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River Cruises

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Enjoy a dinner aboard a river boat, whilst floating and dining on the towering cypress-lined San Antonio River Walk. We’ve created an Italian experience, full of fresh ingredients, bold flavors and legendary dishes like our famous Shrimp Paesano.

Cocktail Cruises on the San Antonio River Walk

Grab your friends, co-workers, or just the two of you, and join us for a great  evening of floating and refreshing cocktails on the San Antonio River Walk. Begin your 30-minute excursion at Paesanos Riverwalk, and we’ll take care of the rest – enjoy a guided tour and unlimited house margaritas, beer, and house wines.

Dinner Cruises in Downtown San Antonio

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Boat cruises on the Riverwalk are an amazing way to see the river and downtown San Antonio.  The tours are operated by Go Rio Cruises and take place from 10am to 10pm, 365 days a year.  The tour of the main Downtown area lasts about 35 to 40 minutes and is a wonderful way to learn about the origins of the river and our downtown history.  Go Rio offers 3 convenient ticket and boarding locations at various positions on the River Walk. You can also pre-purchase your boat tour tickets on their website at www.GoRioCruises.com.

Don’t miss out on taking a boat cruise on the Riverwalk on your next visit!

Go Rio Cruises Riverwalk Tours

Go Rio Cruises narrated river tours can be accessed from several different locations along the Riverwalk.  The costs of the tours are below.

• Adults: $14.50
• Children (ages 1-5): $8.50
• Local Residents of Bexar County Texas: $12.50
• Senior Citizen (65 & older) and Military: $11.50
• All prices include tax

Hours of operation:

• Daily: 10am to to 10pm.

Spanish language tours are available Monday through Thursday at 10:30, 11:30am and 12:30pm at their Historia ticket and boarding location across from the Hilton Palacio del Rio Hotel.

Ticket Purchase Locations For Go Rio Cruises Narrated Tours

• Under the Market Street Bridge and Alamo Street (across from the Hilton Palacio del Rio)
• The Shops at Rivercenter – Rivercenter Mall (Commerce Street and Bowie)
• Aztec Theatre (St. Mary’s and College Streets)

Go Rio Cruises River Shuttle Services

Riding the River Shuttle

Just trying to get from place to place as you explore San Antonio attractions? Look for the GO RIO Shuttle signs that are located along the River Walk downtown and on the Museum Reach. Boats are labeled with GO RIO Shuttle signs. Shuttles run approximately every 60 minutes. Shuttle service begins at 12 noon. Tickets also available for purchase on the boat or at any GO RIO Ticket booth.

Go Rio Cruises Shuttle Passes One Day Shuttle Pass $20.50 3 Day Shuttle Pass $29.50

Monthly Pass Local Bexar Residents $28.50

Lunch and Dinner Cruises Lunch and dinner cruises are done on a charter basis. There are currently no Riverwalk restaurants that offer reservation based “community” type lunch or dinner cruises where you can join others on a boat for a meal.  To book a charter lunch or dinner cruise, you first contact a Riverwalk restaurant and they will assist you in chartering the boat and cater the meal for you. Chartered dinner and lunch cruises seat a maximum of 20 guests but most recommend 16 to 18 people for comfort.  It is a wonderful and charming way to see the Riverwalk. If you would like more information about a private, chartered dinner, lunch or cocktail cruise, email us here .

Cocktail Cruises Cocktail cruises are also done on a charter basis and catered by any number of Riverwalk restaurants. They can seat a maximum of 30 to 40 guests and can be configured for drinks and appetizers.

For more information on dining and cocktail cruises click here .

Chartered Narrated Tours If you are part of a group coming to San Antonio, there is no better way to see the Riverwalk than with a private, chartered narrated tour. These private narrated tours can seat up to 40 people.

Looking for a great restaurant or bar on the River Walk? Visit our restaurant page!

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Float Into The Soul of San Antonio

GO RIO River Cruises offer you the best way to discover what makes the river the soul of our city. Embark, explore, and escape on one of our colorful barges while getting intimately connected with San Antonio’s rich history, its colorful culture and exciting future.

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River Barge Dining

Want to Wow your guests? Enjoy your dinner, lunch, or cocktails as you cruise down the beautiful San Antonio River Walk! Dinner Cruises seat up to 20 guests and Cocktail Cruises seat up to 25 guests.

