Rosario’s – San Antonio, TX

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Date Visited: 2/06/2021
(Lynn’s first visit; Laina has been here many times before)

Website: Rosario’s SA.

Rosario’s is an award-winning San Antonio staple that combines authentic Mexican fare with original house dishes (all made from fresh ingredients) with a contemporary flare.  Of its 3 locations (the other 2 being San Pedro and the San Antonio airport, of all places), its flagship Southtown/King William District location opened in 1992.  At that time, Lisa Wong, the engine behind the operation, was merely 18 years old when she invested $7,000 of college money into the venture.

Since then, it has grown in popularity, remaining a tried-and-true favorite among both tourists and locals.  Rosario’s has consistently won multiple awards, including “Best Mexican Restaurant in San Antonio”, “Critics’ Choice for Best Restaurant to Take Out-of-Town Guests”, and “Best Neighborhood Restaurant/Downtown-Southtown”, and in just one visit, it’s easy to see why.

The location is fairly accessible, being located at the corner of South Alamo Street and South St Mary’s.  However, parking (even paid parking) is extremely limited, and parking in nearby lots is risky business, as neighboring entities are downright possessive of their lots.  Thus, we recommend visiting between the lunch and dinner prime times, if/when at all possible.  There is indeed one handicapped parking space near the front door.

One strategy that has worked well for Laina, who likes to walk, is to park in one of the dedicated paid parking lots a few blocks away and “make a day of downtown”, walking everywhere, visiting other tourist attractions and taking in the downtown vibe and historic scenery, eventually making her way to the restaurant in the desired timeframe.

The main entrance to the restaurant is not quite where one would think it would be.  The front of the restaurant faces the street corner, but the actual entrance is closer to the restaurant’s (tiny) dedicated parking lot, on South Alamo.  That we can recall, there are no steps involved.

The interior is fairly simple and spacious, with vibrant colors and a festive atmosphere.  Sunny goldenrod walls accented by hot pink latticework between sections and even brighter hot pink candles on the tables grab your attention right away.

First impression upon entering

The bar area extends out into the once-densely-packed (now much-more-sparsely-spaced) seating area.  The Southtown location only has (vast!) indoor dining; there is no outdoor patio.  Although Laina has visited the San Pedro location on several occasions, she’s not sure if patio/outdoor seating is available.

Rosario’s has 3 menus – lunch (served from 11a-3p), dinner, and a bar/drinks/dessert menu (all PDF).  Items that are gluten-free or vegetarian–or for which a gluten-free or vegetarian option is available–are marked with a “GF” or image of a corn-cob, respectively.  Note: if you want/need the vegetarian or gluten-free version, it’s important to ask specifically for it.  We don’t recommend assuming that it will automatically be gluten-free or vegetarian by default.  Some dishes may be, but others may not be unless specified.

The food menu itself appears fairly traditional Mexican, at first glance.  Staples such as enchiladas, tacos, fajitas, and so on, form the foundation.  However, if you look closely, there is often a contemporary twist, and indeed there are many tasty and unique combinations!  The same concept applies to the drink menu.

Life is short; drinks first… 😉

Lynn began with the Pica pica – ample picante spice; cucumbers were grilled first (a neat touch!), light, and refreshing.  Lynn noted a slight smokiness from the grilling.  The drink itself was about a medium strength – not particularly strong, but definitely no slouch.

Lynn’s “Pica Pica”

Laina began–and ended (LOL)–with the La Tuna.  The server offered a choice between 10oz or 20oz.  She found her drink fairly strong (“it packs a punch”); thus, she recommends sipping slowly.  Not overly sweet, but sweet enough for those who want it.  The spice on the rim savory and flavorful, but not too spicy.

Laina’s “La Tuna” – originally resembled a frozen margarita with fruit-flavored swirl added, but she forgot to snap a picture before diving in…oops… 😉

Now for the food…

Rosario’s Dinner Menu – yes, you can actually get lengua (beef tongue) here; Laina has tried a cautious nibble of it, and didn’t find it half bad!

Laina had the Tacos a La Rosario’s, which consisted of 3 tacos.  The side sauce had plenty of heat, for the not-faint of heart (but it didn’t set your mouth completely on fire).  The veggies in the tacos were much fresher than one might find in typical American-made Mexican food, and packed a refreshing crunch with distinct flavors.  The shells were corn-based (without flour added) and although crispy, they were not too thick or hard; very suitable for those with dental issues or softer teeth.  The beef was mostly pure, without having been watered down with much potato.

Laina’s “Tacos a la Rosario’s” – Mouth watering yet?

Lynn had the Tilapia Veracruz, which came with a side salad first, served at a comfortable interval before the main meals.  The salad was fresh and light, with mixed spring greens. Dressing (served on the salad, as opposed to on the side) was tangy, topped with queso fresco, which was derived only from goat cheese – safe for him!!  Laina tried the goat cheese and found that it wasn’t excessively “goat-y” or sharp; it tasted much like mozzarella or provolone.  Very palatable!

Lynn’s side salad, included with the “Tilapia Veracruz”

The Tilapia Veracruz itself – the tilapia was juicy and cooked to perfection.  Well-seasoned, without skimping.  The sauce had good flavor, not overly salted.  The vegetable blend compliments it very well, as does the poblano rice (the poblano rice is totally vegan, but I did have to eat around the corn – something to note for those sensitive).  Lynn stole some of Laina’s salsa to put on it, which made for a nice addition.

Lynn’s “Tilapia Veracruz” main dish

After the Pica Pica, Lynn tried a La Pina, which is a great dessert drink for those who don’t like overly sweet drinks.  The jalapeño counterbalances the sweetness of the grilled pineapple perfectly.  Great served with the chili lime salt.  This one wasn’t particularly strong either, but it was a fun drink!

Other Information:

  • Happy Hour!  The hours differ by location; the Southtown Happy Hour period is Tuesday through Friday from 3-6p.  Rosario’s North (San Pedro) Happy Hour runs Tuesday through Saturday from 4-7p and on Sundays from 11a-5p.
  • Dining rooms are currently open at both locations at the time of this writing (2/8/2021).
  • Online ordering is available on their website.
  • Restrooms are segregated by gender and multi-unit.  We found them clean and well-stocked.

Highlights:

  • Authentic Mexican food (including lengua and a genuine mole!), made fresh, at very reasonable price points.
  • Vegetarian and gluten-free options available, but do specify clearly when ordering.
  • Dining rooms open, and online ordering available, although no patio seating that we’re aware of.
  • Appears to be very handicapped accessible, from what we could see.
  • Service is timely and courteous; orders are prepared correctly and delivered appropriately.
  • A fun, festive atmosphere that really gets going at night!
  • The parking situation often dictates visiting between lunch and dinner, although if you park elsewhere and can walk fairly far (about a mile), you won’t have to deal with the limited real estate.
  • Hours are Sunday and Tuesday through Thursday 11a-9p, Friday and Saturday 11a-10p.  Closed on Mondays.

 

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