San Antonio, Texas, January 26, 2026
San Antonio is witnessing a vibrant growth in its culinary landscape, with the forthcoming launch of Mexico Ceaty and Over Under bar. Several local establishments, including Mixtli and Anacacho Coffee & Cantina, have gained recognition as semifinalists in the prestigious James Beard Awards, highlighting the city’s evolving food culture. Mexico Ceaty is set to offer a unique Mexican-forward dining experience along the River Walk, while Over Under aims to enhance the local bar scene with its inviting atmosphere. This dynamic expansion reflects San Antonio’s rich culinary heritage and innovation.
San Antonio’s Culinary Scene Flourishes with New Openings and Prestigious Recognitions
San Antonio, Texas – The city’s vibrant culinary landscape is experiencing significant growth, marked by the upcoming launch of Mexico Ceaty, the introduction of Over Under bar, and several local establishments earning spots as semifinalists in the prestigious James Beard Awards.
Mexico Ceaty’s April Debut on the River Walk
Mexico Ceaty, a major redevelopment of the Shops at Rivercenter’s food court, is set to open in April 2026. Spearheaded by local chef Jason Dady, this 21,000-square-foot venue aims to revitalize interest in the River Walk by offering a unique Mexican-forward experience. The establishment will feature sit-down dining, grab-and-go kiosks, bars, and retail spaces under one roof. The anchor restaurant, Tres Arcos, is a full-service Tex-Mex spot, while the central plaza will host a tortillerÃa, ceviche bar, fruterÃa, and Baja burrito stand. The design draws from diverse Mexican and Tex-Mex influences, including a mural by local artist Colton Valentine. Mexico Ceaty’s debut coincides with the city’s Fiesta event (April 16–26), positioning it to attract both tourists and locals. Dady expressed optimism that this project will bring people back to Rivercenter and potentially turn first-time visitors into repeat customers.
Over Under Joins San Antonio’s Expanding Bar Scene
Over Under is the latest addition to San Antonio’s burgeoning bar and restaurant scene. Located in the Southtown neighborhood on Cevallos Street, Over Under aims to offer a dual atmosphere—welcoming enough for casual locals, yet refined enough for date nights. The owner emphasizes a personal connection to San Antonio and a desire to contribute meaningfully to its evolving scene. In addition to Over Under, other notable openings include Houston-based Adair Kitchen and Tex-Mex favorite Los Tios along Broadway, taking over the former locations of Jim’s and La Madeleine respectively. These developments illustrate the city’s dynamic culinary expansion across both established and emerging areas.
San Antonio’s Semifinalists in the James Beard Awards
San Antonio has several semifinalists in the prestigious James Beard Awards for 2026, showcasing a mix of established favorites and emerging talent. This recognition is particularly meaningful for the city, as it has historically been overlooked in the national culinary scene. Notably, Mixtli returns as a semifinalist for Outstanding Restaurant, having previously been the first San Antonio establishment to receive a Michelin distinction. Another standout is Anacacho Coffee & Cantina, celebrated for its innovative offerings. The semifinalist list will be cut down to nominees on March 31, with the final winners announced on June 15 in Chicago.
Background Context
San Antonio’s culinary scene has been undergoing a transformation in recent years, with a surge in new establishments and national recognition. The city’s rich cultural heritage and diverse population contribute to a dynamic food culture that continues to evolve. The upcoming openings and accolades reflect a broader trend of growth and innovation in San Antonio’s food and beverage industry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Mexico Ceaty?
Mexico Ceaty is a 21,000-square-foot redevelopment of the Shops at Rivercenter’s food court, set to open in April 2026. It aims to offer a unique Mexican-forward experience with sit-down dining, grab-and-go kiosks, bars, and retail spaces under one roof. The anchor restaurant, Tres Arcos, is a full-service Tex-Mex spot, and the central plaza will feature a tortillerÃa, ceviche bar, fruterÃa, and Baja burrito stand. The design draws from diverse Mexican and Tex-Mex influences, including a mural by local artist Colton Valentine. Mexico Ceaty’s debut coincides with the city’s Fiesta event (April 16–26), positioning it to attract both tourists and locals.
Where is Over Under located?
Over Under is located in the Southtown neighborhood on Cevallos Street in San Antonio. It aims to offer a dual atmosphere—welcoming enough for casual locals, yet refined enough for date nights. The owner emphasizes a personal connection to San Antonio and a desire to contribute meaningfully to its evolving scene.
Which San Antonio establishments are semifinalists in the 2026 James Beard Awards?
San Antonio has several semifinalists in the prestigious James Beard Awards for 2026, showcasing a mix of established favorites and emerging talent. Notably, Mixtli returns as a semifinalist for Outstanding Restaurant, having previously been the first San Antonio establishment to receive a Michelin distinction. Another standout is Anacacho Coffee & Cantina, celebrated for its innovative offerings. The semifinalist list will be cut down to nominees on March 31, with the final winners announced on June 15 in Chicago.
Key Features of San Antonio’s Culinary Developments
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Mexico Ceaty | A 21,000-square-foot redevelopment of the Shops at Rivercenter’s food court, set to open in April 2026, offering a Mexican-forward experience with diverse dining options and retail spaces. |
| Over Under | A new bar in the Southtown neighborhood on Cevallos Street, aiming to provide a dual atmosphere suitable for both casual locals and date nights, contributing to the city’s evolving culinary scene. |
| James Beard Awards Semifinalists | San Antonio establishments, including Mixtli and Anacacho Coffee & Cantina, recognized as semifinalists in the 2026 James Beard Awards, highlighting the city’s growing national culinary recognition. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
San Antonio Coffee Festival: Brewing Community Spirit
February Events in San Antonio
San Antonio Becomes Texas’ Most Livable City
Texas Crisis Centers Struggle After Removal of LGBTQ+ Support from 988 Lifeline
San Antonio Shines with Six Nominations for James Beard Awards
Sunny’s All-Day Brunch & Bar Expands to San Antonio
Hemisfair District Retail Development Thrives in San Antonio
Birdie’s Restaurant: Leading the Charge in Culinary Innovation
GrayStreet Partners Gets Green Light for Broadway Hotel and Apartments
San Antonio Chefs and Restaurants Shine as Semifinalists for James Beard Awards
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
