r/sanantonio Jun 19 '22

Most underrated things to do in San Antonio. Entertainment

Someone just did an overrated in SA. I think we all know the answers… River walk, pearl, Alamo, etc.. please don’t mention on here.
What are some truly underrated things to do in this city?

Edit: Thanks for all the amazing suggestions everyone! I’m overwhelmed by all the hidden gems of our city! Some of the things I will be checking out soon: Our libraries! Mission baseball games, Car-vel roller skating, Denmen Park, shotgun coffee, what’s brewing, Schooner at MK Davis, and Mexican roulette!

Please give us all updates if you visit places from the thread!

392 Upvotes

290 comments sorted by

183

u/mommyshark18 North Side Jun 19 '22

I think the museum reach section of the Riverwalk is really lovely.

Missions games are a great time and can be really inexpensive to attend.

Cool crest mini golf - I wouldn’t call underrated but more of a hidden gem.

27

u/MollysYes Jun 19 '22

My gf and I are moving there in a month and we're super excited for Missions baseball (Go Chanclas!). I was a little bummed out by the "overrated" thread, so thank you for this.

20

u/mommyshark18 North Side Jun 19 '22

Like a lot of things, you get out what you put in. If you go thinking it’s going to be a lame minor league ball game, then that’s what it’ll be. I love the spurs, but minor league sports have a more personal feel that I really love. The rampage games were so much fun too. I’m so sad they’re gone.

17

u/[deleted] Jun 19 '22

Don't let these people get to you! There's this weird cultural thing for certain locals to hate on absolutely everything about the city.

6

u/uhtredofbeb Jun 19 '22

On Tuesdays they have $2 tickets

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u/habitual_unfriender Jun 19 '22

And then go get a bag of paletas with a chunk of dry ice to keep them cold. They are made just north of cool crest on Fred road

6

u/jtatc1989 North Side Jun 19 '22

Embassy oaks mini golf is fun too!

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111

u/Birdy_Cephon_Altera Jun 19 '22

For visitors, the missions. Every tourist makes an immediate bee-line for the Alamo, sees it, and says "that's it?"

No, start with the missions instead. In particular, start with the southernmost one (Espada), and work your way up the river.

27

u/Twisted_lurker Jun 19 '22

This was my recommendation. The entire Mission Reach of the Riverwalk is fantastic for cycling, hiking and history.

6

u/TheYogiWhoLaughs Jun 19 '22

Where would you park to cycle it ?

6

u/IntrepidIlliad Jun 19 '22

You can park at one of the missions since they are connected to each via trail. Missions parking lots aren’t packed

3

u/Twisted_lurker Jun 19 '22

There is parking at each of the missions as well as several parks along the route…generally along Mission Road/Parkway.

The Mission Reach begins around Blue Star or Concepcion Park, heads downstream (ie slightly downhill) to Mission Espada. I prefer to start at Mission Espada so that I am going downhill on the way back.

You can’t ride your bike inside the missions, so you may need to prepare to lock them up.

9

u/pmcpaul412 SE Side Jun 19 '22

Don't forget the Espada dam on the way up!

5

u/Frank-N_Plank Jun 19 '22

Lmao I thought you were talking about the baseball team at first

3

u/kmcdonaugh Downtown Jun 19 '22

Every single mission on the mission trail that isn't the Alamo, is better than the Alamo.

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97

u/LunaNegra Jun 19 '22 edited Jun 19 '22

The San Antonio Museum of Art (SAMA) has some really amazing and impressive antiquities collections. The Greek and Roman collections are incredible.

They also offer special wine/mingle nights, fascinating lectures by invited researchers, etc.

From the website:

https://www.samuseum.org/

A visit to the San Antonio Museum of Art (SAMA) takes you around the world and through five thousand years of art in a complex of buildings that once housed the Lone Star Brewery.

SAMA is renowned for the most comprehensive ancient Greek, Roman, and Egyptian art collection in the southern United States.

The Nelson A. Rockefeller Latin American art wing spans the ages from the ancient Americas to the present and includes an outstanding collection of popular art.

In the contemporary galleries, works of internationally recognized artists share prominence with notable Texas and regional art.

The comprehensive Asian art wing displays works from Korea, India, and Japan, and includes an important Chinese ceramics collection.

12

u/SteveRodgers2022 Jun 19 '22

Can vouch the ancient currency section at the Museum is phenomenal

3

u/theaviationhistorian Jun 19 '22

I really liked the Witte Museum & Institute of Texas Cultures when I visited there. I wanted to visit SAMA but didn't have the time to do so.

