1. Sea Island Shrimp House

Multiple locations, (210) 342-7771, shrimphouse.com

From turning his father’s downtown landmark Manhattan Cafe into one of SA’s first desegregated restaurants back in ’63 to co-founding a “fast-casual” eatery specializing in wild-caught, sustainable seafood in ’65, restaurateur Dan Anthony lived life ahead of the curve. Nearly half a century after Anthony opened his Rector Street flagship (with wife Chrissy and friend Henry Reed), Sea Island is a flourishing homegrown chain that serves roughly one ton of fish daily to customers at six local restaurants — all owned and operated by the Anthony family. Offering a wealth of fried combos (served with homey sides like hushpuppies and coleslaw) alongside such time-tested signatures as “World Famous Charbroiled Shrimp,” the menu’s evolved to include Mexican-inspired dishes (including ceviche and fish tacos) and is wisely rounded out with grilled options for the calorie counters and beef kabobs for the ichthyophobic.

2. Sandbar Fish House

200 E Grayson, (210) 212-2221, sandbarsa.com

3. Wildfish Seafood Grille & Steaks

1834 N Loop 1604 W, (210) 493-1600, wildfishseafoodgrille.com