Private boats can only be chartered through Go Rio San Antonio River Cruises. You can reach them at 210-227-4746. Secure your boat today and we will be happy to assist you with the catering.

To start planning today, please fill out the reservation request form and our events team will contact you. You can also contact us directly at Call for river barge events info at (210) 223-2930 or via email [email protected] .

San Antonio River Walk Boat Tours

River Boat Tours San Antonio

If you’re looking for a great way to spend your day in San Antonio, then why not try out a River Walk boat tour? Taking a leisurely cruise along the San Antonio Riverwalk is one of the most popular activities in the city, offering spectacular views and plenty of entertainment.

The best part of the San Antonio Riverwalk is arguably its lush scenery and vibrant atmosphere. The walkway itself passes by popular sights such as historic buildings and waterfront shopping centers, giving visitors plenty to do. It’s also been featured in several movies and TV shows, making it a memorable destination for many people.

Discover the River Walk firsthand on this one-of-a-kind tour of “The American Venice”. The River Walk Barges provide several different options for you to enjoy the River Walk on a boat. Below is all you need to know about the River Boats in San Antonio.

Narrated River Walk Tours

Step aboard a River Walk barge for an exciting and entertaining narrative of the rich history of the San Antonio River Walk . The cruises are about 35 minutes long and cover one and a half miles of the beautiful San Antonio River Walk. The River Walk boat tour connects you to the city’s timeless charm! Our enthusiastic, knowledgeable boat captains will share fascinating stories about the city’s culture, history, and architecture during your 35-minute tour along the San Antonio River .

• Tour Duration: 35 minutes
• Departures daily from 9 a.m. – 10 p.m., every 15 minutes (During peak season, wait times will be longer)
• Seating: Approximately 40 passengers

Community River Walk Dining Boats

Want to enjoy a River Boat while you are eating an amazing River Walk meal? Community Dining Boats are a great affordable way to make new friends and experience the River Walk in style. Simply contact one of the following River Walk Restaurants below for more information about community River Walk boat dining. These restaurants are the only restaurants on the River Walk that offer community dining boats.

Boudro’s (210) 224-8484 Boudro’s is an experience to savor, embracing all the flavor of our regional heritage with a distinctive menu of Texas and southwestern specialties.

Lone Star Café (210) 223-9374 A Texas-style steakhouse on the River Walk. Take a bite of a 12 oz. Abilene T-Bone and wash it down with buckets of your favorite beer.

Café Ole (210) 223-2939 The Place to come to satisfy your cravings for delicious Mexican cuisine, the home of the Ultimate Fajita and the 60 oz Margarita.

Michelino’s Ristorante Italiano (210) 223-2939 Try our fabulous Italian specialties, you’ll swear you are back in the old country!

Range @ Embassy Suites Riverwalk Hotel (210)227-4455 Range, a modern American chophouse, created by famed local chef and restaurateur Jason Dady is the new jewel on the San Antonio Riverwalk located in the Embassy Suites River Walk.

Private San Antonio Boat Rides

Dinner cruises seat 20 guests and offer the unique experience of dining on our boats with a wonderful meal catered by one of the many great restaurants along the river. If you have up to 30 guests, cocktail cruises are also available. Cocktail cruises are designed for appetizers and drinks catered by one of the River Walk Restaurants.

River Boat Taxis

Just trying to get from place to place as you explore San Antonio attractions? Look for the River Walk Taxi Boat signs that are located along the River Walk downtown and on the Museum Reach.

River Walk Taxi Boats are labeled with GO RIO Shuttle signs . The River Walk Taxi Boats run approximately every 60 minutes. Shuttle service begins at 10 am . Tickets also available for purchase on the boat or at any GO RIO Ticket booth.

The Monthly Pass is $25 for Bexar County residents, allowing locals to get on and off the GO RIO Shuttle, throughout both the Downtown and Museum Reaches, for an entire month!

The drivers do their best to accommodate most scooters. At times larger scooters are not able to load due to the size of the ADA area designated on the boat. Wheelchairs and strollers are always allowed though guests are asked to fold their strollers and place them in the back.

