Fodorites Advice on San Antonio, please!
 

I listed this message earlier today, but perhaps my message title was not appealing. I'm giving it another try:<BR><BR>Message: I am leaving Monday morning to spend a week in San Antonio for the Miss USA Pageant. In addition to watching rehearsals, going to special events and attending the telecast, I am hoping to enjoy this gorgous city.<BR><BR>I am meeting several friends (all age 30 something) - we enjoy fun restaurants, shopping, history and just having a great time. I have read several posts regarding San Antonio and this is what I have gathered:<BR><BR>1. Favorite restaurants: Boudro's, Paloma Blanca, Paesano's, and Mi Tierra (but only for breakfast).<BR><BR>2. Favorite Clubs: Dirty Nellie's (I've been to the real one next to Bunratty Castle in Ireland), Howl at the Moon (piano bar) and Bonham Exchange.<BR><BR>3. Sights to see: Of course, the Alamo, trip to the Missions, the Mercado.<BR><BR>4. Day trips: Austin and Fredericksburg (lunch at the Peachtree Tearoom and antique shopping).<BR><BR>Please feel free to add additional &quot;must know&quot; information as well as specifics regarding Austin and Fredericksburg. None of us are the theme park type. We are stying on the Riverwalk and are very excited! I appreciate your posts in advance.<BR><BR>Thank you,<BR>Kimi<BR><BR> <BR>

I've lived in SA for about 1 1/2 yrs and love it. A great bar/restaurant on the Riverwalk is Dick's Last Resort. Also I would pick Landry's over Paesano's for a nice restaurant. We went to Paesano's for a pre-theatre dinner and the service was horrible. Landry's has great food and service.<BR><BR>The Quarry Market is great for shopping as is NorthStar Mall. If you're really into shopping, there are outlet malls in San Marcos which is between San Antonio and Austin.<BR><BR>I hope you have a great time here!

We visited San Antonio in December and had a very good time. While there someone suggested lunch at the Menger Hotel and we enjoyed it very much. I am a history nut and before I travel anywhere I do a few weeks history study. And San Antonio is certainly full of history! Across from the Alamo there is an IMAX Alamo presentation. La Villita should be on your list as well as the Governors Palace. You must take a ride on a riverboat too!. Have fun.

Mi Tierra Mexican bar and bakery is very cool http://www.mitierracafe.com Breakfast there with a group is awsome!<BR><BR> Keith

Thank you for your advice. I'll let you know about the trip when I return!<BR><BR>Thanks, Kimi

Just another bit of information--there is a trolley that runs through the city and stops at the Riverwalk and El Mercado and other various areas of town. Definitely take the trolley and eat at Mi Tierra for lunch one day--it's great!

Mi tierra cafe has horrible Tex Mex food. Trust me! I'm hispanic and I know what good Mexican food is. The wait is always terribly long too. We ate at Rosario's a couple months ago on Alamo and the trolley will drop you off across the street. The food is eclectic Mexican. It is awesome! Just my two cents. You're hitting all the tourist traps with your restaurant list.

I know this post is too late for Kimi, but I want to add this for future researchers. Biga's is an outstanding restaurant and I read that they now have a &quot;Biga on the Banks&quot; located on the riverwalk. Another unique place, a deli with wonderful beer, is &quot;Schilo's Delicatessen&quot; on Commerce Street.