San Antonio for 3 weeks.

Kangbeef

Sergeant of the Hide
Full Member
Minuteman
Supporter
Aug 12, 2024
144
53
Virginia
Looks like i am headed to San Antonio for 3 weeks of work. Will east of town for 3 weeks of work. As of now I will be driving to Texas and will be my first time in the great state. Is there any ranges open to the public or pay a guest fee. Any good stores to checkout dealing with the shooting world. Also where's the best place to get beef brisket at. I wont forgive myself if i dont eat some while visiting. Hopefully the weather is way better than here in Virginia lol. Thanks again
 
  • Like
Reactions: Keith E.
I can try to help with the best BBQ places (which, of course, include Brisket). The town of Lockhart Tx is well known for having some of the absolute best Tx. BBQ joints. Particlularly, Kreuz Market, Smitty's, and Terry Black's. Kreuz and Smitty's actually originated from within the same family but the family members became estranged. Smitty's is now located where the original Kreuz market used to be. Terry Blacks has not only places in Lockart but also several other locations including San Marcos, Austin, etc.

I've always wanted to try Kreuz and Terry Black's. Terry Black's features Beef Ribs. Yummmmm.
 
If you’re coming in 20 from Louisiana there’s a 1000 yard range south of Tyler in Frankston. About 40 minutes off 20. Anything you want to eat in Tyler which you will be passing through.

 
Luling and Lockhart are little towns outside San Antonio with great BBQ. However, in general, there a bunch of great BBQ places in tx, especially San antonio area.

Wait til you get there and learn from the locals. There's great Mexican food in San Antonio as well.

Good luck on the east side, it's all under construction and a bit frustrating. The west is probably a bit better although still frustrating due to traffic haha. Overall, it's not too bad like Houston or Dallas though.
 
The Alamo is open. I was there a few months ago and they had “The Phil Collins Collection” on display. Yeah, that Phil Collins. He’s a huge Alamo buff. Spent a fortune on anything remotely associated with it.

The Lonestar Brewery Hall of Horns is now located at The Buckhorn Saloon, walking distance from the Alamo. Also located there is the Texas Ranger Museum. Both are worth a visit. And, the food isn’t bad.

Rudy’s BBQ is a trumped up gas station that bills themselves as “The World’s Worst BBQ.” Contrary to that, it is quite good. I would echo getting the opinion of a local.

That said, brisket is a low quality cut of meat that hipsters made trendy, and have driven the prices up to ludicrous levels. No brisket is worth standing in line for more than a few minutes. Drive up to Austin and stand in line at Franklins to get an opportunity to gargle the balls of a bbq legend. Or, realize that so long as it’s not a dried out briquette, it’s all not that different.

The Riverwalk isn’t that bad, but it’s a crowded tourist trap. Taking the boat tour is only worth it to say that you did it.
 
New Braunfels is a great place to hang out. Naegelin's is the oldest bakery in Texas, and could be one of the best. Certainly one of the best I have ever tried.

My favorite Texas barbecue is Joel's in Flatonia, TX, but there are a bunch of other good ones.

Dury's Guns in downtown San Antonio is a great place.
 
Well sounds like I have plenty of options to choose from. If I am driving I will be able to bring something along for a range day. Look forward to my first trip to Texas and enjoy some great food. Thanks again for all the places to go to.
 
The Alamo is open. Also walk over to the Menger, and look at the Teddy Roosevelt stuff in the hallway by the bar. Look for bullet holes in the bar and up on the wall. Mi Tierra is great, but always crowded.
East of SA is San Marcos: go to the Airport there, and look for the Commemorative Air Force base. “That’s All, Brother” is based there, and is the fully restored C-47 (and flying), that was plane number 1 in the D Day Invasion. Ask for Terry, tell him I sent you. Nice museum. Buzzie’s Barbecue in Kerrville tx is outstanding. Stay off the Riverwalk. It’s a waste of energy. If you do the Alamo, be sure to get directions to the Cathedral, as that is where Juan Seguin collected Alamo Defender’s remains, and stashed them. They were later placed in a sarcophagus, in the entrance to the Church. Across the street in the County Courthouse, is a collection of Spanish archives and memorabilia. Lots of history from before there was even a British Colony in New England.
 
