Outdoor dining S.A.'s restaurant let diners enjoy fall's pleasant weather

All of the seating at The Luxury is outdoors. The kitchen and bar operate out of repurposed cargo containers. All of the seating at The Luxury is outdoors. The kitchen and bar operate out of repurposed cargo containers. Photo: Express-News File Photos Photo: Express-News File Photos Image 1 of / 152 Caption Close Outdoor dining 1 / 152 Back to Gallery

Because of the weather, and often despite it, San Antonio loves its outdoor dining. A setting sun or cool breeze can transform almost anyplace into one where people want to enjoy lunch or dinner and a cold margarita or beverage of one's choice. Here's a sampling of the many outdoor dining options in our city. Check mysa.com for a more complete list and be sure to let us know where you enjoy dining outdoors.

Ácenar: 146 E. Houston St., 210-222-2362: The outdoor patio overlooking the River Walk seats about 100 people but can accommodate more than 200 for standing receptions.

Aldaco's: 20079 Stone Oak Parkway, 210-494-0561; and 100 Hoefgen Ave., 210-222-0561: Sunset Station location offers a nice chance for al fresco enjoyment, while the patio of the Stone Oak location offers a beautiful view of the city.

Augie's Barbed Wire Smokehouse: 3709 N. St. Mary's St., 210-735-0088. Grab a seat at a picnic table in the covered beer garden.

Barriba Cantina: 111 W. Crockett St., Suite 214, 210-228-9876. Outdoor dining for 40 on second level, while a covered patio can accommodate up to 130 for private parties.

Beto's: 8142 Broadway, 210-930-9393: An oversized patio behind the restaurant complete with a new patio bar offers adults an inviting setting to relax while giving kids a fun space to play.

Big'z Burger Joint: 2303 N. Loop 1604 W., 210-408-2029; and 10106 Texas 151 S., 210-543-2029: Dine indoors or outside, and keep an eye on the kids while they're playing in an adjacent enclosed space.

Bin 555: 555 W. Bitters Road, 210-496-0555. Enjoy the fire from the chiminea while sipping on a glass of something refreshing and choosing a selection from the ever-changing menu.

Bliss: 926 S. Presa St., 210-225-2547: Sometimes the dishes here are so memorable it's easy to forget about a pair of lovely outside spaces.

Blue Star Brewing Co.: 1414 S. Alamo St., Suite 105. 210-212-5506: Good luck finding a spot on this busy patio during a First Friday or just about anytime the weather cooperates.

Boiler House Texas Grill & Wine Garden: 312 Pearl Parkway, Building 3, 210-354-4644: An outdoor wine garden wraps around the restaurant and seats 120. Sister restaurant, Max's Wine Dive, 340 E. Basse Road, Suite 101, 210-444-9547, offers a small patio for some al fresco enjoyment.

Boudro's Texas Bistro: 421 E. Commerce St., 210-224-8484: A classic location on the River Walk and a favorite of visitors and locals. Prickly pear margarita, anyone?

Cappy's: 5011 Broadway, 210-828-9669: A local icon of good taste and consistency offers patio seating that fills up quickly, especially during lunchtime.

Charlie Wants a Burger: 223 Losoya St., 210-227-0864: Breakfast, lunch and dinner are available seven days a week on this patio, with a great view of the River Walk. And dogs are welcome here.

Chris Madrid's: 1900 Blanco Road, 210-735-3552: Picnic tables on the restaurant's back patio offer a great place to enjoy a beer and juicy burger.

County Line: 10101 I-10 W., 210-641-1998; and 111 W. Crockett St., Suite. 104; 210-229-1941: The I-10 location features a heavily landscaped patio that provides a parklike setting; the River Walk location has seating for 80.

The Cove: 606 W. Cypress St., 210-227-2683: An oversized play area lets kids work off excess energy while parents enjoy a brew and good food.

Del Fuego's Chargrill & Cantina: 2318 N. Loop 1604 W., 210-493-2204. Restaurant features a patio bar/dining area plus a newly added courtyard dining space.

Drew's American Grill: 18740 Stone Oak Parkway, 210-483-7600. This Stone Oak favorite includes a covered patio that seats around 75 and a courtyard with a bocce ball court. A patio lounge area in front often fills up during happy hour.

Dough Pizzeria: 6989 Blanco Road, 210-979-6565: Tables fill up quickly inside and for the up to 40 seats outside.

Feast: 1024 S. Alamo St., 210-354-1024: Inside or outside, it's a party every night here in this part of the King William neighborhood.

Fig Tree: 515 Villita St., 210-224-1976: Fig Tree's patio, facing the River Walk, is one of the most beautiful in the city. Ask for Table 531 if you want the best spot.

Firebird Mexican Grill: 7300 Jones Maltsberger Road, 210-369-9516: A large patio facing the Quarry Market is a great place to relax and enjoy a drink, chips and salsa or a meal.

Guenther House: 205 E. Guenther St., 210-227-1061: Lines for dining on this lovely patio just off the San Antonio River are usually longer than those for inside dining.

Guillermo's Deli: 618 McCullough Ave., 210-223-5587: A new patio fills up quickly, especially after work.

