Fresh cuisine. Modern culture. And so much more.
City Council Districts 4, 5, 6, 7
Culture and tradition meet on the city’s Westside. Tex-Mex cuisine emerged in this neighborhood and elaborate murals fill the walls of historic buildings across the area. From authentic local eateries to unique art exhibits at the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center to fishing at Woodlawn Lake Park, take time to experience authentic San Antonio.
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE
Rich in history, art and culture – past and present. That’s the westside. Dating back to middle of the 18th century, this community is where San Antonio’s famed Tex-Mex cuisine emerged. It’s also home to magnificent murals that offer a unique glimpse into the city’s Mexican-American heritage. The area’s Deco District is part of the historic Old Spanish Trail, the first paved coast-to-coast U.S. highway. And, nearby Monticello Park was one the city’s most exclusive neighborhoods when it was developed in the 1920s; home styles here still range from Spanish Eclectic to Tudor Revival.
Neighborhood Favorites
Take a walking tour of the Westside’s historic murals with San Anto Cultural Arts. Drive through the Deco District on Fredericksburg Road to browse buildings with Art Deco architecture, marked by geometric shapes and forms; or, head to Monticello Park to view homes that range from Art Moderne to Spanish Eclectic to Tudor Revival. Take a break from browsing beautiful architecture and grab breakfast at Pancake Joe’s or The Original Donut Shop for fresh-made donuts and tacos – puro San Antonio style. Or, grab a cup of coffee and swing by Barrio Barista for the famous Horchata Latte. Visit Delicious Tamales, the leading manufacturer of tamales in San Antonio, to sample and buy fresh tamales (they make 70 dozen every two minutes!). Get active at Elmendorf Lake Park or Woodlawn Lake Park – fish, canoe and swim with views of downtown and the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Little Flower. Catch a local production at the Woodlawn Theatre; then, shop around the Wonderland of the Americas Mall or head to Janie’s Record Shop for an eclectic selection of vinyl. For more outdoor fun, consider Cool Crest Miniature Golf, which opened in 1929, to play two professionally designed, challenging miniature golf courses with the whole family. Come explore what’s new.
Browse hotels on the city’s Westside for ease of access to downtown and neighborhood attractions. Or, book a bed and breakfast or home rental in the funky, historic Deco District and Monticello Park.
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For breakfast, check our local-favorite, The Original Donut Shop, for coffee, donuts and of course, breakfast tacos. For an eclectic take on Mexican seafood, visit El Siete Mares. For snacks and fruit cups, consider Los Cocos on Bandera. And, for puffy tacos, don’t miss Ray’s Drive In.
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Get some fresh air and walk or bike around Woodlawn Lake Park. Browse the historic buildings in the Deco District and nearby residential area, Monticello Park. Catch a local show at the Woodlawn Theater. Or, shop neighborhood art collections and clothing boutiques for unique finds.
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