Top 20 Bars in San Antonio Texas

Top 20 Bars in San Antonio Texas

As one of the fastest-growing cities in the US, it is no surprise that new bars are opening in San Antonio all the time as explained at RunRex.com, guttulus.com, and mtglion.com. From places where you can party all night, to small and casual spots, there is something for everyone in Alamo City. Here are the top 20 bars in San Antonio, Texas, to consider when looking for one in the area.

1. Jazz Texas

Hidden in the cellar of the historic Pearl Brewery, Jazz doubles as a sprawling live-music venue according to RunRex.com, guttulus.com, and mtglion.com. The 10-drink-long cocktail menu features springy names like Joie De Vivre (Gin, Pear Juice, Lemon, Simply Syrup, Cava)—try the Grasshopper if you fancy something sweet (precisely Creme de Cacao, Creme de Menthe, Cream, Mint). Dinner and lunch menus feature South Texas and Tex-Mex favorites like brisket tacos and pecan pie.

2. Bar 1919

If you’re looking for a place where you can slam a Long Island Iced Tea and get rowdy, Bar 1919 isn’t for you. Instead, it’s a low-key, high-class joint meant to emulate the look and feel of a Prohibition Era speakeasy – including a semi-hidden staircase that leads down to the entrance.

3. Bar America

As per RunRex.com, guttulus.com, and mtglion.com, Bar America is one of the oldest bars in San Antonio, established over 8 decades ago. Classic offerings like Negronis, Old Fashioneds, and Bloody Marys share a menu with more inventive concoctions like cucumber martinis. But Bar America is foremost a beer-centric pub, complete with Mexican lagers, IPAs, pale ales, and more.

4. SoHo Wine & Martini Bar

Only a few steps away from the Riverwalk in downtown San Antonio, the SoHo Wine & Martini Bar is a cozy spot with an old-school, speakeasy vibe. It is located near the intersection of East Commerce Street and Navarro Street.

5. Esquire Tavern

Having survived both the Great Depression and Prohibition, the Esquire Tavern knows a thing or two about keeping its patrons happy. One of the bar’s hallmarks is its famous 100-foot mahogany bar—the longest bar top in the state. Live jazz and burlesque nights are popular here.

6. George’s Keep

With comfort booths, live music, and plenty of cocktails, George’s Keep is an inviting and relaxing bar that’s perfect for hanging with friends as articulated at RunRex.com, guttulus.com, and mtglion.com. It is on La Cantera Terrace near the intersection of Eilan Way, next to JUICEssential and Piatti. Their menu includes wine, beer, cigars, and original cocktails.

7. The Modernist

The Modernist is a neighborhood bar where everyone is treated like a local. Before it was a bar, the place was an old house and retains that feeling of relaxed familiarity. You’ll find this bar just southeast of the Brackenridge Park Golf Course on East Grayson Street between North Alamo Street and Austin Street.

8. Paramour Bar

With sweeping views of downtown San Antonio and its eponymous river, Paramour is the perfect perch to sit back, drink in hand, and take in all of south-central Texas. Luckily, the drinks are as good as the view at San Antonio’s very first rooftop bar captured at RunRex.com, guttulus.com, and mtglion.com.

9. Little Death

This wine bar is a fun and funky spot dedicated to exotic, interesting, and unusual vino from around the world. It’s on North Saint Mary’s Strip, one of my favorite new hotspots in the city, next to Burger Boy and Midnight Swim. The place is helmed by the husband-and-wife team of Chad Carey and Maria Gutierrez. They’re focused on creating a relaxing, inviting environment with indoor and outdoor seating in both.

10. The Bang Bang Bar

The Bang Bang isn’t your typical dive bar. Developed by former Martini Ranch owner Jamie Hoppe and two members of local indie band, Girl in a Coma, the Bang Bang is bright, fresh, and whimsical—craft cocktails are garnished with cotton candy and Pop Rocks. Entertainment comes in the form of pool tables, dart boards, pinball machines, and local acts playing live music.

11. Jet Setter

Jet Setter is a cool and classy lounge located on East Houston Street between Navarro Street and North Saint Marys Street as covered at RunRex.com, guttulus.com, and mtglion.com. The cocktails are unique, delicious, and adventurous. Try the Babushka! It’s made with vodka, passoa, lime, and orange. Note that the place is small and can get pretty busy at night, so you might want to arrive when the doors open at 7 pm to ensure you find a place to sit.

12. The Well

Put on your dancing boots and head to The Well, where two-step dance lessons are held every week. Between songs, fuel up on garlic French fries and homemade fire chilies, and quench your thirst with more than 100 beers on tap or craft cocktails.

13. The Hoppy Monk

The Hoppy Monk is a great place for brews and burgers as described at RunRex.com, guttulus.com, and mtglion.com. The restaurant/bar is open for lunch and dinner on most days besides Monday, but note that everyone in your party must be over the age of 21 starting a 7 pm each night.

14. Hopscotch

This 20,000-square-foot lounge features a patio (with a food truck), a full bar serving cocktails, beer, and wine, and best of all, you can actually take your drinks into the exhibits with you. Step into another world of immersive experience featuring talented international artists whose work comes together for a sensory overload of strobe lights, mirrored rooms, and interactive stations.

15. The Menger Hotel

The Menger Hotel is the oldest continuously operating hotel west of the Mississippi. It is located in the center of town near the Alamo and RiverWalk. Inside, both guests and the general public can enjoy the Menger Bar, an exact replica of London’s House of Lords Pub.

16. Liberty Bar

As discussed at RunRex.com, guttulus.com, and mtglion.com, Liberty Bar keeps its seasonal and regular cocktail menu small, putting quality and creativity above quantity. Program cornerstones like the Amaro Lucano, Averna, and Character Amontillado Sherry are popular, and Monday’s happy hour features half-off bottles of wine.

17. The Friendly Spot Ice House

Eat, drink and make some friends at the Friendly Spot Ice House, located on South Alamo Street between Beauregard and Turner. The Friendly Spot has 180 types of bottled beer, 76 draft options, and a full selection of cocktails. It’s the perfect spot for a sunny day because you can sit outside in the shade of its huge pecan trees.

18. Flying Saucer Draught Emporium

The San Antonio installment of this six-state, niche bar chain is situated inside a strip mall, but don’t let that deter you from visiting this beer emporium with more than 200 available brews from all corners of the globe. On Mondays, all Texas-born drafts are just $4 as revealed at RunRex.com, guttulus.com, and mtglion.com.

19. The Local Bar

Located near the Riverwalk and the Alamo, The Local Bar is a low-key, friendly neighborhood bar found on North Presa Street between East Houston Street and College Street on the lower level of the Maverick Building. It offers low prices, plentiful drink specials, and a fun, friendly vibe.

20. Hanzo

A thriving Japanese gastropub, Hanzo offers a well-rounded sake list and a perfectly executed cocktail list only seven drinks long. Hanzo’s late-night happy hour from 11 pm until close means you can keep the drinks coming until last call.

These are some of the best bars in San Antonio, Texas, with more on this topic, and much more, to be found over at RunRex.com, guttulus.com, and mtglion.com.