Best of 17 gastropubs in San Antonio
Gastropubs in San Antonio are revolutionizing the city's culinary scene. These establishments offer a unique blend of upscale dining and traditional pub fare, reimagined with locally sourced, high-quality ingredients. From farm-to-table dishes to innovative cocktails, gastropubs in San Antonio provide a memorable dining experience for foodies and casual diners alike. Come explore this thriving gastronomic community.
- 1. The Esquire Tavern
- 2. Yard House
- 3. Southerleigh Fine Food And Brewery
- 4. Mad Dogs British Pub (River Walk)
- 5. The Hoppy Monk
- 6. Flying Saucer Draught Emporium
- 7. Mash'D
- 8. Liberty Bar
- 9. Hops & Hounds
- 10. The Pigpen Neighborhood Bar
- 11. Sternewirth
- 12. The Winchester
- 13. Francis Bogside
- 14. Oak Hills Tavern
- 15. Back Unturned Brewing Co.
- 16. The Cottage Pub
- 17. Wild Barley Kitchen & Brewery
1. The Esquire Tavern
Riverside views, 1933 prohibition-era inspired bar

The Esquire Tavern is a highly-regarded gastropub, known for its excellent food and atmosphere. Standout menu items include the bison burger and deviled eggs, which are particularly delicious. Ideal for those seeking a classic gastropub experience, The Esquire Tavern offers a perfect ambiance and a diverse menu.
At The Esquire Tavern, the cuisine is exceptional, with the bison burger and deviled eggs among the most popular dishes. This gastropub is a must-visit for anyone seeking a classic gastropub experience, as its atmosphere is unbeatable, and the menu offers a wide range of delicious options.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
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2. Yard House
Extensive craft beer selection, scratch-made menu

Yard House is a modern gastropub that provides a unique dining experience. They offer a variety of creative dishes, including the popular poke nachos and jambalaya. The restaurant is a great place for a casual dinner with friends or family.
Yard House is known for its extensive beer selection and delicious food, making it a popular destination for a night out. The atmosphere is lively and energetic, creating the perfect ambiance for socializing and enjoying a meal. Whether you're in the mood for a craft beer or a creative dish, Yard House is sure to deliver.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Vegetarian Options
- Downtown Spots
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3. Southerleigh Fine Food And Brewery
On-site brewery producing unique, high-quality beers

Southerleigh is a notable gastropub known for its exceptional atmosphere and delicious food. One standout dish is the fried chicken sandwich, which is highly recommended. For those seeking a unique gastropub experience, Southerleigh offers a creative menu and features in-house brewed beers, adding to its distinctive charm.
At Southerleigh, the atmosphere is inviting, and the food is outstanding. The fried chicken sandwich is a must-try. What sets Southerleigh apart is its innovative menu and beers brewed on the premises. This gastropub is a hidden gem that offers a memorable dining experience with its creative and delicious offerings.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Downtown Spots
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4. Mad Dogs British Pub (River Walk)
River Walk views and outdoor seating

The bar is a fun and enjoyable place to hang out, featuring upbeat music and a relaxed atmosphere. The upper deck of the bar is equipped with a pool table, providing an additional source of entertainment for patrons. The bar is an excellent spot to unwind and chill.
During lunchtime, the bar offers excellent food options on the riverwalk. On a recent visit, my husband and I stopped in for lunch and were eager to try the corned beef sandwich. The Reuben was delicious, and we opted to share it. My husband is not a fan of sauerkraut, so I requested it on the side, and they readily accommodated my request. The side of hot and crispy fries complemented the sandwich perfectly. To top it all off, we each had a refreshing Smithwicks draft. Our lunch was tasty, and the view of the riverwalk was a great addition to the overall dining experience.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Waterfront
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Vegetarian Options
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5. The Hoppy Monk
Extensive craft beer selection and gourmet pub fare

