San Antonio’s Pearl District hides a fiery gem where smoke curls like a welcome hug and flavors pop like a confetti cannon.
Carriqui isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a love letter to South Texas, served on a plate kissed by wood-fired grills and smothered in regional charm.
Think smoky brisket, margaritas that could fuel a fiesta, and nachos so iconic they’ve earned their own fan club. Forget “hidden gem”—this place is a full-blown treasure chest. 🔥
Food Highlights
- Classic Nachos with Burnt Ends: Each chip is a mini masterpiece—loaded with refried beans, melted cheddar, and house-pickled jalapeños, then crowned with smoky brisket burnt ends. A San Antonio Express News Top 10 pick, these nachos are why tables turn into communal snack altars.
- Smoked Texas Brisket: Fall-apart tender, rubbed with spices, and smoked over native wood. Served with xni-pec (a fiery Yucatán salsa) and a side of “why haven’t I eaten this every day?” regrets.
- Sweet Corn Cakes with Herb Butter: Imagine cornbread’s fancier cousin—spongy, slightly sweet, and slathered with savory herb butter. It’s like breakfast, dessert, and a hug rolled into one.
- Ceviche with Texas Redfish: Fresh Gulf fish tangoed with lime, avocado, and olives—a zesty, bright counterpoint to all that smoky goodness. Perfect for pretending you’re seaside. 🐟
- Smoked Country Fried Quail: Crispy, juicy quail paired with a sweet corn cake and local honey. It’s the kind of dish that makes you want to write a country song.
- Carriqui T-Bone: A 16oz steak seared over wood flames, draped in herb butter. For meat lovers, it’s the equivalent of finding a pot of gold. 🌟
Atmosphere
Step into a space where cowboy rustic shakes hands with modern chic. The restored 1860s Boehler House oozes history with its original woodwork, airy patios, and a molino (corn grinder) that doubles as decor.
On Smokehouse Sundays, the patio buzzes with live music and clinking margarita glasses, while the main dining room feels like a cozy, upscale abuela’s kitchen.
Staff like José (a menu-whispering legend) keep vibes high, and the crowd? A mix of locals, tourists, and folks who’ve driven hours just for those nachos.
Related: Crazy good breakfast spots in San Antonio
Why It’s One of the Best in Texas:
- Fire is the MVP: Nearly every dish gets a smoky makeover—from brisket to shrimp—thanks to custom pits and grills fueled by Texas oak.
- Regional Road Trip on a Plate: The menu zigzags across South Texas, blending Rio Grande Valley staples, Gulf Coast seafood, and Hill Country smokehouse magic.
- Margaritas Don’t Play Around: Tequila Tuesdays mean half-price margs all day. Pair them with queso, and you’ve got a very responsible life choice. 🍹
- Historic Hangout Vibes: The building once hosted Pearl Brewery’s first post-Prohibition beer bash. Now? It’s where memories (and maybe a few napkins) are forged.
- Inclusive & Unpretentious: Gender-neutral restrooms, pescatarian options, and a vibe that says “come as you are”—even if “you” are a nacho enthusiast in stretchy pants.
Address: 239 E Grayson St, San Antonio, TX 78215