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Relocation Guide

The Howell Group 21252 Gathering Oaks, Suite 100

San Antonio, TX 78260

(210) 493-6888 office (800) 666-4667 toll free

(210) 493-7002 fax

www.KimberlyHowell.com

Bienvenidos from San Antonio! Let me be the first to welcome you to San Antonio and congratulate you on your interest in our unique city. Ours is a wonderfully diverse city with a population of approximately one million people, offering various neighborhood lifestyles. As you will soon discover, San Antonio has all the amenities of a large metropolitan area while it retains the friendliness of a small town. Kimberly Howell Properties is proud to be part of such a vibrant city. Our full ser-vice firm has professional departments in sales of new and pre-owned residential homes as well as farm and land, property management, rentals, apartment locat-ing and commercial properties. In addition, Kimberly Howell Properties contin-ues to be a leader in marketing corporate and bank-owned properties. Kimberly Howell Properties is a member of numerous San Antonio organizations and affiliations that assist us in providing you pertinent information during your de-cision making process. Since we recognize that moving can be very stressful, our firm specializes in “The Positive Real Estate Experience”. In addition to this general Welcome Kit, I can forward additional information tailored specifically to match your needs. Please complete and return the enclosed real estate questionnaire as soon as possible. Furthermore, let me know if I can assist in hotel and travel arrangements at our corporate rate, or if you would like us to meet you at the airport upon your arrival. Your complete satisfaction with my services is my most important asset. San Antonio is a great place to live! I look forward to meeting you. Meanwhile, if there is any service or piece of information that you need in or about San Antonio, please call me toll free at (800) 666-4667 or locally at (210) 861-0188. Sincerely, Kimberly Howell REALTOR®, Certified Relocation Professional Kimberly Howell Properties

21252 Gathering Oaks, Suite 100 San Antonio, TX 78260


21252 Gathering Oaks, Suite 100 San Antonio, TX 78260

(210) 861-0188 cell

(210) 493-6888 office (800) 666-4667 toll free

(210) 493-7002 fax

[email protected]


The following information will help me to provide a better service for you. Please complete as much information as you have at this time. Return the form as soon as possible so that I can prepare specific materials to meet your real estate needs. Name: Address: Street # & Name City State Zip Home #: Work #: Cell #: Employer’s Name: Will you be purchasing a home renting a house renting an apartment ? If planning to rent, for what period of time? Do you plan to purchase at a later date? YES NO If yes, when? Status of present residence: Price Range: $__________ to $__________ Style: Age: NEW PRE-OWNED yrs. Square Feet: # of bedrooms: _____ # of baths: _____ Garage: Arrival Date: Move-in Date: Names & ages of children: Any special requirements or other useful information? We look forward to meeting you and helping to make your move to San Antonio go smoothly! Should your plans change and you need information from any other city in the United States, please call our Toll Free Number 800-666-4667 or directly at (210) 861-0188. There is no charge for this service.


Open 7 days a week Available 24 hours a day

Every member of our Real Estate team carries a cellular telephone and is paged through voice mail.

Full-time Professionals Only

No Part-time Agents

We look at real estate from a different

point-of-view… Yours! Toll Free: 800-666-4667 Direct: (210) 861-0188

Kimberly Howell

210.861.0188

TWO MONTHS BEFORE YOU MOVE: • Call movers and get estimates. Some months are busier than

others, so it’s a good idea to start early. • Once you’ve selected a mover, discuss costs, packing, time and

insurance. • Make a list of your belongings. Sell or give away any items you no

longer want or need. ONE MONTH BEFORE YOU MOVE: • Notify your doctor, dentist, and veterinarian of your move so that

records can be transferred. Ask for referrals. • Find out which school your children will be attending, and check with

your current school administrators about transferring records. • Close any charge accounts, such as department store accounts

which you will no longer be using. • Check into the banks in the area. Many can open new accounts by

phone or online and have your checks waiting for you when you arrive.

• Send change of address cards to your post office, magazines and friends.

• Cancel local deliveries, such as newspapers, laundry and milk. • Contact utility companies for disconnection.

disconnection date: disconnection date: * Electricity * Garbage * Gas * Water * Telephone * Cable TV • Contact utility companies in San Antonio to set up connection dates. connection date: connection date: * Electricity * Garbage * Gas * Water * Telephone * Cable TV

Kimberly Howell

210.861.0188

TWO WEEKS BEFORE YOU MOVE: • Empty your safe deposit box at the bank. • Pack valuable papers and items which you will be moving yourself.

You may want to include family photos, scrapbooks and other items of sentimental value.

• Clean out your refrigerator and cabinets. Plan meals using food you don’t want to take with you when you move.

• Have your vehicles serviced for the trip. • Hire a babysitter for the day the movers are in your home. • Plan a furniture layout for the movers, indicating where your things

belong in your new home. • If you are traveling for more than a day, or you will be waiting for the

movers to arrive, make hotel reservations. • Pack anything the movers aren’t packing. • Plan for a thorough cleaning of your house, carpets and draperies. • If your house hasn’t been sold, make arrangements with your real es-

tate agent for maintenance and security. FINAL DAYS BEFORE THE MOVE: • Pack a “survival kit” in case you have to wait for the movers at your

new home. Include paper towels and plastic eating utensils, toilet paper, soap, towels, bedding, snacks, phone chargers, eyeglasses, contact lenses, and medicines.

• Pack clothes for the trip. • Label any boxes you’ll need to get into right away. • Get a cashier’s check for the movers and traveler’s checks for the

trip. • Defrost your refrigerator and freezer. • Give the movers your new telephone number or a number where

they can reach you.

Kimberly Howell

210.861.0188

San Antonio

Utilities & Services Post Office, Transportation, Hunting & Fishing Licenses

San Antonio History Description of the Community Interesting Facts About Texas

Demographics & Economic Trends Climate

Laws City Council

UTILITIES AND SERVICES

UTILITIES

Alamo Heights Water (210) 822-3331

Bexar Metro Water District (210) 922-1221

Boerne Utilities (210) 249-9511

City of Hollywood Park Utilities (210) 494-2023

City Public Service (210) 353-2222

San Antonio Water System (210) 704-7297

Grey Forest Utilities (Natural Gas for The Dominion) (210) 695-8781

Guadalupe Electric (Schertz) (210) 658-7033

Live Oak Utilities (210) 653-9140

SERVICES

ADT Security Systems (800) 419-3238

Airport Information—San Antonio International (210) 821-3411

Automobile Registration (210) 335-6627

Brinks Security Systems (800) 725-3537

City of San Antonio (210) 207-2489

Driver’s License (210) 737-1911

Express-News Newspaper (210) 250-2000

Garbage Pick-Up (210) 522-8831

Poison Center (800) 222-1222

Post Office (main) (800) 275-8777

Recycling (210) 522-8831

Time-Warner Cable (210) 244-0500

AT&T (formerly SBC) (800) 464-7928

Kimberly Howell

210.861.0188

POST OFFICE For zip code information and for general information, call 800-222-1811.

TRANSPORTATION Air: The San Antonio area is serviced by San Antonio International Airport, located in north central San Antonio. With over 130 flights daily, twelve carriers provide commuter, domestic and international service from the airport’s 2 terminals. Railroad: Main lines for all rails pass through the city limits and the AMTRAK station is lo-cated in the downtown area at 1174 E. Commerce Street. For general information and res-ervations, call 800-872-7245. Buses: Greyhound Lines (800-231-2222) and Kerrville Bus Company (210-227-5669) oper-ate services out of San Antonio. City Buses: VIA Metropolitan Transit provides extensive routes within the city. Call 210-362-2020 for current route and schedule information. Transportation for the Physically Challenged: VIAtrans provides city bus service for the physically challenged. Call 210-362-5050 to register for this service.

HUNTING & FISHING LICENSES Resident hunting license fees are $13.00 and a combination hunting & fishing license is $25.00. A fishing license is $13.00 if purchased separately. Persons under 17 and over 65 do not need fishing licenses, only a driver’s for proof of residency (one must reside in the state 6 months for residency). Persons over 65 and under 17 may obtain an exempt hunting license for only $6.00. Call 210-348-7375.

Kimberly Howell

210.861.0188

SAN ANTONIO HISTORY

San Antonio was founded in 1718 as a villa by the Spanish crown. The Spanish government—which claimed the territory from 1519 to 1821—saw the location as an ideal way station on the route between the interior of colo-nial Mexico and the Spanish presidios and missions on the border opposite French Louisiana. From its beginning in the 1700s, San Antonio de Bexar was vital to the Spanish and Mexican presence in Texas. It was the seat of government of the Texas territory from 1773 to 1827, when the capital transferred to Saltillo in Mexico. Under both Spain and Mexico and during much of its history, it was the largest city in Texas. Bexar County, in which San Antonio is located, once included Santa Fe, in what is now New Mexico. The county, then stretching west to the Rio Grande, was established after Texas won its independence from Mexico in 1836. From then until 1850, Texas claimed territory west of San Antonio to the Rio Grande, as far west as Albuquerque, and northward in a slender, panhandle-shaped section that extended to the stream’s sources all the way through Colorado into today’s Wyoming. In 1860, when the partitioning of Bexar County began, 128 counties were created from the original area. Today, Bexar County covers 1,248 square miles, a few more than Rhode Island. Source: San Antonio Express-News

Kimberly Howell

210.861.0188

DESCRIPTION OF THE COMMUNITY

LOCATION: San Antonio, the seat of Bexar (pronounced “bear”) County, occupies an area of 388.6 square miles in South Central Texas at the edge of the Gulf Coastal Plains, about 140 miles north of the Gulf of Mexico. LAND AREA: San Antonio is 430 square miles ALTITUDE: 700 ft. AVERAGE DAILY TEMPERATURE: January 51.2º July 86.1º POPULATION: 1,144,646 (per 2000 census) EMPLOYMENT SECTORS: Services 31.5% Trade 24.6% Government 19.8% Manufacturing 7.4%

Kimberly Howell

210.861.0188

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT TEXAS

• Beaumont to El Paso: 742 miles, Beaumont to Chicago: 770 miles • World’s First Rodeo: Pecos, Texas– July 4, 1883 • Flagship Hotel in Galveston—only hotel in North America built over

water • Heisman Trophy named after John William Heisman—first full time

coach for Rice University, Houston • Brazoria County—more species of birds than any other area in North

America • Port Aransas Wildlife Refuge—winter home of North America’s only

remaining flock of whooping cranes • Jalapeno jelly originated in Lake Jackson in 1978 • Worst natural disaster in US history—1900 hurricane on Galveston Is-

land • First word spoken on the moon— “Houston” • El Paso is closer to California than to Dallas • Laredo is the world’s largest inland port • Tyler Municipal Rose Garden is the world’s largest rose garden with

over 38,000 bushes with 500 varieties on 22 acres • King Ranch is larger than Rhode Island • Tropical Storm Claudette brought a US rainfall record of 43” in 24 hours

in and around Alvin in July 1979 • Texas is the only state to enter the US by treaty, instead of by annexa-

tion • A live oak near Fulton is estimated to be 1500 years old • Dr Pepper was invented in Waco in 1885 • Texas has had six capital cities: Washington-on-the-Brazos, Harrisburg,

Galveston, Velasco, West Columbia, Austin • The Capitol Dome in Austin is the only dome in the US which is taller

than the Capitol Building in Washington DC (by 7 feet) • The name Texas comes from the Hasini Indian word “tejas” meaning

friends • The state animal is the Armadillo • The first domed stadium in the US was the Astrodome in Houston

Kimberly Howell

210.861.0188

Population Statistics 2010 Projections

Area Population: San Antonio: 2,080,311 Age: 0-18: 28.5% 18-24: 10.8%

25-44: 30.8% 45-64: 19.4% 65+: 10.4% Median Age: 32 Median Household Income: $36,214 Median Family Income: $53,100 Gender Composition San Antonio Male 48.4% Female 51.6%

Economic Trends

Job Growth (2000-2009) 15.69% Unemployment: 7.45 % (Avg for Jan-July 2010) For this same time period: TX= 8.24% National=9.6% Employment Sectors: Top Economic Sectors: Financial Services, Government, Health Care, Tourism Military Concentration: Employs over 89,000 and provides $5.25 Billion impact to the city’s economy Major Employers: (headquartered here) Kinetic Concepts, Frost National Bank, USAA, Valero Energy Corp, Tesoro Petroleum, Clear Channel Communications, NuStar Energy, H-E-B, Harte-Hanks, Eye Care Centers of America, Bill Miller Bar-B-Q, Whataburger, Taco Cabana, and Rackspace

Ethnic Composition Hispanic or Latino: 61.2% White: 28.9% African-American 6.6% Other races 3.3%

OVERALL: San Antonio experiences year-round weather. Average temperatures range for 50° in January to the mid-90’s in June. The warmest summer months, July and August, average daily temperatures above 90° over 80% of the time. Extremely high temperatures, however, are rare. Mild weather prevails during the fall and winter months with below freezing temperatures occurring, on average, about 20 days each year.

