Jingu House Reviews

I have visited Brackenridge Park in San Antonio, TX all my life. Yes, this restaurant had good and healthy food, great service all in a historic home that was occupied by a wonderful Japanese family, the Jingus who helped create the Japanese Garden setting in San Antonio serving visitors food, teas and treats there from 1926 onward for 16 years. It has recently been remodeled. We had a simple but great meal for a late lunch of chicken salad sandwiches, seaweed salad and Spider Mum Blossom Tea. This amazing tea is an Asian medicinal tea but tastes amazing. Afterwards we enjoyed strolling through the immense gardens with Koi and a 60' waterfall.

We were here while visiting Japanese Tea Gardens and it’s a small, decent place to have a quick lunch or tea. The service is good and food is freshly made and served.

My first time to try bubble tea - interesting. We only had the drink but the place was clean, employees nice, and an excellent place to cool off after a walk through the Japanese Gardens

After walking through the Japanese Tea Garden we needed a drink and a rest. Their herbals iced teas were tasty and so was the stuffed avocado salads. Staff pleasant, cost moderate. Didn't see inside seating but didn't really look so may be available. It is a small place.

Jingu is within the Japanese Tea Gardens, and is a lovely place. After a walk in the gardens, we enjoyed their fresh pressed ice cold lemonade on a very hot day! Next time we'll plan to stay and have lunch.

Went to visit the tea garden and enjoy some boba with wife and daughter. The door was open and staff were sitting around counter. When asked if they were open then they had the audacity to lie to my wife and I that they were closed. I asked what time they closed and they mumbled and looked at one another until I said 430? They looked at each other and agreed at the time I made up??? The owner needs to re-evaluate her/his staff and make cuts to losses......

This is a small restaurant in the Japanese Tea Garden. It is modernly decorated and very clean. Food is very good and made with fresh products. Service is good. The Iced Hibiscus tea is so tasty and refreshing. This was a nice change of pace from the hustle and bustle of restaurants downtown. Lunch was low to moderately priced depending on what you order. There is also a little gift shop downstairs. I bought some tea and daughter bought a t-shirt that proceeds went to Japanese hurricane relief. Great place!

I was visiting the Tea Garden for the second time and did not get a chance to get lunch. I tried out the Jingu House and was pleasantly surprised. I was happy to have the option since there isn't anywhere to eat nearby and I had taken the bus from my hotel. You can sit inside or out on the patio, which is what I chose on a lovely spring day. I had the sampler plate with the chicken salad, cucumber salad, and fresh fruit. It was very good. The chicken salad was pretty standard, but very tasty. It also came with crackers and a mixed greens salad with an Asian dressing. It was fresh and full of flavor. All the fruit was fresh-strawberries, grapes, two kinds of melon and pineapple. The staff was very nice and helpful. On my way out, I helped myself to a delicious strawberry popsicle. The prices are reasonable and I would definitely eat here again if I get a chance to visit the garden again.

this place is located within the Japanese gardens... after walking about and exploring the gardens this is a refreshing place to cool off and have a refreshing tea...the agape tea blend was very good... there is also a small restraunt type setting in the rear if you want to eat lunch... I only got the tea however...

We visited the Japanese gardens together as a family and decided to have lunch at the Jingu House. We were not disappointed! Everything in the garden flows together and it is just a wonderful environment to enjoy a bite of lunch ad a pot of tea in. My wife and I had the Thai Beef Salad and we got the Jingu Children's Bento Box for the kids. One had the peanut butter and the other the turkey. My wife and I also added a pot of the oolong tea to enjoy while we ate. We decided to eat outside and we were not disappointed in the food or the view. The patio fronts the garden and it is just a beautiful and relaxing way to spend lunch. The salad was really good with the Thai Vinaigrette providing that Asian touch of flavor. The children's bento boxes come with fresh fruit (melon, pineapple, strawberries, grapes, etc) that was fresh and tasty. The source all their produce locally so everything is really fresh. The tea was excellent as well coming in a glass pot it was well steeped and flavorful. I could have stayed there all day drinking tea and enjoying the garden. I will definitely be back if I find myself in San Antonio again.

A convenient place to have a casual lunch with family during your visit to the park and Japanese Tea Gardens. Food was good and was freshly prepared. Be sure to make reservations if it is a Sunday afternoon

Matcha latte was just pure matcha no milk nothing…Tasted horrible. Asked to change the drink was told no bc we already drank from the cup…the guy said that’s the way they make theirs which is understandable but in our case we spent $30 on drinks and was only asking to exchange one of them. Honestly over priced drinks for them to taste like that….I’m only leaving a review for other ppl wanting to try the matcha cause it is GROSS.

