San Antonio, January 27, 2026
San Antonio is witnessing a vibrant evolution in its culinary landscape with the upcoming openings of new dining establishments and the recognition of local talents at prestigious awards. New venues such as Over Under and a redevelopment project called Mexico Ceaty are set to enhance the city’s food offerings. Meanwhile, local restaurants like Mixtli and Anacacho Coffee & Cantina have earned semifinalist spots in the James Beard Awards, showcasing the city’s thriving culinary community. As San Antonio embraces growth, its restaurants are becoming vital components of the local economy and cultural identity.
San Antonio, Texas
New Developments in San Antonio’s Culinary Scene
San Antonio’s culinary landscape is experiencing significant growth with the introduction of several new dining establishments and the recognition of local restaurants in prestigious awards.
Upcoming Openings
Over Under, a new bar in the Southtown neighborhood, is set to open soon. The establishment aims to offer a dual atmosphere—welcoming enough for casual locals, yet refined enough for date nights. Owner McKinney emphasizes his personal connection to San Antonio and his desire to contribute meaningfully to its evolving scene.
Additionally, Houston-based Adair Kitchen and Tex-Mex favorite Los Tios are expected to open 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.
James Beard Awards Recognition
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. 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.
Mexico Ceaty’s River Walk Debut
Mexico Ceaty, a major redevelopment of San Antonio’s Rivercenter food court, is set to open in April 2026. Spearheaded by local chef Jason Dady, the 21,000-square-foot venue aims to revitalize interest in the River Walk by offering a unique Mexican-forward experience. Described as San Antonio’s answer to Eataly, it will combine sit-down dining, grab-and-go kiosks, bars, and retail in one location. The anchor restaurant, Tres Arcos, is a full-service Tex-Mex spot, while the central plaza will feature a tortillerÃa, ceviche bar, fruterÃa, and Baja burrito stand. The venue’s design draws from diverse Mexican and Tex-Mex influences, and includes a mural by local artist Colton Valentine. Mexico Ceaty’s debut will coincide 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.
Recent San Antonio Mayoral Election
In the 2025 San Antonio mayoral election, Gina Ortiz Jones, former Under Secretary of the Air Force, was elected mayor, defeating former Texas Secretary of State Rolando Pablos. Jones secured 54.3% of the vote in the runoff election held on June 7, 2025. This election marked the first time since 2009 that no incumbent was on the ballot, as term limits prevented the re-election of former mayor Ron Nirenberg. Jones’s victory signifies a new chapter in San Antonio’s political landscape.
San Antonio Zoo’s New Gorilla Habitat
The San Antonio Zoo has unveiled Congo Falls, a new 2-acre gorilla habitat that opened on December 13, 2025. This exhibit marks the return of gorillas to the zoo after the relocation of its last gorilla to the National Zoo in 1990. The habitat is part of the zoo’s ongoing efforts to enhance animal welfare and visitor experience. Additionally, in October 2024, the zoo opened the Naylor Savanna, expanding its African habitat and increasing exhibit space for species like giraffes and rhinos. The Spekboom Lodge, situated within the giraffe habitat, opened on November 1, 2024, offering guests the unique opportunity to spend the night at the zoo.
University of Texas at San Antonio Merger
On September 1, 2025, the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) merged with the University of Texas Health Science Center, forming a unified institution known as UT San Antonio. This merger aims to strengthen the university’s academic and research capabilities, particularly in the health sciences. The Health Science Center, now part of UT San Antonio, serves as the region’s primary academic health entity, offering six professional schools and engaging in education, clinical care, research, and community health service.
San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo
The San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo is an annual event held in February, featuring livestock shows, rodeo competitions, live entertainment, and family-friendly exhibits. The event is part of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) schedule and has been recognized as the PRCA Large Indoor Rodeo of the Year for 14 consecutive years. It is estimated that 1.3 million people attended the 2022 event, highlighting its significance in the city’s cultural calendar.
San Antonio KWEX 24/7
San Antonio KWEX 24/7 is a live streaming service provided by Univision 41 San Antonio, offering continuous coverage of local news, events, and entertainment. The service aims to keep the community informed and engaged with real-time updates and programming.
