Ácenar

Name: Ácenar
Address: 146 East Houston, San Antonio, TX, United States, 78205
Telephone: (210) 222-2362
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.4

4.4

2307 Reviews

$30 and under

Contemporary Mexican

Top Tags:

Welcome to Ácenar Restaurant where tantalizing food, hip design and service with style await you!

Restaurateur Lisa Wong (of Rosario's fame), and her business partner Pete Selig (of Biga & Maverick fame), joined forces in 2005 to launch Ácenar … one of the largest and most innovative contemporary Mexican restaurants and bars on the River Walk. Guests will enjoy a modern take on Texas regional Mexican dishes inspired by the history and heritage of these two cultures.

Our professional team, led by Executive Chef Richard Sánchez - delivers a culinary explosion of bold Latin-infused flavors. Enjoy many fine selections of Gulf fish, crab and shrimp, or piping-hot San Antonio style enchiladas, savory chiles rellenos, sizzling parrilladas, asadas and cabrito — all made to your satisfaction.

Our multi-level spacious restaurant features floor, balcony and outdoor seating. Enjoy daily happy hour specials and a weekend brunch.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Jul 5, 2022

7:00 PM

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(210) 222-2362

Other options

Private dining

Book your next event with us

View details

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
Contemporary Mexican, Mexican / Southwestern, Fusion / Eclectic
Hours of operation
Dinner Tue–Thu, Sun 11:00 am–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:00 am–10:00 pm Bar Tue–Sun 11:00 am–9:00 pm Brunch Sat, Sun 11:00 am–2:00 pm
Phone number
(210) 222-2362
Website
http://www.acenar.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Richard Sanchez
Catering
Call Keith Ludwick or email keith@acenar.com for more information
Private party facilities
Ácenar’ offers 4 private dining areas, which can be combined for large events. Our patio overlooking the San Antonio Riverwalk being the highlight of the restaurant, while the Arriba and Abajo Rooms offer a more intimate setting. The Mezzanine converts to dining and lounge style cocktail parties.
Private party contact
Keith Ludwick: (877) 556-3429

Location
146 East Houston San Antonio, TX 78205
Neighborhood
Downtown
Cross street
St. Mary's
Parking details
Special Valet Pricing at Hotel Valencia next door, Surface Lot, Check City Garages for Free Parking
Public transit
Yes
Entertainment
Happy Hour Available Monday-Thursday 3 to 6 PM. Call for details !!Live music varies
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Delivery, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

Popular dishes

Appetizer Sampler$18.95
Enjoy a sampling of our savory chicken flautas, beef alambres, and quesadillas. Served with pico de gallo and guacamole
Classic Bean & Cheese Nachos*$10.25
Ceviche / Lime Marinated Fish*$11.25
Lime-marinated fish served with housemade chips and sliced avocado
Copitas / Lettuce Cups* **$11.95
Chicken & pork stewed with chipotle, chile arbol & tamarindo in lettuce cups. Served with salsa trio and roasted cashews
Guacamole for Two^$12.95
(made tableside) Served with housemade chips
Ostiones / Oysters$13.25
Buttermilk-fried oysters on yucca chips, jalapeño honey mayo and charred pineapple
Queso Flameado / Baked Cheese*$9.25
Chihuahua and Monterey Jack cheeses, mushrooms, chorizo, grilled onions and peppers
Queso de la Casa*$8.95
Melted cheese fondue with chorizo, pico de gallo, chile arbol and served with housemade chips
Shrimp Nachos*$11.25
Chipotle spiced shrimp, black bean pico topped with Monterey Jack cheese and pickled red onions
Jicama Shrimp Tacos$13.50
Gulf shrimp sautéed and served on jicama with tamarindo sauce and crispy leeks
Alambres / Mini Skewers*$11.25
Marinated beef skewers drizzled with chimichurri salsas on a bed of cilantro slaw
Tinga Chicken Empanadas$10.25
Half moon-shaped pastries stuffed with savory chorizo, tinga-style shredded chicken and drizzled with jalapeño salsa. Served with cabbage lime slaw
Crepas de Huitlacoche / Mushroom Crepes^$10.75
A central Mexico delicacy cradled in light poblano corn pancake

