Kyle Green
If you’ve ever been to San Antonio during Fiesta or Mardi Gras, you know that the River City can get down! San Antonians will find every excuse to celebrate.
For a great time, head out to a local BYOB restaurant for dinner or even brunch. There’s something so satisfying about enjoying some good food along with your favorite drink in a great atmosphere!
Before you go, it’s important to know what kind of San Antonio BYOB restaurant you’re going to. Do they allow any spirits or just wine and beer? Make sure you bring your ID and be prepared for any corkage fees.
With these things in mind, I’d like to share what I think are the best BYOB restaurants in San Antonio.
In my travels around the Mission City, I’ve found establishments of all kinds that allow you to bring bottles in.
Pasha Mediterranean Grill
Multiple locations
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This San Antonio mainstay is a favorite for locals. They serve up Eastern Mediterranean classics like gyros, shawarma, falafel, and more.
Pasha has four locations across town, including one on N Loop 1604 in the Vineyard Shopping Center; one across 1-35 from The Forum in Live Oaks; one at the corner of Wurzbach and Bluemel Road near I-10; and one across from HEB at Culebra Road and 1604
First, on my list of the best BYOB restaurants in San Antonio, Pasha allows you to bring in beer and wine. Be prepared to pay a fee per person drinking. Relax with a glass and order my favorites, the lamb kebab and lemony pasha potatoes!
Thai Taste
5520 Evers Rd, San Antonio, TX 78238
Phone: 210-520-6800
Find Thai Taste just outside of the 410 Loop. Head north on Evers Road, and you’ll see them on the left just after Joiner.
One of the best BYOB restaurants in San Antonio, they’ve been serving Thai and other Asian American classics for over 20 years.
The storefront at this stop is unassuming and easy to miss, but make sure you stop in. This is a casual, quiet neighborhood place where you can enjoy your favorite drink over a meal.
I suggest the Pad Thai and Pineapple Fried Rice or the Tom Yum for those more familiar with Thai food.
Cascabel Mexican Patio
1000 S St Mary’s St, San Antonio, TX 78205
Phone: 210-212-6456
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Located on St. Mary’s below South Alamo in Southtown, Cascabel is nestled away behind an iron gate and palm thatch umbrellas.
Walk onto the patio and be pleasantly surprised by this BYOB restaurant’s bright and colorful setting. Relax on the homie patio surrounded by lush potted plants while you eat off of rainbow-colored Fiestaware dishes.
You can sit inside the lime green dining room, as well. Locals swear by this authentic Mexican stop for their breakfast tacos.
Bring in beer or wine with no cover fee! I loved the chicken mole and flan at Cascabel Mexican Patio. Come by any day but Sunday when they’re closed.
Fralo’s
23651 W I-10, San Antonio, TX 78257
Phone: 210-698-6616
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If you’re craving pizza in a casual setting, head to the Northside. Fralo’s is outside the Dominion on the 1-10 Frontage Road, next to Leon Springs Elementary School.
They make my list of best BYOB restaurants in San Antonio for their inviting outdoor space. Eat or dance under string lights and oak trees at this bottle-friendly and dog-friendly restaurant!
Fralo’s offers guests wood-fired pizza, gourmet salads, and Italian classics. Every weekend you’ll find live music and a packed yard.
Sit inside in a simple, elegant dining room or at picnic tables on wooden patios. Order the gourmet Supreme pizza or the Greek salad.
NOLA Brunch & Beignets
720 E Mistletoe Ave, San Antonio, TX 78212
Phone: 210-320-1572
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For a BYOB-friendly New Orleans-style brunch, head to NOLA! New Orleans natives Pieter and Susan Sypesteyn opened the cafe just south of Trinity University, on the corner of Mistletoe Avenue and Kings Court. You can’t miss their bright blue and white storefront and covered porch.
Inside, sit at white and black metal chairs and enjoy beignets while listening to jazz music. Take advantage of their wine list or BYOB for mimosas and bloody marys.
I thought the fried green tomatoes were a delicious appetizer, and you have to try the shrimp and grits! Stop by NOLA Brunch & Beignets for brunch Wednesday through Sunday from 8 am to 2 pm.
Yellowfish Sushi
Multiple locations
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One of the best BYOB restaurants in San Antonio is Yellowfish Sushi. Find them on Wurzbach, between 1-10 and the Medical Center.
Their second location can be found at The Rim off 1-10 North, across from Bass Pro Shop. Yellowfish Sushi has beer, but you’re welcome to bring wine for a $6 corkage fee.
This fun Japanese-Mexican fusion offers up traditional sushi rolls and ramen, as well as fusion sushi, rolls, and fusion burritos.
You can also try their traditional tacos al pastor. Locals love both the classic sushi rolls and the fun fusion rolls. I suggest the El Dorado roll, Coconut roll, and the California roll.
LA Crawfish
10919 Culebra Rd #150, San Antonio, TX 78253
Phone: 210-688-9123
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Try some Cajun-Asian fusion crawfish, pho, and more at this next stop on my list of best BYOB restaurants in San Antonio.
This combo makes a lot of sense when you try their po’boys! The chain has 4 locations across the city, but only the Westwood Center Shops location allows outside bottles.
Enjoy the fun of a crawfish boil with Vietnamese flavors! They’ll give you bibs and napkins for crawfish flavored with a classic Cajun spice mix or hot and sour sauce.
Order the crawfish po’boy, have fun with a fusion crawfish pho. They make delicious mini beignets, too.
