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If you’re looking for a fun outing that celebrates art, nature, food, drinks, and music, we have a pleasant stroll for you along the Museum Reach portion of the San Antonio River Walk.

Start your evening at the San Antonio Museum of Art (SAMA). Located at 200 West Jones Avenue, the museum is housed in the historic former Lone Star Brewery on the Museum Reach of the San Antonio River Walk. Not everyone may realize that SAMA’s collection spans 5,000 years of global culture.

The museum has the most comprehensive ancient Greek, Roman, and Egyptian art collection in the southern United States. In the contemporary galleries, works of internationally recognized artists share prominence with notable Texas and regional art. The Nelson A. Rockefeller Latin American art wing spans the ages from the ancient Americas to the present and includes an outstanding collection of folk art. The comprehensive Asian art wing displays works from Korea, India, and Japan and includes an important Chinese ceramics collection.

We recommend you plan your date night at SAMA for Tuesday evenings. That’s when the museum is open until 7 pm. Park across the street from the museum entrance and arrive at 4 pm for their free Tuesday hours 4 to 7 p.m.for Bexar County residents, generously funded by H-E-B.

After you’ve enjoyed some art, you’re probably ready for drinks and dinner. Here are your choices that are only a short walk from SAMA.

Tre Trattoria is located at the back of the museum’s property. Open until 9 pm most evenings, Tre Trattoria’s menu is inspired by the Tuscan hillsides and the region’s family-style dining. Chef Jason Dady brings his attention to detail, and fresh flavors to this Italian restaurant located right on the Museum Reach part of the Riverwalk. You can eat inside or outside and check out the people and wildlife along the River Walk.

 

Shiro Japanese Bistro is across the street from SAMA at 107 West Jones Avenue. Hands down, this is the best Japanese sushi restaurant in San Antonio (and ranks up there as one of the best in Texas). Make reservations, so you know you’ll get in when you want and plan on enjoying your beautiful, fresh, tasty Japanese meal with plates of food almost too pretty to eat. It’s at the higher-end when it comes to prices but worth every penny. Their patio is also lovely, and their happy hour all day Sunday will give you another reason to return on the weekend.

What if you’re looking for something less spendy and much more casual?

On the same side of the street as SAMA, you’ll find Elsewhere Garden at 103 East Jones Avenue. The San Antonio river divides Jones Avenue into East and West, so look for Elsewhere Garden just on the other side of the Museum Reach portion of the River Walk. They’re open until midnight most weeknights and have an all-outdoor dining and lounging space that’s ready for your Instagram posts. Their menu of burgers, chicken (even your Fiesta-worthy chicken on a stick), tacos, hoagies, and vegetarian options means everyone in your party can find something to go with your drinks.

Maybe you are looking for a chill vibe that comes with air conditioning and a wine selection paired to your charcuterie platter? Check out Rosella Coffee and Wine Bar at 203 East Jones Avenue. It’s just across the street from Elsewhere Garden at the corner of Jones and Avenue B. Open until 10 pm most nights, their happy hour specials run from 5-6:30 pm. It’s a great place to relax if you’re interested in trying a new wine with your light snacks.

If you’re looking to end your evening on a more energetic note, we have two more places for you to try in the same neighborhood.

The colorful El Camino food truck park is located along Museum Reach at 1009 Avenue B, catercorner from Rosella’s. Open until 2 am most nights, the food truck park and outdoor bar is a festive destination complete with misters, shade umbrellas, and either a DJ or band playing live music, depending on the evening. El Camino is the perfect spot to bring together friends, family, and furry companions under their eco-consciously designed covered seating, complete with a fully stocked bar that includes frozen drinks, craft brews, and top-shelf cocktails.

If that still isn’t enough ambiance, walk a few more steps to the VFW Post 76 and check out the oldest VFW post in Texas. It’s down a short dead-end street next to and behind El Camino at 10 10th Street. Founded by the Veterans of the Spanish American War, VFW Post 76 was granted its Congressional Charter on June 26, 1917, and its the oldest such location in Texas. Located in a Victorian-style home on the banks of the San Antonio Riverwalk, the house is reportedly haunted. The ghosts don’t seem to stop the public from enjoying the post’s cold drinks and music in their casual beer garden. So head on over to end your evening with drinks, a view of the River Walk, and maybe even a ghost story or two to tell afterward.

The featured image is of  Elsewhere Garden, located on the Museum Reach portion of the San Antonio River Walk. Photo credit: Iris Gonzalez.