It’s a well-known fact that San Antonio has one of the best dining scenes in Texas. Whether you’re looking for Tex-Mex, Southern comfort food, upscale Italian or a casual, old-school American diner, San Antonio has something for everyone.
What about dining options for San Antonio’s senior community, however? Almost 15% of the city’s population is over 65, and they’d certainly like to partake in San Antonio’s culinary offerings as much as everyone else. And, while it would be easy to find any Denny’s, Jim’s, or IHOP for a perfectly delightful senior breakfast special, let’s branch out and look for some dinner spots that are senior-friendly.
With that in mind, we’ll be looking for places with exemplary service, accessibility and mobility accommodations, and a quiet, crowd-free atmosphere. Finally, while plenty of parking and early dinner hours are both musts, a little senior discount wouldn’t hurt, either!
So, without further ado, here are the best early dinner spots in San Antonio for seniors to beat the crowds:
Mare E Monti Italian Restaurant
Location: 9390 Huebner Rd, San Antonio, TX 78240
Phone: (210) 267-1233
Website: mareemonte.com
Rating: ⭐4.9/5 on Google (4,000+ reviews)
Located off Huebner Road, Mare E Monti, a name which translates to ‘sea and mountain’ in Italian, offers an enticing combination of fine flavors and casual ambience, perfect for any seniors looking for a quiet night of luxury. The restaurant boasts of its ‘Orecchiette di terra’ or ‘little ear’ pasta marinated in San Marzano tomato sauce with Italian sausage. Most importantly, however, the Mare E Monti staff is known for its exceptional service. Multiple online reviewers mention the staff’s kind, welcoming demeanors and exceptional knowledge of the menu’s offerings. If you’re looking for a quiet place to try a new dish, Mare E Monti is a great place to start!
Dinner Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 4:00pm – 9:30pm
Order: Orecchiette di terra. Lobster Ravioli. Chicken Parmesan.
2. Cappy’s
Location: 5011 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209
Phone: (210) 828-9669
Website: cappysrestaurant.com
Rating: ⭐4.6/5 on Google (2,100+ reviews)
A San Antonio staple since 1977, Cappy’s describes itself as upscale, yet casual. One online reviewer even described it as “like an old yacht club.” Thus, Cappy’s is perfect for any senior looking for an accommodating dinner spot. Though they don’t open until 5pm for dinner, Cappy’s more than makes up for the late start with its exceptionally courteous staff and its commitment to ensuring each customer is treated with care and respect. Customers can look forward to trying the wide variety of seafood on the menu, as well as numerous other classic American dishes such as mac and cheese.
Dinner Hours: Monday – Saturday: 5:00pm – 9:00pm, Sunday: 5:30pm – 9:00pm
Order: Jumbo Lump Blue Crab Cake. Texas Pot Roast. Mustang Chicken.
Bistr09
Location: 6106 Broadway, Suite A1, San Antonio, TX 787209
Phone: (210) 245-8156
Website: bistr09.com
Rating: ⭐4/5 on Yelp (184 reviews)
In the heart of the Alamo Heights neighbourhood sits Bistr09, a French brasserie offering classics such as oysters, onion soup and various risottos. On top of the quality food, Bistr09 is known for its charming interior, offering a peaceful atmosphere for seniors to come and enjoy an early dinner. As well, Bistr09 is noted for having top notch service; the staff is fully committed to making sure each guest is completely satisfied with their experience.
Dinner Hours: Monday – Saturday, 4:00pm – 10:00pm
Order: French Onion Soup. Escargots. Duck Confit, if you want to treat yourself.
The Barn Door
Location: 8400 N. New Braunfels Ave, San Antonio, TX 78209
Phone: (210) 824-0116
Website: thebarndoorrestaurant.com
Rating: ⭐4.4/5 on Google (2,300 reviews)
To remain in business for over seventy years, as The Barn Door has, you must be doing a lot of things right. Among these, The Barn Door can claim great food, a charming, old school theme, and service that makes you feel right at home. Oh, and the steak. The Barn Door isn’t just the oldest steakhouse in San Antonio; it’s also one of the best. Seniors who visit will find plenty of parking, early dinner hours, and a farm-themed decor that is sure to charm even the most committed city slicker.
Dinner Hours: Wednesday – Sunday, 5:00pm – 10:00pm
Order: Chicken Fried Chicken. Blue Ribbon Filet. Chopped Sirloin.
Carrabba’s Grill
Location: 12507 I-10, San Antonio, TX 78230
Phone: (210) 694-4191
Website: carrabbas.com
Rating: ⭐4.6/5 on Google (3,627 reviews)
If you’re in the mood for more Italian after trying the first option on the list, Carrabba’s is right off I-10 and, unique amongst restaurants on this list, offers a 10% discount for AARP members. When heading out the door for an early dinner, it doesn’t hurt to know there’s a hefty discount waiting for you as well. Food-wise, Carrabba’s is known for their fettuccine alfredo and chicken parmesan. If that’s not enough to entice you, Carrabba’s is also known for having an excellent wine selection, detail-oriented waitstaff, and delicious desserts.
Dinner Hours: Monday – Sunday, 4:00pm – 10:00pm
Order: Fettuccine Alfredo. Chicken Parmesan. Mezzaluna.
Lisa’s Mexican Restaurant
Location: 815 Bandera Rd, San Antonio, TX 78228
Phone: (210) 433-2531
Website: lisasmexican.com
Rating: ⭐4.1/5 on Google (2,400+ reviews)
Serving the San Antonio community for over four decades, the Lisa’s team pride themselves on providing ‘superior quality food’ and ‘legendary customer service’ to all of their guests. Online reviews seem to agree, with many mentioning the great service. The interior is wheelchair friendly, the noise-level is moderate, and the parking-lot is private and spacious, making Lisa’s the complete package for seniors. If you’re there between 3pm and 7pm, be sure to inquire about the happy hour specials.
Dinner Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 3:00pm – 8:00pm
Order: Lisa’s Puffy Tacos. Chicken Mole. Pozole.
Max and Louie’s New York Diner
Location: 226 W Bitters Rd #126, San Antonio, TX 78216
Phone: (210) 483-7600
Website: maxandlouies.com
Rating: ⭐4.5/5 on Google (6,500 reviews) | Featured in Texas Eats
We all agree that southern food is great. The amount of steak and Tex-Mex on this list is a testament to this. However, a relative newcomer to the San Antonio food scene has been making waves by bringing a bit of New York flair to the Lone Star State. Serving classic, NY-style diner food from morning to night, Max and Louie’s has been receiving rave reviews from a variety of San Antonio media outlets. It’s not only about the food, though, as Max and Louie’s also stress their hospitality and an ‘atmosphere that’s perfect for the entire family.’
Dinner Hours: Sunday – Thursday: 3:00pm – 9:00pm, Friday – Saturday: 3:00pm – 10:00pm
Order: B.A.D. Burger. Chicken Parmesan. Caesar Salad With Chicken.
Final Thoughts
Finding a new restaurant to go to dinner to as a senior doesn’t have to be a hassle. If you know what you want and plan ahead, you can find a nice place and be in and out in no time. Unless, of course, you want to hang out for a while, which, at any of the above listed places, you’re also welcome to do.
In any case, every restaurant listed above is wheelchair accessible, starts dinner at 5pm at the latest, and has plenty of parking. It never hurts to call ahead, though, and make sure they didn’t get suddenly busy, or that they accommodate you if you’re coming in a large party. Bon apetit!