Ácenar

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