Is it ever an issue to have an abundance of bars to select from in San Antonio? The primary quarter of 2026 has seen speedy progress for the town’s nightlife scene, bringing all the things from ‘70s tiki vibes to easygoing dives. Right here’s what we’ve been including to our libation rotation.
Jefferson Market Ice HouseBar masterminds Olaf Harmel and Gerry Shirley (The Modernist, La Ruina) are again with a brand new idea. Revamping what as soon as was Jefferson Bodega, Jefferson Market Ice Home goals to maintain issues easy with margs, barbecue, and a very good ambiance on Donaldson Avenue. Whereas the brand new ingesting vacation spot hasn’t made an enormous to-do concerning the opening, it’s already changing into a Deco District favourite.
Merci JonesIf Double Commonplace and Barbaro had a toddler, it will be Merci Jones. The brand new bar on Broadway is a formidable addition to the Empty Abdomen Group portfolio. The house is easy — a curved bar design, memorabilia harking back to a searching lodge, TV screens, and a tempting completely satisfied hour slogan: 7 cocktails for $7 till 7 pm. Just like the bar itself, the drink menu would not pull any punches. It is aware of visitors are there for a robust drink and a very good time, and Merci Jones actually delivers.
Mexico CeatyChef Jason Dady’s newest bold challenge is not only a bar; it is a full-fledged elevated meals court docket with a number of eating places. Excellent for the indecisive drinker who wants just a few choices, the idea permits visitors to sip on a top-shelf margarita at Tres Arcos, an intriguing purple bell pepper marg at Dos Cantinas, or take pleasure in agave tastings at El Último. There are many bites to absorb all of the tequila, too.
Mexico Ceaty’s beverage program is predicated on aged tequilas and mezcals. Picture by Katie James
Paradise UnknownTiki bars are a dime a dozen these days, so what makes a brand new one stand out? Be Type & Rewind founder Alex Amaro knew precisely what he was doing together with his second bar idea, Paradise Unknown. The tiki cocktails are boozy, skulls abound, and tropical kitsch surrounds visitors at Paradise Unknown. Pairing tiki cocktails with gentle bites from Wok Wey was a stroke of genius — Chinese language meals and tiki drinks go collectively like peanut butter and jelly.
Stout Home GraysonIt as soon as appeared like there was a Stout Home location for each San Antonio neighborhood besides the Pearl. Fortunately, the house owners determined to alter that in March, opening up a long-awaited Pearl location on West Grayson Avenue. With the model’s signature laid-back ambiance, sturdy collection of fairly priced drinks, and prime location, Stout Home Grayson has rapidly develop into the place to go to look at the most recent Spurs playoff win.