San Antonio Zoo
The San Antonio Zoo, located in Brackenridge Park, spans 57 acres and is home to over 750 species, some of which are endangered or extinct in the wild. The zoo has an annual attendance of more than 1 million visitors and offers various attractions, including the Richard Friedrich Aquarium and the San Antonio Zoo Train. The recent additions of Congo Falls and the Naylor Savanna reflect the zoo’s commitment to enhancing animal habitats and visitor experiences.
San Antonio City Council Elections
The 2025 San Antonio City Council elections saw several incumbents retire to run for mayor, leading to open seats in Districts 4 and 6. Adriana Rocha Garcia and Melissa Cabello Havrda, both term-limited council members, announced their candidacies for mayor, prompting new candidates to enter the race for their respective districts. The elections reflect the dynamic political landscape of San Antonio and the community’s engagement in local governance.
San Antonio’s Names in the James Beard Awards Race
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. 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.
Over Under Joins a Wave of New Bars and Restaurants
A new batch of bars and restaurants is set to open across San Antonio, spanning established neighborhoods and emerging districts. Over Under is one of the latest bars planned in the ever-growing Southtown neighborhood. The Cevallos Street spot joins a stretch of nearby favorites, including Leche de Tigre and La … . What they’re saying: “It has … . Zoom out: On Broadway, Houston … . Go deeper: Mexico Ceaty, … .
Mexico Ceaty Targets April Debut on the River Walk
Mexico Ceaty, the long-pl … targeting an … . Why it matters: The 21 … . What they’re saying: “The one … .” The big picture: Mexico Ceaty … , and retail under one roof. Flashback: Rivercenter’s ownership … . State of play: Tres Arcos … . Zoom in: The central plaza will … —including a tortillerÃa, cev … , and Baja-style burrito stand—plus a mercado selling snacks, artisan … , and more. The vibe: The design pulls from … . What we’re watching: Fiesta, running … —and give Mexico Ceaty its first … . The bottom line: “At a … .”
Conclusion
San Antonio’s culinary scene continues to evolve with exciting new openings and notable recognitions that reflect the city’s rich culture and entrepreneurial spirit. From upcoming venues such as Over Under and Mexico Ceaty to accolades from the James Beard Awards, local businesses are proving their resilience and innovation amidst a vibrant landscape. As residents and visitors alike engage with these developments, it’s essential to support local establishments and participate in the ongoing economic growth of San Antonio.
FAQ
What new bars and restaurants are opening in San Antonio?
Over Under, a new bar in the Southtown neighborhood, is set to open soon. Additionally, Houston-based Adair Kitchen and Tex-Mex favorite Los Tios are expected to open along Broadway.
What is Mexico Ceaty?
Mexico Ceaty is a major redevelopment of San Antonio’s Rivercenter food court, set to open in April 2026, featuring a unique Mexican-forward experience.
Who are the James Beard Awards semifinalists from San Antonio for 2026?
Notably, Mixtli returns as a semifinalist for Outstanding Restaurant, and Chef Leo Davila’s restaurant, Anacacho Coffee & Cantina, is also recognized.
What is the significance of the recent San Antonio mayoral election?
Gina Ortiz Jones was elected mayor in 2025, marking a new chapter in San Antonio’s political landscape as the first election since 2009 without an incumbent on the ballot.
What recent developments has the San Antonio Zoo made?
The San Antonio Zoo unveiled Congo Falls, a new 2-acre gorilla habitat, marking the return of gorillas to the zoo after 1990.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| New Openings | Over Under, Adair Kitchen, Los Tios |
| James Beard Awards | Mixtli and Anacacho Coffee & Cantina recognized as semifinalists |
| Mayor Election 2025 | Gina Ortiz Jones elected as mayor, first election without incumbent |
| San Antonio Zoo | Congo Falls gorilla habitat opened |
| Mexico Ceaty | Major redevelopment on the River Walk opening in April 2026 |
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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.