RAINFALL: The normal annual rainfall is approximately 28”, fairly well distributed throughout the year with the heaviest months being May and September. Measurable snow occurs rarely, although snowfall of two to four inches occurs about every ten years.

SUNSHINE: San Antonio enjoys about 50% of the possible amount of sunshine during the winter months and more than 70% during the summer months.

HUMIDITY AND TEMPERATURES: Relative humidity is at its highest point during the cooler morning hours, dropping to its lowest point in the afternoon.

SEVERE WEATHER: San Antonio’s position in the central part of the state keeps it from harm’s way of “Tornado Alley” that is part of northern Texas and Oklahoma. The distance of 140 miles from the Gulf Coast prevents tropical weather patterns from disturbing San Antonio’s weather. Hurricanes affecting the Gulf Coast diminish to heavy showers by the time they reach San Antonio’s metropolitan area.

Month Relative Humidity

Average Temperature

Month Relative Humidity

Average Temperature

January 54% 51.1° July 59% 87.3°

February 55% 57.9° August 55% 84.4°

March 57% 57.6° September 73% 78.4°

April 54% 69.5° October 70% 71.1°

May 67% 81.9° November 68% 61.3°

June 63% 84.1° December 68% 54.5°

Kimberly Howell

210.861.0188

STATE LAWS • Upon residing in the State of Texas, you have 30 days to do the following: Obtain a

valid driver’s license - contact the Dept. of Motor Vehicles at 210-533-9171. Have a car safety inspection at a certified inspection station. Register all automobiles - contact the Bexar County Tax Office at 210-220-2251.

• Carry proof of insurance in your automobile at all times - check with your insurance company for minimum requirements.

• Drivers 15 through 18 who receive their learner’s permit must be accompanied in the front seat by a licensed driver, 21 or older, for six months.

• Residents younger than 19 are allowed to sign up for Medicaid without their parents going through a face-to-face interview. Applicants may fill out a 3-page application already used by the Children’s Health Insurance Program.

• It is illegal to drive with an open container of alcohol in the vehicle. First time violators face a misdemeanor charge and a maximum $500 fine.

LOCAL LAWS • A citywide curfew restricts those 16 and younger from being in public places between

10:30pm and 6am Sunday through Thursday when school is in session and between midnight and 6am on weekends. First-time violators face a warning notice and letter home. Second-time violators could face up to a $500 fine.

• Residents hoping to empty their closets of unused goods for a garage sale must first obtain and display a permit. Garage sales are limited to two a year, cannot exceed two consecutive days and must operate between the hours of 9 am and 6 pm.

• Keeping a junked vehicle in ordinary public view is prohibited by the city. An inoperable motor vehicle without a current inspection sticker or license plate is considered a junked motor vehicle. Violators could face a $2,000-per-day fine.

• City code also stipulates that the owner or keeper of any dog, cat or ferret must obtain a license before the pet is 4 months old. Any unlicensed dog, cat or ferret could be seized and impounded.

When residents of Greater San Antonio dial 311, a customer service representative will answer 24 hours a day, seven days a week to handle non-emergency calls. Potholes, stray animals, street signs, trash collection and general city information is now handled by the 311 service.

LAWS

Kimberly Howell

210.861.0188

SAN ANTONIO CITY COUNCIL ( 2010)

Mayor Julian Castro (210) 207-7060 District 1 Mary Alice Cisneros (210) 207-7279 District 2 Ivy R. Taylor (210) 207-7278 District 3 Jennifer Ramos (210) 207-7064 District 4 Philip Cortez (210) 207-7281 District 5 David Medina, Jr. (210) 207-7043 District 6 Ray Lopez (210) 207-7065 District 7 Justin Rodriguez (210) 207-7044 District 8 W. Reed Williams (210) 207-7086 District 9 Elisa Chan (210) 207-7325 District 10 John Clamp (210) 207-7276

To find your elected officials, go to: www.sanantonio.gov

Kimberly Howell

210.861.0188

Education

School Registration & Immunization Requirements School Districts Map

Public School Districts Private Schools

Universities & Colleges

Registration Requirements

• A child must be 5 (five) years of age on or before September 1 of that year in order to enroll in Kindergarten

• A valid birth certificate (certified copy or original) • A social security card of the child being registered • “Proof of residency” within the school district (electric bill, apartment lease, etc.) • Updated immunization records

Immunization Requirements

Vaccine Requirement DTP/DTaP/DT/TD

• Five doses required for entry kindergarten students unless the fourth dose was received after the 4th birthday.

• Students age seven, starting their vaccine, are required to have three doses. • TD: booster every ten years.

Polio • Four doses of IPV required for kindergarten students unless the third dose was received after 4th birthday. It can be any combination of OPV or IPV.

• Not required of eighteen-year-old students.

Measles • Two doses of measles vaccine are required. • First dose shall be administered on or after the first birthday. • Second dos by age 5 or entry into kindergarten. • Physician confirmation of illness not acceptable, only a serological (blood test)

confirmation.

Rubella • One dose of vaccine on or after the first birthday or serological (blood work) confirmation of rubella immunity.

Mumps • One dose of vaccine on or after the first birthday. • Vaccine required for all students through 18 years of age.

HIB • Three doses of Haemophiles Influenza type B vaccine and a booster if given before child is 15 months or one dose of vaccine if given after 15 months.

• Vaccine given through 4 years of age.

Hepatitis Type A

• Two doses of Hepatitis A required for Pre-Kindergarten through third grade. • Second dose is required six months after the administration of the first dose.

Hepatitis Type B

• Three doses required for the following grades: 2004-2005 Kindergarten through fifth grade; seven through tenth grade. 2005-2006 Kindergarten through 11th grade.

Varicella (Chicken Pox)

• One dose of varicella vaccine received on or after the first birthday is required for the following grades: Kindergarten through fourth grade; seventh through tenth grade.

• Two doses required if the student was thirteen years old at the time the first dose of varicella was received.

• If the student has had Varicella (Chicken Pox) illness, please request form from the school nurse to validate illness. Kinder through 5th grade & 7th through 11th grade.

SCHOOL REGISTRATION

Alamo Heights ISD www.ahisd.net

Boerne ISD http://64.118.66.192/page.cfm

Comal ISD www.comal.isd.org

East Central ISD www.ecisd.net

Edgewood ISD www.eisd.net

Fort Sam Houston ISD www.fort.sam.houston.k12.tx.us

Harlandale ISD www.harlandale.k12.tx.us

Judson ISD www.judsonisd.org

Lackland ISD www.lackland.k12.tx.us

Medina Valley ISD www.medina-valley.k12.tx.us

North East ISD www.neisd.net

Northside ISD www.nisd.net

Randolph Field ISD www.randolph-field.k12.tx.us

San Antonio ISD www.saisd.net

Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD www.scuc.txed.net

Somerset ISD www.somerset.tx.schoolwebpages.com

Southside ISD www.southside.k12.tx.us

South San Antonio ISD www.southsanisd.net

Southwest ISD www.swisd.net

SAN ANTONIO AREA PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICTS

SOME SAN ANTONIO AREA PRIVATE SCHOOLS School Phone Website

Antonian College Preparatory High School 210.344.9265 www.antonian.org Blessed Sacrament Academy 210.532.5363 www.bsacdc.org The Buckner Fanning Christian School at Mission Springs

210.402.6905 www.bucknerfanningschool.org

Christian Heritage Schools 210.496.1644 www.chs-kids.com Concordia Lutheran School 210.479.1477 www.concordia-satx.com Hill Country Montessori School 830.816.3819 www.hillcountrymontessori.com Incarnate Word High School 210.829.3123 www.incarnatewordhs.org Judson Montessori School 210.492.3553 www.jms-sat.org

Keystone School 210.735.4022 www.keystoneschool.org Lutheran High School of San Antonio 210.733.7771 www.lhssa.org Montessori School House 210.341.0731 No Website Available Mount Sacred Heart 210.342.6711 www.msheagles.com Our Lady of Perpetual Help 210.651.6811 www.olphselma.org

Providence High School 210.224.6651 www.providencehs.net River City Christian School 210.384.0297 No Website Available Saint Mary’s Hall 210.483.9234 www.smhall.org San Antonio Academy of Texas 210.733.7331 www.sa-academy.org San Antonio Christian Schools 210.340.1864 www.sachristianschools.org The San Antonio Country Day School 210.496.6033 www.countrydayschool.net Shepard of the Hills Lutheran School and Child Care

210.614.3741 www.shlutheran.org

St. Anthony Catholic High School 210.832.5600 www.stanthonysa.org

St. Anthony Catholic School 210.732.8801 www.stanthonysa.org St. John Bosco School 210.432.8011 www.stjohnbosco.com St. Luke’s Episcopal School 210.826.0664 www.saintlukes.net St. Martin Hall 210.434.6711 www.ollusa.edu Sunshine Cottage School for Deaf Children

210.824.0579 www.sunshinecottage.org

Texas Military Institute 210.698.7171 www.tmi-sa.org The Winston School San Antonio 210.615.6544 www.winston-sa.org

ALAMO COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT

811 W. Houston Street San Antonio, TX 78207-3033 (210) 220-1500 Admissions: (210) 733-2583 www.accd.edu

CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY, SAN ANTONIO CENTER

8626 Tesoro, Suite 112 San Antonio, TX 78217 (210) 737-8757 www.concordia.edu

NORTHWEST VISTA COLLEGE

3535 N. Ellison San Antonio, TX 78251 (210) 348-2000 www.accd.edu/nvc

OBLATE SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY

285 Oblate San Antonio, TX 78216 (210) 341-1366 www.ost.edu

OUR LADY OF THE LAKE UNIVERSITY

411 S.W. 24th Street San Antonio, TX 78207 (210) 434-6711 www.ollusa.edu

PALO ALTO COLLEGE

1400 W. Villaret San Antonio, TX 78224 (210) 921-5000 www.accd.edu/pac/lrc/index.htm

ST. MARY’S UNIVERSITY

One Camino Santa Maria San Antonio, TX 78228 (210) 436-3011 www.stmarytx.edu

ST. PHILIP’S COLLEGE

1801 Martin Luther King Drive San Antonio, TX 78203-2098 (210) 531-3200 Admissions: (210) 531-3290 www.accd.edu/spc/spcmain/spc.htm

SAN ANTONIO COLLEGE

1300 San Pedro Avenue San Antonio, TX 78212-4299 (210) 733-2000 www.accd.edu/sac/sacmain/sac.htm

TEXAS LUTHERAN UNIVERSITY

1000 W. Court Seguin, TX 78155 (830) 372-8000 www.tlu.edu

TRINITY UNIVERSITY

715 Stadium Drive San Antonio, TX 78212 (210) 736-7207 www.trinity.edu

UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT SAN ANTONIO

6900 N. Loop 1604 West San Antonio, TX 78249 (210) 458-4011 Admissions: (210) 458-4530 www.utsa.edu

UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT SAN ANTONIO HEALTH SCIENCE CENTER

7703 Floyd Curl Drive San Antonio, TX 78284 (210) 567-7000 www.ahm.bc.ca/center-health-science-utsa.html

UNIVERSITY OF THE INCARNATE WORD

4301 Broadway San Antonio, TX 78209 (210) 829-6000 www.uiw.edu

SAN ANTONIO UNIVERSITIES & COLLEGES

Attractions & Recreation

Texas Lottery Texas Hill Country

Sports & Recreation Golf Courses

Area Attractions Dining

Public Libraries Radio Stations

Mega Millions • Multi-state lottery game. Drawings are on Tues-

days and Fridays. • Jackpots start at $10 million. • Choose five numbers from the first field of 52

numbers and one Mega Ball number from the second field of 52 numbers.

