Burleson Yard Beer Garden is a big open east-side yard good for groups and dogs, pouring craft beer alongside whatever food truck is parked that day.
Food program: Food-truck fare
Tip: Check which food truck is parked before you go. A big open yard that is good for groups and dogs.
Address: 430 Austin St, San Antonio, TX 78215
Bar Du Mon Ami is a quieter, grown-up cocktail option in Alamo Heights where the bartenders take the classics seriously; let them steer the order.
Signature drink: Carefully made elevated cocktails
Food: Snacks
Tip: A quieter, grown-up cocktail option in Alamo Heights. The bartenders take the classics seriously; let them steer.
Maverick Whiskey is a downtown distillery in a historic late-1800s building, where the Lockwood Bar pours Texas whiskey flights, cocktails and house brews.
Signature drink: Texas whiskey flights and cocktails
Food: Tasting-room food menu
Tip: Take a distillery tour, then sit at the Lockwood Bar for a flight. The building's late-1800s history is part of the draw.
Rumble is a beer bar on the St Mary's Strip with a big patio, craft beer, themed cocktails, and a steady run of live music, a reliable anchor of the strip.
Signature drink: Craft beer and themed cocktails on a patio
Food: Snacks
Tip: The patio is the spot to watch the St Mary's Strip on a weekend. Check the calendar for live music nights.
The PigPen near Brackenridge Park is a hybrid coffee-and-beer bar with a large shaded patio, pouring espresso in the morning and craft beer in the afternoon.
Signature drink: Espresso early, craft beer late
Food: Snacks
Tip: Coffee by day flips to craft beer in the afternoon. The big shaded patio welcomes dogs and laptops alike.
Bar Loretta in the King William district is a bar, restaurant, and market in one, with proper cocktails and a choice wine list behind modern Texas cooking.
Signature drink: Proper cocktails with Texas plates
Food: Modern Texas cuisine
Tip: The happy hour is the value entry point. The adjoining market sells bottles and provisions to take home.
Jue Let is chef Jennifer Hwa Dobbertin's Asian American cocktail bar at the Pearl, a two-story room with brocade ceilings, private karaoke and a drinks list that channels Chinese heritage and Texan roots.
Signature drink: Asian American cocktails like the Mint Jue Let
Food: Bar snacks with Chinese tea eggs and crab Louie onigiri
Tip: Order the Mint Jue Let and ask for the I-Ching coin that comes with most drinks. No reservations; walk in early on weekends.
