Going to a cheer competition, so, there's that. Thought I would try and turn it into a short vacation. I'm looking for:

1. Excellent place to stay on the riverwalk. 5-star ratings
2. Best eating spots, Riverwalk and elsewhere. Mainly Mexican and steaks.
3. Things to do. Alamo, yes but what else? Is the Breckenridge Park Zoo still a great experience?

I love San Antonio. Haven't been there for a stay in many, MANY years. I know it's probably a chit hole by now but let me know where you would go for my needs?

casa Rio, 60+ year staple on Riverwalk, La Margarita in mercado area too for win...

Hotel Contessa.

Bohanan's.

The Missions. All of them are easy to get to.

P.S. - Casa Rio has sucked my entire life.

Stay at the Menger, everything is within walking distance.

Menger is known to have A/C issues, not 5 star, more like 3-3.5 but I will concede, great location, real close to Pat O'Malleys...Marriott Riverwalk and Riverwalk Hyatt are pretty nice hotels.

Awww Creek, sucked is strong, I'll agree to 'just ok', great spot on Riverwalk.

No le hace.

Agreed!

I have been staying at the Canopy and the Omni when in town, both suit me well. The Omni has a great restaurant in it for Breakfast. The Canopy has a bar/restaurant on the Riverwalk that has two items that are good- a Tuna Tostada and their Enchilada plate is worth a look. There is also a small bar on the third floor that is usually an older crowd. As mentioned Bohannans is real good for steak and lamb chops, if you like Pizza, Dough Pizzaria is a good choice. Across from the Omni is Ostra, the food is hit or miss there, but when good, its good. The mexican food places I think have good food in that area are in places you may not want to go. I only go with some of my co workers that fit in I guess you could say.

Bohanan’s is good but it was also the longest meal I’ve ever had in my life. If you go be ready to spend several hours because it’s slower than molasses

Never had that experience, and we've eaten there several times. Now, it ain't Bill Miller's.

Just north of SA. Natural Bridge Caverns and Wildlife ranch next door to it. Grumpy's in Bracken is always at the top of the list of great cafes.

Never ate at a Bill Millers so wouldn’t know. I do know the one time at Bohanans with 6-8 people we were there almost 4 hrs and ready to leave well before we did. Very good food but ridiculously slow. The uptalking server seemed to intentionally drag things out instead of just putting in orders and bringing them out when ready.

Chris Madrid’s has excellent burgers.
Henry's puffy tacos.
Casa Rio. The food is ok but it's nastalgic to me. went there as a little kid on a family road trip now I go evertime i'm in town.

We will be at Hotel Emma Saturday night. Sure to have a cocktail at their bar and will have dinner at Mon Shoo Shoo. Yes, we already have reservations. Will hit the King Ranch Store and whatever else the Pearl has to offer.

I really like the idea of one of my favorite S.A. restaurants - La Margarita at the Market. Get a parillada and share. Margaritas by the picture and they are good. The Contessa is solid and well positioned on the river walk. Get Creek's credit card before dining at Bohannon's - a spoiling type of place.
Trust me when I tell you this - stay away from downtown San Antonio's biggest late nght party place, the Bonham Exchange.

Special occasion?

It was originally a synagogue. Agudas Achim, I think, 'building being built around 1898. I noticed, from the outside, the stars of David in the windows, many years ago. There's a hotel next door that I think I was picking customers up from.

And Buzz, please, don't go in there.

Another.vote for the Hotel Emma. It ain’t cheap but their service is without equal. Never would have dreamed that ratty-assed Pearl Brewery building would become this!

Walk downtown and visit with the homeless.

If you’re driving an F250 I wouldn’t go. I have three buddy’s that have had their truck stolen in the last year in San Antonio.

I know of a couple others in the last year.
Buzz, we were supposed to be at that competition but the coaches switched us to Jamz nationals this past weekend in Vegas. I drive through SA pretty often but I’m always headed further south and never really stop. Bill millers is the McDonald’s of bbq.

Christmas present from the daughters. We'll have fun. I'll fit right in.

We think the nicest current restaurant in San Antonio is Signature, out across from La Cantera and at the foot of the Westin golf course. Fortunately for them, but not for us, they've been either awarded a Michelin star or are about to. Which means you have to make reservations weeks in advance, unless you want to start supper at 9pm, when the staff is already tired. We're out. (They do need to upgrade from a snippy little teenager hostess if they're gonna operate in that world. )

There are two Mexican places we like to eat at. One is quiet and has a nice outside sitting area and the other is just a local place. Both have great food and the local hangout has great margarita's.

Aldaco's Mexican Cuisine has the view.

Los Generales has good food and great mararita's.

If you drive any kind of big pickup make sure to not leave any valuables in it as there has been a rash of smashing a window getting what is left inside. Don't ask me how I know.

Great info guys! Definitely many choices to sort through.

I'll leave my F250 Black Widow at home