In the great state of Texas, there is the city of San Antonio. From The Alamo to The Spurs, to the delicious Mexican cuisine, this city is a must to visit. Being from San Antonio however, there are a couple things each of us know only because we've lived there, and grown up in this vibrant city.
1. We have the best Tex-mex.
In San Antonio, due to the diverse, rich culture, our Mexican cuisine is fantastic. From Rosario's, to Chuys, to our beloved Taco Cabana, the food is hard to beat. Most people would eat Tex-mex anywhere around the country without preference, but for us, that isn't true. I have found, from traveling to different states, that I am extremely hesitant to try any other Tex-mex restaurant unless it is family owned and authentic. San Antonians' are picky about there Tex-mex and always are searching out the best margarita, and good tacos.
2. The Riverwalk is over priced and the quality isn't always superb.
Most people, when they first come visit San Antonio, they are dying to see the one of a kind Riverwalk. Not going to lie, it is gorgeous, especially around the holiday season with all of the lights. However, just because the Riverwalk is one of San Antonio's main attractions, doesn't mean you have to find a restaurant to eat right on it. Most of the restaurants even make you pay for your chips and salsa; now that's just not right. If you're from San Antonio, you know its best to head south where you'll find King Williams District and Blue Star brewery. Or, if you head north, you'll find plenty of good eats near The Pearl, which is still on the Riverwalk. It is always nice to enjoy the Riverwalk and walk around and maybe have a drink, but for us San Antonians' we know there are many better options with quality food, and a better price.
3. You better say Yes Ma'am and Yes Sir.
These two phrases are necessary to respond with in San Antonio because we are a kind, respectful city. Regardless of how crazy some people might drive, we all really do try to have respect for one another. If there is one thing I love about San Antonio besides the food, it's probably the southern hospitality. There really is a huge difference from the attitude down south versus up north. If you are from San Antonio, you know that responding to respected people, elders, and teachers with a "Yes ma'am" or "Yes sir" is necessary to show your respect.
4. 281 is a nightmare.
All cities have traffic, but not like this. 281 is a major highway in San Antonio, and if you can, avoid it all cost during any popular time of day. 281 is a madhouse full of crazy drivers, sometimes traffic lights, and confusing exits. If you are from San Antonio, it is most likely assumed that you know to avoid 281 as much as you can during lunch, dinner, and rush hour times.
5. We pronounce things incorrectly, but it's acceptable.
San Antonio is full of culture; especially that of Mexico, and it's fantastic. However, that being said, most of our major streets are named with Spanish words. With a large majority of the population only speaking English, this can cause some funny occurrences. For example, there is a road in San Antonio called Blanco. Although most of us properly know how to say this word in Spanish, people still choose to pronounce it incorrectly. Another incorrect pronunciation is Bexar county. It is actually pronounced Bear, but every once in a while we all fall for the misleading spelling.
6. The JW Marriott is a mini oasis and we all love it.
If you haven't been to the JW Marriott in San Antonio, you've definitely heard about it. Whether you go there to watch our beloved Spurs play on the big screen at the sports bar, or you take a weekend getaway trip here, it is truly spectacular. The JW Marriott is basically a real sized castle tucked into the hill country, north of the city. When you are there, it truly feels like a vacation.
7. When it rains; we don't drive. When it ices; oh hell no.
The weather in San Antonio is completely unpredictable. Our winters consist of two 40 degree days, and the rest varying from 60-80 degrees. Our springs and summers are basically one, and well, there is no fall. Aside from the temperature, we also receive minimum rainfall. This said, when it rains, people don't drive. If you are from San Antonio I wouldn't doubt if you are nodding your head at this very moment. When it rains, it will take you twice as long to get somewhere; especially if it's more than a drizzle. Ice is a different story. When it ices in San Antonio, everything stops: school, work, roads, everything. For most of us, it's great because we get a free day to relax. But let's be honest, its pretty hilarious.
