San Antonio’s Sky-High Eats: Top 10 Rooftop Delights
When it comes to dining with a view, San Antonio has no shortage of amazing rooftop restaurants. Whether you’re looking for a vibrant atmosphere or a more relaxed setting, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a detailed look at some of the best rooftop restaurants in San Antonio and patio dining spots in San Antonio, complete with personal reviews based on my visits.
Paramour at The Phipps
Address
This is located at 102 9th St Floor 4, San Antonio, TX 78215, United States.
Overview
Paramour at The Phipps is the epitome of swankiness with its chic atmosphere and incredible city vistas. This stylish rooftop bar offers an impressive menu of creative cocktails, wines, and beers alongside a selection of small plates that are perfect for sharing.
My Review
Entering the virtual doors of Paramour, there is an overwhelming feeling of glamour and refinement. The interior is quite simple and up-to-date at the same time, which means it is perfect for regular meetings as well as celebrations. The views of San Antonio are quite stunning, particularly at night, especially from a helicopter perched above.
I began or dinner by ordering one of their specialty cocktails called the ‘Gin and Jam’ which is gin, house-made jam, and citrus. They were simply refreshing and balanced. For food, I restricted myself to the charcuterie board, which was served with a variety of cheeses, cured meats, and side dishes. Each dish was tasty with a unique flavor that started off the meals on a good note and can be recommended for a group of friends.
Overall, Paramour at The Phipps is a unique place to experience great drinks and tasty small plates. It is one of those destinations that you have to visit if you are interested in quality rooftop dining.
Bar 601
Address
This is located at Tower of the Americas, 739 E César E. Chávez Blvd, San Antonio, TX 78205, United States
Overview
Located atop the 750-foot-tall Tower of the Americas, Bar 601 offers unparalleled 360-degree views of the city. The menu is selected as American cuisine but with added elements that make it different from others such as being Texan.
My Review
Dining at Bar 601 is an experience like no other. Looking at the tall skyscraper the expectation which builds up is well fulfilled once you get to the top of the tower. This is rather a slowly rotating restaurant that always offers a different view of the San Antonio skyline.
As for me, I ordered Texas Ribeye; it was very delicious, the meat was tender and juicy, and it was served with garlic mashed potatoes and green beans seasoned with oil. The steak was yummy as usual and the side dishes were favorites. For dessert, I took pecan pie which remains to be Texas’s signature dish and clearly showed the richness in each bite.
It therefore makes Bar 601 a very good example of a unique rooftop restaurant with awesome scenery to complement its delicious meals. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to enjoy a memorable meal, this is the place to be.
1Watson
Address
This is located at 111 Soledad St, San Antonio, TX 78205, United States
Overview
1Watson is a bar and eatery that is located on the rooftop where it serves snacks and very good drinks. This restaurant also has brunch service available on both Saturdays and Sundays, so it is a good place for any meal.
My Review
1Watson has a comfortable and warm atmosphere that just invites you to come and study. The roofed space is very large and is conducive to a panoramic view of the surroundings without any obstructions. I went there on a Friday morning when they were offering their weekend brunch, and I must say it was enjoyable.
I began by ordering their Bloody Mary, it had the right mix of spices with the appropriate items for garnishing. For my meal, I ordered avocado toast served with poached eggs, and for the side, a portion of fruit. It means that the components used in the preparation of the meals were fresh and the decor was aesthetically appealing.
The other interesting thing that I noticed at 1Watson was that their customer relations were exceptional, and the environment was rather casual. If nothing else it is very relaxing to catch up with friends or it could be perfect for a casual Sunday brunch with the family.
The Moon’s Daughters
Address
This is located at 115 Lexington Ave, San Antonio, TX 78205, United States.
Overview
The Moon’s Daughters is situated on 20 th floor of the Thompson San Antonio Hotel which serves a fabulous view of the downtown. This is situated within the hotel and serves mostly cocktails and some bar foods, with the option for the customer to sit indoors or outdoors.
