Editor's note: The bustling San Antonio beer scene is always changing — usually with openings and closures, but there are other twists along the way. Let's discuss it over a cold one.
Second Pitch closes shop
Media abounds with regular reports about breweries closing or converting their operations, and even the craft beer operations that seem most successful fall victim to financial challenges.
The latest is Second Pitch Beer Co., the 4-year-old Northeast San Antonio brewery that abruptly closed its doors March 9. Owners Jim and Samantha Hansen announced on social media earlier that week that they would be halting operations.
The news came as a shock to numerous Second Pitch fans and supporters. Many followers said they thought Second Pitch — formerly Brew Monkey Beer Co. — winning awards, hosting various events, and recently expanding the taproom meant the brewery was doing well.
But the owners said Second Pitch had been losing money for several months, a matter compounded by inflation and rising interest rates.
“From day one, our focus has been on quality and community. We think we nailed those two goals,” the Hansens said in their social media announcement. “This community is so much bigger than the two of us and we are so proud and lucky to have been a place where you wanted to gather with your friends and family. Thank you for the memories and for your support, love, and friendship over these three years. We met amazing people who we hope will be in our lives for years to come.”
Hops and Hounds opens in downtown
The owners of Hops and Hounds have officially opened their relocated dog-friendly bar, from near McAllister Park to downtown.
Situated at 1111 Ave. B, the new Hops and Hounds began a soft opening phase in late February, and is accessible from the street and San Antonio Riverwalk Museum Reach.
Like the original location, the downtown Hops and Hounds offers a full bar, pub grub, drink specials, and plenty of space for dog owners and their pups to enjoy running around, games, and other leisure activities. Hops and Hounds will also host pet meetups, adoption events, live music and other happenings.
The craft beer options at Hops and Hounds reflect a range of offerings from Texas breweries, including Weathered Souls, Real Ale, Vista, Austin Beerworks, and Pinthouse.
Pups and Pals, a similar concept, has replaced Hops and Hounds at their old location, 13838 Jones Maltsberger Road.
Lion and Rose Restaurant and Pub is returning
Fans of the local British-centric pub Lion and Rose Restaurant and Pub are awaiting the brand's return in San Antonio.
Allen Tharp, owner of the original local chain of Lion and Rose pubs, plans to open a new Lion and Rose Restaurant later this spring or summer at 23330 I-10 W. in the Dominion area.
Tharp and his team have been using the Lion and Rose social media channels to keep supporters up-to-date on the restaurant's return. The British-themed pub had as many as five locations around town at the height of its popularity in the late 2000s and early 2010s. It offered several British-style dishes and a full bar featuring numerous beers on tap alongside spirits and wines.
But Tharp shuttered the locations, one after another, over the last decade. Now in a comeback phase, Tharp and his associates are developing a $2.1 million, 5,400-square-foot structure to house the new Lion and Rose, which will focus on British and American staple entrees, burgers, sandwiches, soups, salads, desserts, as well as various beers, spirits, and wines.
“Our location is currently under construction, and we're thrilled to share some stunning drone footage showcasing the progress,” a Lion and Rose social media post stated March 13. “We are excited to announce that we will be opening our doors within the next 30 to 45 days in the Dominion area. Stay tuned for more updates by visiting our website and subscribing to our newsletter to stay informed.”
Dog-friendly beer bar changes name
The Texas Dog. Co. and Beer Garden underwent a name change earlier this winter: The Dog Co. Icehouse.
The brainchild of Bar America owner Brian Correa, The Dog Co. Icehouse, located at 4302 Hyatt Place Drive off Interstate 10 near Wurzbach Road, features a full bar with variety of beers on tap, in bottles and cans, food trucks, dog runs and sand volleyball courts.
Hopefully this simple rebranding wraps up this month's brewery scene roller coaster ride.
Despite a recent taproom expansion and receiving awards, Second Pitch Beer Co. in Northeast San Antonio suddenly closed March 9.