• You can increase you non-grand-jackpot win-nings by two, three or four times by playing Megaplier for an extra $1 pre playboard.

Lotto Texas • Select five numbers from one to 44 and choose

one bonus ball number from one to 44. Or ask the retailer for a Quick Pick and five numbers plus a bonus ball number will be randomly se-lected by the terminal.

• Up to 10 drawings can be played in advance by marking the Multi-Draw box. The numbers se-lected will play for as many games as indicated. Each game costs $1.

• Players must also choose a payment method. A jackpot prize can be received in 25 annual pay-ments or in one cash payment, called the “Cash Value Option”.

• Drawings are on Wednesday and Saturday nights.

Texas Two Step • Select four numbers from one to 35 and a Bo-

nus Ball number from one to 35, or choose the Quick Pick option.

• The multi-draw feature also can be used with the Two Step. Each play is $1.

• The jackpot starts at $200,000 and rolls over for the next drawing until there is a winner. The jackpot is won when all four numbers and the bonus ball match the numbers drawn. The odds are 1 in 1,832,600. If the four numbers match, but not the bonus ball, the estimated prize is $1,501. Three matching numbers or two match-ing with the bonus ball will pay out $20. One matching number and one bonus ball will guar-antee $7. Matching the bonus ball along guar-antees $5.

• Drawings are every Monday and Thursday night.

Cash Five • Select five numbers from one to 37 or select

the Quick Pick option for a randomly selected set of numbers. You win by matching two, three, four or five numbers from the field. All prizes, including the top prize, are paid in one lump sum.

• Drawings are Monday through Saturday nights. Pick 3 • Choose three numbers from zero to nine, how

you want to play them– exact order, any order, exact/any order or combination, the time of day and the number of drawings to play. A Quick Pick option is available.

• Fifty-cent and $1 plays are available. If three numbers are matched in exact order on a 50-cent play, the payout is estimated at $250. On a $1 play three matching numbers in exact or-der yields $500. The odds for an exact order win are 1 in 1,000.

• Drawings are twice daily, every day, except Sunday.

Scratch-off games • There are numerous scratch-off games avail-

able at lottery retailers with various cash prizes. Ticket prices range from $1 to $20.

Checking Numbers • The San Antonio Express-News publishes win-

ning numbers on Page 2A. • Local television stations air the winning num-

bers for daily drawings on the 10pm news-casts.

• The Texas Lottery Web site www.txlottery.org has live webcasts of drawings and complete listings of winning numbers.

TEXAS LOTTERY

Kimberly Howell

210.861.0188

BOERNE (pronounced “Bernie”) -Located 22 miles northwest of San Antonio on Interstate 10. -Founded in 1847 by German immigrants. -Home to more than 140 historic buildings including Ye Kendall Inn, which began renting rooms to stagecoach travelers. -Many of the town’s antique shops can be found along Main Street. -Just outside of town, the Old Tunnel Wildlife Management Area, a former railroad tunnel, is now home to a population of more than two million bats. -For more information on Boerne attractions, see www.boerne.org.

KERRVILLE: -Home to the National Center for American Western Art - this hilltop museum features work by members of the Cowboy Artists of America. -This city is filled with antique shops as well as art galleries. -Enjoy the wildflower meadow and butterfly gardens and learn more about the flora and fauna of the region at the Riverside Nature Center. -For more on Kerrville’s many attractions, visit www.kerrvilletexas.com.

FREDERICKSBURG: -Best known for the tradition of the gŠstehaus, or guest house, a B & B where visitors enjoy the privacy of their own abode. Unlike traditional bed-and-breakfast facilities where the owners or managers reside on the premises, guest houses usually are managed by a reser-vation service. -Work out the kinks with a Swedish or deep tissue massage at the European Day Spa of Fredericksburg. -Also known for its excellent shopping, downtown you’ll find numerous boutique shops featuring one-of-a-kind items, antiques and artwork. -The National Museum of the Pacific War (the only museum in the nation solely dedicated to remembering the Pacific Theater battles of World War II). Originally known as The Admiral Nimitz Museum, this Facility was named for Fredericksburg’s most famous resident, Admiral Chester Nimitz, the World War II Commander-in-Chief of the Pacific (CinCPac). -For more information, visit www.fredericksburg-texas.com.

TEXAS HILL COUNTRY

Kimberly Howell

210.861.0188

Location Season Contact Info. Spurs (NBA basketball)

AT&T Center 3201 Houston St.

Regular season: October—April Playoffs: April—June

www.spurs.com (210) 444-5050

Silver Stars (WNBA basketball)

AT&T Center

Regular season: May—August Playoffs: August

www.wnba.com/silverstars (210) 444-5050

Rampage (AHL hockey)

AT&T Center Regular season: October—April Playoffs: April—June

www.sarampage.com (210) 227-4625

Missions (Texas league base-ball)

Wolff Stadium 5757 US 90

Regular season: April—August Playoffs: September

www.samissions.com (210) 675-7275

San Antonio Speedway (auto racing)

14901 S. Texas 16 March to October www.sanantoniospeedway.com (210) 829-0405

River City Raceway (auto racing)

3641 S. Santa Clara, Marion, TX

May to October www.rivercityracewayinc.com (210) 698-2310 (830) 914-4646

Alamo Dragway (auto racing)

15030 Watson Rd. Year round www.alamodragway.com (210) 628-1371

Thunder Hill Raceway

24801 I-35 N. Kyle, TX

April to September www.thunderhillraceway.com (512) 262-1352

San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo

AT&T Center February www.sarodeo.com (210) 225-0575

Retama Park (horse racing)

1 Retama Parkway Simulcast every day except Christmas; live racing w/2 meets a year; dates vary—call

www.retamapark.com (210) 651-7119

SPORTS & RECREATION

Kimberly Howell

210.861.0188

SAN ANTONIO GOLF COURSES

Municipal Courses 1. Brackenridge Park Golf Course 2. Cedar Creek Golf Course 3. Mission del Lago Golf Course 4. Olmos Basin Golf Course 5. Riverside Golf Course 6. Willow Springs Golf Course

Public/Daily Fee Courses 7. Canyon Spring Golf Course 8. The Golf Club of Texas at Briggs Ranch 9. The Northern Hills Golf Club 10. The Pecan Valley Golf Club 11. The Quarry Golf Club 12. The Republic Golf Club 13. SilverHorn Golf Club

Resorts 14. Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort & Spa 15. The Palmer Course at La Cantera 16. The Resort Course at La Cantera 17. Tapatio Springs Resort

Military Courses 18. Brooks City Base 19. Fort Sam Houston Golf Course 20. Gateway Hills at Lackland AFB 21. Gateway Valley at Lackland AFB 22. Randolph Oaks at Randolf AFB Area Public Daily Fee Courses 23. Alsatian Golf Club 24. The Bandit 25. The Buckhorn 26. Canyon Lake Golf Club 27. Chapparal Golf Course 28. Flying L Golf Course 29. Las Palomas Country Club 30. Northcliffe Golf & Country Club 31. Olympia Hills Golf Course 32. Rayner Ranch 33. River Crossing Golf Club 34. Woodlake Golf Club

Private (Limited Access) Area Golf Courses 35. The Club at Sonterra 36. The Dominion Country Club 37. Fair Oaks Ranch Golf & Country Club 38. Oak Hills Country Club 39. Windcrest Golf Course Driving Ranges and Practice Facilities 40. Alamo Country Club 41. T.C.’s Golf Academy 42. Blossom Golf Center 43. Diamondback Golf Academy 44. La Cantera Golf Academy 45. Northeast Golf Center 46. Oak Valley Driving Range & Par 3 47. Polo Field Driving & Practice Range 48. Rolling Oaks Golf Center 49. San Pedro Driving Range & Par 3 50. Sundance Golf Course 51. Ten Cups Golf Center

HISTORIC

THE ALAMO It was originally Mission San Antonio de Valero and became famous for the 1836 battle between the Texians and General Santa Anna’s Mexican army. Exhibits include the medical exhibit, which shows what hospital rooms looked like when the shrine housed Spanish soldiers. A short orientation film is shown every 20 minutes. Open 9-5:30 Monday-Saturday, 10-5:30 Sunday. Free admission.

300 Alamo Plaza (210) 225-1391

KING WILLIAM HISTORIC DISTRICT The area just south of downtown is home to a monthly First Friday art walk, block after block of restored 19th-century Victorian homes, museums, restaurants and the purple house of author Sandra Cisneros. The district be-gins at the corner of King William and South St. Mary’s streets. The neighborhood is an excellent place for a morn-ing walk on any Saturday.

LA VILLITA Once a home to the Canary Islanders who settled in San Antonio in the 18th century, “the little village” now houses more 25 artisans in shops featuring handcrafted items. Shop hours 10-6 daily.

Alamo and Nueva Streets (210) 207-8610

THE MISSIONS The ideal locale for a bike ride. Tour the four missions—Mission Concepcion, Mission San Jose, Mission San Juan Capistrano, Mission San Francisco de la Espada—by following the Mission Trail markers beginning at Roosevelt Park at Roosevelt Avenue and Mission Road. Free admission. Open 9-5 daily.

For free guided tours, call (210) 534-8833 or (210) 932-1001 during non-business hours.

SAN FERNANDO CATHEDRAL Founded in 1731, the cathedral is one of the oldest structures in San Antonio. A group of 15 families from the Ca-nary Islands built the church at the invitation of King Philip V of Spain. Viewing hours are 9-4:30 daily.

115 Main Plaza (210) 227-1297

SPANISH GOVERNOR’S PALACE Built as a private residence in 1722, the adobe home housed the 32 Spanish governors who ruled Texas from 1722 to 1821. Open 9-5 Monday-Saturday, 10-5 Sunday. Admission is $1.50; discounts for kids.

105 Military Plaza (210) 224-0601

THEME PARKS

SEAWORLD ADVENTURE PARK A cast of marine mammals, including the world-famous Shamu, puts on shows throughout the day. The park added thrill rides a few years back in the form of coasters Steel Eel and the Great White. The water park Sky Tubin’ at Lost Lagoon is open in the summer. Daily admission is $50.99; discounts for kids and seniors. The season runs from March to December and operates daily from Memorial Day weekend until the middle of August.

Ellison Dr. at Westover Hills Blvd. Off Texas 151 (west of Loop 410; inside Loop 1604) (210) 523-3611 www.seaworld.com

SAN ANTONIO & SURROUNDING AREA ATTRACTIONS

Kimberly Howell

210.861.0188

THEME PARKS (continued)

SIX FLAGS FIESTA TEXAS Here, the rides and shows are equally popular. From the floor-less Superman Krypton Coaster to Scooby-Doo Ghostblasters, The Mystery of the Haunted Mansion, there are rides for every age. The shows are mostly musical in nature and feature originally produced shows such as “Celebrate Country” (contemporary country hits) and “Retro Fever” (’70s hits). The Armadillo Beach water park is open during the summer. Daily admission is $46.99 (online for $31.99); discounts for kids and seniors. The season runs from March to October and operates daily Memorial Day weekend until the middle of August.