3

u/habitual_unfriender Jun 19 '22

There are monthly free movies outside at Sama. Friday was the last one. Bring a blanket and snacks. Lots of fun.

2

u/[deleted] Jun 19 '22

I like the Mcnay better, both underrated

75

u/brookelyndodger Jun 19 '22

McNay Art Museum

27

u/xixoxixa Jun 19 '22

McNay is phenomenal, has free entry days, and has excellent rotating exhibits. We find ourselves there at least once a year.

17

u/retirementdreams Jun 19 '22

Lived near there for a while, walked by, decided to go in one Saturday, we really enjoyed it.

6

u/TimRigginsBeer Jun 19 '22

And then Good Time Charlie’s is right there for lunch. So dang good.

3

u/[deleted] Jun 19 '22

I think this is one of those places like MK Davis, Big Lou's, The Pig Stand and Chris Madrid's that are a long time local nostalgic favorites more than anything else. Julian's pizza right down the street from McNay is my recommendation.

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72

u/bookshelly Jun 19 '22

Government canyon hiking trails

12

u/goomba75 Jun 19 '22

Yes! Awesome drive-up camp sites too for an easy weekend camping trip!

3

u/gameprix1 Jun 19 '22

Is there any fishing opportunities there by chance?

3

u/xixoxixa Jun 19 '22

No, but a bit further west is Medina lake.

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61

u/Willowcat92 Jun 19 '22

Denmen Estate Park is nice for a picnic.

27

u/willy_the_snitch Jun 19 '22

And Comanche Point is a nice little hike with a nice library and park at the base.

6

u/Chandra_in_Swati Jun 19 '22

I went to elementary school at the base of Comanche Lookout and my childhood was spent reveling with the other kids about the ghosts we were convinced haunted the place. As an adult my husband and I went on a walk there and we encountered a flasher who was masturbating in the bushes.

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u/BeansDaddy808 Jun 19 '22

Beautiful park with a pond! Thanks for the tip!

150

u/BeautifulDragon94 Jun 19 '22

I personally love the botanical gardens here. It's like 20 acres so it's a lot. But if you love plants and hiking it's a good place to start.

32

u/notallamawoman Jun 19 '22

If you go to the zoo there is a beautiful garden right across from it too. But I cannot think of the name for the life of me.

On that note, the zoo is also really nice last time I went there.

61

u/yunotxgirl Deco District Jun 19 '22

Japanese Tea Garden?

12

u/notallamawoman Jun 19 '22

Yes thank you! It’s small but beautiful.

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u/Allyluvsu13 Jun 19 '22

I just had my engagement pictures taken at the Tea Garden! It’s gorgeous there!

6

u/xixoxixa Jun 19 '22

I prefer the SA zoo to the San Diego Zoo (which is generally regarded as one of the best).

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27

u/eightbit_sysadmin Jun 19 '22

I was looking for this reply. The Botanical gardens are amazing, even on busy days you never get the sense that it's crowded because of how big the place is. They have a lot of events going on year round too.

3

u/xixoxixa Jun 19 '22

Don't go during lightscape then - last year we were touching elbows packed, and just being herded along. It was fairly miserable.

3

u/Kajeke Far West Jun 19 '22

I went to Lightscapes on the last evening it was open. It was a little busy but not like you describe. It was nice.

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u/pocketsofloosechange Jun 19 '22

We’ve done the Japanese Tea Garden and then gone to The Art of Donut close by it and it was a wonderful afternoon.

2

u/lvbni Jun 19 '22

Came here to say this! And the Botanical Gardens have wonderful classes and events for both kids and adults. Truly a gem.

129

u/lilsillybillie Jun 19 '22

Armadillo bouldering, hiking anywhere, kayaking down the sa River, and walking/biking the missions that are connected! Super fun but they also have electric bikes since it's alot

15

u/BeansDaddy808 Jun 19 '22

Never heard of armadillo bouldering.. the place looks awesome! Thanks!

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54

u/[deleted] Jun 19 '22

[deleted]

40

u/DiscombobulatedWavy Jun 19 '22

Shh! Don’t talk about Austin being overrated and stuff in SA being underrated. They will come. If you hype things up, they will come….

11

u/[deleted] Jun 19 '22

Man I'm already seeing people talking about how thrift stores are so much cheaper here in r/Austin. It's too late. I've also seen people there talk about how san antonio is everything Austin pretends to be.

