It’s always nice to be able to get away – to relax as you enjoy the warm hospitality and traditions of other cultures. With its whispering palms, flowering landscape and hacienda-inspired architecture, Paloma Blanca Mexican Cuisine is truly an oasis for the mind and spirit, right in the heart of Alamo Heights. But, sample their diverse menu, and you will find that Paloma Blanca delivers on the promise of its surroundings—delectable Mexican cuisine.

While this restaurant has drawn locals looking for the varied sights, sounds, and flavors of Mexico, Paloma Blanca has also worked with many couples who wanted to host a "casually upscale" event. Indeed, among its 7,700 square feet of sophisticated and versatile spaces, there are several private dining rooms and terraces to choose from to create the perfect rehearsal dinner, wedding reception, or wedding ceremony.

Salón la Fuente (the Fountain Room), located off the main dining hall, features a remarkable brick-and-copper wall fountain that can be adorned with the flicker of scattered candlelight. In this space, couples may host a maximum of 55 seated guests or 75 guests for a reception-style event. Couples who need to accommodate larger guest lists, however, can request the adjoining dining room which permits 110 people for a seated dinner, or 150 guests for a reception-style event.

Location: 5800 Broadway Ste 300, San Antonio, TX 78209

Website: www.palomablanca.net

When Ácenar opened nearly a decade ago, the idea of a River Walk menu with duck chalupas and oyster tacos but no fajitas was pretty radical. At the time, it was a joint venture between Lisa Wong (best known as the owner of Rosario's) and Bruce Auden (chef/partner at Biga on the Banks and Auden's Kitchen), and it aimed to merge a contemporary American sensibility with an upscale take on Mexican and Tex-Mex favorites. Auden has since bowed out, but this place still packs the tables with a balance of Mexican, Tex-Mex and Southwestern flavors.

The forward-thinking menu has settled into a comfortable groove without becoming complacent, despite few changes since its inception. Perhaps the familiarity with the menu contributes to an impressive consistency across a range of dishes. The oysters, which are fried and served on thin yucca chips with diced pineapple, cilantro pesto, and slightly spicy and sweet mayo, are among the most successful dishes here, balancing flavors, textures, and temperatures into a few fun bites.

Ácenar's huge, brightly-hued space perched above the San Antonio River invites diners to partake in a multi-sensory adventure of taste and color. Whether supping on the outdoor River Walk patio or inside the eclectic, color-drenched dining room, eaters are guaranteed an eye feast to accompany their belly feast.

Location: 146 E Houston St, San Antonio, TX 78205

Website: acenar.com

There's no denying that dining at La Margarita is a colorful experience, from the flags adorning the patio and the red-ceilinged bar to the restaurant's dishes and even the food served on them. The festive and energetic atmosphere here is frequently enhanced by strolling mariachi musicians, and patio diners are frequently treated to performances in nearby historic Market Square, particularly during fiestas. La Margarita's fajitas are a house specialty, and because the restaurant also serves oysters, customers may want to begin their meal with a selection of fresh seafood appetizers. Straight tequila drinkers can select from a variety of banjos, reposados, and Blancos, while margarita lovers can select from a variety of margaritas.

If the weather is nice, try to get a table on La Margarita's patio to enjoy the river view, but be prepared to wait or come at a different time, as most diners prefer outside seating when it's not too hot. Customers rave about the pork carnitas and fish tacos, both of which are served in Texas-sized portions.

Location: 1530 N I-35, Round Rock, TX 78681

Website: https://www.lamargarita.com/menu

Since 1979, this restaurant has served authentic Mexican cuisine to generations of San Antonians and tourists, first as La Carreta Mexican Steakhouse and then as Pico de Gallo from 1991 to the present. The Cortez family owns many of San Antonio's best Mexican restaurants, including this one, which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with Tex-Mex and Mexican fare. You should start your day with chilaquiles, which are scrambled eggs with tortilla chips, ranchero sauce, cheese, and refried beans. You can also bring a friend to dinner for the parrilladas for two (or four), which consist of various meats. In this comfortable and casual eatery, you should enjoy the murals on the walls and the mariachi bands.

This lively Mexican restaurant comes complete with a nightly mariachi band, reportedly serenading the likes of former presidents Reagan, Bush and Clinton. It is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, traditional Mexican and Tex-Mex dishes can be found throughout the day.

Location: 111 S Leona St, San Antonio, TX 78207

While Cascabel is currently closed due to snowstorm repairs, San Antonians are eagerly awaiting its reopening. Cascabel serves some of the city's best authentic Mexican cuisine. Locals in San Antonio who know what great Mexican food tastes like have a strong following for the cuisine. Pastor sopes and huaraches are both highly recommended.

Beginning with a complimentary cup of fideo instead of chips and salsa, the dishes at Cascabel express the complexity of Mexican cuisine, even in seemingly simple dishes. A huarache, which takes its name from the sandal shape of the masa cake upon which the toppings sit, demonstrates a range of textures, flavors and temperatures. Meanwhile, the enchiladas Verdes may be the best version of the dish in the city. The eloquent nuttiness of a green mole, or pipián, elevates simple pieces of chicken, and the pozole and mole poblano is truly amazing.

Location: 1000 S Saint Marys St, San Antonio, TX 78205

Website: https://cascabelmexicanpatio.com