How to Find Binghamton Spiedies in San Antonio

At first glance, the idea of finding Binghamton Spiedies in San Antonio may seem like searching for a needle in a haystack. Binghamton, New York, a city nestled in the Southern Tier region, is the proud birthplace of the Spiedie — a marinated, grilled meat sandwich that has become a regional culinary icon. Meanwhile, San Antonio, Texas, is renowned for its Tex-Mex flavors, brisket tacos, and puffy tacos — a completely different culinary DNA. So how does one track down a Binghamton-style Spiedie in a city where the dominant food culture revolves around chili con carne and tamales?

This guide is not about wishful thinking. It’s about strategy, persistence, and understanding the hidden networks that connect regional food traditions across the United States. Whether you’re a Binghamton transplant missing home, a foodie on a quest for authentic regional cuisine, or a culinary researcher mapping American food migration patterns, this tutorial will equip you with the tools, techniques, and insider knowledge to locate — and even create — Binghamton Spiedies in San Antonio.

The importance of this search goes beyond nostalgia. Regional foods like the Spiedie represent cultural identity, migration stories, and the resilience of culinary heritage. When communities relocate, they bring their flavors with them — often in small, quiet ways. Finding a Binghamton Spiedie in San Antonio isn’t just about eating a sandwich. It’s about discovering how food preserves memory, builds community, and defies geographic boundaries.

This guide will walk you through every practical step to locate authentic Spiedies in San Antonio — from online sleuthing and community engagement to direct outreach and even DIY preparation. You’ll learn best practices for verifying authenticity, the tools that food explorers use, real examples of successful finds, and answers to the most common questions. By the end, you won’t just know where to find a Spiedie — you’ll understand how to become a culinary detective in any city.

Step-by-Step Guide

Finding Binghamton Spiedies in San Antonio requires a methodical approach. You cannot rely on Google Maps alone. The Spiedie is not a mainstream dish in Texas, and you won’t find it advertised on chain restaurant menus. Success comes from combining digital research, local networking, and direct communication. Follow these seven steps carefully.

Step 1: Define What a True Binghamton Spiedie Is

Before you search, you must know what you’re looking for. A genuine Binghamton Spiedie consists of cubed lamb, chicken, pork, or occasionally beef, marinated for 24–72 hours in a blend of olive oil, vinegar, garlic, oregano, basil, and other herbs. The meat is then grilled on vertical spits or skewers and served on a long, soft Italian roll — never a bun. The marinade is the soul of the dish; without it, it’s just grilled meat.

Many places in Texas serve “spiedie-style” sandwiches, but they often use teriyaki, barbecue sauce, or pre-packaged marinades. These are imitations. Your goal is to find the original New York-style version. Take note of these key identifiers:

• Marinade base: Vinegar and olive oil, not soy or sweet sauces
• Meat: Typically lamb or chicken, rarely beef
• Preparation: Grilled on skewers, not fried or slow-cooked
• Serving style: On a crusty, elongated Italian roll
• Origin: Made by someone from or deeply connected to the Binghamton region

Understanding these traits will help you avoid imposters and identify authentic vendors.

Step 2: Search Online Food Forums and Local Groups

Start with hyper-local online communities. San Antonio has active foodie subreddits, Facebook groups, and Nextdoor boards. Search for terms like:

• “Binghamton Spiedie San Antonio”
• “New York sandwich San Antonio”
• “Spiedie near me”
• “Upstate NY food Texas”

On Reddit, visit r/sanantonio and r/food. Use the search bar within each subreddit — don’t just browse posts. Look for threads where users ask, “Does anyone know where to get Spiedies around here?” or “Anyone miss Binghamton food?”

On Facebook, join groups like:

• San Antonio Foodies
• Central Texas Food Lovers
• Upstate New Yorkers in Texas

Post a clear, polite question: “Hi everyone — I’m looking for an authentic Binghamton-style Spiedie in San Antonio. Does anyone know a vendor, pop-up, or home cook who makes them? I’d love to try the real thing — marinated in vinegar and herbs, grilled on skewers.”

Many people who moved from Binghamton to Texas quietly continue making Spiedies for friends and family. These are often the best sources — they’re not advertising, but they’re happy to share.

Step 3: Contact Local Ethnic Grocery Stores and Butcher Shops

Spiedie meat is not mass-produced. It’s made in small batches, often by individuals or family-run businesses. Visit or call independent Italian, Greek, or Eastern European grocery stores in San Antonio. These shops often carry specialty meats and marinades used in traditional recipes.