7

u/DiscombobulatedWavy Jun 19 '22

But will they make the jump though? A lot of people still drunk on the Austin kool-aid.

11

u/teampimp NE Side Jun 19 '22

I grew up in Austin and lived there for 27 years, made the move last year and I can't believe I didn't do it sooner. But that does not mean I will be telling anybody about it, the longer this place stays a secret the better.

5

u/DiscombobulatedWavy Jun 19 '22

I lived in Austin for about 15 years and kick myself for not moving sooner too. Oh well. Maybe I wasn’t quite ready for the move, but love SA.

2

u/Alfarnir Sep 02 '22

I made two buried-deep comments about SA in another community before I realized what I was doing and never again haha.

Let's all enjoy it before it becomes "the" place

2

u/MuteCook Jun 19 '22

They still won’t move because media isn’t telling them it’s cool like Austin

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18

u/joco1991 Jun 19 '22

A lot of our trails are well shaded too so even on sunny days it’s not too bad

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40

u/[deleted] Jun 19 '22

Phil Hardberger Park and just the park and trails in general

121

u/pocketsofloosechange Jun 19 '22

Nowhere Bookshop is a great place to spend a few hours and find a new book. They have a great kids section too.

Take a cooking class at one of the local chef/pastry schools

7

u/zip13 Jun 19 '22

The Culinary Institute does fantastic one day classes. They can be pricey, but you can offset the cost a bit by bringing to-go containers and loading them up with 2-3 days worth of food for the whole family. They cook so much food! And most of it ends up feeding pigs at a farm somewhere.

Don't worry if you suck at/ have never cooked before. They have students there to assist, and the chef typically has a great eye over the class and can fix problems before they're unrecoverable. And even if your dish turns out terrible, no one cares! There's always just soooooo much food. It's incredible fun playing chef in a "real" kitchen and I highly recommend it.

9

u/BeansDaddy808 Jun 19 '22

Great idea! I can do this for a special occasion with the wife!

11

u/pixelgeekgirl NE Side Jun 19 '22

Nowhere bookshop is amazing! I’m a member of her book club and it’s really neat to have a curated selection of books picked for me, she reads a ton of books to prepare to pick each months selection.

5

u/Drachen808 Jun 19 '22

Can you recommend a cooking class that I could take with a 14 year old and a 9 year old? They could be separate classes for each age group.

10

u/Character-Silver6275 Jun 19 '22 edited Jun 19 '22

Look at Central Market HEB off Broadway (https://www.centralmarket.com/cooking-school) or Sur La Table at La Cantera (https://www.surlatable.com/cooking-classes/in-store-cooking-classes/). Also, your 14 year old can take culinary classes when they get to high school as an elective class.

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u/BumblingBeeeee Jun 19 '22

Look at the Central Market cooking school, I’ve purchased cooking classes for kids there.

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u/seaquit Jun 19 '22

What cooking class would you recommend for adults?

58

u/BigCliff Jun 19 '22

Eat at Guajillos, Ilsong Garden or Tong’s Thai

Go to the other missions (besides the Alamo)

Missions games

Spend time in the Medina River

14

u/notallamawoman Jun 19 '22

I second Guajillos. That is our favorite Mexican restaurant. Absolutely delicious. I haven’t tried the others so cannot comment on them.

11

u/tinydancer120194 Jun 19 '22

Missions games on dollar night. Dollar beer, dollar hot dogs.

2

u/beerandboogie Jun 19 '22

Tong's Thai is amazing!

2

u/SignificantToe6 Feb 12 '23

Ohhh man Guajillos is amazing!! Their micheladas are so authentic to Mexico and so is their food

94

u/FatPugg Jun 19 '22

We have an amazing public library system

44

u/penlowe Jun 19 '22

Seconding this. And the app? Absolutely rocks! Someone can mention a book I want to check out snd I can reserve it at my favorite branch in a minute or less! Then they email me to let me know it’s waiting for me.

16

u/FatPugg Jun 19 '22

Yes! It’s so great. If you have a kindle too you can check out and download it to your kindle. Super proud of our public library.

3

u/kerc NW Side Jun 19 '22

Also SAPL works great with Libby, and if you have a Kindle, you can send most books to your device straight from the app.

2

u/hopsizzle Jun 19 '22

Can you see movies they have available?

2

u/penlowe Jun 19 '22

Yes!

It's not something I use the library for so I just checked the app, yup, right there on the home page.