Señor Veggie
620 S Presa St, San Antonio, TX 78210
Phone: 210-228-0073
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For some vegan takes on all your favorites, stop by Señor Veggie on South Presa just below South Alamo in Southtown.
Inside the bright orange building, there’s a balance with the calm, minimally decorated dining room. Sit below paper lanterns while you eat huge portions on Mexican clay plates.
You’re welcome to bring your own bottle with their open policy and no corkage fee. A look at the menu will tell you how diverse the fare is, from vegan pizza and Mexican dishes to vegan mac and cheese and warm salads.
Try the Southwestern Empanadas and Poblano Corn Fritters. Stop by between 11 am and 4 pm Tuesday through Saturday.
Double Apple Cafe
5121 Fredericksburg Rd, San Antonio, TX 78229
Phone: 210-366-0026
Double Apple Cafe is located on Fredericksburg and Callaghan Road, behind the bowling alley. This hookah cafe is a relaxing place to come with friends. There are cozy lounging sofas, flatscreen TVs, and mood lighting for the right atmosphere.
They offer different flavor cubes and provide water. Bring your choice of alcohol for no fee, or try the cafe’s Turkish coffee. Double Apple Cafe is open seven days a week from 3 pm to 3 pm.
La Sorrentina Italian Restaurant
3330 Culebra Rd, San Antonio, TX 78228
Phone: 210-549-0889
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Check out La Sorrentina on Culebra across from St. Mary’s University in Woodland Heights. Owner and Chef Juan “Pepe” Rangel opened his doors in 2011 after more than 30 years in the business.
One of the best BYOB restaurants in San Antonio, you’ll love the downhome feel of this delightful cafe with its Italian flag exterior.
La Sorrentina allows you to bring in a bottle of wine for a corkage fee. However, etiquette calls you to confirm they don’t have that same bottle in their extensive wine selection.
When it comes to the food, you can tell Rangel puts his heart and soul into every dish with such a beautiful and impressive presentation. Nowhere else can you get baked ziti quite like here!
Thai Dee Restaurant
5307 Blanco Rd, San Antonio, TX 78216
Phone: 210-342-3622
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Thai Dee is at the corner of Blanco Road and Dresden Drive, just south of Jackson Keller. This stop on my list of the best BYOB restaurants in San Antonio serves up classic Thai cuisine.
They invite you to bring in beer or wine for no extra fee. They’re open Monday through Saturday from noon to 8 pm.
When you walk into Thai Dee, you realize they’re a part of the neighborhood. You can’t find the wall behind the cash register because of all the baby pictures and Christmas cards hanging up.
It’s the kind of place that feels like home. I suggest ordering the shrimp pad thai and listening to the locals as everyone greets each other.
Pesto Ristorante – Olmos Park
5221 McCullough Ave, San Antonio, TX 78212
Phone: 210-314-1072
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Next on my list of the best BYOB restaurants in San Antonio is a contemporary Italian restaurant.
Check them out in the Yards Shopping Center off McCullough Avenue. With a passion for flavorful Italian, owner and Chef Alejandro Santoyo adds Mexican spices to his dishes.
Bring in a bottle of wine to pair with your meal, but be prepared for a corkage fee. You’ll love the cozy atmosphere and professional attention you’ll get at Pesto Ristorante.
For a classic Italian meal, order the spaghetti and meatballs. The sauce is delicious with a fresh tomato flavor.
Tiu Steppi’s Osteria
9910 W Loop 1604 N #123, San Antonio, TX 78254
Phone: 210-688-9885
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Tiu Steppi’s is one of the best BYOB restaurants in San Antonio. Check them out on West 1604 Access Road and Braun Road.
They have a craft beer and wine selection you can choose from, or you can bring your own bottle for dinner only (except Sundays).
You’ll love the stunning blue walls with warm wood paneling and light brick. Enjoy Italian classics, from gourmet pizza to seafood pasta and decadent desserts. Don’t skip the complimentary garlic knots, and order the house chicken piccata.
Little Italy Restaurant & Pizzeria
824 Afterglow St, San Antonio, TX 78216
Phone: 210-349-2060
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Head to Greater Harmony Hills for NYC-style pizza at Little Italy Restaurant & Pizzeria. They’re tucked away on Afterglow Street off of West Avenue.
The Visocaro family came from Italy to New York to start an Italian Restaurant, moving to San Antonio after a decade.
For 40 years, they’ve been serving up Italian food in one of the best BYOB restaurants in San Antonio.
Bring in a bottle of wine for a corkage fee or choose from the restaurant’s selection. They bring a free slice of cheese pizza for the table to sample!
Take advantage of Italian food made by Italians in San Antonio! You won’t regret ordering the stuffed mushrooms and fettuccine alfredo.
Habibi Cafe
5306 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209
Phone: 210-437-0242
Finally on my list of the best BYOB restaurants in San Antonio is Habibi Cafe. Find them in the heart of Alamo Heights, across Arcadia Place from the Ballet Conservatory of South Texas.
Here you can enjoy Mediterranean classics like falafel and gyro platters. Bring a case of beer or a bottle of any spirits for a corkage fee.
Outside, sit on patios under oak trees. Inside, mosaic tables compliment red walls, colorful tile, and cascading chandeliers.
Watch flatscreen TVs and smoke hookah or dive into dishes full of fresh veggies and meat. My favorite was the hummus with pita and chicken shawarma over rice.
