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Acenar Interior - Ácenar, San Antonio, TX
Acenar Exterior Patio - Ácenar, San Antonio, TX
Ácenar, San Antonio, TX
Ácenar, San Antonio, TX
Ácenar, San Antonio, TX

Ácenar

4.4
4.4
2464 Reviews
$30 and under
Contemporary Mexican
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

2 people

7:30 p.m.


Booked 12 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Private dining

Book your next event with us

View details

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary Mexican, Mexican / Regional American (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
  • 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
  • Neighbourhood
    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

What 2,464 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
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.3Ambience
  • 4.4Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • San Antonio

    Lively

  • San Antonio

    Lively

2,464 Reviews
  1. Milbie

    Austin

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    I will definitely go back to Acenar!! Their mole sauce was EXCELLENT! They were about 60% full and service was slower than expected. But when we did interact with our server, he was patient and competent.

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  2. JennyD

    Austin

    3 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall3food3service3ambience4
    Slow and inconsistent service. Food was good and location/space are nice.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Honniechild

    San Francisco

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    We had triple enchilada, carnitas and bread pudding. Everything was amazing and the taste was spot on! Best corn tortillas I’ve ever had. They are made fresh in house. Service was outstanding!

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  4. JoannL

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 20, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience2
    The dinner was good, but the noise was unbearable. We couldn't hear our tablemates without shouting. The server was great. I definitely would recommend sitting outside if the terrace is in the shade and it's not too hot. We sat inside for elderly family members to get AC, but it wasn't a pleasant experience for them.

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  5. Barbie

    Greater Boston

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 19, 2023

    overall3food4service2ambience4
    Food was good, margaritas not as good as in the past but what brought the score down was our waitstaff’s attitude. Not good!!

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  6. CAP23

    Austin

    33 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    33 reviews

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience3
    Average Mexican. Nothing to praise or highlight, and no complaints.

    Is this helpful?

  7. JKHu

    Nashville

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and great service. Love sitting outside to view the river. Always our go-to place before a show at the Majestic Theatre.

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  8. OpenTable Diner

    Dallas

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall2food1service5ambience2
    The server we had was the best as he was very attentive. Let’s talk about the fajitas!! Dry dry dry . I will not be returning

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  9. OpenTable Diner

    Richmond

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on September 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Love the food and our waitress was incredible. Definitely would return

    Is this helpful?

  10. ACZA

    New York Area

    5 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on August 21, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    We ordered a variety of dishes from the San Antonio specials section and also had the appetizer sampler. The food was pretty good overall. Drinks were a bit watered down and too sweet. Service was also ok but not great.

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  11. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    11 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on August 21, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    Average wanted something more authentic. The food was fresh but average. Salsa was Smokey and good

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  12. GayM

    Houston

    9 reviews

    4.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on August 20, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience3
    We stopped by here on the way to the Majestic for a performance. Our waiter was wonderful - charming and engaging. The food was good with the exception of our dessert selection, which was the chocolate tres leches. It was too dense and way too chocolatey. Out appetizers and entrees were good.

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  13. HannahS

    San Antonio

    13 reviews

    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on August 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We’ve had Gary as our server several times. He is so friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. He’s a Great guy!

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  14. scott

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    I have been to Acenar many times but had never ordered the Acenar Combo. It was excellent, and I will definitey order that again the next time. The dining room was a little loud, but that may have had to do with the concert next door which was starting soon.

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  15. KathleenB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Awesome meal before a concert at The Majestic Theatre. Waiter was perfect!

    Is this helpful?

  16. OpenTable Diner

    San Antonio

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    we had a show to go to at the Majestic and decided to give Ácenar a try, since it was very close to the venue. We will definitely be coming back! The appetizers (Alambres) were excellent, I had a combo platter and my wife had some veggie enchiladas. Good great, good value, and it was the attention to detail that will keep us coming back.

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  17. JudyP

    Austin

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on August 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious food! Recommend the spicy shrimp! Great margarita’s!! Never been disappointed.

