In San Antonio, where local restaurants grapple with rising costs and attracting diners, Neighborhood Eats spotlights vibrant local eateries.
SAN ANTONIO — With increased costs and restaurants struggling to bring in customers, it is more important than ever to support local restaurants in the San Antonio area.
In a KENS 5 series, we feature local eateries each week in Neighborhood Eats, giving the owners and staff a chance to tell their story and show off what makes them stand out in the market. In 2025, the restaurants featured on Neighborhood Eats ranged from Tex-Mex favorites to unique Italian bites and even a place to get giant conchas as big as your head!
Take a look at the restaurants featured in Neighborhood Eats that captured the most interest in 2025.
San Antonio Burger Co.
We begin with a classic favorite, especially here in San Antonio….burgers!
San Antonio Burger Co. prides itself on serving thick, juicy patties and homemade sauce. Its owner, Rohit Chugh, moved to the United States from India in 2014 with big dreams of becoming an entrepreneur.
“People come here not only for the burgers,” Chugh said. “Our fries are pretty famous as well.”
MORE: Buns, beef and bold flavor: The burgers San Antonio locals can’t stop talking about | Neighborhood Eats
Tutto Pepe Osteria
Italy may be thousands of miles away, but San Antonians don’t have to drive that far to find some authentic pasta. Several Italian restaurants were featured in Neighborhood Eats this year.
One of the highest interest, Tutto Pepe Osteria, a neighborhood restaurant on the far north side is quickly becoming the local spot for pasta lovers.
The beloved Italian restaurant opened its doors soon after the pandemic in October 2023 by Charlie Gonzalez and his wife Gabby who saw a need for an Italian eatery in their tight-knit community.
MORE: North-side Italian restaurant serving authentic one-of-a-kind pasta dishes | Neighborhood Eats
The Ridge at the Hill
It is a family affair at The Ridge at the Hill nearly two years new at New Braunfels Road and I-35.
“I would say that it is ‘elevated comfort cuisine’ that we get to showcase on the east side now,” said general manager and family daughter Amanda Dortman.
Dortman does the family business with her parents and two other siblings.
“I would say that it is really interesting,” she said. “I wouldn’t have it any other way. Everybody gets along just great.”
They describe the menu as comfort food meeting elevation including fan favorite, the Ridge Burger.
MORE: Comfort food meets elevation at The Ridge at the Hill | Neighborhood Eats
Fun Buns
Cheeky graffiti covers the walls at a Spring Branch restaurant, creating smiles and laughter as people enjoy their meals within the eatery.
The place at its core is a simple burger joint but add in the hilarious theme, delicious food and welcoming atmosphere, it quickly becomes a fan favorite hangout.
“It’s all about family here. You come as you are and we’ll take care of you and feed you and give you the best quality of food. And the kids can have fun while the parents can sit and socialize,” General Manager Jonathan Linsalata said.
MORE: Spring Branch restaurant offers ‘best burger,’ giant onion rings | Neighborhood Eats
Panfila Cantina
Looking for the giant concha in San Antonio, Texas? You’ll find it at a Mexican brunch restaurant on the north side of San Antonio.
Owner Carlos “Charlie” Gonzalez, his wife Gabby and a close friend opened Panfila Cantina, home to the giant concha, which is typically served with a 16 pound mug of hot chocolate.
MORE: Mexican restaurant highlights brunch menu featuring giant concha | Neighborhood Eats
Dining and Cooking