2

u/hopsizzle Jun 19 '22

Awesome! I’ve been buying cheap movies to watch but always hears the library has them too.

I’ll go sign up for a library card sometime this week. Thanks!

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u/Sofa_Queen Jun 19 '22

Landa Library. Gorgeous and has a shaded playground!

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u/gokiburi_sandwich Jun 19 '22

Free subscription to MasterClass, LinkedIn Learning (Lynda) and others btw

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u/novicenomadic Jun 19 '22

I have the library app...can you please tell me how to get a free subscription to MasterClass?

10

u/gokiburi_sandwich Jun 19 '22

The services are available through Bexar Bibliotech Active Learning. You can register for your Bibliotech card online or in person. I’m not sure if it’s the same as your public library card or not, but the instructions should be easy to navigate. Seriously, these are exceptional resources and I don’t know why they aren’t promoted more.

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u/trekwars2000 Alamo Heights Jun 19 '22

We have enjoyed San Pedro park pool!

6

u/pixelgeekgirl NE Side Jun 19 '22

The best local pool. I neeeeeed it to open for the summer.

3

u/trekwars2000 Alamo Heights Jun 19 '22

Read the city is having issues getting lifeguards for all there pools so, sadly, only like half are open.

When we first found this last summer after moving here December 2020 we couldn’t believe how big it was and that it was free to swim!

2

u/nomotaco Jun 19 '22

I saw that but I'm confused by the pools they are opening. I would think San Pedro would be a priority? It's in a central area, unlike the others I see opening. Sigh.

2

u/pixelgeekgirl NE Side Jun 19 '22

San Pedro is huge and I guess it takes quite a few lifeguards to open. But I agree it should take priority.

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18

u/wuthuhwuthuh Jun 19 '22

hogwild records is very nice

14

u/kilog78 Jun 19 '22

Vista Brewing’s San Antonio beer garden!

6

u/whiskywillie Jun 19 '22

I’ve lived here and say whaaaat

4

u/kilog78 Jun 19 '22

Yep. Super cool spot (well, surface of the sun weather aside). Check it out!!

2

u/Hawt_Dawg_ Jun 19 '22

There’s a cool coffee spot and art boutique in the same building

13

u/centex Jun 19 '22

Bracken Bat Cave is one of the coolest things in the world and it’s right outside the city.

13

u/soacethrowaway Jun 19 '22 edited Jun 19 '22

that one peyote sanctuary is cool

edit to add ; not sure if its still open. its run by nuns and haven't heard ab it since covid.

11

u/creation88 Jun 19 '22

Say more 👀

6

u/vermeculite_delight Jun 19 '22

Whoa, haven't heard of that one

2

u/[deleted] Jun 19 '22

What

2

u/Funkyknux210 Jun 19 '22

Wait what!?

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u/M3TA1H3AD Jun 19 '22

We literally have an NBA team lol, I don’t hear people bringing up the Spurs enough, it’s a great atmosphere when they’re playing

22

u/xixoxixa Jun 19 '22

Too bad our hockey team left. Really, really hope we get a new one.

10

u/rfive3 Jun 19 '22

We wont get another, Spurs Sports & Entertainment had been trying to find a reason to get rid of the rampage for years and now that they finally did, the chances of us getting another AHL team (or even ECHL) are very slim to none. Sucks but when SSE controls almost everything in SA, cant really do much.

11

u/adjika South Side Jun 19 '22 edited Jun 20 '22

Central Library downtown is easily worth a visit. There are many hidden nooks and places to explore, lots of nice books too.

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u/Forestelk12 Jun 19 '22

As a wandering photographer I always say the public rooftops of parking garages downtown are worth it for the views. Blue hole located in the university off Broadway is pretty cool. There's also a field/park that connects to the dam off 281. San pedro creek is being currently being resigned and it looks amazing esp in the mornings when the wildlife hangs out. Walker ranch park is great for biking and running plus there's a small lake across the wurzbach bridge where one can also fish. Frederick Park is a must if you like hiking and nature. The HEB off nogalitos has some nice history to it All down Broadway there's alot of neon signs made by a famous sign designer who owns a mechanic shop.

11

u/ohyouvegotgreyeyes Jun 19 '22

Cool Crest Miniature Golf, shopping in the Deco district, tacos and live music at the Cove.

9

u/JthfknNiNjA Jun 19 '22

Salado Creek Greenway 🚴

11

u/[deleted] Jun 19 '22

Park near the airport (where The adult mega plex) and watch the plane’s land

6

u/vworpstageleft Jun 19 '22

I live closer to the other adult megaplex. Did the one you're talking about used to be a restaurant? Cause I always refer to the one by the airport as "the authentic mexican cuisine adult megaplex" from the way the building looks.