Ensaladas

Ensalada Ácenar / Chef Salad* ^$14.95
Bibb salad, queso fresco, roasted corn, grilled poblanos, avocados and jicama served with your choice of chicken or beef fajitas or two large grilled shrimp. Chipotle ranch dressing on the side
Ensalada Citrus / Citrus Salad* ^$7.95
Spinach, orange, grapefruit, Manchego cheese, candied pecans with a piloncillo citrus vinaigrette
Ensalada de la Casa / House Salad* ^$7.95
Spicy mixed greens, tomato, avocado and goat cheese tossed with sweet onion sherry vinaigrette

Sopas

Sopa Azteca / Tortilla Soup*$7.25
Grilled chicken in a chile pasilla and tomato-spiced broth, topped with cubed cheese

Favoritas de San Antonio

Served with Mexican rice and refried beans Unless Otherwise Noted

Mole Poblano de Pollo / Chicken Mole**$14.25
Tender boneless chicken breast simmered in mole poblano sauce
Pechuga de Pollo con Chipotle / Chipotle Chicken*$14.95
Grilled chicken breast topped with chipotle cream sauce. Served with spinach con queso, roasted corn rice and black beans
Chile Relleno de Res y Puerco / Stuffed Pepper**$14.95
Soufflé-coated poblano chile stuffed with beef and shredded pork and topped with a ranchero salsa
Entomatadas / Fried Stuffed Tortillas*$12.95
Chicken and sweet potato-filled tacos with a roasted chile tomato sauce and queso fresco. Topped with sweet potato hay
Ácenar Combo$18.25
Cheese enchilada topped with chile con carne sauce, your choice of beef or chicken fajita, guacamole and pico de gallo
Cochinita Pibil / Roasted Pork*$15.75
Achiote-marinated pork slowly roasted in banana leaves. Served with cilantro rice, black beans and escabeche vegetables

Tacos y Chalupas

Served with Mexican rice and refried beans Unless Otherwise Noted

Tacos A La Parrilla*$12.95
Choice of grilled beef, chicken or pork with cilantro, onion and fresh pineapple
Short Rib Tacos$16.95
Guajillo-braised short ribs, served with cabbage lime slaw, Mexican rice and refried beans
Fish Tacos*$13.25
Grilled fish, jalapeño honey mayo with cabbage slaw and pickled red onions. Served with white rice and black beans
Oyster Tacos$13.95
Chicken-fried oysters, charred pineapple, micro greens drizzled with jalapeño honey mayo
Grilled Shrimp Tacos*$15.75
Sautéed shrimp with pico de gallo and chipotle butter topped with cabbage slaw and avocado
Crab Tinga Tacos*$16.95
Gulf blue crab sautéed with tomato, onion, chipotle and avocado. Topped with sweet potato hay
Mushroom and Calabacita Tacos* ^$12.95
Grilled mushrooms, Mexican squash, cilantro, pickled onion, chile, and tomatoes. Served with white rice and black beans
Duck or Chicken Tinga Chalupas*$14.95
Choice of roasted duck or chicken sautéed with spicy Mexican sausage, cabbage lime slaw and avocado plus chile arbol salsa
Chalupas Compuestas*$13.25
Traditional bean and cheese, guacamole and your choice of beef or chicken

Especialidades de la Casa

Huachinango A La Talla / Snapper Adobo Style*$27.50
Grilled fillet of snapper prepared with a guajillo-chile rub and cilantro garlic pesto served with cilantro rice, sautéed veggie slaw and watercress
Pescado Veracruzano / Fish Veracruz$21.95
Fillets of tilapia pan-seared in tomato, olive caper sauce served with cilantro rice and watercress
Camarones a la Diabla / Spicy Shrimp$28.95
Garlic and chipotle-buttered shrimp served over cilantro rice and roasted cream corn pico
Bistec Ácenar con Camaron / Steak Ácenar with Shrimp*$34.95
Chile-rubbed 8-oz. sirloin and two large diablo shrimp served with Mexican risotto, sautéed veggie slaw and chipotle beurre blanc sauce
Alambres a la Mexicana*$23.75
Marinated beef, chicken and shrimp skewers served with roasted corn rice and black beans
Crepas de Pato / Duck Crepes$18.75
Corn serrano crepes filled with roasted duck confit covered in a tamarindo-tomato grilled onion sauce
Cabrito en Chile Ancho / Baby Goat*$26.75
Young Texas goat steam-roasted and served with ancho salsa ranchera, Mexican rice and refried beans
Lomo de Puerco / Pork Tenderloin*$19.50
Grilled adobo pork loin with mole Guerrero and mole verde. Served with sweet potato and spinach tamale

