San Antonio, at 300, is all grown up

The Pearl is an example of urban renewal, with a new neighborhood birthed from an old industrial complex. ( Mark Johanson/Chicago Tribune )

Chicago Tribune

March 27, 2018 2:58 PM PT

Celebrating its tricentennial this year, San Antonio is worth a visit for its hip eateries, history and, yes, its famed River Walk.

San Antonio’s new food hall is in the old bottling department of the Pearl Brewery. ( Mark Johanson/Chicago Tribune )

The Bottling Department Food Hall at Pearl features six vendors selling food, drinks and sweets. ( Mark Johanson/Chicago Tribune )

Tenko Ramen is one of six fast-casual concepts at the Bottling Department Food Hall at Pearl. (Mark Johanson/Chicago Tribune )

Chef Chris Cullum crafts gourmet fast food at Cullum’s Attagirl on St. Mary’s Strip. (Mark Johanson/Chicago Tribune )

Villa Rica is a new Veracruz-style seafood restaurant with dishes like this soft-shell crab taco. (Mark Johanson/Chicago Tribune )

The Blue Star Arts Complex in the Southtown area of San Antonio is a big draw, thanks to its bars, restaurants, shops and art galleries. ( Mark Johanson/Chicago Tribune )

Confluence Park is one of two new riverside parks opening in San Antonio this year. ( Mark Johanson/Chicago Tribune )

Charcuterie plates are popular at Cured, from chef Steve McHugh. (Mark Johanson/Chicago Tribune )

The artisan treats at Maybelle’s Donuts come in flavors like chocolate with sea salt or blackberry with elderflower. (Mark Johanson/Chicago Tribune )

Southtown is an area of San Antonio that’s home to stately neighborhoods, like the King William Historic District. ( Mark Johanson/Chicago Tribune )

San Antonio’s River Walk is one of its top tourist draws, and the famed path is where you’ll find lots of options for eating and drinking. (Mark Johanson/Chicago Tribune )

San Antonio Botanical Garden has a new teaching kitchen, where people can learn how to grow veggies and cook fresh meals. ( Mark Johanson/Chicago Tribune )

Restaurant Gwendolyn, which is by the River Walk, offers great charcuterie boards and highly seasonal menus. (Mark Johanson/Chicago Tribune )

Chef Johnny Hernandez is one of San Antonio’s most prolific chefs. He has several restaurants across town. ( Mark Johanson/Chicago Tribune )

Hotel Emma is named after Emma Koehler, who ran Pearl Brewery after her husband, Otto Koehler, died in 1914. (Mark Johanson/Chicago Tribune )

The gourmet grocer Larder at Hotel Emma sells local Texan products. (Mark Johanson/Chicago Tribune )

Travel & Experiences

San Antonio, at 300, is all grown up

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