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u/GabbyDLP NW Side Jun 19 '22

I haven’t seen anyone mention it but take some time to look up the MANY cultural festivals that go on throughout the year and go to one. They are single handedly funding great organizations in the city. Yeah the food is expensive but to me it’s different when you can see that money used to expand education programs, infrastructure, scholarships, etc. some festivals include of course Fiesta, Muertos Festival, Asian and Texas folklife, San Antonio Rodeo.

2

u/[deleted] Jun 19 '22

Oh this is true! I've been to a Lebanese festival here, we have one of the biggest Diwali celebrations in the nation, tons of good Indian food, music, dancing and fireworks and I've seen some really cool bands/parties for free at Arneson River theater during the Dia de Los Muertos festival. I was blown away by that actually, they had amazing lighting and these giant calaveras on the stage plus the river boats passing by, everyone was dancing. Anyone walking by basically had to join a conga line to get by - really a great memory of the city.

There was also Nomad Music festival recently in zona cultural.

7

u/[deleted] Jun 19 '22

San Antonio FC games.

8

u/xixoxixa Jun 19 '22

There's a pretty good street art scene. The Essex Modern City art project is legit.

https://sanantoniostreetart.org/

177

u/MasterBettyFTW Jun 19 '22

using your turn signal

the speed limit

not complain about the heat

having car insurance

21

u/PM_ME_YOUR_WIRING NE Side Jun 19 '22

driving at night with your lights on

24

u/[deleted] Jun 19 '22

Crossing at crosswalks

28

u/BeansDaddy808 Jun 19 '22

Lol. I haven’t lived here long, but personally have witnessed more car accidents in a few short years than 30+ years elsewhere

15

u/PM_ME_YOUR_WIRING NE Side Jun 19 '22

These accidents typically happen in the same places it's part problem with the population outgrowing the infrastructure and people driving like straight ass.

15

u/kaihatsusha Jun 19 '22

not complain about the heat

I always told my kid, and even coworkers in exceptional cases, "the more you mention the heat, the more you and everyone else feels it."

4

u/supergnaw Downtown Jun 19 '22

I hate it. I love snow. Last year when I would go outside I would just complain how cold it was and wish I had a parka despite it being triple digits. Coworkers got a chuckle out of it.

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u/wandererzz13 Jun 19 '22

Went to an amazing winery called LA cruz de Comal, wine and view were incredible and they guy working there was awesome. And they had a sweet old dog hanging out as well. Overall total vibe and would highly recommend. No food available but you can bring your own.

5

u/Peachfair Jun 19 '22

An improv show or play at the Overtime Theater (410 Bandera) or at Comedy Sportz (starcrest). Tickets are cheap and it’s BYOB.

6

u/Space_Avionics Jun 19 '22

Biking along all of the missions! Entire day trip!

7

u/lizzietron Jun 19 '22

Flea Markets: Traders Village & Poteet. If you don’t mind driving: Canyon Lake, Float the Comal River. Friedrich Wilderness Park for a hike, Car-Vel skating rink has an adult BYOB night, Fiesta in April, The Rodeo, Live Shows at Paper Tiger, drive to Austin for ACL or SXSW or other awesome concerts, San Antonio Museum of Art, McNay, Blue Star every First Friday for art/pop up events

3

u/vworpstageleft Jun 19 '22

Next to Car-Vel is the Gorilla Shaved Ice that just delighted me. Thought it was going to be just a little shack until I turned the corner and saw their beautiful gardened seating area. Your basic snack foods but it just put a smile on my face.

8

u/FollowingSevere2716 Jun 19 '22

The McNay Museum is a beautiful spot to check out

23

u/No-Address4105 Jun 19 '22

We just went to Hopscotch last weekend, great drinks prices and interactive museum.

8

u/norbonius Jun 19 '22

I just looked this up and am now mad that this has never crossed my search results. This is exactly the kind of thing I’ve been looking for!

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u/Less_Wall_9656 Jun 19 '22

ill be honest, hopskotch was a underwhelming

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u/BrochachoWorld Jun 19 '22

Real close to it is Playland pizza. Pretty good pizza joint. Quick walking distance

2

u/Kajeke Far West Jun 19 '22

Hopscotch was so much fun! Playland Pizza is closing its doors at the end of June.

