San Antonio's best breweries and taprooms for drinking outdoors

The Alamo City's craft beer scene has been booming for a few years, but we realized we hadn’t put together a list of local spots where suds lovers can mix, mingle and drink in the sunshine. For shame!

This is by no means a comprehensive list, but it’s a good start for beer-loving folks looking to plan their next summer outing. Click through for 27 of SA’s essential beer spots with beer gardens or patio seating.
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Vista Brewing Company
1333 Buena Vista St, 512-766-1842, vistabrewingtx.com
Vista Brewing, based in the Central Texas town of Driftwood, extended its reach to San Antonio earlier this spring with the opening of a new tasting room and beer garden at Warehouse 5. 
Photo via Instagram / vistabrewingsatx
Vista Brewing Company
1333 Buena Vista St, 512-766-1842, vistabrewingtx.com
Vista Brewing, based in the Central Texas town of Driftwood, extended its reach to San Antonio earlier this spring with the opening of a new tasting room and beer garden at Warehouse 5.
Photo via Instagram / vistabrewingsatx
Flix Brewhouse
845 TX-1604 Loop S, 726-800-7500, flixbrewhouse.com
Dinner-and-a-movie concept Flix Brewhouse may remind folks of other similar spots, but this one sports a novel twist: it brews its own beer. Its opening selection includes seven of its proprietary brews, including a golden ale, two IPAs and a chocolate stout.  
Photo via Instagram / flixbrewhouse
Flix Brewhouse
845 TX-1604 Loop S, 726-800-7500, flixbrewhouse.com
Dinner-and-a-movie concept Flix Brewhouse may remind folks of other similar spots, but this one sports a novel twist: it brews its own beer. Its opening selection includes seven of its proprietary brews, including a golden ale, two IPAs and a chocolate stout.
Photo via Instagram / flixbrewhouse
Big Hops Growler Station
11224 Huebner Rd #204, 210-877-9663, bighops.com
When a beer-centric chain’s motto is “promoting craft beer culture since 2013,” it makes sense to expect a huge selection of craft brews — and growlers to transport them home in. Any one of this mini-empire’s locations will have beer out the wazoo, no matter your style preference. 
Photo via Instagram / bighopsbitters
Big Hops Growler Station
11224 Huebner Rd #204, 210-877-9663, bighops.com
When a beer-centric chain’s motto is “promoting craft beer culture since 2013,” it makes sense to expect a huge selection of craft brews — and growlers to transport them home in. Any one of this mini-empire’s locations will have beer out the wazoo, no matter your style preference.
Photo via Instagram / bighopsbitters
Little Rhein Prost Haus
231 S Alamo St, 210-890-2225, littlerheinprosthaus.com
This new spot on the River Walk offers more than 20 draft beers — many imported directly from Munich or craft-brewed locally to purist German recipes. Liter bier steins abound, as well as beer sampler flights and the largest selection of schnapps in Texas. 
Photo via Instagram / littlerheinprosthaus
Little Rhein Prost Haus
231 S Alamo St, 210-890-2225, littlerheinprosthaus.com
This new spot on the River Walk offers more than 20 draft beers — many imported directly from Munich or craft-brewed locally to purist German recipes. Liter bier steins abound, as well as beer sampler flights and the largest selection of schnapps in Texas.
Photo via Instagram / littlerheinprosthaus
Flying Saucer Draught Emporium
11255 Huebner Rd #212 @ I-10, (210) 696-5080, beerknurd.com
Okay, so it’s a chain, but we’re all about promoting local craft beer, and that’s what this chain does. Serving up brews from local spots Ranger Creek, Freetail and Weathered Souls, there are plenty of SA brews to choose from. 
Photo via Instagram / flyingsaucersa
Flying Saucer Draught Emporium
11255 Huebner Rd #212 @ I-10, (210) 696-5080, beerknurd.com
Okay, so it’s a chain, but we’re all about promoting local craft beer, and that’s what this chain does. Serving up brews from local spots Ranger Creek, Freetail and Weathered Souls, there are plenty of SA brews to choose from.
