Jaime AlfaroSan Antonio is famous for a lot of things, but the comforting, cheesy magic of the best mac and cheese in San Antonio deserves a spot near the top of the list.
We are talking about gooey cheddar pulls, perfectly golden crusts, and rich sauces that coat every single noodle.
Forget the boxed version you grew up with. The local food scene has taken this humble side dish and turned it into a full-on comfort food centerpiece, often baked in skillets, topped with crispy breadcrumbs, or elevated with smoky meats and bold seasonings.
To find the standouts, we explored local favorites known for creamy textures, strong cheese blends, and consistently satisfying portions. Grab your fork and get ready for a rich, indulgent tour of the city’s best mac and cheese.
How Much Does Mac and Cheese Cost in San Antonio?
Mac and cheese in San Antonio costs around $11 for a casual side portion to over $27 for premium, loaded entree-sized skillets.
| Type | Price Range |
| Casual / Side Portions | $11 – $14 |
| Fried Appetizers | $10 – $15 |
| Specialty / Entree Portions | $17 – $27+ |
1. Down on Grayson
Website: https://www.downongrayson.com
Address: 303 E Grayson St, San Antonio, TX 78215
Contact: (210) 248-9244 | [email protected]
Hours: Sunday-Thursday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Friday-Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Down on Grayson has a stylish, modern atmosphere that fits perfectly with its location near the Pearl District.
The restaurant focuses on fresh ingredients and elevated comfort food, turning familiar dishes into more polished versions while still keeping them approachable
When we visited, we loved their large shaded patio. It’s a great spot for diners who want an outdoor setting with a lively energy. The patio is also dog-friendly, making it an easy option for guests bringing pets along.
The mac and cheese is definitely a standout here. It comes with rich, sharp cheddar flavors that pair well with the restaurant’s craft cocktail selection.
One thing to expect is a wait during busy dinner hours. The restaurant operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so tables can take time during peak periods.
Still, many diners feel the atmosphere and comfort food make the wait worthwhile.
Customer Reviews:
The food is great!
Management, this is the second time my wife and I have had Mathew be our server. Give this man a raise. Because of him, we are now repeat costumers.
As for the food. The food is great! My wife has had the panini sandwich, the grilled cheeseburger, mac and cheese, onion rings and Brussel sprouts. I have had a bottle of Rosso wine, Thai steak salad, Chimichurri steak, garlic Parmesan fries, coconut cake (delicious) and the hazelnut iced coffee.
Be realistic with your expectations. This isn’t a brunch spot on a strip mall, so don’t expect such prices.
- Jonathan Hernandez | Google Review
The mac and cheese was really delicious.
The place was quite nice. The service was excelent and our waitress was very patience and attentive, the nachos were pretty basic like something was missing from them, but the mac and cheese was really delicious, steak and all sandwiches/paninis we ordered were really tasty and well served. Last but not least we had a strawberry cake and it was also good.
- Fernanda Rdguez | Google Review
2. Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken
Website: https://www.gusfriedchicken.com/
Address: 812 S Alamo St Suite 111, San Antonio, TX 78205
Contact: (210) 463-4038
Hours: Monday-Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM; Friday-Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken is often recognized for its bold, spicy fried chicken, but it’s the mac and cheese that quietly steals the spotlight. It’s rich and consistently creamy, delivering a satisfying cheese pull.
We recently ordered a massive spread to go, and their mac and cheese provided the exact velvety relief our palates needed after that fiery chicken heat.
The other sides are also simple but dependable, staying true to classic Southern cooking.
The overall experience remains straightforward and unpretentious, with takeout designed for convenience and quick service.
Meals are easy to order in larger quantities, making it a practical choice for hearty comfort food on the go.
That said, the menu is fairly limited, particularly for those seeking lighter or vegetarian-friendly options. Most dishes lean heavily into fried and dairy-rich comfort food.
Customer Reviews:
The portions and prices are also very reasonable.
This was my first time trying Gus and I can definitely say it does not disappoint. Now I’m not a hot and spicy chicken eater but I can say I can definitely handle this chicken. There is a bit of spice but not overwhelming and doesn’t leave your mouth burning. The fries and Mac & Cheese was my absolute favorite I honestly could just order them by themselves and eat them without the chicken. The portions and prices are also very reasonable and the customer service was top tier.
- Nicole | Google Review
We will definitely be back.
Our server was friendly and funny, making it a great first experience. But, the food was the star of the show! Chicken is perfectly seasoned without being too spicy. It is juicy and flavorful! Our sides were fries, mac n cheese and fried okra – all of which were delicious! We will definitely be back to try more menu items we couldn’t fit in this trip 🙂
- Sarah Jean | Google Review
3. Ida Claire
Website: https://ida-claire.com/
Address: 7300 Jones Maltsberger Rd, San Antonio, TX 78209
Contact: (210) 667-2145
Hours: Monday-Thursday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Friday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM; Saturday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM; Sunday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Ida Claire is a playful, Southern-inspired restaurant that leans into a whimsical, highly stylized atmosphere while still focusing on scratch-made cooking and fresh ingredients.
