An Average Joe in San Antonio

As much as I like getting a big bacon and eggs breakfast or a couple of breakfast tacos, some mornings I am happy with a pastry and some coffee.  It’s no secret that I have a sweet tooth.  In fact a former roommate bought a tub of cookie dough that they sell for school fundraisers, and after seeing me eyeing it in the fridge for a while she mentioned I could have some of it (we had a strict policy of not eating each other’s food).  After asking a couple of times if she was sure, in the next couple of weeks I proceeded to knock out most of the tub with the exception of a half moon wedge at the bottom about an inch high, because after all, we know that in guy logic the tub was practically full and she would never notice.  At any rate, Broadway Daily Bread is the perfect place to satiate that sweet tooth first thing in the morning.

While the namesake is located on Broadway in Alamo Heights, I often go to the one off of DeZavala and I-10.  I like this location because it is kind of tucked into a neighborhood right around Clarke High School, and it really has a strong neighborhood feel with a lot of regulars stopping by.  The owner of this location, Bryant, is incredibly friendly and will visit with you whether your are a newbie or a regular if he is not busy at work kneading dough.

One of the reasons that I like Broadway Daily Bread so much is that it is one of the few “Tech” businesses in town; both of the owners daughters attended Texas Tech and there is a lot of Tech paraphernalia on the walls.  Being in the land of Longhorns and Aggies, this is always a nice surprise.  Additionally, they source their coffee from Daybreak Coffee Roasters, a Lubbock company and coffeehouse that I frequented when I was growing up.

When you walk in, you will notice the bakers rack full of baked goods.  They have all types of bread (their Birdman is the most popular) alongside tons of different sweets: cinnamon rolls, muffins, cookies, brownies, cupcakes, etc.  You can even order a cake for that special occasion.  When I was working for a company, I would try to bring some muffins in for breakfast to my coworkers; this is always a good idea if you are running just a little bit late.

The bakers rack filled with all sorts of goodness.

I have three favorite breakfast items that are my standards.  If I am going to get a muffin, I am going either for their sour cream pecan or the cranberry.  The sour cream pecan muffin has more of a spongy type texture and the top is dusted with cinnamon and sugar.  In a way, it is like a cinnamon role without being too over powering and without the icing; it is the best item to pair up with their coffee.

The cranberry muffin is equally good in a different way; the best part is the muffin top which has a nice crispy taste to it and is really sweet.  The cranberries are plentiful and are warm/gooey (if you get it fresh out of the oven) and have a nice tart taste.  I decided to get the cranberry muffin this past visit.

The cranberries are plentiful in the muffins and give them a great tart taste.

Finally, if you are REALLY in the mood for something sweet, get the brownie cupcake with peanut butter topping.  While they don’t always have this, it is every sweet tooth’s dream.  Smaller than a normal cupcake, when you pick it up you will be surprised how dense it is; it is like they are packing as much sugar and goodness into as little of a space as possible.  To top it off, there is this peanut butter icing that they are quite generous with.  This concoction is best with an ice cold glass of milk.

Whether in North San Antonio or Alamo Heights, Broadway Daily Bread delivers the goods if you are looking for something sweet for breakfast.

Value: 9/10 (You are probably going to spend between $3 and $4 for a muffin and a cup of coffee which seems standard; the muffins are pretty big)
Atmosphere: 10/10 (Pertaining to the DeZavala Location: Really clean feel, the inside is painted with bright colors and the entire storefront is windows which lets in the natural light; you can watch the folks make the dough, pastries, and sandwiches; people always seem happy here)
Service: 10/10 (Very friendly people always greeting you with a smile)
Taste: 9.5/10 (Everything tastes really good and I like pretty much everything here – the bread, cake, cupcakes, muffins, sandwiches; only thing that I think falls short is the kolaches but, then again, what do I know as they are sold out pretty much every day before 8:30-9:00 in the morning!)
Website: http://www.broadwaydailybread.net/
View Larger Map

Share on Facebook

I don’t know if you have noticed, but I have started to get into a rhythm with blogging.  I think that one of the reasons is because I have kind of started a weekly ritual where I stop by Sip coffee house downtown to read the paper, knock out some posts, and enjoy some good coffee.

