Mahncke Park - San Antonio, TX

In the late 1800s, George W. Brackenridge privately owned San Antonio’s Water Works Company, and after donating much of its land to the city for parks, he sold the company. Tasked with improving the area, the City Parks Commissioner and Brackenridge’s personal friend, Ludwig Mahncke, designed the park’s seven miles of roads winding through the trees and along the river. When Mahncke died in 1906, his friends erected a statue in his honor, which stands today. Constructed mostly between the 1920s and 1950s, the homes in the neighborhood range in architecture from bungalows to ranch-style dwellings. The neighborhood remains an eclectic mix of residents.

Touch and smell nature’s beauty in the Sensory Garden at the San Antonio Botanical Garden, or get physical with The Witte Museum’s interactive H-E-B Body Adventure. Mahncke Park also houses the South Texas Popular Culture Center, where visitors experience the history of South Texas music.

A wide range of dining options pack busy Broadway Street, from fast food chains to mom-and-pop restaurants. Locals head to the Smoke Shack for authentic Texas barbecue. Once a popular food truck, the cozy counter-service joint serves up tender brisket and perfectly smoked ribs. Paired with sides like spicy cream corn and fried okra, the main dishes here play a massive role in keeping this spot a neighborhood favorite.

For classic 1950s diner fare, Cheesy Jane’s serves up juicy hamburgers and thick milkshakes. Regulars love the crispy tater tots and the toy train running along the tracks on the ceiling provide a fun atmosphere.

Tucked away in the beautiful San Antonio Botanical Garden sits Anne Marie’s Carriage House Bistro. Serving weekday lunch and weekend brunch, the charming spot provides elegant indoor dining as well as an outdoor pavilion to dine al fresco. The chef-created menu features fresh, local organic food with daily specials. Order the Bistro Benedict for brunch, and savor the strawberry butter melted on fresh bread while taking in the beauty of the gardens.

Though not many bars or pubs exist within Mahncke Park’s borders, locals don’t need to travel far for entertainment. Head north of the neighborhood on Broadway Street and stop in Bar du Mon Ami for a dive bar with lots of class and character. Sip a carefully prepared cocktail and converse with friends in the cozy lounge. The bartenders pour strong drinks and the vibe makes it a great place for date night.

Situated just three miles northeast of downtown San Antonio, Mahncke Park residents enjoy short commutes to work and have a wide range of dining and entertainment options nearby. Locals walk or bike to the neighborhood shops and restaurants minutes away on Broadway Street and bike lanes along the neighborhood’s main roads make the area bike-friendly. City metro bus stops are available along the busier roads, and a trip downtown takes about 30 minutes. Hail a cab along Broadway Street, or schedule a ride with Uber on your smartphone.

Named for the actual Mahncke Park, the neighborhood houses many opportunities to walk or ride a bike to a nearby green space and enjoy the fresh air. Mahncke Park, which connects Brackenridge Park with the San Antonio Botanical Garden, blooms with wildflowers in the spring. The park features a half-mile walking trail and bubbling water fountains.

Across Broadway Street lies the 343-acre Brackenridge Park. The park houses attractions such as the San Antonio Zoo and Japanese Tea Garden, and families enjoy the playgrounds and pavilions on sunny days. Ride the kiddie train through the park for a relaxed tour, or jog along its many trails. The free, dog-friendly park attracts many locals as well as tourists.

While Mahncke Park has seen property values increase as new residents move in and rebuild some of the original homes in the neighborhood, the area remains an affordable place to live in San Antonio. The average cost of living in Mahncke Park runs about 18 percent lower than the national average, and casual dining mixed with boutique retail shops keeps Mahncke Park’s lifestyle within reach for many budgets. A one-bedroom apartment costs about $991 per month and locals pay about $3 for a domestic beer. Though many locals walk or bike to the nearby restaurants and shops, traveling outside the neighborhood is economical as well with gas prices about 15 percent lower than the national average and a metro bus ride downtown that costs $1.20.

Stroll the gardens, dine at the bistro, and then stop in the Garden Gate Gift Shop at the San Antonio Botanical Garden. Garden admission isn't required to visit the shop, located at the entrance of the gardens. Filled with botany-related books and gifts, the shop makes a must-stop for visitors seeking the perfect home or garden addition. Located five miles south of Mahncke Park, residents travel to Rivercenter Mall for a wider range of shopping. The mall sits along the tourist-filled River Walk and features discount stores as well as popular chains and department stores like Macy's. For high-value selections, Broadway Street features several retail stores such as Mod Pad Modern Furniture. Locals favor this shop for its unique mid-century modern decor and clothing. The carefully curated selection refreshes every few weeks, making it a frequent stop for its patrons. Residents travel a few blocks north of Mahncke Park for grocery shopping at Central Market. The regional chain store focuses on affordable organic produce and goods. Pick up a freshly baked baguette from the bakery, and then head over to the cheese section for a vast selection of brie and Gouda. On Saturday mornings, locals trek a few blocks south of Mahncke Park to Pearl Farmers Market. Get there early because the diverse selection of farm stands and artisan goods draws a crowd. Besides shopping the fresh produce, check out the Hill Country wines and sample bites from the Culinary Institute of America students.