Hofbrau at the Rim: 18403 I-10 W., 210-877-1500; Quarry Hofbrau, 7310 Jones Maltsberger Road, 210-290-8066. Hofbrau at the Rim has two designated patio dining facilities, while the original Quarry Hofbrau features an approximately 8,000-square-foot patio divided into four venues for outdoor dining and events.

Knife & Fork Gastropub: 20626 Stone Oak Parkway, 210-497-7111: Grab a drink or a bite while lounging on the plush outdoor furniture on the patio.

La Fogata: 2427 Vance Jackson Road, 210-340-1337. This classic of San Antonio dining features mariachis strolling around its various patios.

La Fonda on Main: 2415 N. Main Ave., 210-733-0621. Its rear patio is beloved by generations.

La Gloria: 100 E. Grayson St., 210-267-9040: La Gloria's patio and adjacent open space offer room to lounge or watch the kids play. Sister restaurant The Fruteria offers several tables along the street.

La Hacienda de los Barrios: 18747 Redland Road, 210-497-8000; Viola's Ventanas, 9660 Westover Hills Blvd., 210- 684-9660. La Hacienda features a patio that sits under large oak trees and a playground for kids. Viola's Ventanas, the third restaurant from the Barrios family, has a large patio and a place for kids to play.

La Margarita: 120 Produce Row, 210-227-7140. The patio, strolling mariachis and solid dishes are among the reasons why locals and visitors pack this place.

Little Rhein Steakhouse: 231 S. Alamo St., 210-225-2111: Patio features three lower tiers with tables for two to six guests, while the upper tier accommodates larger parties and group events, all affording a spectacular River Walk view.

The Luxury: 103 E. Jones Ave.: Repurposed cargo containers from chef/restaurateur Andrew Weissman offer casual cuisine with high-level technique in an outdoor setting along the Museum Reach.

MoMak's Backyard Malts & Burgers: 13838 Jones Maltsberger Road, 210-481-3600: A secured, fenced-in 8,000-square-foot artificial turf sports field and 14-foot playscape treehouse are just two of the highlights of one of the best patios in the city.

The Monterey: 1127 S. St. Mary's St., 210-745-2581: Wickedly inventive cuisine with most of the restaurant's seating area outside.

Ostra: 212 W. Crockett St. (at Mokara Hotel & Spa): 210-396-5817: Main dining area opens up onto River Walk seating.

Paesanos 1604: 3622 Paesanos Parkway, 210-493-1604; Paesanos River Walk, 111 W. Crockett St., Suite 101, 210-227-2782: The Loop 1604 location features a courtyard that quickly has become a local favorite, while the River Walk location attracts many tourists.

Paloma Blanca Mexican Cuisine: 5800 Broadway, 210-822-6151: Colorfully landscaped terrace is a longtime local favorite spot.

Pam's Patio Kitchen: 11826 Wurzbach Road, 210-492-1359: When crowds spill over at this busy restaurant — and they frequently do — patio tables outside the restaurant's entrance offer a great outdoor option.

Perico's Mexican Cuisine: Huebner Oaks 11075 I-10 W., 210-691-3636; 1439 E. Sonterra Blvd. 210-402-6006; 10820 Bandera Road, 210-684-5376: Each location offers patio dining with lunch specials and happy hours.

Picante Grill: 3810 Broadway, 210-822-3797: Front patio includes lights and palm trees; rear patio known as “Frida Patio” with oak trees, flowers and candles.

Piatti: 255 E. Basse Road, Suite 500: 210-832-0300: While business meetings take place indoors, chill out with a drink and pasta at one of the few outdoor tables here.

Sea Island: multiple locations: Newly remodeled location at 5959 NW Loop 410, near Ingram Road, features an indoor/outdoor patio connection to a play area.

SoLuna Cocina Mexicana: 7959 Broadway, 210-930-8070: This outdoor patio is so lushly landscaped that you'll feel like you escaped the city, even though you're just yards away from Broadway.

Stella Public House: 1414 S. Alamo St., 210-277-7047; Halcyon, 1414 S. Alamo St., 210-277-7045: Whether you're looking for Neapolitan-style pizza at Stella or a full bar with interesting munchies and a weekend brunch at Halcyon, these sister venues offer outdoor seating.

Texas Pride Barbecue: 2980 E. Loop 1604 S., Adkins, 210-649-3730: Playscapes, a bandstand, dance floor, covered tables and more make this a popular spot to dine out.

Tre Trattoria: 4003 Broadway, 210-805-0333: Cuisine inspired by northern Italy. Features a patio with views of the Witte Museum and the northern edge of San Antonio River.

Two Step Restaurant and Cantina: 9840 W. Loop 1604 N., 210-688-2686: Live music often fills the outdoor patio. The margarita offerings are extensive.

20nine Restaurant and Wine Bar: 255 E. Basse Road, Suite 940, 210-798-9463: This inviting patio lends itself to a charcuterie plate and a wine flight.

Two Bros. BBQ Market: 12656 West Ave., 210-496-0222: A patio complete with playscape for kids and good barbecue that appeals to adults and kids of all ages.

Urban Taco: 290 E. Basse Road, Suite 105, 210-332-5149: A stylish small patio matches the equally stylish and tasty dishes.

etijerina@express-news.net

Karen Haram contributed to this report.