Suggestions for Good Food and Fiesta Fun in San Antonio      

For Tex-Mex, Mi Tierra Café y Panaderia is a San Antonio classic located in Market Square. It is about a 30-minute walk from the Convention Center, but we recommend driving or taking a ride-share service. Rita’s on the River is about a 15-minute walk and is located on the Riverwalk. Both have great margaritas and are open for breakfast as well.

Steak lovers, we have options for you. There are two traditional steakhouses within walking distance of the Convention Center. Silo Prime, located in the historic Fairmount Hotel, is an easy 10-minute walk. Bohanan’s Prime Steaks and Seafood, across from the Majestic Theatre, is a 15-minute walk. Although not exclusive to San Antonio, there is a Ruth’s Chris Steak House in the Grand Hyatt if you do not want to venture far.

Hemisfair Park is our amazing Urban park area within walking distance of the Convention Center. There are several restaurants in the Yanaguana Garden area including Box St., where you can get brunch all day, Common Wealth Coffeehouse and Bistro, Dough Pizzeria Napoletana and Bombay Bicycle Club. For dessert, Paleteria San Antonio is a great choice for a San Antonio style frozen treat. If you are looking for a meal with a revolving view, the Chart House is located at the top of the Tower of Americas.

The historic Pearl district has lots of dining options if you are willing to venture out of downtown. Located two miles north of the Convention Center on the grounds of a former brewery, you can find over two dozen restaurants ranging from fine dining to quick service. It’s also a great place for some shopping!

For a truly San Antonio experience, consider purchasing tickets to NIOSA, A Night in Old San Antonio. This four-day festival falls during the convention and celebrates San Antonio’s cultural history. It takes place at La Villita, which is a 10-minute walk. NIOSA offers entertainment in addition to food and drink vendors.

We also encourage you to check out Fiesta San Antonio, which is an 11-day city-wide celebration that runs from April 16-26, 2026. A list of events can be found at http://www.fiestasanantonio.org. One of the highlights is the Carnival, which is located in the Alamodome parking lot. Another is the Battle of Flowers parade, which occurs on April 24 and runs through downtown. If you are driving to AAA 2026, keep in mind that downtown roads may be closed on Friday for the parade. Due to all the Fiesta related activity in the city during the entire week, we recommend planning ahead with restaurant reservations and transportation.

We hope you enjoy your visit to San Antonio and can partake in some Fiesta festivities!