Situated on the corner of St Mary’s and Houston Street, Sip offers its customers the kind of feel that you would expect in a bigger city.  There are large windows flanking two sides of the coffee shop with a bar that travels along one side where many of my posts have been typed up.  I like this shop so much because it is a way to feel like you really are in a big city since you can “people watch” the tourists and locals as they walk by, see trolleys/buses/traffic buzz by, and be surrounded by tall buildings.  All the while, the high ceilings and large windows are perfect for a Texan like myself because, even being downtown, I still like to feel like I am in an open space.

The bar that I often like to sit at to type up blog posts.

I think that you have to look at the cost of Sip to something comparable like Starbucks.  For starters, the coffee is pretty reasonable and you can get a cup of Joe in a refillable mug for just under $2.  While there is not really an abundant selection of self service coffee (I would like to see a “bold” offering), the coffee is good and always fresh.

They have an assortment of fresh pastries that they purchase from different bakers around town.  I’ve enjoyed the chocolate cream cheese muffin several times and the chocolate chip cookies are really good as well.  I have yet to try a slice of pie or cheesecake, but they are always tempting.  While I usually keep it to coffee, expect to pay about $4 to $5 if you throw a pastry in with it.

Assortment of pastries at Sip; sorry for the glare! The chocolate cream cheese muffins are at the top right.

Additionally, they have all the specialty drinks that you would expect to find.  This past visit, they had made a mocha freddo for a customer and had a little left over in the blender and offered me a sample.  I liked the balance of sweet and coffee taste and think it would be a good summer drink for tourists navigating downtown in the hot sun.  However, being an Average Joe I usually stick to the basic cup of Joe.

Finally, they do offer some different sandwiches for the lunch crowd.  I have to admit, I have never ordered a sandwich as I am usually just ordering a cup of coffee or a pastry.  If you try one out, leave a comment on this post about how you liked it.

The staff is incredibly friendly and always up for a little conversation.  I enjoy chewing the fat with them a little bit and to find out how business is going.  Additionally, stars staying in the nearby hotels (Robert Duval, the band Buckcherry, Kathy Griffin and others) often stop by before or after a show.  If you are visiting San Antonio and staying at the Valencia or the Gunter, I highly recommend you eating breakfast and grabbing a cup of coffee at Sip and enjoy some of the San Antonio hospitality.  Who knows, you might even see a famous person to boot.

Value: 8/10 (In like with Starbucks and other coffee houses, but you do get free refills!)
Atmosphere: 10/10 (Modern, hip feel with big windows that let in plenty of natural light; get to “people watch” all the folks on the street)
Service: 10/10 (really friendly and always willing to chew the fat)
Taste: 9/10 (good coffee, but would like to see a little more diversity in the self service offerings; never met a pastry here I didn’t like)
Website: http://sip.bigz-burgerjoint.com/ (guess they are owned by the Bigz Burger people??)
View Larger Map

Share on Facebook

If you have ever been just a little south of downtown, you have seen what I call the “Pioneer Castle” which is where C. H. Guenther & Son, Inc. make Pioneer Pancake mix, some of the best pancake mix that you will find, along with the White Wings Tortilla mix.  Founded over 150 years ago, the mill was the primary business of one of the great families of San Antonio.

The Guenther House was the original residence of the family and has since been renovated, placed on the National Register of Historic Places, and converted to a restaurant that is known for its breakfast and brunch menu.

I have been to the Guenther House quite a few times and have tried to write an article several times, but for whatever reason the articles always turned up flat; hopefully this one is a little better.

I like the Guenther House because it is one of the few places in San Antonio to find an American styled breakfast; while breakfast tacos and chilaquiles are easy to find, a place that serves good waffles, bacon, and eggs can be more challenging.  Furthermore, since I have moved to San Antonio 5+ years ago, I have always enjoyed Southtown and have been going down there since the property values were pretty expensive until now where they are more ridiculous than Alamo Heights!

The building that the restaurant is located in takes to days long and past, and while you wait (yes, there will be a wait of 30 minutes to an hour), grab a complimentary cup of coffee and wander around the old Victorian styled house and store.  If you aren’t from around Texas, be sure to grab some Pioneer pancake mix in the store to take home with you.

I will either order the featured waffle or, what I got this last time, the Guenther Favorite Breakfast Platter which includes two homemade biscuits, sausage gravy, preserves (the jalapeño is interesting but I really like the blackberry), applewood smoked bacon or sausage (go for the bacon), and a side of fruit.  For good measure, I always through a fried egg on the side because it goes so good with their bacon.

The Guenther Favorite Breakfast Platter with an extra egg; the biscuits are really good!