    Is this helpful?

  18. JenniferG

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fabulous! Very fresh table-side guacamole with warm chips. Lomo puerco was phenomenal! Cannot say enough about the cinnamon-spiked chocolate mousse cake - dreaming of it!!

    Is this helpful?

  19. LauraM

    San Antonio

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 29, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Great restaurant decor and Friendly location. Enjoyed the wonderful Speciality Cocktail selection. Awesome Waiter was exceptionally on target with recommendations & his service.

    Is this helpful?

  20. TommyP

    Tallahassee

    23 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on July 24, 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience3
    Off the beaten track on the river. Quiet and pleasant. The other Mex restaurants on the river were a noisy zoo with large crowds. This was a good choice!

    Is this helpful?

  21. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Mole enchiladas are amazing here! Salsa is the best flavor… Smokey and full of depth! So yummy

    Is this helpful?

  22. OpenTable Diner

    San Antonio

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had an incredible experience this past weekend celebrating my husbands birthday. Our servers name was Bob and he was super fantastic. The food was incredible. The oyster appetizer was so good that we ate one and then we ordered another one!!! The food came out so incredible fast. Friendly employees, nice atmosphere and overall awesome experience!

    Is this helpful?

  23. JLH22

    Dallas

    3 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on July 11, 2023

    overall1food4service5ambience3
    We have never been so miserable in a restaurant. The noise was so loud that we rushed to finish to get out. All four of us were relieved to step outside.

    Is this helpful?

  24. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great and pleasant meal. Everything was great except the cleanliness of restroom.

    Is this helpful?

  25. Anna

    San Francisco

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on July 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Had a great time! I can’t have gluten/wheat (celiac) and they were very accommodating of me. Food good, plenty of space, very nice fun ambiance. Thanks!

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  26. Myrness

    San Antonio

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on July 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing food at peak time on a Saturday night. Chaotic on the riverwalk, but the food and service were wonderful. I appreciated that the menu had clearly marked gluten-free items and the server knew which had cross-contamination. Loved the queso and the iced tea.

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  27. PamelaC

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on June 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had an awesome server named David, who gave us great recommendations. We followed his suggestions and we were glad we did! I had the red snapper and my husband had the shrimp Diablo. They were both outstanding dishes, which we really enjoyed. Also the bread pudding was amazing. We enjoyed the cocktails as well We would definitely go back and highly recommend this restaurant!

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  28. JenniferWood

    St. Louis

    18 reviews

    2.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on June 24, 2023

    overall2food3service1ambience4
    Very disappointed. The service was not good at all. They served the 2 tables who arrived after us before us. One person waited over 5 min to get her food after us. The tickets were wrong. They added 20% gratuity to the bill for 6 people and the service was awful. I know they were busy but we made a reservation. We had planned to bring more people back to visit but now we will not be choosing this place again.

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  29. Debs

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 24, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience5
    This is a great place to dine on the Riverwalk if you like Tex-Mex Mexican food. The prices are great and the food is yummy. Our waiter was very attentive and was most pleasant.

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  30. ShannonP

    Richmond

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on June 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Food and drinks were incredible and our server was great! Highly recommend the tableside guacamole and the Mango Margarita was 🔥

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  31. JulieR

    Austin

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on June 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    If you have an event at the Majestic, this Mexican restaurant is a block or 2 away and very convenient. Also just off the Riverwalk. Decor modern, service very attentive and excellent menu. Was greeted when we walked in and then by a series of wait staff as we left. Crab tacos & Vegetable Rellenos were delicious. So was table side quacamole. Margaritas tasty too. Would highly recommend.

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  32. Paiged

    Houston

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on June 23, 2023

    overall3food4service4ambience1
    The food was very good. Our server was great. However, the restaurant was kind of dirty feeling and the patio overlooks a run down abandoned building. The inside is very bland and has no ambience. Right outside the door patio there is wire shelving with disorganized array of used glassware and who knows what else on it. Next to it was a huge open trash bin. just things I'd have hidden from view of customers. I don't think we'll be back. Not an "experience" when there are other places to go on the river walk.

