The Best Bars in San Antonio

The Cherrity Bar

★★★★★ 4.5 (331) • $$

"Looking for a local asian restaurant to take my friend out and Yelp led me to this restaurant. You could dine inside or on the patio. My friend and I ate on the patio, which was very beautiful with the lights and the heater, but not fun with the mosquitoes bitting my feet. If you're wearing open toes shoes and/or a dress, I recommend dining inside. I read through several reviews that raved about the charred edamame. I mean, it's just edamame, what's so special about it. I placed an order for it (and the kind server, upon learning it was our first visit at the restaurant, gave us the appetizer on the house--so kind and sweet!). O..M..G... the charred edamame is just out of this world!! It is covered in this sauce that is comprised of sesame oil and another flavour that I can't quite point out, but regardless, it was super delicious and the charred edamame did not taste burnt. We also got the pork & kimchi dumplings that had great flavours and super tasty. The kashi sampler was a great way to sample a variety of the appetizers. They also have Happy Hour between 4-7pm, which gave 50% off all small things; I definitely took advantage of it. My friend was super addicted to the spicy mayo sauce and we asked for more. Upon paying the bill, I noticed they charged $1 for the extra sauce, so this is a note to y'all that sauces are not unlimited and they do charge you. My friend got the pork yakisoba and I got the vegetable miso ramen. I didn't get to try her yakisoba, but the vegetable miso ramen was absolutely delicious. Flavours were on point and I was surprised at how well done the dish was. Overall, I highly recommend dining at The Charity Bar and have to hit it up the next time I'm in San Antonio! =)"

90 Proof Bar & Grill

★★★☆☆ 3.1 (32)

"Love this place, come here often with my friend. We like the wing Wednesdays and the wells are decently priced. The bartenders are always attentive and nice, they do a great job! During the day there's not a lot of people but after 5 it's pretty poppin. Love when they have events and the people we've met there are all cool as well ! OMG and please try their brisket nachos and popcorn SO GOOD!"

Stone Werks Big Rock Grille - Lincoln Heights

★★★★☆ 3.5 (424) • $$

"I haven't been in years our waiter was so great he is also a fellow teacher which I love as far as the food the meatballs are amazing and the turkey avocado sandwich is amazing but the fried chicken sandwich wasn't that great I would say 7 out of 10 it was to greasy and the fires could of stayed in the fryer a little bit longer but service was great and the restaurant is very nice and clean"

Puzzles Tavern

★★★★☆ 3.8 (35) • $

"(more 3.5 stars, but I prefer to round up)Situated in a shopping center off of Bulverde Green & TPC Parkway is one of the very few bars in the area. That alone deserves kudos because it really is a missed opportunity for this part of town.The drink pricing is really good and the staff is quite friendly here. Definitely more of a whole in the wall, laid back vibe. They have a few games like darts, giant jenga, and pool to name a few.You can definitely tell this bar has a loyal crowd but if it it's your first time they are more than welcoming.Overall if you're in the area for a drink swing by but it's not necessary a drive across town for.Bonus- They're right next door to Los Balitos Taco Shop which is open 24 hours. #winning"

Whiskey Girls

★★★☆☆ 2.6 (12) • $$

"Nice bar, music is decent (country) for now, good atmosphere, clean and a good location and lots of parking. No clue what's it's going to turn in to after the late hour"

Luciano Express- La Cantera

★★★☆☆ 2.9 (26) • $$

"As a child, I ate at Lucianos many times at malls. The latest I wanna inform y'all is their Sausage, peperoni, Salami, and Ham Stromboli. Man oh MAN!!!! The cold and hot cut meats along with what I felt as melted provolone cheese stuffed in a dinner (not sweet) pastry is a fountain of the wonderful feelings you get as you munch onto them. Plus the marinara to dip your meal into. Remarkably comforting!!! This is an Italian meal to eat again!!"

Rancho 181

★★★★★ 4.7 (3)

"We saw it on FB and decided to drive 30 miles to go see a band and so glad we did!!! We got more than we expected. It's a beautiful clean place with turf all around, picnic tables, many TVs with sports on, great food trucks and alcohol beverages trucks! The service was efficient and my 1st time at El Cevichero (food was delicious)!!! No cover charge and a family friendly environment!!"

Stone Werks Big Rock Grille at The Rim

★★★☆☆ 3.3 (435) • $$

"Stone Werks is a must stop for our family every time we are in San Antonio!!!Give this place a shot you won't regret it!"

Amor Eterno

★★★★★ 4.6 (43)

"Amor Eterno is a nice and intimate bar located in Southtown. This bar is located right behind Bar America, across from Rosario's. They have a wide selection of liquors and the mixologist can prepare anything you want. For my first time here I ordered an espresso martini, and it was absolutely perfect. They don't have a lot of sitting space, so keep that in mind if you are coming with a large group. Overall, the service was great and everyone working at Amor Eterno was excellent. Can't wait to come back and try something else from their menu."

