Alamo City Haven Guidebook
Neighborhoods
The original formation of the Lavaca Historic District was approved by the City of San Antonio in 2001. Subsequent additions to the historic district were adopted in 2002 and 2004. The land that now encompasses much of the neighborhood was developed residentially in a piecemeal fashion starting in the mid-nineteenth century. Prior to that time it was part of the Labor de Afuera or farmlands of Mission San Antonio de Valero that later became the Alamo, and of the Elario Montoyo land grant dating from the Spanish Colonial period. The route of the Alamo Acequia, a Spanish irrigation ditch begun in about 1720, extends through the area.
Lavaca’s residential sector is one of the oldest in the San Antonio area that has survived into modern times, and many of the homes in this area are landmark structures of unique character. The district was initially partitioned into residential lots by the city in 1852 and by developers Samuel Maverick and Thomas Devine in 1854. However, no substantial development occurred there until after the beginning of a period of intense building in the King William District in the early 1870s.
Lavaca was initially a closely organized neighborhood with small houses facing both streets and alleys. It was designed primarily for working class families. Archival records indicate that the neighborhood mix during the initial development period included carpenters, stonemasons, shopkeepers, clerks, tailors, bartenders, teamsters, and butchers. Residents were mostly of Germanic heritage, but also included those of Polish, Hispanic, and African American descent. Thus, the neighborhood contains adobe and stone saltbox homes from the Spanish era and the 1850s, several styles of vernacular homes from the turn-of-the-century era, and more modern early twentieth-century bungalows. A commercial strip consisting of meat markets, beer gardens, a firehouse, and two-story brick commercial buildings was added along the western boundary of the area during the last quarter of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. The area was impacted in recent decades by the construction of Victoria Courts, HemisFair, Interstate 37, and commercial development along South Presa Street.
8 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Lavaca
The original formation of the Lavaca Historic District was approved by the City of San Antonio in 2001. Subsequent additions to the historic district were adopted in 2002 and 2004. The land that now encompasses much of the neighborhood was developed residentially in a piecemeal fashion starting in the mid-nineteenth century. Prior to that time it was part of the Labor de Afuera or farmlands of Mission San Antonio de Valero that later became the Alamo, and of the Elario Montoyo land grant dating from the Spanish Colonial period. The route of the Alamo Acequia, a Spanish irrigation ditch begun in about 1720, extends through the area.
Lavaca’s residential sector is one of the oldest in the San Antonio area that has survived into modern times, and many of the homes in this area are landmark structures of unique character. The district was initially partitioned into residential lots by the city in 1852 and by developers Samuel Maverick and Thomas Devine in 1854. However, no substantial development occurred there until after the beginning of a period of intense building in the King William District in the early 1870s.
Lavaca was initially a closely organized neighborhood with small houses facing both streets and alleys. It was designed primarily for working class families. Archival records indicate that the neighborhood mix during the initial development period included carpenters, stonemasons, shopkeepers, clerks, tailors, bartenders, teamsters, and butchers. Residents were mostly of Germanic heritage, but also included those of Polish, Hispanic, and African American descent. Thus, the neighborhood contains adobe and stone saltbox homes from the Spanish era and the 1850s, several styles of vernacular homes from the turn-of-the-century era, and more modern early twentieth-century bungalows. A commercial strip consisting of meat markets, beer gardens, a firehouse, and two-story brick commercial buildings was added along the western boundary of the area during the last quarter of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. The area was impacted in recent decades by the construction of Victoria Courts, HemisFair, Interstate 37, and commercial development along South Presa Street.
Edgy, bohemian neighborhood lined with art galleries, coffeehouses, restaurants/bars, and boutiques. Walking distance to downtown attractions like the River Walk, the Tower of the Americas, Hemisfair Park, the Alamo, and more.
142 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Southtown
Edgy, bohemian neighborhood lined with art galleries, coffeehouses, restaurants/bars, and boutiques. Walking distance to downtown attractions like the River Walk, the Tower of the Americas, Hemisfair Park, the Alamo, and more.
City/town information
San Antonio is the best big city with a small town feel! We're all about fiestas, supporting the home team, good food and drink, art & music, supporting our military and medical community, and more!
147 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
San Antonio
San Antonio is the best big city with a small town feel! We're all about fiestas, supporting the home team, good food and drink, art & music, supporting our military and medical community, and more!