Enchiladas

Served with Mexican rice and refried beans Unless Otherwise Noted

Enchiladas de Queso$12.95
Cheese enchiladas topped with chile con carne & more cheese
Enchiladas Verdes*$12.95
Chicken-filled tortillas, tomatillo sauce, Monterey Jack cheese, corn and crema fresca
Enchiladas de Mole**$12.95
Chicken-filled tortillas, mole de poblano, Chihuahua cheese
Enchiladas de Mariscos*$15.75
Sautéed shrimp and crab filled corn tortillas, topped with roasted tomato sauce and Monterey Jack cheese. Served with white rice and black beans
Vegetarian Enchiladas* ^$12.95
Corn tortillas stuffed with vegetables and topped with roasted tomato sauce. Served with white rice and black beans

Parilladas

Poquito de Todo / Little Bit of Everything*
Skewered shrimp, carnitas, grilled marinated beef, spicy sausage, charbroiled chicken served with chiles and cebollas asadas, charro beans, guacamole and pico de gallo
- For Two$42.00
- For Four$79.00
Carnitas / Crispy Pork Tips*$15.25
Crisp marinated pork served with grilled onions and peppers, charro beans, guacamole and pico de gallo
Arrachera / Skirt Steak*$16.95
Grilled marinated beef or chicken served with grilled onions, charro beans, guacamole and pico de gallo
Hongos y Calabacitas / Mushrooms & Squash* ^$13.95
Roasted mushrooms and squash served fajita-style with grilled onions, peppers, black beans and housemade corn tortillas

Postres

Large enough to share and housemade by our Pastry Chef

Mousse de Chocolate Mexicano / Chocolate Mousse* **$7.75
Silky cinnamon-spiked mousse cake with bananas and whipped cream
Pineapple Flan$6.95
Creamy flan topped with caramelized pineapple and served with pineapple coconut galleta
Pastel de Tres Leches / Three Milk Cake$6.25
Moist sponge cake layered with sweet milks and served with cajeta, seasonal berries and melon pico
Crepa de Cajeta / Caramel Crepe* **$6.75
Sweet crepe filled with Mexican vanilla ice cream, cajeta, candied pecans and whipped cream
Churritos$7.50
Mini churros coated in cinnamon sugar and served with chocolate, cajeta and berry sauce

Helados y Sorbetes / Ice Cream & Sorbets

Vanilla and Mexican Chocolate Ice Cream$5.75
served with candied pecans and cajeta
Pineapple-Coconut-Habanero Ice Cream$5.75
Mango or Lime Sorbet$5.75
with fresa fresca

What 2,307 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.4

4.4 based on recent ratings

4.5Food
4.5Service
4.3Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

San Antonio
Outdoor Dining
San Antonio
Scenic View
San Antonio
Hot Spot
San Antonio
Outdoor Dining
San Antonio
Scenic View