While this might seem strange if you are visiting town from somewhere other than the South, biscuits and gravy are really good.  You should try it, because unlike most outfits down here, the Guenther House will put your gravy on the side so you can sample it and see if you like it.  If you don’t, you will most definitely enjoy the blackberry preserves on your biscuits.

The bacon is absolutely delicious, thick, and crispy; be sure to get that fried egg so you can mix the bacon with a little bit of the yolk.  Really, really good.  Furthermore, the coffee is interesting and they have a special blend just for their restaurant.  To me, it tastes like it has a little chocolate flavor in it, but then again, I am not the most discerning when it comes to coffee.

My only complaint about the Guenther house is that it is a very expensive breakfast; now, you will definitely be full, but for the Gunther Favorite, a fried egg, and a cup of coffee, you are looking right at $12 for breakfast!  That makes it kind of pricey, but the atmosphere, the service, and the fact that you get to eat something that is made with a product from the mill right next to you makes it a treat to enjoy every once and a while.

Value: 7/10 (Personally, I think that $12 a person for breakfast is a little ridiculous, but…)
Atmosphere: 9.5/10 (…the atmosphere is really nice; the grounds of the restaurant is gorgeous, the outside eating area is really pleasant because you are right by the south part of the San Antonio River, and the Victorian house is interesting to tour; the inside seating area is a little plain though; if it is nice, eat outside)
Service: 10/10 (some of the best; I have seen many of the same waiters/waitresses since I have been dining there)
Salsa: 6/10 (they do have salsa for their breakfast tacos that I think is weak; again, go there for the American breakfast, you can find better breakfast tacos at many other places in the city)
Taste: 9.5/10 (I always have a good meal there and have tried a variety of dishes!)
Website: http://www.guentherhouse.com

View Larger Map

Share on Facebook

***NOTE: It appears that this restaurant is no longer in operation***

My continuing search for breakfast food besides tacos led me around the corner to the Flour Power Café.  With a funky painted interior, the restaurant tries to strike a chord with a hippy feel full of peace and love.

I will say that I tried to eat breakfast here once before and was like 5 minutes after 11:00AM, which I was told is when they stop serving breakfast.  I understand that there has to be a point in time when you stop serving breakfast, but I think you should have a grace time of at least 15 minutes!  I ended up returning on this morning to check them out.  (Oddly enough, their website shows that they serve breakfast all day long on the weekend, but I would advise getting there early and not chance it!)

I was in the mood for a big breakfast and ordered coffee, orange juice, the European Omelet (which came with a couple of biscuits), and a couple of jalepeño sausage kolaches.

When my plate was brought out, you could immediately smell the deliciousness of the European Omelet.  It is made with three eggs, pesto, garlic, tomato, basil, Parmesan and Brie cheese.  The two cheeses and the spices work incredibly well to get an amazing taste to the omelet.  Particularly pleasing was the way that the omelet smelled as you ate it; looking at other tables, this dish looked as though it was one of the tops.

This omelet is amazing and will really fill you up!

The homemade biscuits were really nice and had that more course crumbly texture rather than the flakey kind of biscuits.  With a little butter and jam, they made a nice sweet compliment to the omelet.  I will say that kolaches are not worth ordering.  They are really small  and the bread is really dense instead; there was also a strange sweet taste in the kolache that I was not a fan of at all.

My waitress was incredibly friendly and we talked a lot about where we were both from and some of the places we liked in San Antonio.  She was excellent at providing suggestions from the menu (the kolaches were my own doing) and didn’t let my coffee go empty.

I would say that Flour Power Café is pretty groovy man.

Value: 7.5/10 ($8.25 for a three egg omelet and $2 for coffee can make this a fairly expensive little breakfast, although the omelet is huge)
Atmosphere: 8.5/10 (funky colors on the interior, but not as much hippy décor as I would have thought)
Service: 9.5/10 (waitress really engaged me in conversation and made good suggestions)
Taste: 8.5/10 (great tasting omelet and biscuits; the kolaches were a miss so I don’t know how other entrees would be like; so-so coffee)
Website: www.flourpowercafesa.com
View Larger Map

Share on Facebook

One of the best parts about going to a restaurant is when you get the feeling that you belong and are truly welcomed into someone’s dining room.  Most often, this happens at the places that you frequent on a regular basis; rarely does it happen when you come to a restaurant for the first time as it did to me at Lula’s Mexican Café.  It was turning out that I was having a rough week, and decided to go to a new place for some Mexican breakfast.  Upon sitting down at the table, Lula herself asked how I was doing.  When I told her, “Not too well,” she told me that she was having a bad day too and she took a little extra time to sit and talk with me.  When a business owner displays a certain sort of humanity with their customer that action lends itself to creating customers for life.