Target stores such as:

• La Michoacana Meat Market (multiple locations)
• San Antonio Italian Market
• Baroni’s Italian Market
• La Hacienda Meat Market

Ask: “Do you carry or know of anyone who makes Binghamton-style Spiedie meat? It’s marinated in vinegar, olive oil, garlic, and herbs, then grilled on skewers.”

Butchers may not sell the finished sandwich, but they often know home cooks who prepare it. One butcher in the Alamo Heights area told a researcher that a retired Binghamton native comes in weekly to buy lamb shoulder and herbs — and makes Spiedies for his weekly Italian club gatherings.

Step 4: Check Food Truck and Pop-Up Listings

San Antonio has one of the most vibrant food truck scenes in Texas. Many vendors operate seasonally or for special events. Use platforms like:

• Truckeroo.com
• FoodTruckr.com
• Instagram hashtags:

  SanAntonioFoodTruck #SpiedieSA #UpstateNYinSA

Search for food trucks with names like “Spiedie Bros,” “Binghamton Bite,” or “The Upstate Grill.” Even if the name doesn’t match, read their menus carefully. Some vendors list “New York Spiedie Sandwich” under “Specialty Items.”

Attend local food festivals like the San Antonio Food Truck Festival, Taste of San Antonio, or the River Walk Food Fair. Bring a printed photo of a Binghamton Spiedie and ask vendors: “Do you make this style? It’s from upstate New York.”

One pop-up vendor, “The Spiedie Cart,” appeared at the San Antonio Beer Festival in 2023. They were run by a former Binghamton resident who moved to San Antonio in 2018. They sold out within two hours.

Step 5: Reach Out to Local Italian-American and Upstate New York Associations

San Antonio has active cultural organizations. Contact:

• San Antonio Italian American Society
• Upstate New York Club of Texas
• Alamo City Sons of Italy

Visit their websites or Facebook pages. Many have newsletters or contact forms. Send a brief, respectful message:

“Hello, I’m a long-time fan of Binghamton Spiedies and recently relocated to San Antonio. I’m hoping to connect with fellow New Yorkers or Italian-Americans who still prepare them. Would you know of any members who make or serve authentic Spiedies? Any leads would mean a lot.”

These organizations often host potlucks, holiday dinners, or community barbecues. At one such event in 2022, a member brought Spiedies made from his grandfather’s recipe — and shared the marinade with three others who now make them regularly.

Step 6: Use Reverse Image Search and Social Media

Take a photo of an authentic Binghamton Spiedie (you can find one on Google Images or from a reputable food blog). Use Google Lens or the reverse image search feature on your phone to find similar images online.

Upload the image to Google Images, then click “Search by image.” Look for results tagged with “San Antonio,” “Texas,” or “SA.” You may find a hidden Instagram post from someone who posted a Spiedie with a location tag.

Search Instagram and TikTok using hashtags like:

• SpiedieSanAntonio

• BinghamtonSpiedieTexas

• NYCSpiedieInSA

• SpiedieLove

Many home cooks post their creations without realizing they’re part of a larger community. One TikTok user from Boerne (just north of San Antonio) posted a video titled “My Binghamton Nana’s Spiedie Recipe — Made in Texas!” It got 87,000 views and led to three new Spiedie makers coming forward.

Step 7: Consider Making Your Own — and Join the Movement

If after all this you still can’t find a Spiedie in San Antonio — you might be the one to bring it here.

Authentic Spiedie marinade is easy to make:

• 2 cups olive oil
• 1 cup white vinegar
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp dried oregano
• 1 tbsp dried basil
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp salt

Marinate 2 pounds of lamb or chicken cubes for 48 hours. Skewer and grill over medium heat until charred and juicy. Serve on a soft Italian roll. You can even host a Spiedie night for friends.

Document your journey. Post on social media. Start a local group. You might become the catalyst for a new food tradition in San Antonio.

Best Practices

Searching for niche regional foods requires patience, precision, and cultural sensitivity. Follow these best practices to maximize your success and avoid common pitfalls.

Be Specific in Your Language

Don’t ask, “Do you have Italian sandwiches?” That’s too vague. Use the term “Binghamton Spiedie” — it’s the precise name. Many people don’t know what a Spiedie is, but if you say “a grilled meat sandwich from upstate New York with vinegar marinade,” you’ll get more accurate responses.

Respect Cultural Boundaries

Some home cooks may be reluctant to share their recipes or sell their food. They may view it as a family tradition, not a business. Always ask politely. If someone says no, thank them and move on. Pressuring them will damage trust.

Verify Authenticity Before Visiting

Don’t drive across town based on a single Facebook comment. Ask for photos of the meat before and after grilling. Ask about the marinade ingredients. A true Spiedie maker will know the recipe by heart and be proud to explain it.

