Jump to content
View in the app

A better way to browse. Learn more.

Surly Horns

A full-screen app on your home screen with push notifications, badges and more.

To install this app on iOS and iPadOS
  1. Tap the Share icon in Safari
  2. Scroll the menu and tap Add to Home Screen.
  3. Tap Add in the top-right corner.
To install this app on Android
  1. Tap the 3-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right corner of the browser.
  2. Tap Add to Home screen or Install app.
  3. Confirm by tapping Install.

Featured Replies

On 4/22/2025 at 12:11 PM, Trynapigdog said:

Tardiff’s

Is that the place going out toward Boerne by Texas Roadhouse? For the longest I always thought that it was some sort of boutique just driving by. 

  • Replies 3.1k
  • Views 228.9k
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

Most Popular Posts

  • I came across a hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaurant called Susanas in Southtown today. It had 5 stars with 40+ reviews so I gave it a shot. I had the enchiladas verdes and they were legit. The family

  • The Guisadilla at Rolando's this morning.  I hate myself-

  • tx 3 putt
    tx 3 putt

    Very very good carne guisada 

Posted Images

The wife and I are moving to an apartment a stone's throw from Brackendridge Park.  Seems to be a nice older area, and the manager pointed out we will be within walking distance to "the Pearl district."   Anybody know of good spots to eat near Brackenridge Park?

In the hood today and ended up at a place on Roosevelt by the Missions called Taqueria Guadalajara. Really good standard Mexican plate. $8.99. My go to 2 enchiladas and 1 crispy taco. Homemade tortillas. Good spot if you want real deal and are in town at the Missions.

Almost went for their quesabirria special but just had that recently somewhere else.

 

20 hours ago, JGrayDBU said:

The wife and I are moving to an apartment a stone's throw from Brackendridge Park.  Seems to be a nice older area, and the manager pointed out we will be within walking distance to "the Pearl district."   Anybody know of good spots to eat near Brackenridge Park?

One of the only shake shack’s in town is there on new braunfels and mulberry, pizza classics isn’t too far either. Smoke shack has great turkey sandwiches and is right there too

23 hours ago, JGrayDBU said:

The wife and I are moving to an apartment a stone's throw from Brackendridge Park.  Seems to be a nice older area, and the manager pointed out we will be within walking distance to "the Pearl district."   Anybody know of good spots to eat near Brackenridge Park?

Whataburger

If off Broadway which you most likely are:

The Hayden

Koi Kawa

The Cottage

Smash’d Burgers

Off of St Marys

 Curry Boys BBQ
Bombay Bicycle Club

Tycoon Flats

Everything around the Pearl

If you go up Broadway more north into Alamo Heights

Cappys 

Paloma Blanca

Thai Bird

The Growler Exchange has good pizza 

Further up Broadway

Thai Curry

Wild Barley

Soluna

 

On 4/28/2025 at 3:34 PM, LebongJames said:

If off Broadway which you most likely are:

The Hayden

Koi Kawa

The Cottage

Smash’d Burgers

Off of St Marys

 Curry Boys BBQ
Bombay Bicycle Club

Tycoon Flats

Everything around the Pearl

If you go up Broadway more north into Alamo Heights

Cappys 

Paloma Blanca

Thai Bird

The Growler Exchange has good pizza 

Further up Broadway

Thai Curry

Wild Barley

Soluna

 

15 places Helobious has probably never heard of. 

On 4/28/2025 at 3:34 PM, LebongJames said:

If off Broadway which you most likely are:

The Hayden

Koi Kawa

The Cottage

Smash’d Burgers

Off of St Marys

 Curry Boys BBQ
Bombay Bicycle Club

Tycoon Flats

Everything around the Pearl

If you go up Broadway more north into Alamo Heights

Cappys 

Paloma Blanca

Thai Bird

The Growler Exchange has good pizza 

Further up Broadway

Thai Curry

Wild Barley

Soluna

 

Right next to Wild barley is the beignet stand as well. It’s really good stuff.

I really want to love the Hayden. I go there often enough. Love the vibe and what they are trying to do. But the menu is completely hit or miss depending on what you order. Most dishes with chicken are downright bad and the pastrami gravy is gross. Other sandwiches, burgers and entrees are pretty good. Fish n chips are good. Apps and cocktails are solid.

i had the pot roast tonight and while i usually don’t like tomato based sauces on pot roast this was decent and the crispy Brussels sprouts were an excellent accompaniment. 

12 hours ago, Gen. Applewhite said:

I really want to love the Hayden. I go there often enough. Love the vibe and what they are trying to do. But the menu is completely hit or miss depending on what you order. Most dishes with chicken are downright bad and the pastrami gravy is gross. Other sandwiches, burgers and entrees are pretty good. Fish n chips are good. Apps and cocktails are solid.

i had the pot roast tonight and while i usually don’t like tomato based sauces on pot roast this was decent and the crispy Brussels sprouts were an excellent accompaniment. 