River Shuttle Options For Your Trip To San Antonio

River Walk Attractions: The Downtown Reach encompasses the center of San Antonio (downtown) with a wide variety of restaurants, theaters, and the beautiful San Antonio River Walk. The Downtown Reach is from Lexington to Nueva St.

Museum Reach The Museum Reach is north of downtown, pedestrian-friendly, and a great way to explore a quieter side of the river. The Museum Reach begins at Lexington and runs all the way up to The Pearl.

Where can I purchase River Walk boat tickets?

There are 3 ways you can purchase tickets:

1.  Online: Purchase tickets online.  Please note that purchasing tickets online ensures you a ticket, however, passenger boarding is first come, first served.  Also, keep in mind that your ticket is mailed to you after your purchase online.

2. In-Person: If you are already in San Antonio, head on down to one of the three kiosks located along the River Walk. So where are the kiosks located?  We went ahead and created this cool map so you can easily locate the nearest River Boat ticket booth to you.

Private River Boat Reservations

The easiest way to reserve your own river barge is to fill out our private riverboat reservation form. We take the information and send it to all the operators on the River Walk.

It is highly recommended that you plan at least 3 weeks in advance before your event. More time may be needed during the busy season.

The best time to for a boat to is usually from sunrise to mid-morning, but you’ll need to check the weather conditions to make sure that it’s safe. Swimming is not allowed in the San Antonio River Walk due to safety regulations – so stick to walking and boat rides for your explorations! Beer is allowed in certain parts of the River Walk, but it’s important to be mindful of local laws and regulations.

Unfortunately, swimming in the River Walk is not allowed. Although the water is relatively shallow and safe, it is full of plants and debris which can make swimming dangerous. Additionally, many of the pathways around the River Walk are filled with people and can be too crowded for swimming.

Drinking alcohol while walking around the Riverwalk is also not allowed, however, some restaurants and bars will provide special plastic cups that allow you to enjoy your beverage while you explore the area. It’s important to follow the laws though – drinking alcohol openly on the Riverwalk can lead to serious fines or even jail time.

The River Walk is open from 8 am until midnight, with certain areas staying open until 2 am at certain times of the year. The depth of the water varies along the length of the River Walk but generally ranges from about 2 feet to 6 feet deep.

It is generally safe to visit the River Walk at night, as there is a strong police presence in the area and it is well lit. However, visitors should always keep an eye out for their personal safety and belongings, even during daylight hours.

When it comes to finding the best part of the San Antonio Riverwalk, everyone has their own opinion! Many enjoy visiting the historical sites within walking distance such as the Alamo and other nearby attractions, while others love simply taking in all of the incredible sights along the walk itself.

The San Antonio Riverwalk is famous because of its beauty and charm. This two-mile stretch of winding pathways offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore natural scenery while enjoying access to some of the best shopping and dining in the city.

People very rarely fall into the River Walk – however, it does happen occasionally! Most likely this happens due to someone tripping over something or not paying attention to where they were going.

The main thing that makes the San Antonio Riverwalk special is its combination of natural beauty and bustling city life. You can experience both at any time of day or night and get a sense of why San Antonio is so beloved by locals and tourists alike.

The Alamo is located approximately one mile from River Walk and can easily be reached by foot if you choose to do so. San Antonio is known for its vibrant culture, diverse population, delicious food, and unique architectural design.

The River Walk typically shuts down around midnight each night. During peak holiday seasons such as Christmas, New Year’s Eve, Fourth of July, and Memorial Day weekend this could extend later into the night. It’s best to check ahead when possible.

When choosing what to wear to the San Antonio Riverwalk, it’s important to wear comfortable clothes that will keep you cool in the heat. Lightweight shorts and t-shirts are usually best. Additionally, you should bring a hat or sunglasses to protect yourself from too much sun exposure.

Floats down the river tend to cost around $20 per person for trips lasting around an hour. Prices may vary depending on your location.

The San Antonio Riverwalk occasionally gets drained for cleaning or repairs. This typically happens once every three years and allows workers to assess any potential problems more closely.

