Best Ice House, Best Michelada, Best Patio, Best Bar Patio

1. The Friendly Spot
943 S Alamo, (210) 224-2337, thefriendlyspot.com
With so many wins to its credit, you might think The Friendly Spot, tucked away in a mixed-use neighborhood just outside of downtown, might be too crowded to qualify for the mellow, beer-soaked vibe one expects from a good ice house. Truth be told, competition for seating can get a little fierce for a chair in the shade — but options expand when the sun sets and the after-work crowd, who know their pleasures better than most, start to tumble past on foot, in cars, and on bikes. As patio bars go, it's picture-perfect: a nice view, a lot of outdoor seating, a solid if unspectacular food menu, and a mind-boggling assortment of chilly beers. (Those seeking a bit more variety in the food choices might want to head down the road to the Alamo Street Eat-Bar, run by Friendly Spot founders Jody and Steve Newman, featuring much of the Spot's charm as well as a rotating lineup of superb food trucks.) Entertainment is engaging without being overbearing: a band here, a short film there, big sporting events on a blow-up big screen. But the real attraction is delicious, reasonably-priced brews, including not-to-be-missed micheladas, served to a truly diverse and funky clientele of local residents, off-site regulars, liberated office drones, and a relaxed night crowd. The Spot is friendly to kids and pets (increasingly both found in push strollers, we might add) without losing its easy-going feel. The staff is well-informed, and will happily steer you in the direction of new and interesting beers, but they're never intrusive or aggressive.

Best Ice House

2. Wurzbach Icehouse
10141 Wurzbach, (210) 877-2100, wurzbachicehouse.com
3. La Tuna Grill
100 Probandt, (210) 212-5727, latunagrill.com

Best Michelada

2. The Monterey
1127 S St Mary's, (210) 745-2581, themontereysa.com
3. Rosario's Mexican Café y Cantina
910 S Alamo, (210) 223-1806, rosariossa.com

Best Patio

2. Restaurant La Hacienda de Los Barrios
18747 Redland, (210) 497-8000, lhdlb.com
3. La Fogata
2427 Vance Jackson, (210) 340-1337, lafogata.com

Bar Bar Patio

2. Dixie's Bar and Patio
502 Embassy Oaks, Ste 128
3. Freetail Brewing Co. (Tie)
4035 N Loop 1604 W, Ste 105, (210) 395-4974, freetailbrewing.com
The Flying Saucer Draught Emporium
11255 Huebner, (210) 696-5080, beerknurd.com/stores/sanantonio
La Tuna Grill
100 Probandt, (210) 212-5727, latunagrill.com