You’re standing on the limestone banks of the San Antonio River. The smell of humidity, blooming jasmine, and sizzling fajitas is thick. It’s loud. Every few minutes, a flat-bottomed boat chugs past, filled with tourists waving like they’re in a parade.
If you're looking for a place to eat, you’ve likely seen the glowing neon of Landry’s on the Riverwalk San Antonio.
Locals might roll their eyes. They’ll tell you it’s a "chain." They’ll point you toward a tiny hole-in-the-wall ten miles away that only serves three things. And hey, sometimes they're right. But if you want to sit right on the water and eat a plate of seafood that actually tastes like the Gulf, you have to look closer at what Landry’s is actually doing.
Honestly, it's easy to dismiss it as just another stop for the convention crowd. But there is a reason this spot stays packed while other "authentic" places fold within a year.
The Reality of Dining at Landry's on the Riverwalk San Antonio
Most people think Landry's is just a factory for fried shrimp. It isn't.
The San Antonio location, perched at 517 N. Presa Street, occupies a weirdly perfect niche. It’s sophisticated enough for a "fancy" anniversary dinner but casual enough that nobody’s going to kick you out for wearing a sweat-stained Spurs jersey.
The architecture inside is surprisingly cozy. It has that dark wood, coastal-inn vibe that feels a world away from the blistering Texas sun outside. But the real draw is the patio. If you can snag a table outside, you’re basically level with the water.
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Is it expensive? Yeah, kinda. You’re paying a "Riverwalk tax."
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A Blue Crab Cake is going to run you nearly $30. A bowl of gumbo is $13. If you’re looking for a $10 lunch, go to a taco truck. But the trade-off is the view and the consistency.
When you order the Snapper Hemingway—which is parmesan-encrusted and smothered in lump crab—you know exactly what you’re getting. It’s one of the few places where the fish doesn't feel like it’s been sitting in a freezer since the 90s.
The Service Quirk
Here’s something most travel blogs miss: the service here is surprisingly personal for a corporate-owned spot.
There’s a server there named Anthony who is famous for doing magic tricks at the table. If you’ve got kids who are hitting that "I’m bored and want to jump in the river" phase of the meal, a guy appearing with a deck of cards is a literal lifesaver. It’s those small, human moments that keep it from feeling like a cold, corporate machine.
What to Actually Order (and What to Skip)
Don't just open the menu and pick the first thing you see. If you’re going to spend the money, do it right.
The Hits:
- Oyster Bar Trash: This sounds disgusting. It’s actually incredible. It’s blackened shrimp and lump blue crab served over rice with lemon butter. It’s messy, rich, and probably has enough calories to power a small city, but it’s the best thing on the menu.
- Stuffed Flounder: They don't skimp on the seafood stuffing here. It’s heavy on the lemon butter, which is exactly how Gulf-style seafood should be.
- Cedar Planked Salmon: If you’re trying to be "healthy" (good luck), this is the way to go. The honey dijon glaze is legit.
The Misses:
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- The Pasta: Look, you’re at a seafood house in South Texas. Why are you ordering Fettuccine Alfredo? It’s fine, but it’s not why you’re here.
- Standard Fried Platters: They’re good, but you can get fried shrimp anywhere. Go for the signature fish.
Navigating the Logistics: Parking and Crowds
Let’s talk about the nightmare that is downtown San Antonio parking.
Landry's doesn't have its own lot. If you try to park right on the street, you’ll spend forty minutes circling one-way streets while getting honked at by a Greyhound bus.
Pro Tip: Look for the City Tower Garage at 117 W. Commerce St. On Sundays, parking there is usually free from 7 a.m. to midnight. On Tuesdays, many city-run lots are free after 5 p.m. for "Downtown Tuesday."
If it’s a Saturday night, just Uber. The $15 fare is cheaper than the $25 you’ll pay at the Riverbend Garage, and it saves you the inevitable road rage.
When to Go
If you show up at 7:00 p.m. on a Friday without a reservation, you are going to be waiting a long time.
The sweet spot? Weekdays between 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. You get the late-afternoon sun hitting the water, the crowds are thin, and the kitchen isn't slammed yet. It’s the best time to actually enjoy the scenery without someone’s elbow in your ear.
The Private Dining Secret
Most people don't realize there’s a whole second level to this place.
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If you’re planning a rehearsal dinner or a corporate "we-hit-our-targets" lunch, the Wine Room or the Balcony Room are actually some of the better deals on the river. They can hold anywhere from 30 to 50 people.
The view from the balcony is significantly better than the street level because you’re looking down at the chaos rather than being in the middle of it.
Is it Worth It?
Landry's on the Riverwalk San Antonio is a bit of a paradox.
It’s a massive chain, owned by Tilman Fertitta’s empire, yet it feels uniquely "San Antonio" because of the staff and the setting. It’s the place you take your parents when they visit from out of town because you know the food will be good and the atmosphere will impress them.
It’s not "undiscovered." It’s not "edgy."
But when the sun goes down and the lights on the cypress trees start to twinkle, and you’re halfway through a plate of blackened redfish with a cold drink in your hand?
It’s pretty hard to complain.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Visit
- Book via OpenTable: Do not walk in blindly. Even on a Tuesday, the Riverwalk can get weirdly busy.
- Ask for the Patio: Specifically request a table by the rail. If they tell you it’s a 20-minute wait for that specific spot, wait. It changes the entire experience.
- Check the "Today's Catch": They usually have 3-4 fresh fish options (Mahi, Redfish, Snapper). These are almost always better than the permanent menu items.
- Join the Landry’s Select Club: If you eat at any of their brands (Saltgrass, Rainforest Cafe, etc.), the $25 membership fee usually pays for itself immediately with a $25 welcome reward and priority seating. It’s a bit of a "hack" to skip the line.