San Antonio Fatburger Pilgrimage

California (and Vegas) favorite finally makes it to Texas. Strange it wasn't Dallas, but it's a good excuse for a road trip. It's in some upscale shopping center that might be fun to check out as well. Been forever since I've been to SA, be nice to check out something other than the Alamo/Riverwalk/Trinity troika. Yep, it was good.

Very nice. Hyatt bought all the Amerisuites (yuck) and converted them into something a little more upscale. Supposed to compete with Hilton Garden Inn and Courtyard by Marriott. Wikipedia has more details on the corporate history of the thing The big plasma in the room is slick. Everything has been updated, but the Amerisuites origin does seep through in a couple spots, noteably the bathrooms. Seems a bit overpriced, but I'd definitely stay here again. We bought supplies at Target (there was a fridge in the room) and evidently everybody else had the same idea: in the elevator we saw lots of Macy's and H-E-B bags as people returned from shopping and stopped by to pick up milk and cookies. Phone: 210 561 0099

Upscale mall and resort development. Turns out to be a very nice outdoor mail. Over the top landscaping, within view of Fiesta Texas. I thought SA wasn't supposed to have good shopping? Isabella loved the way you could see and hear the roller coasters from the parking lot.

Estela's, 2200 W. Martin St. (tel. 210/226-2979), which has musical (salsa, mariachi) breakfasts on Saturday and Sunday from 10am to noon, as well as a great conjunto/Tejano jukebox;

In Olmos Park, Panchito's, 4100 McCullough (tel. 210/821-5338), has hungry San Antonians lining up on weekend mornings for barbacoa (Mexican-style barbecue) plates, heaped with two eggs, potatoes, beans, and homemade tortillas. So, reality check: we waited for over an hour, and they were out of barbacoa. Our fault, that happens when you get there late, but disappointing. I got chiliquiles as a substitute, and they were good, but not worth the wait. And the service was bad. Very bad. Really horrible. Not "mean" bad, just "overworked and inexperienced" bad. Strangely, it was still fun. Don't think I'd go here again, but I don't have any regrets about going once.

Frommers sez: that it's (a) classic and (b) kid-friendly. Sounds like a win...

Classic diner. Road-food recommended. Place looked like a time-warpingly good time. Sadly, it was closed. Looked like the kind of place that closes at random whenever the owners feel like it, so call ahead to check hours if you have your heart set on it.

Mall Hours: Monday-Saturday: 10:00am-9:00pm Sunday: 12:00pm-6:00pm