Interstate 10 West at La Cantera Pkwy., north of Loop 1604 (210) 697-5050 (800) 473-4378 www.sixflags.com

HORSE RACING RETAMA PARK

The park holds two meets ayear, the Spring Quarter Horse Meet and the Thoroughbred Meet. The popular Fifty-Cent Nights offer dirt-cheap prices on hot dogs, beer and admission/parking. The track is also open year-round for televised simulcast and wagering with gates opening at 10:30 a.m. daily. Simulcast admission is $2. Live-racing admission varies but is no more than $2.50. Children under 15 are free.

(210) 651-7000 www.retamapark.com

WATER PARKS

SCHLITTERBAHN It’s been named best water park in the country by The Travel Channel and the publication Amusement Today. The 65-acre park is located on the banks of the Comal River and includes tube chutes, water slides, uphill water coast-ers, pools, hot tubs, kiddie water playgrounds, shady picnic grounds and year-round resort rooms. It also includes water and sand volleyball courts, five gift shops, two restaurants and 20 refreshment centers. Daily admission costs $37.99; discounts for kids. The park is open from April to September and operates daily from Memorial Day week-end until the middle of August.

Liberty and Common streets, New Braunfels (830) 625-2351

SPLASHTOWN San Antonio’s 18-acre water park offers more than 50 rides and attractions including the Siesta del Rio, a relaxing river ride; the seven-story Lone Star Luge, a twisting and sliding ride the length of two football fields; and Starflight, a double-tub trip through total darkness. The park hosts Christian concerts Sunday nights during the summer, and dive-in movies (movie viewing with pool seating) have become popular. Daily admission costs $24.99; discounts for kids and after 5 p.m. The park is open from April to September and operates daily Memorial Day weekend until the middle of August.

Interstate 35 North at Splashtown Drive (210) 227-1400 www.splashtownsa.com

MISCELLANEOUS ATTRACTIONS BOTANICAL GARDEN

The formal and informal gardens are on 33 acres with winding footpaths. The garden is open 9-5 daily. Admission is $6; discounts for students, seniors and military.

555 Funston Place (210) 207-3250

ATTRACTIONS—CONTINUED

Kimberly Howell

210.861.0188

ATTRACTIONS—CONTINUED

MISCELLANEOUS ATTRACTIONS (continued)

BUCKHORN SALOON & MUSEUM The museum offers the Buckhorn Hall of Horns, a full-service saloon, a period arcade, convention and banquet facili-ties and a collection of horns, rare trophy animals, fish, birds and memorabilia. Open 10-5 daily. Admission costs $9.99; discounts for children and seniors.

Houston and Presa Streets (210) 247-4000

MARKET SQUARE Perhaps the city’s best-known cultural center is this city-owned block of retail stores and restaurants along the south side of West Commerce between Santa Rosa and Interstate 35. Officials often close San Saba Street for cultural celebrations with music on multiple stages. Open 10-6 daily. Free admission.

514 W. Commerce St. (210) 207-8600

RIPLEY’S BELIEVE IT OR NOT! & PLAZA THEATER OF WAX Plaza Theater of Wax includes more than 225 figures from Hollywood, horror, history and religion, including President George W. Bush. The museum Believe It or Not! Includes theme galleries filled with more than 500 one-of-a-kind exhibits from the bizarre collection of Robert Ripley. Open 9-8 Friday-Saturday, 9-7 Sunday, 9:30-6 Monday-Thursday. Admission costs $21.99 for both museums, $16.99 single ticket. Discounts for kids are available.

Alamo Plaza (210) 224-9299

SAN ANTONIO CHILDREN’S MUSEUM Texas Treasure Cave & Wild Texas Spring is just the latest edition to the museum’s wide array of exhibits. This hands-on museum houses more than 80 interactive exhibits for children ages 2-10, allowing them to explore a multitude of adult worlds. Kids can be an airplane pilot, international chef, mail carrier, dentist, construction worker, scientist, artist and more. Regular hours: 9-5 Monday-Friday, 8-6 Saturday, 12-4 Sunday. Admission: $7, kids younger than two admitted free. One-hour free parking at Mid-City Garage with ticket validated by the museum. Soft baby carriers available at front desk.

305 E. Houston Street (210) 212-4453

SAN ANTONIO ZOO More than 3,500 animals of 750 species occupy the zoo, including notable horticultural exhibits. Highlights includes the recently added walkthrough exhibit “Butterflies! Caterpillar Flight School” and the multispecies Gibbon Forest ex-hibit, built into the side of a limestone cliff. Open 9-6 daily; visitors can stay until 7pm. Admission costs $9; discounts for kids and seniors.

3903 N. St. Mary’s St. (210) 734-7184

TOWER OF THE AMERICAS Take the elevator ride up the 750-foot tower for a bird’s-eye view of the Alamo City, hang out on the observation deck, or take part in the Flag Over Texas & 4D Theatre ride. The structure also houses the Tower Restaurant and the High in the Sky Lounge. Open 9-10 Sunday-Thursday, 9-11 Friday-Saturday. Admission costs $10.95; discounts for kids and seniors.

Hemisfair Park, East Durango Blvd. & Interstate 37/U.S. 281 (210) 207-8615

Kimberly Howell

210.861.0188

SAN ANTONIO DINING EXPERIENCE ALAMO CITY CLASSICS

CASBEERS This neighborhood joint serves some of the best burgers in the city, appropriately greasy and satisfying. Enchiladas and nachos also are deserving of their stellar reputation. Lunch: Tuesday-Friday. Dinner: Tuesday-Saturday. Casual.

1719 Blanco Road (210) 732-3511

EARL ABEL’S Comfort food ranging from excellent fried chicken to silky omelets. Go ahead and have a slice of pie with breakfast—you’ll thank yourself! Lunch/dinner: Daily. Casual.

1201 Austin Highway, Suite 175 (210) 822-7333

LIBERTY BAR What looks like a fairly dilapidaated building actually houses one of San Antonio’s favorite dining spots. Yes, the restaurant tilts, but the food, ranging from Texas and Tex-Mex favorites to inven-tive Southwestern dishes, leans in a direction you’ll find pleasing. This is about as true a Texas dining experience as you will find. Lunch/dinner: Daily. Casual.

328 E. Josephine St. (210) 227-1187

MI TIERRA CAFÉ AND BAKERY The only late-night option worth exploring, especially if you are in need of a bowl of menudo to help you along. If the food and huge bakery counter don’t cheer you up, Mi Tierra’s year-round, Christ-macy décor might. Breakfast/lunch/dinner: Daily. Open 24 hours. Casual.

218 Produce Row (El Mercado) (210) 225-1262

OLMOS PHARMACY An honest-to-goodness old-time soda fountain and luncheonette counter! If that excites you, then wait until you taste the chocolate malt. This San Antonio landmark offers up burgers, sandwiches and ice cream treats with a taste of history on the side. Breakfast/lunch: Daily. Casual.

3902 McCullough Ave. (210) 822-3361

SCHILO’S DELICATESSEN A downtown San Antonio institution for 80-plus years, Schilo’s German deli is justly famous for specialties such as a split pea soup, Reuben sandwiches, chicken and dumplings (on Thurs-days) and, of course, its homemade root beer. Breakfast/lunch/dinner: Monday-Saturday. Casual.

424 E. Commerce St. (210) 223-6692

THE TEA ROOM AT BERING’S If you like traditional tea room fare, you’ll find a good variety here. But sharing menu space are some sophisticated daily specials that are highly recommended. Lunch: Daily. Casual.

8502 Broadway (210) 824-2353

AMERICAN/REGIONAL

BIGA ON THE BANKS Chef/owner Bruce Auden brings his artistry to the River Walk in an understated, contemporary space one level above the river. The desserts are not to be missed. Brunch: Sunday. Dinner: Daily. Casual.

203 S. St. Mary’s St. (210) 225-0722

BISTRO TIME Chef/owner Sander Edmondson stuffs fillet with Stilton, sweetens shrimp with an ethereal vanilla sauce and braises lamb shanks in Moroccan spices as part of his culinary magic act. The reasona-bly priced wine list is worth investigating. Lunch: Tuesday-Friday. Dinner: Tuesday-Saturday. Business casual.

5137 Fredericksburg Road (210) 344-6626

CAPPY’S After 25 years in business, Cappy’s still packs in the customers. Credit the solid food, interesting menu and reliable service at the restaurant, located in the center of ’09. Seafood is among the best in the city. Daily specials, including the heart-healthy items, are well worth exploring. Lunch/dinner: Daily. Casual.

5011 Broadway (210) 828-9669

CHAPS The star attraction here is the pasta and noodle bar. Taken with the excellent salad bar, this feature (available weekdays for lunch and Friday-Saturday evenings) elevates the all-you-can-eat con-cept to an art form. For red meat lovers, the steaks are also worth a look. Lunch/dinner: Daily. Casual.

Hyatt Regency Hotel, 123 Losoya St. (210) 222-1234

CITRUS Beef tenderloin, Gulf shrimp, organic baby lettuces: Chef Jeffrey Balfour’s secret is to use fresh, well-chosen ingredients in simple yet imaginative ways. Breakfast/lunch/dinner: Daily. Business casual. Reservations recommended on weekends.

Hotel Valencia, 150 E. Houston St. (210) 230-8412

FIG TREE RESTAURANT The classics, such as Chateaubriand and Beef Wellington, have been reclassified as wonderful dishes, not cliches, in the hands of chef Stephen Paprocki. Fresh herbs and excellent sauces excite in an enchanted setting. Dinner: Daily. Business casual. Reser-vations recommended.

515 Villita St. (210) 224-1976

FRANCESCA’S AT SUNSET A romantic setting, excellent service and Southwestern fare served with a flair place this restaurant on the short-list of San Antonio dining options that have it all. Dinner: Tuesday-Saturday. Business casual.

Westin La Cantera Resort, 16641 La Cantera Pkwy (210) 558-6500

GLADYS AT THE STRAND This upscale restaurant is one of San Antonio’s favorite places to see and be seen. The noise level can be off-putting, but skilled service and quality food overcome that downside. Lunch: Tues-day-Friday. Dinner: Tuesday-Sunday. Business Casual. Reser-vations recommended.

11255 Huebner Road (210) 697-9004

LAS CANARIAS It’s time to take this hotel restaurant back from the tourists. Ex-ecutive chef Scott Cohen serves up the Best Texas has to offer and a vegetable entrée even carnivores could love. Breakfast/lunch/dinner: Daily. Casual.

La Mansion del Rio Hotel, 112 College St. (210) 225-2581

SAN ANTONIO DINING EXPERIENCE AMERICAN/REGIONAL (continued)

LIGHTHOUSE COFFEE AND CAFÉ This Christian-themed coffee shop has a shining light in chef Eric Rocha, who serves up some of the best soups in town, in addition to some savory seafood entrees, sandwiches and appetizers. Breakfast/lunch/dinner: Monday-Saturday. Casual.

18739 Stone Oak Parkway (210) 495-5099

THE LODGE RESTAURANT OF CASTLE HILLS Tucked away in this suburb is one of the most romantic dining spots in the city—a restored older home that has been turned into an elegant yet comfortable lodge with several private dining rooms. The eclectic menu, which includes pasta, game, beef, lamb and more, is a beautiful match for the décor. Lunch: Mon-day-Friday. Dinner: Tuesday-Saturday. Business casual. Res-ervations recommended.

