>Aldaco's • Multiple locations, aldacosrestaurants.com
Food: Mini street tacos, enchilada plates, fajita night and breakfast chile rellenos for brunch on weekends
Drinks: More than a dozen frozen and on-the-rock varieties of margaritas, mojitos, wine, mezcal and cerveza fria
Why it's a fave: From the river to the hills! Aldaco's, whether located at 20079 Stone Oak Parkway or 22211 W. I-10, overlooks all the greenery and huge homes the respective areas have to offer. While dining on Mexican cuisine and toasting your glass of wine with your dining partner, you may feel as though you live in your dream home. Even if it's just for a moment.
> Burleson Yard Beer Garden • 430 Austin St.
(210) 354-3001
Food: There's an early rotating cast of food trucks, including
Revolutionary Wings, which carries a signature chicken and waffles iteration we can't wait to try.
Drinks: A fine selection of draft, canned and bottled beers from local, regional and big name brewers. Bonus, there's a spicy michelada with your name on it.
Why It's a Fave: Dignowity Hill is essentially 90 percent patio. OK, that's not entirely factual, but in the last year, after the opening of Alamo Beer, Big Hops The Bridge and Toro Taco Bar, the area's carving out a sunshine-filled, gravel-lined nook in SA. With Burleson, the area gains a massive new backyard filled with aluminum tables, tall picnic tables and, best of all, a cute hammock garden. They've been open less than a week, but Burleson is already winning over crowds.
> Cappy's Restaurant • 5011 Broadway
(210) 828-9669 • cappysrestaurant.com
Food: There is Texas pot roast, steak frites, crab cakes, fried gulf shrimp, diver scallops, their signature Heights Burger, and much more. On the sweet side, Key lime pie, sticky toffee pudding and house favorite New Orleans bread pudding.
Drinks: Featuring a full assortment of red and white wines by the glass or bottle, full range of beers and a host of traditional (Manhattan, Gimlet, Martini, Gibson, Margarita) and takes on Pimm's cup, the El Rey, the Wingman, Blood and Sand, and the Vespa cocktails.
Why it's a fave: Cappy's Restaurant is a long-standing San Antonio institution located in the heart of Alamo Heights. They have specialized in casual, upscale dining for almost 40 years. On any given day, you can enjoy the best of what Alamo Heights has to offer from their shaded patio, neatly hidden from the rush of traffic from busy Broadway. A fire in 2015 briefly shut them down, but Cappy's is most definitely back.
> Grayze • 521 E. Grayson St.
(210) 481-8776 • grayzeongrayson.com
Food: Tiny snackables that are rich in flavors and won't wreck you? Sign us up. The calamari is stellar, the barbacoa sliders are tasty bites and the dessert options (s'mores in a jar!) can't be beat. Drinks: Sara Bass is tackling the task of creating pleasing patio pounders and so far, we're digging the selection. There's a curated list of wines available, along with a few beers, so this patio can be enjoyed by many.
Why it's a fave: Remember The Monterey? Add more wooden pallets, an upcoming garden and, we'll say it, fewer hipsters and you've got Grayze. You'll want to hang out here all spring and probably all summer, too.
> Hotel Emma • 136 E. Grayson St.
(210) 448-8300 • thehotelemma.com
Food: Though dinner and breakfast are also served here, we're fans of the shady and breezy lunch at Supper. Share a bowl of pillowy gnudi, or charred green beans with seaweed remoulade. Tackle one of the sandwiches or salads and conquer Museum Reach.
Drinks: The Kinsman rakia laced Bellini with peach bitters, lemon and Champagne is dreamy, and the classic Martinez is potent and cold, expect new menu items as the staff launches a new menu in the coming weeks.
Why it's a fave: When a hotel makes you feel right at home, you never want to leave. Luckily San Antonio's newest does just the thing. Hotel Emma, located at Pearl, has two patios for guests to lounge. The first patio welcomes folks coming and going by a gorgeous fireplace (Editor's note: get there early, it's a tight spot.). The second patio provides more of a tranquil setting away from the hustle of the Pearl. Take in the view of the river, people watch and pretend you're on vacay.
> Sanchos Cantina Y Mas • 628 Jackson St.
(210) 320-1840 • facebook.com/sanchosmx
Food: Vegan tacos (and tacos de tocino, as well), nachos, shrimp balls, tortas and then some
Drinks: A strong list of Mexican cervezas will draw you in, as will the frozen margaritas.
Why it's a fave: There's a certain amount of charm that goes along with a place that can somehow make you forget you're down the street from a borderline sketchy part of town. The patio is prime seating for live music and if you venture upstairs, you'll get a taste for the rooftop life without dropping Paramour prices.
> Sketch at SAMA • 200 W. Jones Ave.
(210) 896-6161 • facebook.com/sketchatthemuseum
Food: Lovers of all things French need look no further than this quaint bistro that combines art and croissants. The menu mirrors that of sister location CommonWealth Coffeehouse & Bakery off Broadway, so expect crepes, tarts, Parisian desserts and buttery sandwiches.
Drinks: Sadly no booze, but plenty of coffee
Why it's a fave: Sketch at the Museum, located at the San Antonio Museum of Art, transports you to another world. The decor at Sketch perfectly matches that of the gorgeous museum, as if the two have been combined. As you walk into Sketch, the natural lighting and art take your attention. However, near the back of the restaurant is a door that leads you to the patio area. Sketch's patio faces the San Antonio River and provides a natural breeze. Most patios on the second floor come to an end quite abruptly, but Sketch has numerous tables that stretch out along the river. If you want to escape your life, or if you're having a bit of trouble concentrating, clear your mind on Sketch's patio.
