The Best Grocery Stores in San Antonio (That Aren’t H-E-B!)

Texans and San Antonians alike are known for their love and dedication to H-E-B stores, but sometimes a mama’s just gotta find something more authentic—or specialty foods that are hard to find in mainstream stores. We asked San Antonio moms to share some of their favorite big box alternatives and we’re rounding them all up for you here! Have another we should add to the list or have praises to sing about one of the stores listed? Let us know in the comments!

Best Supermarkets for Hispanic Food

La Michoacana Meat Market

Multiple Locations

Known for its delicious Mexican meats, produce, and grocery items, La Michoacana Meat Market is a must-visit for San Antonio families. There are several locations throughout the city, so you’re sure to find one close by.

Culebra Meat Markets

Multiple Locations

If you’re looking for a grocery store with an authentic Mexican flair, Culebra Meat Markets are the place to go—and they have 18 locations in town. These small mom-and-pop stores offer a great selection of meats, produce, and grocery items, all at amazing prices. Local mom Nancy says, “[I love] being able to get good pan dulce there while I shop, plus it’s a quick in-and-out (and there’s tacos!).”

Las Americas Latin Market

6623 San Pedro Ave.

Las Americas Latin Market is a great option for San Antonio families looking for an affordable, one-stop-shop for all of their Hispanic grocery needs. This market has everything from fresh produce to packaged foods and household items. They’re a great choice for specialty groceries from Central and South America, the Caribbean, Puerto Rico, and Spain.

Best Places in San Antonio to Shop for Indian Food

Man Pasand Indian Pakistani Halal Groceries Supermarket

3727 Colony Dr.

This grocery store features an extensive selection of Indian and Pakistani groceries, making it the perfect spot for those looking to cook traditional dishes from these regions. ACM reader Pooja shops here for Indian and Pakistani vegetables in particular, as well as pantry items.

Ali Baba International Food Market

9307 Wurzbach Rd.

This Middle Eastern grocer offers a variety of Indian, Mediterranean, Iranian, Pakistani, and Eastern European goods. They also have a Halal butcher and house-made pita.

Best Local Markets for Asian Goods

Seoul Asian Market and Café

1005 Rittiman Rd. #101

Seoul Asian Market and Café off of Rittiman and I-35 is a great option for San Antonio families looking for Asian grocery items. This small store offers a wide variety of Korean and Japanese grocery items, plus they have a great selection of fresh produce.

Tim’s Oriental & Seafood Market

7015 Bandera Rd. #8

Tim’s Oriental & Seafood Market is a great option for San Antonio families looking for Asian grocery items. They offer a wide variety of Korean, Japanese, and Chinese grocery items. Multiple ACM moms recommended this spot!

Best Places to Buy Fresh Meat

Tri-County Meat Market

Multiple Locations

For families looking for a one-stop shop, Tri-County Meat Market is the place to go. They offer prime cuts, fresh produce, and can even help you pick out the perfect spices and sauces. ACM contributor Shanti gave us the scoop on their fantastic 5/$5 deals that run from chicken to beef to pork—yes, please!

Smoke Shack Meat Market

3710 Broadway

The Smoke Shack Meat Market is a local meat market and butcher shop offering groceries, locally sourced meats, cheeses, and catering.

Local mom Niki shares, “They don’t have a ton, but I love the Smoke Shack Meat Market. I always buy their chicken salad. It has a smoky BBQ flavor and my kids eat it up on lettuce wraps. Super easy, no-cook dinner on busy nights! They also have other prepared foods and of course lots of meat.”

The Farmers Butcher

1602 East Houston St., Suite 107

The Farmers Butcher aims to bring the best cuts of meat, from the best breeds of animals, raised the best way possible. They offer a CSA box, and they also offer fresh, low pasteurized milk, cheese, and yogurt, locally grown mushrooms, and local pastured meats and eggs.

Schott’s Meat Market

12952 Bandera Rd., Suite 101

Located in Helotes, Schott’s Meat Market is a family-owned butcher offering a variety of quality meats. They offer everything from beef to fish, with a butcher counter where you can get your meat custom-cut to your specifications. One local mom in our Facebook group exclaims, “The fajitas are legit the best from them!”

Best Health Store Alternatives

Natural Grocers

Multiple Locations

If you’re looking for a grocery store with a natural and organic focus, look no further than Natural Grocers. This store offers a wide variety of healthy grocery items, plus they have a great selection of supplements and health products.

Sprouts Farmers Market

Multiple Locations

Sprouts Farmers Market is another great option for San Antonio families looking for healthy grocery options. This store offers a wide variety of fresh produce, meat, and dairy products, plus they have a great selection of health foods and supplements. Valeria shares, “…their produce is sometimes better quality and cheaper (especially the organic produce) compared to H-E-B.”

Best Local Market

Pearl Farmers Market

312 Pearl Parkway

The Pearl Farmers Market is a great option for families looking for organic and locally-grown produce. This market offers a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, plus they have a great selection of meat and dairy products. From local mom Michelle: “Meat and produce there are awesome! Plus some of the vendors have gluten-free and other diet-friendly items that are hard to find elsewhere.”

There are several other farmers markets in San Antonio that offer a great selection of local produce. Be sure to check out the Alamo Heights Farmers Market, the Boerne Farmers Market, and the Schertz Farmers Market for some amazing finds!

Best Local Bodega

Jefferson Bodega

I would be remiss not to share one of my personal family favorites. Although not technically a full-blown grocery store, this little bodega has a fun collection of all the snacks your heart could want. They carry carefully curated candies and snacks from all over the world, along with some nostalgic favorites. Plus, they’re always hosting fun weekend events, and the couple that owns it is super friendly and they’re usually working at the store!

 

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If you’re looking for grocery store alternatives in San Antonio, there are plenty of great options to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a store with a focus on natural and organic products or one that offers a wide variety of Asian grocery items, there’s sure to be a store that meets your needs. Places like Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, Central Market, and even Target will always remain go-to favorites. But the next time you’re grocery shopping, be sure to check out one of these alternatives!

Amy
Amy Lynn is a divorced mama of four kids and dog mom to two. She’s lived in San Antonio for over 20 years and has a degree in English from the University of Texas at San Antonio. Previously a program director at a local literary arts nonprofit, she began blogging as a creative outlet when she became a stay-at-home mom. Now a digital media consultant and writer, Amy is the founder of The Dog Guide and The Dog Guide San Antonio. Favorite Restaurant: Clementine Favorite Landmark: Hays Street Bridge Favorite San Antonio Tradition: Cascarones