Bakery Lorraine started out as a hole in the wall on Grayson street. Now at the Pearl Brewery in a much larger, more upscale location, they have earned a reputation as the cafe to go for the most delicious sandwiches and pastries. There is nothing more comforting or homey than fresh baked pastries made from scratch, and Bakery Lorraine puts a sprinkle of TLC on everything they make. Jeremy and Anne met while working for Thomas Keller at Bouchon Bakery in the Napa Valley, California and have been baking together ever since. They honed their skills in different kitchens around the San Francisco Bay Area before moving to San Antonio in the summer of 2010. In 2011 they established Bakery Lorraine, through which they wish to share their craftsmanship with you. Every item that they put out is handmade with the utmost care and attention to detail.
Recommended for Breakfast because: There's nothing better for breakfast than the perfect pastry, just made that morning!
Kimberly's expert tip: Make sure to get some of their gorgeous macaroons to-go!
For modern breakfast where sky's the limit everyday, from 6:30 to 2:30, head to Snooze. They pride themselves on offering innovative delights (including lunch options) in an energetic atmosphere. The only problem, sometimes, is getting a table. They're so popular they're often packed. Incredible breakfast options range from Corned Beef Hash and Shrimp and Grits to Juan's Breakfast Tacos (topped with green chile hollandaise and pico de gallo) and Pineapple Upside Down Pancakes. They also offer a pancake flight, so you can get any three flavors you like, and who doesn't want it all?! Although a chain born in Denver, this snazzy eatery focuses on community and sustainability, so it's a place that's easily found a home in the hearts of Texans. Definitely no snoozing at Snooze!
Recommended for Breakfast because: This breakfast hot spot has a little something for every breakfast lover.
Kimberly's expert tip: Try to avoid the weekends unless you have time to wait.
Tito's is your classic hole in the wall restaurant, but it's most definitely worth a visit. Located in San Antonio's acclaimed arts district, Southtown, Tito's is the place the locals go again and again and again. They put the T in Tex-Mex with some of their signature dishes, such as the Chipotle Cream Chicken Enchiladas or their delightfully juicy Crispy Beef Tacos. This is one of the best tasting and inexpensive places you'll find in San Antonio or, possibly, even in Texas. All of the plates come with rice, beans and tortillas. It's practically guaranteed you'll leave Tito's both full and happy!
Recommended for Breakfast because: Tito's offers classic Tex-Mex dishes that are yummy and inexpensive.
Kimberly's expert tip: Expect to find all of your favorite breakfast tacos, such as bacon, egg and cheese and so much more!
Known for its buttermilk pancakes that started from a recipe called 'The World's Best Pancakes,' the Magnolia Pancake Haus is a favorite among locals. Ask a group of San Antonians what their favorite place for breakfast is and you'll hear the name Magnolia many times. The Magnolia prides itself on making the type of food your great grandmother would have served to her guests. They even make their syrups right there in the restaurant. They offer a wide selection of breakfast products including omelets, waffles, Eggs Benedict and a variety of pancakes. Pancake flavors include bacon, bananas foster, blueberry, chocolate and of course their famous 'World's Best Pancakes.'
Recommended for Breakfast because: Magnolia Pancake Haus doesn't have a line around the block for no reason. They are one of the most popular restaurants in town.
Kimberly's expert tip: Kids under four get a free pancake.
The Valencia Hotel's new restaurant, Dorrego's, proves that some hotel restaurants can shine. Although Latin flavors are not rare in San Antonio, Dorrego's showcases Argentinean fare, something you're not likely to run across in the Alamo City. Chef Mesa visited Argentina and brought back his inspirations, incorporating those authentic ingredients into his cuisine. Start your meal out right with Mexican street corn and the Proveleta Flamado a la Mesa, a tequila flamed cheese grilled Argentian provolone. The entree choices are diverse, elegant and scrumptious, ranging from gulf prawns (head-on), duck empanadas, grilled octopus, TX pig meatballs, smoked short rib ravioli and more. For dessert, even if you're too full, try the DDL Panna Cotta. For downtown visitors, you might wish to stop in for some cocktails to enjoy on their lovely patio, situated along the riverwalk. Dorrego's is a veritable treat, and the perfect choice for late night eats!
Recommended for Breakfast because: Although Dorrego's features the only Argentinian-inspired cuisine in town, their breakfasts are also familiar and quite good.
Kimberly's expert tip: The Banana Dulce De Leche Waffles is a crowd-pleaser.