But enough about owner/consumer relations; you want to know about the food.  Turns out that it was exceptional and warrants a discussion on both breakfast and lunch.

I had gone for breakfast on a Friday a few weeks prior, and I was in for a treat because it turns out that on Friday there is a special on the chilaquiles plate (that includes refried beans and potatoes) with a cup of Joe for $3.99!  Seeing that I love chilaquiles, I could not pass that offer up.

I was shocked at how much food I received and how rich the flavor was; the beans had an exceptional flavor to them and went nice with the thick flour tortillas.  The chilaquiles were made with the white cheese instead of the yellow cheese that I typically find in San Antonio restaurants and had quite the kick to them; to take them up a notch I used some of Lula’s green salsa (you have to ask for it) which really had a nice spice.  The service was impeccable and I don’t think I was ever able to empty my coffee cup without it being promptly refilled.

A few weeks brought me back to Lula’s today for lunch.  The chips and salsa were incredibly addicting as the chips were fresh and came out really warm.  It was pretty rainy and cool outside which is always the perfect recipe for some caldo.  I decided to get the caldo de pollo (basically chicken soup with vegetables) and was brought out a big steaming bowl of soup with a side of rice.  The caldo was very tasty, having big chunks of zucchini, potato, carrots, corn on the cob, and a big chunk of chicken on the bone.

Some good caldo perfect for a cold, rainy day; you know it is legit because of the chicken still being on the bone!

Having the meat on the bone is truly the best way to serve caldo as it really gives the soup a nice flavor.  I got corn tortillas on the side and they were just as thick as the flour ones; I love some corn tortillas that have a little thickness on them, and you will like Lula’s corn tortillas even if you are the flour tortilla loving gringo like me.  I think that the lunch was around $6.50 and was entirely worth it as I shelved any sense of manners and picked up the bowl to make sure I got all the soup that was left!

Value: 10/10 (If you get the morning special, you are going to have a full plate of food, tortillas, and coffee for around $4! I think you can get two tacos and coffee for $2.50 – $3.00; it is unbelievable!)
Atmosphere: 8.5/10 (very clean and bright interior)
Service: 10/10 (incredible service from not only the owner, but also all the waitresses; when I went for lunch a coworker of mine was dying because the steak a la Mexicana had a lot of spice and the waitress was constantly on the lookout to refill his tea to help quench the spice!)
Salsa: 9.5/10 (if you like spicy, as for the green salsa to compliment your meal; the warm chips and salsa are addicting)
Taste: 10/10 (incredibly tasty; you can tell the food is prepared with a lot of pride; a new favorite of mine in the Alamo City)
View Larger Map

Share on Facebook

In search for some breakfast on the Southside, I happened upon Tellez Tamales y Barbacoa off of General McMullen.  There were swarms of cars going in, so I decided to check it out.

This ordering process satisfied my need for efficiency as an Industrial Engineer.  There was one line and as you walked in, the employees were ready to help you make your breakfast concoction.  The restaurant is as much a market as it is a breakfast joint – you can either order your tacos a la carte, or, you can order barbacoa by the pound along with tortillas in bulk (prices were listed for up to 5 dozen!) along with some bunuelos or avocados to take home!  People just kept coming in and coming in and it was particularly popular with the service men and women.

You could tell that this was a place where a lot of regulars visit, because the staff would engage them as soon as they walked in through the door.  It also seemed like a Saturday/Sunday tradition for many families because a lot of the regulars had their children with them.  Even though I was not a regular, they still made me feel welcome!

I ended up ordering a barbacoa and machacado taco along with a bottle of Big Red (when in Rome…).  I didn’t get too crazy and asked for the “all meat” taco (if you don’t say this, you may get the eyes, brain, etc. which I am told is very tasty, but something that doesn’t appeal to a gringo like me).  The barbacoa was very flavorful and had a nice thickness to it while being incredibly tender.  The chili complimented it nicely, but it was frozen, so I had to let it thaw out.

