Introduction – Megan Hageney, A&E Editor
Welcome to San Antonio! Get ready to fall in love with this place. It is the home of the Spurs, some of the best food in the world, the Alamo and 300 days of sunshine. It is moreover monthly host of First Friday, a plethora of farmers markets, and Fiesta celebrations in the Spring. Also, San Antonians are some of the friendliest people you will ever meet. So during your time at Trinity, make an effort to explore this city because I find that the people who are least passionate about San Antonio are the ones that never leave the Trinity bubble. The Arts & Entertainment staff has compiled lists of some of the best places in San Antonio to give you a head start for your adventures. Not having a car is no excuse. Carpool with a friend, rent a bike with B-Cycle (a bike sharing system with the city) or just walk! So what are you waiting for? Take this cheat sheet with you and discover what this beautiful city has to offer.
Museums – Maddie Smith, A&E Reporter
Whether it’s for a quiet afternoon with friends or a way to prove to your parents that you’re actually becoming cultured, a trip to the museum can be an impressive, informative and perhaps entertaining experience. Fortunately, San Antonio is chockfull of a variety of museums, many of which are near Trinity and have deals for students.
McNay Art Museum
6000 N. New Braunfels Ave, San Antonio, TX 78209
Price: Students with ID- $10
Only five minutes away from campus, The McNay offers students a fun and accessible opportunity to see a variety of artwork. It is the first modern art museum in Texas and has become a central part of the San Antonio culture. Currently, it is hosting a new Norman Rockwell exhibit that allows viewers to learn an indepth history of the artist and his use of photography to create drawings.
Witte Museum
3801 Broadway St., San Antonio, TX, 78209
Prices: Adults- $10
Tuesdays from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.- free
Perhaps most recognizable for the prehistoric statue out front, San Antonio’s natural history museum, the Witte, is another quick drive and fun time. One popular part is the dinosaur exhibit, which will end on Sept. 2. There’s also information on fossils, paleontology and up- to- date scientific discoveries. To calm down from all the Jurassic excitement, there is an exhibit dedicated to Texas Impressionism and its contributions to the movement.
The Alamo
300 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, TX 78205
Price: Free
As one of the most famous landmarks of both San Antonio and Texas, the historic site from the Battle of the Alamo is a must-see for anybody living in the area.
San Antonio Museum of Art
200 W Jones Ave., San Antonio, TX 78215
Prices: Students with ID- $5
Tuesdays from 4p.m. to 9p.m.- Free
Sundays from 10a.m. to 12p.m.- Free
With collections from American, Islamic and European origins among others, and time periods ranging from ancient to modern, the San Antonio Museum of Art holds some of the most renowned pieces of artwork in the state. Here you’ll find pieces ranging from Chinese Yuan-dynasty artifacts to pink electric chairs, meaning there’s something for everybody.
Institute of Texan Cultures
801 East Cesar E. Chavez Blvd., San Antonio, Texas, 78233
Price: Students with ID- $6
The Institute of Texan Cultures, a museum affiliated with The Smithsonian, offers the chance to become enlightened on all the magic that is Texas.
Off the beaten track movie theaters – Mason Walker, A&E Reporter
Avid moviegoers have plenty of options in San Antone. When looking for the latest rom-com or action hit, the best bet is probably the Regal Alamo Quarry Stadium 16 (16255 E. Basse Road). It is close to campus, and offers Student Discount Tuesday, when tickets are only $6 with a Trinity ID. We have some excellent under-the-radar theaters as well, including:
Santikos Bijou Cinema Bistro
4522 Fredricksburg Road, San Antonio, TX 78201
The Bijou showcases indie films. The under-12 age restriction keeps crybabies out. Serves entrees.
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
618 NW Loop 410
The Drafthouse features a mixture of indies and wide releases. Known for special events like “Girlie Night” and epic “Princess Bride” quote-alongs. Serves entrees.
Santikos Palladium
17703 W IH-10, San Antonio, TX 78257
Plays mostly mainstream releases. giant interior features arcade and a variety of food options, including a cafe and a gelato shop. Features IMAX-style screen. Pricey but enjoyable treat.
Dining – John Mendiola, A&E Reporter
Even though San Antonio is getting skinnier, you will still probably gain the freshman 15 at a rapid rate with all of these delicious and affordable eateries in this city.
Alamo Cafe
14250 San Pedro Ave. San Antonio, TX 78232.
Mexican food and San Antonio are as entwined as losing and the Alamo. Alamo Cafe looks like a Presidio where the missionaries serve delicious enchiladas and beans. The waiters do not wear traditional Catholic clergy outfits, in case the attempt at humor was not clear.
The Cove
606 W. Cypress St., San Antonio, TX 78212.
The Cove’s menu may seem like it was put together by a patient at the local asylum but the dishes they serve have a theme: SOL. Yes, that SOL. Sustainable, Organic and Local. Goat burgers and fish tacos are surprisingly delicious.
Chama Gaàºcha Brazilian Steakhouse
18318 Sonterra Place, San Antonio, TX 78258.
Chama only costs $35. The word “only” is not used lightly when the restaurant is compared to similar places like Fogo de Chao ($50). There are enough steaks and meat products to satisfy any starving student or any student who hates themselves enough.
King’s Court Frankfurter Express
111 Kings Court. San Antonio, TX. 78212.
Both competitive hot dog eaters and casual hotdog fans will enjoy the homey look and diverse selection of hot dogs of King’s Court.
Capparelli’s on Main
2524 North Main Ave., San Antonio, TX 78212
San Antonio is littered with Italian food. Caparrelli’s serve typical Italian cuisine like pasta, bread and fried cheese. The main entrees, especially during dinner, can border on expensive ($20 a plate) but the taste is a notch above other options.
Broadway 50/50
5050 Broadway St., San Antonio, TX 78209.
Quentin Tarantino has made a lot of lasting contributions to cinema. Broadway 50/50 pays tribute to his achievements with a Tarantino-themed restaurant that offers fine American cuisine such as a Mr. Brown milkshake and a Vincent Vega burger.
Demo’s Greek Food
2501 N. St. Mary’s St., San Antonio, TX 78212.
San Antonio is not known for Greek food selection, but Demo’s scratches that itch. Any want of gyros or baklavas can be solidly satisfied. There is even bellydancing night every week.
Lulu’s Bakery and Cafe
918 N. Main Ave., San Antonio, TX 78212.
Some responsible writers may find it salient to mention that Lulu’s serves giant chicken-fried steak and good breakfast plates. Other writers know better and choose to talk at length about the amazing and diabetes-inducing three-pound cinnamon roll. The aforementioned roll’s center is stuffed with tiny cinnamon roll nuggets.
Augie’s Barbed Wire Smoke House
3709 N. St. Mary’s St., San Antonio, TX 78212
Eating barbecue is not just for Fourth of July weekend or to announce the start of summer. The proximity and taste of Auggie’s BBQ allow eating cream corn, baby back ribs and briskets every day.
Big Lou’s Pizza
2048 S W.W. White Rd. San Antonio, TX 78222
Pizza normally does not define a person’s life but a 42-inch pizza is a whole other matter. The wait for one of these magnificent pizzas can take an hour or two.