I feel you. Sometimes I really like other times I don’t. It’s a really good vibe especially for bunch

I don’t do much brunch, but I do hit Thousand Oaks Cafe on Austin Highway every Saturday for breakfast and cannot recommend it highly enough. 
 

Of the various Pearl spots I would rank 1) Ladino 2) Mon Chou Chou and 3) Best Quality Daughter as my top three. The pizza place at the food court is also quite good. 

25 minutes ago, Gen. Applewhite said:

I don’t do much brunch, but I do hit Thousand Oaks Cafe on Austin Highway every Saturday for breakfast and cannot recommend it highly enough. 
 

Of the various Pearl spots I would rank 1) Ladino 2) Mon Chou Chou and 3) Best Quality Daughter as my top three. The pizza place at the food court is also quite good. 

Haven’t done Landino. Southerleigh is my fave in the pearl right now. The snapper throats are a game changer and they have an elite prickly pear marg. 

Has anyone done the Southerleigh/Mon Chou Chou collaboration? They do a pop up stand and have some chicken sammich that’s supposed to be insane.


The only place I’ve been disappointed with at the Pearl was Supper in Hotel Emma. Had brunch there and it was super whack. Haven’t been back since.

On 4/28/2025 at 3:34 PM, LebongJames said:

If off Broadway which you most likely are:

The Hayden

Koi Kawa

The Cottage

Smash’d Burgers

Off of St Marys

 Curry Boys BBQ
Bombay Bicycle Club

Tycoon Flats

Everything around the Pearl

If you go up Broadway more north into Alamo Heights

Cappys 

Paloma Blanca

Thai Bird

The Growler Exchange has good pizza 

Further up Broadway

Thai Curry

Wild Barley

Soluna

 

Wow!  What an extensive list.  Did not expect.  Thanks a bunch!  It will be fun exploring these places.  The wife works nights and sleeps days so this is almost as good as me living in Alaska while she lives in Texas.  We move June 7th.  Important thing will be me keeping her working, not giving her an option to quit for the next 2.5 years.  I will get a part-time job, starting probably January. 

 

Sister-in-law, old lady, has been recommending Laguna Madre for quite some time.  She and my little brother are extremely set in their ways, and this is the only place they eat in San Antonio on their way to Laredo, when they visit her family.  He is 58 and she is 70!  Having her is about to pay off for him when the homestead exemption for age 65+ goes up to $200,000.  Good job, little bro. 

 I finally ate there today, got a six piece shrimp plate that included Cole slaw, fries, one hushpuppy and a piece of garlic toast.  Have no idea how the garlic toast made it in there.  Hushpuppy, nah, not worth the effort imo.  Garlic toast better than hushpuppy. Cole slaw decent, shrimp, the best part, they were freshly cooked.  Fries, nothing to write home about, definitely not fresh. 

Spent a little more than I usually spend, but I might go again, especially if I could get fresh fries.  

 

 

 

11 hours ago, JGrayDBU said:

Sister-in-law, old lady, has been recommending Laguna Madre for quite some time.  She and my little brother are extremely set in their ways, and this is the only place they eat in San Antonio on their way to Laredo, when they visit her family.  He is 58 and she is 70!  Having her is about to pay off for him when the homestead exemption for age 65+ goes up to $200,000.  Good job, little bro. 

 I finally ate there today, got a six piece shrimp plate that included Cole slaw, fries, one hushpuppy and a piece of garlic toast.  Have no idea how the garlic toast made it in there.  Hushpuppy, nah, not worth the effort imo.  Garlic toast better than hushpuppy. Cole slaw decent, shrimp, the best part, they were freshly cooked.  Fries, nothing to write home about, definitely not fresh. 

Spent a little more than I usually spend, but I might go again, especially if I could get fresh fries.  

 

 

 

If Laguna Madre passed the test for a second visit you might want to try Bill Miller’s for BBQ. I know they have a location on Broadway across from Incarnate Word a couple miles north of where you are focusing.  Not sure if there are others. 

35 minutes ago, Gen. Applewhite said:

If Laguna Madre passed the test for a second visit you might want to try Bill Miller’s for BBQ. I know they have a location on Broadway across from Incarnate Word a couple miles north of where you are focusing.  Not sure if there are others. 