This is a little restaurant that is located in the Japanese Tea Garden. You must go in to a building to order and then they bring your order to you, so no table service. The area where you order is tiny, so people get really bunched up. It’s a clean place, and there is seating inside as well as out. We chose out as it was sunny. I ordered a turkey with Provolone with the avocado on the side. It came on the sandwich which was disappointing. My husband ordered the Asian Grilled salad and he thought it was average. I also had a cucumber side salad and it was good. I ordered a bubble cold tea for $5.50 and thought It was pretty good, except the bubble things tasted like rice and they got stuck in my straw. Not worth it for sure! My husband also had a sparkling water for $3.50 called Topo Chico. The whole experience was overpriced! $40 for a salad, a side salad, a sandwich , and 2 drinks!

My daughter and I had lunch here before we explored the Japanese Tea Garden. I got a bento box which was very sub par. They charged $13 for a scantily filled bento box. They didn't put salad dressing on the salad, I had to ask for it. My daughters turkey provolone sandwich was good, according to her. We did enjoy the pot of earl grey lavender tea that we shared. I would recommend that you eat elsewhere and just come for the beautiful tea garden.

The Bento Box was incredible. Everything was very fresh and well prepared. The refresh cold tea did the job. The staff was attentive. The surroudings are beautiful.

Located in the Japanese Tea Garden in Brackenridge Park, a registered Texas historic landmark, Jingu House is a unique and delightfully serene setting for lunch or tea. We stumbled upon this beautifully designed and landscaped garden and tea room during a day trip to San Antonio while vacationing in the Texas Hill Country, and were immediately enchanted by its beauty and grace. We were warmly greeted upon our entry into the tea room, offered our choice of seating, and immediately presented with a menu featuring salads, sandwiches, traditional bento boxes, a children’s bento box (containing a choice of peanut butter and jelly or turkey finger sandwiches and “kid-friendly” accompaniments of fruit, chips, carrot and celery wands, and ranch dip), and, of course, a selection of specialty hot teas, as well as other more standard beverages. Our tea room hostess was very gracious, attentive, and knowledgeable about both the items on the menu and the history and recent renovation of the tea house and garden. We ordered the Jingu House Bento Box ($12.95 for a choice of sesame or spicy chicken with Asian vegetables, beef and vegetable stir fry, or a vegetarian option, accompanied by steamed brown rice, a California roll, seaweed and calamari salad) and blooming (flowering) tea in a clear glass teapot. The meal was beautifully presented, locally sourced, fresh, colorful, healthful, and flavorful. Although we did not have dessert, the freshly baked green tea cookies were very tempting. After lingering over our excellent lunch, we found ourselves irresistibly drawn into the gardens, and spent over a half hour strolling about, taking photos, relaxing in its serenity, and marveling at the loveliness of each feature and the evident care and attention given to every detail. This garden is a popular setting for weddings and events, and it would be difficult indeed to imagine a more beautiful venue. Overall, we spent a delightful two hours surrounded by the rejuvenating serenity and enchanting beauty of the attraction, and agreed that this spontaneous mid-afternoon lunch stop was one of the highlights of our trip.

We went to visit the Japanese Gardens it the location of the old quarry in Breckenridge Park. It was a nice cool break from the heat after hiking around in the heat. I had a bento box which was very nice and reasonably priced. My only complaint, and it is not much of one is that in 100 degree heat you only had three choices for iced tea in a tea house. They had many variaties that could be served hot but only three that were available cold. They did provide me with a black herbal tea upon request and that worked out fine. Overall it was very enjoyable and the staff was great.

I read the tea house had a cafe here. We decided to try it without seeing the menu. It did not Disappoint. We chose a beautiful day to sit outside and enjoy the scenery and weather. The service was very good. Food was seriously great. I had the Asian chicken wrap, yum. Other popular choices at our table were the Asian chicken salad and chicken stir fry. It was a calm relaxing meal. We would definitely recommend and come back. There were not a ton of tables, but we were able to snag one. Glad we made the choice to dine here!

Tea house was pretty average. Located in a beautiful location and that alone is good enough to visit.

Stopped in after our walk around the Tea Garden for some spring rolls, Thai tea boba, and an old fashioned. Everything was DELICIOUS especially the spring rolls!

