The judges hemmed and hawed in nominating this yr’s crop of contenders for the Tastemaker Awards Finest New Restaurant crown. In a culinary scene as red-hot as San Antonio’s, it appears a worthy new spot opens each week.
However we did the exhausting half so our readers may have just a little enjoyable — voting for his or her favorites in our annual bracket-style competitors.
Voting is open now at this hyperlink. Folks might vote as soon as per day, by means of 4 rounds of competitors. Spherical one ends at 11:59 pm on Sunday, March 17.
Which restaurant will win? Discover out April 4 on the 2024 Tastemaker Awards get together on the Briscoe Historical past Museum. We’ll dine on bites from this yr’s nominated eating places and sip cocktails from our sponsors earlier than revealing the winners in our quick and candy ceremony.
You may sustain with all of the Tastemaker Award nominees in a particular editorial sequence, then remember to purchase your tickets to see who triumphs.
Listed here are the 16 nominees for Finest New Restaurant:
Beacon Hill Market & DeliSandwiches not often get accolades over extra fussed over dishes, however this deli proves the shape isn’t nearly slapping meat on bread. Beacon Hill’s Philly cheesesteaks could also be humble, however they stand as much as any plate on the town.
BlushThe house owners of this Southtown jewel field aced a near-impossible process, remodeling a dingy comedy membership into one in all San Antonio’s most charming locations to brunch. The meals is not any joke, both. Traditional fare, luxe components, and a powerful pastry program go away friends tickled pink.
Brenner’s Steakhouse on the River WalkWhile technically a part of a series, this River Stroll outlet of a storied Houston steakhouse has its personal identification and menu. But it surely did take some cues from its siblings. With a stately eating room and impeccably sourced steaks, the model continues to outline big day eating.
Bombay Bicycle Membership at HemisfairAlthough rather less shaggy than the unique location, the Hemisfair Bombay nonetheless retains all the things that works. The burgers are hefty, the margaritas are punchy, and the employees delivers the correct amount of sass.
Field Road SocialNot content material to be a one-trick pony, the house owners of this Hemisfair scorching spot at the moment are doing double obligation in La Cantera. It seems {that a} poppy setting with approachably modern fare works in any a part of city.
El Buen PaladarYes, bean and cheese tacos are sacrosanct round these components, however we beg you to attempt their Central American cousin, the pupusa. This meals truck turned brick-and-mortar is the place to begin.
El Cevichero Restaurant y CantinaEl Cevichero’s fleet of vehicles has lengthy prevented hangovers at buzzy bars like Vibras and El Camino. The brand new storefront’s birria and ceviche is simply as mouthwatering, useless sober on a weekday afternoon.
Freight Fried ChickenChef Nicola Blaque’s homage to the entrepreneurship of Black girls may appear high-concept on paper. In particular person, it’s all about that indelible crunch.
GreenhouseWho would have thought that the workforce behind Mixtli would make a espresso home their subsequent trick? Now that it is open, it is no shock that it’s redefining the style.
Hook Land & SeaIt’s apparent the house owners of this Creamery upstart are detail-oriented. Right here, all the things from the palate of the serving ware to the batter on the fish and chips is completed simply so. We’re hooked on the truth that this fast-casual joint makes it look so easy.
Howdy ChildFast-casual spots not often pay thoughts to accountable sourcing, which makes this Bottling Division meals corridor stall completely different from the gate. That these components make the proper pastrami sandwich is a plump cherry on prime.
Leche de TigreSan Antonio delicacies isn’t precisely recognized for its lightness, which makes this Southtown Peruvian spot nearly ethereal. It’s not simply the zippy dishes — all the things from the pleasant service to the sprightly cocktails give it a raise.
Mr. RamenThough rooted in custom with silky shoyu and tonkotsu broths, this North Aspect beginner additionally impresses when it veers off beam. The plant-based choices are specific revelations, like an Not possible karaage that tastes as meaty as its rooster counterpoint, or the tomato tang of a veggie-heavy ramen.
Nineteen HyakuThis downtown stunner proves that San Antonians will clear up properly when given a purpose. Achingly recent sushi introduced with class as a substitute of flash could be the simplest excuse.
Thai BirdLudwig Mies van der Rohe was speaking about structure when he famously mentioned, “much less is extra.” This Make Prepared Market tenant’s juicy rooster tenders affirm that the phrase is simply as relevant to tonight’s dinner.
Tokyo CowboyThis downtown hang-out makes an argument for the timeless attraction of Asian-fusion delicacies. Centered on consolation, the kitchen mashes up Jap components with Southern favorites in a approach that brings out the pleasures of each.
