One of San Antonio’s most nostalgic attractions has new caretakers. Cool Crest Miniature Golf, the nearly century-old landmark at 1402 Fredericksburg Rd. in the Deco District, has been acquired by Los Leones Ltd., the owners of downtown’s Casa Rio and Schilo’s.
Cool Crest has been an Alamo City tradition for almost 100 years, first opening in 1929 and adding a second course in 1959. Maria "Ria" Metzger and Harold Metzger ran the complex for decades before closing it in 2007. Brothers James, Albert, Phillip, and Mitchell Andry revived the concept in 2013, adding the Metzger Biergarten in 2020.
Los Leones isn’t giving locals cause to fret about a complete transformation. The hospitality group plans to keep the course’s nostalgic charm while rolling out an updated logo. A few favorites from Schilo’s will also be introduced to the food menu.
A few Schilo's favorite will be added to the the Metzger Biergarten's menu.Photo courtesy of Cool Crest Miniature Golf
“Some places don’t just belong in San Antonio, they are San Antonio,” says Elizabeth Lyons Houston, vice president and co-owner of Los Leones Ltd, via a release. “Our intention is simple: take great care of it, protect what makes it special, and make sure it is ingrained in San Antonio’s history.”
The Andry family feels they are in good hands, passing the beloved site to another long-established San Antonio family.
“Stewarding Cool Crest has been both a responsibility and a gift,” says a family rep, adding that the Los Leones' “deep roots in San Antonio and decades of hospitality experience” give them confidence that the landmark will continue serving the community for years to come.
Cool Crest is currently on its annual winter hiatus, returning in March, but Los Leones has plenty to keep them busy during the downtime. The group is currently working on The Night Heron, an upcoming bar perched above Casa Rio, set to debut by spring 2027.