The space itself is part of the experience. It’s complete with design features like a retrofitted Airstream trailer used for private events.
Their weekend brunch is especially popular, blending comforting Southern sides with a creative daytime menu.
The skillet mac and cheese we ordered was served hot with a baked top layer that adds a crisp contrast to the creamy interior.
The drink program also complements the food well, with cocktails that draw on Southern flavors and help balance out the richness of the dishes.
That said, the elevated design, presentation, and ingredient quality come with a higher price point compared to more casual diners. That’s why dining here tends to feel more like a splurge than an everyday option.
Customer Reviews:
Can’t wait to return!
WOW, the Chefs are doing their thing!!! Absolutely amazing overall experience! Food was beyond amazing and flavorful. All staff was very attentive and polite. Tried their Cheeseburger with a side salad, no ketchup needed so delicious & the salads dressing was 😮💨 My partner got the chicken & waffles with lobster Mac n Cheese & Grits, didn’t disappoint. Can’t wait to return!
- honeybitesjordy | Google Review
It is a perfect place to go for winding down from a busy week.
This has a quaint Louisiana vibe, absolutely incredible fried Chicken with mac and cheese, really tasty drinks, and excellent service. It is a perfect place to go for a brunch, a lunch, or winding down from a busy week
- Suchil Coffman | Google Review
4. Dick’s Last Resort – San Antonio
Website: https://dickslastresort.com/
Address: 223 Losoya St, San Antonio, TX 78205
Contact: (210) 224-0026
Hours: Sunday-Thursday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Friday-Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Dick’s Last Resort is a River Walk staple known more for its loud, comedic dining experience than traditional restaurant etiquette.
Since 1987, it has leaned into an intentionally rude, interactive service style where the staff playfully insults guests as part of the show.
The experience is deliberately chaotic in the best way, with oversized drinks, messy tables, and large, shareable portions.
During a recent visit with friends, the mac and cheese arrived in a massive serving that easily fed the group. It definitely matches the restaurant’s over-the-top, party-like energy.
It’s also very convenient for tourists staying downtown, given its direct River Walk location.
That said, the concept isn’t for everyone. The humor is intentionally abrasive, and staff may publicly joke about guests. This can feel uncomfortable for diners looking for a quiet or more traditional experience.
If you want quiet romance, you might want to seek out a polite Japanese restaurant instead.
Customer Reviews:
Fresh made and the portions were filling.
The Mac and Cheese with steak, and the Hawaiian Pig tacos were both amazing!!! The service was very slow though. Took almost 40mins to get our food, then another 15mins for our drinks because they ran out of tea. Then another 15 for our dessert. The food did taste fresh made and the portions were filling. No one was safe from the hats they made, and most were super funny. Great service considering the atmosphere
- Taarna Marie | Google Review
Recommend this to anyone who is in the area.
Had a blast a Dicks…never have had anything like it…super fun, laughed the whole time. Food was great at a reasonable price. We had a great experience with Nicole there. She seemed like a natural at what she does. Recommend this to anyone who is in the area.
- Romell Gutierrez | Google Review
5. Tony G’s Soul Food
Website: https://tonygssoulfood.com/
Address: 915 S Hackberry St, San Antonio, TX 78210
Contact: (210) 451-1234
Hours: Tuesday-Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM; Saturday-Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Tony G’s Soul Food is a lively soul food spot known for its scratch-made, generational recipes and welcoming, community-focused atmosphere.
The restaurant often feels like a cultural gathering place. It sometimes features live jazz that adds to the energy of the dining room. The overall experience also leans heavily into traditional Southern hospitality, with the owner often greeting guests personally.
Their Sunday buffet is especially popular, offering a wide range of comfort sides and hearty carving stations. Portions are generous too.
One of the standout dishes is the baked mac and cheese. It’s prepared in a classic Southern style with crisp, browned edges that add texture to every bite.
That said, the restaurant keeps a limited schedule, operating only for breakfast and lunch and closing by mid-afternoon daily. This means it’s not an option for dinner service, so timing your visit is important.
Customer Reviews:
The service was spot on.
When we arrived in S.A. We were told to visit the restaurants at the Riverwalk. But, we found our way to an out of the way spot and were not disappointed. The oxtails were falling off the bones. The Mac’n Cheese was cheesy and creamy. The collards were seasoned just right. The service was spot on. 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾
- Joseph Reynolds | Google Review
Exactly how I like them.
Tony G’s Soul food brunch on Sunday’s is an all-you-can-eat buffet. I can’t eat a lot so I don’t like buffets because I like to bring leftovers home. But Joe Posada was playing there and I really wanted to hear live music with mimosas. The sides were delicious and their fried chicken wings were seasoned perfectly with just the right crispy crust. The greens, moist stuffing, and mac and cheese, were exactly how I like them.
- rita mauricio | Google Review