The Hoppy Monk in San Antonio is a lively pub known for its extensive selection of 99 beers on tap, creative cocktails, and upscale pub food. Patrons rave about the delicious food, excellent drinks, and outstanding wait staff. The outdoor seating area is a popular spot, and the drink menu includes an impressive variety of options like framboise. Standout menu items include the Fish n Chips, Tomato Stack, Steamed Pork Buns, and vegetarian-friendly Cauliflower Wings.
Despite the many positives, some customers report experiencing disappointing service at The Hoppy Monk. The otherwise excellent staff, including individuals named Chris and Kyle, have been criticized for falling short in the service department. Comments about terrible service mar an otherwise stellar reputation, suggesting that there may be inconsistencies in the quality of service provided. Overall, The Hoppy Monk is generally well-regarded for its food, drink selection, and atmosphere, but improvements in service are needed to create a more uniformly positive experience.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Vegetarian Options
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6. Flying Saucer Draught Emporium
Over 80 beers on tap and unique decor

Flying Saucer Draught Emporium, located at 11255 Huebner Rd #212 in San Antonio, is a popular spot for beer enthusiasts. This establishment is known for its wide selection of beers on tap, featuring many German and Belgian options. The spacious interior and laid-back atmosphere make it an inviting place to gather with friends or colleagues.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
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7. Mash'D
Scratch-made dishes and craft cocktails

The restaurant offered delicious food, exceptional service, and generous portion sizes. The cost was reasonable considering the quality of the meal. Three separate dishes were ordered including a large burger, chicken tacos, and meatloaf, providing a diverse sampling of the menu.
Service was a highlight, with our waiter providing excellent drink and food recommendations. The atmosphere was somewhat marred by loud music outside, which made conversation challenging. Despite this, the food was outstanding and enjoyed by all. The bill may cause a slight shock due to its higher price point, but the quality of the meal seemed to justify the cost.
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8. Liberty Bar
Over 150 years old, excellent happy hour, friendly service

The service at Liberty Bar is generally viewed positively, with reviewers praising its friendly and attentive staff. However, some reviewers have noted slow service or inexperienced servers. The bar is known for its delicious and unique food offerings, including a roasted leg of lamb sandwich, zucchini sandwich with eggplant puree, omelets with various fillings, bread pudding, and lime chess pie.
The atmosphere of Liberty Bar is unique, as it is located in a former convent. Some reviewers describe the environment as great and friendly, while others find it snobby and unpleasant. Despite the mixed reviews of the ambiance, the food at Liberty Bar is highly regarded and praised for its unique twist. Overall, Liberty Bar offers a unique experience with its distinctive atmosphere and delicious food offerings.
TOPICS
- Downtown Spots
- Mid-Range
- Mexican Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
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9. Hops & Hounds
Bring your dog to this taproom

This restaurant caters to dog owners, featuring a large patio with water misting fans, although shade is limited. The establishment includes three dog parks, but food is not permitted in these areas. The overall experience at this restaurant is positive, as it stands out from other dog parks and bars tried in different states. The dog owners at this location are attentive towards their pets, which is appreciated.
The food at this restaurant is delicious, particularly the burgers and fries, making it a great dining option. The positive experience at this restaurant, with its excellent food quality and responsible dog owners, makes it a place where a return visit is certain. The combination of dog-friendly features and tasty food makes this establishment a great choice for dog owners.
TOPICS
- Celebrations
- Italian Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
10. The Pigpen Neighborhood Bar
Spacious backyard with firepits and games

The Pigpen is a popular hangout spot with excellent food that you will surely enjoy. Some of their standout dishes include brisket nachos, flavorful wings, and crispy chicken sliders. Even during a busy college visit, the Pigpen managed to provide a seamless service experience with easy-to-navigate food lines.
If you're a vegetarian, the Pigpen has options for you too! The mix veggies were skillfully sautéed, and when paired with baked potatoes and cream corn, it created a delicious and satisfying meal. Overall, the Pigpen is a must-visit destination, offering a variety of appetizing dishes suitable for all types of foodies.
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11. Sternewirth
Rare spirits selection and craft cocktails

Sternewirth, a restaurant situated in Hotel Emma, boasts a unique atmosphere with its dark leather accents and enticing aroma. The menu features Rittenhouse rye whiskey and an array of charcuterie boards and burgers that are sure to delight guests.
Sternewirth's bar offers a variety of classic cocktails and signature drinks that change with the seasons, along with non-alcoholic options for kids. The restaurant is known for its historic and creative beverages, making it a popular destination for drinks and meals.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
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12. The Winchester
Live music, historic atmosphere, famous pies

