San Antonio, Texas, January 26, 2026
San Antonio’s culinary landscape is booming with the upcoming launch of Mexico Ceaty and Over Under bar, alongside several nominations for the prestigious James Beard Awards. Mexico Ceaty, set to open in April 2026, aims to re-energize the River Walk with its diverse Mexican offerings. Over Under is a new bar in Southtown that caters to both casual and refined dining experiences. The James Beard nominations highlight the city’s growing prominence in the culinary scene, showcasing the talent of local chefs and restaurants.
San Antonio’s Culinary Scene Flourishes with New Openings and Prestigious Nominations
The Thriving Landscape of San Antonio’s Culinary Sector
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 multiple James Beard Award nominations for local establishments.
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 the River Walk by offering a unique Mexican-forward experience. The complex will feature sit-down dining, grab-and-go kiosks, bars, and retail spaces. 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. Chef 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 offers a dual atmosphere—welcoming enough for casual locals, yet refined enough for date nights. The owner emphasizes his personal connection to San Antonio and his 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 James Beard Award Semifinalists
San Antonio boasts 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. Chef Leo Davila also expressed his excitement about his restaurant, Anacacho Coffee & Cantina, being honored. 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, with new establishments and renovations breathing new life into the city’s food and beverage landscape. The opening of Mexico Ceaty is particularly significant, as it aims to draw both locals and tourists back to the River Walk, a historic area that has seen a decline in recent years. The addition of Over Under and other new venues reflects the city’s rapid growth and its ability to maintain its unique cultural identity. The James Beard Award nominations further highlight the city’s emerging prominence in the national culinary scene, recognizing the talent and innovation present in San Antonio’s restaurants.
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 Mexican-forward experience with sit-down dining, grab-and-go kiosks, bars, and retail spaces.
Where is Over Under located?
Over Under is located in the Southtown neighborhood on Cevallos Street in San Antonio, Texas.
Which San Antonio establishments are nominated for the James Beard Awards?
San Antonio’s Mixtli is a semifinalist for Outstanding Restaurant, and Anacacho Coffee & Cantina is also recognized.
Key Features
| 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 sit-down dining, grab-and-go kiosks, bars, and retail spaces. |
| Over Under | A new bar located in the Southtown neighborhood on Cevallos Street, offering a dual atmosphere suitable for both casual locals and date nights. |
| James Beard Award Nominations | San Antonio’s Mixtli is a semifinalist for Outstanding Restaurant, and Anacacho Coffee & Cantina is also recognized. |
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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.
