This San Antonio restaurant brings the holiday magic all year long
As a year ends, many people celebrate the holiday magic. The colorful décor fills a space and creates a welcoming ambiance. At Mi Tierra, located in San Antonio’s Historic Market Square, the family owned and run Mexican restaurant celebrates authentic hospitality and good cheer all year long.
Successful, long-running family restaurants are not as common as people would think. Although small towns might have the quaint diner or there could be a watering hole where everyone knows your name, the reality is that restaurants which are part of the heritage, culture, and community are becoming less noticeable.
Although the sign of the times might be a topic for the next season of Kitchen Nightmares or Restaurant Impossible, the reality is that the classic, community loved restaurants who have created and fostered that connection can continue to thrive. It is a reason why the line is out the door and guests make a point to return to the table again and again.
While San Antonio has the distinction of being a culinary destination, the reasoning is not for long list of celebrity chefs or coveted guide stars. It is because many of the restaurants put food traditions front and center on the table. From recipes that have been handed down generation to generation to the ambiance that welcomes diners, it is the total package.
At Mi Tierra, the restaurant has been serving classic Mexican food for 80 years. A cornerstone of the Historic Market Square, the vibrant space welcomes guests for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Although the location is no longer open 24 hours, its hospitality feels as if guests are welcomed into family’s hacienda.
In one of the dining spaces, the area is decorated to look like a Christmas celebration all year long. From the sparkling décor to the vermillion tones of the poinsettias, it feels like a winter wonderland. In some ways that warm, welcoming sentiment that comes around the holidays is the tone that the whole restaurant embodies.
While the décor is vital, it is the food that brings people back time and again. Looking at the breakfast menu, it celebrates a wide array of flavors. A cannot miss item is the Mi Tierra Special Breakfast or the Machacado. Both items feature beef but showcase the different preparations for a hearty plate of food.
Each of the dishes are quite large. No one is going to leave the table hungry. But, an order pan dulces or other treats cannot be missed. Whether it is a Mexican cookie, oreja, or pan huevo, it is difficult to choose just one. Luckily, the bakery will be happy to make a to-go box.
Mi Tierra offers a wide range of dinner options. From traditional fare to newer interpretations of old school favorites, there is something for everyone. And, pairing meal with an Oro de Mi Tierra Margarita is always a good idea.
While the food brings people back time and again, it is the restaurant community that makes the experience memorable. Many staff members have been part of the restaurant for years. The photos that line the walls chronical the restaurant’s and the family’s journey. It is more than just a place to enjoy a tasty meal. It is a celebration of food and culture that connects people beyond the four walls of the establishment.
From the taste of authentic dishes to the vivacious setting, dining at Mi Tierra is an experience that will want to be enjoyed time and again.
Mi Tierra is located at 218 Produce Row in San Antonio, Texas. Check with the restaurant for operating hours and any special events.