Top 18 bars in San Antonio
San Antonio, Texas, is a vibrant city with a lively bar scene. Bars in San Antonio cater to a wide range of tastes, from sports bars and dive bars to craft cocktail lounges and rooftop bars. Many bars in San Antonio also offer live music, providing a unique blend of entertainment and nightlife. Whether you're a local or a visitor, the bars in San Antonio offer something for everyone.
- 1. The Esquire Tavern
- 2. Durty Nelly's Irish Pub
- 3. The Bang Bang Bar
- 4. Bar 1919
- 5. Social Spot
- 6. Bar America
- 7. Picks Bar
- 8. On The Rocks Pub
- 9. Pat O'Brien's
- 10. Stetson Bar
- 11. Hidden Tavern
- 12. Faust Tavern
- 13. Drink Texas Bar
- 14. Coyote Ugly San Antonio
- 15. 502 Bar
- 16. Main Street Bar
- 17. Texas T Pub
- 18. Our Bar San Antonio
1. The Esquire Tavern
Riverside views, extensive drink menu, and knowledgeable staff

The Esquire Tavern, one of America's Top 25 Bars, has been a beloved San Antonio watering hole since 1933, when it opened to celebrate the end of Prohibition. This historic establishment boasts a quintessential downtown bar atmosphere - dark, cool, and filled with history. It is known for its cold beer, swanky cocktails, and delicious food, making it a popular spot for those seeking a memorable drinking experience.
Atmosphere is key when it comes to choosing the best Riverwalk bars, and The Esquire Tavern delivers on every front. With its classic decor, redolent history, and inviting ambiance, it's no wonder this bar has been a local favorite for nearly a century. Whether you're in the mood for a refreshing beer, a perfectly mixed cocktail, or a satisfying meal, The Esquire Tavern has something for everyone. So if you're looking for an unforgettable bar experience in San Antonio, look no further than this iconic establishment.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
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2. Durty Nelly's Irish Pub
Offers a true Irish pub experience with a friendly staff

Durty Nelly's is a charming piano bar with an Irish twist, offering a unique experience along the San Antonio River Walk. This lively spot is known for its authentic Irish atmosphere, providing a refreshing change from the typical Tex-Mex found in the area. Visitors can enjoy a refreshing brew and join in the fun, making it a great place to relax and soak in the vibrant energy of the River Walk.
The interior of Durty Nelly's boasts a warm and inviting ambiance, complete with a cozy piano bar that hosts talented musicians. The establishment prides itself on its Irish heritage, offering an extensive menu of Irish beers, whiskies, and traditional dishes. Whether you're a fan of Irish culture or simply looking for a memorable night out, Durty Nelly's delivers an authentic and enjoyable experience for all who enter.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Happy Hours
- Downtown Spots
- American Cuisine
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3. The Bang Bang Bar
Late-night bites, lively atmosphere, rock-themed decor

The service at the Bang Bang Bar is quick, friendly, and attentive. The staff is especially good with regular customers, remembering their orders and providing excellent service. This cozy and laid-back lounge offers a unique and eclectic atmosphere that is perfect for relaxing and socializing.
The Bang Bang Bar has good music, reasonably priced drinks, and trivia nights on Wednesdays. It is a popular spot for people to gather with friends and enjoy a casual night out. The bar's eclectic atmosphere and welcoming service make it a great place to unwind and have a good time.
TOPICS
- Affordable Nightlife
- Hidden Gems
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4. Bar 1919
Live music, craft cocktails, extensive wine list

Bar 1919 is a speakeasy-style bar that offers an extensive selection of creative and delicious drinks. The establishment's offerings are impressive, with a wide variety of choices available to patrons. In particular, the bar boasts a huge selection of bourbon and whiskey, making it a must-visit for fans of these spirits.
The atmosphere at Bar 1919 is equally noteworthy. The decor and ambiance evoke the feel of a bygone era, with a cozy and intimate atmosphere that is perfect for unwinding after a long day. Whether you're a whiskey aficionado or simply looking for a unique and memorable drinking experience, Bar 1919 is definitely worth a visit.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Hidden Gems
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Social Gatherings
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6. Bar America
Spacious patio with live music on weekends
The atmosphere at this location is relaxed, open, and fun, with plenty of tables and benches for seating. There are numerous TVs mounted on the outside walls, adding to the lively and entertaining ambiance.
On Thursday nights from 8 to midnight, this spot becomes a hotspot for karaoke, providing a fun and interactive experience for customers. The food and drinks here are also a major draw, with amazing smash burgers and a selection of drinks that are always satisfying. If you plan to visit, using a rideshare service like Uber is recommended.
TOPICS
- Holiday Celebrations
- Happy Hours
- Downtown Spots
7. Picks Bar
Known for creative cocktails and extensive pickle selection

