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Shrimp was cooked perfectly in the shrimp Rancheros. Whole fried fish was seasoned and fries well. Service was quick as well! Plan on returning!
My son and I went to the San Antonio Zoo so I could take pictures of the gorillas and other animals. It was a long day of walking around every area. By the time we were back to my truck, we were exhausted and hungry. Since we had always meant to try El Bucanero, we decided to head over and eat there. It turned out to be a very good decision. The venue itself is really festive. The music was really nice. It just felt like we were at some kind of a fiesta in Mexico. The menu was EXTENSIVE. There were hundreds of different ways to eat seafood in different combinations. It was a bit daunting. We had to look some words up and translate them. The server also helped us with our selections. For example we said we wanted ceviche. He recommended his favorite. It was extra spicy and delicious. My son ordered one of those huge schooners full of mixed seafood in a spicy sauce. He liked it a lot. I had pulpo a la Veracruzana. It was super delicious. I liked that it used vegetables that were slightly pickled. We will definitely go back there. Now that we know a place that has delicious fresh seafood, we have a lot of things to try.
Went to El Bucanero tonight and decided to try the fajita skillet... and yeah, it was not it. First off, the skillet didn't even come out sizzling, and the meat definitely wasn't fajitas Super disappointing. If that's their version of fajitas, it might be a supplier issue. Lesson learned --next time I'm sticking to my usual there: the mini tacos. On another note, the ambiance and customer service is great.
El Bucanero was recommended to me by an associate who loves seafood. My husband and I stopped by El Bocanero for a recovery meal after a long run at Hardberger Park. When we arrived, we thought the restaurant was not yet open, but to our surprise we found the restaurant was filled with people happily chatting and eating. What a good sign for a tasty meal. :) We were quickly greeted and escorted to our table. We are offered menus with an extensive list of food and drink options. I love soup so I ordered the Seafood Soup. It was loaded with seafood (fish, shrimp, squid, etc). It was pipping hot, just the way I like soup and so delicious. My husband ordered the Quesadilla Nortena. He really enjoyed it but it was so large that he had to take half of it home. While the service was very good and our meals were tasty we were seated close to the bar pick up area so it was a little bit distracting. Also, we noticed an outdoor patio in the back but nobody sat outside except for the staff taking their breaks. It may be due to the cooler weather. It's not a fancy place but we will definitely come back to check out their other seafood dishes.
Good variety of Mexican seafoods.huge portions great service. Absolutely worth to try. I love the ambiance.
We was stop by the restaurant, we were greeting by the nice host. The food was great, the drinks was very tasty. The waiter is super nice with big smile. I will come back here next time if I'm in town.
I don't think I've shared a review for this restaurant yet. I've dined here a couple of times, and if I recall correctly, my first visit didn't quite meet expectations--though it's worth noting the place was fairly new to the San Antonio scene at the time. Each visit has offered a different experience, but one thing that's remained consistent is the restaurant's vibrant atmosphere. I had completely forgotten--there was a live Mariachi band playing as we walked in, which added so much energy to the place. We were seated immediately at a booth, with no wait at all. The booth itself was really unique, featuring artwork that made it feel like we were underwater. The menu is heavily seafood-focused, but I opted for the mini tacos, which came with toppings and pinto beans. They were absolutely delicious! I also treated myself to a high-end cucumber beverage that paired perfectly with the tacos. All in all, it was a great visit. We enjoyed the food, the ambiance, and the service.
The server, Jorge, was excellent. Friendly and helpful with a great attitude. Food was great and price was fair. Restaurant was relaxed and smelled amazing!
Wish the dishes were more consistent. Ordered the aguachiles verde last week and it was absolutely delicious this week it was lacking a bit of flavor. Fried fish could have been less salty. Overall, could use with a bit more consistency throughout and staff could be a bit more polite. But nonetheless, ceviche and aguachiles are delicious.
Un festín para los sentidos. La comida no solo se saborea, se celebra: cada plato tiene alma y un toque de magia. Además de porciones gigantes y con mucha sazón... El servicio es tan cálido que uno se siente invitado, no atendido. Y el ambiente... una burbuja de buena energía, una vibra como caribeña y detalles que te sacan de la rutina de la ciudad... Un lugar al que se llega con hambre y se sale con el corazón lleno.
Ordered the mango aguachiles and was okay. Went in for lunch and I feel I was overcharged but was already running late to even review and call someone back to let them know. Definitely not a 37$ meal. However I'd still go back and try some of the other dishes.
