Alyssa
Acenar, located right off E. Houston St., serves up authentic Mexican cuisine with a modernized interior. Bright colors greet you when you walk in and the Atomar Bar is located to your left with olive green and teal couches and tables with hot pink accents. When you go downstairs, you’re introduced to two more dining rooms and an amazing patio that makes you feel like you’re on vacation – even if it’s just for lunch.
While the River Walk sits just below Acenar, the architecture and greenery that surrounds you on the patio makes it feel as if you might be in Mexico, not downtown San Antonio. Either way, we need a frequent dining card.
I know, you’re looking for food. The chipotle chicken with spicy, chipotle cream sauce is served with black beans and roasted corn rice. You will definitely not leave hungry after this dish – the portions are very generous!
Another classic dish is the enchiladas con mole – chicken-filled tortillas, mole de poblano sauce, Chihuahua cheese and queso fresco. Enchiladas, chipotle chicken and for dessert, an extra large chile relleno! If you’re unfamiliar with chile rellenos, may we suggest you order it at least once in your life. This dish is composed of a soufflé-coated poblano chile stuffed with beef and shredded pork topped with roasted tomato sauce. There are many different variations, even some that are overflowing with melted cheese.
Although not pictured in this article, I’ve dined at Acenar quite a few times this year and have ordered a plethora of different seafood tacos. Not only do they have your classic fish tacos, but Acenar also serves crab tinga tacos, grilled shrimp tacos and chicken-fried oyster tacos with charred pineapple, micro greens and jalapeño, honey mayo. My current favorite is the crab, however, I always seem to jump back to the grilled fish. During this outing, I decided to switch up my seafood routine, but I immediately wished I was devouring a mouth-watering taco. Learned my lesson!
Oh, we almost forgot to mention the Atomar Bar’s happy hour! Sunday through Thursday from 3 to 6 p.m., Atomar offers $5 drinks, $5 platitos which includes shrimp nachos and oysters, $2 Lone Star or Miller Lite, $3.50 well drinks, $5 house red or wine and $5 house margaritas.
Have you been to Acenar? Would you like to go? Let us know in the comments!