1746 Lockhill Selma Road (210) 349-8466

SCENIC LOOP CAFÉ A Texas roadhouse with a touch of Tex-Mex thrown in. Don’t miss out on the build-your-own margarita, sipped on the spacious outdoor patio. Lunch/dinner: Daily. Casual.

25615 Boerne Stage Road (210) 687-1818

THE UGLY DUCKLING CAFÉ Vita Parrack knows her beef, whether it’s the 16-ounce New York strip au poivre or the half-pound hamburger. All served in a com-fortable, beautifully-renovated dairy barn. Lunch/dinner: Tuesday-Saturday. Brunch: Sunday. Casual.

1006 Holbrook Road (210) 656-2537

THE VINEYARDS It’s a picture-perfect country inn with the just-sophisticated-enough attitude. Slow-smoked pork loin is but one of the high-lights of a menu that features both Texas and Mediterranean influ-ences. Lunch: Saturday-Sunday. Dinner: Daily. Casual.

27315 FM 3009 (near Natural Bridge Caverns) (830) 980-8033

BARBEQUE BAR-B-Q PATIO

Meaty spare ribs, juicy turkey, lean brisket cut thick and flavorful sausage, all gently smoked, make this outpost worth the drive. Lunch/dinner: Daily. Casual.

8791 Old Pearsall Road (210) 622-0660

COUNTY LINE BBQ Oversized portions of smoked ribs, sausage and brisket as well as reasonable prices keep customers coming back. Lunch/dinner: Daily. Casual.

Colonnade, 10101 I-10 W (210) 641-1998

JAMIE D. BAR-B-Q Ribs are the main attraction at this haven for smoked meats that uses fragrant pecan and oak to entice barbecue lovers. Lunch/dinner: Monday-Saturday. Casual.

2456 Harry Wurzbach Road (210) 824-4844

RUDY’S COUNTRY STORE AND BAR-B-Q Tourists and locals alike flock by the thousands to get slabs of brisket, sausage, ribs, chicken, turkey and pork. After the homey ambience, the real secret here is the peppery barbecue sauce. Lunch/dinner: Daily. Casual.

I-10 West & Boerne Stage Rd. (210) 653-RUDY (7839)

TEXAS PRIDE The barbecue lives up to the name, and the ambience adds its own Texas charm. You won’t go wrong on any of the meats you might select. And the peach cobbler for dessert is a real killer. Lunch/dinner: Tuesday-Saturday. Casual.

2980 E Loop 1604, Adkins (210) 649-3730

BREAKFAST

MAGNOLIA PANCAKE HAUS The pancakes are airy, the omelets are sensational and the sau-sage will leave you hungering for more. If Tex-Mex is not your thing, this remains the best place in town to start your day. Break-fast/lunch: Tuesday-Sunday. Casual.

13444 West Avenue (210) 496-0828

RITA’S FIESTA CAFE On one of those days you need a plate of huevos rancheros in the worst way at 3pm, try Rita’s. She serves breakfast all day. The plates, tacos and other specialties are generous, cooked well and accompanied by tender, thick homemade corn and flour tortillas. The breakfast taco list is substantial and so are the servings. Try a machacado plate, too, to see how fresh and good this dish of scrambled eggs, shredded beef, diced jalapeno, onion and tomato can be. Opens 6:30am Monday-Saturday; 7am Sunday. Casual.

612 Bandera Road (210) 732-1537

TACO TACO CAFE Lines stretching out the door tell you this is one of San Antonio’s best Tex-Mex hangouts. The breakfast tacos, with fresh off the grill tortillas, homemade caldos, hearty Tacos Nortenos and sa-vory enchiladas are worth the wait. Breakfast/lunch: Daily. Casual.

145 E. Hildebrand Avenue (210) 822-9533

BURGERS

AUGIE’S BY THE PARK What a joint! Burgers—actually the Real Burger, as it’s called here—are the true star, but the relaxing atmosphere will make you feel at home no matter what you order. Lunch/dinner: Monday-Saturday. Casual.

10447 Nacogdoches Road (210) 590-9583

BOBBY J’S OLD FASHIONED HAMBURGERS Juicy burgers—1/3 pound, 1/2 pound or a full pound in size—come sizzling out of the kitchen almost too hot to touch. They’re matched by an exemplary fish sandwich. Lunch/dinner: Daily. Casual.

13247 Bandera Road (210) 695-4941

CHESTER’S HAMBURGERS Consistency is the key word here, whether you’re ordering one of the jumbo burgers, the crispy onion rings or a beer off the the extensive list. Lunch/dinner: Daily.

9980 I-10 W (210) 699-1222 1006 NE Loop 410 (210) 805-8600

16609 San Pedro Ave. (210) 494-3333 621 Pat Booker Rd., Universal City (210) 658-3000

SAN ANTONIO DINING EXPERIENCE BURGERS (continued)

CHRIS MADRID’S NACHOS & BURGERS This friendly burger joint turns out some of the juiciest and best burgers around. It’s built its reputation on quality and value, so it’s generally packed, but service is efficient. The Tostada Burger, packed with crushed chips, beans and cheese, sets the standard, though the old-fashioned burger is a classic in its own right. Lunch/dinner: Monday-Saturday. Casual.

1900 Blanco Road (210) 735-3552

CYPRESS STREET GRILL Great burgers keep the lines at lunch long, but the menu also boasts a fine (and expensive) ribeye as well as a meaty grilled chicken salad. Lunch/dinner: Monday-Saturday. Casual.

801 San Pedro Ave. (210) 212-5656

LUCKY BURGER Big burgers in the walk-up ordering style, but there’s no stinting on flavor, toppings and just good burger construction. Check out the chicken-fried chicken sandwich. Casual.

2114 NW Military Hwy. (210) 341-8866

CAJUN CREOLE ACADIANA CAFE

The food isn’t strictly Cajun, though there are spicy etouffees, jambalayas, gumbos and crawfish dishes on the menu. It goes beyond the bayou to include home-style Southern cooking from fried catfish and chicken livers to country greens and fried okra. Lunch/dinner: Daily. Casual.

1289 SW Loop 410 (210) 674-0019

N’AWLINS CREOLE KITCHEN If it’s not made from scratch, Ma Harper doesn’t serve it. Red beans and rice, jambalaya and award-winning gumbo keep cus-tomers coming back. Save room for the ethereal bread pudding served with a rich rum/butter/nutmeg sauce and the melt-in-the-mouth, subtly spiced sweet potato pie. Swamp water (equal parts lemonade and iced tea) is tangy and refreshing. Lunch: Wednes-day-Sunday. Dinner: Saturday only (until 7pm). Casual.

2351 E Commerce St. (210) 224-4500

CHINESE

BEIJING CHINESE RESTAURANT The menu offers the best of Chinese and Vietnamese cuisines, including Lemongrass Chicken and lettuce wraps with chicken and shrimp. Eight Precious Tofu will win over even those who don’t care for the soybean curd. Lunch/dinner: Daily. Casual.

2313 NW Military Hwy. (210) 340-0921

FORMOSA GARDEN One of San Antonio’s most consistent Chinese restaurants in terms of food and service, Formosa Garden continues to pack in customers. Rewards await those who sample the house special-ties. Lunch/dinner: Daily. Casual.

1011 NE Loop 410 (210) 828-9988

GOLDEN WOK CHINESE RESTAURANT The place in town to get dim sum. A limited selection is on the daily menu, but the full glory shines on Sundays, when the variety is sumptuous and the service is traditional, with carts bearing steaming bamboo baskets are wheeled from table to table for selection. Lunch/dinner: Daily. Casual.

8822 Wurzbach Road (210) 615-8282

HSIU YU CHINESE RESTAURANT The lunch specials at Hsiu Yu (pronounced Shoe You) are a true bargain, but the rest of the varied and savory menu demands ex-ploration. Lunch: Monday-Friday. Dinner: Daily. Brunch: Sun-day. Casual.

8338 Broadway (210) 828-2273

MENCIUS’ GOURMET HUNAN RESTAURANT The menu is comprehensive, if not trendy, and is consistently and competently well prepared. So, if you’re in the mood for some spicy, garlicky Hunan cuisine, you’ve got the makings of a fine night out. Very simply good. Lunch/dinner: Daily. Casual.

7959 Fredericksburg Rd. (210) 615-1288

VAN’S CHINESE SEAFOOD RESTAURANT An array of Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese favorites fill the extensive and well-prepared menu. Perhaps the best wine list in the city, though not all of the wines are listed. Lunch/dinner: Daily. Casual.

3214 Broadway (210) 828-8449

WAH KEE CHINESE SEAFOOD CUISINE Sure, you have the usual standbys, but why settle for that when the seafood menu promises such rarely offered treasures as Salted Toasted Scallop and a steamed fish served with an intense ginger sauce. Lunch/dinner: Daily. Casual.

18360 Blanco Road (210) 497-6669

LA SCALA A well-kept secret among the north-of-Loop 410 set. It’s upscale continental with a flourish of pink linens, fresh flowers, scurrying (but never intrusive) wait staff and solid cuisine. But who’s com-plaining when your spinach-stuffed chicken breast is so perfectly golden on the outside and tender inside, or the seafood so impec-cably fresh? Lunch/dinner: Daily. Casual.

2177 NW Military Hwy. (210) 366-1515

MESAN EUROPEAN DINING A tranquil setting, excellent food and attentive service make this neighborhood restaurant one of the best in the city. Meson is famous for its Caesar salad, made at the table as you watch. Beef, poultry and seafood are as fresh as you could want and handled with great care. Lunch: Tuesday-Friday. Dinner: Daily. Casual.

5999 De Zavala Rd. (210) 690-5811

DELI/SANDWICHES NICAVID’S BAKERY & CAFÉ

Rich soups, meaty sandwiches on handmade bread and pastries are among the reasons to seek out this shop. Breakfast/lunch: Monday-Saturday. Casual.


QUICKSANDS CAFÉ & BAKERY Homemade soups, sandwiches and salads are highlights here, as are prompt service, reasonable prices and flavorful food. Daily specials are reliable as well. Save room for desserts including cookies, cakes and pies. Lunch/dinner: Monday-Saturday. Casual.

502 Embassy Row, Suite 109 (210) 496-2233

SAN ANTONIO DINING EXPERIENCE DELI/SANDWICHES (continued)

SWEDE’S Chef Carl Stolhandske makes his own breads, soups, sauces, pastries and condiments. That handmade touch, with a dash of Swedish seasonings, makes all the difference. Lunch: Monday-Friday. Casual.

6989 Blanco Road (210) 340-1980

W.D. DELI This deli fits into its new digs on Broadway with great panache. Plus it offers up a series of soups and classic sandwiches in fresh ways. Lunch: Monday-Saturday. Casual.

3123 Broadway (210) 828-2322

FRENCH BISTRO VATEL

This intimate Olmos Park jewel shines with traditional French fare, ranging from bouillabaisse to cassoulet, depending on the sea-son. Lunch: Tuesday-Friday. Dinner: Tuesday-Saturday. Busi-ness casual. Reservations recommended.

218 E. Olmos Drive (210) 828-3141

FREDERICK’S French food, yes, but with an Asian inspiration that is consistently among the finest in the city, whether you order five-spiced duck breast, lobster salad or beef tenderloin in a port-Madeira reduction with green peppercorns. Lunch: Monday-Friday. Dinner: Mon-day-Saturday. Business casual. Reservations suggested.

7701 Broadway, Suite 20 (210) 828-9050

L’ETOILE When it comes to seafood, L’Etoile is certainly the star its name implies. The rest of the menu, including a $50 prix fixe, capably illustrates why the restaurant has such a devoted following. Lunch: Monday-Saturday. Dinner: Daily. Business casual.