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Filters

CW
ChrisW
San Diego
10 reviews
vip
4.0
10 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall4food5service5ambience3
The restaurant was great. The food and service were amazing. There are two dilapidated buildings right within view that takes away from the river view but that’s not the fault of the restaurant. Overall, highly recommended!
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great experience! Food was delicious. Anthony was a great server!
CF
CathyF
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 22, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
It was a nice quiet spot on the River Walk for us to chat with our son after AF BMT coin ceremony. Thanks for a great meal and air conditioning on a hot day!!
DW
DavidW
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 22, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Nice atmosphere outside and inside. Good prices and service.
CS
ColinS
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on June 19, 2022
overall4food5service5ambience3
Would of been 5 stars as the food and service was great but the bathrooms were filthy and made me wonder about their kitchen?
KB
KathyB
San Antonio
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on June 15, 2022
overall4food5service4ambience4
The location of Acenar is perfect if you are attending an event at the Majestic or the Tobin Center. I like that you can make reservations. The food is always good! I especially like the Enchilada Mole. Definitely order the Churros dessert - it's delicious!
CI
ChristinaI
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 12, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delicious food and Christian was an amazing waiter! We also got some local ghost stories from another employee lol. Recommend if you're an out-of-towner or a local!
B
Babsandmark
Naples
45 reviews
4.0
45 reviews
Dined on June 11, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience4
Great food, bartenders the best.
KG
KarenG
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 8, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Had a great experience last night. Eugene was our server and he was very attentive and took great care of us. Food was fantastic too. Acenar is our favorite restaurant on the River Walk!
HR
HandR
San Antonio
14 reviews
vip
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on June 7, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
John was s fantastic server!
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Antonio
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on June 5, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fabulous shaken margaritas!! Good food. Great location and ambiance. Mostly tourists, but great place to hang downtown. The abandoned buildings across the river add to the mystique of the setting.
N
Nancy
Nashville
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on May 26, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We sat by the river and enjoyed a wonderful dinner. Oyster appetizer was so delicious and wonderfully presented. I got the fish tacos which were delicious. We split the bread pudding and tres leches cake- both were so good. Would highly recommend!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 25, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Acenar was absolutely fantastic! We were a group of 7 and afterwards we couldn’t stop talking about how much we enjoyed our meal. The food and drinks were fantastic, one of our best meals in San Antonio. What really stood out, though, was our server Gary. He was such an authentic guy, he truly made our experience with his attentive service and outstanding recommendations.
LB
LindaB
Chicago
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on May 23, 2022
overall4food5service4ambience4
Good food! Good service. Our Russian waiter was a little hard to understand but was interesting to talk to. View of graffiti walls across the river was just ok. Beautiful eclectic inside. Overall about a 7-8 out of 10
HD
HappyDiner
Nashville
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on May 19, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Food was delicious at a reasonable price. Service was attentive.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on May 15, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was delicious! I’ve had such an issues with overly salty meals and overly sweet desserts at many area restaurants but thankfully, the chefs here seem to rely on quality ingredients (herbs, vegetables, etc.) and exceptional skill to create meals that seem both tasty and nutritious. The service was excellent, the ambiance was nice. God willing, we’ll be returning,
MG
MeaganG
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 8, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fantastic service from our server!! And the food was delicious. A wonderful Mother’s Day experience overall
OT
OpenTable Diner
Seattle
4 reviews
vip
2.0
4 reviews
Dined on May 7, 2022
overall2food2service1ambience3
We had high hopes for Acenar as we had researched it ahead of time. Despite it being a highly recommended rest, the food was disappointingly blah. The service was also inattentive. They brought our entrees and waited until we moved our appetizer dishes so they could set the food down. They weren’t that busy and our waiter never came along to clear the dirty dishes. I would not recommend.
A
Adri
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 7, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
This restaurant is amazing! I am so happy I got to celebrate my birthday there. The food and drinks are 10/10. I definitely recommend this place. <3
C
Craig
Orlando
118 reviews
vip
3.0
118 reviews
Dined on May 7, 2022
overall3food3service3ambience3
Sounded great online and the food was just ok. We paid for chips and salsa and got a basket of crumbs. The salsa was great however- slight spicy smokey flavor. Shaken margaritas were good but sangria was just ok - no fruit or any special taste. I guess based on the location and online description it would have been higher class. Seemed like Tex-mex like you could get anywhere.
KW
KeithW
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 4, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
This is an excellent Mexican restaurant nestled away from many of the other restaurants, and it is still on the Riverwalk. The service was friendly and courteous, and the food was outstanding. Darn good margaritas as well!!!
JM
JimM
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 1, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our second time there - amazing food. Great service/location/ambience.
DW
DianeW
Central Texas
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on April 23, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Lunch before our Broadway show at the Majestic.
X
Xteen
