William
When it comes to the best BYOB restaurants in San Antonio Texas, it can be confusing as there are countless places that you can visit. But sometimes, you just don’t have enough time to visit every spot for a taste test.
Therefore, this list is here to help you navigate some of the eclectic BYOB restaurants worth exploring in San Antonio. Make sure you have prepared yourself before reading because these places offer only excellent and mouth-watering food.
Enjoy Fun Dining Experience With The Best BYOB Restaurants In San Antonio
With the variety of cuisines this list provides, finding a great BYOB restaurant in San Antonio is no longer a hassle. Get ready to try some of the best foods, from Italian and Chinese to Mexican and Thai.
1. Little Italy Restaurant and Pizzeria
With its first version as a pizza store in New York, Little Italy has been a go-to restaurant for authentic Italian food in San Antonio since 1983.
With a small corkage fee, you can bring your selection of wine to this Little Italy to pair with your delicious meal. At this family-owned eatery, the professional staff will cater to your needs and requests and ensure that your water glasses are always full.
Little Italy also has a wide range of dining areas you can choose from. The perfect area for couples or private dining rooms like the Big Apple can accommodate up to 75 people.
Little Italy will take reservations for groups of 6 people and above. It’s also advised by the restaurant to reserve 48 hours in advance for the Big Apple dining room. The reservation also comes with a deposit fee, and they will also ask for a final head count.
Price range: $$
Food style: Italian, Pizza, Seafood
Location: 824 Afterglow St, San Antonio, TX 78216
Website: http://www.littleitalysatx.com/
Phone: (210) 3492060
Order Online:
Table Reservation, or call to book a table.
Let’s learn about Little Italy and how they have made such fantastic pizzas for years.
2. Yellowfish Sushi
Yellowfish Sushi specializes in Japanese – Mexican fusion cuisine. By now, you can already tell just how appealing the dishes will be at this locally owned sushi bar.
Yellowfish Sushi is the place to go if you want some new changes to your conventional sushi. From raw fish rolls topped with Roja Salsa to ceviche rolls, expect some of the most delicious dishes here.
There are many featured dishes you should try. Some include Japparito rolls along with some fresh Maki options using fresh ingredients. There are also vegan and vegetarian options.
Usually, I would bring some wine to a BYOB restaurant. But I suggest bringing along a good bottle of Sake to pair with those Japanese-inspired dishes. The restaurant will only charge you a small corkage fee.
Yellowfish is open throughout the week from 11:45 AM to 9 PM. This makes it perfect for visiting the place for some Japan-Mex dishes, whether for lunch or dinner.
Price range: $$
Food style: Sushi bar, Japanese, Mexican, Seafood
Website: https://www.yellowfishsushi.com/
Location: 9102 Wurzbach Rd, San Antonio, TX 78240
Phone: (210) 6143474
Order Online:
Table Reservation: Not available
3. The Haven Southtown
The Haven Southtown is many people’s go-to spot for homey Mexican foods in San Antonio, Texas. Founded by Jerry and Elida Torres in 1969, the place has served countless generations the most comforting tacos and other Mexican delicacies.
Stepping into the restaurant, you will be greeted by the colorful decorations and the lively atmosphere. The Haven Southtown does an outstanding job at making its customers feel at home with the warm and thoroughly executed food and the friendly service.
Another feature that would surely excite new visitors to The Haven is that the diner is located in the historical neighborhood of Lavaca. This makes it an excellent chance for newcomers to create a fun visit around the area after a great Mexican meal.
You don’t have to worry too much about the price. Throughout the whole time the business opened, the price has never been raised too high, making it more accessible to diners.
Price range: $
Food style: Mexican, Tex-Mex, Breakfast, and Brunch
Location: 1032 S Presa St, San Antonio, TX 78210
Website: http://havensouthtown.com/
Phone: (210) 5332171
Order Online:
Table Reservation: Reserve a table by calling or checking the front page of the restaurant’s website.
4. La Sorrentina Italian Restaurant
La Sorrentina is a family Italian restaurant that has been in San Antonio ever since 2011. Despite his Mexican origin, Juan Rangel, the owner, is an expert in Italian cuisine with more than 30-year cooking experience.
