The Friendly Spot, an exuberant hidden gem in San Antonio’s trendy Southtown, is a place for you to meet up with coworkers and discuss your latest prosperity or woe. Catch up and relax with friends while your children climb on the nearby wooden playground. Have a promising first date or clarify why a relationship has reached its finale. No matter your mood, there’s ALWAYS a reason to visit The Friendly Spot.
As a mainstay since the 1930s, The Friendly Spot once stood at the corner of Alamo and Beauregard Street as a modest gas station. An ice house, where people originally went to buy necessities, began thriving during the late 70s and early 80s. Captivated by the place’s charm and live music, hordes of people swung by on weekends. Listening to music by the Smith Brothers and an early form of the Dukes became a frequent occurrence. The Friendly Spot attracted huge crowds and became more than a convenience store- it became a beacon for relaxation.
Reopening in 2015 at 943 South Alamo Street with a new sense of purpose and facelift, it’s as hip as ever. A relaxing layout with multiple picnic tables, lounge chairs, thriving play set, and shed with comfortable seating will allow you to indulge in the company of others. With three hundred bottle and can brews, seventy-six taps, an appetizing menu and daily specials — it’s no wonder why the place is… friendly. Open from noon to midnight every day, this establishment has left an impression for rejuvenating yourself (The Friendly Spot: Let’s Be Friends).
Their beloved victor, the Michelada, is equal parts: spicy and savory. This cerveza preparada, similar to a bloody Mary, is one of the top reasons why you should visit. You have a bountiful amount of craft drinks to choose from here. There’s no way you’ll have a bad drink with their selection. Pop open a barrel shaped Sessions lager or wine based Margarita. Sip on a cooling IPA while taking in the King William District’s Victorian scenery during a First Friday.
Grab some delicious eats along with your ice chilled beer. Try out their savory chili cheese fries with cheddar, queso, jack, house made chili, cream, and escabeche. If you’re feeling daring, get their light fish tacos infused with mahi, slaw, chipotle cream, and pineapple pico. Vegetarian options like their edamame-jasmine veggie burger, quesadilla filled with squash, and portobello adobo tacos are similarly flavorful and delectable.
Self-Awareness, the act of taking time to reflect and detox your mind, might have you searching for a location to unwind. The Friendly Spot should be your destination to do just that. It’s a place where you can take your dog, read that novel you’ve been longing to do, watch a Spurs game on their slab cinema, or exchange small talk with a kind stranger. Although the temperature is hot, shade, and cool beverages are abundant here. The Friendly Spot will help you survive San Antonio’s sweltering heat in a welcoming cozy atmosphere. Take a trip and visit!
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