Startin' off the day right with some barbacoa and Big Red (the machacado is along for the ride)

The machacado taco had an overpowering taste of butter that got in the way of the flavor of the meat and vegetables.  One of my rules is that if the name of a restaurant specifies what they do best (tamales and barbacoa in this case), then you should probably stick to that on your first time there.  I violated that rule, and was disappointed by the machacado taco.  On a return visit, I am either getting another barbacoa taco or a tamale!

If you are on the Southside and looking for some good grub quickly, I would highly recommend Tellez Tamales y Barbacoa.

Value: 9/10 (pretty good value, especially if you buy in bulk)
Atmosphere: 8/10 (simple line with some booths set up)
Service: 9/10 (very quick to get you through the line, the table I sat at hadn’t been bussed though)
Salsa: 8.5/10 (chili was good, however, I had to wait for it to thaw out!)
Taste: 8/10 (be sure to order the barbacoa, it is great; stay away from the machacado it was not very good)
View Larger Map

Share on Facebook

In starting this blog, one of the hardest things that I have been trying to balance is reviewing new places along with the places I know and love.  That being said, I decided to go to an old favorite today for some Sunday morning breakfast before going to church: Thousand Oaks Café.

When I moved to San Antonio four years ago (wow, time sure seems to fly…), I had a position as an analyst in a distribution center.  I became friends with one of the shipping managers and he introduced me to Thousand Oaks Café when I was going around and asking folks for their favorite restaurants.  He told me that it was a traditional Mexican food restaurant: open early until about 2:00 in the afternoon and cash only.  They have changed the rules allowing credit cards, but fortunately for me and you the food has not changed at all.

I used to live around the corner from the café, but now I am a good 25-30 minute drive.  That is ok, it doesn’t stop me from returning and I usually go on a Saturday or Sunday morning during brunch time.  The restaurant is usually packed with people: the line is typically out the door between 9:00 and 10:00 in the morning, but don’t worry, it moves pretty fast as there are lots of seats on the inside.  If you are solo, go ahead and walk into the restaurant and check out the bar because it is first come first serve (speaking of, I love cafes with bars; it really has a throwback feel).

Without a doubt, the thing to order is the chilaquiles plate, and I always opt for the rancheras version.  For those not in the know, chilaquiles are basically scrambled eggs with bits of fried corn tortilla, cheese, and spicy peppers, onions, and tomato.  If you are a gringo who is afraid of spicy food, then just order the migas which are basically “unleaded” chilaquiles (they are basically scrambled eggs, cheese, and tortilla strips).  I like the ranchera sauce to top my chilaquiles because I think the stewed tomatoes and onions really adds to the flavor of the dish.

The plate comes with a helping of chilaquiles rancheras, refried beans, fried potatoes, and two of the best tortillas of ALL San Antonio. I know that this is quite an audacious claim, but the flour tortillas at Thousand Oaks Café are the absolute BEST in the entire city.  I expect plenty of dialogue for stating this fact, but it is true.  They are nice and thick, you get a little of the crispy pockets, and they are always hot when you get your plate so you know they are fresh.

If they don’t bring it to you, be sure to ask for some of their green sauce and put it on the refried beans.  The sauce is very spicy and it complements the plate really well.  At this point, you are ready to go to town.  I roll up a tortilla, and use it as an edible utensil, dip it in the beans and green sauce, and eat it along with the chilaquiles.

That tortilla is rolled up and ready to go to work!

Thousand Oaks Café is truly one of the best breakfasts that I have ever had, and they have always delivered every time that I go in.  The chilaquiles rancheras of Thousand Oaks Café is truly food for the soul. I have no doubt that if world leaders would hold a summit there at breakfast then all nations would be at peace.

Value: 10/10 ($6 for the best breakfast plate that you will ever eat; the coffee is $1.50 and I really like the bold taste)
Atmosphere: 7.5/10 (kind of a dumpy atmosphere, but it is a hole in the wall; props to the open bar seating)
Service: 7.5/10 (service can be slow due to how busy they get; don’t get frustrated, bring some friends, a paper, and all the time in the world and just relax knowing you are going to be full)
Salsa: 10/10 (the green salsa is super spicy and super tasty)
Taste: 10/10 (the best tortillas in town coupled with an absolutely spicy salsa and chilaquiles that will make you want to slap yo’ mama gives this restaurant a 10/10 at breakfast time!)

