As its flaming logo proudly proclaims, Tony Roma's is "Famous for Ribs." But that's not all it's famous for cooking up in kitchens whose flame-grilled fare pleases the palates of appreciative diners from Berlin to Bangkok. Sure, Tony Roma's soared to culinary stardom on rib racks thrown temporarily (they thought) on the grill at the first Tony Roma's in North Miami, Florida, back in the '70s. Chef David Smith, using his own secret barbecue recipe and Tony Roma's special "seal-in-the-flavor" cooking process, started a taste trend that long-ago weekend that continues to grow in popularity worldwide, extending to savory steaks, seafood and more.

Here in San Antonio, an ever-popular dining destination is Tony Roma's Riverwalk location in Rivercenter Mall, right across from the Rivercenter Lagoon. Whether settled in at one of the red-and-white table-clothed tables or tucked in a cozy, upholstered, wood-trimmed booth, the old-fashioned, genial atmosphere lends itself to the enjoyment of food prepared by chefs whose motto is "Whatever it takes to make it great." And great it is.

Appetizing Appetizers

Pre-grill specialties include delectable potato skins (potatoes baked fresh every 30 minutes, topped with fresh cheddar and bacon, baked again and served with fresh sour cream) and Lotza Mozza Sticks (thick-sliced mozzarella cheese, breaded in special seasonings, deliciously fried and served with marinara sauce). Soup and salad selections range from Dublin pub-style baked potato soup (baked Russet Burbanks simmered from scratch, blended with fresh cream and topped with grated cheddar, bacon and fresh-chopped green scallions) to the world-famous Santa Fe Salad (chopped Iceberg and Romaine, carrots and red cabbage, crowned with tasty chicken strips and served in a delicious tortilla shell).

Entrées from the grill travel the gustatory gamut from Flame-Grilled NY Strip (12 oz. of perfectly aged, USDA-Choice beef grilled to your liking) to Gulf-Grilled Shrimp Skewers (plump shrimp, grilled with fresh bell peppers and red onions, basted in lemon butter and spices and served on a bed of rice). Both come with soup or salad and choice of such home-style favorites as corn on the cob, ranch-style beans, baked potato, corn fritter casserole, french fries, flame-grilled veggies, cole slaw or rice. Or, you could try the "Fish out of Luck" (but lucky for you) catch of the day, deliciously seasoned and grilled.

Ribs and More

Ribs is what Tony Roma's is famous for, though, and you have your pick of The Original Baby Back Ribs, St. Louis Style Ribs, the St. Louis Ribs Sampler (perfect for those who want it all) and Bountiful Beef Ribs (for really big appetites). Choose your favorite Tony Roma's signature barbecue sauce -- Carolina Honeys, Blue Ridge Smokies, Red Hots and Original. (Besides being available table-side, these savory sauces can also be purchased individually or in handy 4-packs.) There are combo dinners too, topped by the Ultimate "Grill Power" Combo which sates you with one-half slab of Carolina Honeys St. Louis Style Ribs, a 7-oz. top sirloin steak and a skewer of grilled shrimp, plus all the trimmings.

Desserts are as yummy and generous-sized as the main course and offer such scrumptious treats as apple crisp (baked Jonathan apples, mounded with vanilla ice cream and floating in yummy crumb topping and caramel sauce). The Skillet Brownie, served in a skillet, features a warm, chewy brownie crowned with ice cream, hot fudge, whipped cream and crushed Oreos. And who says you can't have it all? Tony Roma's also offers tasty sandwiches and burgers, a respectable wine list and bar, plus a kids menu with everything from 'Round the World Pizza to the irresistible "Dirt Cup" (chocolate pudding and crushed Oreos topped with a candy surprise). Another popular eatery, on the way to Fiesta Texas and the Texas Hill Country, is Tony Roma's I-10 location, with the same mouthwatering menu.

But wherever you or your taste buds travel, you'll always have a happy homecoming when the road leads to Tony Roma's.

A Quick Look

Tony Roma's
849 E. Commerce, #171 (River level, Rivercenter Mall)
210-225-7662

9502 I-10 West
210-593-0880
Sunday-Thursday: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: 11 a.m.-11 p.m.