Boneshakers uproots and joins the beer revival of the Hays Street Bridge

After calling the Southside bank of the San Antonio River home for almost two years, Boneshakers is now shaking things up east of downtown after relocating to the Dignowity Hill Historic District. Formerly down the road from the Mission San José, the beer and bicycle hub currently finds itself adjacent to another historical landmark, the resurrected Hays Street Bridge, and the controversial future site of a microbrewery spearheaded by the Alamo Beer Co.

Growing pains are mostly responsible for the big move, but general manager JP Perez was also in search of a community they could call home. "There was a lot that we were trying to do and the old space became too small," said Perez. "We also really wanted to become part of a community and the Dignowity Hill neighborhood and association have really welcomed us with open arms."

Initially scouting a few spots near the Pearl Brewery, Perez felt the Hays Street Bridge better signified Boneshakers' beginnings. "We began near a pedestrian and bike path and felt the Hays Street Bridge kept us true to our roots," he said.

Although the aforementioned City-subsidized microbrewery faced a surge of opposition, Perez is happy with the forthcoming change. "I am really excited about Alamo Beer joining the neighborhood; it is really going to help reinvigorate the area and the bridge," he said. Aside from their monumental change in location, Boneshakers has undergone a mini facelift by way of an expansive kitchen. Still tossing their popular pizzas, the pub has implemented a "fresh and local" approach, while adding paninis, salads, and even Beerscream (beer ice cream) to the menu, featuring local ice screamers Brindles Awesome Ice Creams and native dough darlings Sol Y Luna Baking Co. "Food, being a big part of what we want to do, we needed the room for a legit kitchen," said Perez.

Also trying to lure in the brunch crowd, chicken and secret recipe Belgian beer waffles along with bottomless mimosas are in full effect on weekends. One thing that hasn't changed is the solid beer selection. The penchant for quality craft beer is reflected in the daily scribbled chalkboard selections and 20 taps dedicated to Texas breweries such as Live Oak, (512), and Independence (the Convict Hill Oatmeal Stout is dangerously delicious). Yes, these Texan beers are household names here, but beer devotees will be happy to know that other thirst-quenching gems such as Bikini Blonde from Maui Brewing Co. and Mexican Logger from Ska Brewing Co. have been added to the astute roster.

Hopheads will find solace in the medley of IPAs, including Tommyknocker's Pick Axe and Breckenridge's Lucky U. And for those like me who enjoy drinking a little of San Antonio's history, Pearl beer is proudly served. "Beer, bands, and bicycles" has always been the mantra of Boneshakers, but with big change swirling around its new digs, and an upcoming second anniversary, this young gastropub is still evolving — with the times, the Dignowity neighborhood, and the Hays Street Bridge.