Whether or not serving fanciful drinks or fundamental beers, the very best bars in San Antonio have one factor in widespread: Every has a lived-in ease that makes it really feel like a second residence. These are the spots the place locals go to kick up their heels with out having to place their finest foot ahead.
The 2025 CultureMap Tastemaker Award nominees for Bar of the 12 months embrace punk rock, nation music, and Tejano, however all are soundtracked by rowdy conversations and giggles. You are even prone to see our judges — lots of them previous winners — becoming a member of within the din.
Be there after we unveil the Bar of the 12 months winner — together with winners in seven different classes — on the Tastemaker Awards on April 10 at Briscoe Museum. VIP and normal admission tickets are nonetheless obtainable for our can’t-miss tasting occasion and awards celebration — get yours quickly.
However first, be part of us in elevating a glass to the 2025 San Antonio Bar of the 12 months nominees:
Blessed BogsideSan Antonio wallows in nostalgia, so when Francis Bogside moved from its authentic Southtown residence, there was some concern it could lose its appeal. Seems that second acts are the place many of the pleasure occurs. Now generally known as Blessed Bogside, the brand new locale’s maximalist inside lifts up the previous’s vampiric darkness, however the basis stays. It’s nonetheless the place to get town’s most well-crafted basic cocktails.
Bombay Bicycle ClubWho says that fern bars ought to be saved previously? The unique location of Bombay close to Brackenridge Park oozes ‘70s nostalgia, from the classic photographs on the wall to the Victorian bric-a-brac hanging from the ceiling. The Hemisfair sequel takes the hodgepodge vibes into the modern age. Each are unimaginable spots for a margarita paired with bean and cheese nachos.
Chiflada’s Cocktail BarThis West Aspect hangout isn’t a shot bar, but it surely’s uncommon to search out somebody who gained’t participate within the salud. A part of that’s the worth; a part of it’s puro Alamo Metropolis flavors like tamarindo and Piccadilly. Extra so, it’s that the spot will get right into a groove each evening the place the comfortable chatter threatens to drown out the deejay.
El Honky TonkSan Antonio has a hyperlink to nation music that threads by means of George Strait, Steve Earle, and the Texas Tornados, however till not too long ago, it hasn’t had a honky tonk downtown. This newcomer took care of that vexing downside with an environment that’s half Texas roadhouse, half small-town dance corridor. City cowboys will likely be glad that the drink menu is cosmopolitan. Attempt the Hank Williams with apricot liqueur, lime, and — what else? — Tennessee whiskey.
Elsewhere – Backyard Bar & KitchenWalk proper previous these River Stroll bars with brilliant logos and Day-Glo cocktails. Elsewhere brings the celebration with out the sugar hangover. Take full benefit of it throughout the spring, when the flora is the greenest and the (fake) flowers are in full bloom. When summer season temps rage, change from a Texas stout to a seltzer and sit as shut as you’ll be able to to a mister.
Holy Diver Tiki LoungeWhile lots of its contemporaries pour on particular results worthy of Industrial Mild and Magic, this speakeasy-style attic bar retains the ambiance lo-fi, however the cocktails deliver sufficient whiz-bang growth. Devoted classics meet curious originals and mocktails with precise depth. The Kava Bowl, meant for 4 friends, is stuffed with thunder and lightning.
Gimme GimmeLike the Ramones track it references, this Southtown bar does essentially the most with three cords. The decor could also be stripped down, however the stellar cocktails, conversational workers, and distinctive meals amp up what may have been a run-of-the-mill dive. Seize one of many cubicles with some reformed punk rock buddies and picture how rad it could be if CBGB made it into maturity.
Tony’s SiestaSure, few native drinks are as welcome as a Tony’s fresca and the resident meals vans completely go off. True, the again patio is a necessary perch to atone for San Antonio chisme. However this near-downtown bar is on the high of its class for one thing else. Whether or not there for a pop-up market or a date, you are assured to search out just a few buddies within the combine. Name it a bar, but it surely’s additionally a neighborhood.-
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The Tastemaker Awards ceremony is delivered to you by The Yuengling Firm, Jim Beam Black, H-E-B, PicMe Occasions, and extra to be introduced quickly. A portion of the proceeds will profit our nonprofit accomplice, Culinaria.
