South Texas warmth doesn’t imply staying trapped in your room. San Antonio’s wealthy previous presents a cool, darkish refuge the place you’ll be able to sip classic spirits surrounded by mahogany woodwork, brass fixtures, and many years of native lore.
Whether or not you’re entering into the legendary spots the place historic figures made historical past or retreating beneath the River Stroll for a contemporary craft elixir, these historic bars in San Antonio supply the right mix of iced cocktails, excessive air con, and unmatched ambiance.
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Associated Content material: Greatest Steakhouse in San Antonio, Rooftop Bars San Antonio, and Date Evening Concepts San Antonio
Greatest Historic Bars in San Antonio: Iconic Lodge & River Stroll Lounges
The Menger Bar at The Menger Lodge
Picture credit score: The Menger Lodge – San Antonio Fb
Step out of the solar and into 1887 at this legendary Victorian consuming den positioned proper subsequent to the Alamo. Well-known for being the precise spot the place Teddy Roosevelt recruited his Tough Riders in 1898, the bar options darkish mahogany wooden imported from London, beveled mirrors, and a refreshingly chilled, air-conditioned inside. Order an Outdated Long-established—the home specialty—and admire the historic memorabilia on show whereas beating the warmth.
Working Hours: Sunday – Thursday – 12 pm – 11 pm | Friday – Saturday 12 pm – 12 amWhere: 204 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, TX 78205How A lot: Cocktails $14 – $18; Beer & Wine $7 – $12
The Esquire Tavern
Opened on December 5, 1933, to rejoice the repeal of Prohibition, The Esquire Tavern holds the title of the oldest bar on the River Stroll and boasts Texas’s longest picket bar high at over 100 toes. It’s a James Beard Award-nominated area full of cozy cubicles, low ambient lighting, and highly effective air con. It’s perfect for settling in for a day of luxurious cocktail bars-level mixology away from the humidity.
Working Hours: Sunday – Thursday 11:30 am – 12 am | Friday – Saturday 11:30 am – 2 am |The place: 155 E Commerce St, San Antonio, TX 78205How A lot: Specialty Cocktails $13 – $17; Meals Plates $12 – $22
Downstairs at The Esquire Tavern
Positioned straight beneath the primary tavern on the river stage, this subterranean lounge supplies an extra-cool escape from the downtown warmth. With darkish wooden, leather-based banquettes, dim lantern lighting, and an intensive listing of agave spirits, uncommon elixirs, and bespoke AC drinks, Downstairs presents an intimate, speakeasy-style vibe for late-night tipples.
Working Hours: Wednesday – Thursday & Sunday 5 pm – 12 am | Friday – Saturday 6 pm – 2 amWhere: 155 E Commerce St (Basement Degree), San Antonio, TX 78205How A lot: Draft & Bottled Cocktails $14 – $20; Small Plates $10 – $24
The Buckhorn Saloon & Museum
Picture credit score: The Buckhorn Saloon and Museum Fb
Working for over 130 years, The Buckhorn Saloon is a cornerstone of historic downtown SA bars. That includes its unique hand-carved marble and cherrywood bar, this spacious, climate-controlled venue permits you to sip chilly craft beers or traditional cocktails whereas surrounded by legendary Texas taxidermy and historic artifacts.
Working Hours: Sunday – Thursday 10 am – 5 pm | Friday – Saturday 10 am – 6 pmWhere: 318 E Houston St, San Antonio, TX 78205How A lot: Drinks $6 – $14; Museum Admission required for full tour entry
The St. Anthony Membership at The St. Anthony Lodge
For an elevated expertise in historic luxurious cocktail bars, head into The St. Anthony Lodge. Established in 1909 as a personal membership for Texas oil barons and socialites, this gilded bar options crystal chandeliers, velvet seating, and crisp air con. Order a traditional martini or signature cocktail in certainly one of San Antonio’s grandest historic lodge settings.
Working Hours: Sunday – Thursday 4 pm – 10 pm | Friday – Saturday 4 pm – 12 amWhere: 300 E Travis St, San Antonio, TX 78205How A lot: Craft Cocktails $16 – $22; Wine by the glass $14 – $25
Bar 1919
Picture credit score: Bar 1919 San Antonio Fb
Tucked away within the basement of Blue Star Complicated in Southtown, Bar 1919 pays homage to the pre-Prohibition period with a large assortment of whiskeys, customized ice packages, and handcrafted AC drinks. The darkish, subterranean setting retains the temperature low and the ambiance speakeasy-cool, making it a high cease for craft cocktail lovers.
