Tex-Mex and donuts$north-sideEarly morning to early afternoon daily
The Original Donut Shop on Fredericksburg Road pairs fresh donuts with breakfast tacos, a San Antonio combination that makes perfect sense once you try it.
Order: Bean-and-cheese taco with a fresh donut.
Tip: The taco-and-donut pairing is the local move; do not choose one. The drive-through line moves fast.
Tex-Mex$downtownBreakfast and lunch daily
La Villita Cafe sits in the historic La Villita arts village downtown, serving brisket-and-egg breakfast tacos and Tex-Mex plates to a mix of office workers.
Order: Brisket-and-egg breakfast tacos.
Tip: The brisket-and-egg taco is the standout. It is walkable from the River Walk, so a good downtown breakfast stop.
Tex-Mex$tobin-hillBreakfast and lunch daily
Little Taco Factory on McCullough is a small breakfast-taco shop near downtown, dependable for classic bacon-and-egg and potato-and-egg tacos at a fair price.
Order: Bacon-and-egg and potato-and-egg tacos.
Tip: Simple and quick; the classic combos are the order. Grab a dozen to go for the office.
Tex-Mex$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.