Photo via Instagram / flyingsaucersa
Stout House Stone Oak
Multiple Locations, (​210) 239-5799 stouthousesa.com
It’s got the word “Stout” in the name, so of course it’s a good spot for beer lovers to snag a brew or two. Each location offers 20 different craft beers on tap as well as a full bar. Stop in for happy hour or to enjoy darts, pool and beer pong.
Photo via Instagram / stouthouse.stoneoak
Stout House Stone Oak
Multiple Locations, (​210) 239-5799 stouthousesa.com
It’s got the word “Stout” in the name, so of course it’s a good spot for beer lovers to snag a brew or two. Each location offers 20 different craft beers on tap as well as a full bar. Stop in for happy hour or to enjoy darts, pool and beer pong.
Photo via Instagram / stouthouse.stoneoak
Alamo Beer Company
415 Burnet St., (210) 872-5589, alamobeer.com
With such a strong history at this brewery (like, Prohibition and everything), Alamo Beer Company will almost feel like drinking here is a rite of passage as a San Antonian. Get a taste of Europe with the German Pale Ale or Pilsner brews.
Photo via Instagram / alamobeerco
Alamo Beer Company
415 Burnet St., (210) 872-5589, alamobeer.com
With such a strong history at this brewery (like, Prohibition and everything), Alamo Beer Company will almost feel like drinking here is a rite of passage as a San Antonian. Get a taste of Europe with the German Pale Ale or Pilsner brews.
Photo via Instagram / alamobeerco
Freetail Brewing Company
Multiple locations freetailbrewing.com
While both Freetail locations offer an impressive lineup of draft beer — including special collaborations with other local breweries — only the Northside brewpub offers eats. The pizzas and shady outdoor patio are perfect accompaniments to a frosty, local brew. 
Photo courtesy of Freetail Brewing Co.
Freetail Brewing Company
Multiple locations freetailbrewing.com
While both Freetail locations offer an impressive lineup of draft beer — including special collaborations with other local breweries — only the Northside brewpub offers eats. The pizzas and shady outdoor patio are perfect accompaniments to a frosty, local brew.
Photo courtesy of Freetail Brewing Co.
Ranger Creek Brewing and Distilling
4834 Whirlwind Dr., (210) 339-2282, drinkrangercreek.com
On top of having some of the best beer in the area, Ranger Creek also offers an impressive array of bourbons, if you're in the mood for something a little stronger. Play it safe with a San Antonio Lager, or go for something less traditional like Love Struck Hefe and Red Headed Stranger.
Photo via Instagram / rangercreek
Ranger Creek Brewing and Distilling
4834 Whirlwind Dr., (210) 339-2282, drinkrangercreek.com
On top of having some of the best beer in the area, Ranger Creek also offers an impressive array of bourbons, if you're in the mood for something a little stronger. Play it safe with a San Antonio Lager, or go for something less traditional like Love Struck Hefe and Red Headed Stranger.
Photo via Instagram / rangercreek
Busted Sandal Brewing Company
7114 Oaklawn Dr., (210) 872-1486, bustedsandalbrewing.com
Try a classic brew like the 210 Ale or venture out to La Chancla series for a taste of Hop Dong IPA. Take your time savoring a brew in house, then take some beer to go. Even better, dogs are welcome.
Photo via Instagram / bustedsandalbrewing
Busted Sandal Brewing Company
7114 Oaklawn Dr., (210) 872-1486, bustedsandalbrewing.com
Try a classic brew like the 210 Ale or venture out to La Chancla series for a taste of Hop Dong IPA. Take your time savoring a brew in house, then take some beer to go. Even better, dogs are welcome.
Photo via Instagram / bustedsandalbrewing
Second Pitch Beer Co.
