Winner: The Friendly Spot
943 S. Alamo St., (210) 224-2337, thefriendlyspot.com.
The Friendly Spot, voted by our readers as the Best Puro Ice House in SA, is a Southtown institution at this point. The godfather of hip outdoor Ice Houses the city over, The Friendly Spot's charm and staying power is as much about the setting – a veritable oasis in the heart of the King William Neighborhood, replete with colorful tables and chairs, a playground to entertain the kids so you don't have to, and a projector screen on big game nights – as it is about the selection (though the selection, with 300 bottle/can choices and 76 options on tap, is on point, too). The Friendly Spot is far more than just a place to get your drink on. They offer scrumptious eats too. And, most importantly, the place has become a beloved meeting place for friends (and friends to be), families, and community groups of all stripes. The Friendly Spot is also dog-friendly (as long as your dog is friendly) and is a fine place for First Friday people watching. It's no surprise that this is far from Friendly Spot's first time being voted among the best places to drink/hang out in our annual Best of San Antonio polling.
2. The Dakota Eastside Icehouse
433 S. Hackberry
(210) 375-6009
3. Sanchez Ice House
819 S. San Saba
(210) 223-0588