As if we needed new reasons to love the Pearl, a three-time James Beard Award nominated chef is adding his name to the list. Set to open in April, Otto’s Ice House is a restaurant and bar concept coming to 111 Newell Ave. from Houston hospitality star and fifth-generation Texan Levi Goode.
Marking Goode’s debut San Antonio concept, the ice house is named for Pearl Brewery founder Otto Koehler and pays homage to his legacy. As the story goes, the brewer had an affair with two women who shared the same name as his wife, Emma. When one of his mistresses fatally shot him, Otto’s wife took over the brewery and kept it running through Prohibition and beyond.
The ice house sits across the river from Hotel Emma, named for Otto’s wife and consistently listed among the best hotels in the world. At Otto’s, customers can imbibe under the shade of a historic oak tree, enjoying cold beer and a curated menu of Texas fare such as street tacos, bratwurst, Frito pie, and more.
Cocktails will include micheladas, a honeysuckle frozé, Otto’s Last Shot, and Damn Goode margaritas. The latter is a signature cocktail at Goode’s Houston hospitality concepts under his Goode Company restaurant group, which include Goode Co. Barbeque; Goode Co. Seafood; Goode Co. Taqueria; Goode Co. Kitchen and Cantina; and more.
“I love Texas and I love a good story, and Otto’s is an opportunity to pay homage to both,” Goode shared in a release. “Ice Houses and the Pearl are quintessentially Texan, and Otto Koehler’s story is too rich not to tell. This is a very exciting opportunity, and my team and I can’t wait to open our doors and welcome folks in.”
A rendering shows what's to come.Rendering courtesy of Kissling Architecture
This is the first San Antonio concept for Goode, who has garnered three James Beard Award nominations for his Goode Company restaurants. He is also the chef and owner of upscale concepts Credence and Sidebar, recently opened in Houston under his personal brand. Otto’s Ice House will likewise exist outside of the Goode Company restaurant brand.
“Otto’s Ice House is a fun addition to the Pearl neighborhood and we can’t wait to see San Antonio embrace its lore, welcoming spirit and refreshing menu offerings,” said Pearl CEO Mesha Millsap. “With its blend of history and hospitality, it’s sure to become a cherished part of our local tapestry.”
The development team for Otto’s includes Goode Company, Silver Ventures, Kissling Architecture, Troy Jessee Construction and Leslie Foster Interiors. An exact opening date is coming soon.