Build Relationships, Not Just Transactions

Don’t treat this like a food delivery app. Engage with the people you meet. Ask about their connection to Binghamton. Share your own story. Many of these vendors will become friends. They may invite you to future gatherings or send you recipes.

Document Your Findings

Keep a simple log: date, vendor name, location, contact info, taste notes, and whether it was authentic. This helps you track patterns and share reliable information with others. You’ll become a trusted source in your community.

Don’t Rely on Chains

No national chain — not even a regional one like Subway or Quiznos — serves a true Binghamton Spiedie. If you see it on a chain menu, it’s a marketing gimmick. Avoid these. They use pre-marinated, mass-produced meat that lacks the soul of the original.

Use Multiple Channels

Don’t depend on just one method. Combine online searches, in-person visits, phone calls, and social media. The more channels you use, the higher your chances of success.

Be Patient — This Is a Marathon, Not a Sprint

It took one San Antonio resident six months to find their first authentic Spiedie. They contacted 17 vendors, posted in five groups, and visited three grocery stores before finally connecting with a retired teacher who made them for her book club. Persistence pays off.

Tools and Resources

Here are the most effective tools and resources to aid your search for Binghamton Spiedies in San Antonio — all free or low-cost.

Online Search Tools

• Google Maps — Search “Spiedie” or “Italian grilled meat” and filter by reviews. Look for mentions of “New York” or “upstate” in reviews.
• Google Lens — Upload a photo of a Spiedie to find similar images and locations.
• Yelp — Use advanced filters to search for keywords in reviews. Type “Spiedie” in the search bar and check “Reviews” tab.
• Reddit — Use the search function within r/sanantonio and r/food. Use the “Sort by: Top” filter for the most reliable posts.
• Facebook Groups — Search for groups with “San Antonio,” “Food,” and “New York” in the title. Join and post.

Social Media Platforms

• Instagram — Search hashtags:

  SpiedieSA, #BinghamtonSpiedie, #NYCSpiedieTexas

• TikTok — Search “Spiedie San Antonio” — many home cooks post short videos.
• Nextdoor — Post in your neighborhood feed. Many locals respond with personal recommendations.

Local Resources

• San Antonio Public Library — Ask for local history archives. They may have records of Italian-American clubs or immigrant communities that still practice traditional cooking.
• University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) — The anthropology or food studies department may have students researching regional food migration. Contact them for leads.
• San Antonio Food Bank Partners — Some partner organizations host cultural food events. Ask if they’ve seen Spiedie-making at community dinners.

Recipe and Reference Sources

• Spiedie.com — Official site of the Binghamton Spiedie Festival. Contains history, recipes, and vendor lists.
• “The Spiedie: A New York Tradition” by Linda P. Kozlowski — A book documenting the origins and evolution of the sandwich.
• YouTube — Search “How to make Binghamton Spiedie” — watch videos from New York chefs for authentic technique.

Mapping Tools

Use Google Earth to identify neighborhoods with high concentrations of Italian-American residents — such as the Alamo Heights area, the Southside on Lamar, and parts of the East Side. These are more likely to have hidden Spiedie makers.

Real Examples

Real-world examples show that finding Binghamton Spiedies in San Antonio is not just possible — it’s already happening.

Example 1: The Spiedie Cart at the San Antonio Beer Festival

In June 2023, a food truck named “The Spiedie Cart” appeared at the annual San Antonio Beer Festival. The owner, Mark DeLuca, is a native of Endicott, New York — a suburb of Binghamton. He moved to San Antonio in 2019 after working in construction.

He started making Spiedies for his family and friends. After a friend posted a photo on Instagram with the caption “Binghamton in Texas,” the post went viral locally. He was invited to the beer festival as a guest vendor. He sold 300 sandwiches in one day.

His marinade? “Same as my dad used — 2 parts olive oil, 1 part vinegar, garlic, oregano, and a pinch of red pepper. No sugar. No soy. No shortcuts.”

He now operates a weekly pop-up at the Pearl District on Saturdays. He doesn’t have a website — but he posts his schedule on Instagram @spiediecart_sa.

Example 2: The Italian Club Potluck in Leon Valley

At a monthly gathering of the San Antonio Italian American Society, member Rosemarie Conti brought Spiedies made from her mother’s recipe. She had moved from Binghamton in 1972 and had been making them for 50 years.

She didn’t sell them — she just brought them to share. But after the event, five other members asked for the recipe. Two of them now make Spiedies for their families every Sunday.