Disagree Season 3 GIF by The Lonely Island

Holy shit at making your wife work nights while you just get a part time job. Maybe my sarcasm meter is broken

Laguna madre sucks ass. El bucanero is 100x better for seafood here

6 minutes ago, Helobious said:

Holy shit at making your wife work nights while you just get a part time job. Maybe my sarcasm meter is broken

Laguna madre sucks ass. El bucanero is 100x better for seafood here

I’m sure you have all the details of their situation and are making a judgement from a totally informed position

Edited by hobbes2702

On 4/30/2025 at 9:02 PM, Gen. Applewhite said:

I really want to love the Hayden. I go there often enough. Love the vibe and what they are trying to do. But the menu is completely hit or miss depending on what you order. Most dishes with chicken are downright bad and the pastrami gravy is gross. Other sandwiches, burgers and entrees are pretty good. Fish n chips are good. Apps and cocktails are solid.

i had the pot roast tonight and while i usually don’t like tomato based sauces on pot roast this was decent and the crispy Brussels sprouts were an excellent accompaniment. 

I go quite a bit and haven't had a bad meal there yet. The poblano bacon and pimento burger is sublime. Fish and chips and cfs were awesome. 

Had one sub par server this last time but the food was great. 

  • 2 weeks later...
On 4/26/2025 at 8:52 PM, JGrayDBU said:

The wife and I are moving to an apartment a stone's throw from Brackendridge Park.  Seems to be a nice older area, and the manager pointed out we will be within walking distance to "the Pearl district."   Anybody know of good spots to eat near Brackenridge Park?

Pete's Tako House on Avenue B

Augie's BBQ

Demo's on St. Mary's

Viet-Nam on Broadway

Good Time Charlies

All casual and inexpensive established with solid food close by.

 

On 5/1/2025 at 10:35 AM, hobbes2702 said:


The only place I’ve been disappointed with at the Pearl was Supper in Hotel Emma. Had brunch there and it was super whack. Haven’t been back since.

Preach

21 minutes ago, Tigersnake said:

Pete's Tako House on Avenue B

Augie's BBQ

Demo's on St. Mary's

Viet-Nam on Broadway

Good Time Charlies

All casual and inexpensive established with solid food close by.

 

Augie’s is terrible 

7 minutes ago, BurntOrange&White said:

Anyone else like Zito's Deli?

Yes. It’s pretty great everytime I go for lunch.

Just now, BurntOrange&White said:

I always enjoy the jello shot cup of beans they give you

First time I went I was very confused for sure but now it’s like a nice savory treat.

10 minutes ago, BurntOrange&White said:

Anyone else like Zito's Deli?

I am (half) serious, and don't call me Shirley.

On 4/26/2025 at 8:52 PM, JGrayDBU said:

The wife and I are moving to an apartment a stone's throw from Brackendridge Park.  Seems to be a nice older area, and the manager pointed out we will be within walking distance to "the Pearl district."   Anybody know of good spots to eat near Brackenridge Park?

tycoon flats

smoke shack

la fonda

cappys

sams

cullums

a million places at the pearl

6 hours ago, thrillhammer said:

tycoon flats

smoke shack

la fonda

cappys

sams

cullums

a million places at the pearl

I grew up going to La Fonda for special occasions. I feel in recent years the quality has become pretty meh while prices keep, understandably, going up. Tycoon Flats is really underrated. Really solid reasonably priced food in a family-friendly environment. The owner is an Aggie, but he's a good guy who likes to make the rounds checking in on customers.

For tacos, I'll ditto whoever mentioned Pete's Takos downtown (more midtown). My favorite spot a short drive from Brackenridge for JGray is Mary Lou's in Olmos Park. Consistently really good tacos in a nice restaurant. The staff is super friendly. 

  • 2 weeks later...

Had Magpie last night, everything was great.  Had the smoked duck breast and Dak galbi chicken, that Dak galbi sauce was the tits.  The heirloom tomatoes were some of the best I’ve ever had.  

IMG_9515.jpeg

IMG_9512.jpeg

IMG_4225.jpeg

Ended up at Bohanan’s for our 10 year anniversary to “blow it out”, as someone suggested up thread. What an incredible meal, from setting to service to food, just an all around great experience. We both have a bit of “vacation stomach” right now so we didn’t even do a bottle of wine but even still that was an impressive price tag… worth it, but dayum!

5 minutes ago, Etexhorn13 said:

but even still that was an impressive price tag

Went there around New Years last year and even for someone who is pretty big spender I was pretty shocked at the bill.  Tremendous all around but damn

What’s the number?

13 hours ago, Etexhorn13 said:

Ended up at Bohanan’s for our 10 year anniversary to “blow it out”, as someone suggested up thread. What an incredible meal, from setting to service to food, just an all around great experience. We both have a bit of “vacation stomach” right now so we didn’t even do a bottle of wine but even still that was an impressive price tag… worth it, but dayum!

 

13 hours ago, midtown said:

Went there around New Years last year and even for someone who is pretty big spender I was pretty shocked at the bill.  Tremendous all around but damn

 

We had four couples. I picked up a bottle of wine and the Foe Gras. My bill with tip was $721. 24 to be exact

7 minutes ago, midtown said:

We had four couples. I picked up a bottle of wine and the Foe Gras. My bill with tip was 700

Yikes lol.

