SAN ANTONIO-SO FAR LIST:

What’s Brewing - A morning ritual, this drive-thru coffee stop In addition to eliminating the need for even exiting your vehicle, What’s Brewing lends a filling all-day breakfast sammie, plus other between-bread options suitable for a quick lunch. My Go-To: An Iced Sami in their newly available LARGE size cup. | 12054 BLANCO RD. | OPEN 7AM-3PM DAILY

Thai Vegan - Despite feeling somewhat indifferent to restaurants of the vegan genre, I do notice when I, a non-vegan, find a vegan meal that feels truly filling…something still satisfying, despite my voracious and not-strictly-vegetarian-nor-vegan appetite. That being said, this place hits the spot. I even ventured into vegan proteins with their tasty take on chili wings, complete with a sweet, crunchy stick of jicama in place of the chicken bone. My Go-To: Spicy Fried Rice | 15614 HUEBNER RD. | OPEN 11AM-9PM DAILY, CLOSED TUES.

Iced vanilla latte via MildFire

MildFire - I took home a vanilla latte from this little shop situated amidst a small shopping strip. It neighbors a Goodwill Donation spot, and I foresee myself returning soon, on a stop to drop off the two designated donation boxes in my living room, with updates on their Aztec Mocha and newly added tacos available for takeout. | 15502 HUEBNER RD. | 7AM-6PM DAILY, SUN. 9AM-2PM

Medina River Coffee - Quaint and, like many local coffee spots, tucked in a small shopping center, I stopped at Medina River to pick up an order placed via PostMates. I went with their Brewchata, a blend of house-made cold brew and horchata, and I was not disappointed. Order through all major apps for delivery or pick-up. | 11825 WEST AVE. | 7AM-2PM DAILY, 8AM-2PM SUNDAY

El Mirasol at pick-up time

El Mirasol - Family-owned, authentic, delicious. Though only experienced from out of takeout boxes at my coffee table, I think it’s of note how homey this place feels even from as afar as the parking lot, where I’ve now waited three times to pick up what were all outstanding meals. It’s been a treat to have such a true taste of the southwest so close. P.S. Like a strong margarita? This place has you covered. El Mirasol is currently open for curbside takeout and on various delivery apps, as well as adjusted dining room service at both locations. // 13489 BLANCO RD. | MON.-THURS. 3-9PM, FRI. & SAT. 12-9PM, SUN. 12-8PM

Las Palapas - Est. 1981. Having moved away from Texas to the midwest and later east coast, fast-food in the form of Mexican food - other than Taco Bell - is a relatively foreign concept to me. I find myself delighted at the nearby Las Palapas drive-thru, and I can’t conclude whether to recommend stopping through for a late-night dinner or suggest grabbing an order of their breakfast tacos early on a weekday (shortest line). Note: Available via Doordash. | MULTIPLE LOCATIONS IN SAN ANTONIO, SELMA & NEW BRAUNFELS | HOURS VARY

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Following my arrival in a city for a short visit or an indefinite stay, I make a point to get to know the place I’ve landed in. Though at times stressful, I have found the pressure to immerse myself in my surroundings to be a valuable case of anxiety; one that forces me to pursue my environment thoroughly, in a way the average local might not be so inclined. I split the drive from Chicago to San Antonio into a two-day trip, 9 hours to Little Rock on day one. Upon my arrival, I began researching potential points of interest - a.k.a. everywhere. Albeit less rapid than my more walkable ventures, my initial introduction to San Antonio, Texas has been primarily by route of driving to local coffee shops. Additionally, I’ve acquainted myself with a few nearby takeout options - I can’t express my gratitude to be in a Whataburger-serving state.

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greetings from san antonio