City: San Antonio, TX

Category: Restaurants

Telephone: (210) 225-9444

Address: 722 S. St. Mary’s St.

Description: A local favorite, El Mirador may be best known for its soup—especially the tortilla soup and the sopa Azteca—but the other entrees are tasty in their own right. El Mirador is located a stone’s throw from downtown in a terra-­cotta–hued stucco building. On the inside, Saltillo tiles cover the floor, and a few art prints and painted Mexican plates hang on the brightly colored walls. A covered patio outside provides more space and is a pleasant place to eat in mild weather. The restaurant serves 3 meals a day, offering the Mexican standards (enchilada plates, etc.) as well as more sophisticated dishes such as filet poblano or lomo de puerco, especially at dinnertime. A recently added lounge pours margaritas and other libations with a happy hour from 5 to 6:30 p.m. daily. Dress is casual. El Mirador opens daily at 6:30 a.m.