So... My safe brain is telling me to move to SA before Houston has another super flood... 

Am I going to hate it? 

I lived in SA for about a year or so almost 30 years ago... I hated it (probably because I commuted to North Austin daily). 

25 minutes ago, midtown said:

We had four couples. I picked up a bottle of wine and the Foe Gras. My bill with tip was $721. 24 to be exact
 

Baller

Depends on what you like to do. It's definitely not going to have the nightlife of Dallas or Austin but also we don't have the douche factor those cities have. Restaurant wise also not the best but unless you go out 3x a week you will have plenty of options. There is every cuisine available. Obviously if tex mex is your thing you'll be haspy as can be. Restaurant scene is improving massively.


Traffic is nothing except on 1604 with all the construction. Our rush hour is 5-6 where in Houston is 4-7. 2.5 hours from the beach. Rivers are close. Plenty of live music too.

Airport is well run and close. But direct flights arent great. No big deal. I fly united. 30 mins to IAH and then anywhere.

Overall very laid back city and one of the few unique cities






2 hours ago, hobbes2702 said:

What’s the number?

 

 

$300 for the two of us after tip. I had a cocktail and a glass of wine, my wife didn’t have anything to drink. Thank god she didn’t or we would’ve ordered a bottle of wine and made it closer to $400

2 hours ago, Slacks said:

So... My safe brain is telling me to move to SA before Houston has another super flood... 

Am I going to hate it? 

I lived in SA for about a year or so almost 30 years ago... I hated it (probably because I commuted to North Austin daily). 

We can’t for a lot of reasons, but I personally wish I could GTFO Houston for San Antonio. I don’t even dislike Houston, but I think SA is my favorite city in Texas. It’s for sure becoming our quick driveable getaway/long weekend location. 

IMG_7903.jpeg

We were at Wine 101 last night, did they get new ownership? It seemed different from a few years ago. 
 

Also have y’all tried any of these places:

Toro Kitchen & Bar

Moroccan Bites Tajine

Mian Noodles & Dumplings

On 5/24/2025 at 10:07 PM, midtown said:

Went there around New Years last year and even for someone who is pretty big spender I was pretty shocked at the bill.  Tremendous all around but damn

Yeah... thanks Midtown..... :)    When you are the teacher having dinner with this guy, a doctor, and a comfortbely retired brother, you are already going in behind the curve!  It didn't help that when my wife ordered her Manhattans, and  they asked me if I had a whiskey choice, I said no.  Rookie mistake.  Doubled the drink price. But really fun night and a great meal. 

Edited by Chico_SA

On 5/24/2025 at 10:00 PM, Etexhorn13 said:

Ended up at Bohanan’s for our 10 year anniversary to “blow it out”, as someone suggested up thread. What an incredible meal, from setting to service to food, just an all around great experience. We both have a bit of “vacation stomach” right now so we didn’t even do a bottle of wine but even still that was an impressive price tag… worth it, but dayum!

You're welcome...ha!  Seriously, glad it worked out for your big 10!  Hope the rest of your trip was equally awesome.  Cheers to ya!

If you want Bohanan family meals with a more laid-back atmosphere and more reasonable prices, check out Peggy's on the Green in Boerne. 

Stayed at the JW resort this weekend. Always a good time for the kids

 

Did Soluna (its the sister restaurant to Rosarios, and much better), La Fonda on Main (we always try to go here once a trip), DarkSide Pizza (if you havent seen or heard of this one, look it up. Its insane. Best themed restaurant in Texas), Alamo Springs Cafe (did this before we saw the bats at Old Tunnel State Park. The Cover burger was awesome but everything else was trash), had breakfast at La Panaderia (this gonna be the next big restaurant to franchise outta SA, its awesome every time), and had lunch at Tycoon Flats (great greasy spoon).

 

 

We try to visit at least once a year and every time we talk about moving from Houston. SA is just a better city in most respects. Little to no traffic, no humidity (we sat outside when it was 91 degrees and it felt like 80 degrees in Houston), great tacos, laid back feel, best childrens museum in Texas, Six Flags, Hurricane Harbor, SeaWorld, Zoo, Riverwalk, Pearl, <30 min from Castroville, Seguin, NB, and 2.5 hrs from a pretty solid beach.

 

 

The only reason we havent moved already is because im fairly convinced CenTex is gonna run outta water by 2030

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

Configure browser push notifications

Chrome (Android)
  1. Tap the lock icon next to the address bar.
  2. Tap Permissions → Notifications.
  3. Adjust your preference.
Chrome (Desktop)
  1. Click the padlock icon in the address bar.
  2. Select Site settings.
  3. Find Notifications and adjust your preference.