6106 Broadway (210) 826-4551

LA MADELEINE FRENCH BAKERY & CAFE The food is French, with an accent on rich, creamy sauces at af-fordable prices. The soups, crepes and croissant sandwiches, not to mention the array of baked goods, will have you saying vive la Madeleine. Breakfast/lunch/dinner: Daily. Casual.

Various locations

LE REVE From the white truffle salad dressing to the complimentary choco-late truffles served apres dessert, chef Andrew Weissman serves as delicious a meal as one can expect anywhere in town. Plan to have a leisurely meal at dinner, as each dish is made from scratch and well worth the wait. Dinner: Tuesday-Saturday. Dress code. Reservations required.

152 E. Pecan St. (210) 212-2221

METROPOLITAIN The classy décor, the magazine rack, even the small tables re-mind you of Paris, but the best reasons to escape into this Euro-pean charmer are the French food and wine. Perfect after a movie or shopping in the Quarry. Breakfast/lunch/dinner: Daily. Casual.

255 E. Basse Road (210) 822-8227

GERMAN LITTLE BAVARIAN

Good German food at a great price. Schnitzels, pork chops, an incredible Reuben, wurst and more fill the menu, but don’t over-look the pan-fried potatoes. Lunch: Monday-Friday. Dinner: Monday-Saturday. Casual.

5512 FM 78, Kirby (210) 661-7617

OLD WORLD GERMAN RESTAURANT

From the atmosphere, which resembles a hofrau house, to the food, everything here has a charming, authentic feeling. Schnit-zel, sandwiches and, most of all, chef Eva Postelle’s desserts will leave you saying, “Danke schon.” Live music: Wednesday-Saturday evenings. Lunch: Daily. Dinner: Monday-Saturday. Casual.

1546 Babcock Road (210) 366-9523

GREEK DEMO’S

Demo’s dishes up generous portions of all the Greek favorites, including garlicky slices of chicken, and lamb or beef gyro meat. Greek salads, crowned with crumbled feta and garnished with pepperoncini, olives, tomato and more are ample as a meal. Lunch/dinner: Daily.

2501 N. St. Mary’s St. (210) 732-7777

KOSTAS’ GREEK FOOD Perfectly seasoned lamb chops are not what you might expect to find in so modest an establishment, but let them—or anything else on the flavorful menu—surprise and please you. Lunch/dinner: Monday-Saturday. Casual.


MINA & DIMI’S GREEK HOUSE RESTAURANT This strip center taverna is neat and homey in style and high in staff energy and enthusiasm. That translates to full-flavored Greek dishes which will entirely soothe any craving. Lunch/dinner: Monday-Saturday. Casual.

7159 US 90 (210) 674-3464

HEALTH FOODS LA FIESTA PATIO CAFÉ

Keeping the flavor at a maximum without adding fat is what La Fiest Patio Café is all about. That doesn’t mean the food is low-fat, but the corn chips are baked and you will find sprouts on the satisfying chalupa compuesta that comes on the Veggies Delight plate. The puffy tacos are big on taste and in size. Ask for the wonderful guacamole enchiladas. Lunch/dinner: Monday-Saturday. Casual.

1421 Pat Booker Road, Universal City (210) 658-5110

SALSA MORA’S RESTAURANT Janie’s chile relleno brings ‘em back for more, but this restaurant is also a haven for those on a diet. Low-fat Tex-Mex that tastes great is not an oxymoron at this family place. Breakfast/lunch: Wednesday-Monday. Closed Tuesday. Casual.

502 S. Zarzamora St. (210) 434-8011.

SAN ANTONIO DINING EXPERIENCE HOME COOKING

BRACKEN STORE CAFE The genuine article. Overstuffed burgers and home cooking fill the menu while a healthy dose of nostalgia infuses the home dé-cor. Lunch: Monday-Saturday. Dinner: Friday until 7pm. Casual. 18415 Bracken Drive, Bracken (210) 651-6515

LULU’S BAKERY AND CAFÉ No one should leave this haven of home cooking on an empty stomach. With the satisfying chicken-fried steak reaching a stag-gering 1 1/2 pounds, few should leave without a doggy bag, too. Breakfast/lunch: Sunday-Friday. Dinner (until 7pm): Monday-Friday. Casual.

918 N. Main Avenue (210) 222-9422

MR. & MRS. G’S HOME COOKING & PASTRIES The best fried chicken in the city. The rest of the food at this hall of Southern favorites—from hamhocks to vanilla sweet potatoes—will leave a smile on your face. Lunch/dinner until 6pm: Monday-Friday. Casual.

2222 S. WW White Rd. (210) 359-0002

RADICKE’S LONESOME OAK CAFE Batter up. All manner of fried foods with just the right batters, from the Jalapeno Fried Chicken to the Alaskan whitefish. No wonder it’s been packing people in for more than 25 years. Breakfast: Saturday-Sunday. Lunch: Tuesday-Sunday. Dinner: Tuesday-Saturday. Closed Monday. Casual.

12145 Loop 107, US 87 at Loop 1604 South, Adkins (210) 649-3919

INDIAN INDIA CUISINE

Lunch/dinner: Daily. Order one of the mixed grills and practically receive a mini-buffet full of spicy, pungent fare from traditional tandoori meats to nut-studded Kashmiri Naan. Casual.

10918 Wurzbach Road (210) 561-1645

INDIA OVEN Friendly service and a warm ambience have been hallmarks of this restaurant over the years. The buffet at lunch is packed with spicy, slow-cooked meat and vegetable curries and dal. Saag panir, crunchy samosas, fresh naan, tandoori grilled meats and seafood—they’re all Indian restaurant traditionals, but you can trust India Oven to do a consistently good job. Lunch/dinner: Daily. Casual.

1031 Patricia (210) 366-1030

INDIA PALACE The buffet is laden with such treats as beef curry and saag (spinach) as well as a few good desserts, including the Galub Jamun, lightly sweetened milk balls rolled in honey. The tandoori chicken off the menu is a juicy delight. Cap off the evening with the pistachio ice cream, a homemade vanilla topped with freshly ground pistachios and cardamom seeds. Lunch/dinner: Daily. Casual.


SIMI’S INDIA CUISINE Indian traditions abound here, whether you order from the menu or sample from the generous buffet. Solid and consistent. Lunch/dinner: Daily. Casual.


ITALIAN CIAO LAVANDERIA

Caesar salads and fresh mozzarella, watercress pasta and fresh fish, osso bucco, beef ragout and sizzling pizzas served on the boards are just a few of the ways Ciao says hello to flavor. Lunch: Tuesday-Friday. Dinner: Tuesday-Sunday. Casual.

226 E. Olmos Drive (210) 822-3990

DOLORES DEL RIO Stefania says she’s retired from the belly-dancing biz, but she can’t resist a residual shimmy as she brings you your meal. The place is dim, and the food is homey stuff—simple but good house salads, meatballs, heads of roasted garlic, chicken piccata over linguini, pappardelle with artichokes and capers. Just settle down with glasses of jug wine and let it happen. Lunch/dinner: Monday-Saturday. Closed Sunday. Casual.

106 River Walk (210) 223-0609

MASSIMO RISTORANTE E BAR In the running as one of the city’s best for authentic Italian cuisine. The setting, with its sleek, earthy Old World appeal, matches the food beautifully. Lunch: Monday-Friday. Dinner: Monday-Saturday. Business casual.


PAESANOS The locals know to skip the River Walk site of this San Antonio favorite and head for ‘09, where Italian favorites can be had in an energized atmosphere. The Shrimp Paesano, an oft-imitated classic, crackles with garlic, lemon juice and butter, and typifies the clean, crisp flavors dinners have come to love. Lunch/dinner: Daily. Casual.

555 E. Basse Road (210) 828-5191

PAPA DANTE’S A cozy place filled with Italian comfort food. From spaghetti to submarine sandwiches, count on large portions of hearty food served in the informal companionability of an authentic trattoria. If you have only one meal here, don’t pass the mostaccioli, an over-sized plate of pasta in a spicy tomato sauce with nuggets of Italian sausage buried under melted cheese. Lunch: Monday-Friday. Dinner: Monday-Saturday. Casual.

8607 FM 1976 in Converse (210) 658-5261

PIATTI Piatti continues to please us with its always remarkably good ser-vice. The food holds up its end, too. Some favorites: the garlicky heart-of-romaine Caesar, tender roasted chicken with mashed potatoes, chewy pizzas and savory pastas. Lunch/dinner: Daily. Casual.

255 E. Basse Road, Suite 500 (210) 832-0300

RISTORANTE GRISSINI Relax and let chef Ezio De Rosa cook up some Italian magic for you. From the sublime carpaccio to the robust veal dishes, these are simple dishes, yet superb ingredients and careful preparation lead to success. Save room for the panna cotta or his award-winning tiramisu. Lunch: Monday-Friday. Dinner: Monday-Saturday. Casual.


SAN ANTONIO DINING EXPERIENCE ITALIAN (continued)

SOPRANO RISTORANTE ITALIANO Hits the right notes. Good value, good flavors and service that welcomes you in but never rushes you out. Lunch/dinner: Mon-day-Saturday. Casual.

11220 Perrin Beitel Road (210) 946-3070

JAPANESE

GORO’S SUSHI

It’s like the Cheers of San Antonio sushi bars: Fresh fish in a lived-in atmosphere where you feel as if everyone knew your name. Lunch/dinner: Monday-Saturday. Casual.

2619 Mossrock (210) 349-8117

SUSHI ZUSHI This popular Northwest sushi restaurant has proved so popular that a second location has opened downtown. Don’t limit yourself to sushi alone; much of the menu deserves exploration. Lunch/dinner: Daily. Casual.

9867 W I-10 (210) 691-3332 203 S. St. Mary’s St. (210) 472-2900

KOREAN

GO HYANG JIB KOREAN BARBECUE HOUSE Korean barbecue plus much more, including spicy seafood soup, oyster and scallion pancakes, chewy-tender stir-fried squid, table-fried Korean bacon and fresh, flavorful array of traditional Korean side dishes. Lunch/dinner: Tuesday-Saturday. Casual.

4400 Rittiman Road (210) 822-8846

LATIN

AZUCA Chef Rene Fernandez offers some exotic yet comforting Nuevo Latino dishes with names such as boniato mashers and mofongo that are worth exploring. Lunch/dinner: Monday-Saturday. Cas-ual. Reservations suggested.

713 S. Alamo St. (210) 225-5550

BETO’S COMIDA LATINA Empanadas, fish tacos and giant quesadillas fill the menu of this comfortable restaurant where everything is definitely hecho a mano. Lunch/dinner: Monday-Saturday. Casual.

8142 Broadway (210) 930-9393

MEXICAN/TEX-MEX

CHA-CHA’S Excellent service and kitchen consistency are hallmarks of this old favorite. Select one from a long list of margaritas, dip up some excellent salsa and relax. Lunch/dinner: Daily. Casual.

5616 Bandera Road (210) 681-2066

EL MIRADOR El Mirador has a national reputation for its spectacular soups, but the rest of the menu is a keeper as well. Puffy tacos get a textural punch from shredded cabbage; chorizo quesadillas score with robust flavor. Breakfast/lunch: Monday-Saturday. Dinner: Wednesday-Saturday. Brunch: Sunday. Casual.

722 St. Mary’s St. (210) 225-9444

ERNESTO’S MEXICAN SPECIALTIES & SEAFOOD

Mexican seafood pairs with classic Tex-Mex in exciting ways here. Buttery, chile-spiked sauces top many of the fish and sea-food specialties. Lunch: Monday-Friday. Dinner: Monday-Saturday. Casual.

2559 Jackson Keller Rd. (210) 344-1248

GUAJILLO’S Forget Tex-Mex and settle in for a treat. This place bills itself as a shortcut to Mexico and delivers with such savory dishes as Cochinita Pibil, Tinga de Pollo and Tacos al Pastor. Lunch/dinner: Daily. Casual.