River Walk Bars & Nightlife

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BEST Riverwalk Dinner Cruise - Boudro's Texas Bistro

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“BEST Riverwalk Dinner Cruise” Review of Boudro's Texas Bistro

I saw that this was one of the highest rated restaurants in San Antonio and made dinner reservations with them from their website (no opentable.com on this one) The restaurant is located in the midst of other restaurants and bars along the riverwalk but stands out for its ambiance, food and service. It wasn't very clear from their website, but they offer a dinner cruise for $40 per person. This was only $10 more than other restaurants like Casa Rio that have horrible ratings on their food. The boat leaves from right out front and takes you on a round trip of downtown each time you're served a dinner course. The Salmon was delicious and the steak melts in your mouth. My one disappointment was the margaritas. They were low quality (no choice of tequilas) and they were served in tiny wine glasses. The margaritas are also NOT part of the dinner price. I would either skip them next time or see if I could bring one from the bar next door. We returned for dinner a couple nights later and ate inside. (too much of a zoo outside on the walkway). The service was impeccable, the guacamole was the best the riverwalk has to offer and the food was wonderful. We'll be back on our next trip to San Antonio

• Excellent 2,857
• Very good 1,312
• Average 490
• Terrible 104
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4,700 - 4,704 of 4,911 reviews

We had an excellent meal here. I will admit that the wait is rather long and the atmosphere is loud, but it was worth it. I highly recommend having a meal here!

Rather disappointing for the cost. We ate at several restaurants on the Riverwalk and this one was our least favorite. I made a special request to eat there as I had researched, looking for some unique and memorable.

We visit San Antonio every year and for the past several years have stopped to have guacamole for two, made table side, along with their really fabulous Margareta’s. This year we brought my parents, son and daughter and decided to eat lunch. We sat in the back so it was not noisy. Everyone was impressed with the guacamole and Margareta’s but my son and dad were disappointed with the enchilada. I had a side of black beans and they were yummy and everyone else enjoyed their meal. The chicken enchiladas were dry and they did not come with any sauce so the top was a bit hard. Our waiter was excellent and was very attentive to our every request. I suggested they send them back and I’m sure they would have served them something else, but they were full from the guacamole so we let it slide. My husband and I will continue to visit Boudro’s yearly for the guacamole and Margareta’s.

Requested an outdoor table during the reservation, when we arrived we were told our table was inside. This turned out to be perfect, the tables outside are very close together and can get noisy. We had a quiet romantic table to celebrate our anniversary. We were given complimentary champagne after dinner when they found out it was our anniversary. The food was excellent especially the Quail.

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15 Best Restaurants On The San Antonio Riverwalk, Ranked

Don't mess with Texas, especially when it comes to food. The Lone Star State is a gastronomic wonderland, where cultures converged to deliver some of the best cuisines that the U.S. offers. According to Texas Almanac , the flavors that make the state's food scene so unique originate in the combination of settlers, immigrants, and indigenous people that have called this land home over the centuries.

And there is no better place to taste Texas than the San Antonio Riverwalk. The bridges and pathways that form the Riverwalk were the brainchildren of architect Robert H. H. Hugman who, in the 1930s, designed it to harness the power and beauty of the San Antonio River, which runs through the city's downtown, according to the Riverwalk website . Shops and restaurants sprang up along the Riverwalk to cater to tourists and locals who came to experience the architectural marvel. It has since been a haven for diners to whet their appetites with some of the best food that South Texas has to offer.

From Mexican to German to Southern cuisine, the restaurants on the Riverwalk cater to every palate. Elegant establishments serve up quality Texas steaks and casual diners can delight in tacos and enchiladas, making it clear why Mexican food is becoming more popular worldwide . If you find yourself planning a stroll along this celebrated section of San Antonio's historic downtown, you don't want to miss our list of the best restaurants on the San Antonio Riverwalk.

15. Yard House

Coming in last place is Yard House, which should be the first stop for beer aficionados looking to sip on some quality craft brews in San Antonio. In fact, according to the website , it has the world's largest selection of craft beers. And they're not just any beers. The experts at Yard House rate and review hundreds of beers to make sure that the menu showcases the best that the market has to offer, with an emphasis on local brews. While it serves well-known brands like Dogfish Head and Lagunitas, the Yard House also has a wide selection of house beers that can only be found at the restaurant and brewhouse, which is located just north of the Riverwalk behind the Alamo.

