One Night Visit - December 16th - (1) Best Mexican Restaurant on Riverwalk? AND (2) Holidays on the Riverwalk? (Houston: how much)

[xxNeve]

Hi Everyone! I was hoping for a bit of advice. I'll be in San Antonio for one night on December 16th with my Mum and have two issues I need advice with.

1. Can you recommend the best mexican restaurant on the Riverwalk? I know there might be better ones outside of that area but it is really important for it to be actually on the Riverwalk. (Even if that means it isn't the 'best' in the city.) Also, while my Mum loves cheese enchiladas I'm a vegan, so maybe someone knows some inside information to help with that as well? Such as menu options? (And please, no fine dining! Sadly, my budget cannot afford anything over $50 for a meal for two.)

2. Can you recommend any holiday offerings on the Riverwalk or in walking distance to see? I heard that there are holiday lights, but I don't know if there is anything else I should be aware of.

Any other advice would be much appreciated! Thank You!

[doss1]

xxNeve,
I can't answer #1 (but if possible, walk out to Mi Tierra. It's the most famous Mexican restaurant in Texas and the food is great (my ex was a vegan and she liked the food).

#2 definitely recommend a boat tour (comes with tour guide) on the River so you can see the christmas lights. You should do it either when the sun is setting OR at night, but not in the day time. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Be prepared for the long lines. Also, walk down to the San Fernando Cathedral if you want a break from the river walk. It's an easy walk and safe. There is a box of bones from the Alamo Defenders there. behind one of the doors.

[tortuga29]

1. I don't know of many place under for two under $50 (but then again, I'm thinking of on the Riverwalk.) Casa Rio is good. It's right on the river too. Nice little atmoshpere but it's gets packed too. Prices range around 16 a person without the bar drinks. But I don't know how their menu is towards vegans so forgive me.

2. And I wholeheartedly agree on the barge tour. Great way to see the whole river and the lights. My family has gone on the barge tour every year since I could remember. It's very pretty. Also try La Vilita if you have the time and means to walk down there. Nice little shops. Good to get out there during the day.

In any case, hope you find something fun to do and enjoy your trip!

[nismospec]

if it doesn't have to be right on the riverwalk, you can venture to Houston St. and go to Acenar. I'd put that restaurant way above any "Mexican" food on the riverwalk. IMHO, I haven't been impressed with any Mexican food on the riverwalk. It's all become too "touristy"... along with the flavor. I know that's not a real word, but it's just my opinion.

+1 on the barge ride, especially if you take the longer tour to the new part of the river.

[BenjaminNicholas]

Get away from the River, go to Southtown and eat at Rosarios. Great atmosphere. Reliable food. Amazing bar. It's quite a bit like Acenar on Houston Street, but the recipes are less adventurous and more authentic.


BN

[Buffyfan]

there are places you can easily walk off the river. Rosario's is recommended, like the above poster mentioned. Just ask someone and they will point you in the right direction. However, a "vegan" menu might be difficult to find in a Mexican restaurant downtown, since everything is covered in cheese. I like pretty much every restaurant downtown, except for Texas Republic...too expensive and not that great.

You will be right in the middle of Christmas action on the river. Carolers on barges, shows at La Villita theatre, plenty of things to see.

Take a boat ride at night...you won't regret it.

[xxNeve]

Thanks for the Advice! It looks like I'll have to decide between Casa Rio on the Riverwalk and Rosario's off the Riverwalk depending on how much time we have down there.

Also, forgive me if this is a stupid or obvious question, but how do the boat tours work? Do I have to buy tickets in advance? If so, how much and where do I purchase them? Also, where do you have to go to 'get on' the boat and what time?

Thanks!

[tortuga29]

Rio San Antonio Cruises | River Tours, River Taxi Service, Cruises... The San Antonio Boat Ride along the River Walk

There's the link for the barge tours. From pricing to start and stop locations. There are a variety from the simple boat tours on the river to actual dinners on the boat provided by different restaurants on the river. It's a little pricey but it's a fun, "touristy" thing to do. I did it a few times, once when I surprised my parents when I came home on leave for Christmas. It was really pretty and we were able to get some good photos.

We usually purchase at the location in River Center and the entrance is about 25 yds down. You start and stop at the same location. You have until the end of the night to use the tickets. So you can purchase and then get right on or wait until later. Essentially it's first come, first serve regarding boarding. The ticket allows you to get on the boat but you'll still have to wait in line to board. Last year, apparently, they were being a little harsh about having everyone in the party waiting in line together. But that was according to my brother. And I believe tours stop running about 15 mins prior to closing but that was a few years ago.

[cinnamon_toast]

Another vote for Acenar. It pretty much is on the Riverwalk, you just need to walk up a few steps and there you are. The food is not traditional Mexican, it has a Latin flair to it. I was very impressed.