Mi Tierra Cafe & Bakery

     Our holidays in San Antonio offered us a number of alternatives for dining.  Mi Tierra Café & Bakery was recommended by several friends from a culinary club to which I am a member.  Located downtown in the Market District on Produce Row, they offer a virtual myriad of selections from breakfast thru dinner.  Better yet, they are open 24 hours daily.  www.mitierracafe.com/

      In 1941, Pedro and Cruz Cortez opened a little three-table cafe for early-rising farmers and workers at San Antonio’s Mercado. Sixty years later Mi Tierra Cafe is a world-famous landmark - the place hometown regulars and hungry tourists go for authentic Mexican food and a warm Texas welcome.  Pedro’s and Cruz’s children and grandchildren continue the family tradition of good food and big-hearted hospitality at Mi Tierra, which now seats over 500 and is still located in Market Square, El Mercado.  The rich culture of San Antonio abounds throughout the plazas of Market Square. A three-block outdoor plaza lined with restaurants, shops and produce stands near San Antonio's city center, Market Square is tenth largest Mexican market in the world.  www.getcreativesanantonio.com/Explore-San-Antonio/Market-Square
     

      So, of course visiting this café became part of a much larger tour of the entire Market Square district.  We did have to plan our visit around the weather as our visit coincided with an abundance of intermittent rainfall.  We got lucky.  First of all through some inventive persuasion and hard work I convinced Barb she owed herself a couple of hours at the local spa for a complete deep tissue massage.  It did take some convincing, but she finally relented.  After I picked up my relaxed lady we headed downtown.  Barb was in her element. 

      A day filled with exploration ended with a meal to be remembered.  We arrived late afternoon to escape the evening crowd, but still were able to enjoy the dinner menu.  Walking and shopping......and more walking and even more shopping creates quite the appetite.

      After perusing their extensive menu Barb decided on the Mexican Dinner with Crispy Beef Taco, Cheese Enchilda, Tamale, Spanish Rice, and Refried Beans.  Always looking for something different, I selected the Monterey Special with Cabrito - tender young Goat baked to perfection w/au jus, Guacamole, Cheese Enchilada, Spanish Rice, tortillas, and Refried Beans.

Mexican Dinner

Monterey Special

      Barb enjoyed her dinner while I loved the Cabrito (goat).  I found it to be a bit sweeter meat, somewhat like lamb.  The tamales, beans, rice, and guacamole were absolutely delicious.  Afterwards Barb found the temptation irresistible and visited the bakery on the way out.  She picked up a couple of apple pastries and a larger than normal cinnamon bun for breakfast I'm assuming.  

      Our dinner total with desserts came to $51 and was delicious.  The menu is varied and is sure to have something to satisfy anyone.  The food is delicious, the service excellent.  Our waiter was very kind to explain of the menu choices to Barb and recommend something for me as well.  Mi Tierra is located right at the east end of the Market Place and fits right into a day of exploration and fun.  Traveling south on I-35/I-10 into San Antonio take the upper level road when divided and then exit on Commerce Street.  The cheapest parking in town are any of the city lots immediately below the freeway overpasses.  Flat rate:  $3/all day, $5/weekends.   I rate this 4 out of 5 stars. 

"Mexican food is one of the best culinary experiences that people 

can have"

Karla Souza

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