We came here on 02.18.24 for the first time - I had been wanting to come here for years after being told about it by a friend. This location (one of three) is in a nice Hill Country setting, dirt parking lot and oak trees included. On a Sunday, we found a crowd. Benches are all along the covered porch, in anticipation of lines. We walked into an enormous dining area packed to the gills with people. I mean, PACKED. The place was hopping! After intense review of the insanely populated menu, our amazing and super friendly server took our order of fried calamari and two large seafood cocktails. The fried calamari was good but a little dry. It came with a delicious house-made hot sauce and seasoned cucumbers and tomatoes. My date had the large shrimp cocktail and I had the large shrimp and octopus cocktail. You definitely get what you pay for with these. They were enormous and packed full of seafood, as well as pico de gallo and a tasty cocktail sauce. We barely could finish these - actually, I finished mine and there was plenty left of the other cocktail. Every dish we saw coming out of the kitchen looked amazing, and that the place was as crowded as it was with locals, that said a lot. For the food, that there was so much that sounded good, and for the five-star service, we are definitely wanting more visits in the future.
Our first time here as suggested by the bride to be that we are visiting. I have to admit that the menu was overwhelming but the photos were great. Food was scrumptious and big servings. Service by Isaac was great and he was very helpful if we had any questions. We were here lunch on a mid week so it wasn't that busy. The ambiance was being back in time in Mexico but with great music. Give this place a try. read more
23 days ago
The food was excellent and delicious! I am always a bit skeptical about seafood places inland but this one was truly yummy and fresh! Tue service was over the top with the waiter and manger checking in on you. The restaurant was colorful and beautiful! We saw a birthday celebration they went all out! Definitely going back on this trip! read more
22 days ago
Been here for about 1hr, got our drinks but our appetizers took forever. I think we are just going to pay for this and take off. Not the waiters fault, maybe the kitchen or idk. I like the place but this time it sucked. read more
My son and I went to the San Antonio Zoo so I could take pictures of the gorillas and other animals. It was a long day of walking around every area. By the time we were back to my truck, we were exhausted and hungry. Since we had always meant to try El Bucanero, we decided to head over and eat there. It turned out to be a very good decision. The venue itself is really festive. The music was really nice. It just felt like we were at some kind of a fiesta in Mexico. The menu was EXTENSIVE. There were hundreds of different ways to eat seafood in different combinations. It was a bit daunting. We had to look some words up and translate them. The server also helped us with our selections. For example we said we wanted ceviche. He recommended his favorite. It was extra spicy and delicious. My son ordered one of those huge schooners full of mixed seafood in a spicy sauce. He liked it a lot. I had pulpo a la Veracruzana. It was super delicious. I liked that it used vegetables that were slightly pickled. We will definitely go back there. Now that we know a place that has delicious fresh seafood, we have a lot of things to try. read more
Went to El Bucanero tonight and decided to try the fajita skillet... and yeah, it was not it. First off, the skillet didn't even come out sizzling, and the meat definitely wasn't fajitas Super disappointing. If that's their version of fajitas, it might be a supplier issue. Lesson learned --next time I'm sticking to my usual there: the mini tacos. On another note, the ambiance and customer service is great. read more
El Bucanero was recommended to me by an associate who loves seafood. My husband and I stopped by El Bocanero for a recovery meal after a long run at Hardberger Park. When we arrived, we thought the restaurant was not yet open, but to our surprise we found the restaurant was filled with people happily chatting and eating. What a good sign for a tasty meal. :) We were quickly greeted and escorted to our table. We are offered menus with an extensive list of food and drink options. I love soup so I ordered the Seafood Soup. It was loaded with seafood (fish, shrimp, squid, etc). It was pipping hot, just the way I like soup and so delicious. My husband ordered the Quesadilla Nortena. He really enjoyed it but it was so large that he had to take half of it home. While the service was very good and our meals were tasty we were seated close to the bar pick up area so it was a little bit distracting. Also, we noticed an outdoor patio in the back but nobody sat outside except for the staff taking their breaks. It may be due to the cooler weather. It's not a fancy place but we will definitely come back to check out their other seafood dishes. read more
4 months ago
We was stop by the restaurant, we were greeting by the nice host. The food was great, the drinks was very tasty. The waiter is super nice with big smile. I will come back here next time if I'm in town. read more
