Want to have a couple drinks and have your pooch to tag along, but you're not sure where to go? Whether you want to take the whole family out or sip on some fancy cocktails with your well-behaved four-legged companion, we've found places sure to please you and your pet. You can get your drink on while your pet gets out of the house. Always remember to leash your pets and clean up after them. And be mindful of other bar-goers who may not like Fido so much.
Take the Family Out To ...
The Luxury, 103 E. Jones Ave., (210) 354-2274, 11am-9pm Tues-Thu, 11am-10pm Fri-Sat, noon-9pm Sunday
Your family and your dog can kickback and relax at The Luxury. For the adults, there is an extensive beer menu (which changes frequently) to choose from and a few wine options, too. The Luxury is moderately priced, so you won't break the bank after having some brews. Sit back, relax and grab a couple beers or glasses of wine while munching on some of the best fries in San Antonio (they dubbed them "crack fries," and they are truly addicting). Your family and your well-behaved companion can gaze out at the River Walk and enjoy the summer sun (there are covered tables, too, but they go fast). Fair warning: It's a good idea to bring sunblock.
Another suggestion for your dog is if you're going to be handing out for a while: Bring a portable water bowl because there are not many available there. If you get tired of sitting and feel like stretching out the legs, take the family and pooch for a stroll on the River Walk.
If you're looking for other family- and dog-friendly eateries, try The Cove (606 W. Cypress St.), The Friendly Spot (943 S. Alamo St.) or La Tuna (100 Probandt St.). The Cove and Friendly Spot both have playgrounds for the kiddos. There's also a small dog park at The Cove where they can let out some of that energy and hang with other furry companions.
Grab a Brew With Your Dog at ...
The Hoppy Monk, 1010 N. Loop 1604 E., (210) 545-3330, thehoppymonk.com, 3pm-2am Mon-Thu, 11:30am-2am Fri-Sun
Still fairly new to San Antonio, The Hoppy Monk has a beer for everyone (and cocktails, too). Your dog can rejoice in the sun on the spacious outdoor patio while you drink an IPA or two. Your server will even bring a bowl of water for the pooch — you gotta keep them hydrated and cool during these hot, summer days. Although the draught menu looks daunting at first, it's split up into categories (Blonde/Amber Ales, Lagers/Pilsners/Kolsch, Wheat Beer/Hefeweizen, Pale Ales, India Pale Ales, Brown Ales, Strong Ales, Stouts/Porters, Belgian Style Ales, Ciders/Lambic/Fruit) to help you navigate through the giant beer selection. They will bring you beer samples, so you can find one that you'll like while exploring the menu. Go ahead, why not, try one you've never had before. Beers on draft range between $4.85-$9.
The food menu is pretty impressive, too — with vegan and vegetarian options for all the omnivores out there. Carnivores, fret not, they've got you covered as well with plenty of burger options. Make sure to ask your server about the Mac of the Moment ... hey, who can pass up some good ol' mac and cheese?
Other great places to grab a pint at around San Antonio are The Flying Saucer (11255 Huebner Road, Ste. 212), Freetail (4035 N. Loop 1604 W. #105) Blue Star Brewery (1414 S. Alamo St.) and GS 1221 (1221 Broadway). Nothing like a locally-brewed beer that will have your dog drooling for a sip (better not risk it, though).
Have a Glass of Wine at ...
Dough Pizzeria Napoletana, 6989 Blanco Road, (210) 979-6565, doughpizzeria.com, 11am-9pm Mon-Thu, 11am-10pm Fri-Sat, 11am-9pm Sun.
Dough's pizza is famous in SA and for good reason — even your dog will be begging for a bite of the savory crust. Although the patio is small, you can still have a nice glass of wine with your trusty companion. The couple-owned (Doug Horn and Lori Horn) pizzeria works with farmers and vendors to ensure that all of the ingredients are truly fresh and delicious. But let's get to the wine. Dough ensures that any glass of wine you order is sure to please your palate, from rosé to malbec. They pick the tastiest Italian wine from their vendors: Dionysus, Glazer's, Martin-ulisse imports, New vintage, Pioneer wines, Prestige, Serendipity and Virtuoso. You can order wine by the glass or the bottle. Prices range from $7-$11.50 for a glass.
At Dough, you can cool down with a glass of Chardonnay during warm, summer evenings while spending some quality time with Spot. And hey, how's this for an original incentive? Bring your pooch along and actually save money. Dough offers a 15 percent discount when you bring your pet along. That's something to toast about. Following dinner and drinks, take the dog over to Phil Hardberger Park a couple of miles up on Blanco and burn off some off those calories. The park has a large, enclosed play area for dogs.
Other places to enjoy a glass of wine in Saytown are Piatti's (255 E. Basse Road, Ste. 500) and The Boiler House Texas Grill and Wine Garden (312 Pearl Pkwy.). The Boiler House's location in the Pearl is perfect for a mid-afternoon stroll with your pup.
Sip on a Cocktail at ...
Ocho, 1015 Navarro St., (210) 222-2008, havanasanantonio.com, Sun-Thu 7am-10pmsun-Thu, 7am- midnight, Fri-Sat
Ocho's small but quaint patio has one of the best views of the river and it's pet-friendly, to boot. Located along the North River Walk and part of Hotel Havana, the pan-Latin influenced restaurant is the perfect place to go out to on a date and bring your pet along. The Havana Bar is located downstairs from Ocho, where your date can grab you a cocktail so you and your pet can enjoy the patio upstairs. Lush, green vines climb up the sides of the building surrounding the patio and twinkly lights sparkle in the evening, providing an ideal setting for a romantic night. Big chandeliers dangle from the ceilings inside the glass and steel conservatory that can be seen from the patio.
Ocho's old-world charm transports you to a warm Havana night in Cuba. Sip a cold mojito or Hemingway Daiquiri during a balmy, summer night. Lay your troubles at ease and enjoy the good company of your dog and date. During Ocho's Havana Hi-Fi Tuesdays (7-10 p.m.) enjoy live music from DJ Steven Lee Moya and Friends as well as food and drink specials. Cocktails at Ocho are mid-range ($8-$12), so visiting them during Hi-Fi Tuesdays or happy hour (4-6 p.m.) can save you some bucks. Go for the awesome atmosphere and stay for the delicious drinks.
After having a few cocktails at Ocho, take a walk along the river and take in the beauty of San Antonio. Your pooch will thank you for it. Other great pet-friendly cocktail bars to visit are Stay Golden Social House (401 Pearl Pkwy.), Viva Tacoland (103 W. Grayson St.) and Blue Box (312 Pearl Pkwy.).