My Review
The Moon’s Daughters has an air of elegance and romance surrounding it. The interior design of the bar mixes internal and external decorations effectively to ensure that even during a rainy day, the guests will not be cut off from the beautiful view of nature. It offers comfortable armchairs, soft lighting, and exquisite decoration in a cozy environment.
My meal was the “Lunar Elixir,” which is gin, elderflower liqueur, fresh lemon juice, and a cherry. It was quite surprising; I liked that it was not dull and the choice of colors was different. For food, I tasted their lamb sliders and I must say, they were tender and juicy, and full of taste.
The Moon’s Daughters is distinctively classy – perfect for that lovely dinner for two or a fabulous girls’ night out. The location is worth to come for, the best cocktails and bites are toppers, though.
Silo Terrace Oyster Bar
Address
This is located at Access Road, 22211 I-10, San Antonio, TX 78256, United States
Overview
Silo Terrace Oyster Bar provides something special for the eye as it has a view of the city skyline and the San Antonio River. Their local fare includes fresh seafood, oysters, and several others which makes this place a seafood kingdom.
My Review
Silo Terrace Oyster Bar is something every seafood lover could only hope to find. The rooftop concept also enhances serving fresh and delicious meals while creating an ambiance for a great space. They chose more of a modern design with hints of marine style, which makes the interior quite calming.
It would be unfair to start a meal in a seafood restaurant without ordering a plate of a dozen of oysters on the half shell. They were so juicy, and the meat was served alongside some sauces. As for the main course, I ordered the grilled salmon and it was made to great tenderness alongside a side of grilled vegetables.
Seafood dishes at Silo Terrace are good my visit to this place was an exciting one as the venue offered an excellent view. It’s a great spot for a special dinner or a casual lunch with friends.
The SandBox
Address
This is located at 3700 N St Mary’s St, San Antonio, TX 78209, United States.
Overview
The SandBox, located at the Hotel Emma, offers a unique beachy vibe right in the heart of San Antonio. Awash with stunning views of the River Walk, this rooftop bar should appeal to those seeking to enjoy a cocktail or two amidst beautiful scenery. It offers an impressive list of creative and invigorating mixed drinks, combining it with appetizers to create a great atmosphere for either daytime or nighttime.
My Review
All in all, I had such a delightful experience on The SandBox. Upon walking in, the setting was believably tropical with soft sand on the floor and comfortable furniture. The selection of the cocktails on the menu looked quite spectacular offering classics along with modern twists.
I tasted the ‘River Walk Cooler,’ a gin and cucumber and mint beverage which tasted just fine owing to the warm summer. The sites of the River Walk were magnificent, making for great scenery on a leisurely eve. I received exceptionally good service from the staff and it made it enjoyable throughout. If one is craving the beach feel in San Antonio then The SandBox is a go-to- place.
Lush Rooftop
Address
This is located at 4553 N Loop 1604 W, San Antonio, TX 78249, United States
Overview
Lush Rooftop is known for its vibrant atmosphere and stunning views of the city. This open-air bar and lounge located on the rooftop is friendly for those looking for a place to have drinks with friends and sumptuous snacks. The interior design of the restaurant is bright and most of them are painted in different colors, and the music that is played in the restaurant is cheerful.
My Review
Lush Rooftop could not have been anything but vibrant, and it provided just the type of atmosphere one comes to expect. Exploring the city and the surrounding landscapes was fun and the aerial views of San Antonio especially at night were exquisite.
For me, to experiment, I ordered their best-selling cocktail called “Lush Lemonade,” made of vodka, lemonade, and raspberry. The bar was quite lively and filled with energy whilst the music playing in the background did not disturb the atmosphere it created. The crew was friendly and effectively made our glasses never run out of the drink. If you want to go out with friends and enjoy yourself in nice company then Lush Rooftop is a perfect place for this.
