COCKTAIL BARS
LA RUINA
Escape to Cuba or Panama at this Downtown cocktail spot that pays homage to "Tropical America" from Old Havana to Colon to Salvador, and everything in between. The name stems from the building itself - the owners renovated the historic Robitzsch Brothers Grocery Store, a "ruin" that they revived, to create a really special place that makes you feel like you just took a quick vacation down South.
Downtown | Directions
photo courtesy of La Ruina
BAR 1919
Considered one of the best bars in San Antonio, Bar 1919 has been a cocktail institution since it opened in 2012. It's a prohibition-era speakeasy, found in the Blue Star Complex, with an emphasis on whiskey (they only have one type of vodka but hundreds of whiskeys!) If you want music to pair with your drink, stop by on the third Thursday of the month for live jazz!
Southtown | Directions
THE MODERNIST
As soon as you enter the mint green door of this cozy house turned bar, you'll feel like you've traveled back in time. With its midcentury modern aesthetic and bright decor, it gives off major 70's vibes. The aspect that makes the Modernist stand out though? It's a no-menu bar! Just go up and tell the bartender what you like and they'll personalize a cocktail just for you!
Midtown | Directions
BAR LORETTA
Go for the food, stay for the cocktails! Bar Loretta, found in a 100-year old building, is technically a restaurant foremost, but they are known for their killer cocktails. This elevated Texas-focused spot is a great stop on an elevated-cocktail tour of the neighborhood, where you'll find other adorable restaurant-bars in historic homes!
King William | Directions
PASTISCHE
Travel to Europe via this adorable house of a cocktail bar on the Eastside. Patische has a Belle Epoque feel, Art Nouveau decor, a giant signature PICKLES sign and a resident cat! To drink, try one of their French-inspired cocktails, you can't go wrong with any, they are all beautifully crafted.
Eastside | Directions
HOTEL BARS
STERNEWIRTH
Located at the Hotel Emma, Sternewirth is one of the most iconic bars in San Antonio with its vaulted ceilings, 25 ft fermentation tanks, amazing prohibition history and industrial vibe with a southern flare. If you can snag a seat in one of the former beer tanks, you'll have the best seat in the house! And make sure to order their signature Three Emmas cocktail and ask your server about its scandalous story.
Pearl District | Directions
photo courtesy of Hotel Emma
MENGER
A bar since 1887, built as a replica of London's House of Lords Pub, Menger is one of the most historic bars in the country, and if you love presidential history, you will definitely want to stop here. This hotel bar is where Teddy Roosevelt recruited his Rough Riders, and there's memorabilia to tell the story today. It's also a great choice for a drink after a hot day of walking around the Alamo, as it's right next door!
Downtown | Directions
HAVANA BAR
From the masterminds behind the Bunkhouse Hotel Group, comes a Cuban hotel and its subsequent intimate basement bar. Blue walls, an eclectic mix of leather and velvet seating and candles flickering to give you an old-world escape from the bustling Riverwalk above. If you love rum drinks, make sure to try the Havana Mule.
Downtown | Directions
WINE BARS
LITTLE DEATH
Down on the St. Mary's Strip, Little Death is not your mainstream wine bar. This natural wine bar and shop feature colorful wall to wall murals that line the exterior, and inside, you can taste unique and rare wines that you will have a hard time finding anywhere else! It's one super fun and unconventional wine tasting experience!
Tobin Hill | Directions
Photo courtesy of Little Death
RE:ROOTED URBAN WINERY
A wine bar like no other, in a different way than Little Death! Re:rooted is an urban winery using 100% Texas grown fruit, that's been "re-rooted" from Fredericksburg to their kegs in San Antonio. And if you're thinking that the wines won't be good because of the Texas grapes, think again! Their wines are really good and Re:Rooted is well worth the visit for any wine aficionado.
Hemisfair | Directions
HIGH ST WINE BAR
If you're wandering the Pearl District and need a relaxing break, head to the James Beard Semifinalist spot (for Outstanding Wine Program) for a glass of wine and a "create-your-own" board of cheeses, chocolates, charcuterie and snacks. If the weather is nice, we recommend the patio!
Pearl District | Directions
SCORPION
A Peruvian cafe on the Eastside, Scorpion is all about natural wines in a minimalist atmosphere, and paired with creative, seasonal dishes and shareables from vegan caesar salads with chili oil to bread boards and charcuterie.