If you feel like munching on a snack while you're sipping one of these bubbly brews (and let's be honest, you will), then order a bowl of queso. With a blend of Pepper Jack, cheddar, queso blanco, and roasted peppers and served with chips and warm flour tortillas, this Texas favorite will not disappoint. It places last because it actually has many locations across the U.S., and while we wish it was unique to the Riverwalk, it's just not.

14. Boiler House

In addition to lunch, dinner, and a whole list of creative craft cocktails, Boiler House serves up a hearty helping of San Antonio history. Located inside the original boiler room of the Pearl Brewery, the owners of Boiler House have retained the original architecture of the industrial space. The kitchens are built inside the old boilers and the dining area is split into two levels with a full bar, a catwalk-loft dining space, and private dining rooms for parties and events, and the decor.

And if you're wondering just what the phrase "craft cocktail" really means , then peruse the libations on the drink list at Boiler House. According to the website , bartenders use locally sourced and seasonal ingredients to serve up creative twists on time-tested classics like an Old-Fashioned as well as innovative new drinks like the "Judgment Day," a mix of whiskey, amaretto, honey simple syrup, and red wine. The food menu features American cuisine with a South Texas twist. You can nibble on a bowl of whiskey bacon caramel corn or if you've really worked up an appetite from a day strolling around the riverwalk, get the Moscato-braised pork shank with jalapeño grits.

13. Iron Cactus

Tequila is the name of the game at Iron Cactus, a riverwalk standby known for showcasing the Mexican influence on South Texas cuisine. With an outdoor dining patio located right on the riverwalk next to the famous Aztec Theater, this place is perfect for people-watching in the heart of historic San Antonio. And what better way to enjoy the sights than with a margarita in your hand? With over 100 premium tequilas available, you can rest assured that the staff at Iron Cactus knows the key to a perfectly balanced margarita .

And don't forget to pair your cocktail with one of the mouth-watering Mexican dishes available on the restaurant's food menu . The fajitas (a crowd favorite) are served on a sizzling hot platter with Mexican beans and rice. If you're feeling a little more adventurous, contemporary twists on Mexican classics include the pork tamale pops and crab-stuffed jalapeños. While we'd like to rank this one higher, it ended up on the lower end of the rating because it's standard and reliable South Texas cuisine, which we do love, but some of the higher-ranked places on this list just wowed us a little more.

12. Little Rhein Prost Haus

If you're looking for a little slice of the old country on the Riverwalk, you'll find it at Little Rhein Prost Haus. In the 1800s, the area around San Antonio was settled by thousands of German immigrants looking for more land and a better life in the New World, according to the Texas State Historical Association . They brought with them many of the customs of the Fatherland, which remain an important part of the cultural landscape in the region, and one of the best places to experience this rich part of Texas history is at Little Rhein Prost Haus.

According to its website , Little Rhein is situated in the oldest two-story stone building in Bexar County, the original structure was built by German immigrant Otto Bombach and is now the rootinest tootinest biergarten in San Antonio. "Prost" is German for "cheers," which you can say before you sip one of the many domestic and imported beers on the menu, served in traditional German beer glasses called "steins." The food menu bridges the gap between old and new, offering everything from huge Bavarian pretzels and kraut balls to a Texas-size plate of nachos.

11. Tre Trattoria

If you work up an appetite while you're strolling the galleries at the San Antonio Museum of Art, there's no better way to whet your appetite than by breaking for a meal at Tre Trattoria, the museum's signature restaurant, which is perched right along the Riverwalk. Inspired by the cuisine of Tuscany and the region's culture of family-style dining, Tre Trattoria features Italian classics like homemade pasta and Cast Iron Pizza that is made to order.

But local culinary powerhouse Jason Dady, who is in charge of the restaurant's menu, doesn't stop there. He also decided to include a bit of South Texas flair with his signature deviled eggs, and the Nutella X3 dessert, a Nutella torte topped with Nutella ganache and a mousse made from — you guessed it — Nutella. If you're as hungry for culture as you are for food, Tre Trattoria offers a 10% discount for museum members. It's fantastic, which is why it made its way onto this list, but like so many other restaurants that ranked on the lower end of the list, the ones at the top end just blew us away even more.

10. El Castillo

We seasoned foodies all know that sometimes the best grub can come from a restaurant without a hefty price tag. This is definitely the case at El Castillo, a no-frills Mexican joint located just off the Riverwalk and (fittingly) right behind the Mexican consulate in San Antonio. It's a great place to get acquainted with the Mexican cuisine in Southern Texas, which, according to The New York Times writer Rachel Wharton , is distinct from Tex-Mex. 

