It’s Smiles Down At The Friendly Spot Ice House

Originally published by me on May 29, 2010 on UpTake.com.

These days San Antonio, Texas is quite the vacation destination for many people. We’ve hosted both the men’s and Women’s NCAA Final Four; tear up the town each year with Fiesta; and then there’s the world famous Riverwalk. When traveling, I think most of us look to hit the tourist spots, see as much as we can of what we think we are supposed to when visiting a new city. While I love that philosophy, you really can’t go to Rome and not see the Vatican, I firmly believe in living like a local when on vacation.

San Antonio, Texas has many historical areas of town, many dating back two to three hundred years: The Missions, San Fernando Cathedral and of course The Alamo. Not quite as well known outside of San Antonio, but just as historic, is the King William District. The  area started as farmland, getting it’s water from the San Antonio River, owned by the 1718 Mission San Antonio de Valero. In the  the 1800′s each of the missions were controlled by the Catholic Church. One of the missions, Mission Concepcion, was divided into various pieces in the mid-1800′s, creating what became the King William District.  Although not around quite as long yet, the King William District is now home to a restaurant that everyone can call their own; The Friendly Spot.

San Antonio is a bit of a dry spot in Texas and the United States when it comes to Craft beer and restaurants that will carry a good selection of it. Exceptions include The Freetail Brewing Co, Blue Star Brewing Co and few others in town. Well, last September The Friendly Spot Ice House moved into the King William District and livened up what was already a great art and music section of town. As you dry by you best be careful, as you will almost certainly miss it tucked away in the midst of many historic homes an businesses. It’s worth the search though.

As I approached, I instantly noticed the Alamo motif on the roof and tiki style bar that greet you with a warm hug. Yes, I said hug. The area is adorned with a lot of outdoor seating. Heck it seems that it’s mostly outdoor seating in fact. What a concept, a place is all outdoors. In Texas! But wait, in the back they boast another building with indoor seating and another  area to serve your food and libations.

I stopped by on a Sunday afternoon a few weeks ago when it was still nice enough to pull up a chair outside. In looking around I quickly noticed this was definitely an establishment geared to families. Behind me was a nice little play area for kids, fenced in and right near everyone else. Already I was enjoying being here and so were my kids, who headed over to the play area. It was great, we were all enjoying the sunny day, nice breeze and atmosphere.

Thirsty and a little hungry as well, I bellied up to the tiki bar and ordered a little something to eat. I did have to double take, as they had quite the selection of food to choose from, their own takes on traditional Tex-Mex. There definitely was something for everyone! What’s nice about The Friendly Spot, is that owner Steve Newman is really trying to make this a place where one can get a great Craft Beer , enjoy a little something to eat and enjoy friends and family. Oh, and he does have quite the selection of Craft Beer.

A quick look behind the bar, one notices a six section cooler chock full of beer. Steve does have many of your usual brews, but also seems to be focusing on Craft Beer. With selections from Stone Brewing Co, New Belgium, Oskar Blues, Deschutes, Chimay, Brooklyn Brewing Co and many others, I was easily able to find something I liked. Steve even sat down for a few minutes to say hello. It’s not often the owner takes the time to make sure his customers are doing well, let alone sit down for a few minutes! After talking for several minutes, Steve indicated a desire to increase the selection of American Craft beer in the coolers, as well as bring in breweries for Craft Beer dinners.

Needless to say, this is a place not just for locals, craft beer aficionados , but also for those who have come to the Alamo City for a little rest and relaxation. A definite must stop when in San Antonio and a great place to spend a few hours Memorial Day weekend!