It’s been a long time since San Antonians had to shelter in ice houses to escape the blistering sun, but the tradition still lives on. Now, a new concept is taking up the mantle in the city’s bustling River North District.

River North Icehouse debuted July 18 at 317 E. Jones Ave. Steering the project are business partners Eric Thomas, Seth Klein, and Trip Watson, otherwise known as TKW Hospitality. Although the trio has consulted on several Austin projects, including Austin Garden & Studio, Inn Cahoots, and IYKYK speakeasy, this is their first ownership venture.

Check out all those bar stations.Photo courtesy of River North Icehouse

Stylistically, the bar veers from the often-ramshackle heirs to its name. Once the home of an upholstery business, the warehouse space is now decorated with hanging greenery, paper lanterns, and a cavalcade of disco balls.

The beverage program detours from ice house origins too. The joint serves beer and wine alongside a few signature cocktails and four frozen drinks. For a crisp $100 bill, larger groups can also share a Barrel of Fun, a 256-ounce spiked lemonade served in a retro Igloo jug.

Should that mega-drink hit too quickly, the Chicken Buzz food truck is parked on site to soak up all the booze. In addition to serving Hot Cheetos-crusted chicken sandwiches, the trailer dishes out other pub grub like bacon-wrapped hot dogs, loaded nachos, and asada tacos.

Chicken Buzz is on hand for pub for hearty cravings.Photo courtesy of River North Icehouse

Following the grand opening, the watering hole will be open seven days a week. The hours are 4 pm to 2 am, Monday through Thursday; 2 pm to 2 am, Friday; and 11 am to 2 am, Saturday and Sunday.