San Antonio's Oldest Mexican Restaurant Is Approaching 100 Years - And Still Going Strong - Tasting Table

"Opened by sisters Virginia Berry and Nannie Randall over 90 years ago in 1932, La Fonda on Main is the oldest continuously operating Mexican restaurant in San Antonio. The iconic eatery first began as a takeout spot in 1930, but it became so popular that a larger location was soon opened across the street. Business continued to flourish, with presidents, WWII generals, and Hollywood stars like John Wayne and Gary Cooper all walking through the doors over the years."

"The Berry family ran the business until 1997, when a local restaurant group, Lawton Family of Restaurants, took over. The Lawtons have made a few changes since then, but the focus continues to remain the same: serving authentic interior Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine in beautiful surroundings. There is also still a big emphasis on family, with many generational regulars and longtime staff members, and respecting the historic space."

"Since Lawton family patriarch, Cappy Lawton, has co-written a cookbook about enchiladas ('Enchiladas: Aztec to Tex-Mex'), so those are a must if you visit. Some of the eight styles available include fajitas-inspired enchiladas, chicken with mole sauce enchiladas, and lobster and shrimp."

La Fonda on Main stands as San Antonio's oldest continuously operating Mexican restaurant, founded in 1932 by sisters Virginia Berry and Nannie Randall. Originally a takeout spot in 1930, its popularity led to expansion across the street. The restaurant attracted notable guests including presidents, WWII generals, and Hollywood stars like John Wayne and Gary Cooper. The Berry family operated the business until 1997, when the Lawton Family of Restaurants assumed ownership. Under the Lawtons' stewardship, the restaurant maintains its focus on authentic interior Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine while emphasizing family values, generational regulars, and respect for the historic space. The menu features diverse options including eight enchilada styles, with the Lawton family patriarch having co-written an enchilada cookbook. Nearly a century after opening, La Fonda on Main remains highly rated among San Antonio's Mexican restaurants.

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