Since La Sorrentina is a small business with limited space, you must make arrangements before visiting. It might take extra time as every dish is made to order.
Make sure you bring an excellent bottle of wine when visiting this place. For etiquette, it is vital to call the restaurant beforehand to check that they don’t have the bottle of wine you’re bringing.
The most preferred and highlighted dishes here at La Sorrentina have to be the lasagna and the tiramisu, two of the most famous Italian menus. In addition to these featured dishes is the special lunch menu you can get from Tuesday through Friday from 11 AM to 3 PM.
One more thing to notice is the limited parking at this restaurant. Since the slots are somewhat restricted, make sure you call in and make reservations.
Price range: $$
Food style: Italian, Seafood
Location: 3330 Culebra Rd, San Antonio, TX 78228
Website: https://lasorrentinasa.com/
Phone: (210) 5490889
Order Online:
Table Reservation: Call to book a table.
5. Thai Dee Restaurant
Thai Dee is one of the best Thai-style restaurants in San Antonio with a modest facade. Don’t let its humble appearance fool you. Thai Dee’s food is some of the most inviting and succulent tastings I’ve ever had.
Its mission is to bring authentic Thai flavors to the San Antonio community. Without professional training, the owner still, to this day, tries his best to provide the locals with exotic Thai dishes like basil fried rice, yellow curry, and green curry.
Located at the corner of Blanco Road and Dresden Drive, Thai Dee is one of the locals’ top favorite BYOB Thai restaurants. They don’t charge you any extra fee when you bring your beer or wine bottles to the place.
Regarding curry dishes, there are different ways you can order them. Whether with rice or noodles, they taste amazing. One of the chef’s specials is the green curry noodles. The flavors are perfect with authentic seasonings and a creamy texture.
Other dishes you should order are the Lab Kai (a northeastern Thai salad), Kao Soi or curry noodles, and Tiger Cry grill steak with spices.
Aside from the luscious food, Thai Dee also focuses on giving back to the community. They have been working with Meals on Wheels of San Antonio, and together, they have helped hand out thousands of meals to the elderly and disabled in Texas.
Price range: $$
Food style: Thai, Seafood, Asian
Location: 5307 Blanco Rd, San Antonio, TX 78216
Website: http://www.thaideesa.com/
Phone: (210) 3423622
Order Online:
Table Reservation: Call to book a table.
6. Thai Taste
You can bring your alcohol to pair with delectable Thai dishes or other classic Asian delights at Thai Taste. It’s, in my opinion, one of the best spots to eat in San Antonio.
With a standard menu including cashew chicken, fried rice, and Tom Yum, Thai Taste has attracted customers and kept them returning with great taste. The servings are balanced between meat and vegetables, making it a perfect meal.
Not limited to only Thai food, you can find many other Asian American classics like orange chicken, egg rolls, and stir-fried noodles here. These dishes have been a signature part of Thai Taste for over 20 years.
This place has a very original decoration with touches of Asian culture. The cozy ambiance and atmosphere are perfect for a quick lunch or casual dinner. Just make it North to Evers Road, and Thai Taste will be on your left after Joiner.
Price range: $
Food style: Thai, Asian
Location: 5520 Evers Rd, San Antonio, TX 78238
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/thaitastesa
Phone: (210) 5206800
Order Online:
Table Reservation:
7. Saveurs 209
If you are looking for a small French restaurant with a cozy atmosphere in San Antonio, Saveurs 209 might be your perfect choice. It’s a nice little restaurant and a boulangerie in downtown San Antonio.
Saveurs209 first appeared in 2013. The restaurant is famous for its elegant Parisian menus like mushroom tart, scallop risotto, or red snapper with candied ginger. Although these are all classy dishes, the atmosphere at Saveurs 209 is quite laid-back and isn’t too luxurious.
You can have some of the most delicious French food while relaxing in an easy-going space. Aside from the savory dishes, you can enjoy various baked goods at Saveurs 209, from sourdough bread and plain French baguettes to dessert pastries.