My brother and I recently visited Picks Bar and were both impressed with the venue. The drinks were excellent and the food was delicious. One of the highlights of our visit was the live music, which added to the overall enjoyable atmosphere. We hope to return frequently.
Picks Bar has a great atmosphere with friendly staff. The music was a standout aspect of our visit, and parking was convenient and easy. We truly enjoyed our experience and would recommend it to others.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Affordable Nightlife
- Downtown Spots
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8. On The Rocks Pub
Happy hour specials, pool tables, and live music
The establishment is known for providing an excellent experience to its visitors. It is a popular spot for people who find themselves in downtown SA. The bartenders are skilled and professional, consistently providing high-quality service. The DJs contribute to the positive atmosphere by playing music that caters to the crowd, creating an enjoyable ambiance. Additionally, the security personnel are commendable for their professionalism and ability to maintain a safe and fun environment.
This venue is an excellent choice for a night out with friends. It offers a lively atmosphere that is perfect for socializing and having a good time. Visitors can enjoy hearing good music and playing pool. The establishment's reputation is well-deserved, as it is frequently regarded as the best bar in downtown SA. Remarkably, despite its popularity, there are rarely any issues, making it a top choice for a fun night out.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Corporate Events
- Celebrations
- Dinner
- Late Night
9. Pat O'Brien's
Historic location with a unique Irish-inspired atmosphere

Pat O'Brien's is a well-known and much-loved establishment in San Antonio, famous for its lively atmosphere and top-notch entertainment. The venue boasts three distinct sections, each offering a unique experience for visitors: an outdoor seating area, a raucous piano bar, and an upstairs dance club.
The outdoor seating area is the perfect place to relax and soak up the San Antonio sun, while enjoying a refreshing drink. Meanwhile, the piano bar is a lively and engaging space, where patrons can gather round and sing along to their favorite tunes, accompanied by a skilled pianist. Upstairs, the dance club offers a more energetic atmosphere, where visitors can let loose and dance the night away.
The staff at Pat O'Brien's are friendly, attentive, and dedicated to ensuring that every guest has a great time. This, combined with the venue's unbeatable atmosphere, makes Pat O'Brien's a must-visit destination for anyone passing through San Antonio.
TOPICS
- Corporate Events
- Celebrations
- Lunch
- Dinner
10. Stetson Bar
Featuring a large outdoor patio with fire pits

If you're a sports fan looking for a great place to watch the game, Stetson Bar is an excellent choice. They offer a variety of entertainment options throughout the week, including karaoke, trivia, and live music. The service is consistently excellent, making it a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere for guests.
Stetson Bar is not only a great sports bar, but it's also an ideal location to relax with a drink after a long day. They offer a selection of beverages and beer, perfect for unwinding and easing tension. The staff is helpful in assisting with food selection and taking orders. The ambiance is comfortable, contributing to the satisfaction of guests. Overall, Stetson Bar is a popular destination for anyone looking for a great bar experience.
TOPICS
- Celebrations
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Dinner
12. Faust Tavern
Extensive craft beer selection, historic building, live music

The music venue is a great place to spend time with friends, known for its excellent atmosphere. The security is relatively relaxed compared to other venues on the strip, contributing to the location's overall enjoyable experience. The bartenders are also friendly and easy to approach, enhancing the positive vibe of the place.
This venue is reminiscent of the old school SIN 13, characterized by its dark and grungy ambiance but full of energy and life. The people who run the place are welcoming, making it a comfortable space to be in. If you visit, be sure to say hello to Damien or Jappy, who are known for their friendly and approachable demeanor towards patrons.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
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13. Drink Texas Bar
Spacious outdoor patio with views of the riverwalk