The "puffy taco," for instance, features meat tucked inside a bubbly, inflated tortilla and is a local favorite. And if you want to find out what makes San Antonio's puffy tacos unique , then make your way to El Castillo. Other traditional Mexican favorites like cheese enchiladas and steak ranchera are available for those who love the true flavors from south of the border. The breakfast tacos are one of the more popular menu items, stuffed with a variety of fillings like beans, potatoes, bacon, or chorizo, and priced at less than $2! El Castillo might lack the sophisticated ambiance of some of the other restaurants on the list, which is why it's not ranked higher, but the bang-for-your-buck factor is undeniable.

9. Esquire Tavern

Everything is bigger in Texas. And Esquire Tavern boasts the longest wooden bar top in the state, per its website . The creatively concocted libations available at this unpretentious riverside haunt include the Japanese Old-Fashioned, infused with yuzu citrus, and the aptly named "Stage Dives and Fist Fights," which includes overproof tequila blanco and rum. A hearty, Southern menu rounds out the drink list, with BBQ pulled pork and a burger made with Wagyu beef, which has just been  crowned "the world's best steak."

The dimly lit interior harkens back to the days of yore, which is no surprise since this San Antonio staple just celebrated its 90th birthday. According to Forbes Magazine , the bar has a storied history that includes illegal gambling, gun fights, and even a ghost that, according to local legend, haunts the basement. But don't worry, because once you're sipping one of Esquire's famed cocktails and munching on its signature fare, you'll be too satisfied to be bothered by ghost stories (just maybe don't bring your kids here if they're petrified of anything ghost-related).

8. Schilo's

If you're ambling along the Riverwalk and you're hungry for a taste of old-world flavor, head to Schilo's. Open for over a hundred years, this San Antonio institution started as a saloon opened by "Papa" Fritz Schilo in the early 1900s and has been delighting customers with its German-inspired fare ever since. After surviving the Prohibition era, which saw the widespread closure of saloons in the United States, the restaurant moved to its present location in 1942, which used to be a currency exchange vault. Schilo's is now the oldest operating restaurant in San Antonio. This staying power is no small part of why Schilo's made it on our list.

And it's no wonder why the restaurant is still thriving after a century of business. Breakfast and lunch, served daily, include German classics like potato pancakes fried crispy and served with applesauce, hot pretzels, and meatloaf, which is Schilo's best-selling dish, notes its  website . And if you want to take the flavor of German-Texan cuisine back home with you, buy a jar of the famous hot mustard, which is available for purchase.

7. Fig Tree Restaurant

The recently reopened Fig Tree Restaurant is turning heads on the Riverwalk. After forcing to close its doors during the pandemic, this standby, which has been open since 1971, took the opportunity to redesign the dining patio, which overlooks the San Antonio River, and reimagines the menu , which offers imaginative French-inspired dishes prepared using locally sourced ingredients. Luis Colón, the executive chef at Fig Tree, was trained at Michelin-starred restaurants around the U.S. and has brought his culinary expertise to this fine dining establishment, which just reopened to the public in September 2022.

From mouth-watering appetizers like dauphinoise potato with crème fraîche and foie gras beignets with port fig jam to mains like a porterhouse steak with parsley salad and tilefish with lemon verbena, you can be sure you're having a one-of-a-kind dining experience at Fig Tree. Also be sure to try the wild mushroom mix, which is sourced from Hi-Fi Mycology , an urban mushroom farm in Austin. This spot is truly unique, and you have to try it out if you're on the Riverwalk.

6. Supper American Eatery

Southern hospitality is in no short supply at this American eatery inside the Hotel Emma. The warm, homey decor pairs perfectly with the comforting dishes inspired by the crossroads of culture that makes San Antonio unique. Dishes like sautéed gulf shrimp and chicken dumpling soup are nods to Southern cuisine while breakfast options include schnecken, a German-style sticky bun with pecans and cinnamon, and Mexican-inspired scrambled eggs with roasted poblano cream. And if you're not a morning person, not to worry, because breakfast is served all day from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., according to the website .

