Outdoor dining options are ever so popular, given San Antonio’s climate. Even during our hot summers, you can usually find a place with misters, shade, and fans to keep you cool.

There are so many outdoor dining (and drinking) places in San Antonio, we plan on running a Riverwalk version, a Pearl District version, and a list of cool outdoor bars in the coming weeks.

Start planning your weekend fun by checking out these restaurants in and near downtown San Antonio. They have fun outdoor spaces, tasty food and drinks, and often, perks like live entertainment.

Beethoven Mäennerchor
422 Pereida St., 210-222-1521

Located in the historic King William District, the Beethoven Männerchor has stood as a beacon of German culture and heritage since its founding in 1867. They usually host some of the biggest outdoor Oktoberfest, Fiesta, and First Friday events in town, complete with authentic German food and music, plus an enviable variety of German beers.

Bombay Bicycle Club
3506 N St Mary’s St, 210-737-2411

On the St. Mary’s strip, Bombay Bicycle Club is a neighborhood place. They added a spruced-up patio during the pandemic lockdowns, a 1,850-square-foot seating area built in the parking lot. Their menu includes burgers, chili, and some inventive starters like Pad Thai fries drizzled with house-made Thai sauce and topped with house-pickled veggies, fresh green onions, and cilantro.

Camp Outpost
1811 S Alamo St., 210-942-4690

Camp is a casual American dining experience that serves quality rotisserie-driven, wood-fired comfort food. Housed in an industrial warehouse space in the King William district, Camp features a spacious patio, communal fire pit, and a vintage Airstream bar and DJ setup that gives this outdoor dining experience a modern take on a camp-like setting.

 

Cappy’s
5011 Broadway, 210-828-9669 

Since 1977, Cappy’s Restaurant has served diners casual, upscale seafood, steaks, and innovative American and regional cuisine. Their Bulleit Bourbon Ribs are braised in Bulleit bourbon and served with cabbage, carrot, and cucumber slaw tossed in a blood orange vinaigrette. They also have an extensive wine list and bar menu. Enjoy brunch, lunch, or dinner on their shaded outdoor patio.

Cervecería Chapultepec
906 E. Elmira St.

The Mexican restaurant Cervecería Chapultepec opened a San Antonio location near the Pearl. The same-price concept for the restaurant and brewery originated at Cervecería Chapultepec’s original location in Guadalajara, Mexico, in 2015. Food, beer, and drinks are all the same price of $2.90. Try their Baja, California-inspired cuisine, cocktails, toasts, tacos, hamburgers,  tequila, whiskey, and more. They have an outdoor dining space and share a free parking lot with Ming’s Things.

Hello Paradise
520 E. Grayson St., 210-338-5114

Their courtyard neon sign signals “better times ahead” at the Thai restaurant and tiki-inspired bar Hello Paradise. Chef Jeret Peña opened this place in the old Shuck Shack spot near the Pearl district. They have a full kitchen and outdoor dining space where you can enjoy noodle-based Thai dishes and delectable cocktails.

Jardín
555 Funston Place, 210-338-5100

Located in the historic Sullivan Carriage House at the San Antonio Botanical Garden, Jardín is Chef Jason Dady’s latest concept, offering a full menu of Mediterranean-inspired food. Reserve a spot on their outdoor patio in Gertie’s Garden, or dine indoors in their casual farmhouse cafe setting. Free parking is available.

 

La Fonda on Main
2415 N Main Ave., 210-733-0621

La Fonda on Main has been open since 1932. Their outdoor area offers diners hacienda-style dining on a lush, shady patio that is heated from the ground up during the winter months. They offer classic Tex-Mex and interior Mexican dishes and a fun selection of margaritas. Try their famous chile en nogada.

Ming’s Things
914 E Elmira St., 210-600-4083

Located near the Pearl district off Elmira Street, this location has a spacious indoor dining room and equally spacious shaded outdoor patio. Chef and owner Ming Qian expanded her menu to offer classics like their Sloopy Bun and Ma-La noodles and seasonal items like Orange Chicken and Sliders. They share a free parking lot with Cervecería Chapultepec.

The Cove
606 W Cypress St., 210-227-2683
The Cove has long had an outdoor area for dining, but its recent renovation has yielded a larger dog- and kid-friendly space to enjoy one of nearly 60 Texas craft brews along with your meal. Their healthy menu uses locally raised sources for a more sustainable approach to eating. It’s so local, most of their produce is grown organically right at The Cove in their kitchen garden. They also have free parking.

The Good Kind Southtown
1127 S St. Mary’s St., 210-801-5892
The Good Kind has a photo-worthy outdoor garden available for patrons. Their outdoor space is spacious and shaded for enjoying brunch, lunch, or dinner. One of the most Instagrammable spots in the Southtown area, come prepared with a charged phone. Try their Market Bowl with hollyhock dressing, and be sure to pair it with some local kombucha made by Element. They have some parking spots, with free on-street parking nearby.

Tucker’s Kozy Korner
1338 E Houston St., 726-999-3764
After reopening under new management last year, Tucker’s is a great place to enjoy their food, live music, and cocktails. Kid-friendly, try the mac and cheese brisket and onion rings. If you like live music, they have different acts scheduled, so check their Facebook page.

The featured image is of The Good Kind’s expansive outdoor space that is also dog friendly, courtesy photo.