San Antonio
El Paraiso Ice Cream
www.elparaisoicecream.com1934 Fredericksburg Road
San Antonio, TX 78201
(210) 737-8101
This local, family-run establishment turns out 10,000 paletas — refreshing, Mexican-style popsicles — a day. Strawberry and coconut are the bestsellers, but for the daring, there’s also lucas (chile pepper) or pickle.
Photo courtesy of El Paraiso Ice Cream
La Gloria
www.lagloriaicehouse.com100 East Grayson Street
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 267-9040
This isn’t your typical Tex-Mex cantina. Chef Johnny Hernandez spent seven years researching the street foods and taquerias of Mexico, and has perfected his tasty library of tacos, ceviches, and tostadas for San Antonio.
Photograph by Wendi Poole Photography for Laurel Sage LLC
Esquire Tavern
www.esquiretavern-sa.com155 East Commerce Street
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 222-2521
Some of the best cocktails in the city, from classics like the Moscow Mule to house specials including the Curse of the Southpaw, a punchy mix of gin, maple, coconut and lemon.
Photo courtesy of Esquire Tavern
Bird Bakery
www.birdbakery.com5912 Broadway
San Antonio, TX 78209
(210) 804-2473
It’s all in the family at Bird Bakery. Actors and spouses Armie Hammer and Elizabeth Chambers run the business based on recipes from Elizabeth’s grandmother. Try the carrot cake cupcake or lemon bars.
Photo by Millie Kerr