Nestled along the Mission Reach section of the River Walk, the Southtown Arts District is a blend of art, culture, and community. Southtown originated as a part of a neighborhood revitalization project in the early 1990s and over time grew to encompass 5 neighborhoods: King William, Collins Garden, Lavaca, Lone Star, and Roosevelt.
From delicious eats to art galore, we’re sharing the ultimate guide for exploring the Southtown Arts District:
EAT
Breakfast:
Guenther House — Housed in a historic home in the King William area, this spot serves American classics to San Antonio with delicious daily breakfast, lunch, and bakery offerings.
Blush Restaurant — Located in the heart of Southtown, this spot is serving fresh baked goods and a brunch menu that features items like Chicken and Coffle and Creme Brule French toast!
Lunch:
Pharm Table — Apothecary Kitchen featuring locally sourced, globally-inspired food with a spice library, inventive cocktails, and natural wines.
Burgerteca — Located near Bluestar, this burger joint combines American and Mexican flavors through its dishes. Make sure to check out its outdoor margarita garden!
The Good Kind — The perfect spot to have lunch in a garden! Here, you’ll find classic staples such as burgers, sandwiches, and wraps. Make sure to try one of its signature margaritas.
Little Em’s Oyster Bar — The quaint historic building has quickly become the Southtown staple for oysters on a half shell, lobster rolls, and signature burger.
Dinner:
Rosario’s ComidaMex & Bar — If you’re looking for classic Tex-Mex cuisines, Rosario’s is your go-to spot. Make sure to check out its second-floor rooftop with views of the city!
Battalion — Located inside the historic Firehouse #7 on the corner of South Alamo – serves up an extensive menu of fresh kinds of pasta, char-grilled meats, stunning vegetable dishes, and Italian classics.
Liberty Bar — Nestled in the iconic coral-hued Benedictine convent in the historic King William District, is a family-owned eatery and bar serving authentic regional cuisine made entirely in-house—from freshly baked bread to handcrafted sauces.
DRINK
Kuenstler Brewing — Kuenstler Brewing is San Antonio’s first artisanal craft brewpub, re-inventing old beer styles into flavorful and innovative works of craft beer artistry.
Casa Hernan Cantina— This Mexican-inspired bar serves cocktails infused with mezcal and tequila along with botanas like queso fundido and volcanes de asada. Make sure to check out the brunch every Sunday!
ART
Contemporary at Blue Star — Founded by artists and grown from a grassroots art exhibition in 1986, the Contemporary is the first and longest-running nonprofit space for contemporary art in San Antonio.
San Antonio Art League + Museum — The Art League, the city's oldest arts organization, showcases local and regional contemporary art alongside a permanent collection featuring Texas artists like Robert Onderdonk, Jose Arpa, and Amy Freeman Lee.
Garcia Art Glass — Visitors come from around the world to see their exciting glass-blowing demonstrations and shop the colorful gallery
Ruby City — Ruby City is a striking contemporary art center showcasing a diverse collection of over 900 works by local, national, and international artists such as Eman Lee.