The Winchester's atmosphere has been described as lacking on a Saturday night, with slow service being a common complaint. However, the live music on Thursdays adds charm to the place. The food offerings have received mixed reviews, with some standout dishes such as the beer cheese, which is a popular choice when paired with pretzels. Other menu items like the chicken schnitzel and burgers, on the other hand, have been criticized for being average or subpar.
Contrarily, other patrons have raved about The Winchester's atmosphere, highlighting the welcoming and friendly service they received from the bar staff. The music selection has been noted to be excellent and fitting for the upbeat atmosphere. Overall, the food has been consistently praised for its quality, freshness, and impression factor, with several patrons expressing their enthusiasm and intent to return for more great food and service.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Asian Cuisine
- Hidden Gems
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13. Francis Bogside
Live Music Performances and Trivia Nights

The bar offers an excellent selection of creative and adventurous cocktails, made with a wide range of ingredients by skilled bartenders. The welcoming and friendly staff enhances the enjoyable atmosphere.
The bar also stands out for its food, which is impressive and goes beyond typical bar fare. The menu includes a variety of delicious options, such as brussels sprouts, juicy burgers, and flavorful wings. In particular, the cheeseburger is a must-try and has received high praise.
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14. Oak Hills Tavern
Spacious patio, exceptional happy hour, and popular weekend brunch

Oak Hills Tavern is a well-known dive bar that offers a unique and laid-back atmosphere, making it a popular spot among locals. From the outside, it looks like a regular house, but once inside, you'll find a cozy bar with a friendly crowd. The drinks are affordable, making it an attractive option for those looking for a great value.
Aside from being a great place to grab a drink, Oak Hills Tavern also serves delicious food. Their menu features a variety of tasty options, such as chicharrónes/pork rinds, hot Cheeto breaded shrimp tacos, Jamaican tacos, and fresh and flavorful burgers. Whether you're looking for a quick bite to eat or a full meal, Oak Hills Tavern has something for everyone. The food is always fresh and cooked to perfection, making it a great complement to the bar's inviting ambiance.
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15. Back Unturned Brewing Co.
Family-owned microbrewery with a dog-friendly patio

The dining establishment offers a cozy setting with limited seating available outdoors on the street. They have an impressive selection of beer and the food is both delicious and reasonably priced. The pizza, while slightly burnt due to being cooked in a brick oven, was still enjoyable. However, there could be more variety in terms of toppings.
During their visit, they tried a delicious cherry beer and some tasty focaccia. Although they did not order pizza, it looked very appetizing. The staff members were friendly and all wore masks. Inside the establishment, social distancing measures were in place, demonstrating their commitment to the safety and well-being of their patrons. Overall, the visitors had a positive experience.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Happy Hours
- Downtown Spots
- Vegetarian Options
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16. The Cottage Pub
Authentic English pub atmosphere, extensive beer selection

The author and their husband have frequently visited this establishment and hold it in high regard. The food and service are exceptional, and there is live music on Friday and Saturday evenings. The restaurant is a top recommendation for those looking for authentic Irish cuisine.
During a recent visit, the husband ordered the half Irish breakfast, while the author enjoyed the Corned Beef, Cabbage and Boxty. Both meals received high praise, described as "fanfreakingtastic." The restaurant is a standout option for those craving delicious Irish food.
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17. Wild Barley Kitchen & Brewery
On-site brewery with rotating selection of beers

This establishment is well-regarded for its pizza and beer offerings. The pizza comes with a sourdough crust and a desirable char, making for a delicious meal. The beer selection is also impressive, with every beer tasted being delightful. The service is commendable, with staff displaying impeccable manners and cheerful attitudes.
This location was assessed for its suitability for a happy hour event. The menu choices included a cheeseburger, fries, and a German-style pilsner. The cheeseburger was satisfactory, although it was somewhat petite. The fries were crispy and well-seasoned, while the beer was enjoyable. The venue boasts both indoor and outdoor spaces, including an outdoor stage for live music. The brewing equipment is visible in the back area, adding to the location's appeal. Overall, the experience was positive.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Hidden Gems
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