Food scene
Trendy, happening bar with great food, drinks, music, atmosphere, and prices. They've been around since before the boom. Definitely a must visit!
33 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Southtown 101
101 Pereida StTrendy, happening bar with great food, drinks, music, atmosphere, and prices. They've been around since before the boom. Definitely a must visit!
Surprising urban oasis with great food, lots of gathering spaces, live music, drinks. Great atmosphere!
26 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
The Good Kind Southtown
1127 S St Mary's StSurprising urban oasis with great food, lots of gathering spaces, live music, drinks. Great atmosphere!
Beautiful rustic atmosphere! The smell of the pizza cooking is mouthwatering. Delicious food, friendly service. Occasional live music.
56 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Southtown Pizzeria
728 S Presa StBeautiful rustic atmosphere! The smell of the pizza cooking is mouthwatering. Delicious food, friendly service. Occasional live music.
I love the picadillo sopes and puzzle here! They also make an amazing cocktail called the Arbol Berry (get it in raspberry). Service is friendly but slow, so don't go when you're in a rush.
66 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Tito's Mexican Restaurant
955 S Alamo StI love the picadillo sopes and puzzle here! They also make an amazing cocktail called the Arbol Berry (get it in raspberry). Service is friendly but slow, so don't go when you're in a rush.
One of the first restaurants in Southtown and still a favorite! Fabulous food and drinks! The heart of Southtown.
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Rosario's
722 S Alamo StOne of the first restaurants in Southtown and still a favorite! Fabulous food and drinks! The heart of Southtown.
Local hangout; great for enjoying the weather and watching the big game
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The Friendly Spot Ice House
943 S Alamo StLocal hangout; great for enjoying the weather and watching the big game
OH MY! If you like cinnamon rolls, you HAVE to check this place out. The Southtown is delicious!!
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Cinnaholic
812 S Alamo StOH MY! If you like cinnamon rolls, you HAVE to check this place out. The Southtown is delicious!!
Liberty Bar recently moved from its original location to its new home in Southtown. This is a beautiful establishment. Classy, but comfortable. Great cocktails! Nice outdoor seating area.
114 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Liberty Bar
1111 S Alamo StLiberty Bar recently moved from its original location to its new home in Southtown. This is a beautiful establishment. Classy, but comfortable. Great cocktails! Nice outdoor seating area.
The Pearl is one of the the newer commercial districts in San Antonio. A favorite hangout of locals full of dining options, shopping, music, and fresh air!
527 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Pearl Brewery
303 Pearl PkwyThe Pearl is one of the the newer commercial districts in San Antonio. A favorite hangout of locals full of dining options, shopping, music, and fresh air!
Hands Down
Coffee shop in the morning, bar in the afternoon/evening
Bar Loretta
Great cocktails! Amazing burger!!
QUESO PAN Y VINO
940 S Alamo StAmazing food!! Go early or make a reservation
52 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
La Frite Belgian Bistro
728 S Alamo StAmazing food!! Go early or make a reservation
Battalion
604 S Alamo StSightseeing
Blue Star Arts Complex
Tower of the Americas
739 E César E. Chávez BlvdAwesome place to get dinner at sunset!!!
Institute of Texan Cultures
801 E César E. Chávez BlvdHemisfair Park
434 S Alamo StMission Trail
Rent some bikes and ride the mission trails
Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center
900 E Market StDoSeum
2800 BroadwayWitte Museum
3801 BroadwayIzoo eSan Antonio
3903 N St Mary's StIsityalo saseSan Antonio Botanical
555 Funston PlNatural Bridge Caverns
26495 Natural Bridge Caverns RdNatural Bridge Wildlife Ranch
26515 Natural Bridge Caverns RdSports & Entertainment
Home of the Spurs, BOA San Antonio, and more!
Alamodome
100 Montana StThe Magik Theatre
420 S Alamo StSix Flags Fiesta Texas
17000 W I-10SeaWorld San Antonio
10500 SeaWorld DriveAmacebiso ngesixeko
Ukuhamba-hamba
Southtown is very walkable
In Southtown, you are centrally located to so much of what downtown SA has to offer.
Ukuhamba-hamba
Scooters
If you are tired of walking, download the Blue Duck scooter app and hop on!
Ungaphoswa
First Friday
Southtown comes out in full force on the first Friday of the month. Enjoy food, drinks, art, music, and friendly neighbors!
Ungaphoswa
FIESTA
San Antonio’s biggest celebration of the year held annually the last two weeks of April