Biga on the Banks
Address
This is located at 3700 N St Mary’s St, San Antonio, TX 78209, United States.
Overview
Although not a traditional rooftop restaurant, Biga on the Banks features a spacious patio with excellent views of the River Walk and the city skyline. It is an award-winning restaurant that is deemed to serve customers specialty in contemporary American food making it one of the best places to have proper dinner.
My Review
It was great to be a guest at Biga on the Banks where the meal was delightful and very delicious. The living area was a cozy, open space with windows that offered pleasant views of the River Walk, ideal for a date night, though no utensils were provided. On this aspect, the menu was quite appealing considering that it included a range of meals prepared using fresh and locally sourced ingredients.
For the entree, I chose the pan-seared scallops which were exquisite and served with a mouth-watering risotto. The wine options were very varied and the wine waiter suggested a terrific wine to accompany our food. The quality of the service was superb with the personnel being conscious of the clientele at large. Biga on the Banks should be on everyone’s list if they want to try out some fine dining while marveling at the picturesque scenery available.
Zocca Cuisine d’Italia
Address
This is located at 420 W Market St, San Antonio, TX 78205, United States
Overview
Zocca Cuisine D’Italia is an old and reputable restaurant for everyone who appreciates Italian dishes in San Antonio. Situated tactically on the River Walk, it boasts a good terrace that serves as an outdoor sitting area. It has a vast variety of mouth-watering Italian foods ranging from pizzas, pasta, and risotto to sophisticated steaks.
My Review
I found excellence in the charming ambiance and mouthwatering food at Zocca Cuisine d’Italia. The arrangements of the natural environment, particularly the open-air set-up of the patio provided a pleasant ambiance with enough fresh air, and especially the sound of the river. For the appetizer I had the delicious bruschetta, every bite had a burst of flavor in it.
For the main course, I ordered the fettuccine Alfredo, this was very pleasing to the palate because it was creamy as fettuccine Alfredo should be. Tiramisu for dessert was nice and delicious and I enjoyed it as the last item in our meal. The personnel was friendly and from the state, we were welcomed to. Zocca is an ideal restaurant for comfortable, unpretentious Italian food with a view of the sea.
The River’s Edge Cafe & Patio Bar
Address
This is located at 200 S Alamo St, San Antonio, TX 78205, United States
Overview
The River’s Edge Cafe & Patio Bar offers a casual dining experience with a relaxed atmosphere. This cafe is positioned on the River Walk, and it offers several local foods, for instance, burgers, salads, and pizzas. The area is laid out on the patio, which makes it conducive for a relaxed meal with a great view.
My Review
I must say I was initially shocked by the pleasant surprise that was the River’s Edge Cafe & Patio Bar. As for the atmosphere of the restaurant, it was more laid-back and appropriate for lunch, especially in a beautiful light-hearted location by the River Walk. I also went for the beef classic cheeseburger but unfortunately, it was both juicy and tasty, accompanied by well-cooked fries.
The menu was very diverse and had an extensive list of all the familiar comfort foods, so people of all ages and in large groups would be comfortable eating there. The service was on time and the waiter, although not extremely friendly, did an excellent job of being attentive. Overall, the laid-back atmosphere and food quality at The River’s Edge Cafe & Patio Bar make it a wonderful restaurant for a casual dining experience in San Antonio.
Also Read: Top 12 Best Donuts In San Antonio
Conclusion
Spending time in San Antonio, and choosing rooftop restaurants can be a tough task as numerous options provide guests with delicious meals and beautiful views. Whether you want to grab some exotic drinks, or freshwater food, or want to have a relaxing dinner, San Antonio has an array of rooftop restaurants to offer. Redefining glamour in the new decade and beyond, these hottest rooftops stem from the elegance of Paramour at The Phipps to the sheer refinement of The Moon’s Daughters.