Working Hours: Tuesday – Friday 4 pm – 2 am | Saturday – Sunday 12 pm – 2 am | Monday ClosedWhere: 1420 S Alamo St, San Antonio, TX 78204How A lot: Handcrafted Cocktails $12 – $18
Sternewirth at Lodge Emma
Housed contained in the historic 1894 Pearl Brewery advanced, Sternewirth at Lodge Emma showcases hovering 26-foot ceilings, huge unique cast-iron fermentation tanks transformed into cozy personal cubicles, and plush leather-based seating. It is without doubt one of the premier luxurious cocktail bars in San Antonio, providing an icy, air-conditioned refuge alongside customized craft libations.
Working Hours: Monday – Thursday 3 pm – 12 am | Friday – Saturday 12 pm – 2 am | Sunday 12. pm – 12 amWhere: 136 E Grayson St, San Antonio, TX 78215How A lot: Signature Cocktails $16 – $22; Small Plates $14 – $26
Durty Nelly’s Irish Pub
A fixture on the San Antonio River Stroll contained in the Hilton Palacio del Rio for practically 50 years, Durty Nelly’s is styled as an genuine duplicate of the 1620 unique in Limerick, Eire. Stone partitions, peanut shells on the ground, and frosty draft pints create an inviting indoor refuge full with nightly piano sing-alongs.
Working Hours: Monday – Thursday 11 am – 12 am | Friday – Saturday 11 am – 2 am | Sunday 12 pm – 12 amWhere: 200 S Alamo St, San Antonio, TX 78205How A lot: Draft Beer & Pints $7 – $11; Irish Pub Grub $10 – $18
The Crockett Tavern at The Crockett Lodge
Picture credit score: Crockett Tavern Fb
Located within the historic 1909 Crockett Lodge simply steps from the Alamo, this Texas-themed lounge options uncovered Bexar stone partitions, historic art work, and rustic timber particulars. It presents a quiet, air-conditioned area to sip native spirits and Texas brews proper within the heart of downtown SA bars.
Working Hours: Each day 11 am – 12 amWhere: 320 Bonham, San Antonio, TX 78205How A lot: Cocktails $12 – $16; Plates & Bites $11 – $20
Naranja Tequila & Mezcal Bar at Lodge Valencia
Nestled contained in the Mediterranean-inspired Lodge Valencia on the River Stroll, Naranja is a modern, climate-controlled cocktail lounge providing an intensive choice of uncommon tequilas, mezcals, and craft cocktails. It supplies an opulent historic lodge ambiance for friends seeking to unwind away from the out of doors warmth.
Working Hours: Each day 5 pm – 12 amWhere: 150 E Houston St, San Antonio, TX 78205How A lot: Tequila & Mezcal Cocktails $15 – $21
Know Earlier than You Go: Navigating Historic Bars in San Antonio
Whereas many of those historic bars in San Antonio are concentrated alongside the River Stroll and Alamo Plaza, they’re simply accessible for residents throughout the metroplex, together with Alamo Heights, Medical Heart, and Stone Oak, usually inside a 15-20 minute drive. Parking downtown could be tough throughout peak weekend hours, so using metropolis parking garages just like the Houston Road Storage or rideshare choices is extremely really helpful when visiting downtown SA bars.
Continuously Requested Questions About Historic Bars in San Antonio
What’s the oldest bar in San Antonio?
The Menger Bar (established within the lodge in 1887) and The Buckhorn Saloon (established in 1881) are among the many oldest-running institutions within the metropolis. The Esquire Tavern holds the title of the oldest bar positioned straight on the River Stroll, opening in 1933 proper as Prohibition ended.
Do I would like a lodge reservation to go to historic lodge bars in San Antonio?
No! Bars like The Menger Bar, Sternewirth at Lodge Emma, and The St. Anthony Membership welcome walk-ins and outdoors friends. You’ll be able to freely pop in to flee the afternoon warmth and seize a cocktail with out reserving a room.
What’s the costume code for luxurious cocktail bars in downtown San Antonio?
Most historic bars in San Antonio preserve an off-the-cuff to smart-casual costume code. Whereas upscale spots like Sternewirth and The St. Anthony Membership skew barely dressier within the evenings, neat informal apparel is broadly accepted throughout all venues.
On the lookout for extra? See the upcoming Weekend Occasions in San Antonio.
Maya is a lifelong Texan native to the San Antonio space. Between her English research at UTSA, two younger youngsters, and small herd of canines, she’s all the time on the lookout for methods to get out and become involved. When she’s inside she’s studying, writing, or taking part in video video games, however she’s all the time prepared for a aspect quest to native museums, exhibitions, and occasions.