    Is this helpful?

  33. TX210

    San Antonio

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 21, 2023

    overall2food1service5ambience3
    Friendly, professional service but food was barely mediocre, only thing that tasted good was the (tiny bowl of) roasted salsa - which insanely cost $4 — this is San Antonio, chips and salsa should be complimentary (at least first serving)! Other items lacked quality, taste, Taco Cabana’s food is head and shoulders better :/

    Is this helpful?

  34. OpenTable Diner

    Kansas City

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on June 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Easily one of the best restaurants in San Antonio!

    Is this helpful?

  35. KateW

    San Antonio

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on June 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    One of our local favorites. The roasted salsa is always fantastic and we tried the buttermilk fried oysters and I probably could have eaten two dozen of them. The drinks are always perfectly cold and you honestly can’t go wrong with anything on the menu (we love the oyster and fish tacos). Service was very good, our waiter was very attentive and helpful. We’ll be back soon

    Is this helpful?

  36. Scott

    San Antonio

    5 reviews

    3.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on June 16, 2023

    overall3food4service4ambience3
    Super loud! Couldn’t have a conversation at least in the back room where we were seated. Disappointing that chips and salsa is separate charged item. Food was good. Food was brought out 5 minutes after ordering. In and out of restaurant in 45 minutes - blink and I might have missed it.

    Is this helpful?

  37. CharismaM

    San Francisco

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on June 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    David was our server at Acenar downtown in San Antonio. He is a true professional and knows his products. First. the hand shaken house made margaritas on the rocks are refreshing and not too tart and not too sweet. We started with the Queso de la Casa with chorizo and...yum!! I had the short rib tacos which didn't last long on my plate and my boyfriend had the Acenar Combo with beef fajita. I tasted the fajitas and they were absolutely delicious. I'm confident that everything on their menu is full of good flavor. Oh, and the decor. So cool! I highly recommend this place. Ask for David!

    Is this helpful?

  38. OpenTable Diner

    Las Vegas

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on June 11, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Gary was awesome. Verde enchiladas were amazing. The trio was ok. Sampler for appetizer was very good. Drinks were all superb.

    Is this helpful?

  39. JudyR

    San Antonio

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on June 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was very good, ambiance was nice. Ordered th fried oysters and the queso flameado. Perfect bites before heading to the Majestic! Walking distance.

    Is this helpful?

  40. DianeC

    Atlanta Metro

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 6, 2023

    overall2food3service1ambience2
    I took customers to dinner there. Big mistake. We were there an hour, had only gotten drinks and part of the appetizers we ordered, and they hadn't taken our dinner order. We asked for water three times, never got it. Drink order messed up twice. My customers actually asked if we could go somewhere else. So embarrassing! The steak k-bobs we did get were delicious. The queso was so hot no-one could eat it and they said the guac was too salty (I didn't eat it). The bill for four drinks and two appetizers was $150. They charged us for the two messed up drinks and an appetizer we never got. Will not be returning. Update: Restaurant reached out after my review to apologize and said the server had been let go and offered me a gift certificate if I return.

    Is this helpful?

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitising

    • Surfaces sanitised between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitised menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
  • Physical distancing

    • Limited number of seated diners
    • Distancing maintained in common areas
    • Extra space between tables
  • 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 2464 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

7:30 p.m.


Booked 12 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Ácenar

146 East Houston, San Antonio, TX 78205

Additional information

  • Cross Street
    St. Mary's
  • Neighbourhood
    Downtown
  • 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
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary Mexican, Mexican / Regional American (Southwestern), Fusion / Eclectic
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress Code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking Details
    Special Valet Pricing at Hotel Valencia next door, Surface Lot, Check City Garages for Free Parking
  • Public Transit
    Yes
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive Chef
    Richard Sanchez
  • 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
  • Phone number
    (210) 222-2362
  • 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
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
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