By Jesse Cazares
Students drive to this university’s South Side oasis with education on their minds and hunger in the backseat. But when hunger comes to the forefront, there are better options than the slew of fast food restaurants down Southwest Military Drive.
Consider this, between these concrete structures are local charms. The Mesquite searched for some of the best and affordable, down-home hot meals you can find before, between, or after classes. Instead of driving through McDonald’s for a $1 cheeseburger, check out these family owned eateries within five miles from Main Campus.
Judy’s Food To Go #2
5510 Roosevelt Ave. 78214
210-627-2707
Hours: 7a.m.-3 p.m. Monday to Saturday
Drive down Roosevelt Avenue to Judy’s, where you can take the food to go or enjoy a leisurely meal. Diners will feel at home once they see the handmade plate that welcomes diners and states, “Bienvenidos, mi casa es su casa,” meaning “Welcome, my home is your home.” During the week, visitors are lucky to hear live Mexican music and take advantage of daily lunch specials, from classic breakfast tacos to combo plates. If you feel like eating Judy’s version of authentic Mexican food, try the Machacado plate or the enchiladas verdes. Located across the street from Jack in the Box, Judy’s brings the true taste of Mexican food to this side of town.
EJ China Bistro & Sushi
11643 SE Loop 410 78214
210-921-2626
Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday to Sunday
Tired of enchiladas? Stop in and dine at the only Chinese restaurant located off 410 between Highways 35 and 37. EJ’s offers a variety of choices, from steamed fish to the uniquely named sushi plates like the SA Spurs, which includes spicy salmon, green onions, jalapenos, and spicy mayo filled with tuna, or the Texas A&M, which includes tuna, salmon, cream cheese avocado, crab salad and spicy mayo. As the weather begins to cool, consider soup inexpensively priced at $1.95, or egg rolls for $1.99 each, and stay refreshed with a variety of bubble teas. Luncheon hours run from 11 a.m. through 3 p.m. and every special comes with fried rice, and a choice of an egg roll or fried rangoon. So prepare your best chopsticks and dive on in.
Fred’s Fish Fry #1
3303 Pleasanton Rd. 78221
210-927-4914
Hours: 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Monday to Sunday
http://www.fredsfishfryinc.com
Fred’s Fish Fry feels like an old, forgotten building with its dark brick exterior and faded yellow shingled roof, but enjoys the reputation and business that comes with being a South Side staple for more than 50 years. Guests can still hear the original buzzing from the light up menu displaying all the menu items. Fred’s fried fish specialty, battered and fried to order, pleases families who honor and cherish their food. Fred’s also offers onion rings the size of bracelets for $1.29 an order, and an off-the-menu chicken sandwich for 99 cents. Get a three piece fish and fries for $5.48. Hop a ride with Poseidon to any of the 18 locations.
B&B Smokehouse
2627 Pleasanton Rd. 78221
210-921-2745
Hours: 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday to Saturday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday
http://bbsmokehouse.com
Look for the long red building with the simple white plywood letters that read “Bar-B-Que,” if you’d like to indulge on the 16-24 hour roasted meats from the pit. B&B’s meats can come lean, decked on a burger, a topping to a salad, or even as a plate. Owner Mark Findley’s idea of well prepared barbeque has been his dream, so much so that he dropped his film degree to become the foodie he is today. Just celebrating its 30th Anniversary, the smokehouse offers many favorites like the hand carved Po’ Boy for $5.59 with a choice of beef, or turkey. Guests in a rush can even take the brisket to go in a San Antonio tradition — the taco. Roll up your sleeves, put your napkin on bib style and get to work.
Bud Jones #1
Home of ALL the Fish You Can Eat
1440 SW Military Dr. 78221
210-977-9161
Hours: 7 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 7 a.m.-midnight Friday to Saturday
http://www.budjonesrestaurant.com
When this South Side establishment opened in 1958, surprisingly, burger and fries were not the first item on the menu: it was a platter of fish and chips. Along with its original dish, you can dine on traditional Mexican enchiladas topped with homemade meat sauce. Try the famous Special Mexican Plate which includes two plump enchiladas along with golden Mexican rice and beans for under $10. Save with a pure beef burger and fries for $5.99. Make a quick stop in the morning for breakfast tacos less than $2, with bean and cheese starting at 99 cents. Try the French toast catered to the south side, simply named French toast of the South Side. Early morning or midday, the best part is A&M-San Antonio students and staff receive 20 percent off their order with a valid student ID.