URTH Juice Bar serves up delicious, fresh, cold-pressed juices made with premium, locally-grown, ingredients. Besides this location, they also have two new locations in the Alamo city - one in the Southtown arts district at 812 S. Presa and the other in Stone Oak at 21019 US Hwy 281. This location is just now starting to offer salads, and the two new stores will also have sandwiches. A favorite salad is the Kale and Quinoa salad, which comes with goat cheese, pecans, roasted beets and a house-made mandarin vinaigrette. The kale is provided by Local Sprout, a local hydroponic company that grows the most tender greens you'll eat in your entire life. It makes for the perfect salad, to be sure. Sandwiches are equally delicious and include a gluten-free Turkey Focaccia that comes with avocado, havarti cheese, onion, tomato and spring mix. However, let's not forget the juices and smoothies, which can easily serve as a meal replacement or an accompaniment to your sandwich or soup. All of the drinks have amusing names such as co-owner, Elsa Alonzo's favorite - the Pina Turner smoothie, which comes with pineapple, yogurt, coconut oil and pumpkin seeds. URTH also sells additional products for the health-minded, including a proprietary line of natural enzyme supplements formulated by a Chinese herbalist. The Southtown location participates in the arts walk that takes place in the neighborhood every first Friday of the month. So if you're visiting San Antonio, get happy and stay juicy - URTH Juice bar can certainly help make that happen!
Recommended for Breakfast because: For a quick breakfast, URTH is serving up some delicious yet healthy smoothies and fresh juices.
Kimberly's expert tip: They now serve drinks infused with CBD.
Owner of the popular and long-standing, The Cove, has opened up a new restaurant called 5 Points Local that nourishes the mind, body and spirit with local clean food and yoga to boot! What's even better is the entire menu is gluten-free, so you can eat anything and everything you want without worry of miscommunication or cross-contamination, which as people with gluten allergies know, is a rare treat. What's, even more, is that 5 Points Local cares to source quality ingredients that are healthful to your body, as well as delicious, although truth be told, they sometimes do not skimp on the calories. If you're looking to indulge in some delicious pastries - both savory and sweet - you can do that here. It's also possible to dig into a satisfying meal that is entirely guilt-free. You decide, based on your mood and how tight your pants are fitting at the moment. Their brunch on Sundays is fantastic... you can enjoy biscuits and gravy and even some classic gluten-free pancakes - which means good ole American deliciousness! If you're not too full afterward, pop on in for a yoga class to work it off!
Recommended for Breakfast because: This completely gluten-free restaurant focuses on healthy, local ingredients and still packs a punch when it comes to flavor.
Kimberly's expert tip: They may be gluten-free, but regardless, 5 Points Local serves up some of the best pancakes in town. Recommended with a side of bacon.
Chef Jeff White has years of experience as one of San Antonio's top chefs and is well known for his "unctuous" cuisine. When it comes to scratch made Southern-inspired dishes with a lot of flavor, Eastside Kitchenette has cornered the market. Located just a few minutes from the downtown hubbub, this spacious restaurant situated in a gorgeous historic building comes complete with a covered patio and is the perfect place to gather for lunch, dinner, happy hour and brunch on Saturday and Sunday. Just make sure to go with an appetite! Some favorites include the Chicken Fried Steak, Fried Oyster Po Boy, Kozey Double Double Burger and Chicken and Dumplings, but don't worry they also have healthy eats for those watching their waistlines. During the week they feature blue plate specials, such as Enchiladas. It's hard to find such hearty, delicious fare at these prices anywhere else!
Recommended for Breakfast because: Eastside Kitchenette, not far from downtown, has become a local's favorite for good ole comfort food.
Kimberly's expert tip: They just recently started serving breakfast and their stack of pancakes has become an overnight sensation!
Panchos and Gringos is an unexpected delight. Don't be put off by the dim surroundings. This family-owned and operated restaurant is truly a hidden gem. They offer a large menu of primarily breakfast foods and sandwiches. The food is inexpensive and always fresh and hot and the staff is extremely nice and attentive. For breakfast, you can enjoy a variety of omelets, pancakes, grits and scrumptious breakfast sandwiches, such as the Frenchie, HOBO, SOBO and BOBO. For lunch, enjoy their also creatively named and deliciously sandwiches such as the Brooklyn, which consists of hot grilled pastrami, hot grilled roast beef, melted cheese and house-made coleslaw on a lightly-toasted 12" bun from New York. You won't find breakfast potatoes this fantastic anywhere else in the city. The fries are also spot on. Enjoy!
Recommended for Breakfast because: This local eastside eatery has kept the neighborhood happy for years.
Kimberly's expert tip: Breakfast is served all day!
Hotel Emma showcases its culinary prowess in multiple ways, but it's the on-site restaurant, Supper; located along the northern extension of the San Antonio river walk, that is their best representation of what good food is all about. This farm-to-table restaurant almost dares you to not like veggies. Their menu is largely vegetarian, but each dish is so flavorful you don't miss the meat. Of course, that's not to say they don't also feature some amazing proteins, but they certainly don't rely on them. When they do feature dishes like their Duck Confit, it's balanced with a refreshing herb salad that accentuates the duck but doesn't weigh you down. A meal at Supper is an utter delight, not only because of the food and clear spirits cocktails, but also because of the stellar staff, beautiful views of the river from their outdoor patio, and the simple feeling that you're somewhere special. In truth, you are and all of San Antonio knows it!
Recommended for Breakfast because: Supper serves up a surprisingly affordable breakfast that's both yummy and made with high quality, often local, ingredients.
Kimberly's expert tip: Try the Scotch Egg with Green Chili Chorizo, Cornbread, Salad and Crème Fraiche for something a little different.