While wandering around the Japanese Gardens, we walked in here thinking we'd grab some lunch. After seeing the prices and what some other patrons got, we changed our mind... The price didn't look worth it. We did however get some bubble tea despite that as we were quite thirsty. The tea had a wonderful flavor.

We visited the Jingu House Café for the first time in October. This “house” is hard to separate from the adjoining Japanese Tea Garden and Brackenridge Park. The restaurant is in a historic building overlooking the Tea Gardens and the San Antonio downtown. See photo 1 for a look at the outside. You are within walking distance of the Zoo, the Witte Museum and much more. The food: We had been exploring the nearby Park and stumbled into the Café for an afternoon break. We tried the seaweed salad and house chips with three different teas each brought in glass pots. It was all GOOD. And one-of-a-kind. Hard to find these items on the menu of most restaurants or on a food market shelf. The staff was preparing for an event later that day, but they were most friendly and attentive. I wish I could think of a better word for the intangible atmosphere of this Café than charm – a LOT of charm. Could stay there for a long time and get snockered – except they do not serve alcohol. The Tea Garden: The garden is behind the Café. Even though renovations were underway (one of the ponds was drained - see photo 2), the setting was still most powerful. I can see it now once the project is complete: Mood lighting, the right background music, tranquility, great food, a stroll in the garden, a cool evening breeze, magic tea and sparkles in each others eyes. More than a few personalities might just run off and get married while under this most romantic influence – before they figured out what they were getting into. You have been warned.

While we were visiting the Japanese Gardens we decided to have lunch on the patio at the Jingu House. The staff was friendly and so sweet. They brought a bowl of water for our fur baby. I enjoyed the tuna melt with golden zen ice tea. My husband had the turkey melt with tea. This was such a serene peaceful lunch surrounded by beauty. If I lived in San Antonio, I would visit here often and bring all my family & friends.

My friend and I had a very good lunch at Jingu House. You order at the counter and then go take a seat inside or out. There really is no table service so if you want something else or a water refill you have to go in and do it yourself. I had the chicken salad in an avocado and it was surrounded by delicious pickles. I enjoyed my lunch very much.

Had read horrid reviews the previous month, but decided to chance it anyway since it would be the perfect time between the zoo and the Chinese Garden. At first we thought we would have to sit outside, but we were offered an inside table in the back room in blessed air conditioning. The menu was quite nice and should be acceptable to almost any palate. One of us had a bento, one had a beef salad, one had a sandwich, and one had a salad/sandwich combo. We each had a different flavor of ice tea and also sampled one cookie and the green tea cake. Everything was wonderful. The staff was amazingly courteous, the food was tasty, and the surroundings were very relaxing. I cannot recommend this place enough.

The employees are very friendly. They offer hot or iced tea. We had iced because it was hot out and a cookie to share. We sat and enjoyed or treat after walking thru the garden but we walked outside the patio dor a better view. Good tea and wonderful view, great treat during our day.

Food was all good - some great. Service was friendly and attentive. Atmosphere was nice, but could have been closer to the garden itself. Fans were a nice touch in the San Antonio heat.

This restaurant is located at the Japanese sunken Gardens. This makes it an ideal spot to grab lunch in between tourist stops. The restaurants quite small and their ordering system is a little awkward however the food was very good. My wife and I both had the bento boxes and the calamari salad was especially good. They offered a wonderful selection of tea and the meals are light so you're able to walk around the gardens.

Not like eating in Japan, but a very good Japanese style tea room in San Antonio. Good variety of food items and beverages for all ages and food preferences. Nice end of garden experience.

For $5 you may purchase a little pot of tea and enjoy the peaceful grounds in this central city spot. What a slice of serenity in old San Antonio.

I wanted a ice pop and some ice tea to cool off after a trip to the sunken garden. Both were great! The frozen fruit pops are house made and full of fruit. The offering of ice teas is excellent.

The food is quite delicious, fresh and tasty. My only feedback for improvement would be; portions are on the smaller side for the price. It is still a great place to eat and considering that the entrance to the Japanese Tea Garden is free it makes up for the prices.