I don't think I've shared a review for this restaurant yet. I've dined here a couple of times, and if I recall correctly, my first visit didn't quite meet expectations--though it's worth noting the place was fairly new to the San Antonio scene at the time. Each visit has offered a different experience, but one thing that's remained consistent is the restaurant's vibrant atmosphere. I had completely forgotten--there was a live Mariachi band playing as we walked in, which added so much energy to the place. We were seated immediately at a booth, with no wait at all. The booth itself was really unique, featuring artwork that made it feel like we were underwater. The menu is heavily seafood-focused, but I opted for the mini tacos, which came with toppings and pinto beans. They were absolutely delicious! I also treated myself to a high-end cucumber beverage that paired perfectly with the tacos. All in all, it was a great visit. We enjoyed the food, the ambiance, and the service. read more
9 months ago
The server, Jorge, was excellent. Friendly and helpful with a great attitude. Food was great and price was fair. Restaurant was relaxed and smelled amazing! read more
22 days ago
28 days ago
6 months ago
Wish the dishes were more consistent. Ordered the aguachiles verde last week and it was absolutely delicious this week it was lacking a bit of flavor. Fried fish could have been less salty. Overall, could use with a bit more consistency throughout and staff could be a bit more polite. But nonetheless, ceviche and aguachiles are delicious. read more
4 months ago
5 months ago
LOVE this restaurant! We have come twice when in town for soccer tournaments. They are always so welcoming and handle our big party with ease! Food is amazing, service is flawless and the atmosphere is so fun! Busy place & we love it!! read more
1 year ago
Un festín para los sentidos. La comida no solo se saborea, se celebra: cada plato tiene alma y un toque de magia. Además de porciones gigantes y con mucha sazón... El servicio es tan cálido que uno se siente invitado, no atendido. Y el ambiente... una burbuja de buena energía, una vibra como caribeña y detalles que te sacan de la rutina de la ciudad... Un lugar al que se llega con hambre y se sale con el corazón lleno. read more
Ordered the mango aguachiles and was okay. Went in for lunch and I feel I was overcharged but was already running late to even review and call someone back to let them know. Definitely not a 37$ meal. However I'd still go back and try some of the other dishes. read more
3 years ago
We came here on 02.18.24 for the first time - I had been wanting to come here for years after being told about it by a friend. This location (one of three) is in a nice Hill Country setting, dirt parking lot and oak trees included. On a Sunday, we found a crowd. Benches are all along the covered porch, in anticipation of lines. We walked into an enormous dining area packed to the gills with people. I mean, PACKED. The place was hopping! After intense review of the insanely populated menu, our amazing and super friendly server took our order of fried calamari and two large seafood cocktails. The fried calamari was good but a little dry. It came with a delicious house-made hot sauce and seasoned cucumbers and tomatoes. My date had the large shrimp cocktail and I had the large shrimp and octopus cocktail. You definitely get what you pay for with these. They were enormous and packed full of seafood, as well as pico de gallo and a tasty cocktail sauce. We barely could finish these - actually, I finished mine and there was plenty left of the other cocktail. Every dish we saw coming out of the kitchen looked amazing, and that the place was as crowded as it was with locals, that said a lot. For the food, that there was so much that sounded good, and for the five-star service, we are definitely wanting more visits in the future. read more
Wow! What fun this place is? I had the sea bass and it was well prepared and absolutely tasty. The service was excellent and I even learned a little Spanish. But my favorite part was the mariachi players. They were on point and LOUD! Loved it!! Can't wait to come back...SOON!! read more
1 year ago
Food is so good and fresh. It will not disappoint. The churro truck is also awesome and delicious. read more
3 years ago
I had not had Mariscos in quite a long time. "Mariscos" is the Spanish word for seafood btw :) Since moving here to SATX, I have been on a quest for the best/most authentic restaurants for all of my favorite foods! El Bucanero took me back to my childhood and some of the seafood places I visited as a kid, since my Dad loves Mariscos. So it is safe to say El Bucanero definitely exceeded my expectations! Warning: their menu has over 100 items! Extensive menu is an understatement! I was torn on what to get and so was my husband. When we finally decided, I ordered the "AKA" shrimp tostada which is essentially "shrimp ceviche" and they already have home made tostadas and crackers at the table when you arrive. My husband ordered a "Molcajete" which is just a serving style bowl symbolic for an actual molcajete (mortar or pestle). They have a few variations of the dish. The one my husband ordered had chicken, beef, slices of cheese, cooked cactus (nopales) and bacon wrapped shrimp all served in a delicious sauce. It's served with a side of beans, rice and tortillas. Service is above par despite how busy they get! Very clean restaurant! Ambiance is lively with traditional Mexican music playing and friendly staff/servers! Overall wonderful experience! I love that I felt "home" as soon as I walked in! Can't wait to return! read more
3 years ago
Visited for an early dinner before catching a flight home. The food and drinks were nothing special but the pricing was appropriate. The bar area was loud and the sound extended into the entire dining. That is somewhat expected with the sports bar feel. read more
