Since you will be on the RiverWalk - try Boudro's (sp) - order the guacamole - they make it tableside and it's wonderful. And - absolutely seek out Dick's Last Resort - the children will love it - be prepared to be insulted, etc. Tons of fun - you can even get a beer in a take-home glass.
Food is good, too.
Yaga has some fusion food that may sound wierd, but tastes great.
There are so many wonderful Mexican restaurants, but I cannot recommend Casa Rio. It is the oldest on the river, and has a great location, but the food leaves a lot to be desired.
Upscale - Little Rhine Steak House next door the the Hilton Palacio del Rio, has outstanding food. Biga's on the River - ditto. And the Menger dining room has a good chef. But these are $$$ places.
For bunkhouse steaks - The Little Red Barn - long picnic tables - family friendly - you will get to meet others.
Anybody want to tell about San Antonio for family vacation?
If you like barbecue, try a Bill Millers BBQ
http://www.billmillerbbq.com/2/lp_31/pg_locationsall.html
and/or Rudy's "Country Store" and Bar-B-Q. The 'Sea World" location would be on your way to or from Government Canyon State Natural Area if you choose to visit the area. Gee, if you do, my husband and I could meet you for some down home eatin' at Rudy's.
http://rudys.com/locations/index.html
The Magic Time Machine is a bit expensive now.
If you go to the Witte Museum, Brackenridge Park. the San Antonio Zoo and/or the San Antonio Botanical Garden, good Time Charlie's is a great restaurant with a good selection of meals and is close by. It is a small restaurant; however, the home cooked style food is great and not expensive. 12.00 noon is a pretty busy time so you would need to get there early or after 1:00PM.
2922 Broadway St
(210) 828-5392
http://www.gtcsatx.com/
If you want quality true Tex-Mex style Mexican food and a rich "San Antonio flavored" decor, Karam's is the best place you can go. My mother and father knew the owners'. It was founded in 1946, the year I was born and my family has eaten there since its founding. I just looked up its website and found an article stating that the restaurant may be sold. I sure hope not; however, it sounds as though it is closing at the end of may. It holds a lot of fond memories. It is close to downtown.
121 N. Zarzamora at W. Commerce
http://www.mysanantonio.com/business/stories/MYSA020908.02C.Karams.a2ac3d93.html
Great Mexican food - Mexican Manhattan Restaurant; another place my family and many San Antonians have patronized for many, many years. It is not really fancy; however, it has super delicious food for reasonable prices with large portions. Plus, it is close to where you will be staying.
110 Soledad St, closest cross street East Commerce
http://www.mexicanmanhattan.com/
I would not recommend Casa Rios on the River Walk because it is pricey and the food is just okay to me. It is sort of Mexican food "for tourists".
The kids might enjoy the Hard Rock Cafe on the river. It is a bit pricey; however, it is a lot of fun. The food and the service is great as well as the decor. When you first walk in, the music is really loud. You do adjust to it fairly quickly or you may dine on the patio.
http://www.hardrock.com/Locations/Cafes3/menu.aspx?LocationID=106&MIBenumID=3
Pizza and such ... Cici's Pizza Buffet is an economical place to eat. We buy the buffet and a drink and fill ourselves up for 2 mealtimes. For an all you can eat place, the food is is good and the price is right. If there is not a pizza that you want out on the buffet, they will cook up the one you want. I love the spinach pizza, the small cinnamon rolls are to die for and the white sauce is the best I have tasted. a great place to go if the each member of your family likes a different kind of pizza.
The menu:
http://www.allmenus.com/menus/65253/CiCi's-Pizza-Buffet
I will try to think of some more places to eat.
Thanks for helping with the restaurant list, htop.
There is a Vietnamese restaurant on Broadway across from Brackenridge Park that is outstanding - lots of food, reasonable prices, but I cannot remember the name - been there for many years.
There is a Rudy's in New Braunfels, too.
if you go over to the beaumont area when you go to the coast find the restaurant sartain's. the barbecued crabs are the best food you will ever eat.
I second a trip to Good Time Charlies! They have great burgers and the onion rings are awesome!!
I also second steaks at The Barn Door. We go eat there everytime I go visit my family. Yum!!
We like Mexican food from The Alamo Cafe. Their flour tortillas can't be beat! We also enjoy eating at La Fonda's. They have to best salsa, hand's down!
If you go to New Braunfels, Pat's Place is awesome!
Stephanie
sallyg - Have you determined your actual dates in SA?
Great restaurant info !
I think- June 24-26 then two days in Corpus Christi? Hubby is in charge of planning LOL
Sounds pretty short but you know kids away from friends..and we will have a very economical vacation all told, even with good eating out.
LOL Dick's Last resort? I'm not sure I would go there with kids, the youngesr is 11? The food there is good and maybe a daytime visit, but the nights get pretty rowdy and some of the decor is... well uhh college frat house type stuff. Is that delicate enough? LOL
Howl at the Moon over on Crocket is a blast. They have this singalong thing that gets everybody in on the action, but its primarily a bar so maybe not for kiddos either, but it sure is fun! Reminds me of Razoo's in The Quarter!