San Antonio summers are sizzlers, but we’re blessed with spring and fall weather that make it a delight to soak up the outdoor vibes. So much so that it’s a treat to share a meal in the fresh air or raise a beer or two with pals.
That’s why we wrangled together a collection of bars and eateries with ample, gorgeous outdoor spaces perfect for enjoying some of the best food and hospitality our city has to offer. These spots are perfect for ordering up a frosty beverage and savory snack while enjoying gorgeous weather.
Tenfold Rooftop
431 S Alamo, (210) 759-7446, tenfoldrooftop.com.
On the tenth floor of the Kimpton Hotel on the Riverwalk, this rooftop lounge grants you 360 degree views of the San Antonio skyline. The bar, though full of options, emphasizes tequila and mezcal specialties, and we dare you to try their “10x Tour,” a dining experience with 10 dishes on a prix fixe menu.
1 Watson
111 Soledad St., (210)-222-8300, 1watsonrooftop.com.
Channeling your inner outlaw? 1 Watson brings it out. Fifteen floors above the AC Hotel San Antonio Riverwalk, this rooftop bar transports you to 1883 with stories of one peaceful poker game and Texas-inspired cuisine. Look out at the San Fernando Cathedral and kick up your spurs — you’re drinking like a cowboy here.
Anaqua Garden Bar
555 S.Alamo St., (210)-353-8019, anaquagardenbarsatx.com.
Between your deep tissue massage and detoxifying facial, stroll over to the “garden oasis” in the heart of San Antonio Hotel & Spa. Named after the location’s Anaqua tree, you can enjoy craft cocktails and Japanese-Latin fusion shareable plates while taking in the calming atmosphere and soothing soundtrack.
Credit: Instagram / down_on_grayson
Down on Grayson
303 E. Grayson, (210)-248-9244, downongrayson.com.
On the outskirts of the Pearl district, Down on Grayson lets you bask in the sunlight — even indoors — while you go enjoy classic American dishes and tantalizing craft cocktails. The people watching can’t be beat either.
The Moon’s Daughters
115 Lexington Ave., (210) 942-6032, themoonsdaughters.com.
This rooftop bar at the Thompson San Antonio hotel overlooks the city skyline from a 20-story perch. Indulge in its sophisticated cocktails and delectable chef-prepared bites while appreciating the spectacular views.
La Fonda on Main
2415 N. Main. Ave, (210) 733-0621, lafondaonmain.com.
La Fonda on Main bears the accolade of being one of the oldest Mexican restaurants in San Antonio, operating since 1932. The tropical patio is the perfect setting for cocktails with friends, and despite the restaurant’s age, its take on south-of-the-border cuisine is anything but antiquated.
Burleson Yard Beer Garden
430 Austin St., (210) 354-3001, burlesonyardbeergarden.com .
When Burleson Yard first opened, it made a splash on the scene with its huge array of activities: a large play area for the kiddos, table tennis, hammocks, giant flat-screens and live music. As the name suggests, hopheads will be pleased with the large beer selection, and the frozen drinks tend to be a big hit as well.
Cherrity Bar
302 Montana St, (210) 598-0496, cherritybar.com.
Seated comfortably at the corner of Cherry and Montana streets on the East Side, Cherrity Bar covers nearly an entire city block. The spot is open to all and hosts family-friendly karaoke on Thursdays. Plus, you can eat well knowing that part of their profits to straight to charity.
Dos Sirenos Brewing
231 E. Cevallos St, (210) 442-8138, dossirenosbrewing.com.
Since 2019, Dos Sirenos has produced inventive brews named after Greek gods. The Southtown spot boasts a large patio and a comfortably shaded kid- and dog-friendly outdoor space, as well as a delicious food menu. Don’t forget about their games and live music, either. You’ll truly feel like a god here.
Elsewhere Garden Bar & Kitchen
Multiple locations, elsewheretexas.com.
These dog- and family-friendly spots — one downtown and another in Lapland — feature lush landscaping, offbeat attractions and a sense of whimsy. They also serve up a selection of brews, wine and savory snacks that complement the fun getaway.
The Cove
606 W. Cypress St., (210) 227-2683, thecove.us.
The Cove has long been an outdoor haven for San Antonians, and their huge outdoor patio sure proves that. Be sure to check out the Texas bar, which offers nearly 50 Texas craft brews, and enjoy frequent live music from local bands and musicians.
Jaime’s Place
1514 W. Commerce St, (210) 564-9083, jaimesplace.pub.
This 3,500-square-foot space opened in 2020, offering indoor and outdoor areas to enjoy live music, food and drinks on the city’s west side. Jaime’s Place boasts tons of room to enjoy the night air and dance with your +1 after one — or four — of their signature drinks from a full bar and a burger from Burger Foos.
Hops & Hounds
1119 Avenue B, (210) 259-8221, hopsandhoundsllc.com
This Riverwalk dog park and beer garden offers several snacks to nosh on while you grab a drink and play some good ol’ fashioned cornhole with your friends. As the name implies, man’s best friend of all shapes and sizes are welcome at Hops & Hounds.
Lunatique Rooftop Bar
875 E. Ashby Place, Suite 1215, (210) 201-2671, lunatiquesatx.com
This swanky rooftop bar offers classic craft cocktails, instagram-worthy vibes and live music nearly three days a week atop The Creamery complex. Your camera will drink first with cocktail trees and a full wine and beer selection.
La Tuna Icehouse
100 Probandt St., (210) 224-8862, latunasa.com
For over 30 years, La Tuna Icehouse has embraced simplicity — “a place to sit, talk and drink beer.” Whether you stay in their cozy icehouse or below the shade of a pecan tree, you can enjoy one (or many) of their 40 different beers and liquors, and maybe sip enough confidence to sing at their monthly karaoke night.
La Gloria
Multiple Locations, chefjohnnyhernandez.com/restaurants/la-gloria.
The patios at each La Gloria spot — save for the airport location, of course — include lush greenery, plenty of space and colors bright enough to keep your vision clear. Try out their Mexican street food, or better yet, their margaritas — voted best in San Antonio.
Tre Trattoria
200 W. Jones Ave., (210) 805-0333, tretrattoria.com
Tre Trattoria is known for chef Jason Dady’s Italian specialties, like squid ink pasta with mussels or cacio e pepe “deviled eggs.” Settled in the heart of the San Antonio Museum of Art, take in the curated views indoors or Riverwalk ambience outside. Time to enjoy a little of la dolce vita.
Chicken N Pickle
5215 UTSA Blvd., (210) 874-2120, chickennpickle.com/san-antonio.
The massive four-acre Chicken N Pickle complex features pet-friendly spaces, a fast casual dining restaurant along with outdoor Pickleball, bocce ball and shuffleboard courts — plus a full bar to fuel the fun.
La Fogata
2427 Vance Jackson Road, (210) 340-1337, lafogata.com.
Longtime favorite Mexican restaurant La Fogata has been known for its sprawling patio dining areas and water fountains since it opened on Vance Jackson in 1978. In fact, the margs are also legendary — the spot has won the San Antonio Margarita Pour Off so many years in a row that the eatery has retired from the competition.
Friendly Spot
943 S. Alamo St., (210) 224-2337, thefriendlyspot.com.
This King William fixture offers classic ice house vibes, just on a larger scale. Spur games are projected onto an outdoor screen, a large play structure keeps the kids occupied and there’s plenty of outdoor seating so you can kick back with quality bar grub and craft brew from one of the many taps.