San Antonio may be known as the historic Alamo City, but boy do they know how to bring the party. From swanky speakeasies and rooftops to riverside patios and wine bars, there is a bar for every kind of person to find their drink of choice. Use this list to plan your relaxing patio moment or rowdy night out!
Updated April 2021
THE ESQUIRE TAVERN
THE ESQUIRE TAVERN
Serving classic cocktails since 1933, The Esquire Tavern is San Antonio's oldest bar. Set on the Riverwalk, this bar has a classy vibe with a dark and moody ambiance, perfect for a date night. Head downstairs to lounge right on the river or grab a drink upstairs at the longest wooden top bar in Texas!
RIVERWALK | DIRECTIONS
Photo courtesy of The Esquire Tavern
STERNEWIRTH
STERNEWIRTH
In the Pearl District at Hotel Emma, Sternewirth is one of the hottest bars in all of San Antonio. The vaulted ceilings and historic cellar give it an industrial vibe with a southern flare. Sit back and relax at the swanky bar serving craft cocktails from Apple in the Alley to their signature Three Emmas drink that even has a scandalous story behind it!
PEARL | DIRECTIONS
Photo courtesy of Sternewirth
BAR 1919
BAR 1919
Can you keep a secret? With its classy feel and jazzy vibe, this speakeasy style bar will take you back to the prohibition era. Once you find the hidden entrance, go down the dimly lit stairs and find top shelf liquor, fun drinks from a blue grass fizz to an upside down pineapple.
SOUTHTOWN | DIRECTIONS
Photo courtesy of Bar 1919
LITTLE DEATH
LITTLE DEATH
Down on the St. Mary's Strip, Little Death is not your mainstream wine bar. With its bright colors and murals lining the exterior, you're in for an unconventional wine tasting experience. Prepared for your taste buds to be wowed, as you won't find these unique wines at your local grocery store.
TOBIN HILL | DIRECTIONS
Photo courtesy of Little Death
HOWL AT THE MOON
HOWL AT THE MOON
Down on the Riverwalk, this bar is the life of the party. Split one of their tropical buckets with friends while jamming out with the live performers on stage. Dance the night away under the disco ball and even howl at the moon if you please!
RIVERWALK | DIRECTIONS
Photo courtesy of Howl at the Moon
PARAMOUR
PARAMOUR
Set in the Museum District on the River Walk, this bar will make all your rooftop dreams come true. Paramour brings the playful energy, with its bright velvet couches and abstract paintings lining the walls. The neon signs illuminate the rooftop, just waiting for that Instagrammable picture to be taken. Be sure to attend their drag brunch and latin night for an extra spicy time!
RIVERWALK | DIRECTIONS
Photo courtesy of Paramour
HIGH STREET WINE CO.
HIGH STREET WINE CO.
In the playful Pearl district, this wine bar has some high standards. The corner bar with an open patio keeps it light and airy, while the interior has a modern touch. Split a flatbread or charcuterie board with friends while sipping on a wine flight or a refreshing glass of cider.
PEARL | DIRECTIONS
Photo courtesy of High Street
THE MODERNIST
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. Instead of order a drink off the menu, tell the bartender what you like and they'll personalize a cocktail just for you!
MIDTOWN | DIRECTIONS
Photo courtesy of The Modernist
ALAMO BEER CO.
ALAMO BEER CO.
Named after the famous Alamo, this is not just a brewery, but an open concept beer hall. Serving up some of the best beer in town, pair your local brew with a giant Bavarian pretzel and bier cheese dip. After a few beers, go embrace your competitive side with a game of corn hole on the lawn with friends!
EASTSIDE | DIRECTIONS
Photo courtesy of Alamo Beer Co.
THE FRIENDLY SPOT
THE FRIENDLY SPOT
This ice house in Southtown is THE neighborhood gathering place. Their friendly hour lasts all day long, so bring your entourage and chill out on the patio for a drink and some good old Vitamin D. With a dozen TVs to watch the game and a large kids play structure, there is fun for the entire family!
SOUTHTOWN | DIRECTIONS
Photo courtesy of The Friendly Spot
GEORGE'S KEEP
GEORGE'S KEEP
Just north of town in the elegant Eilan development, George's Keep will definitely catch your eye. Feel like you've been whisked away to France with the European style buildings and fountains surrounding the property. From a classic old fashioned to fun drinks like Peach Betta Have My Money, they have cocktails for every type of person!
FAR NORTHWEST SIDE | DIRECTIONS
Photo courtesy of George's Keep
SANCHO'S
SANCHO'S
In the Five Points district, Sancho's is a rooftop bar, cocina and cantina all in one. Serving mouthwatering Mexican eats, order a plate of empanadas to go with your margarita or Mexican beer as you enjoy the live music playing out on the patio.
FIVE POINTS | DIRECTIONS
Photo courtesy of the Sancho's
BANG BANG BAR
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
Photo courtesy of Bang Bang Bar