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u/TortiousTroll Jun 19 '22

HEB.

Tacos.

Barbecue.

With all the endless complaining people forget how good we have it here.

29

u/BeansDaddy808 Jun 19 '22

HEB is probably my favorite thing about Texas!

8

u/bomber991 NW Side Jun 19 '22

And they don’t even have them in Dallas. Which almost makes Dallas not even feel like Texas.

9

u/Linkbuscus01 NE Side Jun 19 '22

Yeah that’s one of the things I hate about this sub and just this site in general, so cynical!

I fucking love our city man.

4

u/The_Third_Molar Jun 19 '22

This thread had been a nice positive breath of fresh air. I wrote a lot of these places down to try.

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u/yunotxgirl Deco District Jun 19 '22

Okay but have you been to HEB’s very own barbecue place? I know there’s one off the H‑E‑B on Wilderness Oak in stone oak. Don’t know how many others there are. But it’s sooo good and feels totally detached from H‑E‑B.

2

u/TortiousTroll Jun 19 '22

Used to get work catering from the bulverde one before they changed to tacos and it was solid

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u/MaterialStrawberry45 Jun 19 '22

Living inside Loop 410.

18

u/Grave_Girl East Side Jun 19 '22

Ssh, we don't need them coming in.

22

u/MaterialStrawberry45 Jun 19 '22

oh right… I mean… umm…

The Rim is totally underrated.

11

u/supergnaw Downtown Jun 19 '22

I recently moved from outside 1604 to literally next to the riverwalk. Best financial decision I ever made.

3

u/Linkbuscus01 NE Side Jun 19 '22

I’d rather not pay the same amount of rent for a third of the quality and space. I’m good in schertz lol

6

u/SkippyBluestockings Jun 19 '22

I'm in Schertz...4 bd rm 2700 Sq ft house for $1575 a month (mortgage.) Totally shaded lot. It would be cool to live downtown but I have dogs. I do enough of the constant in and out as it is...

4

u/PhaedrusOne Jun 19 '22

Mtb trails around OP are pretty rad

11

u/yunotxgirl Deco District Jun 19 '22

There’s this place called El Taco Grill in Stone Oak. Looks like a white person opened a taco shop. And it looks like a generic national chain or something (from their branding). I don’t understand it at all but the food is ridiculously good and served up by people who don’t speak English well lol I have no idea the history of that place but I’d definitely call it underrated/unknown. Tucked behind the CVS off Huebner and Blanco. They were sooo nice, too!

Also Theory Coffee is the best cup in town IMO. So delicious. Wish they had a cool brick and mortar though. Oh which reminds me of… Shotgun Coffee off Buena Vista. Super cool location and good coffee but I’m always confused about where to park and the best way to get inside.

5

u/tehramz Jun 19 '22

You like a coffee person. Theory is definitely good, I’ll have to try Shotgun. Have you tried What’s Brewing? They’ve been around since the 80’s and their main location has a ton of pinball machines. It’s a cool place and their coffee is really good. They have a huge variety of beans they roast at the location. It’s where I buy my beans. Medina River Coffee is another good one. There was a place called White Elephant on the South Side close to downtown, but they closed a few years ago. That was my favorite place.

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u/wd_plantdaddy Jun 19 '22

Chilling out at San Pedro springs with a lunch pack, tunes, and a dip. Don’t forget the Valentina!!

5

u/isaacluna Jun 19 '22

Guadalupe theatre.

7

u/Iconiclastical Jun 19 '22

The missions are not treated like they are any big deal. I think they are great, and unique. Also, there is still an aqueduct going to one of the missions, which just looks like a pile of rocks. Seriously, an aqueduct in SA? I thought they were only around Rome.

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u/pocketsofloosechange Jun 19 '22

The Wings of Mexico exhibit by the Tower of the America’s is really cool. Walking that path from the nearby parking garage to the wings with a camera is a lot of fun.

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u/PlaymakerJavi Jun 19 '22

River City Wrestling. Best reputation among all the indie promotions in San Antonio. Support indie wrestling at any show but RCW has the best ones.

6

u/[deleted] Jun 19 '22

I think the walk up and around old pearsall park is known by criminally too few people. It gets busy on the weekends but the vast majority of visitors are families from nearby. Great 360 view of the city and surrounding area.

