By Sylvia Hernandez
You can feel Fiesta in the air as San Antonio prepares for the biggest party of the year. But every year, you can also feel it in your pocketbook. Fiesta might put a little dent in your wallet, but it doesn’t have to flatten it.
If you like parades and bring the family , San Antonio’s 11-day party can easily run into big bucks when you consider the cost of paying for parking and parade seats.
Then there’s the food at Fiesta. When it comes to food booths along the parade route, they are everywhere. The sights and smells are enticing but the prices are discouraging.
It’s no longer as much about what looks or smells the best but what costs the least. Nowadays, price can determine where you go, what you do and also what you eat.
Tips for saving
Don’t leave home on an empty stomach. One alternative to buying food at Fiesta is to bring your own food. If that’s not something you want to do, there’s another option that can save you money.
The starting point of the Battle of Flowers and Fiesta Flambeau parades is Grayson Street at Broadway. Managers from several restaurants in that immediate area confirm that they will remain open for business while the parades are underway.
Carmelita’s Mexican Restaurant, one block from the parade start, Josephine Street Café, off Broadway at Josephine Street, Sam’s Burger Joint, off Broadway on Grayson Street, and the Mary Ann’s Pig Stand, at 1508 Broadway, are all staying open. They will charge regular prices and some are even offering on-premises drink specials or online coupons.
Hamburger combos at these restaurants, which include french fries and a drink, range from $4.99 for a regular combo to $8.35 for a large one.
If that’s not enough to arouse your taste buds, how about a barbecue brisket plate with potato salad, pinto beans and Texas toast at the Pig Stand for only $7.29.
What’s even better is that these places offer children’s menus ranging from $3.99 to $4.99. And as an added bonus, you can also use their restroom facilities free of charge.
With a little bit of planning, a little bit of money can go a long way.
This story is part of The Mesquite Fiesta Guide, a special edition where reporters and photographers will contribute information on San Antonio’s Fiesta events, parking and food.