There are also many croissants for you to pair with hot drinks or coffee here, like plain, almond, or chocolate croissants.
Price range: $$$
Food style: French, Bakery
Location: 209 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78205
Website: https://saveurs209.com/
Phone: (210) 6393165
Order Online:
Table Reservation: Call to book a table.
8. Pinch Boil House
Pinch Boil House is a South East Asian seafood restaurant s that’s been all the rage in San Antonio. The dynamic and welcoming atmosphere makes it ideal for enthusiastic foodies.
Pinch Boil House takes a refreshing twist on the crawfish boil. Here you can find some powerfully delicious crawfish and shrimp boils. I strongly recommend ordering the coconut curry sauce for the cooked seafood, which is super silky and creamy.
If you’re not really into crawfish and shrimp boils, opt for Panang curry bowl or Korean chicken. You can also get some fantastic Asian dishes, especially Vietnamese food, such as the delicious banh mi (a famous Vietnamese sandwich), at a reasonable price.
The place is also working on its brewing and alcoholic drink selections. However, Pinch Boil House is purely a BYOB restaurant at the moment and so feel free to bring your favorite pints of beer to the place and enjoy some wonderful seafood.
Price range: $$
Food style: Seafood, Asian, Thai, Vietnamese, Street food
Location: 5130 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209
Website: http://www.pinchboilhouse.com/
Phone: (210) 2778801
Order Online:
Table Reservation:
It’s time for you to try out some of the fantastic crawfish at Pinch Boil House.
9. Papouli’s Greek Grill
Papouli’s Greek Grill is a chain of diners in San Antonio specializing in Greek and casual Mediterranean specialties. The restaurant first opened in 1912 when Papouli Tom, or grandad Tom, decided to bring his rich Greek heritage to San Antonio, Texas.
In Greek, Papoulis and Yia Yias (grandads and grandmoms) are the most admired for their wisdom and spirit. And Papouli’s Greek Grill is a token of such wisdom from Papoulis Tom, which has been passed down to the second and now the third generation.
Many factors make this place worth visiting. The first and foremost feature is that the food here at Papouli’s is house-made, so it always comes out fresh and hot. The juicy and tender Greco-Roman gyro is one of the dishes proving such quality.
The second factor that has kept me returning is the restaurant’s spacious area. Papouli offers many types of seating, indoors or outdoors, with a patio. Either way, you will have a great time enjoying the food here.
Price range: $$
Food style: Greek, Burgers, Sandwich
Location: 11224 Huebner Rd #201, San Antonio, TX 78230
Website: https://www.papoulis.com/
Phone: (210) 6411313
Order Online:
Table Reservation: Not available
10. Li’s Restaurant
It’s common to come across Chinese restaurants in San Antonio. However, Li’s restaurant is among the few places specializing in food from Sichuan, a region in Southwest China. Here you can find unique dishes like twice-cooked pork and Sichuan dry pot.
Many customers have praised Li’s restaurant for its flavorful authentic dishes. It’s a favorite spot for native Chinese in San Antonio, and I recommend trying the Sichuan spicy chicken and homemade dumplings.
These dishes are full of spice, and robust flavors as Li’s continuously tries to preserve the flavors for the words to be the most authentic-tasting possible. You can taste all the common herbs and spices in Sichuan cooking, like mustard seeds, chili oil, etc.
What I love about Li’s restaurant is that they offer digital gift cards. You can purchase the gift cards online and redeem them at the restaurants during your visit.
Price range: $$
Food style: Sichuan
Location: 20330 Huebner Rd Ste106, San Antonio, TX 78258
Website: https://www.thehungryrestaurant.com/
Phone: (210) 4990070
Order Online:
Table Reservation:
11. Pasha Mediterranean Grill
Besides the typical cuisines like Asian, Mexican, and such, one cuisine has been gaining fame. I’m talking about Mediterranean cuisine, and Pasha Mediterranean Grill is the perfect first candidate for this type of cuisine in San Antonio.
Pasha Mediterranean is a casual restaurant perfect for a quick lunch or dinner when you are craving some Eastern Mediterranean food. It has been serving flavorful kebabs and gyro for the locals since 2008.