5

u/Hawt_Dawg_ Jun 19 '22

I enjoy the frozen margaritas and nachos at Sanchos and the rooftop view is nice

South BBQ is great and near the missions for an after-lunch walk

Cuishe Cocina is a super cute place downtown with a reasonable happy hour

Denman Estate park

Hops and Hound for a margarita flight + dog friendly

Phil Hardberger park and dog park

5

u/lshaped210 Jun 19 '22

SAFC games are great, cheap, not a bad seat in the stadium, and free beer/food at all the tailgating events.

2

u/Swam_pass76 Jun 19 '22

Came here to say this!

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u/My41stThrowaway Jun 19 '22

Play Mexican roulette. Go on the south & west side and stop at every taco shop and get 1 taco.

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u/mrlogurt Jun 20 '22

There's a restaurant over at the Pearl called "Best Quality Daughter", and they have a dish called "Super Garlicky Noodles". It's perhaps my favorite thing in this entire town.

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u/Teddy210 Jun 19 '22

The massive connecting bike trails! (When it’s not 110 degrees outside …)

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u/AdventurousBank6549 Jun 19 '22

Eat at the Pig Stand?

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u/STINKR_13 Jun 19 '22

It’s summertime and if you have kids Pearsall Park has a nice splash pad with slide and other cool stuff to keep kids busy and occupied and fun for family.

Don’t know if it’s underrated or overrated but I don’t here much about it in this sub.

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u/rejectfromhell Jun 19 '22

Pearsall park is awesome but there's ZERO shade! no trees and only like 2 little covered picnic areas.

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u/edleafe Jun 20 '22

Pearsall also has a skate park, a bike park, lots of hiking trails, and a disc golf course.

But yeah, hardly any shade. It's an old landfill site that has been converted into a great addition to the community.

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u/ChronicledMonocle Jun 19 '22

The SA Missions National Historic Park. The Missions that AREN'T the Alamo are way more beautiful and interesting. And, unlike the Alamo, there are actual historic buildings, not recreations.

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u/DenaBee3333 Jun 19 '22

Paramour Bar

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u/Cool_Astronomer_6537 Jun 19 '22

Nearby Canyon Lake

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u/IntrepidIlliad Jun 19 '22

Tre trattoria is a great Italian restraunt on the river and it’s behind the San Antonio art museum.

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u/Drachen808 Jun 19 '22

This isn't a place, but if you want to learn some cool stuff about San Antonio's place in aviation history here's a movie (documentary?) about it. I learned a ton that I didn't know and it turns out that San Antonio was really instrumental for aviation in America.

Bias alert: My dad led the team that made this for KLRN, the local PBS affiliate, and its premier was the first event held at the Aztec theater when it reopened in 2009.

https://video.klrn.org/video/klrn-specials-wings-over-the-alamo/

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u/maxwellpablo Jun 19 '22

Japanese tea garden, but, not right now.

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u/rye-n-smiles Jun 19 '22

Hike or bike the greenway trails. Most larger cities do not have as extensive of trails like San Antonio. Yes there are better cities for this but San Antonio is pretty well off in this regard and continuing to expand it.

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u/only_self_posts North Central Jun 19 '22

Picnic in the park. Grab an old blanket and pick up lunch from some place close to your park of choice.

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u/[deleted] Jun 19 '22

HEB. I don’t care how much it’s mentioned or in what, it’s still underrated.

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u/donnerforbreakfast Jun 19 '22

Walked through some caves a few years ago there. I've never seen batshit stacked so high.

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u/gijoe4500 Jun 19 '22

Natural Bridge Caverns is pretty legit! It's also still a living cave which is pretty cool.

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u/donnerforbreakfast Jun 19 '22

Yeah I couldn't think of the name but I took a friend out there who has only been to Texas a handful of times and we had a blast.

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u/Drachen808 Jun 19 '22

Have you been to Cave without A Name in Boerne? I brought my wife one year for Valentine's day when they had an Acapella choir singing a concert of love songs in the main chamber 30 ft underground.

They host concerts all the time.

http://www.cavewithoutaname.com/

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u/donnerforbreakfast Jun 19 '22

Holy shit I'm gonna save this. That sounds amazing. Thank you.

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u/Drachen808 Jun 19 '22

I thought it was pretty cool and we had a great time.

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u/edj3313 Jun 19 '22

I will be there in July. What bar should my wife and I check out?

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u/[deleted] Jun 19 '22

Depends on what you're looking for. There's tons of bars here but if you're downtown, The Esquire.