The Bar At the Marriott Riverwalk

★★★★☆ 3.8 (6)

"This nice bar/lounge is located at the back of the lobby level of the Marriott Riverwalk Hotel. Great location: literally steps away from the Riverwalk, and 1 block away from the river entrance to the Riverwalk mall.Our party of 6 stopped in for mid afternoon snacks Thanksgiving day. It was slow, and there was a good mix of seating options and many HDTVs for us to watch the Dallas Cowboys crash and burn.We all ordered beers or drinks. Their Honeydew Martini packed a nice punch, so I had two at their discounted price of $8.00 each. The Texas Trio app came with a decent amount of chips, along with 2 freshly made red sauces and some queso. Decent food.Our waiter Christian took great care of us. Service was 5 stars. If they actually would have had a "Happy Hour" with a HH menu, this place would be 5 stars. All in all a nice quiet lounge where one or many can relax, talk, or catch a game on TV in. It's a little more condusive to conversations and social gatherings than the massive Grand Hyatt next door, and with 10x the customer service than the Hyatt. Check it out."

Liberty Bar

★★★★☆ 3.9 (835) • $$

"The venue, service, and food are excellent. Great ambiance and the prices were not outrageous."

The Ridge at the Hill

★★★★★ 4.6 (106) • $$

"Great food, PHENOMENAL service. Julie was the best!!! Our table of 15 enjoyed dinner and were delighted by the wonderful customer service we received. We'll absolutely return based off Julie's service alone!"

1902 Night Club

★★★☆☆ 2.8 (45)

"Great place to have a birthday, girls night out, or celebrate with friends. Staff works hard to ensure top notch service for a fun night."

Eddie's Taco House

★★★☆☆ 2.7 (314) • $

"If you have realistic expectations, this place will blow you away. This is isn't fine dining, it's a down home neighborhood MEXICAN restaurant where food is made with love. The service is always great and we always leave happy. You really cannot beat the value that they offer here. Their Happy Hour menu is remarkable! So many options to choose from. We love Wednesday nights for the Kids Eat Free and Chicken Fajitas for $5.99 plus a drink! Like, what?! This is a crazy good deal! I suggest the Sangria Margarita and the Mino Flautas. Nothing mini about them! Tell the owner Priscilla that Angel Food Dude sent ya!"

Dorrego's

★★★★☆ 3.7 (169) • $$

"The best Argentinian food I've had outside Argentina! Everything was on point. The chimichurri was amazing. Choripan brought back childhood memories of late nights around the grill with the neighbors. Empanadas were just like my mom's. If you want legit authentic Argentinian food, I don't think you can do better than Dorrego's."

Broadway 5050

★★★★☆ 3.6 (217) • $

"Top three best burgers in town and great local atmosphere. One of my happy places in SA."

El Remedio

★★★★☆ 3.5 (235) • $$

"I was invited to this restaurant by a friend. I had been to their food truck at one point. Of course, as a brick and mortar they have way more options when it comes to food on their menu. They even have sushi. We sat outside in their patio because we each had our dogs. It is dog friendly in the patio. You do have to walk inside the restaurant and let them know that you'll be sitting outside with your dog. The patio has a few tables. They have umbrellas for shade. If it gets hot, they have a big ceiling fan and another fan that I noticed. We started with complimentary chips, salsa and beans. The salsa was too spicy for me. The beans were perfect. I had a ranch water for my drink. They do have plenty of options of drinks to choose from. For my meal I had the Remedio natural roll. I took it to go and it was great a few hours later. My friends had the shrimp empanada and the birria tacos. They both enjoyed their meals as well. I didn't catch the waitress name, but she was very nice. She offered us extra water for our dogs. Inside the restaurant seems very fun. Definitely a good place to have a little get together. I was informed that they do have a room you can reserve for a private party. No charge for that. Parking is available on side, but it is shared with other businesses. I didn't really have a problem finding parking on a Saturday."

Agave Bar

★★★☆☆ 2.6 (147) • $$

"Touristy place right on the Riverwalk. Overall good spot, food was very good. Margaritas were cheap and made right, and the fire roasted peppers were the girls working were friendly and attentive, a good experience overall."

