Winner: Lucy Cooper's Ice House
16080 San Pedro Ave.
(210) 462-1894
After opening on a whim in December 2018, Lucy Cooper's Ice House appears to have quickly made its way into the hearts — and bellies — of San Antonio food and drink lovers. Calling itself the "best little icehouse in Texas," this newcomer aspires to be that relaxed neighborhood establishment with a bar-food menu ranging from the standard (fried pickles) to the more elaborate (a Low Country boil including snow crab and coastal shrimp). An extensive beer list spanning Bud Light to Left Hand Milk Stout Nitro will keep the hop heads happy, while those favoring the harder stuff will find signature drinks and Texas-focused spirits. Also on tap is an eclectic mix of entertainment, including live music on Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons.
2. Sandbox
7280 UTSA Blvd.
(210) 277-0970
3. The Modernist
516 E Grayson St.
(210) 446-8699
Nightlife
Winner: Little Woodrow's
Multiple locations
With a sprawling outdoor area perfect for cornhole and ring toss, not to mention pool tables and electronic dart boards inside, Little Woodrow's allows you to get competitive while enjoying happy hour specials on weekdays. Guests can partake in discounts at the Babcock and Stone Oak locations from 3-7 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 3-9 p.m. on Fridays. Little Woodrow's offers $3 well beverages and domestic pints, $4 select shots, $5 select appetizers and $3 house wines, so there's something cheap for everyone to sip on. Well-placed TV screens help you keep up with basketball, baseball, boxing and more during their respective seasons if you need to stay occupied while getting boozy. Seriously, there's something to do for everyone, and that's on top of a solid selection of drinks. Be sure to check out the bar's social media pages for special theme nights like Texas Thursdays with discounted Texas beers and turtle racing for extra fun.
2. Slackers
Multiple locations
3. Bonham Exchange
411 Bonham St.
(210) 224-9219
Winner: Little Woodrow's
Multiple locations
With a sprawling outdoor area perfect for cornhole and ring toss, not to mention pool tables and electronic dart boards inside, Little Woodrow's allows you to get competitive while enjoying happy hour specials on weekdays. Guests can partake in discounts at the Babcock and Stone Oak locations from 3-7 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 3-9 p.m. on Fridays. Little Woodrow's offers $3 well beverages and domestic pints, $4 select shots, $5 select appetizers and $3 house wines, so there's something cheap for everyone to sip on. Well-placed TV screens help you keep up with basketball, baseball, boxing and more during their respective seasons if you need to stay occupied while getting boozy. Seriously, there's something to do for everyone, and that's on top of a solid selection of drinks. Be sure to check out the bar's social media pages for special theme nights like Texas Thursdays with discounted Texas beers and turtle racing for extra fun.
2. Evil Olive
2950 Thousand Oaks, Suite 5
(210) 495-0970
3. Ocho
1015 Navarro St.
(210) 222-2008
Winner: Dad's Karaoke Bar
2615 Mossrock
(210) 267-5703
With its lively atmosphere and variety of song choices, Dad's Karaoke Bar provides the perfect environment to test your vocal chops. If you need help building up the courage to get on stage and sing, this mainstay also boasts a solid well and beer selection. Hey, sometimes it takes a little liquid confidence to convince participants they've got the range and showmanship to step up to the mic, right? Adding to the eclectic fun, performers sing to the crowd on a library-themed stage — fun fact: the shelves hold real books. Part of the appeal also comes in Dad's ability to cater to diverse musical tastes. Expect a wide-ranging catalog, from country to pop to R&B, and for energetic audience support, no matter the genre. Reserve a table in advance for a comfortable view of the stage and show up early to get your name high on the list and avoid long wait times.
2. Who's Who Cocktails
1711 Babcock Road
(210) 973-5055
3. Hidden Tavern 11407 West Ave.
(210) 541-0001
Winner: Max's Wine Dive
340 E. Basse Road, Suite 101
(210) 444-9547
Don't let the name fool you, Max's isn't much of a dive, even if it does have a jukebox. It's more of a relaxed gathering place for people who aren't wine snobs — although we doubt the place turns away many of the latter. The menu features 101 moderately priced selections from all over the world, and the wait staff are happy to walk customers through the extensive list. Among Max's offerings: Argam Tempranillo from Spain, menu-described "badass" red wines from France such as Réserve du Palais and a selection of eco-friendly tap wines for the green imbiber. Patrons can also purchase vino at retail prices to enjoy later. Keeping with its slogan "Fried chicken and champagne... Why the hell not?!" Max's also serves up a variety of comfort foods to pair with its pours, its signature crispy bird among them. While the food's tasty, wine is definitely the main attraction.
2. High Street Wine Co.
302 Pearl Parkway #104
(210) 908-9144
3. Copa Wine Bar
19141 Stone Oak Parkway, Suite 704
(210) 495-2672
Winner: La Gloria
Multiple locations
With locations in the Dominion, the Pearl and the airport, Mexican street food spot La Gloria has also won a following for its margaritas. Whether you prefer yours frozen or on the rocks, La Gloria's got you covered with three staple margs, all featuring El Jimador Reposado tequila and Patrón Citrónge. You can't go wrong with the classic lime flavor of the Margarita de la Casa, while the Margarita La Gloria features blue curacao for a fun, citrus-infused pop of color. For a sweet, melon-like twist, try the prickly pear variety. La Gloria also periodically offers special and seasonal takes on San Antonio's signature drink. This summer's La Fresa, Mango Picoso and Coco Loco, for example, bring extra cooling vibes because each one is topped with a paleta.
2. Rosario's
910 S. Alamo St.
(210) 223-1806
3. El Mirasol
Multiple locations
Winner: Vikki Buchanan
Bonham Exchange
2. Leah Sparks
John T. Floore's and Sam's Burger Joint
3. Paul Hernandez
Pico de Gallo Restaurant
Winner: Aztec Theatre
104 N. St. Mary's St.
(210) 812-4355
2. Paper Tiger
2410 N. St. Mary's St.
(210) 841-3771
3. Majestic Theatre
224 E. Houston St.
(210) 226-5700
Winner: John T. Floore's Country Store
14492 Old Bandera Road, Helotes
(210) 695-8827
2. Thirsty Horse Saloon
2335 NW Military Highway
(210) 348-1513
3. The Lonesome Rose
2114 N. St. Mary's St.
(210) 455-0233
Winner: Hookah Harem
6862 Ingram Road
(210) 455-9499
2. Sultan Cafe and Grill
5625 Babcock Road
(210) 641-5544
3. Shisha Cafe
5500 Babcock Road #101
(210) 694-4800