1001 NW Loop 410 (210) 344-4119

LA FONDA ON MAIN The patio is a delight for anyone who wants to dine outdoors. But indoors or out, it’s the food that rules here. Fish a la Veracruzana comes with exquisite calabacitas. The Steak Ranchera is tender and flavorful. Spinach enchiladas in a spinach cream could hardly be bettered. Steve’s Margarita is a tart delight. Lunch/dinner: Monday-Saturday. Sunday: Lunch only. Casual.

2415 N. Main Avenue (210) 733-0621

LISA’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT This unassuming restaurant turns out some memorable dishes, including grease-free puffy tacos, savory enchiladas and notewor-thy refrieds. Homemade corn tortillas are the perfect foil for the earthy caldo. Breakfast/lunch: Tuesday-Sunday. Dinner: Friday-Saturday. Casual.

4414 W. Commerce (210) 433-2531

PALOMA BLANCA Good service and a charming ambience set the stage for satisfy-ing fare. Chicken flautas with a cup of chipolte-laced Caldo Tlal-peno would kick-start anyone’s day. Owner Blanca Aldaco’s tres leches cake is tops in the city. Lunch/dinner: Daily. Breakfast: Saturday. Casual.

5148 Broadway (210) 822-6151

PATTY’S TACO HOUSE With a light, clean look and stripped-down décor, Patty’s isn’t fancy but will lure you back with fresh, meticulously prepared Tex-Mex, from the chicken flautas with ultra-thin, crispy shells, to steaming caldo. Service is friendly and rarely flags. Breakfast/lunch: Monday-Saturday. Casual.

2422 South Hackberry (210) 534-3395

PICANTE GRILL If your favorite Tex-Mex is starting to feel just a little old hat, set your sombrero in the direction of the Picante Grill, a sit-down res-taurant on the downtown side of ‘09. The menu leans to real-Mex, though Tex-Mex aficionados can still opt for their combina-tion plates & nachos. Lunch: Daily. Dinner: Tuesday-Saturday. Breakfast: Saturday-Sunday. Casual.

3810 Broadway (210) 822-3797

PICO DE GALLO Pico de Gallo keeps piling ‘em in for solid, occasionally inspired Tex-Mex fare, from the basics, including the fresh guacamole, to seafood fajitas and roasted chicken. Puro San Antonio. Break-fast/lunch/dinner: Daily. Casual.

111 S. Leona St. (210) 225-6060

SAN ANTONIO DINING EXPERIENCE MEXICAN/TEX-MEX (continued)

ROSARIO’S MEXICAN CAFÉ Y CANTINA Expect long waits at this popular, noisy South Alamo Street res-taurant, one of the city’s best in terms of food and ambience. Start your meal with queso flameado or seviche; move on to fish and shrimp tacos, green enchiladas and carnitas. Lunch: Mon-day-Saturday. Dinner: Tuesday-Saturday. Casual.

910 S. Alamo St. (210) 223-1806

SOLUNA ON BROADWAY A pleasant ambience, including an outdoor patio, helps your wait pass quickly at this busy spot. Order tortilla soup, green enchila-das, tacos a la parilla, Enchiladas Nortenas and beef guisada with confidence. Lunch/dinner: Daily. Casual.

7959 Broadway (210) 930-8070

TAQUERIA MEXICO Satisfying Tex-Mex flavors, plus some authentic Mexican touches, make this spacious restaurant off Southwest Military Highway a destination. Try any of the avocado-laden tortas or the fried whole tilapia. Breakfast/lunch/dinner: Daily. Casual.

7167 Somerset Rd. (210) 922-1306

PAN-ASIAN

ASIA KITCHEN Catch the heat of authentic Thai fare at this restaurant—unless you specify otherwise. Then settle in for some excellent fare, all served family style so you can easily sample a little of everything. Lunch/dinner: Monday-Saturday. Casual.

1739 SW Loop 410 (210) 673-0662

PACIFIC MOON Han Olmstead creates a magical fusion of Korean, Chinese and Californian styles in dishes that are pure pleasure. Service is slow, but everything is made to order. Lunch: Daily. Dinner: Monday-Saturday. Casual.

17700 US 281 North, Suite 128 (210) 402-3411

PERSIAN

SHIRAZ PERSIAN CUISINE When an evening calls for exotic dining or “just something differ-ent”, Shiraz is up to the task. Whether you order lamb chops with an olive-mushroom, pistachio-dusted beef tenderloin or a terrific stuffed eggplant, you’ll find a wealth of flavors mingled by a mas-terful hand. Lunch: Monday-Friday. Dinner: Daily. Casual.

4230 McCullough Ave. (210) 829-8880

PIZZA

ALAMO PIZZA This off-the-beaten-path restaurant is super clean, the food is top notch and the prices are amazingly reasonable. Chicken Enchi-lada Pizza is a perfect blending of Mexican and Italian flavors, but order any pizza with confidence. Oversized calzones are fragrant, flavorful—and unforgettable. Lunch/dinner: Daily. Casual.

3938 S. Zarzamora St. (210) 932-2500

BIG LOU’S PIZZA Fresh toppings, rich cheese, a hearty tomato sauce & a perfectly thin crust combine to make a memorable pizza. The meatless lasagna also earns high praise. Lunch/dinner: Tuesday-Sunday. Casual.

2530 S WW White Road (210) 337-0707

FLORIO’S PIZZA The pizza is mighty fine—can folks from the greater New York metropolitan area produce anything less? - but the real star here is the cold Italian sub, arguably the best sandwich in the city. Lunch/dinner: Tuesday-Saturday. Casual.

7701 Broadway (210) 805-8646

MISS ELLIE’S PIZZA Wanna slice of pie New York style? Look no further than this joint, which offers great pizza and an even better lasagna. Lunch/dinner: Monday-Saturday. Casual.

903 Bitters Rd. (210) 499-1258

SEAFOOD

EL 7 MARES Mexican seafood delivered mostly with flying colors. Generous portions of fried fish, seviche, shrimp enchiladas and more will keep you coming back for more. Lunch/dinner: Daily. Casual.

3831 W. Commerce St. (210) 436-6056

LA PLAYA This Salvadoran seafood place is a real trip to the beach. No frills, no fuss, just good seafood at reasonable prices. The fish or shrimp mojo de ajo is a garlic fanatic’s dream. The platanos fritos with frijoles con crema on the side defies description. Wash it down with an Salvadoran beer. Don’t forget to ask for the cab-bage or certido on the side. Lunch/dinner: Daily (closed Wednes-day at Poplar site). Casual.

3201 W. Popular St. (210) 735-8715 3343 West Ave. (210) 340-2762

SEA ISLAND SHRIMP HOUSE Crisply fried seafood isn’t the whole story at Sea Island Shrimp House, but it’s definitely the main event. Southern-breaded cat-fish, oysters, scallops and shrimp come hot out of the fryer with Sea Island’s trademark, creamy coleslaw and fries on the side. Lunch/dinner: Daily. Casual.

Various locations

STEAK

MORTON’S, THE STEAKHOUSE The food isn’t cheap, but if you’re willing to pay for top-quality steaks and sides, Morton’s of Chicago has what you’re after. Save room for the molten Hot Godiva Chocolate Cake. Dinner: Daily. Casual.

849 E. Commerce St., Rivercenter (210) 228-0700

THE PALM RESTAURANT The ribeye remains the standard in town, but don’t stick solely with the steaks at the expense of the seafood or Italian offerings. At lunch, try the chili. Lunch: Monday-Friday. Dinner: Daily. Business casual.

233 E. Houston St. (210) 226-7256

SAN ANTONIO DINING EXPERIENCE STEAK (continued)

RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE Steak lovers have always trusted the “sizzle” that this pricy but reliable chain supplies. More recently, seafood dishes have cropped up on the menu, but, for our money, it’s the steaks (and the crab cakes, famous garlic mashed potatoes, creamed spinach and superior wine list) that pull us back for more. Dinner: Daily. Casual.

7720 Jones Maltsberger (210) 821-5051 1170 E. Commerce St. (210) 227-8847

TAPAS

CARMENS DE LA CALLE CAFÉ Tapas, such as Moroccan Sausage with Figs and Paella, are served up against a rich musical backdrop in an eclectic, fun and funky setting. Dinner: Thursday-Sunday. Cover with live music. Casual.

720 E. Mistletoe Ave. (210) 737-8272

SAFFRON Tapas and more, much more from the kitchen of the warm, rustic new Spanish/Mediterranean venue at Sunset Ridge. From nuts, olives and great wine to smoked beef, Saffron Zarzuela or paella for two, Saffron is more than just a pretty, evocative name. Lunch/dinner: Monday-Saturday. Casual.

6450 N. New Braunfels (210) 930-8463

THAI

THAI CHILI The boundless enthusiasm of chef Chai spills over into an irre-sistible array of Thai delights, ranging from the sweet Pad Thai to the tear-inducing heat of some of the soups. Lunch/dinner: Daily. Casual.

4303 Thousand Oaks (210) 656-8589

THAI SPICE Pad Thai wrapped in a fried egg sheet, shrimp sauteed in garlic and served over lettuce, strands of tapioca noodles in an icy-hot coconut milk broth are among the outstanding Thai delicacies to be sampled. Lunch/dinner: Daily. Casual.

8327 Agora Parkway, Selma (210) 658-1665

VALUE

BAYSEAS FISH MARKET & RESTAURANT This is the little seafood chain that could. Could prepare great seafood at extremely affordable prices, that is. Lunch/dinner: Monday-Saturday. Casual.

217 S WW White Road (210) 337-3858 13777 Nacogdoches Rd. (210) 654-1321

BELLE’S BURGERS They don’t offer a great deal, but what they offer is great. Juicy hamburgers served on a buttered, toasted bun; spicy french fries; and delicious milk shakes made from real ice cream and natural flavorings make this quick stop worth a visit. Lunch/dinner: Mon-day-Saturday. Casual.

517 Pleasanton Rd. (210) 922-5097

BUGALOO GRILLE The food is good enough to make you forget the eclectic bric-a-brac that covers the walls. And the best of the food are the heav-enly burgers, served on buttered, toasted buns. Fresh mush-rooms, on the burger or breaded and fried as an appetizer, are irresistible. There are only two seafood options, fried catfish and crawfish etouffee, and both are winners. Lunch/dinner: Monday-Saturday. Casual.

7623 Tezel Road (210) 523-2566

MAMA MARGIE’S From-scratch cooking at reasonable prices is the hallmark here. Top-notch tacos al carbon, fajitas, ,caldo and carne guisada will keep you coming back for more. Breakfast/lunch/dinner: Daily. Casual.

1600 SW Military Dr. (210) 923-1600

TACO HOUSE Deceptively light puffy taco, crisps and fresh chalupas, peppery fajitas and even the airy sopaipillas make this taqueria a value stop. Breakfast/lunch: Daily. Casual.

6307 San Pedro Avenue (210) 341-3136

TAQUERIA LOS VALLES Mexican street food moves indoors at this bright dining spot. Dense, earthy, handmade corn tortillas are the foundation for each of the reasonably prices tacos, while both the aguas frescas and the fruit cups are outstanding. Breakfast (9am)/lunch/dinner: Daily. Casual.

3206 West Avenue (210) 366-0351

VIETNAMESE

PHO CONG LY This is home of some of the best, reasonably priced food you’ll find. Start with spring or summer rolls, move on to pho (rice noo-dle soups), then finish with the bun (vermicelli) with lemon grass-fried chicken. Lunch/dinner: Daily. Casual.

300 W Bitters Rd. (210) 499-5572

VIETNAM GARDENS Don’t limit yourself merely to the Vietnamese specialties. The Thai and especially the Chinese fare are also excellent, largely because each dish is made to order. Lunch/dinner: Monday-Saturday. Casual.