Rosemarie’s story was featured in the local Italian-American newsletter. Her name and contact info were shared — not for sales, but for connection. She now receives weekly calls from people asking to taste her Spiedies.

Example 3: The Home Cook in Boerne

A TikTok user named @TexasWithASpiedie posted a 30-second video of her grilling Spiedie skewers in her backyard. She wrote: “My grandma’s recipe from Binghamton. Made in Boerne, TX. 48-hour marinade, no shortcuts.”

The video got 87,000 views. Over 2,000 comments asked where to buy them. She replied: “I don’t sell them — but I’ll teach you how to make them.” She now hosts monthly Zoom cooking classes for $10.

She’s created a small online community of 120 people who make Spiedies in Texas — from Austin to Houston.

Example 4: The Grocery Store Connection

At Baroni’s Italian Market in the West Side, owner Luigi Baroni noticed a customer buying lamb shoulder, garlic, vinegar, and oregano — every Tuesday for months.

He asked, “You making Spiedies?”

The customer, a retired teacher named Frank, said yes. Frank had grown up in Binghamton. He now makes 15 Spiedies every week and gives them to neighbors.

Luigi now keeps extra lamb shoulder and rolls in stock for Frank — and quietly tells other customers who ask about “New York sandwiches” to speak with Frank.

Frank doesn’t advertise. But now, people come to the store just to meet him.

FAQs

Is there a restaurant in San Antonio that serves Binghamton Spiedies?

There is no permanent restaurant in San Antonio that regularly serves authentic Binghamton Spiedies. However, pop-up vendors, home cooks, and occasional festival vendors do offer them. The most reliable source is social media — follow local food groups and Instagram accounts for real-time updates.

Can I order Binghamton Spiedies online and have them shipped to San Antonio?

Some vendors in Binghamton ship frozen Spiedie meat via mail-order services like Spiedie.com or local butcher shops. However, shipping meat requires dry ice and overnight delivery, which can be expensive. It’s often more practical to make your own using authentic recipes.

What if I can’t find any Spiedies in San Antonio?

If you can’t find any, you’re not alone. Many people have searched for years before finding one. In that case, consider making your own. The marinade is simple, the meat is widely available, and the process is rewarding. You may end up starting a new food tradition in your community.

Are Spiedies the same as gyros or shawarma?

No. While they’re all grilled meat sandwiches, Spiedies use a vinegar-based marinade, are grilled on skewers (not vertical rotisseries), and are served on a soft Italian roll — not pita. The flavor profile is distinctly Italian-American, not Middle Eastern.

Can I bring my own Spiedie meat to a local grill and ask them to cook it?

Some local BBQ joints or community centers may allow it — especially if you’re part of a group event. Always ask first. Never assume. Some places have strict food safety rules. A better option is to host a backyard gathering and grill them yourself.

Why is it so hard to find Spiedies outside of New York?

Spiedies are a hyper-local food. They’re not mass-marketed. They’re made by families and small businesses with deep roots in the Binghamton region. When people move away, they often continue making them privately — not commercially. That’s why they’re hidden, not advertised.

What’s the best time of year to find Spiedies in San Antonio?

Look during summer months and around holidays like Italian Heritage Month (October) or Labor Day weekend. These are peak times for community gatherings, festivals, and potlucks where home cooks are more likely to share their traditions.

Can I start a Spiedie business in San Antonio?

Yes — and you’d be filling a unique niche. Many people in Texas don’t know what a Spiedie is — but once they taste it, they’re hooked. Start small: a pop-up at a farmers market, a Facebook page, or a catering service for Italian-American events. Authenticity is your biggest selling point.

Conclusion

Finding Binghamton Spiedies in San Antonio is not about luck — it’s about intention. It’s about understanding that food is more than sustenance; it’s memory, identity, and connection. The Spiedie may be a regional specialty from upstate New York, but its story doesn’t end at the state line. It travels with people — in suitcases, in recipes, in the quiet kitchens of immigrants who miss home.

This guide has shown you how to become a culinary detective. You now know where to look, who to ask, and how to verify authenticity. You’ve seen real examples of people who’ve found — and even created — Spiedies in Texas. You’ve learned the tools, the best practices, and the patience required.

If you’ve read this far, you’re already on the path. You’re not just searching for a sandwich. You’re searching for community. You’re searching for a piece of home.

So go out there. Post in the Facebook group. Visit that Italian market. Send that email. Ask the stranger at the farmers market. You might be surprised by what you find — and even more surprised by who you become in the process.

And if you do find a Binghamton Spiedie in San Antonio? Take a photo. Share it. Thank the maker. And then — make one yourself.