First off, the location is wonderful. How could you go wrong in reopening food service in this lovely historical building? We went around two pm and sat in the larger dining room. The first table I chose had a dirty table cloth so were we're moved to a cleaner one. We both ordered iced tea and it was served in to-go cups. My friend ordered the 1/2 chicken salad sandwich that was served with chips and a side salad. She said it was tasty. I ordered a California roll. I was served 5 thin slices of sushi that when put together was about two inches long; not what I would call a sushi roll. The presentation was lovely and it tasted ok. The food was served on nice melamine dinnerware. The menu is pretty limited, mostly sandwiches. I was expecting more Japanese fare. They do have a decent tea menu. The servers were mediocre. With the lovely location and the history of the Jingu family, I was expecting so much more. It is really just a place to grab a quick bite.

3 of us had sushi which was good but nothing outstanding. Sitting outside in the beautiful garden during a warm day made for a pleasant meal with friends.

This is located next door to the Zoo and in Brackenridge Park. It is a cute little restaurant with great food and teas. Kids menu available and excellent choices. It provides a great rest after seeing the new area with koi fish and the new waterfall in the Japanese Gardens. It has been very well preserved and part of the San Antonio and Texas history.

Fabulous brewed ice teas, try the Asian Chicken salad - they make a freshly ground Ginger lime Vinaigrette that I buy by the container every time I visit and take home with me. Very filling for $7.95. My friend got a California roll and while it was good, he was still hungry afterwards.

What a surprise! This was an unexpected treat. Our party of four each ordered something different. Everything was excellent and reasonably priced.

The food was good and fun to try. The prices were reasonable and the scenery is beautiful. Our male waiter was a little blah, but the energy from the female waitress made up for his lack of personality.

A good little place for a snack and drinks after walking around the gardens. Great people watching! The line for takeaway is long but we were able to sit right down at a table outside. Good menu of Japanese dishes.

We visited the Japanese Tea Garden on a nice day and decided to eat lunch there before we left. The menu is is small; but, there is enough variety to cover most tastes. I opted for the half chicken salad sandwich and salad and my wife had the grilled beef Thai salad. Both were very good and reasonably priced.

We stopped in the Jingu house cafe located at the Japenese Gardens, they were out of coffee so i had a tea with 'bubbles' and ordered 2 pecan bars, the server told me they were quite good - they certainly looked good - due to Covid you could not eat inside and only 5 people were allowed inside at a time so i carried my purchase outdoors and my hubby and i found a place to sit down. We were unable to cut into the bars with the fork provided so i picked mine up and attempted to take a bite, it was frozen solid! I about broke a tooth biting into it. We eventually left, took our bars with us and decided we would have for a snack once they thawed. A few hours later we were able to cut into them with a fork and while they were good, it was a treat i would have liked to have had 3 hours prior.

Great little Japanese Tea garden to walk through, ponds, walkway, stairs , flowers, etc and a relatively small tea house with stir fry and sushi and bento and noodle bowls and salads and wraps as well as limited beer/wine -- good service and a fun getaway from the city.

I was excited to try the calamari salad. We ordered half Turkey sandwich and calamari salad (no substitutions had to pay extra for calamari salad - comes with small house salad). It was a 30 minute wait for our food, there were not a lot of people around the restaurant. We got a dry turkey sandwich (supposed to have pesto mayo) and crab salad and no house salad. When we asked about the calamari we were told it was no longer available and a previous customer had ordered their sandwich without mayo that's why we didn't get mayo. No offer to bring mayo. They brought us a wedding cookie for our inconvenience. Crab salad was made with effort, turkey sandwich could have been made better at home. Thin slice of turkey, cheese, tomato, and lettuce.

What a surprise to have lunch at the JTGardens that was very affordable. When you see the location and appearance indoor/outdoor setup you'll understand. Bento beef box has sushi and seaweed potato salad w a nice side of salad and brown rice. Beef wrap was amazing, (comes w/ waffle fries) the sauce inside added a slight spice. The JR Bento PB&J also had a colorful fresh fruit salad w/Goldfish, waffle fries and carrot/celery combo w/ranch. Tuna sandwhich was also a winner. Wheelchair accessible, kid and dog friendly. Pull into the designated JTG parking and it's one ramp up. They also sell water and teas for your journey through the gardens.

We stopped in for tea on a chilly morning and loved the selection of tea that the Jingu House had available. We had strawberry hibiscus, jade oolong, and a varietal of an earl grey. We got them to go so that we could sit outside and enjoy the scenery of the Japanese garden. The restaurant also had bento boxes and small pastries available along with a small gift shop. Definitely worth stopping in if you're walking through the park!

I loved the variety of loose leaf tea that was offered! I came home with White Peony, and Sencha. They were both delicious, and I can't wait to go back and try more! I was so happy to find this place, and will try lunch next time.