San Antonio
Above photo taken at the Front Porch Bar & Grill in Bulverde.
Granted it’s been a while since many of us have been patio-hopping, though I have to admit that a great patio was always on my list of preferences when dining out.
Valentine’s Day will be here soon and surely with the long-prescribed hibernation, you’re eager to treat your sweetie to a romantic, delicious and COVID-safe experience.
Here are a few of my favorite patios; I’m trying to cover various areas of town and different types of food. Feel free to put a link to your favorites in the comments below.
CENTRAL – SoLuna – Locally owned by the Calvillo family, which also owns El Mirasol at 10003 NW Military Highway and El Mirasol at 938 North Loop 1604 W. The family has been in the restaurant business in SA since 1978 and many locals know them by name. Both of their other restaurants have fabulous patios, but SoLuna is my favorite.
CENTRAL – Dough Pizzeria Napoletana– Hidden in the Blanco Junction Shopping Center at 410 and Blanco Rd., Dough has some of the best Italian food in town and an upscale and charming outdoor dining area with heated patio seating.
NORTH – Aldaco’s – Blanca Aldaco is a familiar name to San Antonians. Her restaurant sits atop a hill in Stone Oak with amazing views for miles to see. This is a favorite place for happy hour, and the beautiful patio with twinkling lights makes for a particularly romantic spot.
NORTH – Luciano Ristorante Italiano – If you’re hanging out at the Shops at La Cantera, be sure to visit this location for a lovely sidewalk dining experience.
NORTH CENTRAL – Luce Ristorante e Enoteca at Huebner and I-10 has a beautiful patio surrounded by greenery. If it’s cool enough, the fireplace may also be lit. Luce is a romantic spot with authentic Italian cuisine and excellent happy hour snacks and drink specials.
WEST – Further west, Viola’s Ventanas comes highly recommended. Established by the Barrios family, owners of La Hacienda and Los Barrios restaurants, Viola’s Ventanas features Tex-Mex cuisine based on award-winning recipes perfected by Viola Barrios. The restaurant features a large outdoor dining area and offers a variety of home-style dishes, including slow cooked beef barbacoa, vegetarian fajitas and cabrita en salsa.
Wanna Get Out of the Big City?
BULVERDE – The patio at the Front Porch Bar & Grill makes you feel like you are in the wilderness; well you are, almost! The food is a different brand of casual with burgers, salads, sandwiches, appetizers and a full bar. If you want a more laid-back atmosphere or if you need to bring the kids or even your dog, The Front Porch Grill is a great bet.
FAR NORTH – Another favorite place for families is Spechts Texas patio, grill and bar in Bulverde, about 20 minutes north of Loop 1604 and Blanco Road. This old house with a huge backyard (and cows across the fence) may be just the place to do a little dancing to the live music on weekends. Or, just sit and enjoy the musicians while the kids play horseshoes in the grass. And yes, you can play horseshoes too…
NORTH-WEST – The Grey Moss Inn – Okay, how many of you remember this restaurant as THE place to go for very special events? It’s been around since 1929! This fine dining and picturesque restaurant always makes the list of most romantic restaurants in San Antonio and offers steaks, seafood, lamb and chicken, along with an extensive wine list and a charming, cozy ambience.
DOWNTOWN
Moving further east and south along the Riverwalk and Southtown areas, you’ll find La Focaccia Italian Grill, La Frite Belgian Bistro and, of course, Paesanos Riverwalk. Enjoy authentic Italian dishes, pizza and traditional focaccia bread baked in a wood-fired oven at La Focaccia. The patio at La Frite is simply the sidewalk along S. Alamo. The traffic and scooter riders zipping by make you feel as if you could actually be in Europe! Al fresco dining at Paesano’s gives you beautiful Riverwalk views.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day romantically and safely. Mask up, practice social distancing and make reservations. With COVID-19 restrictions in place, restaurants are seating at a limited capacity.
Please let us know about your favorite patio or romantic spot!