Some call it caldo, some call it sopa.
Whatever you call it, we can all agree it’s delicious. When the temperature starts dropping in San Antonio, Mexican restaurants across town start getting ready for the caldo rush. De Res, De Pollo, De Camarones — no matter your preference, you can find what you want in San Antonio, and you can find the best ones on the South Side.
The area around Brooks is full of delicious Tex-Mex food. We’ve rounded up some of our absolute favorites to make your search easier.
Nicha’s Comida Mexicana
3119 Roosevelt Avenue
Caldo de Res
Only served October through March, Nicha’s Caldo de Res is a soul-warming combination of squash, potatoes, carrots, zucchini, celery, cabbage, onions and tomatoes with beef shank and a side of rice. Nicha’s has three locations across town, but the South Side is #blessed with the OG restaurant on Roosevelt Avenue.
Esmeralda’s Mexican Restaurant
8750 S Presa Street
Caldo de Camarones
Get a taste of that coastal flavor before the weather warms up. Esmeralda’s Caldo de Camarones is fresh, hot, authentic, and has just the right spice to hit the spot when you’re craving soup.
Tequila Mexican Restaurant
1059 SE Military Drive
Caldo de Pollo
As one reviewer put it, “The Caldo de Pollo will bring you back again and again!” Tequila’s goal is to capture the atmosphere and flavor of Jalisco and bring it to the good people of San Antonio’s South Side.
Taqueria La Perla
2255 SE Military Drive
Caldo de Res
Pair your soup with a skillet of fajitas and you have the Tex-Mex meal of dreams. La Perla’s two locations provide differing options, so be sure to visit their original location on SE Military for some of the best caldo on the South Side.
Cocula Jalisco
4849 Roosevelt Ave
All the soups
Caldo de Res, Caldo de Pollo, Menudo, Pozole, Tortilla Soup — if you’re craving it, Cocula Jalisco has it. Drive thru and enjoy at home or get comfortable with a drink at happy hour to pair with your soup.
Bonus soup
Tink-A-Tako
2511 SE Military Dr
Menudo
The best part about Tink-A-Taco is their unbeatable lunch buffet, featuring enchiladas, chalupas, carne guisada, fideo, and menudo. We couldn’t have a soup round-up without mentioning the ultimate cold weather meal. Try out Tink-A-Tako’s menudo next time you need a pick-me-up!
Everything you need
Maybe it’s caldo that you’re craving, or maybe it’s something else, but whatever you need, you can find it on the South Side. This part of town is growing and bringing the people who live, work, learn, play, and stay at Brooks all they need for a great life.
