Acenar

A Modern Take on Mexican Cuisine

What makes it fun

On the San Antonio River Walk and Downtown area, one of the biggest and most avant-garde contemporary Mexican restaurants and bars is called Ácenar. The gourmet explosion of strong, Latin-influenced flavors is delivered by Ácenar's crew. Guests will savor a contemporary interpretation of regional Mexican delicacies from Texas that are influenced by the past and traditions of these two cultures. Cenar offers a wide variety of exquisite options, including Gulf fish, crab, and shrimp, as well as sizzling parrilladas, asadas, cabrito, and enchiladas created in the style of San Antonio. The multi-level restaurant has a modern appearance and offers floor, balcony, and outdoor dining with stunning views of the San Antonio River Walk. Regular happy hour and lunch promotions keep customers coming back for more.

Google Reviews

Acenar Mexican Restaurant

4.2

Based on 3148 reviews

Rob Courville

21:05 04 Jan 25

Had the Camarones a la diabla. This dish should not be advertised with this name. There is absolutely nothing spicy about this dish. The dish tastes good, but it’s not spicy at all. Read the description of the dish in the menu and that’s what you’ll get. Suggest changing the name of this dish on the menu.

Victor Reyes

06:58 04 Jan 25

Food arrived cold. Ordered some fajitas and they were not even sizzling. Service was meh. Margaritas were good and the scenery was awesome but food was cold, unoriginal, and insipid.

Allyson Ault

16:37 02 Jan 25

Excellent food, nice atmosphere. On a quieter part of the Riverwalk.

diana minor

14:54 01 Jan 25

They only serve appetizers,and drinks in the bar area which was full even tho the rest of the restaurant was basically empty. I'm not eating standing up so we left. Can't tell you if it is good or not as we moved on to the Iron Cactus which was AWESOME.

Mosad Sholim

02:13 01 Jan 25

The food is too salty. Watch for a scam of overcharging. The place looks out the canal (river).

Lee H

23:12 05 Jan 24

We went for dinner on a Thursday night, not to many tables open, seated fast, and service was faster we had a nice gentleman named Gerardo, he kept drinks full and had good insight and recommendations, shrimp tacos, seafood enchiladas, and braised short rib tacos were all to die for, queso was also good a little heat and paired great with their chips.

E C

02:55 02 Jan 24

We had dinner here on New Year’s Eve, restaurant is next to river walk. Food was good, we ordered Parrillada.Service could have been faster but we understand it was a busy night.

Diane Flemming

19:27 01 Jan 24

We were looking for a River Walk restaurant that wasn't right in the middle of all the crowds and noise. We found this gem and opted for patio seating overlooking the River Walk. It was 12/29/2023, so a bit chilly at night. They had GREAT patio heating towers so we weren't cold. We ordered Mini Skewers before our meals and they were SO tasty. Even my picky teenagers liked them. Our meals were the Cochinita Pibil, Tres Enchiladas, Short Rib Tacos, and skirt steak fajitas. The Pibil was moist, smoky, and tender. We didn't even use the homemade tortillas to make tacos - the meat was just that good. I ordered the 3 enchilada plate; a risky move for me because I'm an enchilada snob. I was not disappointed, though. This plate comes with 3 different types: cheese with red sauce, chicken with queso fresco and tomatillo sauce, and chicken with mole sauce. All three were VERY good. I didn't think I would like the mole enchilada, but it was the best thing I've eaten in 2023 (and I visited Europe this year!). The order of 3 short rib tacos were a surprise hit, but small (like street taco size). They were perfect for my daughter who eats like a bird. And you cannot really go wrong with fajitas in Texas. The meat was well seasoned and cut perfectly to make fajita tacos. All in all, a wonderful experience made perfect by a well-trained and doting staff. We'll definitely be coming back!!!

Armando Enriquez

19:16 01 Jan 24

Andrew Melnick

04:16 16 Jul 23

Food was so good. We got the skewers and clams to start. They were great apps and so well made. This isn't a complaint but the "for 2" fajitas was an insane amount for 2 haha. I felt like easily for 3. Not a complaint, just a heads up, and was priced well for the food, just be ready to take a Togo box because we were stuffed and ate maybe 2/3rds of it. I can can put down some food. Staff was friendly and our waiter was great even covering two big tables of over 10 as well as our party of 2. The Mexican Martini specialty cocktail was phenomenal.

Victora Galloway

00:08 11 May 23

Holy Guacamole 🥑 excellent service from Gary and Patricia. Kind and personable staff made us feel so welcome. The food was outstanding and the guacamole was made tableside by Patty. Gary had many other tables but it felt like we were his only table. Thank you!

M K

04:36 30 Apr 23

All the food was supremely delicious. The service was quick and friendly. The atmosphere was elegant and warm. I loved the chips and salsa, chicken mole with grilled vegetables. The tres leches cake as so delectable. The fresh, table-side made guacamole was spectacular.

Tessa Goth Rudolphy

05:29 04 Mar 23

We appreciated that they had a non-alcoholic beer available, something that seems to be rare on the Riverwalk. The house salad was delicious, with fresh spring mix lettuce, avocado, tomato and goat cheese topped with a perfectly balanced sweet and tangy dressing. My husband ordered the tortilla soup, great chicken flavor, and the 3 enchiladas, which were presented beautifully, and he devoured. My mushroom and squash skillet plate was divine, I got it with some corn tortillas on the side. Our server, Marcus, was an absolute delight. He took excellent care of us and we couldn't have had a better experience. Strong recommend.

Travis ONeal

23:57 08 Jun 22

Great food. The short rib tacos and fried oyster tacos were amazing. Even the chips and salsa was phenomenal. Ask for a mezcal old fashion you won't be disappointed.