@Kangbeef

It also depends on which direction you are traveling from to get to San Antonio. For example, in Kaufman County in Terrell (east of Dallas) is North Texas Tactical with a one mile range.

As for BBQ, I have always liked Nathan's in Brenham, Texas. I had also liked Tex's Barbecue on the outskirts of Brenham (where my wife is from.) Tex's closed down probably 10 years ago, however.

If coming in from the west, by car, you might swing through Midland, Texas and check out Ally Outdoors and Ally Munitions and they have a 100 yard indoor range. Look up Wade Chandler, host of the Texas Predator Hunting podcast.

I just don't know enough about places directly around San Antonio.
 
Lots of property crime like vehicle breakins in the city, be alert.

One time I went to a Spurs game. Armed guards at McDonald's. The environment felt a lot like the Los Angeles Coloseum in the 80's where you would park on the guy's front lawn in the hood, and pay him to guard your car when going to the concert.

Back on topic, go to the Alamo (during the week if possible) when it opens, and then check out the river walk. Do happy hour at the tower, I think it makes the elevator ride to the top free. Pay to park in a safe spot. Those 3 sights aren't too far from each other.

For fast, but good Mexican food, Taco Tote right off I-10. Plenty of safe parking in this area. Pico de Gallo and Mi Tierra are touristy but good. Parking can be difficult on weekends. Henry's Puffy Tacos on the south side of town, excellent. The Taco Garage over by the airport, north side had homemade chips last time I was there.

If you are going to be NE of SAT, there are good but busy BBQ joints in Luling and Lockhart. The I-35 between SAT and Austin sucks. I have been hit by truckers retread tires twice on that fwy, and a woman got killed by a flying tire on I-35.

When you see a buc-ees you must stop, get gas, and use the bathroom. I think it's the state law in Texas.

Traffic is terrible, like every city. Hopefully you are staying outside the 410 loop, or better outside the 1604 loop. Austin probably not worth the visit, very dirty, homeless, and the once fun nightlife now has pride parades marching down 6th St. Carry on.
 
  • Like
Reactions: nikonNUT
Oh yes!!! The stolen vehicles!

I travel for work and was in san San antonio for one year. I started last year in May and finished this year in the May. Over the course of that one year, I witnessed countless break ins and many stolen vehicles. A coworker of mine had his truck broken into 3 times in that one year. Many many others had their entire vehicle stolen.

Use theft protection devices and leave nothing of value in plain sight. As a matter of fact, keep your vehicle as empty as possible. These break-ins were also in front of cameras in popular places like major restaurants and our work parking site.

If you're coming from the north on 35 headed south, I really like the BBQ in a small town called west. It's right between Waco and Hillsboro. The place is called Slovacek and it's inside a gas station. I know I know, but it's really good.
 
  • Like
Reactions: NoDopes
I can try to help with the best BBQ places (which, of course, include Brisket). The town of Lockhart Tx is well known for having some of the absolute best Tx. BBQ joints. Particlularly, Kreuz Market, Smitty's, and Terry Black's. Kreuz and Smitty's actually originated from within the same family but the family members became estranged. Smitty's is now located where the original Kreuz market used to be. Terry Blacks has not only places in Lockart but also several other locations including San Marcos, Austin, etc.

I've always wanted to try Kreuz and Terry Black's. Terry Black's features Beef Ribs. Yummmmm.
Wife and I just had lunch at City Market in Luling today… Not the ripoff/knockoff joint in Austin by the same name, the real deal down by the RR tracks in downtown Luling:

i-WSmfvpR-4K.jpg


Pork ribs hidden under the bread and brisket too… Ribs were excellent, but the brisket wasn’t as good as the last time we were there; still better than almost anywhere else though.

Grabbed some smoked chicken, and creamed corn at Rudy’s back here in New Braunfels to have with the rest of the brisket tonight.
 
