Only true locals know these 27 unwritten rules of San Antonio

Whether you’re an Alamo City native or a relative newcomer, there are just some things every San Antonian understands to be true.

We asked our readers to share San Antonio’s unwritten rules, from common city knowledge to relatable trends and local lingo.

You won’t find these rules in a handbook, but they are undoubtedly absorbed by the community — and if you’re not from the 210, these might be a little difficult to explain.

The unspoken rule everyone knows

• “An accepted form of increasing workplace morale is bringing breakfast tacos for the office. During the holidays: tamales.” —@lisamartinbomnskie
• “Whataburger > McDonalds” — @m.l.darling
• “Tajin belongs on the rim of all drinks.” — @lindsay_rhbush
• “Some of the best food is served in food trucks.” — @aaioiaoouo
• “HEB butter tortillas are the only tortillas you’ll ever need.” — @m.l.darling
• “Coach pop is a national treasure.” — @awesomm_austin
• “Go honking on Commerce after winning the finals or securing the first round draft pick.” — @rt_usmvmc

Photo by the City of San Antonio

We’re kind to our neighbors

• “We are the biggest small town you will ever know.” — @anything4salinassa
• “Join my guys @riveraid_sa at their weekend cleanups to rid our beautiful creeks, rivers, and lakes of trash from our neighbors and communities!!!” — @ajnarvae
• “We have a great disc golf community and some of the best courses and players at all levels.” — @sanantoniodiscgolf
• “Do not attend an event without a friend!” — @emergeandrise
• “Do NOT forget to bring quarters for the bus seniors.” — @cg_karas7

We’ve learned a thing or two from commuting

• “If you see a stopped train, turn around.” — @mista_yoshimoto
• “Don’t even drive a mile over the MPH in Leon Springs.” — @kate.wham
• “Don’t get on any of our highways between 3:30-6:30 p.m. You’ll be stuck in traffic for an hour where otherwise would take 20 mins.” — @hillkattlynn
• “The best parking ain’t up front, it’s under the trees.” — @c10_addict
• “35 and 1604 will never be done.” — @zvch.shinobi_

Sometimes you just have to laugh

• “It’s ok to have wieners in your breakfast taco.” — @squidinky
• “When you eat tamales, don’t eat the wrapper!” — @this.now.here
• “If you think there’s a UTSA shortcut during traffic hours, you’re wrong.” — @valeria_leija_
• “Don’t wear heels on the Riverwalk.” — @ctrl.alt.deleted_

Photo by SATXtoday team

Dodging a Fiesta Fiasco

• “Do not wear chancklas to NIOSA.” — @roostmtz
• “Proposing a rule to be made official. DO NOT BRING A STROLLER TO FIESTA.” — @jessie_elizondo
• “Visitors float the river on the weekends. Locals float during the week after 4 p.m. Locals will know why.” — @lou.b.gud
• “Wear sunscreen, drink lots of water, and purchase a portable fan.” — City Editor Nicholas

SATXtoday’s pro tips

• “Do not speed in Shavano Park.” — City Editor Adriana
• “Get out of the house and enjoy the San Antonio Museum of Art’s free general admission days on Tuesdays from 4 to 7 p.m. + Sundays, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.” — City Editor Nicholas

What did we miss? If you know an unofficial rule that’s not on the list, let us know.