Hello Southwestern Forum people. Greetings from North Carolina. I will be in San Antonio for a conference in early May for several days. I am staying at the Hilton on the Riverwalk across from the convention center, and will not have a rental car. Are there and places nearby with a decent craft selection? Craft plus good food would be a bonus. Thanks in advance. -KEXP
There is Blue Star brewery / restaurant, with ok beer. There is also The Friendly Spot which is always a good time.
The Friendly Spot is your best bet, provided the weather is good (main bar area is outdoors). Good tex-mex food and a decent selection of TX craft beers, as well as other good craft beers. Luke also has a pretty good craft selection. Blue Star is okay, but not exactly a must-stop.
Luke does has a decent selection but I didn't care much for the food. I would go to La Frite over Luke any day, and La Frite is just a block or two away from The Friendly Spot. I did that combo last night and it was da bomb.
Check out The Monterrey. Great food and great beer selection. In the King William District on St. Mary. Walkable, or trolley/cab.
Is it safe to walk from the convention center to The Friendly Spot and/or The Monterrey (which looks incredible, BTW)?
Yes, you're not walking through the greatest area, but not the worst either. If you walk down commerce to alamo into Southtown, you'll be in heavy foot/car traffic the entire way and i wouldnt anticipate any problem as you'll be in plain sight. there are shorter ways to get there, but less visible. If you plan to make this walk during work hours though, you'll be completely fine regardless of the way you choose.
Also, please go to Esquire Tavern. Best craft scene in the city (except for maybe Freetail), and for god's sake, try Live Oak Hefewiezen. The Esquire is the only place in SA that always has it on tap, and it's the #1 rated Hefe on BA for a reason. Not to mention they have incredible bison burgers too...
Yes, but I'd also look into public transit. I've lived here for five years and only recently bought a car. I used to swear by the VIA bus service. You can get anywhere in the city from downtown. There's even a bus (97 to the Rim) that goes all the way out to Freetail. The website to get maps and schedules is viainfo.net if you're interested.
Do they do growler fills? Plus looks like (512) Pecan Porter is on draft. Thats one the OP should'nt miss IMO
No, because they have a liquor license too. Do you think the TBAC can even keep their own laws straight? Freetail has LOH on draft right now, $20 for growler fills (already gotten two - need about 20 more).
The Monterrey is a must try if you want to get into some of the stuff that's bottled and not on tap in SA. Their bottle list is longer than their menu! Esquire and Friendly Spot are also GREAT suggestions...don't miss em. Also if you're into food trucks there's a new food truck park on S. Alamo called Alamo Street Eat Bar that has about 8-10 beers on draft (BMC regulars and a few TX locals) that would be worth trying if you have extra nights to fill.
