San Antonio, Texas, boasts a vibrant culinary scene, and within its downtown core, you'll find a surprising variety of delicious calzones. This article dives deep into the top 12 spots to grab a bite of this folded pizza delight, offering a comprehensive guide to help you find your new favorite. We'll explore different styles, ingredients, and atmospheres, ensuring you discover the perfect calzone to satisfy your cravings. Finding the best calzone in downtown San Antonio just got easier!
Finding the Perfect Calzone: A Downtown San Antonio Guide
Choosing a calzone can feel overwhelming with so many options! This guide categorizes the top 12 calzones by style and atmosphere, helping you narrow down your choices based on your preferences. Whether you're looking for a quick lunch or a leisurely dinner, we've got you covered. Remember, the best calzone is subjective – this list aims to showcase the diversity of options available in downtown San Antonio.
Understanding Calzone Variations
Before we dive into the top 12, let's quickly understand the variations you might encounter:
- Classic Calzone: Typically filled with ricotta cheese, mozzarella, and tomato sauce.
- Gourmet Calzone: Features more sophisticated fillings like artichoke hearts, spinach, mushrooms, or various meats.
- Folded Pizza vs. Stromboli: While often confused, calzones are generally folded in half, whereas strombolis are rolled. Some places blur this line.
- Baked vs. Fried: Most are baked, but some restaurants offer fried calzones for a crispier crust.
The Top 12 Calzones: A Downtown San Antonio Culinary Journey
This list showcases a diverse range of restaurants and their unique calzone offerings. We've tried to include options to cater to different tastes and budgets. Remember, availability and menus can change, so it’s always best to check with the restaurant directly before your visit.
1. Rosario's Italian Cafe: Known for its authentic Italian recipes, Rosario's offers a classic calzone with a perfectly crisp crust and generous fillings. Their ricotta and mozzarella combination is a crowd-pleaser.
2. Paesanos: A San Antonio institution, Paesanos provides a more upscale calzone experience. Their gourmet options, including a delicious pesto calzone, are worth trying.
3. Biga on the Banks: Located on the River Walk, Biga offers a stunning atmosphere along with their calzones. Expect fresh, high-quality ingredients and a unique presentation.
4. The Esquire Tavern: A historic landmark, The Esquire Tavern offers a sophisticated take on the calzone, often incorporating seasonal ingredients.
5. Pizzaiolo: If you're looking for a Neapolitan-style calzone, Pizzaiolo is your go-to. Their thin crust and carefully selected toppings make for a delicious experience.
6. Original Mexican Restaurant: This unexpected contender offers a unique twist on the calzone, often incorporating Mexican flavors and ingredients.
7. Cappy's: Cappy's provides a casual setting with a focus on simple, delicious calzones. They are perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
8. Dough Pizzeria Napoletana: Another Neapolitan option, Dough emphasizes a traditional approach with high-quality ingredients and an authentic taste.
9. Sustenio: Situated at the Hotel Emma, Sustenio offers a more refined calzone experience, focusing on locally sourced ingredients.
10. Iron Cactus Mexican Restaurant & Margarita Bar: Offering a more Southwestern fusion, Iron Cactus incorporates Mexican flavors into their calzone creations.
11. The Guenther House: This historic restaurant provides a luxurious setting for enjoying a carefully crafted calzone. Expect refined flavors and elegant presentation.
12. Bakery Lorraine: While primarily known for its pastries, Bakery Lorraine sometimes offers unique calzone specials, so it’s always worth checking their menu.
Choosing Your Calzone Adventure
This list provides a starting point for your calzone quest in downtown San Antonio. Remember to consider your preferred style, atmosphere, and budget when making your decision. Don't be afraid to explore and try new things – you might just discover your new favorite calzone!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What makes a great calzone?
A: A great calzone features a perfectly cooked crust (neither too hard nor too doughy), generous and flavorful fillings, and a balance of flavors and textures.
Q: Are calzones generally spicy?
A: Not usually. Most calzones are savory and cheesy, but you can certainly find spicier options by requesting additional peppers or choosing a calzone with spicy sausage.
Q: What's the best way to order a calzone?
A: Be prepared to choose your fillings. Many restaurants offer a variety of options, allowing for customization.
Q: Where can I find vegetarian calzones in Downtown San Antonio?
A: Several restaurants listed offer vegetarian options; check their menus online before your visit.
Enjoy your downtown San Antonio calzone journey! Let us know your favorites in the comments below.