Eastside | Directions
ROOFTOPS
THE MOON'S DAUGHTER
Twenty stories above San Antonio, find a Mediterranean oasis featuring craft cocktails, fresh appetizers and stunning views! You can't go wrong no matter what time you are up there - for sunset, to see the city all lit up at night etc, but if you love music, catch a live band on Tuesdays or DJs on the weekends!
North Riverwalk | Directions
Photo courtesy of The Thompson
PARAMOUR
Set in the Museum District on the Riverwalk, Paramour marries a stunning view with playful energy, complete with bright velvet couches and abstract paintings lining the walls. The neon signs illuminate the rooftop, perfect for all of your pictures. Be sure to attend their drag brunch and latin night for an extra spicy time!
Museum District | Directions
PATIOS
ELSEWHERE GARDEN BAR
Elsewhere Garden Bar is like nowhere you've ever been. It's everything all at once in the best way possible: all the decor from hanging flowers to neon letters to giant giraffes; all the events from singles mixers to live music to performers and more; and all the animals as in they allow any domesticated animals. It's a wild place, and they strive to guarantee you won't want to be anywhere else!
River North | Directions
Courtesy of Elsewhere Garden Bar
THE FRIENDLY SPOT
This ice house in Southtown is THE neighborhood gathering place, open 12pm-12am daily! It's a funky, casual and quintessential Texas patio bar, with a dozen TVs to watch the (Spurs) game, a large kids' play structure to keep them occupied, and it's super dog friendly too.
Southtown | Directions
ALAMO BEER HALL
If it's a brewery you seek, Alamo Beer Hall is a great choice for a huge, family-friendly space complete with live music, brewery tours and special events including karaoke, car shows, vendor markets and more!
Downtown | Directions
LIVE MUSIC
LUNA
This swanky, retro live music club is such a fun spot to visit, and the vibes are on point too with fun wallpaper, 60's decor and a shimmering stage background. Music starts at 9pm Thursday-saturdays and seating is first come, first serve, but dust off your dancing shoes as you won't be sitting for too long! Music ranges from R&B to funk to blues, soul, Americana and more.
North Central | Directions
JAZZ, TX
If you love jazz music, then this is the spot for you! Jazz, TX started after a popular jazz trio needed a permanent home, and now the beloved bar hosts 90 minute ticketed shows Tuesday through Saturday across a variety of genres, but that all have one thing in common...JAZZ!
Pearl District | Directions
UNIQUE TREASURES
HUGMAN'S OASIS
Transport yourself to the South Pacific via Hugman's Oasis, aka the ultimate tiki bar! Everything is themed and encapsulates perfectly tiki culture, from the drinks, to the vessels, decor, food and atmosphere. The bartenders are super knowledgeable and know how to make one amazing tropical cocktail, too.
Downtown | Directions
HOPSCOTCH
An art gallery with a bar! Hopscotch is an immersive space with 15 installations created by dozens of local and national artists, that are all seriously cool and reminiscent of Meow Wolf. After exploring, stop by their cosmic-themed lounge for a cocktail and some bites.
Downtown | Directions
CHERRITY BAR
A bar with a purpose, Cherrity has a truly amazing concept where they support local non profits by giving back 100% of its profits to the patron-selected charity of the month! They also host great community events like yoga and vendor markets, and have a Japanese pop up, Kuriya, serving up tasty dishes for hungry customers.
Historic Gardens | Directions
LATE NIGHT SPOTS
BANG BANG BAR
This local spot is a dive bar with a vintage twist. Picture vinyl records spinning to your favorite songs with mismatched furniture for an eclectic flare. Kick back and relax or play some ski ball in the game room and be sure to order the house specify shot that comes with pop rocks!
North San Antonio | Directions
AMOR ETERNO
This purple-tinted Tejano themed cocktail bar creates delicious colorful and fruity cocktails that pairs perfectly with a DJ and dancing through the night on the weekends.
Southtown | Directions
HANDS DOWN
"Hot freaks and cool drinks" is the slogan of this trendy yet casual bar in the up-and-coming Lavaca area. Enjoy unique wines, Amari-forward cocktails and a funky, disco vibe for a "hands-down" good time!
Lavaca | Directions
