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Biga on the Banks, San Antonio, TX
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Biga on the Banks

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Visa Dining Collection

$50 and over
Contemporary American
203 S. St. Mary's St., San Antonio, TX 78205

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 35 times today
Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

  • Good for special occasions
  • Charming
  • Romantic
Overlooking the San Antonio River Walk since 2000, Bruce Auden’s Biga on the Banks continues to charm San Antonio foodies and Alamo City visitors with its constantly-changing new American menu featuring the best ingredients South Texas has to offer.

It has been said that Bruce Auden has “put San Antonio on the culinary map” but this Chef is just getting started. The Biga menu features fresh caught fish like Mahi Mahi, True American Red Snapper and Ahi Tuna. Main stays on the menu usually include Hill Country Venison and Bandera Quail, Grilled Australian Rack of Lamb and Roasted Bell & Evans Chicken.

The dining room is modern with a casual-well informed style of service.

The wine list is eclectic and broad with hundreds of labels and the full bar offers craft cocktails.

Biga on the Banks has a versatility about it. If you’re looking for a come-as-you-are impromptu bite, a celebratory dinner with family or a working dinner with business colleagues, Biga fits your needs.

Why they're an Icon

Executive chef: Bruce Auden

From the OpenTable editors: When he opened Biga in 1991, London-born chef Bruce Auden kicked off a new era of fine dining in San Antonio, amassing a huge celebrity following (Julia Child, Emeril Lagasse) and racking up several James Beard nominations. In 2000, the restaurant moved to a bigger space with sweeping Riverwalk views, the perfect setting for Auden’s ever-changing global menu with Texas accents—think spiced antelope and quail, habañero jerk scallops, and za’atar roasted cauliflower.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $50 and over
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary American, Dining Bar
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:15 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–9:45 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Carte Blanche, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Private party facilities
    Private rooms feature floor to ceiling windows overlooking the River and access to terraces. Biga crafts exquisite events from canapes and cocktails to full-scale, four-course meals. Whatever your plans may be Biga can accommodate.
  • Neighborhood
    Downtown
  • Cross street
    Market St.
  • Parking details
    Biga does have a parking option under the One Alamo Center (caddy corner from the International Center). The driveway to the One Alamo Parking Lot is on the Market St. Side of the building.Parking costs $8. Bring your ticket for validation.Go to https://biga.com/riverwalk-restaurants-san-antonio-location/ for further details and a link a map.
  • Public transit
    Biga is located in the center of downtown San Antonio. Though we are walking distance from most downtown hotels, we are also conveniently located for any who wish to use the city's public PARKIKNG INFO: transportation.https://biga.com/parking-directions-to-biga/
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

  • Easter Brunch- $75 Adults, $35 Children

    Apr 20, 2025 only
    Celebrate Easter with us on Sunday, April 20th! Indulge in a fabulous 4-course brunch served from 10:30am to 4pm. Gather your loved ones and enjoy a memorable meal together!
    Easter Brunch- $75 Adults, $35 Children Photo
  • 25th Anniversary Reception Ticket

    $175.00 per person

    Prepaid

    Apr 22, 2025 only
    The maximum tickets to be bought at one time is 4. If your group is larger than 4, you will have to purchase tickets in 2 or more transactions. Like the living bread starter that gives the restaurant its name, Biga on the Banks has risen to become one of San Antonio's most cherished culinary institutions. On Earth Day, April 22, 2025, the iconic landmark restaurant will celebrate its 25th anniversary on the River Walk with an extraordinary culinary event benefiting the next generation of San Antonio's culinary talent. Under the guidance of Chef Bruce Auden, widely regarded as the godfather of San Antonio's dynamic culinary scene, Biga on the Banks has cultivated more than just exceptional cuisine - it has nurtured a legacy of culinary excellence and community partnership that spans a quarter century. The celebration, chaired by longtime supporters Lyn and Pete Selig, will transform the restaurant into a showcase of culinary artistry, featuring eight chef stations helmed by distinguished Biga alumni alongside promising students from St. Philip's College Culinary and Hospitality School. The reception-style event will run from 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., with plans to expand to the third floor for an evening of desserts and dancing. "Biga's story is one of resilience and community," says Chef Auden, who, along with partners Perny Shea, Pete Selig, and Don Thomas, has steered the restaurant through numerous challenges from 9/11 ot the 2008 recession and the recent COVID-19 pandemic. "When we moved from our original location in Tobin Hill to the River Walk, it was because of an extraordinary coalition of local investors - Team Biga - who believed in our vision for San Antonio's culinary future." Even before they reached the banks of the San Antonio River, the restaurant's name, Biga, was derived from the centuries-old traditional pre-fermented starter used in artisanal bread-making. It reflects its philosophy of patience, cultivation, and tradition. And that approach has fostered remarkable loyalty among staff, many of whom have been with the restaurant for over two decades. Decades before San Antonio became a UNESCO World Heritage City of Gastronomy, long before the Pearl, Southtown and downtown became culinary destinations, Chef Bruce Auden almost single-handedly elevated the fine dining experience in San Antonio in the 1980s," said longtime journalist and Biga lover Bob Rivard. "Over the years, Bruce trained a whole new generation of talented chefs, who found their first opportunities in the Biga kitchen. More than a few are now household names and in charge of their own successful ventures. The Bruce Auden DNA is found in many of the city's best kitchens today. All proceeds from the anniversary celebration will benefit St. Philip's College Culinary and Hospitality School and the San Antonio Food Bank, reflecting Biga's ongoing commitment to nurturing culinary talent and fighting food insecurity in the community.
    25th Anniversary Reception Ticket Photo
  • Mother's Day Brunch- $75 Adults, $35 Kids