Mad Pecker Brewing

★★★★☆ 4.2 (423) • $$

"Thank you to my fellow Houston elites your reviews! That's how we settled on this place. I was a little hesitant when we pulled up, it's located on the end of a shady looking strip mall type thing. We walked in and right away you know the owner is a hip hop lover. Especially the homage to MF DOOM. I don't drink beer, but that's why most come here probably. The menu looked super enticing too. I ordered the bacon Mac and cheese for the table. It was beyond salty, but I love salt. Idk if it's usually that salty, it was a bit much. The mushroom burger was good and the fries were the bomb. I love crispy fries. The Astros game was on for baseball lovers like me! Go 'Stros. Our waiter was super friendly. Just a good all round vibe going on. Bar seating, high tops and a regular tables. Also seating outside. All types of patrons. Folks there for the game, couples, families. You name it. When in the area, I'd definitely hit up again!"

Cootey's Tavern

★★★★☆ 4 (60) • $$

"First timer - Not busy at all. Clean atmosphere, inexpensive, great bartender, and good music. What more can you ask for, really? Oh! They have lounge couches too!"

El Honky Tonk

★★★★☆ 3.7 (15)

"Great find for us on a Saturday night. I would not have found thos spot f it wasn't for our Uber driver. Perfect size little Honky Tonk with a great musician named Billy. Bartenders were great and pricing was very reasonable. Management seemed to be constantly on the move keeping evweything in perfect shape, cleaning and clearing tables, chairs etcWe live in the Austin Area and found this to be a perfect vibe for us."

The Bar at Bohanan's

★★★★☆ 4.3 (69) • $$$

"We had dinner plans at Bonhanan's Steak House and heard they had an amazing bar with Derrick, being their amazing bartender, so we stopped in about an hour before dinner to enjoy sitting and sipping at his bar.He was quick to greet us, we told him we heard good things and he asked what we liked in the way of spirits and flavors. He then was off to make a couple of outstanding cocktails, some of the best we've had!This place get busy and packed, so get there early if you have dinner reservations elsewhere to ensure you have time to sit and enjoy your cocktail or wine. They also off bar bites and limited entrées here.Highly suggest stopping in, even if only for a drink!"

Big'z Burger Joint

★★★☆☆ 3.4 (42) • $$

"The burgers are OK, but not the best in town (and they are very pricey). The patty is dry and too salty for my taste, but I do appreciate the thick patty, soft bun, and fresh veggies that come with it. They offer several cheeses and other additions (such as a fried egg) for an extra cost.They also have a decent variety of non-burger options, like chicken sandwiches and a mushroom sandwich, which is nice if you're in the mood for something else.Bonus points for having a FULL bar!Prices below are as of February 2024:$9.28 for a single patty burger$1.29 for a slice of pepper jack cheese$4.79 for an order of sweet potato fries"

Cuishe Cocina Mexicana

★★★★☆ 4.1 (302)

"Excellent elevated Mexican food. Salsas so great, queso fundito with chorizo so good. Salsa assortment was perfect with so many dishes."

LadyBird Beer Garden

★★★★☆ 3.7 (77) • $$

"Very good atmosphere, the bartenders are all super friendly, attentive, and fun! They have special events often if you follow their social media. They do offer food as well :)"

Bar House

★★★★☆ 4.1 (48)

"I've been to this bar twice, and have really enjoyed it each time. First, it's got a small and cozy feel, yet it's never busy enough to feel crowded or that people are in your personal space. Second, the music is loud enough to enjoy, but not so loud that you have to shout to be heard. And, last but certainly not least, is the service! I believe her name is Deztiney, the bartender that has been there both times! She is friendly and welcoming and makes a GREAT old fashioned, and everything else for that matter. I was with a friend who doesn't drink alcohol unless it's in a frozen cocktail, and since that wasn't an option she made her a pretty "mocktail" that was delicious. Having a food truck option and The Purple Pig next door makes this a great inexpensive "dinner and drinks" option for a chill evening. Oh, I almost forgot to mention that they have the most reasonably priced (and tasty!) drinks that I've ever had."

JW S Bracken Saloon

★★★★☆ 4.2 (33) • $

"Now I just love as soon as you walk in this place you get hit with the American pride of being an American. The decor of this place let's you know that they love and support the Armed Services. Being a veteran myself I just love the Patriotic Pride of this place.Nice little place to go and enjoy some cold adult beverages and a live band. Being small let's you experience live music up close. This place is also very well kept, nice and clean which is a plus. What I did find a bit of awkward is that there is a tattoo shop located in the back of the building. Don't know if this is a plus or not but I guess it depends on how people see it. All in all a nice place to visit if you ever in the area."

