Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, San Antonio Airport, TX

AIRPORT. In a city full of Tex-Mex, Pappadeaux's offers an appealing change of pace. They serve tasty Cajun favorites...

AIRPORT. In a city full of Tex-Mex, Pappadeaux's offers an appealing change of pace. They serve tasty Cajun favorites like traditional etouffee and gumbo, and non-seafood eaters can opt for a savory chicken dish or a steak. Portions are usually enormous, so ask your server if it's advisable to split a dish with someone else in your party. On weeknights, "boiled shrimp happy hour" is very popular.

Hours: Sun-Thu 11am-10pm; Fri-Sat 11am-11pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

ALAMO HEIGHTS. Hungry for top-notch pizza? You've found the right spot at EZ's. They cook their pies in a wood-fired...

ALAMO HEIGHTS. Hungry for top-notch pizza? You've found the right spot at EZ's. They cook their pies in a wood-fired oven for delicious, smoky flavor, and if you sit at the bar, you can even watch yours being made. EZ's is also popular for thick, homemade shakes made with Blue Bell ice cream. Other popular items include roasted rosemary chicken and fresh caesar salads. At EZ's you place your order at the counter and help yourself to drinks, a practice that keeps prices low enough to feed the entire family! Fun and lively.

Hours: Sun-Thu 10am-10pm; Fri-Sat 10am-11pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

AIRPORT. They must be doing something right at El Jarro de Arturo ­ the San Antonio institution has been around for...

AIRPORT. They must be doing something right at El Jarro de Arturo ­ the San Antonio institution has been around for more than thirty years. Sit on the air-conditioned patio while you enjoy specialties like carne asada and roasted corn poblano soup. Thoughtful vegetarian fare is also available, including spinach mushroom quesadillas and portabello mushroom enchiladas. Combination dinners and a range of specialty entrees satisfy too. Finish up with a stiff Mexican coffee. An affordable lunch buffet is a welcome weekday feature.

Hours: Sun-Thu 11am-10pm; Fri-Sat 11am-11:30pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

OLMOS PARK. From its whimsical name (which means "goodbye, laundromat" and alludes to the building's former...

OLMOS PARK. From its whimsical name (which means "goodbye, laundromat" and alludes to the building's former occupant) to its wallet- and customer-friendly three-tiered menu, Ciao Lavanderia provides an innovative experience. You can, for example, enjoy shrimp saute al limone for $6. Then, gnocchi napolitan beckons from the menu's $12 section, as does penne with pancetta and peas. For $16, you can splurge on mushroom and quail risotto. Owner Damian Watel brings the success he cultivated at Bistro Vatel to this fresh Italian eatery just a few storefronts down.

Hours: Mon-Thu 11am-2pm, 5pm-9:30pm; Fri 11am-2pm, 5pm-10pm; Sat 5pm-10pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

BRACKENRIDGE PARK. The atmosphere is pleasant and the menu enticing at this inviting Mediterranean restaurant. Many...

BRACKENRIDGE PARK. The atmosphere is pleasant and the menu enticing at this inviting Mediterranean restaurant. Many diners enjoy ordering a variety of tapas and small plates such as grilled calamari, tempura-battered soft shell crab or a sampler of dolmathes, hummus, tabbouleh and pita bread. Main dishes include bouillabaise, walnut-encrusted pork loin and crab cakes; an impressive wine list enhances the experience.

Hours: Mon-Thu 11am-9pm; Fri-Sat 11am-10pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

MONTE VISTA. If you're craving a burger and fries while in town, you must go to Chris Madrid's. Hand-cut fries and...

MONTE VISTA. If you're craving a burger and fries while in town, you must go to Chris Madrid's. Hand-cut fries and massive burgers are legendary, especially the Cheddar Cheezy and the Tostada Burger, which incorporates refried beans, homemade salsa, and cheese. More basic burgers, a grilled chicken sandwich, and chalupas can also be had, and everything comes in regular and "macho" sizes. The place is decidedly family-friendly, so be sure to bring extra quarters for video games.

Hours: Mon-Sat 11am-10pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

BRACKENRIDGE PARK. Sometimes you just need a chicken-fried steak sandwich at 4 in the morning. Thankfully, Pig Stand...

BRACKENRIDGE PARK. Sometimes you just need a chicken-fried steak sandwich at 4 in the morning. Thankfully, Pig Stand (which bills itself as the world's first drive-thru) delivers. All the classics are here: burgers, malts, and fried shrimp. Plus, the Pig Sandwich is a simple joy ­ tender pork barbecue, relish, and sauce. If you want to sit and savor, skip the history-making drive-thru and head for the 1950s-themed interior. A jukebox plays oldies, and there's pig paraphernalia aplenty. And yes, breakfast is served all day.

Hours: Sun-Thu 6am-Midnight; Fri-Sat Open 24 Hours

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

NORTHWEST. If you want to know what "real" Texans eat, make it a point to stop by County Line. Packed with memorabilia...

NORTHWEST. If you want to know what "real" Texans eat, make it a point to stop by County Line. Packed with memorabilia and looking like an authentic roadhouse, the place puts everyone at ease. The food is just as unpretentious: smoked brisket, barbecued ribs, sausages, chicken, and sandwiches. Corroborating local opinion are favorable reviews of County Line by publications like The New York Times, Bon Appetit, and Southern Living. Additional perks: live music on Wednesday nights and an all-you-can-eat option for $18.99 per person ($6.99 for kids).

Hours: Sun-Thu 11am-9pm, Fri-Sat 11am-10pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

DOWNTOWN. Hearty, simple Mexican fare that's reasonably priced makes this laid-back dining room a popular choice.

DOWNTOWN. Hearty, simple Mexican fare that's reasonably priced makes this laid-back dining room a popular choice.

Hours: Mon-Fri 5:30am-3pm; Sat 6am-2pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

DOWNTOWN. Once you eat at this deli, you'll understand why the place has been successful for more than 80 years....

DOWNTOWN. Once you eat at this deli, you'll understand why the place has been successful for more than 80 years. Traditional German foods rank as the delicious specialty, and the variety of wursts is justifiably famous. Fresh-made soups (try the split pea) are also satisfying, and plenty of deli sandwiches make for great lunching. A tempting dessert menu and homemade root beer also provide good reasons to visit. You may encounter lines during busy hours.

Hours: Mon-Sat 7am-8:30pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club