MONTE VISTA. If you're craving a burger and fries while in town, you must go to Chris Madrid's. Hand-cut fries and massive burgers are legendary, especially the Cheddar Cheezy and the Tostada Burger, which incorporates refried beans, homemade salsa, and cheese. More basic burgers, a grilled chicken sandwich, and chalupas can also be had, and everything comes in regular and "macho" sizes. The place is decidedly family-friendly, so be sure to bring extra quarters for video games.

AIRPORT. They must be doing something right at El Jarro de Arturo ­ the San Antonio institution has been around for more than thirty years. Sit on the air-conditioned patio while you enjoy specialties like carne asada and roasted corn poblano soup. Thoughtful vegetarian fare is also available, including spinach mushroom quesadillas and portabello mushroom enchiladas. Combination dinners and a range of specialty entrees satisfy too. Finish up with a stiff Mexican coffee. An affordable lunch buffet is a welcome weekday feature.

KING WILLIAM DISTRICT. Considered one of the city's most scenic outdoor dining spots, Guenther House was once home to the founder of the Pioneer flourmill. Even today, the restaurant uses only Pioneer flour in its luscious strawberry waffles and homemade breads and biscuits. A hearty, traditional breakfast is served at any hour, but light fare like sandwiches and salads is also available. An onsite museum educates visitors about the flourmill and the Guenther family.

SAN ANTONIO. Gather at La Fogata (translation: "bonfire") for a classy Mexican meal. Inside, amble through the hacienda-style interior to the pleasant patio, complete with fountains and quarried-stone columns. Oh, and the food is good, too! Several local and national awards have been bestowed on the cuisine. Start with aguacate relleno (an avocado stuffed with shrimp and crab meat), and then dig in to the caren adobada plate (pork marinated in bay leaves, red pepper, and cinnamon). Make sure to pick up a supply of fresh roasted salsa on your way out.

MONTE VISTA. La Fonda, which opened during the Great Depression, has always been an enormously popular fixture in San Antonio, even following a change in management after 65 years. Presidents and war heroes have delighted in the place's roasted poblano relleno and in its Tex-Mex Gulf shrimp in garlic butter, and they've often returned for more. A beyond-adequate margarita menu, huge combination plates, and a leafy patio are just a few of the other reasons La Fonda is a continued success.