The Thanksgiving holiday is upon us, meaning it's time to find your stretchy pants and to think about what you're thankful this year.
Whether you'll be feasting with family and friends or doing something unrelated to overeating, we've got a roundup of Thanksgiving-themed things to do (and get) in preparation for the big day. From beer and wine shops to bakeries, Hoodline crunched the numbers to find San Antonio's top go-tos for the holiday, using both Yelp data and our own methodology to produce a curated list of where to head.
As friends and family prepare to gather this Thanksgiving, head to one of San Antonio's best grocery stores to stock up on supplies before it's too late.
1. Central Market
Topping the list is Central Market. Located at 4821 Broadway St., the grocery store, which offers fresh produce, meat, frozen items, prepared items and more, is the highest rated grocery store in San Antonio, boasting 4.5 stars out of 306 reviews on Yelp.
If you're shopping there for Thanksgiving, it offers complete holiday meals. You can also grab individual holiday dishes, like hams, turkeys, gravy, stuffing, casseroles and more. Either way, it offers both curbside pickup and delivery.
Yelper Denis T., who reviewed it on Sept. 18, wrote, "Doesn't get any better than Central Market. I love this place because of all the samples and the freshness of their products. They even have exotic fruits from South America, which are a little pricey, but excellent if you have a craving for that sort of stuff. Their fresh soups are great. The sushi is great. I also love their cheese selection."
2. Trader Joe's
Next up is Trader Joe's, situated at 350 E. Basse Road. With 4.5 stars out of 165 reviews on Yelp, the grocery store has proven to be a local favorite.
The popular chain is known for its fresh produce and extensive frozen foods section. It also offers a wine section if you'd like to bring a bottle along with you to your Thanksgiving gathering.
Liz A. said, "Can't say enough about this location. They have a wonderful staff that's always eager to help. They don't disappoint. Love their produce, cheeses and flowers."
Responsible for dessert, but haven't got the time (or energy) to cook? Head to one of San Antonio's top bakeries, all of which are cranking out autumnal-inspired baked goods and sweet treats perfect for Thanksgiving.
1. La Panaderia
Topping the list is La Panaderia. Located at 8305 Broadway, the bakery and breakfast and brunch spot, which offers desserts and more, is the highest rated bakery in San Antonio, boasting 4.5 stars out of 681 reviews on Yelp. It has another highly popular location downtown at 301 E. Houston St.
The Mexican bakery offers a variety of pan dulces, which also draw inspiration from French, Italian and American breadmaking techniques. Besides sweet breads, you can find pastries, breads, croissants and more.
C P., who reviewed it on Sept 23, said, " This place is outrageous. A perfect combination of French and Mexican baking is a match made in heaven. I've always found Mexican pastries to be bland, coarse and dry, but the Cáceres brothers have completely changed my mind with their luscious, inventive creations, as well as their takes on the classics."
Not everyone can pull off the perfect home-cooked side dish. What you can do — so long as you're 21 or older — is come prepared with a six-pack of quality beer or a fitting bottle of wine for your forthcoming celebrations.
To help you get the goods, here's a roundup of San Antonio's top beer and wine shops.
1. JS Fine Wine & Spirits
Topping the list is JS Fine Wine & Spirits. Located at 638 W. Rhapsody Drive, Suite 1, in Enchanted Village - Greater Harmony Hills, it's the highest rated beer, wine and spirits spot in San Antonio, boasting five stars out of 31 reviews on Yelp.
Founded in 1990 by Joe Saglimbeni ("JS"), it was San Antonio's first temperature and humidity controlled outlet for fine wines. Though it specializes in wine, it also offers a selection of liquors and spirits.
Glenn V. wrote, "For the best selection of great wines from all over the world, this is the place to shop. If you need to learn about wine, this is the place to go. Joe has been recommending different wines to us for years now and I have never had a bad bottle. The Saturday tasting and events that they have are always informative and a great way to find new wines."
2. Larder At Emma
Tobin Hill's Larder At Emma, located at 136 E. Grayson, is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the grocery store and deli, which offers beer, wine and spirits and more, 4.5 stars out of 44 reviews. It's located within Hotel Emma.
Besides alcohol, you can also enjoy a bite in its cafe or shop its grocery section for some last minute Thanksgiving necessities.
Dan D. said, "Tucked down the hall from the hotel lobby, you will find a great selection of sandwiches, salads, espresso, tea and lots of goodies to take home or back to your room if you are staying here. I love the vibe and stop in for coffee even if I am not staying at the hotel."