View Larger Map

Share on Facebook

One thing that is incredibly hard to find in San Antonio is a good American breakfast joint.  We have an abundance of breakfast tacos, migas, and chilaquiles here in San Antone, but a good place for a flapjack or biscuits and gravy is difficult to find.  Don’t believe me?  Hop on google and type “San Antonio Breakfast” to see what I am talking about.

In fact, some friends were down from Austin and were tired of me taking them to get Mexican breakfast food; I only knew of places that they had either already been to or were marginal at best.  Needless to say, we ended up eating chilaquiles (and there is nothing wrong with that by me!)!  I decided to take it upon myself to find a spot for some good breakfast eats and stumbled upon Patty Lou’s.

Patty Lou’s is currently located off of Evers and the north side of 410 in a rundown shopping center.  To be honest, if you didn’t know it was there, you would probably pass on by.  This is a perfect case of why you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover; when you walk in the doors you are welcomed into a warm and inviting restaurant with yellow walls, high ceilings, and beautiful black and white pictures of jazz musicians taken by Ms. Patty Lou’s friend.

The friend/family feel seems to extend from the walls to the patrons – I got the feeling that many of them are regulars by the way that the wait staff interacted with them.  The menu is a family affair too; be sure to check out the last page where Ms. Patty Lou explains how she got started and all the people who were instrumental in helping.  It is just such a great atmosphere, and I felt at home even though I am a newbie.

In my only prior trip to Patty Lou’s I overheard a regular ask Ms. Patty Lou for an item that was not on the menu, jalapeño pancakes.  Only in San Antonio would you find jalapeños making an appearance in pancakes.  I made a mental note because I had to try this.  I ended up going with the Sunday morning special of 2 eggs, 2 bacon, and 2 pancakes, upgrading the pancakes for a $1 to be the jalapeño variety.

The 2/2/2 deal -- 2 pancakes, 2 eggs, 2 bacon.

The eggs and bacon were perfect.  The bacon was crispy but had that right amount of fat that allows it to melt at the same time as having that little bit of crunch.  I don’t know if there is such a thing as a golden goose, but they must have a golden chicken in the back because the eggs are gigantic and the yolk is super creamy, perfect for dipping the bacon in.

The pancakes were light and fluffy and big to boot.  There were bona fide slices of jalapeños mixed in with the batter.  They had the taste of being candied, but don’t let that fool you.  Those bad boys still packed a punch and if you do not like spicy food DO NOT GET THIS.  Stick with a blueberry pancake and be happy.  If on the other hand you like food with heat and are feeling adventurous, spice up your breakfast and special order this item that still isn’t on the menu.  The heat of the jalapeño is still there and the sweet/hot flavor is interesting.  Plus you will look super cool ordering something that is not even on the menu.

These jalapeños don't play around; only order it if you can handle spicy food!

NOTE: Towards the end of my breakfast I got to talk with Ms. Patty Lou herself.  It turns out that the restaurant is going to moving across town to the Olmos Pharmacy off of Hildebrand and McCullough.  I am super excited for them, because food this good doesn’t need to be hidden away.  Apparently the move is going to take place on September 1, so be sure to go to the right location.  @writeontime has confirmed that Patty Lou’s in currently in its new location at the Olmos Pharmacy.

ANOTHER SIDE NOTE: I love getting to meet the people who own the restaurant.

Value: 8/10 ($8 for two pancakes, two eggs, two bacon + $1 upgrade to add fruit/ jalapeños to your pancake; coffee comes in at $1.50; a little steep for breakfast, but it is a nicer sit down breakfast)
Atmosphere: 10/10 (You feel like you are at a close friends house and their mom is making breakfast.  Really cool. I will update about the new place when I go there soon.)
Service: 10/10 (So friendly.  Ms. Patty Lou will come out and visit each table even if they are slammed.  The staff is equally nice and incredibly friendly and timely.)
Taste: 10/10 (The eggs and bacon are worthy of this rating alone.  The pancakes make push the rating over the top.)

Here is the new location at the Olmos Pharmacy on Hildebrand (don’t go to the location off of 410 and Evers that Google has):
View Larger Map

Share on Facebook

San Antonio has as many great Mexican food restaurants as there are stars in the sky, but for whatever reason it can be challenging to find a good taco north of 1604.  I have tried many places (I won’t mention them now, but will wait and review them to see if they’ve improved) that just can’t deliver.  More often than not, they are bland, and for a lack of a better word, too gringo-ized.  I decided to see if Leticia’s could change that.

