San Antonio celebrates Tex-Mex cuisine and much more

Dining out while on vacation can feel like a daunting task to a traveler exploring unfamiliar territory. Experiencing a proper meal paired with exceptional service can make or break a trip. There's nothing to worry about when heading to Texas, a region known for bold flavors and big portions.

San Antonio's culinary scene is growing by the minute and there is constant construction in the downtown area as the city expands, with more dining establishments continuing to sprout up.

Tex-Mex is a mix of traditions that blend well to stir up appetites. This fusion of traditions and influence of the Sonoran region can be found tucked away in the corner of Pullman Market in Mezquite at 221 Newell Avenue. Wake up to their flavorful breakfast tacos and dip a chip into an unforgettable Calabacitas dish, combining squash, Oaxaca cheese and corn together to form a thick souplike mixture. A staff member periodically pushing a pastry cart out to tables pushes this place over the top in terms of service and originality.

Speaking of bread, bakery-cafe La Panaderia at 8305 Broadway is possibly the most popular pan spot in town. A great deal of the population is addicted to caffeine and this place capitalizes on it with Matcha Lattes and bombastic coffee drinks.

For a casual lunch and photo opportunity queer owned Elsewhere Garden Bar & Kitchen right by the riverside is the place to be. An arrangement of boozy fruit juice bags and a Drink Me Potion consisting of vodka and glitter allows party people a place to turn up or unwind while sitting on a porch swing.

For another LGBTQ+ owned venue, Ocho at Hotel Havana, 1015 Navarro Street, has cultivated a drag brunch titled Ocho-A-Go-Go where queens walk under the glass conservatory runway while lip synching to popular tunes.

Try Tre Trattoria right beside the San Antonio Museum of Art, with reasonably sized portions and a delicious herb-roasted half chicken served over a plate of fresh greens.

Another restaurant benefiting from a riverside view is Zocca Cuisine D'Italia at The Westin Riverwalk. Mama Mia, the pasta is good and even offered gluten-free with certain dishes. Upscale pizza fare rounds out a menu that the talented culinary team should be extremely proud of, while being presented in a sleek, modern atmosphere.

This is just scratching the surface of the flourishing food scene that diners will discover in South Central Texas. Ask a local or look for more ideas at visitsanantonio.com.