Hackberry Street can best be described as a neighborhood that is in transition, while also maintaining its soul. Located on the East Side, the street runs the gamut from a slight degree of urban plight to a network of urban success.
On the food side, it holds together a blend of restaurants and bars considered institutions, but there are also a lot of new concepts in the area that rank among the best dining experiences the city has to offer. Tony G's Soul food is a neighborhood staple, and you can also find a steakhouse in the Little Red Barn that can seat about 800 people at any given time and often it does.
I have an admission about Hackberry. I didn't like it at first, and it had nothing to do with the food. My car was stolen downtown and found on Hackberry in 2002. But the food has more than made amends. Hackberry does indeed have a soul that maintains personality and a vibrant neighborhood vibe, making it a legitimate player for this series.
Here are five places that are worthy of your trust:
Little Red Barn Steak House opened in 1963 on South Hackberry Street on the Southeast Side of San Antonio.
Mike Sutter/Staff file photoLittle Red Barn Steakhouse
Since 1963, the Hernandez family has been slinging up the meat. They do it with an affordable and loveable steakhouse twist that has been a frequent haunt for politicians, dignitaries and a guy named Larry, who refused to give his last name. That's OK, because I imagine that are plenty of Larrys at the Little Red Barn who desire affordable steaks, great customer service and a tie to the community it serves.
As for the food, it works on every level from the 20-ounce porterhouse cuts to the country fried steak and fish plate. It comes out hot, it comes out fast, and you won't regret your experience at this San Antonio institution. To add to the experience, you get a baked potato, fries, green beans or a sweet potato option with it. Oh yeah, and you can also get a gallon of margaritas for $45.
Little Red Barn Steak House, 1836 S. Hackberry, 210-532-4235, littleredbarnsteakhouse.com
Nairobi Bar & Grill is a social gathering place for residents near Hackberry.
Chuck Blount/StaffNairobi Bar and Grill
For much of the history of the neighborhood, Tucker's Kozy Corner on the nearby Houston Street has been the place to hang out and chill. Nairobi has stolen a lot of that thunder. There, you can find affordable drinks and a comfortable vibe with great music always in the background.
There are two windows of time at Nairobi. During the day it's chill and there may only be a few customers at any given time, and at night, it turns into a party happening place.
As for the eats, it doesn't have a kitchen, but on select days, it offers items such as chicken wings, burgers and more cooked on the grill in the back.
Nairobi Bar and Grill, 514 N. Hackberry, 210-222-0011, no online presence
Chunky Monkeys on Hackberry in San Antonio is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and snacks.
Chuck Blount/StaffChunky Monkeys Snack Shop
If you have a sweet tooth, this is a can't-miss place on Hackberry. From fruit cups to Mexican corn, ice cream, slushes and banana splits and shakes, funnel cakes and yada, yada, yada ... they have it.
"Either myself or my daughters come here nearly everyday because of how big the menu is," said a customer who didn't wish to be identified.
There is limited seating, but that's by design. Everything is assumed that it will be taken on the road.
Chunky Monkeys Snack Shop, 4710 S. Hackberry, 210-267-2514, no online presence
El Folklor Bakery on Hackberry is a great place to get your baked goods.
Chuck Blount/StaffEl Folklor Bakery
Sticking with the sweets, you can get cakes, pan de dulce, donuts, fresh tortillas, conchas, muffins, brownies and more here. Everything is good, and you can smell the sweet flavors of it all upon entry.
I grabbed a little bit of everything, and you can't go wrong with the pineapple empanadas. You can't really go wrong with anything. My daughter devoured the remnants of the brownie and the muffin. I did not get a cake because it wasn't my birthday, but maybe I should have lied about that.
El Folklor Bakery, 2604 S. Hackberry, 210-532-3767, no online presence
The exterior of The Dakota East Ice House on Hackberry.
Chuck Blount/Staff file photoThe Dakota East Side Ice House
A strong case can be made that Kent Oliver is one of the biggest advocates of Hackberry. As owner of the Dakota and a resident in the neighborhood for more than a decade, he has slowly turned a former convenience store space into a thriving restaurant serving beer, wine and food from a brand new kitchen in a historic building with plenty of space.
"As a longtime resident, I thought this was always something that the neighborhood needed," Oliver said. "Everybody is welcome here, even if you just come in here for the air conditioning."
Oliver regularly organizes neighborhood cleanup events, adds some fort of new design element to his property regularly, and is usually on the property to say hello and offer some friendly banter. As for the food, it's an array of sandwiches, pizzas and other options that warrant plenty of attention. The spicy chicken sandwich and pepperoni pizza are house favorites from chef Genaro Angel.
Hackberry has its share of options, and every place I went to is a place I'll definitely go to again.
The Dakota East Side Ice House, 433 S. Hackberry, 210-375-6009, thedakotasa.com
cblount@express-news.net | Twitter: @chuck_blount | Instagram: @bbqdiver
Hackberry Street lined with neighborhood bars, sweets and iconic eats on the East Side - Eat the Street - San Antonio Express-News
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