Tex-Mex$south-sideBreakfast and lunch, closed Tuesday
Mendez Cafe in the South Side is a tex-mex spot San Antonio locals rate, with carne guisada taco in spicy gravy the order to make on a first visit here.
Order: Carne guisada taco in spicy gravy.
Tip: The carne guisada taco is the reason to come. It is a small, busy room, so expect a short morning wait.
Mexican$$alamo-heightsLunch and dinner daily
Soluna Cocina Mexicana on Broadway is a colourful family-run room serving traditional Mexican cooking since 1979, with the Chispa margarita signature.
Order: Chispa margarita and traditional Mexican plates.
Tip: The Chispa margarita is the long-running signature. The relaxed patio is the seat to want on a mild evening.
Tex-Mex$east-sideBreakfast and lunch daily
Con Huevos Tacos on East Houston builds its menu around the egg, with fluffy breakfast tacos and migas served on the gentrifying near-East Side.
Order: Egg-forward breakfast tacos and migas.
Tip: Migas is the egg dish to get if you want something beyond a standard taco. Quick counter service.
Mexican$$north-sideLunch and dinner daily
Naco Mexican Eatery on Nacogdoches Road leans Mexico City rather than Tex-Mex, with underrated tortas, proper tacos and house salsas worth piling on freely.
Order: Mexico City-style tacos and tortas.
Tip: The tortas are underrated; the tacos lean Mexico City rather than Tex-Mex. House salsas are worth piling on generously.
Tex-Mex$north-sideBreakfast and lunch daily
Mama's Kitchen on West Hildebrand is a homestyle Tex-Mex counter where chilaquiles tacos arrive folded into thick, handmade tortillas the locals love.
Order: Chilaquiles tacos on thick handmade tortillas.
Tip: The thick handmade tortillas set this place apart. Chilaquiles is the dish to order for breakfast.
Tex-Mex$north-sideBreakfast and lunch daily
Santos Mexican Cafe II on Isom Road is a no-frills breakfast-taco counter near the airport, where the chorizo-and-egg taco is the order and the regulars.
Order: Chorizo-and-egg breakfast tacos.
Tip: Chorizo and egg is the standout. Quick and cheap; a good stop before a flight out of the nearby airport.