11935 Starcrest Dr., (210) 474-0234, secondpitchbeer.com
This Northeast-side spot offers ample space for the new brewery’s 15-barrel system and 20-tap line in the tasting room. Try the honey blonde ale called Summer Lightning Ale, a Hometown Lager or an India Pale ale dubbed Meet in the Middle. 
Photo via Instagram / secondpitchbeercompany
Second Pitch Beer Co.
11935 Starcrest Dr., (210) 474-0234, secondpitchbeer.com
This Northeast-side spot offers ample space for the new brewery’s 15-barrel system and 20-tap line in the tasting room. Try the honey blonde ale called Summer Lightning Ale, a Hometown Lager or an India Pale ale dubbed Meet in the Middle.
Photo via Instagram / secondpitchbeercompany
The Hoppy Monk
1010 N Loop 1604 E, thehoppymonk.com
The Hoppy Monk offers ample outdoor dining, and the food menu and huge selection of beers only add to the reasons to head to this north SA spot. Stop by on Sunday to indulge in their brunch offerings, but be warned: you will wait for a table, so don’t arrive hangry.
Photo via Instagram / s.a.foodie
The Hoppy Monk
1010 N Loop 1604 E, thehoppymonk.com
The Hoppy Monk offers ample outdoor dining, and the food menu and huge selection of beers only add to the reasons to head to this north SA spot. Stop by on Sunday to indulge in their brunch offerings, but be warned: you will wait for a table, so don’t arrive hangry.
Photo via Instagram / s.a.foodie
Burleson Yard Beer Garden
430 Austin St., (210) 354-3001, facebook.com/BurlesonYard
When Burleson Yard first opened, it made a splash on the scene with its huge array of activities such as a large play area for the kiddos, table tennis, hammocks, giant flat-screens and live music. As the name suggests, hopheads will be pleased with the large beer selection, and the frozen drinks tend to be a big hit as well. 
Photo via Instagram / urbanmamabexar
Burleson Yard Beer Garden
430 Austin St., (210) 354-3001, facebook.com/BurlesonYard
When Burleson Yard first opened, it made a splash on the scene with its huge array of activities such as a large play area for the kiddos, table tennis, hammocks, giant flat-screens and live music. As the name suggests, hopheads will be pleased with the large beer selection, and the frozen drinks tend to be a big hit as well.
Photo via Instagram / urbanmamabexar
The Cove 
606 W Cypress St, San Antonio, TX 78212, (210) 227-2683, thecove.us 
The Cove has long been an outdoor haven for San Antonians, but a recent revamp to the patio area creates a more spacious layout to accommodate those looking to enjoy the weather. Be sure to check out the Texas bar, which offers nearly 50 Texas craft brews.Photo via Instagram / thecovesa
The Cove
606 W Cypress St, San Antonio, TX 78212, (210) 227-2683, thecove.us
The Cove has long been an outdoor haven for San Antonians, but a recent revamp to the patio area creates a more spacious layout to accommodate those looking to enjoy the weather. Be sure to check out the Texas bar, which offers nearly 50 Texas craft brews.
Photo via Instagram / thecovesa
Beethoven Maennerchor
422 Pereida St., (210) 222-1521, beethovenmaennerchor.com
Located in Southtown near Blue Star, the Beethoven Maennerchor halle is home to one of the oldest German singing societies in Texas. The property usually hosts some of the biggest outdoor Oktoberfest, Fiesta and First Friday bashes in town, complete with authentic German food and music, plus ah-mazing German bier. 
Photo via Instagram/  
beethovensatx
Beethoven Maennerchor
422 Pereida St., (210) 222-1521, beethovenmaennerchor.com
Located in Southtown near Blue Star, the Beethoven Maennerchor halle is home to one of the oldest German singing societies in Texas. The property usually hosts some of the biggest outdoor Oktoberfest, Fiesta and First Friday bashes in town, complete with authentic German food and music, plus ah-mazing German bier.