Cedar Ridge and Secure America are my two favorite ranges around here:




I’m a member at Dietz because it’s so close to my house, but holy Fudd Country assholes! I only go there when it’s closed (members have after hours access) to zero guns or just plink when bored.

It’s a bit of a haul from where I live, but I’m also a member at McQueeny Gun Club, 25-yd indoor gun range and nice shop. Nice folks, but limited utility…nice when it’s 100+ degrees or below freezing outside though!
 
Hit Gruene, TX On the Guadalupe river next door to New Braunfels at some point too…. HonkyTonk bar and good food all over the place.

Excellent TexMex at this place in New Braunfels too:


And downtown New Braunfels has excellent dining too… Here are a few of our favorites:




Real deal Bavarian fare here; excellent: https://www.alpine-haus.com/
 
Someone else mentioned it above, but we avoid San Antonio like the friggin’ plague. It’s run by fucking communist democrats, and ridden with gang crime, homelessness, etc. The democrats running the place have taken a real gem of a city and turned it into a shit hole. As they always do.

That said, there are some great restaurants downtown. Our favorite by far is Bliss:



But we always hit The Palm or Bohanan’s when we’re in town for a show or concert…they’re both right across the street from The Majestic Theater.


 

The Grist Mill in Gruene (pronounced green) on the north side of New Braunfels is a must. Leave yourself time to meander around the surrounding blocks of shops, great people watching.
We always say we’re gonna go to the Gristmill for dinner, but wind up having drinks at Mozies across the street…99% of the time we just stay there for dinner! LoL

Excellent bar food… best fish tacos I’ve ever had, and you have to try the anticuchos steak skewers! 🤤

 
Between Kirby and China grove off I 410
Been over a decade since I’ve been there, but the bbq at Texas Pride near there was pretty good as I recall… Not great, but definitely good.


A decent gun range near there too; been there a few times, and even used them for one of my suppressor transfers.

 
I spent the whole trip to San Antonio in the tourist green zone around the river. It seemed the river walk had the big restaurant chains and the better food was farther away, but in walkable distance.
 
If you go down by the Riverwalk in San Antonio, be very careful. Beware of "Texas Bushman." He is one of several "Bushmen" that like to scare passers by by sitting quietly as a fake bush and then jump scaring them by coming to life at the right moment.



We have the Florida equivalent near Clearwater Beach called "Creepy Bushman." I like him as he uses the "Siren Whistle" to jump scare his people.

In this video, he is partnering with "Florida Bushman" and double teaming people!

 
Last edited:
If you have any interest in shooting any variety of matches that are in constant motion around SA:
or

You’ll like our winter weather-at least for now, meet a great bunch of folks, and get the real first hand dope on where to eat. There’s a whole lot more good food than BBQ in the area-though done right is really good. Don’t ignore the Hill Country above Boerne/Johnson City. Llano and Mason have great BBQ, as well. Great food and beverage in Fredericksburg, if you hit the right venues. More wineries and beer gardens than you can shake a stick at. Luckenbach close by as well. Garrison Bros in Hye, outside of Johnson City.
You won’t have time for all there is to do.
 
Wow i have a long list to choose from. Plenty to do plus cramp tons of overtime in while i can get it. I am not sure what route they have me taking but will keep an eye out in the PX for anything i need thats FtF while making the trip. Look forward to the trip and will keep posted on exact location where we stay and work lol. Thanks again and happy new year.
 
I heard about this famous burger joint I think its called Whataburger?
Yeah, everyone here loves Whataburger, but their food is only “meh” TBH.

The avocado-bacon burger’s good, but I honestly think their popularity is mostly due to them always making the burgers to order, and they stay open all night, so the drunks can get their food game on into the wee hours.
 
  • Like
Reactions: mikeinfwa
I like Whataburger. I’m just salty that the service around here is so abysmal that I’d rather repeatedly slam my dick in a drawer than go into any of the WBs local to me.
 
  • Haha
Reactions: 91Eunozs