San Antonio’s summer months bring an abundance of frozen cocktails and sugary sips, but nothing lowers the thermometer like a cold beer. And there’s no better place to pop open a can than at an ice house.
We know the question of what makes an ice house is still up for debate, but forget authenticity. What matters is a frosty pint and a bowl full of salty snacks on the table.
Blue Star Brewing Company
Open for 30 years and counting, Blue Star Brewing Company hasn’t adapted to the modern Instagram era with flashy vibes and neon signs. Instead, it lets the locally-brewed beers do the talking. Everything is brewed onsite, making it ideal for drinkers eager to try a true San Antonio sip. The European-style Bulverde Hills Pils and the lower-ABV Texican are good starting points.
Callaghan’s Icehouse
Looking for an ice house with arcade games and a pool table? Callaghan’s on Fredericksburg has both, plus beer specials to boot. It’s a no-frills destination, but there’s plenty of seating and TVs tuned to whatever game is on.
The Dakota East Side Icehouse
If there were a physical embodiment of San Antonio’s historic East Side, it would be the Dakota. One of the younger options on this list — they opened in 2018 — the Dakota asks each guest to abide by one rule before entering: “Be nice, damnit.” Agree to the house rule, and you’ll be rewarded with an assortment of local San Antonio brews on tap. Stay for the food menu and the live music lineup.
The Friendly Spot
One of the truer ice house concepts in the city, the Friendly Spot has called Southtown home for decades, first located where Beau’s Tiny Diner now stands. Now firmly planted at 943 S. Alamo Street, the Friendly Spot has become a go-to for family-friendly outings (the outdoor space has a playground), Spurs watch parties, and beer buckets. And according to co-owner Jody Newman, it’s also a prime spot for first dates.
Otto’s Ice House
Otto’s pays a cheeky nod to Pearl Brewery president Otto Koehler, who had a thing for women named Emma. Led by Houston restaurateur Levi Goode, Otto’s has the more modern indoor-outdoor ice house setup, with AC inside and plenty of vintage memorabilia adorning the walls. Head to the outdoor bar for a bucket of beer (and save $2 thanks to the bundled deal) and live music.
River North Icehouse
Another newcomer on the ice house scene, River North wins on space and energy. Come for the cold blast of A/C, stay for the drink specials, arcade games, and karaoke nights. There’s a backyard patio with a rotating food truck, and Mondays bring $5 draft pitchers for whoever needs them.
Wurzbach Ice House
This downhome spot has kept patrons hydrated since 2011. They typically keep about 13 to 15 beers on tap, with plenty of canned options to go around. For a cheap, satisfying pour without the fuss, this is the spot. (They also have a decent frozen marg for beer-averse guests.)