Located on Stone Oak and Huebner (there is also a location on N Zazamora on the West Side), the customer is transported to a different place when he/she steps into the restaurant with a bright yellow interior and Mexican artwork.  I stopped by for breakfast and decided to get two tacos – a machacado and barbacoa — with a cup of coffee.

Now in full disclosure, I have to say that Leticia’s does come to my place of employment and has tacos in the morning.  They introduced me to machacado tacos; the tacos at work are pretty good, but you have to know taht they are not made to order and have premade tortillas and food in big serving dishes.

At the restaurant, I could tell that the tortillas came out fresh and I was thoroughly impressed.  The machacado was amazing, not being near as greasy/watery as when I get them at work.  I twas complimented nicely with the roasted salsa on the table.  The barbacoa is only available on Saturday and Sunday and it is a treat.  The meat is flavored nicely and had a good spice to it, so much so that I decided to neglect the salsa on that taco.

The tacos were a little pricey, but they were big!

The service was excellent, and I didn’t have to worry about running low on my cup of Joe or cream to go with it.  This is always a plus when you wake up a little sleepy.

The one drawback was the price… each taco ran me $2.49 (granted I got the two highest priced tacos on the menu, this is still a far cry from the $1.50 I pay at work (although barbacoa tacos are not served there)).  I think that this price is expensive for breakfast tacos; then again you have to consider they are in the “posh” part of town where at night patrons guzzle $10 drinks at the lounges.  Also, if you live in that area, you would probably have to drive a ways to get out of the northside to a good taco shack, so you have to think of the money you save on gas.

Value: 6.5/10 (at $2.49, pretty steep for breakfast tacos; although they are actually authentic tacos on the northside, so maybe this is a good value for good tacos up there…)
Atmosphere: 8.5/10 (I liked the inside atmosphere and pictures of the niños in traditional Mexican dress)
Service: 10/10 (Very friendly staff; you never have to worry about your coffee or creamer running out!)
Salsa: 9/10 (nice and smokey; went perfect with the machacado taco)
Taste: 9/10 (tortillas were great and the barbacoa was particularly good!)

View Larger Map

Share on Facebook

For any Austinites living in San Antonio who are missing the quirky charm that their city has, I suggest you try dining at Twin Sister’s Bakery off of North New Braunfels St in Alamo Heights. Inside you will be greeted with bright colors, different posters/newspaper clippings from a time past, calaveras, and wait staff of truly eclectic people who are nothing but nice.

I went to breakfast on a Sunday morning and was able to get a table after about a 5-10 minute wait.  The place was jumping with 09ers who were trying to get their Sunday breakfast in.  I really liked the atmosphere; it had a nice quality of liveliness to it where it was humming with patrons talking, but you didn’t have to shout to be heard.

The wait staff was truly excellent, for being as busy as they were, I still felt that they were paying me plenty of attention and there when I needed them.  The waiters/waitresses do have that independent spirit and style to them that one would expect to see on a lot of the newer rockabilly folks.

The coffee was pretty good, and there was always someone nearby to fill up my cup.  I ordered fruit cup and a half order of raspberry-lemon pancakes, that days specialty.  Unless you really want fruit (like I did because I just got finished with a morning run), I would suggest you just take that money and go to the HEB and buy some.  The fruit was fresh, but it was overwhelmingly cantaloupe, or what I like to refer to as filler fruit.

The raspberry-lemon pancake left something to be desired.  Don’t get me wrong, the pancake was nice and fluffy and tasted fine, but it wasn’t what I expected.  I did not really taste any raspberry or lemon in the pancake and I determined that the reason was that I had only one (no, I am not exaggerating) raspberry in the entire pancake (that bite was really good though).  I know we are in a recession and all, but one raspberry?  That was fairly disappointing to me.

I know that this could be just bad luck that caused me to get a pancake with one raspberry in it; everything was so good and the people were so nice that I am definitely going to give the place another chance.  Overall all, I would recommend you visit Twin Sister’s for breakfast one day!

Value: 8/10 (expect to spend roughly $10 a person)
Atmosphere: 9/10 (I really liked the funky atmosphere on the inside and how alive the restaurant felt)
Service: 9/10 (really good service, even though they were busy; would like to go when it was slower just to talk with the wait staff)
Taste: 7/10 (now this could be artificially low just because my pancake didn’t deliver; I am going to go back and see what another dish tastes like!)
View Larger Map

Share on Facebook