Drink Texas Bar boasts an impressive selection of drinks, particularly Texas-based spirits and craft beers. The bartenders are known for their friendliness, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere. It's an excellent spot to unwind, relax, and even enjoy live music.
In addition to its great drinks and ambiance, Drink Texas Bar is also a fantastic place to socialize with friends. Whether you're looking to catch up or meet new people, the bar's lively atmosphere makes it a perfect venue. Its friendly staff, good music, and inviting atmosphere make it a must-visit destination.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Social Gatherings
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Hidden Gems
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14. Coyote Ugly San Antonio
Interactive bartenders, wild parties, themed events

Coyote Ugly is a bar with a lively atmosphere due to its bumping music, but its overall appearance and environment may not be appealing to some. The bar seems to be more geared towards parties of women, offering a more welcoming experience for them compared to local chain restaurants and bars around the river walk.
If you're looking for a fun and energetic experience, Coyote Ugly is a great option. Compared to other local establishments, it stands out for its unique atmosphere and lively music. It comes highly recommended for those seeking a break from the usual chain restaurants and bars around the river walk.
TOPICS
- Corporate Events
- Celebrations
- Dinner
- Late Night
15. 502 Bar
Spacious patio, extensive drink menu, and friendly service

The service at this establishment is fast, friendly, and reasonably priced. The bartenders are known for their quick service and exceptional mixology skills. They provide a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere for their patrons.
The bartenders at this location are friendly, and the drink specials are excellent. The drinks are reasonably priced, making it an affordable option for those looking to enjoy a night out. The bar's atmosphere is enhanced by the impressive skills and friendly demeanor of the bartenders.
TOPICS
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
- Late Night
16. Main Street Bar
Offers daily drink specials and hosts events

Main Street Bar is a popular spot known for its delicious pub food and inviting atmosphere. The menu features tasty options such as Buffalo wings and jalapeno poppers, and the bar serves up a variety of draft beers, including Yueng Ling. In addition to the food and drink, local entertainment is often on offer, including RUSH cover bands.
The service at Main Street Bar is consistently praised for its impeccable, great, and satisfactory quality. The staff is friendly and attentive, creating a welcoming environment for patrons. While the food options are primarily fried, the bar allows customers to bring their own food. The bar's own food offerings, including its highly-regarded Buffalo wings, have earned rave reviews. Overall, Main Street Bar is a hidden gem that offers excellent food, service, and entertainment at reasonable prices.
TOPICS
- Celebrations
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Dinner
17. Texas T Pub
Extensive beer selection, daily food specials, and live music events
The fourth day of exploring the city led to a discovery of the Texas T Pub, a welcome contrast to the tourist-centric bars previously experienced. This establishment offered appealing prices and a friendly atmosphere, making it a memorable stop.
This bar, known as the last "real working man's bar" in downtown, has been a steady presence since the mid-80s. Its longevity is attributed to the ownership of a woman who has maintained her involvement in the business by working at the pub herself.
TOPICS
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
- Cheap Eats
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18. Our Bar San Antonio
Spacious patio, lively happy hour, entertaining events

The local neighborhood bar is a welcoming spot for people to gather and enjoy a fun night out. With a friendly atmosphere, the bar offers a range of activities for guests to enjoy, including karaoke nights on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9 am to 1 am.
The bar features 2 pool tables and 2 dart machines, providing guests with a variety of gaming options. Additionally, an internet jukebox is available for those who want to play their favorite tunes. A covered front patio allows guests to enjoy the outdoors while still being protected from the elements. The bar takes pride in maintaining clean restrooms, ensuring that guests have a comfortable and enjoyable experience. The staff is warm and welcoming, adding to the overall positive atmosphere of the bar.
TOPICS
- Celebrations
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Dinner
5. Social Spot
Spacious patio, friendly service
Social Spot is a popular venue known for its trendy atmosphere and lively events. It is a great place to gather with friends, enjoy drinks, and watch sports or play games. The outdoor space plays host to live music events, drawing in a younger crowd.
The staff at Social Spot is friendly and welcoming, creating a warm and inviting environment for all who visit. This, combined with great drink prices, makes it the perfect spot to start or end a night out. Overall, Social Spot is a standout destination for entertaining and socializing.
TOPICS
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rooftop bars in San Antonio