Photo via Instagram/ beethovensatx
The Friendly Spot Ice House
943 S Alamo St., (210) 224-2337, thefriendlyspot.com
Southtown’s largest outdoor food and drink venue, The Friendly Spot has plenty of events to enjoy, as well as countless taps for frosty brews. Enjoy a sports event on their giant inflatable screen and weekend DJ with a cold, local beer in hand. 
Photo via Instagram /  
thefriendlyspot
The Friendly Spot Ice House
943 S Alamo St., (210) 224-2337, thefriendlyspot.com
Southtown’s largest outdoor food and drink venue, The Friendly Spot has plenty of events to enjoy, as well as countless taps for frosty brews. Enjoy a sports event on their giant inflatable screen and weekend DJ with a cold, local beer in hand.
Photo via Instagram / thefriendlyspot
Blue Star Brewing Co.
1414 S Alamo St., (210) 212-5506, bluestarbrewing.com
Spending some time on the river? Biking around Southtown? Just be sure to pay Blue Star Brewing a visit for 100% organic beer. Have a pint of the Texican Lager, Raspberry Geyser or Flying Pig brew.
Photo via Instagram / bluestarbrewco
Blue Star Brewing Co.
1414 S Alamo St., (210) 212-5506, bluestarbrewing.com
Spending some time on the river? Biking around Southtown? Just be sure to pay Blue Star Brewing a visit for 100% organic beer. Have a pint of the Texican Lager, Raspberry Geyser or Flying Pig brew.
Photo via Instagram / bluestarbrewco
The Dooryard
4503 De Zavala Rd., Ste. 108, thedooryardsa.com
This northwest-side spot features 30 taps loaded with self-serve beers, seltzers and wines, allowing guests to sample a variety of beers without committing to a full pour. Expect a full food menu, outdoor seating for up to nine tables and a kids play area.
Photo via Instagram / thedooryardsa
The Dooryard
4503 De Zavala Rd., Ste. 108, thedooryardsa.com
This northwest-side spot features 30 taps loaded with self-serve beers, seltzers and wines, allowing guests to sample a variety of beers without committing to a full pour. Expect a full food menu, outdoor seating for up to nine tables and a kids play area.
Photo via Instagram / thedooryardsa
Islla Street Brewing
11911 Crosswinds Way, (210) 771-6532, isllastreetbrewing.com
Known best for their innovative brews with unexpected ingredients — and their tendency to break the internet come pre-order day — the boys over at Islla Street Brewing are always cooking up something interesting. If small batch craft beer is your jam, stop by their North SA taproom for a 4 pack of one of their innovative sours or IPAs.  
Photo via Instagram / isllastreetbrewing
Islla Street Brewing
11911 Crosswinds Way, (210) 771-6532, isllastreetbrewing.com
Known best for their innovative brews with unexpected ingredients — and their tendency to break the internet come pre-order day — the boys over at Islla Street Brewing are always cooking up something interesting. If small batch craft beer is your jam, stop by their North SA taproom for a 4 pack of one of their innovative sours or IPAs.
Photo via Instagram / isllastreetbrewing
Real Ale Brewing Company
31 San Saba Ct., Blanco, (830) 833-2534, realalebrewing.com
Tube your way down the Blanco River, then make your way over to Real Ale for some cold ones! Tours are offered on Fridays and Saturday, so your weekend won’t be complete without a pint of Lost Gold or Devil’s Backbone. Or both.
Photo via Instagram / realalebrewing
Real Ale Brewing Company
31 San Saba Ct., Blanco, (830) 833-2534, realalebrewing.com
Tube your way down the Blanco River, then make your way over to Real Ale for some cold ones! Tours are offered on Fridays and Saturday, so your weekend won’t be complete without a pint of Lost Gold or Devil’s Backbone. Or both.
Photo via Instagram / realalebrewing
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