I am coming to San Antonio for the first time for a convention in May. It maybe the only time I am there. I am from the east coast with great restaurants. I am having a hard time finding listings of good places since Zagat doesn't rate San Antonio.
Only one I found so far in more than one place is LaFogata. Need suggestions.

I would just walk along the river and pick the one that appeals to you. there are lots of reataurants. We ate a a couple last fall that just looked good (and they were)

For a great dinner on the river, try Boudro's -- inventive southwest cuisine. Other terrific choices nearby: Biga on the Banks (fabulous food -- chef/owner Bruce Auden has been nominated for the James Beard Foundation award several times); and Le Reve, named on of the top 2 restaurants in Texas by Gourmet and Texas Monthly magazines. Biga is more spirited than Le Reve, but Le Reve is not stuffy at all -- relaxed fine French dining lasting about 3 hours with unexpected mini tasting courses that whet your appetite for more.

there is another restaurant...can't remember the name. It is a casual restaurant, and they make fantasitc guacomole tableside. It is wonderful. Infact, I got the recipe and make it a lot. I was the hit of the block this summer.

maybe somecone can help with the name

I lived in S.A for several months and have visited a few times for pleasure. I generally avoided most of the Riverwalk restaurants because they were crowded and many times sub-par in terms of food. Boudros would be an exception, though it has been several years since I've been.
I had 2 really great meals in S.Athe last time I went, one recommended on chowhound(www.chowhound.com) and the other by the maitre'd of the hotel - Emily Morgan. Bohanan's was pricey but great service and delicious food - 219 E. Houston - downtown but not directly on the Riverwalk. The other was a tapas bar in a strip mall near downtown....can't recall the name. I long for a simple meal at the Taco Cabanas chain - lots of them around town. By the way - La Fogata isn't on the Riverwalk but it is good - but again, it has been some time since I was there.

You don't say that being on the Riverwalk is a requirement, so my recommendations will be around town.

La Fogata is a good Mexican restaurant, but I prefer Rosario's. It's downtown, but expect a wait after 7 and they don't take reservations.

The Mencius group is good for Chinese; these include Formosa Gardens on 410, Taipei on NW Military and one in the IH 10 area.

Reggiano's at Stone Oak Parkway and 1604 is popular with locals right now.

Silo's on Austin Highway gets high marks for "New American" cuisine.

Bistro Time on Fredricksburg Rd is good (I like their crabcakes.)

Enjoy your trip!

Las Canarias restaurant in the Mansion del Rio hotel serves a wonderful Sunday brunch.

tinathetoad--what a name! ;-) If you were on the river the name that comes to mind is Boudros, one of our favorites.

lhlb645--you've received some great recommendations--enjoy!

yes, i belive that is it. If thety do guac. tableside. It is very unusual guacamole too. I have the recipe, it has lime juice, orange juice and roasted tomatoes, to name a few.

There a neat place downtown on Houston Street called Sip, a coffee house that serves, in addition to coffee, latte, etc., pastry & delli -- the pastries come from La Reve

Hi tinathetoad--yes, that's it! It's the best guac we've ever had--I believe if you contact the restaurant they'll send you the recipe. Of course, everything always tastes better when someone else makes it!

I have the recipe. It is fantastic guac. In fact, I made it so much last summer...I was the most popular house on the block...neighbors would come down for it for happy hour. We would go through it like mad. I ate it all the live long day. Calories did not matter too much as I was pregnant. Now I am sad I cannot eat it like that anymore. The fun is over.

If anyone wants the recipe...it is amazing...e-mail me, I will give it to you.

lhlb645 - I don't intend to hijack your message, but I am also looking for a restaurant, in San Antonio, where I will be attending a conference in May. I suspect it is the same conference.

If anyone knows of a place (restaurant or hotel) that can accommodate a small cocktail/hors d'hoevres reception for @ 5o people, I would appreciate the information. Nice atmosphere; good food; doesn't have to be overly fancy or pretentious. Location should be easily accessible from the convention center and local hotels.

Thank you.

LMT10...type in SanAntonio and you will get up a lot of responses. it is better than remaking the wheel.

P.S. I do not mind you hijacking my message

lhlb645 & LMT10--are you coming for the AUA? Re: receptions, have you contacted the hotel where you're staying? We've enjoyed very nice receptions at La Mansion Del Rio located on the river. The Hilton has beautiful views from their reception rooms but the food I've eaten there is just okay. The Westin may be another option. Biga on the Banks is wonderful--www.biga.com; Boudros is also terrific and has a facility that can accommodate up to 65 people www.boudros.com

We enjoyed both Boudros and Paesano's on the Riverwalk for dining.

Yes, I'll be there for the AUA meeting. I've contacted a few hotels and have been told that all of the meeting/reception areas were booked by the AUA. I will look into the recommended restaurants. Thank you.

LMT10--other venues you may want to consider are Rio Rio (Tex-Mex) located on the River and Mi Tierra located in El Mercado (Market Square). I often travel with my husband to the AUA and understand how difficult it must be to find a location that will suit your needs given the amount of people who attend this meeting--good luck to you.