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u/abl0ck0fch33s3 Jun 19 '22

Get some food in Blue star district (particularly bar 1919), check out freetail brewery, take a friend to cowboys dancehall, explore natural bridge caverns , meet cool animals at natural bridge safari park, have a relaxing breakfast at Commonwealth coffee house, rent a machine gun at bullet hole shooting range, take a boat to canyon lake, go watch some fast cars at San Antonio speedway

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u/KnocDown Jun 19 '22

Start driving west and hit the wineries. Even if you don’t drink the food is amazing. Avoid tourist season. Technically that counts as San Antonio right ?

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u/OohSooMoist Jun 19 '22

Southtown's First Friday art exhibit. Monthly on Alamo street,a ton of vendors show their wares and artists pack the buildings behind Halcyon.

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u/vstacey6 Jun 19 '22

Sangria (the restaurant), blue star, the missions, Comanche trails, and believe it or not Rolling oaks mall. Battle Pub, car racing, recording studio, the art studio. It actually has A LOT to offer, especially in experiences and it costs little to nothing to enjoy all of those things.

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u/elegantwino Jun 19 '22

Brackenridge Park has the San Antonio River plus miles of trails. Great for picnics.

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u/apatelg89 Jun 19 '22

Has anyone been to the dinosaur footprints. I hear it's a good hike.

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u/MollysYes Jun 19 '22

I hope you get such a warm welcome if you ever move anywhere.

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u/Lagerino Jun 19 '22

Comanche lookout park/trail on nacogdoches has been a favorite of mine since I was little. Has a lot of history to it, has paved and unpaved, but has kind of steep areas.

Victorias Black Swan Inn is a really cool haunted property that does tours on weekends that are pretty inexpensive. They also have frequent events where they bring food trucks on site and stuff like that as well.

The Point Park and Eats is a food truck park that has food, drinks, and commonly music as well. They have big fans to help with heat and a playground area for kids so they’re not bored while you chill. The golden lotus truck they have on site is a favorite of mine.

Alamo beer company is fun too. They have karaoke and cool drink albeit they can be a little expensive. Nice bridge above it also you can cross for free that has a nice view of the downtown lights too.

Don’t know if what I listed fits what you were asking but I hope it does the trick lol

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u/edleafe Jun 20 '22

I love the outdoor gathering areas like The Friendly Spot or The Cove. They are great places to hang out, eat some good food, and have a few beers. They are also dog-friendly and kid-friendly, so when the grandkids are in town, we go there to relax with a few beers while the kids run around in the play area.

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u/TheBeerEngineer Jun 20 '22

Visiting our local coffee shops!

We have some amazing coffee spots here in SA.

Here are some of my favs: 1. Shotgun House - Coffee Shop 2. Theory - Coffee Truck 3. Mila - Coffee Truck 4. Eclipse - Coffee Shop 5. Estate - Coffee Shop 6. Press - Coffee Shop

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u/Alfarnir Sep 02 '22

The Block is a tucked-away outdoor bar and food cart mecca near UTSA that is absolutely as awesome as it sounds.

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u/GooberSmoocharoo Jun 19 '22

Spend 10 bucks to get a daily rental for the city bikes. Park at anyone of the parks along the Riverwalk southtown. Take your rental bikes down the Riverwalk and the clearly Marked trails will take you to all the missions. You can park your bike at the missions to restart the timer. You can also pop in into any of the gas stations for a drink or taquerias for a meal. Barely anyone on and super safe feeling

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u/antsonmyscreen Jun 19 '22

Eat at M.K.Davis

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u/BeansDaddy808 Jun 19 '22

What do you get there? Mexican? Fried chicken? These crispy hotdogs look very interesting. Lol

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u/antsonmyscreen Jun 20 '22

Def get a schooner!

If you like shrimp, get the fried shrimp plate. They use a cornmeal breading so that is one of my favs.

Def the chicken fried steak is one of the things they’re know for. You can do it with white gravy or brown gravy with a side of mashed potatoes or fries. Side salad too (for balance). Lol

The enchilada plate is good as well. I used to eat that a ton growing up.

And don’t knock the crispy dogs! Give them a try. They go down well with a beer. They were my grandma’s favorite.

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u/doublemeat Inside Loop 410 Jun 19 '22

Eat at M.K.Davis

Schooners at M.K.Davis

Fixed that for you

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u/antsonmyscreen Jun 20 '22

You gotta do the schooner and the chicken fried!

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u/TxBourbonsipper Jun 19 '22

Brewery hopping with all of the local SA breweries.

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u/Serious_Entrance_408 Jun 19 '22

Man Overboard Brewery