Saile Aranda
Photo Editor
Texas A&M University-San Antonio is a fast-growing area bordered by local restaurants, venues, galleries and more, allowing college students from around the city or out-of-town to easily explore any neighboring Southside hotspots.
Whether you’re looking for a rowdy live music crowd or a serene walk in a park by yourself, this guide offers suggestions and options for trying new places and finding your future designated comfort spot with college student-friendly prices.
Food, Snack and Sip stops
Birria Barrio y Mas
Birria Barrio y Mas is an outdoor Mexican restaurant where Mexican street-food lovers can find a variety of birria tacos, mini tacos, quesadillas and aguas frescas. Enjoy the late-night cars driving by with a bowl of steamy Birria Ramen. Birria Barrio also offers indoor seating if you are craving mini tacos on a rainy day. Their new Endless Happy Hour offers $2 margaritas all day for those old enough to drink. Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday from 2 p.m.-midnight, Friday and Saturday from 2 p.m.-2 a.m., 6203 S. Flores St., Birria Barrio y Mas.
Mad Mack’s Burgers
Hole-in-the-wall eatery seekers are welcomed to a mom-and-pop, ‘60s styled restaurant with a variety of American burgers to enjoy at Mad Mack’s Burgers. This family-friendly spot offers dishes like the Chalupa Burger, House Made Chili and a 10-inch Sonoran Hot Dog with Mad Mack’s secret sauce. Owner Shanda and Nick Kern opened this locale in 2015 and designed Mad Mack’s with retro decorations they collected over 25 years. Mad Mack’s has been a burger staple to Southside locals for the past nine years. Kern recommends the All-American Burger for first-time customers, which comes with a fresh one-third pound beef patty, lettuce, tomato, pickles and onions, all layered between soft bakery buns. Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday from noon-5 p.m., 2933 Roosevelt Ave., Mad Mack’s Burgers.
Zen Haus SA
Zen Haus SA is an energy studio that offers wellness classes and a variety of healthy teas and coffees. The ‘haus’ embodies serenity and uses it to welcome those in search of a peaceful space. Aside from a cozy environment, Zen Haus offers interactive workshops such as yoga, ceramics classes, tarot readings and arts and crafts events. Manager and event coordinator Clair Pineda at Beauty Haus, a sister shop and mini-spa upstairs from Zen Haus, describes Zen Haus as a sacred space for people to relax, similar to a sanctuary. Enjoy soft couches and refreshing AC while on a zenful break from school. Zen Haus offers access to a balcony if you want to bring along your furry friend. Monday through Sunday from 10 a.m.-11 p.m., 119 Heiman St., Suite 200, Zen Haus.
Tea House Pho Bahn Mi
Located 12 minutes from A&M-San Antonio’s campus, Tea House Pho Bahn Mi is the perfect place to pick up a milk tea in-between classes. Tea House offers boba drinks along with mochi donuts, fried corndogs and more. Besides its colorful walls and bubbly environment, Tea House Pho Banh Mi brings Southeast Asian cuisine to the Southside of San Antonio. Monday through Sunday 11:30 a.m.-8 p.m., 1314 S.W. Military Dr., Tea House Pho Banh Mi.
Los Conos Locos Ice Cream & Fruit
Los Conos Locos Ice Cream & Fruit is a Southside snack place to stop at for late-night cravings. When walking into the shop, guests are greeted by a lengthy menu of food and drinks that covers the height of the wall. Angeles Torres, manager at Los Conos Locos, said snacks vary from Mexican classics such as mangonadas and corn in a cup, to typical carnival treats like funnel cakes and fried Oreos. Take your time deciding between hot or cold snacks and spicy or sweet desserts. Torres recommends mini pancakes for first-time customers. Monday through Sunday from noon-10:30 p.m., 3102 Pleasanton Rd., Los Conos Locos.
South Alamode Panini Gelato
South Alamode Panini Gelato offers sweet treats like homemade gelato to refresh with while enduring the hot Texas weather. Gelato is a type of ice cream originating from Italy. Unlike ice cream, gelato has a softer consistency and denser texture. With a majority of the ingredients being imported from Italy, owner of South Alamode Josh Biffle said he ensures the gelato is made fresh every day. The flavors change daily, so feel free to stop by a couple of days a week to try new ones out. Thursday and Friday from 4 p.m.-10 p.m., Saturday 2 p.m.-4 p.m. and Sunday noon-8 p.m., 1420 S. Alamo St., Suite 102B, South Alamode Panini Gelato.
Explore: Nature, Art and Nightlife
Espada Aqueduct
After a full stomach, it might be a good idea to take a walk around one of San Antonio’s historic landmarks. Espada Aqueduct is the oldest Spanish aqueduct in the United States at over 275 years old. This historic aqueduct was built in the 1740s by the Spanish to transport water to the Espada Mission and irrigate the farms. Next to the aqueduct are big rock stairs under the trees, perfect for an evening picnic while overlooking the water creek. Don’t forget the bug repellant to keep the mosquitos away. 9045 Espada Rd, Espada Aqueduct.
Madla Greenway Trailhead
Madla Greenway Trailhead is a hiking area located between the rising VIDA neighborhood and A&M-San Antonio’s campus. The recycled asphalt loop trail can be accessed via University Way or the trailheads connected to the VIDA community. Spot butterflies and rabbits in their natural habitat, walk a mile in your comfiest sneakers and take in the fresh air. University Way, Madla Greenway Trailhead.
Artpace
Artpace is a non-profit residency and art gallery that offers free entrance to enjoy quiet walks while admiring the work of local and international artists. Founded in 1993 by businesswoman Linda Pace, Artpace has been used as a creative garden for new artists to join in and bloom with the community. Artpace is set to open its expanded rooftop patio in summer 2025. The new area will be used for art showings, courses, as a venue for weddings and more. Free parking is available for visitors on 451 N. Flores St. Monday through Friday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from noon-5 p.m., 445 N. Main Ave., Artpace.
Villa Finale Museum & Gardens
Villa Finale Museum & Gardens is a San Antonio Spanish–period house restored into a “finely 1876 Italianate home” where visitors can admire the history of the residence from 1876 to 1967 and century-old antique collections for a $12 entry fee. A tour guide will walk you through the rooms in this two-story house while explaining in detail its rich history. Visitors can also take a free-of-charge, self-guided tour around their Southern landscape garden on the same property. Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m., 401 King William St., Villa Finale Museum & Gardens.
BRICK at Blue Star
BRICK at Blue Star is an arts and entertainment venue where chandeliers glisten from the ceiling as vendors and artists sell good and works at events like Garden Markets, Blue Monday jazz nights, short film screenings, Book Swaps, Kpop Nights, live music shows and much more. Guests can usually attend these events at low cost or for free. Co-owner and founder of BRICK Elizabeth Ciarfeo said BRICK’s motto is providing a safe space for anyone interested in participating. Free parking is available on East Guenther Street and in the dirt lot located at the South end of the complex, directly across from the Southtown Lofts on Probandt Street, for $10. BRICK encourages their visitors to carpool. 108 Blue Star. BRICK
The Alley
In the mood for some headbanging? Alternative music venue The Alley is the perfect place to watch a local show. Live music fans can also find market vendors in the backyard selling a variety of clothes, jewelry and art in the making to browse as you wait between sets. Rates of $10 and under allow you to check out your favorite local band or discover your next music obsession. Follow The Alley’s Instagram page for news on upcoming shows. 2606 W. Southcross Blvd., Suite #101, The Alley.