The term Pasha was used for people who earned prestigious recognition in this culture, especially skilled chefs and their creations. Therefore, to keep this heritage well and live, the owners of Pasha have decided to establish this diner and use the term as its name.
Pasha doesn’t offer alcoholic drinks, but you can bring your wine and pay a small fee. This information is interesting since Koobideh kabobs or basmati rice goes extremely well with wine.
With 3 different locations in San Antonio, it’s not going to be a challenge for you to visit and try the mouth-watering Mediterranean delicacies at Pasha. The place is open all week long from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM and closes 1 hour later at 11:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.
Price range: $$
Food style: Mediterranean, Kebab
Website: https://gopasha.com/
Location 1: 9339 Wurzbach Rd, San Antonio, TX 78240
Phone: (210) 8289669
Order Online:
Table Reservation:
Location 2: 1207 N Loop 1604 W Acc Rd, San Antonio, TX 78258
Phone: (210) 7641104
Order Online:
Table Reservation:
Location 3 (Pasha Express): 10650 Culebra Rd Ste 101, San Antonio, TX 78251
Phone: (210) 5921666
Order Online:
Table Reservation: Not available
12. Fralo’s
Fralo’s is a cozy pizzeria with an easy-going atmosphere, good food, and great drink selections. Established in 2004, this place has been a regular spot between the locals in San Antonio for a comforting slice of pizza.
This place is famous for its hand-tossed pizzas that go into the stone oven. You can choose from various types, including traditional and signature pizzas. You can order classics like Margherita and meat lovers. Or you can try unique pizzas like Nutty chicken or Mediterranean.
That said, if you’re new to the place and feeling a little indecisive, Fralo’s has a sampler pizza menu from which you can try the 4 different specialty pizzas. You can choose between dining options like takeouts or take-n-bake where you can bring Fralo’s frozen pizzas home.
What makes Fralo’s a great eatery is the patio that outlooks the beautiful area. At this patio, there will be frequent live music performances. The outdoor seating with dimmed lighting makes the perfect ambiance.
As a BYOB restaurant, Fralo’s does charge a small corkage fee for you to bring your drinks. Additionally, the place also has a selection of wine and draft beer for you to order.
Price range: $$
Food style: Pizza, Beer Bar, Wine Bar
Location: 23651 W. Interstate 10, San Antonio, Texas 78257
Website: https://www.fralos.com/
Phone: (210) 698-6616
Table Reservation: Call for table reservations.
Order Online:
13. Dough Pizzeria Napoletana
Another great pizza place offering BYOB in San Antonio is Dough Pizzeria Napoletana. This place offers the most authentic-tasting pizzas, with two locations across San Antonio.
Dough Pizzeria Napoletana focuses on Neapolitan-style pizza, famous for using simple yet quality ingredients, including tomatoes, cheese, olive oil, basil, and really good dough. In addition, pizzas at Dough Pizzeria Napoletana are all made in a wood oven in only 90 seconds.
Having been around since 2007, this place is a top-favorite spot for many locals when they crave a good slice of classic Margherita or some Prosciutto pizza. It is also well-known for its fresh house-made Burrata and Mozzarella cheese.
Dough Pizzeria Napoletana does have BYOB for those who are specific about their wine and alcohol selection. And the restaurant will charge a small fee for you to bring your drinks.
Price range: $$
Food style: Pizza, Italian, Wood-fired pizza & salads
Website: http://www.doughpizzeria.com/
Location 1: 6989 Blanco Rd, San Antonio, TX 78216
Phone: (210) 9796565
Order Online:
Table Reservation: Call for table reservation.
Location 2: 518 S Alamo St, San Antonio, TX 78205
Phone: (210) 2272900
Order Online:
Table Reservation: Call for table reservations.
14. Saeb Thai And Noodles
Unlike the previous Thai places I’ve discussed in the list, Saeb Thai and Noodles offers authentic Thai dishes and other Asian delights like Panang curry and creative Pho dishes.
There’s not much that’s too outstanding about Saeb Thai. However, what attracts its regular customers is BYOB and its foods with authentic Thai flavors.