3 months ago
6 months ago
1 year ago
3 years ago
My family and I decided to give this restaurant a second chance. As an appetizer we got the calamari. It was chewy but it was served with slices of tomato, cucumbers, and a home made sauce. I was looking for something small and thought the shrimp salad would fit the bill. But it was huge! I took three quarters of it home. It was yummy though. I probably won't order it again unless someone will split it with me. My other family members ordered the fish and shrimp plate. It looked delicious and I will be getting that next time. The place was nicely decorated and the staff were friendly. I will say there was a language barrier it we worked through it. read more
7 months ago
I don't normally leave 5 star reviews but this place is amazing! Reasonably priced high quality seafood with fun twists! The drinks are novel and quite good. A beer that doubles as an hors d'oeuvres (Michelada with shrimp and cucumber garnish). The oysters are fresh, and the peel and eat shrimp are wonderful and plentiful! You have to try it. read more
This restaurant NEVER DISAPPOINTS! The food is always so good! I'm not gonna lie, it's always hard to make a choice about the menu, because it's so extensive! But I do love they have so many pictures in the menu, so you can see what you are going to get. This time we got Torre el Rey and Camarones a la Veracruzana, both very very good. Both plates have enough food to feed 2 people each. The only reason I didn't give a 5 star review is because this place need a renovation, it looks the same as it looks when it opened years and years ago, it definitely needs some love and the bathrooms need some work too, only two stalls and very and in need of some work. Staff is friendly and they know their menu which helps. read more
5 months ago
1 year ago
Late lunch, don't take long for them dot sit us. Cocktail is great...salsas are hot, but delicious. The Milanese is so good; a must try!!! read more
9 months ago
CUSTOMER SERVICE !!! Everyone is so incredibly nice and always greets with a smile!! Food so so great and never leave hungry! 10 stars read more
4 months ago
I hate to give an establishment a bad review, but I have to be 100% honest. Although the food was pretty good and fresh, our service was extremely slow. The waiter was nice but honestly took forever with everything from the moment we sat down (5:50pm) until we received the check (8ishpm). It took 15 minutes for our waiter to acknowledge us and bring waters to our table. The women's bathroom was not clean and smelled bad. Overall, the experience wasn't good. I think for how high they price their meals, it should've been way better. If it weren't for those two reasons, I would've given it a 5 star. Left disappointed. read more
10 months ago
The Cerviche is 5 stars alone! I stoped here with the family on our way to the River Walk and this place did not disappoint, the food was delicious and reasonable priced. The service fast and friendly and the restaurant was clean and spacious. If you are ever in the area check them out! read more
2 years ago
Food quality and quantity has degraded to a point that we will not return. The server tried hard to give proper service but he had several tables. The carne asada was ground meat over cooked and tasteless! The fish was so small we had to order another order of the same plate. Unfortunately there a manager was not available. The only good item was the green hot sauce. The ceviche was grounded mesh of fish I hope , poor quality and not worth the price or taste. Hope they read this and turn this place otherwise close it. read more
El Bucanero is still a good place for seafood. However, I have to say that today was a bit disappointing. They increased their prices while affecting their quality. We had the grilled fish plate. The amount of fish was much less than before and it was not well cooked. Service was excellent as always. Our server was very attentive. There was a festive atmosphere in the restaurant. Fiesta San Antonio was in the air! read more
2 years ago
Great food and drinks . Friendly customers service. Drinks and food came out fast . The Molcajete was amazing delicious and the mango ceviche was the best I have had. read more
1 year ago
We had lunch and everything was great. Service , food and drinks. Waiter was friendly and attentive. Hostess was friendly too. For us food is important. But customer service is everything! read more
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More info about El Bucanero
16505 Blanco Rd
San Antonio, TX 78232
Directions
(210) 408-9297
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Visit Website
https://el-bucanero.com
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Ask the Community - El Bucanero
Do they allow pickup orders? Or is it a strictly dine in?
Yes. El Bucanero has pickup orders.
What kind of fish is the whole fish?
The regular whole fish is Tilapia but they offer a whole red snapper for a higher price as well.
Website doesn't have prices on their menu. What are the prices like at el bucanero san antonio?
Prices are from $7.99 lunch specials to $30. As others have said it is well worth the money spent in quality and the amount of food. El Bucanero is one of those rare finds where all the seafood is good. I always ordered the octopus and shrimp soup…
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El Bucanero - mexican - Updated October 2026
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