27 classic San Antonio restaurants that have been around 35 years or longer

The restaurant industry has a high turnover rate. Places come and go. Fast. Every so often, though, gems come along that stand the test of time, riding out recessions, ownership changes, shifting tastes and — most recently — a pandemic.

Whether it's a 104-year-old downtown deli or a 38-year-old Chinese eatery on stilts, the Alamo City is home to a collection of restaurants that have served residents for generations. If you enjoy a side of culinary history with your entree, these local spots have all stuck around for more than 35 years, and each has its own unique story to tell.
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Ding How, 1983
4531 NW Loop 410, (210) 340-7944, dinghowsa.com
Known as the building on stilts, Ding How off 410 and Callaghan has been serving up favorites such as sesame chicken, egg rolls and hot and sour soup using traditional Chinese cooking techniques for four generations. 
Photo via Instagram / dinghowsa
Ding How, 1983
4531 NW Loop 410, (210) 340-7944, dinghowsa.com
Known as the building on stilts, Ding How off 410 and Callaghan has been serving up favorites such as sesame chicken, egg rolls and hot and sour soup using traditional Chinese cooking techniques for four generations.
Photo via Instagram / dinghowsa
Josephine Street Cafe, 1979
400 E Josephine St, (210) 224-6169, josephinestreet.com
The neon in the window says “Steaks & Whisky,” and we’re wondering what more you could want in a cozy spot? The funky, historic building dates back to the early 1900s, and even features a 500-year-old tree right in the middle of the dining room. 
Photo via Instagram / josephine_street
Josephine Street Cafe, 1979
400 E Josephine St, (210) 224-6169, josephinestreet.com
The neon in the window says “Steaks & Whisky,” and we’re wondering what more you could want in a cozy spot? The funky, historic building dates back to the early 1900s, and even features a 500-year-old tree right in the middle of the dining room.
Photo via Instagram / josephine_street
Niki's Tokyo Inn, 1970
819 W. Hildebrand Ave., (210) 736-5471, facebook.com/nikis.tokyo.inn
Since the 70s, Niki’s has offered diners the unique experience of sitting cross-legged on the floor while they nosh on fresh shrimp, tuna, whitefish, yellowtail and smoked salmon. Its unfussy vibe has kept Niki’s around for more than 50 years.   
Photo via Facebook / Niki’s Tokyo Inn
Niki's Tokyo Inn, 1970
819 W. Hildebrand Ave., (210) 736-5471, facebook.com/nikis.tokyo.inn
Since the 70s, Niki’s has offered diners the unique experience of sitting cross-legged on the floor while they nosh on fresh shrimp, tuna, whitefish, yellowtail and smoked salmon. Its unfussy vibe has kept Niki’s around for more than 50 years.
Photo via Facebook / Niki’s Tokyo Inn
La Fogata, 1978
2427 Vance Jackson Road, (210) 340-1337, lafogata.com
Longtime favorite Mexican restaurant La Fogata has been known for its sprawling patio dining areas and water fountains since it opened on Vance Jackson in 1978. In fact, the margs are also legendary — the spot has won the San Antonio Margarita Pour Off so many years in a row that the eatery has retired from the competition.
Photo via Instagram / lafogatasa
La Fogata, 1978
2427 Vance Jackson Road, (210) 340-1337, lafogata.com
Longtime favorite Mexican restaurant La Fogata has been known for its sprawling patio dining areas and water fountains since it opened on Vance Jackson in 1978. In fact, the margs are also legendary — the spot has won the San Antonio Margarita Pour Off so many years in a row that the eatery has retired from the competition.
Photo via Instagram / lafogatasa
La Fonda on Main, 1932
2415 N Main Ave, (210) 733-0621, lafondaonmain.com
The oldest Mexican restaurant in San Antonio, La Fonda has served at least two American presidents — Teddy Roosevelt and Lyndon B Johnson — and a slew of SA royalty. The colorful, casual atmosphere is a vibrant background for the Mexican fare this historic spot serves up. 
Photo via Instagram / lafondaonmain
La Fonda on Main, 1932
2415 N Main Ave, (210) 733-0621, lafondaonmain.com
The oldest Mexican restaurant in San Antonio, La Fonda has served at least two American presidents — Teddy Roosevelt and Lyndon B Johnson — and a slew of SA royalty. The colorful, casual atmosphere is a vibrant background for the Mexican fare this historic spot serves up.
Photo via Instagram / lafondaonmain
Paesanos, 1969
Multiple locations, paesanos.com
When restaurateurs Joe Cosniac and the late Nick Pacelli opened Paesanos in 1969, they wanted to create a welcoming place for San Antonians to enjoy Italian food and good company.  They must be doing something right — the mini-empire now includes three locations. 
Photo via Instagram / paesanossa
Paesanos, 1969
Multiple locations, paesanos.com
When restaurateurs Joe Cosniac and the late Nick Pacelli opened Paesanos in 1969, they wanted to create a welcoming place for San Antonians to enjoy Italian food and good company. They must be doing something right — the mini-empire now includes three locations.
Photo via Instagram / paesanossa
Schilo’s Delicatessen, 1917
424 E Commerce St, (210) 223-6692, schilos.com
Founded in 1917, this South Alamo Street saloon wasn’t phased when prohibition hit the Alamo City. The deli quickly replaced their booze kegs for ones filled with the family’s smooth, creamy root beer. Authentic German fare and ambiance have kept this place famous for nearly 105 years. 
Photo via Instagram / schilosdeli
Schilo’s Delicatessen, 1917
424 E Commerce St, (210) 223-6692, schilos.com
Founded in 1917, this South Alamo Street saloon wasn’t phased when prohibition hit the Alamo City. The deli quickly replaced their booze kegs for ones filled with the family’s smooth, creamy root beer. Authentic German fare and ambiance have kept this place famous for nearly 105 years.
Photo via Instagram / schilosdeli