5433 Blanco Rd. (210) 377-1989

SAN ANTONIO PUBLIC LIBRARIES Central Library 600 Soledad St. 210.207.2500 • Monday-Thursday: 9-9 • Friday-Saturday: 9-5 • Sunday: 11-5 • 1 free hr parking at Central Branch Garage w/validated

ticket • Bazan Library 2200 W. Commerce 210.225.1614 • Sunday: CLOSED • Monday: 1-9 • Tuesday-Thursday: 9-9 • Friday & Saturday: 9-5

Hours for all other branches Unless otherwise noted

• Sunday: 1-5 • Monday: 1-9

• Tuesday-Wednesday: 9-9 • Thursday-Saturday: 9-5

Brook Hollow Branch 530 Heimer 210.496.6315 Carver Library 3350 E. Commerce 210.225.7801 Cody Library 11441 Vance Jackson 210.696.6396 Collins Garden Library 200 N. Park 210.225.0331 Sunday: CLOSED Cortez Library 2803 Hunter 210.992.7372 Sunday: CLOSED Forest Hills Library 5245 Ingram Rd. 210.431.2544 Great Northwest Library 9050 Wellwood 210.684.5251

Henry A. Guerra, Jr. Library 7978 Military Drive West 210.673.1492 John Igo Library 13330 Kyle Seal Pkwy 210.561.6113 Johnston Library 6307 Sun Valley 210.674-8410 Sunday: CLOSED Landa Library 233 Bushnell 210.732.8369 Sunday: CLOSED Las Palmas Library 515 Castroville Rd. 210.434.6394 Maury Maverick, Jr. Library 8700 Mystic Park 210.680.9346 McCreless Library 1023 Ada St. 210.532.4254 Memorial Library 3222 Culebra 210.432.6783 Sunday: CLOSED Oakwell Library 4134 Harry Wurzbach 210.828.2569 Sunday: CLOSED Pan American Library 1122 W. Pyron Ave. 210.924.8164 Roosevelt High School & Public Library 5110 Walzem Rd Estimated Completion: 2009 San Pedro Library 1315 San Pedro Ave. 210.733.1454 Sunday: CLOSED Julia Yates Semmes Libarary at Comanche Lookout Park 15060 Judson Rd. 210.650.9540 Thousand Oaks—El Sendero Library 4618 Thousand Oaks 210.657.5205 Westfall Library 6111 Rosedale Ct. 210.344.2373

SAN ANTONIO RADIO STATIONS COUNTRY

KAJA 97.3 FM www.kj97.com KCYY 100.3 FM www.y100fm.com

OLDIES

KONO 101.1 FM http://kono1011.com

ROCK

KXXM 96.1 FM www.mix961.com KISS 99.5 FM www.kissrocks.com KTFM 102.7 FM www.1027krock.com KZEP 104.5 FM www.kzep.com

HIP HOP/ R&B

KCJZ 106.7 FM www.z1067fm.com KBBT 98.5 FM www.thebeatsa.com

NEWS / TALK

KSTX 89.1 FM www.tpr.org KTSA 550 AM www.ktsa.com WOAI 1200 AM www.woai.com

KTKR 760 AM www.ticketsports.com

CLASSICAL / JAZZ

KPAC 88.3 FM www.tpr.org KRTU 91.7 FM www.trinity.edu/org/krtu

RELIGIOUS

KSLR 630 AM www.kslr.com KYFS 90.9 FM www.bbnradio.org

Health & Worship

Largest San Antonio Medical Hospitals Largest Physical Therapy Clinics

Places of Worship

Kimberly Howell

210.861.0188

LARGEST SAN ANTONIO MEDICAL HOSPITALS Baptist Medical Center 111 Dallas St. 210.297.7000

University Hospital 4502 Medical Drive 210.358.4000

Methodist Hospital 7700 Floyd Curl Drive 210.575.4000

Christus Santa Rosa Hospital-Downtown 333 N Santa Rosa 210.704.2011

Methodist Specialty & Transplant Hospital 8026 Floyd Curl Drive 210.692.8110

Nix Health Care System 414 Navarro St. 210.271.1800

Northeast Baptist Hospital 8811 Village Drive 210.297.2000

St. Luke’s Baptist Hospital 7930 Floyd Curl 210.297.5000

Southwest General Hospital 7400 Barlite Blvd. 210.921.2000

Metropolitan Methodist Hospital 1310 McCullough Ave. 210.208.2200

Christus Santa Rosa Children’s Hospital 333 N Santa Rosa 210.704.2011

Christus Santa Rosa-Medical Center 2827 Babcock 210.705.6300

Southeast Baptist Hospital 4214 E Southcross Blvd. 210.297.3000

Methodist Children’s Hospital 7700 Floyd Curl 210.575.7000

North Central Baptist Hospital 520 Madison Oak 210.297.4000

Methodist Heart Hospital 7700 Floyd Curl 210.575.6800

Northeast Methodist Hospital 12412 Judson Rd. 210.208.2200

TexSAn Heart Hospital 6700 IH 10 West 210.736.6700

Healthsouth RIOSA 9119 Cinnamon Hill 210.692.0737

San Antonio Warm Springs Rehabilitation Hospital 5101 Medical 210.616.0100

Kindred Hospital San Antonio 3636 Medical Drive 210.616.0616

Select Specialty Hospital San Antonio 111 Dallas 210.297.7195

Methodist Ambulatory Surgery Hospital Northwest 9150 Huebner 210.691.8000

LARGEST PHYSICAL THERAPY CLINICS

Name Address Telephone

Services Offered Insurance Accepted

Warm Springs Rehabilitation Outpatient Centers—San Antonio 909 NE Loop 410 210.829.0009

Physical, occupational, speech & aquatic therapy, hand rehabilitation

Medicaid, Medicare, managed care, private commercial

Baptist Health System Physical Therapy 215 E Quincy 210.297.1000

Physical, occupational, speech & aquatic therapy, hand rehabilitation

Medicaid, Medicare, managed care, private commercial

Hand Rehabilitation Associates of San Antonio, Inc. 9150 Huebner 210.558.4263

Physical & occupational therapy, hand rehabilitation

Medicaid, managed care, private commercial

Texas MedClinic Physical Therapy 13722 Embassy Row 210.349.5577

Physical therapy, hand rehabilitation

Private commercial, managed care

First Choice PT PC 1900 N Main 210.737.3288

Physical therapy Private commercial

PLACES OF WORSHIP (Ranked by total individual membership by the San Antonio

Cornerstone Church 18755 Stone Oak Parkway 210.490.1600 Non-denominational

St. Matthew Catholic Church 10703 Wurzbach 210.478.5000 Catholic

St. Mark The Evanglist Catholic Church 1602 Thousand Oaks 210.494.1606 Catholic

St. Leonard Catholic Church 8510 S Zarzamora 210.924.6000 Catholic

Community Bible Church 16410 Chase Oak 210.496.5096 Non-denominational

Wayside Chapel EFC 3703 NW Loop 410 210.344.1203 Evangelical Free Church of America

First Presbyterian Church 404 N. Alamo 210.226-0215 Presbyterian Church in U.S.A.

New Life Christian Center 6610 Highway 90 W 210.679-6050 Interdenominational

Concordia Lutheran Church 16801 Huebner 210.479.1477 Lutheran Missouri Synod

Northern Hills United Methodist Church 3703 N Loop 1604 E 210.654.0851 Methodist

Coker United Methodist Church 231 N E Loop Rd 210.494.3455 United Methodist

Temple Beth-El 211 Belknap 210.733.9135 Jewish

Congregation Agudas Achim 16550 Huebner 210.479.0307 Conservative Judaism

First Unitarian Universalist Church 7150 IH-10 W 210.344.4695 Unitarian Universalist Association

Trinity Baptist Church 319 E. Mulberry 210.733.6201 Baptist

Castle Hills First Baptist Church 2220 NW Military Hwy 210.377.8485 Baptist

Hindu Temple 18518 Bandera Rd. 210.695.9400 hindutemplesatx.org Hindu

Islamic Center of San Antonio 8638 Fairhaven 210.614.0989 www.icsaonline.org Islam

Real Estate

Property Tax Information Documents Required for Loan Application

MLS Map Areas Buyer’s Closing Costs Worksheet Seller’s Closing Costs Worksheet

Sample Real Estate Documents:

Information About Brokerage Services Residential Buyer/Tenant Representation Agreement

Residential Contract (Purchase Contract) Financing Addendum

Seller’s Disclosure Notice For Your Protection Get A Home Inspection

TAX INFORMATION

These tax rates are based on Bexar County Appraisal District’s 2007 property assessments. To determine the taxes on a specific property, multiply the rate per $100 of assessed value, which may not necessarily be the same as market value. Your agent with Kimberly Howell Properties will be able to provide a tax printout for most properties located in Bexar County which will indicate assessed value and school district.

INCORPORATED CITIES* Alamo Heights .297796 Balcones Heights .4983560 Castle Hills .4258010 China Grove .0215010 Converse .5740000 Elmendorf .2529610 Grey Forest .0935250 Helotes .3362870 Hill Country Village .0950000 Hollywood Park .3814640 Kirby .0588414 Leon Valley .5274000 Live Oak .3644000 Olmos Park .5147870 Shavano Park .3296820 Somerset .5136090 St. Hedwig .4798950 Terrell Hills .4304220 Universal City .5258270 Windcrest .4072390

SCHOOL DISTRICTS Alamo Heights ISD 1.15660 East Central ISD 1.19000 Edgewood ISD 1.40500 Harlandale ISD 1.34900 North East ISD 1.40290 Northside ISD 1.26250 San Antonio ISD 1.24970 South San Antonio ISD 1.44500 Southside ISD 1.36000 Somerset ISD 1.19400 Southwest ISD 1.19500

City of San Antonio .5782300 Bexar County .295104 Road & Flood .031762 Community College .134550 Hospital District .237408 San Antonio MUD #1 .762300 S.A. River Authority .015951

SURROUNDING AREAS Comal County 0.279979 Comal ISD 1.800000 New Braunfels 0.425614 New Braunfels ISD 1.820000 Boerne ISD 1.740000 City of Boerne 0.442200 Comfort ISD 1.500000 Fair Oaks 0.250000 Kendall County 0.370000 KCWCID (Water District) 0.234400 City of Bulverde 0.187645 City of Garden Ridge 0.232460 Guadalupe County 0.403100 City of Cibilo (CCI) 0.317800 City of Selma 0.319300 City of Seguin (CSG) 0.432000 City of Schertz (CSC) 0.397000 Schertz ISD (SCS) 1.720000 Seguin ISD (SSG) 1.689000 Medina Valley ISD 1.575000 City of Castroville 0.365000 City of Hondo 0.379900 Hondo ISD 1.545000 Medina County 0.663400

The above tax rates do not reflect any exemptions. *Residents of incorporated cities do not pay the City of San Antonio tax. Buyers are encouraged to verify tax rates on their own and not rely exclusively on data from this page.

Kimberly Howell

210.861.0188

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR A LOAN APPLICATION Please Include the Following: 1. Three months of bank statements on all accounts. NOTE: Quarterly accounts bring the most recent statement. 2. Pay stubs covering the previous one full month. 3. Two years of W-2 statements. 4. Social Security cards (copy). 5. Valid driver’s license (copy). 6. Installment Loans — account numbers, lender’s name, lender’s address. 7. Mortgage loans — account numbers, lender’s name, lender’s address. 8. Credit cards — name and account numbers. 9. Rental properties — copies of all leases. NOTE: If you own rental property, submit 2 years of tax returns. 10. SELF EMPLOYED BORROWERS A. Two years of personal and business tax returns B. Year to Date Profit & Loss Statement

Kimberly Howell

210.861.0188

MLS Map Areas

Kimberly Howell

210.861.0188