Best late-night eats, Best bakery, Best menudo

1. Mi Tierra Restaurant & Bakery
218 Produce Row, (210) 225-1262
mitierracafe.com

Only the truly cognoscenti among tourists venture past the River Walk or Alamo in search of more local treasures. The dark-socks-with-dress-shoes-and-shorts segment? They're especially clueless. For those in the know, Mi Tierra is truly a wonder. Stepping into the establishment is like wandering into Mexico itself. The panaderia at the entrance alerts that this is the real deal. Then there's the typical culinary fare — including the best menudo in town. An institution since its 1941 founding, Mi Tierra is one of the few places still open 24/7, holidays included. Its servers are polite without being obsequious in that vaguely formal yet cordial Mexican way. Mariachis abound on Fridays and Saturdays with Sundays reserved for salsa dancing in a place begun by the Cortez family as a two-table establishment that now seats 600. The name of the place — roughly translated as "my land" or "my country" — pays homage to its roots. It's a fine tribute.

Best Late Night Eats

2. Lulu's Bakery
and Cafe (Tie)
918 N Main, (210) 224-5001,
luluscafeinsa.com

The Monterey
1127 S St. Mary's, (210) 745-2581,
themontereysa.com

3. Max's Wine Dive
340 E Basse, Ste 101,
(210) 444-9547
maxswinedive.com

Best Bakery

2. Broadway Daily Bread
5001 Broadway, (210) 822-1621,
broadwaydailybread.net

3. La Popular
(multiple locations)
4235 Culebra, (210) 433-2522

Best Menudo

2. Tellez Tamales & Barbacoa
1737 S General McMullen,
(210) 433-1367

3. Taco Haven
(multiple locations)
1032 S Presa, (210) 533-2171