And if you're having dinner at Supper, we wouldn't expect you to be a morning person the next day, anyway. The extensive drink menu includes a wide selection of wine and beer as well as a variety of exquisitely curated craft cocktails that are sure to satisfy your palate.

5. Nonna Osteria

In Italian, "nonna" means "grandmother," and it's a word that's meant to evoke the warm, friendly environment that Italians associate with family dinners, per the Nonna website . According to an interview with Food Network , the head chef at Nonna, Italian-born Luca Della Casa, says that his "culinary view is what he learned from his grandma," which, according to him, is "simple recipes, a good knife, and the freshest ingredients." Lucky for us, we can all get a taste of what that means at Nonna, where the short, simple menu features expertly executed Italian classics with the chef's signature creative flair, which is why we ranked this eatery up with the best on the Riverwalk.

Time-tested starters like arancini with fontina and chianti butter and burrata with roasted vegetables and a balsamic reduction prepare guests for hearty main dishes like branzino with broccolini, clams, and fennel butter and gnocchi with Italian sausage and saffron cream. The wine list reflects the distinctly Italian experience at Nonna, featuring mostly wines from Italy and some French Champagnes. So don't forget to raise your glass to la dolce vita.

4. Biga On The Banks

For an eclectic, stylish fine dining experience on the banks of the San Antonio River, make a reservation at Biga. Head chef Bruce Auden, a native Londoner who has his skills on display at Biga, earned a James Beard Award nomination for his creative and playful interpretations of "New American cuisine." Although the menu changes daily, some of the funky flavors that diners can expect at Biga include dishes like seared Hudson Valley foie gras with brioche french toast and apple-smoke salmon chalupas.

With a food selection  as delightfully diverse as the one on offer at Biga, it makes sense that an equally unique list of drinks is available. Enjoy your meal with wines from around the world or a local craft beer and if you're feeling particularly adventurous (and we hope you do), try one of the hundreds of rare liquors that the restaurant has to offer. The creativity displayed at this forward-thinking eatery is why Biga made one of the top spots on our list.

3. Boudro's Texas Bistro

Have you ever had a prickly pear margarita? If not, it's time you head to Boudro's Texas Bistro, which has been serving up New American cuisine with a Texas flair on the Riverwalk since 1986. You can enjoy your meal next to the limestone walls of the tasteful interior, out on the dining patio overlooking the Riverwalk, or on a barge that floats on the river itself. And drinkers will delight: The bottles in the wine cellar were specifically selected to pair with the distinct flavors that chef Danny Ibarra features on the Boudro's food menu, according to the website .

The famous guacamole at Boudro's is crafted next to your table in a shallow stone bowl that nods to the way guacamole was originally prepared and main courses like the blue crab tostada and Texas filet of sirloin showcase an elevated take on South Texas culinary heritage. Life in the Lone Star State has never tasted so good.

2. Bonahan's

We love a steak dinner. And if you've got a hankering for a fine cut of meat on the Riverwalk, then Bonahan's is the place for you. Chef and owner Mark Bonahan is a native Texan and, according to Bonahan's website , his grandfather, "the king of barbecue," taught Mark what he needed to know about the family tradition of how to cook meat. And we're not mad about it, because Bonahan's serves up the best steaks in San Antonio.

Bonahan's uses Akaushi beef, one of the absolute best cuts of steak to grill . Akaushi cows store fat inside the muscle instead of on the outside, giving the meat its fantastic marbled quality, which translates to the delicious, tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture that meat lovers are after. This undeniable passion for meat and what makes it delicious is why Bonahan's made it to second place on our list. Other steakhouse classics on the menu, like the jumbo lump crab cake and the open-faced wedge salad, are prepared with the care and attention that we've come to expect from this San Antonio staple, which has been open for over 20 years.

1. Domingo Restaurante

We chose Domingo Restaurante as our top pick of restaurants on the Riverwalk not only because the food is prepared by seasoned chefs using quality ingredients, but because it celebrates the food culture that makes San Antonio a diner's paradise. The undeniably delicious flavors of Mexican cuisine soar to new heights at Domingo, where an expertly curated menu offers a list of fare that is artfully executed to ensure that guests walk away with an experience that is like no other.

