Esmeralda's Mexican Restaurant Reviews

After a morning of hiking and visiting missions, I stopped in for lunch. I ordered steak a la Mexicano, which had a nice bit of heat to it. It was served with Spanish rice, refried beans, flour tortillas, and tortilla chips with salsa and queso. The service was great. There was so much food, I couldn't finish it all.

We found this place and I’m happy I did. The food was great not very spicy. The location is small but the food was done quite quickly. Very happy

By far the best Mexican food w have had in San Anontio. This place is off the beaten path food is super fresh and homemade no store stuff here. We travel to Mexico alot and this is hands down very authentic.

Found this place near entrance to Mission San Jose. Good selection of Mexican food. Tried both chicken and beef, both were great. These are big portions, my wife took half of hers to go. Service was friendly and good. They do have some outside seating. Very casual, not fancy.

Disappointed. I do not like potatoes in my enchilada meat. Service was good though. However, I would not return. I miss Brown’s Enchiladas in Hackberry, which were made with real chili seasoning and chili meat.

Great place for breakfast and lunch. I really like the pork chop plate. Delicious flour tortillas. Authentic Mexican food.

Excellent service and food. Very friendly local restaurant. I have been going there at least monthly for 2 years. Everything has stayed consistently great.

Seek this place out for excellent Tex-Mex. Service is good as well. Found this place after visiting the missions. Will definitely return here when in the area.

We took a chance and dropped in for lunch. The crowd was non stop, but the wait was short. We loved the fresh food, including the puffy tacos. Really good location for those visiting the Missions.

We were looking for a place to eat and Esmerelda's was one of the few around. The carpark was busy and the restaurant nearly full even though it was 3pm. The menu was extensive and we chose two dishes to share. The food was great - tasty with a bit of spice and fresh. The service was terrific - friendly and helpful. Lastly, the prices were super cheap. A real find. Food was better than the Riverwalk at half the price.

We found this great little place while touring the southernmost missions. Our dogs were allowed to join us on the front patio. We started lunch with chips and salsa. My husband had the carne asada with rice, refried beans and guacamole . I had the chicken burrito. Both entrees were generous and quite tasty. Service was very good.

My husband and I did the 15 mile Mission Trail via bicycles and this was the perfect stop for lunch along the way. Some of the best tacos I've had in a long time and quick service. Servers all wore masks and we were able to sit outside for social distancing and to keep an eye on our bikes. They also have a drive-thru! Great little stop with really good inexpensive food.

We found this oasis while touring the missions on E bikes. We had missed lunch and our breakfast was running out. We were in need of food and a cool place to relax for a little bit. The great food was a bonus. It was prepared quickly and had very generous portions. We didn’t order the full entrees but had the crispy tacos and a puffy chicken taco. They were so tasty, we devoured them. Being in San Antonio with family on vacation, we had been eating at the River walk area. The food at Esmeralda’s was as good, if not better.

My husband and I visited during lunch time, and we ordered caldo and chile relleno plate. The waitress was very attentive and friendly, the food came out fast, and was delicious. 😋 I hadn’t ate here in over 5 years, but I am glad I went today! I will return

My friend and I had just visited the missions and we we're hungry. Located the closest Mexican restaurant because we wanted something authentic. This place did not disappoint. Not a very big joint and it wasn't crazy busy welhen we stopped. Don't let that fool you. I am not really into spicy food, so I had to watch what I ordered. Needless to say my food was excellent, they serve you sauces to add the " hot" to your food. I devoured it. Very good, highly recommend!

Authentic Tex-mex in an extremely casual setting. Service was friendly and I barely got to sit down before my food was ready!!

Stopped in here for a late lunch after visiting the missions. Set all by itself on S. Presa, we just happened upon it. GREAT food and service was excellent as well. We sat outside on their patio (inside also available). Lots of choices (we had the flautas (excellent)). Everything is homemade and delicious. If we're ever back in that area, we will be sure to stop in.

Was driving the Mission Trail and spotted this little gem, full of work trucks and appeared to be very busy. Pulled in, entered a charming little dining room and was immediately greeted with a large, comprehensive menu. We ordered, food arrived quickly and attractively served at appropriate temperature and enjoyed our Mexican lunch at an affordable price. It was fun to get away from the hustle of downtown SA and get some good food served with love!

Authentic. We were following the mission trail and needed a place for lunch. The food was good. The portions were large and the price was very reasonable. I had the puffy beef tacos. Yum!

Food was ok, amount was generous, but a little pricey. Atmosphere not very nice. Service was terrible, only 2 tables were occupied ...all 3 waitresses kept checking on 1 table which had guys and we were a couple and had to ask for more tea & water.