Rivulet Kitchen & Bar

★★★★☆ 4.3 (63)

"Yum! This place has great sweet potato fries and good ranch. The salmon appetizer was a little overcooked. The staff was really nice. We had a kind waiter. The ambiance has a good little vibe"

Ranger Creek Brewing & Distilling

★★★★★ 4.7 (348) • $$

"This is a hidden Brewery and distillery in San Antonio Texas. Pay attention to street signs as we missed the turn the first time and had to drive a bit in order to arrive where we needed to be. Once we arrived we were greeted by friendly employees. We checked in and used the YELP offer of buy 1 beer and get 1 free, which was much needed as it was a very hot day in San Antonio Texas. While drinking our nice cold delicious beers one of the master brewers came out and started talking to us and offered us a tour of the distillery. WOW, just Wow. San Antonio Texas is brewing some great beer and Texas Whiskey with some friendly and great people getting the job done. The ambiance here is welcoming. They have an A/C indoor area and a nice shade area that they use on the weekends. Go, enjoy drink something great and make some new friends."

Bar Loretta

★★★★★ 4.5 (228) • $$

"Such a cute date spot. Or grab-a-drink-with-a-friend spot. My friend and colleague (shout out to Fernanda F!) dropped in during the neighborhood's First Fridays... we were able to immediately grab a seat at the bar and order a glass of red and a cocktail. The bar is dark, sultry - a mix of romantic vibes at a very vintage dive. Service was extremely helpful and welcoming to boot. Had it not been for the delectable food photos I now see on Yelp, I wouldn't have known they're a full-service restaurant "serving elevated, modern Texas cuisine." I'll put a pin in that for next time I'm in SA."

Cafe Ole

★★☆☆☆ 2.4 • $$

"Complete transparency here: I've dined/drank at Cafe Ole on an annual trip to San Antonio (barring 2020) since 2019, mostly because it's festive and fun and the drinks are good, but the food in past years has been less than stellar. This time, it was different. I was a little disappointed that this place was chosen at first for our group, but we saw that the menu had been updated, and I saw what the servers were bringing around to the tables, and I became hopeful. Drinks were great as usual, and then we ordered food.Starting off, we ordered queso and guacamole for the table. The former was a delightfully flavored cheese that clung nicely to the crunchy and fresh chips, with just the right amount of spice. The guacamole was fresh and delicious, not too fussy in terms of additives, but I wish there had been more of it - it's a small portion. Moving on, we ordered the street roasted corn, which came as beautifully presented on the cob, with all of the touches including lime wedges. It was creamy and delicious, the corn was fresh and not overcooked, a really good starter. Next up, we ordered a new (apparently) menu item, which doesn't appear on the menu pics here on Yelp nor the online menu (why didn't I get a picture?). It was the birria quesadilla. Served in beefy quarters with browned cheese on the outside and a dish of consomme, it was a well executed example of the now-ubiquitous style, and oh so delicious. It was more than enough for my wife and I to share after all of those chips and the corn. Bottom line, at least for this one meal, Cafe Ole has turned it around and is serving good food, right on the Riverwalk."

Hi-Tones

★★★★☆ 4.3 (70) • $

"Pickle PICKLE PICKLE!!Now that you've read it three times you are now going to forever affiliate Hi-Tones with some of the best Pickle Shots a bar has to offer.They're just so addicting and for $2 a piece how can they not be!For those of ya who have crave something on the tangy spicy side don't worry they have you covered as well with their infamous Chamoy Shots.This is one of my favorite places to be with my friends with as the atmosphere is just so laid back and the music (including live bands frequently) is just too hard to pass up on.The bartending staff is very friendly and always willing to give you drink ideas.They take pride to being "Home of the Original Pickle and Chamoy Shots"Don't worry about Hi-Tones burning a hole in your wallet as most of their drinks are under $6It's a smaller establishment but the patio outside is plenty big. So come for the drinks and stay for the music. You'll be glad you came to check this place out."

Magic Time Machine

★★★★☆ 3.5 (739) • $$

"This is an awesome experience for the kiddos! Ambience takes you back in time. The staff really keep the vibe exciting and fun! Birthday here birthday there... every where is a happy birthday song! I'd recommend for adults a burger and salad bar. There's face painting, balloons and a game room. My grandkids had a blast! Wonder which character we'll get next time???"

Sire Bar

★★★★☆ 4.2 (22) • $$

"We had a great time at this bar! We had a $100 credit to use at the resort and we used it here! Jasper was our bartender and he was amazing! He made an amazing old fashioned and a French 75 (with cognac)! It was so good, this bar was laid back but still fancy at the same time- no dress code, and a good amount of seating, but we sat at the bar and had a great time! The bar opened at 5pm I think and closed around 10pm (or maybe midnight lol) not sure"

The Original Mexican Restaurant & Bar

★★☆☆☆ 2.4 • $$

"My husband and I came to the river walk looking for a place to eat dinner on a friday night at 630pm with no reservation... that was a mistake! Every restaurant we tried to go to had a 1 hour or more wait. We walked around for an hour before deciding to eat at this mexican restaurant. The reviews were ok, but we were starving. We got the tacos, enchiladas, and a frozen marg. The marg was good, but our dishes were decent. Overall it was just "ok.""