One unique feature about this place is they won’t season the dishes with too much sweetness. Instead of adapting the flavors to be more locally appropriate, they keep the authenticity in the taste with all the exotic seasoning, spices, and herbs.
Price range: $$
Food style: Thai, Noodles
Location: 226 W Bitters Rd #124, San Antonio, TX 78216
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/
Phone: (210) 5453354
Order Online:
Table Reservation: Not available
15. Sichuan House
Sichuan House features Sichuanese specialties like hot pots, pork belly, Kung Pao shrimps, etc. When dining at a restaurant, I pay a lot of attention to hygiene, and this restaurant is very thorough with keeping its kitchen clean. They were once featured on the local news.
There are a few unique dishes to try at Sichuan House. The first has got to be the Dry Pot, a stir-fried version of the Sichuan hot pot which uses Mala, a seasoning from peppercorns. The heat can be an exciting factor as it gives your palate a numbing sensation.
I also strongly suggest the Dong Po pork or braised pork belly. This is an indulgence for your taste buds. The tender meat melts in your mouth, and the pork is highly flavorful.
They also offer gluten-free and vegetarian options. And the staff is accommodating should you have any additional requests regarding your food.
One thing to note is the limited parking space. Since it’s located in a strip mall, looking for a parking spot can be challenging.
Price range: $$
Food style: Chinese, Sichuan
Location: 3505 Wurzbach Rd #103, San Antonio, TX 78238
Website: https://www.sichuaneats.com/
Phone: (210) 5099999
Order Online:
Table Reservation (You can also contact the restaurant through their phone number for table reservations)
16. Noodle Tree
Noodle Tree is a ramen restaurant located just around the University of Texas in The Student Living. This place is an excellent representation of Asian culture, from the decoration to the flavors of the dishes served here at Noodle Tree.
With its first version as a food truck, Noodle Tree is a product of non-stop hard work from chef Mike. He spent 10 years crafting the perfect ramen bowl before selling it from the truck in March 2018, then in his first shop in December 2018.
Noodle Tree specializes in Taiwanese-style ramen instead of Japanese. When tasting this style of ramen, you will see that it offers more layers and depths of flavors. And you will also taste many creative twists they have taken on their ramen bowls.
Besides ramen bowls with rich flavors like Red Miso or Spicy Kimchi, you can also find classic Japanese appetizers like edamame, gyoza, and Japanese fried chicken.
Noodle Tree offers a neat and modern space with minimal wooden furniture. Along with that are the unique arcade game area and the anime drawings on the walls, which reminds you of the Asian culture.
Besides the fruity drinks and some classic Asian beverages, you can also bring your own beer or wine to the place to enjoy with your ramen.
Price range: $$
Food style: Noodles, Asian
Location: 7114 UTSA Boulevard #101, San Antonio, TX 78249
Website: https://www.noodletreetx.com/
Phone: (210) 4552177
Order Online:
Table Reservation:
17. Krab Kingz
Krab Kingz is a humble restaurant specializing in Cajun-style seafood. Expect only the best quality and flavors of seafood when you come to the place. Without any large-scale advertising, Krab Kingz still regularly attracts many customers.
Krab Kingz has won the hearts of many with the inviting food and their frequent discount programs. On the restaurant’s social media platform, you can see many promotions like one extra free crab cluster for any order or cook’s specials at a discounted price.
It’s also essential to note that the place occasionally closes on Mondays, and they post updates on their Instagram. So it’s best to check their schedule for the week before visiting.
Price range: $$
Food style: Seafood
Location: 2301 San Pedro Ave, San Antonio, TX 78212
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/
Phone: (254) 3386116
Order Online:
Table Reservation: Not available
Make Dining An Exciting And Enjoyable Experience
I’m sure this article has left you craving some good food in a welcoming atmosphere, whether it’s Italian or Mexican. And it’s extra fun when you can bring your favorite drink to the place because what’s better than sipping on excellent wine while enjoying good food?
I’ve had a blast testing these restaurants in the list above. Let me know about your experience with these places. It would also mean a lot if you could share this post with others.
Have a great meal, thank you, and see you next time!