Start with the elote, a modern take on grilled Mexican street corn with chile, lime, and mayo, and move onto the short rib quesadilla with huitlacoche, a corn fungus that, according to Food Republic , was a staple in the Aztecs' diet. And the drink list is also brimming with the taste of Mexico. The candied Paloma is a creative take on the classic cocktail and the signature margarita is not likely to disappoint. If you're looking to get a true taste of elevated San Antonio cooking, you can't miss a meal at Domingo.

Boudros Texas Bistro

Step into Boudro's, a Texas bistro, and experience why it has been one of the most treasured and popular attractions on the San Antonio River Walk since 1986.

Enjoy a table along the Riverwalk's bank and bask in our warm and welcoming hospitality as you savor a prickly pear margarita. Indulge in the tableside guacamole presentation, a San Antonio treasure. Enhance your experience by ordering a bottle of wine from our extensive cellar, meticulously selected to complement the bold flavors crafted by our executive chef - who expertly combines the traditions and history of South Texas with the finesse found in the world's finest restaurants.

Whether you enjoy your experience nestled among the limestone walls inside the restaurant, at a table along the riverwalk or on a barge while floating on the river itself, you'll see how Boudro's transforms a meal into a dining event.

For any occasion, from romantic dinners to power meetings, from family milestones to convention groups, Boudro's offers the ideal setting for your next gathering.

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Group Dining & Events

All of our event space is located near Zinc Bistro & Bar. Please contact our catering & event sales team for additional details.

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Charles Court

The surrounding building create a series of small patios outside the back door of Zinc that can be entered from Presa Street through elegant ivy-clad iron gates. Tropical plants, soft uplighting and splashing water features make the private spot ideal for memorable cocktail receptions.

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The Wine Cellar

A wooden staircase inside Zinc descends into the intimate Wine Cellar, a one-of-a-kind venue for a VIP dinner or a rehearsal dinner. Guests are surrounded by wine crates and barrels, wine tasting tables and ceiling-to-floor wine racks stocked with more than 7,000 bottles of wine. Twinkling lights above add to the atmosphere.

The Wine Room

Located off Charles Court, the display of vintage wines and classic wine crates in the Wine Room make it an ideal space for pre-dinner cocktails.

Warm earth tones soften the impact of Firewheel's 20-foot ceiling, and walls are lined with racks of wine. An upper balcony can accommodate live entertainment or speakers. The space is suitable for up to 100 seated guests, and the adjacent shady patio can be used for cocktails and hors d'oeuvres service. Entry is from either Commerce Street or Charles Court.

Limestone walls, Big Easy-style artwork, boldly flocked wallpaper and funky chandeliers, but the storefront windows in Volume II overlook Commerce Street, not a side street in New Orleans. This room can accommodate up to 56 guests for a seated dinner.

Construction of this elegant gray lady of a building at the corner of Commerce and Presa Streets was started in 1899. Before the top three floors were added in 1916, the entire structure was hoisted onto rollers and moved 20 feet to accommodate the widening of Commerce Street. While the old Alamo National Bank is no more, the graceful mythological paintings adorning the lobby remain. We take pride in repurposing the long marble-topped counter that served as the teller station for a handsome bar. A small stage provides a spot for entertainment or speeches. The Vault can accommodate 60 for a seated lunch or dinner or 120 guests for stand-up cocktail receptions.

General Manager (210) 224-8484 Andreas Esparza

Chef Manuel Ortiz

Catering & Events (210) 224-1313 Event space @ 209 N Presa St Jessica Howard

Office and Accounting (210) 224-1313 Peggy Laird Diana Dotson

Restaurant Address 421 E. Commerce San Antonio, TX 78205

Shipping Address 207 N. Presa St. San Antonio, TX 78205

Mailing Address 314 E. Commerce Suite 402 San Antonio, TX 78205

Zinc Bistro and Bar (210) 224-2900 Laz McGill 207 N. Presa St. San Antonio, TX 78205

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Fax (210) 225-2839

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Private events inquiry, barge inquiry.

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Official River Walk Event Calendar

Events for every one, every season.

Explore the Official San Antonio River Walk Event Calendar for all of the best events happening on and near the River Walk! Whether it's lively river parades, awesome festivals, delicious culinary events, or other exciting happenings, there's something for everyone. Dive into the fun and discover the perfect event to make your time with us extra special!