    May 11, 2025 only
    . This Mother's Day, treat the remarkable women in your life to a special brunch at Biga on the Banks. Savor a 4-course menu designed by our chefs for $75 per adult and $35 for children. Join us from 10:30am to 4pm and make her day truly special!
    Mother's Day Brunch- $75 Adults, $35 Kids Photo

What 5,845 people are saying

Biga on the Banks reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8
4.8 based on recent ratings
  • 4.8Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.6Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • San Antonio

    Contemporary American

  • San Antonio

    Good for special occasions

  • San Antonio

    Contemporary American

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Biga on the Banks offers an exceptional dining experience with "incredible food and service," highlighted by unique dishes like antelope and quail. The "prix fixe menu" and "wine pairings" are highly recommended. Servers like Jose and Chris are praised for their attentiveness. A "must-visit" for celebrations.

5,845 Reviews
  1. Julie VIP

    Greater Boston6 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Loved it, nice touch with kids meals! I wasn’t expecting that and it helped us relax a bit

    Is this helpful?

  2. Peter

    New York City25 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent menu, delicious food, courteous, professional service, and an overall great experience. Had the antelope/ pheasant entree which was outstanding, as was the red snapper. All of the apps were equally tasty. A tad pricy, but very well worth it.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Larry VIP

    Houston44 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Wow! What a wonderful dinner we had. From the moment we sat down Chris took fantabulous care of us. Our meal was slow paced giving us time to really enjoy the surrounding and our evening. The food was superb!! We had the redfish, quail and antelope. We wrapped up the evening with a Grand Marnier souffle'. You will be hard pressed to find another restaurant that is more on top of there game. We would be weekly diners if we lived in SA. Absolutely treat yourself to the gem.

    Is this helpful?

  4. David VIP

    Salt Lake City67 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food was the most delicious and the service perfect. I rate them the best restaurant on the Riverwalk.

    Is this helpful?

  5. Amie VIP

    Austin77 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Very calm and serene vibe. We had a friend with major dietary restrictions, and the staff were very accommodating. And good food!

    Is this helpful?

  6. LaTonya

    San Antonio1 review

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Biga on the Banks never misses. The hosting and serving team are incredibly knowledgeable and welcoming, the presentation is excellent, and the food is delicious. I had a wonderful experience last Friday and I'll keep coming back.

    Is this helpful?

  7. Stewart VIP

    San Antonio28 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 11, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Biga is the best upscale restaurant in San Antonio, IMHO. All categories shine - food, service, ambiance, value. They treat there customers as family. We love it!!!

    Is this helpful?

  8. Charles VIP

    San Antonio41 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 11, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Never disappoints. Always consistent with food and service. Chris, our server always tops. Thanks.

    Is this helpful?

  9. David VIP

    Miami42 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 7, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    What a high end breath of fresh air ! Great service by Chris Gill, amazing menu ( we had Brussels, Califlower in Korean BBQ sauce, antelope and quail. Great location, ambiance and food. Also the wine by the glass selection was great.

    Is this helpful?

  10. Beth

    Raleigh1 review

    5.0

    Dined on April 6, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Incredible food and service. A wonderful dining experience

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Biga on the Banks offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (210) 225-0722.

Biga on the Banks is rated 4.8 stars by 5845 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. San Antonio
  4. San Antonio
  5. Downtown

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 35 times today
Experiences are available.
Google Map for Biga on the Banks

203 S. St. Mary's St., San Antonio, TX 78205

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Market St.
  • Neighborhood
    Downtown
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:15 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–9:45 pm
  • Price
    $50 and over
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary American, Dining Bar
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Parking details
    Biga does have a parking option under the One Alamo Center (caddy corner from the International Center). The driveway to the One Alamo Parking Lot is on the Market St. Side of the building.Parking costs $8. Bring your ticket for validation.Go to https://biga.com/riverwalk-restaurants-san-antonio-location/ for further details and a link a map.
  • Public transit
    Biga is located in the center of downtown San Antonio. Though we are walking distance from most downtown hotels, we are also conveniently located for any who wish to use the city's public PARKIKNG INFO: transportation.https://biga.com/parking-directions-to-biga/
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Carte Blanche, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
  • Private party facilities
    Private rooms feature floor to ceiling windows overlooking the River and access to terraces. Biga crafts exquisite events from canapes and cocktails to full-scale, four-course meals. Whatever your plans may be Biga can accommodate.
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