying $45-$55 for that is significant savings. At mid-range spots, the savings might be $10-$15 per person, which is still nice. Always compare the RW offerings to the regular menu online if you're unsure about value at a specific place.
Do I have to tip on the full value or just the RW price?
Tip on the full pre-discount value of the meal your server provided. Your server is preparing, serving, and cleaning up after a meal that would normally cost much more. Tip 18-20% on what that meal would typically cost (estimate $60-$100+ per person for dinner). Tipping solely on the $45 is unfair.
Can I make substitutions on the Restaurant Week San Antonio menu?
Generally, no. The menus are designed specifically for the event at that set price. Substituting items (e.g., fries instead of salad, different protein) is usually not permitted. Dietary allergy substitutions are often accommodated if you inform them ahead and it's feasible – always call the restaurant in advance to discuss severe allergies.
Are drinks included in the Restaurant Week San Antonio price?
No. Drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) are always extra and not part of the prix-fixe package. Budget accordingly!
What happens if I need to cancel my reservation?
Cancel AS SOON AS YOU KNOW! Restaurants often have waitlists. Most places using OpenTable have cancellation policies (like 24 or 48 hours notice). Failing to cancel blocks that table from others and hurts the restaurant. Be courteous.
Is San Antonio Restaurant Week kid-friendly?
It depends entirely on the restaurant. Many higher-end or smaller places aren't ideal for young children. Family-friendly spots like Dough Pizzeria, Southerleigh, or La Fonda on Main might be better bets. Check the restaurant's vibe and if they offer a kids' menu (often separate from RW). Call and ask if uncertain.
How much does Restaurant Week San Antonio raise for the Food Bank?
A significant amount! Each restaurant donates a portion of every RW meal sold (the exact amount varies per restaurant, usually $1-$5 per meal). Over the years, SA Restaurant Week has raised millions of dollars and provided millions of meals for neighbors in need.
Are there vegetarian or vegan options during Restaurant Week San Antonio?
Options are increasing every year! Many restaurants now include at least one vegetarian entree. Vegan is harder to find. Your best bets are spots known for veggie/vegan fare year-round (Bliss, Plantology, Sweet Yams - if they participate) or modern places like Botika or Clementine which often have creative plant-based dishes. Crucially: Check the specific posted RW menu BEFORE booking. Don't assume.
Wrapping Up: Your Action Plan for SA Restaurant Week Success
Okay, let's boil it down:
- Know the Dates: August 15-31, 2024.
- Official Hub: Bookmark www.sarestaurantweek.com.
- Book EARLY: Like, weeks before. Seriously. Prime spots vanish.
- Choose Wisely: Match the restaurant to your goal (Splurge? Adventure? Value?) and research menus.
- Budget Realistically: RW price + Drinks + Tax + Tip (on FULL value!) = Real cost.
- Be Prepared & Patient: Know the menu, expect crowds, embrace the leisurely pace.
- Support & Enjoy: You're eating great food and helping the San Antonio Food Bank. That's pretty cool.
San Antonio Restaurant Week truly is a highlight of the city's food scene. It takes a bit of planning, sure. But scoring that perfect table at a place you've been dying to try, enjoying incredible food you might not normally splurge on, all while supporting an amazing cause? That feeling is worth the effort. Get out there, eat well, tip generously, and savor the flavors of San Antonio!
Comment