Beyond Tex Mex in San Antonio

This AAA Inspector Pick bills itself as “the crossroads between South Asia and South America,” featuring “Chifa” (Chinese-Peruvian) and “Nikkei” (Japanese-Peruvian) creations. Enjoy ceviche, seasonal miso or a spicy soba noodle salad in a fun, artsy atmosphere, which includes a sushi-ceviche bar, a cocktail lounge and indoor and outdoor seating. The Sunday brunch menu includes Botika’s take on fried chicken and waffles, with “Kaarage” Japanese-style chicken, quinoa waffles and spiced honey.

This rustic New American eatery, a AAA Inspector Pick, is in the 1890s-era former administration building of the Pearl Brewing Company and decorated with original fixtures and furnishings. True to its name, Cured features house-made charcuterie aged from one to 12 months. Start with a sampling of cured meats along with a regional cheese selection, then move on to delicious small-plate offerings such as chicken-fried chicken livers with lemon aoli and pepper jelly and masa fried oysters with white gazpacho, chayote and Marcona almonds. An extensive beer menu includes small-batch and hard-to-find brews.

You may be in Texas, but it’s not all beef and barbecue here. Green Vegetarian Cuisine, a AAA Three Diamond restaurant, offers a full menu of vegetarian comfort food such as eggplant Parmesan and the “Fat Burger,” a chickpea-veggie patty with avocado, field greens, tomatoes and chipotle mayo. A “Fan Favorites” section of the menu includes meatless versions of fish & chips, “Chik-N Fried Chik-N” or “Chik-N Parmesan.” For dessert, dig into a yummy vegan cupcake, cookie or brownie.

Located in the historic Pearl brewhouse, this AAA Three Diamond restaurant offers a seasonal menu of coastal-influenced Southern comfort food such as crispy fried half chicken with bacon-thyme red eye gravy or cracker crusted Gulf redfish and butter poached blue crab with lemon butter. Sides include Southern favorites such as cornbread, mashed potatoes and jalapeno cheddar grits. Southerleigh pays homage to its historic location with a rotating selection of house-made craft brews.

This AAA Four Diamond Inspector Pick offers a can’t-miss combination of a creative, seasonal New American menu, excellent service and fabulous location overlooking the San Antonio River and the Pearl Brewery complex. The menu changes according to the season and availability of ingredients. Recent dinner offerings include crispy smoked quail with creamed corn, potatoes and pickled onion relish and roasted cauliflower with warm spinach, canary lentils and sauce romesco.