New York Area
104 reviews
vip
5.0
104 reviews
Dined on April 9, 2022
overall5food5service4ambience5
The location was beautiful- we are outside on the river. The blood orange mojitos were so good. We had the ceviche which I thought had too much jicama but that’s my taste- the guacamole was so creamy and delicious. We got the 3 enchiladas and the short rib tacos both very good and the bread pudding for dessert was just the right ending ( we shared 1 for 3 people. Lovely spot with good food
MS
MannyS
Tampa
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on April 2, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience4
Good location on the Riverwalk, there was also a decent selection in the menu, and the place had good seating both inside and outside
r
rire2g
New Mexico
27 reviews
vip
5.0
27 reviews
Dined on April 1, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great service and wonderful food. We will return the next time we are at n San Antonio
J
Jack
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 30, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent food and margaritas. Quick and friendly service
D
Deefunk
New York Area
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 29, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Business dinner - fabulous
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on March 27, 2022
overall1food4service1ambience4
Server had to be asked mor than once for water , and didn’t wait or ask if anything else was needed. He never checked on the quality of our meal and the after waiting an excessive time to receive our bill the server lost my credit card. It was found after about 20 minutes and he simply said he was “sorry about that”. The manager did nothing for us but he did say “ hopefully it would turn up”. It was our first night of vacation! Also, after making reservations well in advance, and requesting outdoor dining we were told seating outside was a first come, first served basis but was never told in advance. Would never recommend this place
a
amandalh3
Central Texas
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on March 26, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great option for a casual yet nice spot on the Riverwalk. Hosted our bachelorette party of 8 perfectly.
D
Debdiner
Denver
9 reviews
vip
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on March 26, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience4
Love, love, loved the jicama shrimp tacos. Great margaritas and mojitos. Wonderful service. Reasonably priced and enjoyable meal.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 25, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food and service
OT
OpenTable Diner
Phoenix
2 reviews
vip
1.0
2 reviews
Dined on March 25, 2022
overall1food2service3ambience1
It is a rare occurrence that I write a review, however, last night’s experience at this restaurant was beyond disappointing. First of all, there was no mention of us getting a nice table for my birthday dinner or that they had seen my Open Table reservation. The “view” was atrocious! It is not possible to see the river while sitting at the worm out tables and the view on the other side of the river is that of an abandoned building, blown out windows, dead trees, etc. our server was very pleasant, the food mediocre, the experience was very poor.
d
danihe
Nashville
178 reviews
vip
4.0
178 reviews
Dined on March 18, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience4
Jalapeno margaritas are delicious so is the appetizer of beef on a skewer and the slow cooked pork in banana leaves. Didn't have room for dessert but enjoyed sitting outside with the river view. Server was lovely and helpful about what to do in San Antonio. Great overall experience.
DD
DavidD
Dallas
12 reviews
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on March 17, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We were seated right away. Our server was nice and attentive. The food was outstanding. Our table was by the kitchen entrance, so it was a little noisy, but everything else was fantastic.
SN
ScottN
Omaha
12 reviews
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on March 17, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
I highly recommend Acenar for contemporary Mexican fare on the San Antonio Riverwalk. We had enchiladas de mole, camarones a la diabla, and guacamole for two prepared tableside. The entrees were wonderful and the guacamole was fresh, natural, and delicious. Our hand-shaken margaritas and sangria were likewise just right and superb. With an elevated view of the riverwalk and a location at the outstanding Hotel Valencia, Acenar was the perfect outdoor dining experience for concluding our Spring Break trip to San Antonio. Great food! Great Staff! Great location - just a few welcome yards off the most crowded stretch of the Riverwalk!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Orlando
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on March 15, 2022
overall1food1service1ambience1
This was our worst meal in Texas or Florida. It is bad when the waitress is surprised someone recommended this restaurant and then asked if we would like to speak to the manager when we were paying our tab?!! The food was awful and it took over 15 mins to get our drinks!!
DP
DonP
Las Vegas
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on March 15, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We set at a table inside so the noise level was a little loud but the place Is much bigger on the inside than it looks from the outside so there were a lot of people inside. They were EXTREMELY busy but took very good care of us. The chips they used for the chips and salsa were very lite and tasted great. The food was also terrific. Highly recommend.
GC
GailC
New York Area
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on March 13, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Nice place right on riverwalk with excellent food and dessert. Very loud, not great for conversation.
L
Local
San Antonio
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on March 10, 2022
overall3food4service4ambience2
In the two years since our last visit, the restaurant appeared a bit rundown. Maybe it’s time to do some cleaning, redecorating and repair or replacement of tables and chairs.

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
- Sealed or wrapped utensils used
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
Physical distancing
- Limited number of seated diners
- Distancing maintained in common areas
- Extra space between tables

Protective equipment
- Waitstaff wear masks
Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
- Staff temperature check required

FAQs

Ácenar does offer delivery in partnership with Chow Now. Ácenar also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (210) 222-2362.

Ácenar is rated 4.4 stars by 2307 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Jul 5, 2022

7:00 PM