Whether you’re passing through on I-35, visiting the Comal River, or just craving authentic Texas barbecue, you might find yourself in Live Oak at some point. But your culinary journey shouldn’t stop at the first smokehouse you spot, which is why we’ve compiled this guide. It’s filled with incredible dining spots that capture the heart of Texas cuisine, from classic joints to modern gems.
Olive Garden Italian Restaurant
$$ | (210) 646-0887 | WEBSITE
Olive Garden feels more like a family gathering than a quiet date spot, so head here when you want a lively meal in a town that thinks casual dining is fine dining. This haven is an Italian chain restaurant on a busy Live Oak street filled with familiar favorites, consistent service (if the timing is in your favor), and people who love breadsticks. High chairs, booster seats, and crayons are on hand if you do decide to bring the kids and settle into a comfortable booth in the dining room inside.
While chicken and shrimp carbonara, endless salad, and warm soup bowls are the comfort food you need before you drive to your favorite shopping center down the road (take that, boring chain alternatives).
IKEA Restaurant
$ | (888) 888-4532 | WEBSITE
IKEA Restaurant offers meals in a bright, spacious hall with clean lines—in other words, it’s a Swedish cafeteria disguised as a shopping break, and a great spot to refuel during a trip to the store. They serve some of the most affordable food in the area, including a few vegetarian options. This spot is also big enough for your entire family to fit in without feeling cramped, and there’s a quiet atmosphere throughout for when browsing the showroom just isn’t enough.
Black Rifle Coffee Company
$ | (210) 640-9020 | WEBSITE
Black Rifle Coffee Company has one of the best coffee shops in the whole area. It’s clean and wheelchair accessible, and is a great spot to meet up with a friend and read before heading to work. They also have a military decor with items like t-shirts and miscellaneous products, a discount for former first responders, and a menu of things like excellent coffee, delicious muffins, and the highly recommended vanilla latte.
Biff Buzby’s Burgers
$ | (210) 590-2040 | WEBSITE
Drive through Live Oak and you’ll spot plenty of families heading into the spacious dining room or grabbing a seat near one of the TVs. All roads lead to Biff Buzby’s Burgers. The local spot does classic burgers right. They have a perfect toast—never too soft or burnt. And you can taste the quality of the toppings, separate from the juicy patties.
Like any great neighborhood spot, this is a place to settle into one of the booths and chat about how the wings were just the right amount of sweet and heat. A game will probably be on one of the many screens. Order from the counter and let the burgers and wings come to you.
Hawaiian Bros Island Grill
$ | (210) 308-5533 | WEBSITE
Sure, you may already have plans to eat all the barbecue, tacos, and burgers you can find in Live Oak, but it still wouldn’t hurt to have a satisfying meal ahead of time. So head to Hawaiian Bros Island Grill. This island-inspired spot makes delicious Honolulu chicken, plus their own luau pork you’ll enjoy with your pineapple sides. We like the chicken with extra sauce and the pork with that sweet pineapple.
They also do quick kiosk ordering with food brought to your table—grab your meal and take the calming atmosphere with you on your short drive home.
bb.q Chicken Live Oak
$$ | (210) 257-5096 | WEBSITE
If you’re looking for a casual, easy, and reliable spot in San Antonio, bb.q Chicken Live Oak has your back. The Korean restaurant in Live Oak is one of the best spots in the city for crispy wings and flavorful marinades. But the popular eatery also has plenty of other things you should get into, like the secret sauce chicken, fried dumplings, and Galbi style wings, plus attentive service and made-to-order freshness.
LongHorn Steakhouse
$$ | (210) 756-8666 | WEBSITE
Yes, there are steakhouses all over Texas. But if you’d rather sit in a relaxed dining room and follow up your meal with a great happy hour than settle for an ordinary dinner, head to LongHorn Steakhouse in Live Oak. This location offers the same amazing steaks, tasty Bruselas, and efficient service as the chain is known for. And it all comes out with top-notch attention to detail so you can swing by after work and still enjoy a perfect dinner with that Texas vibe and country music playing.
Marco’s Pizza
$ | (210) 809-4455 | WEBSITE
Marco’s Pizza in Live Oak is a consistent spot that makes great supreme-style pies. Start with the fresh dough, which comes with a nice variety of toppings and fair prices, before making your way to the pizza list. They make everything from Italian sausage to black olives to bacon to a mushroom pizza loaded with fresh ingredients and great deals.
Williams Confectionery Crafts
$ | (210) 967-5200 | WEBSITE
If you know anything about the town’s breakfast and lunch scene, you’ve heard of Williams Confectionery Crafts. This cozy Live Oak spot is a must-visit for homemade comfort food. The menu features standout dishes like their famous chicken and waffles with huge portions, plus the Thursday special of smothered pork chops with brown gravy, collard greens, and cornbread. Regulars rave about the amazing biscuits and heavenly desserts—especially the scrumptious cakes and pies.
The friendly service and warm atmosphere make this hidden gem perfect for a satisfying meal, with plenty of made-to-order options to crave and revisit. Don’t miss their memorable 7-up cake or cookie tray for your next event.
BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse
$$ | (726) 262-0390 | WEBSITE
BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse delivers a reliable dining experience with a crowd-pleasing menu and consistently friendly service. The food hits the mark, especially their famous pazookie dessert that arrives warm and gooey. But other hearty options deserve your attention, too—try the vegetarian substitutions available in many dishes and the classic burgers. And if you’re looking for attentive help, servers like Ebony T., Ari, and Marisa go above and beyond even during busy rushes.
Manager Ben also circulates to ensure everything runs smoothly. With affordable prices around $15–25 per entrée and a welcoming, casual atmosphere featuring warm lighting and comfortable booths, it’s a solid choice for families and groups.
Mr.Crabby’s Cajun Seafood & Bar
$$ | (210) 462-1122 | WEBSITE
While Live Oak has plenty of dining options vying for attention, you can skip the crowded chains and head straight to Mr. Crabby’s Cajun Seafood & Bar for a genuinely great meal. Bypass the predictable spots and settle in at their tiki-style bar for a hot seafood boil with perfectly seasoned broth (a standout here). Each order comes with a side of their signature seasoning blend that could elevate even the most basic of seafood dishes.
54th Street Restaurant & Drafthouse
$ | (210) 657-5400 | WEBSITE
54th Street Restaurant & Drafthouse is practically built for relaxed celebrations with friends. There’s convenient parking if you want to keep things extra easy, chicken Madeira great for sharing, and plenty of draft beers and cocktails. The great atmosphere or helpful service at this American restaurant is a reliable place to bust out your best small talk skills over fried pickles and flat-iron steak.
At night, the menu is a bit more varied and the atmosphere is still laidback, but know that 54th Street is really at its best during the day—say, before a special occasion dinner?
Texas Roadhouse
$$ | (210) 967-4998 | WEBSITE
We head to this lively steakhouse for dinner and choose from the hearty American classics on the menu: chicken fried steak, salad, baked potato, and ribs that fall off the bone, and each dish is cooked to perfection with generous portions. Unless you order the family-style platter that serves four, the meals are made for one and are roughly the size of a small novel.
There are also several ways to experience Texas Roadhouse’s food—inside with the lively and noisy atmosphere perfect for families, or for takeout (you can also ask for the rolls hot and fresh to enjoy at home for later).
Stuffed
$$ | (210) 277-8353 | WEBSITE
This spot pulls from the make-your-own-rules playbook by remixing California fast food with new textures. Which is why you’ll find house-made sauces in the massive burritos and crispy fried wonton shells are wrapped around bold grilled meat flavors. And the local queso cheese dip for the Philly cheesesteak egg roll contains actual richness.
A meal at this fast-food haven is a great way to eat your way through the flavors of San Antonio: a carnivorous mix of burritos the size of California that taste like they were forged in the excitement of Uncharted Adventure, housemade sauces, and the other dishes amplified by the manager’s welcome.
Sukhumvit 77
$ | (210) 314-3644 | WEBSITE
Sukhumvit 77 is a solid move for a night out in Live Oak. The Massaman Curry with just the right amount of heat is reliably great, and the Tom kah soup that has exceptional flavor and presentation is made for sharing with any fellow food lovers. Watch the elegant chandeliers and wall lights from the dozens of appropriately sophisticated tables. And when a meal is spiking your appetite, there’s a welcoming atmosphere throughout to take it all in and do some serious savoring.
Bermudas Daiquiris To-Go
$ | (210) 401-0187 | WEBSITE
This cheerful daiquiri spot in Live Oak is a great, relaxed place to grab a tasty frozen drink while you’re out running errands. During their daily specials, refills and featured flavors are discounted—it’s definitely a value you won’t find at most chain bars.
Twin Peaks
$$ | (210) 955-9586 | WEBSITE
Twin Peaks is set in a spacious, welcoming venue that’s bright and filled with plenty of TVs. And stopping by here to gear up for a game means you can order a pint of your favorite brew or a classic cocktail (they have solid food options, too). But really, come here to enjoy the lively atmosphere and friendly service, and consider grabbing some wings, loaded fries, or other shareable appetizers while you watch.
Whataburger
$ | (210) 654-9405 | WEBSITE
The main reason we keep returning to Whataburger is their consistently well-prepared burgers that arrive warm and accurate. But this popular takeout spot that’s considered the best burger joint in town has plenty of other classic fast-food options to enjoy, too, like good-sized burgers with all the fixings, crispy fries that are usually fresh, and a friendly staff that pays attention to detail.
There’s also a straightforward dining area that works for families and individuals alike, though the atmosphere could use some sprucing up at times. The window employees are especially efficient, often going out of their way to adjust orders when needed, even if the wait can stretch to 15-20 minutes during busier periods.
Burger Boy
$ | (210) 290-8590 | WEBSITE
Burger Boy is just off the main road in Live Oak, but that’s not the only reason you should pull in here. Juicy, satisfying burgers, crispy golden fries, and excellent milkshakes make this spot a great choice for a quick bite. And really, you can’t go wrong with anything you order here—just be sure to ask for extra ketchup. The drive-thru service is impressively fast, with hot food ready in minutes even during the lunch rush.
Penny, who often works the window, is always friendly and professional, adding to the welcoming atmosphere. While you might wait a few extra minutes at peak times, the fresh, delicious meals and spectacular service make every visit worthwhile.
