NBA finals means food showdown between New York & San Antonio

There's room enough for both culinary scenes but San Antonio insists otherwise.

And we're off to the 2026 NBA finals between the San Antonio Spurs and the New York Knicks! But it’s more than a basketball competition. Public relations specialist Elizabeth Borsting sent us a round-up of how she views the Texas city’s food scene vs. New York’s. Yes, Elizabeth is biased since she represents San Antonio but we must agree, the city’s food scene rooted in history, tradition and regional flavor is outstanding.

Like Elizabeth, we believe that Tex-Mex isn't just a cuisine in San Antonio; it's part of the city's cultural DNA. We’re talking family-owned taquerias, slow-smoked barbecue joints and generations-old restaurants serving dishes that blend Mexican, Indigenous and regional influences into something uniquely San Antonian.

And then there's Tex-Next, a new generation of culinary creatives—many whom are alums of the Culinary Institute of America’s San Antonio campus—that have contributed to San Antonio's designation as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. MICHELIN-star restaurants, James Beard recognized chefs and a mélange of cuisines continue to elevate the city's dining scene.

Alamo City vs. The Big Apple

If San Antonio and New York City are going hoop-to-hoop for the win, their food scenes deserve a head-to-head matchup, too. What do you think? Or is there room enough in the culinary landscape to just enjoy both?

Breakfast Tacos vs. Bagels & a Shmear

There’s no doubt that a New York bagel with a schmear is iconic. It’s simple, dependable and woven into the city’s identity. A great bagel delivers the perfect combination of chew, crust and cream cheese. But San Antonio's breakfast taco—eggs, potatoes, beans with bacon, chorizo or brisket wrapped in a tortilla—is everything a bagel wishes it could be. 

Barbecue Brisket vs. Pastrami on Rye 

Texas barbecue: A slow-cooked labor of love that is smoked for hours until the brisket practically falls apart. New York counters with its pastrami—cured, smoked or steamed—piled high on marble rye. One is backyard smoke and fire; the other is delicatessen craftsmanship. 

Puffy Tacos vs. Soft Pretzels 

San Antonio's signature puffy taco is a deep-fried corn tortilla that inflates into a crispy, airy shell before being stuffed with seasoned meat, lettuce, tomato and cheese. New York's soft pretzel is the ultimate street-food icon: Chewy, salty with a squiggle of mustard—plus it's portable. The puffy taco is a full meal; the pretzel is a snack that has fueled generations of commuters.

Mi Tierra Café y Panaderia in San Antonio

Carne Guisada vs. Beef Hot Dog 

San Antonio's carne guisada, best described as a rich beef stew tucked into a fresh flour tortilla, is comfort food at its finest. New York's hot dog is the city's most famous grab-and-go meal. One requires a fork if you're being careful; the other practically demands you eat it standing on a sidewalk.

Tamales vs. Knishes 

Both cities have beloved handheld comfort foods. San Antonio's tamales wrap masa and fillings in corn husks, while New York's knishes surround potato or meat fillings with dough. Different origins, same mission: filling, affordable and deeply tied to local culture.

Boudros on the Riverwalk

Pan Dulce vs. Black-and-White Cookies 

For dessert, San Antonio offers colorful Mexican sweet breads found in neighborhood bakeries. New York's black-and-white cookie is equal parts cake and cookie. One fills bakery cases with variety; the other has become a symbol of the city itself.

Micheladas vs. Manhattan Cocktails 

San Antonio's favorite game-day drink often starts with beer, lime, spices and sometimes tomato juice. New York's signature cocktail combines whiskey, vermouth and bitters. One is made for a hot Texas afternoon; the other for a night on the town.

Want to learn more about San Antonio’s food finds and dining destinations? Click here.

Weird, Wacky & Wild South is written by travel and food writer Cheré Coen, who will always brake for Tex-Mex and Mexican dishes, especially in San Antonio. Go Spurs! (She's more of a SEC football and MLB fan, but she has to pull for a Southern basketball team!)