The Tastiest Cocktail Bars in San Antonio

Kimura

★★★★☆ 3.6 (980) • $$

"I love kimura! I always get the tonkastu ramen, it's a creamy broth, absolutely delicious. The low light is so relaxing, i always get a hot jasmine green tea when I come. I love a good hot tea with my ramen, especially on a cold night. Kimura brings all the vibes and flavor!"

Aldino

★★★★☆ 3.8 (271) • $$

"Our family dined at this establishment for the first time tonight, and it turned out to be a gem on the north side of San Antonio. The Yelp reviews were high, so I wanted to experience it for myself, and it didn't disappoint--if anything, it exceeded my expectations. The venue boasts a beautiful, rich, wedding-hall-like appearance, creating a wonderful dining ambiance. Our waiter was attentive, polite, and welcoming. The food was deliciously well-prepared, with flavors that make you want to return for more. Even the owner stopped by to say hello and ensure we were having a good experience--a nice touch of customer service. I recommend the capellini de mare and the pollo alla gorgonzola; both were delicious. In summary, this establishment provides a great Italian dining experience. We'll be back for more."

La Tequila Jalisco

★★★★☆ 3.6 (38)

"A. M. A. Z. I. N. G. food!!We have been twice and were astonished by how incredible the food was both visits! The service was also very friendly and efficient with not much of a wait for the food to be prepared. The first visit was a Friday night and we got sat very quickly for how busy it was. We figured it would be a long wait for the food, but were shocked with how quickly it was ready. Being pregnant, I didn't get to try the margaritas, but the agua fresca was delicious. I'll definitely be back once the baby arrives so I can try the margaritas. There's a small seating area when you first walk on that is quiet then a bar area on the other side. The bar area has a lot more seating yet, somehow, isn't that loud for how many tables fit in the area. We have been pleasantly surprised with each visit and look forward to the next. It's a bit of a drive from where we live, but it's worth while!"

Mi Familia de Mi Tierra

★★★☆☆ 3 (364) • $$

"The food here is always amazing.The wait staff is always friendly, fast, efficient knowledgeable. I love the decor and the energy of this restaurant. We stopped in to celebrate a birthday. We had a great time."

VIVA! Cocina Patio and Bar

★★★★☆ 3.7 (7)

"I really enjoy the food and service here. They used to be Sylvia's so many of y'all will already know it. They changed owners and names but still have the same menu and service that was great to begin with."

Tavern on Castell

★★★★☆ 4.3 (34)

"Tavern on Castell just opened in the last two weeks or so. I've been excited to try it.I was pleased to see that the menu is reasonably priced, and I felt the food I was served was on point for the price.The inside of the Tavern is so inviting to make yourself feel comfortable and enjoy yourself.The food was delicious and I look forward to returning to try additional items."

Amelia Social Lounge

★★★★☆ 3.9 (49)

"Cozy place - great drinks. Tucked away in a nice little spot. Look forward to going there again soon"

Bar America

★★★★☆ 3.6 (205) • $$

"I love this place. Always a good time with friends or siblings. Brunch on Sunday was nice with Bucho. The outside patio and roof top area are nice. Roof top has a pretty great view. Mimosa set up is a nice price at $10-11 I believe. I've seen it change before though. Would continue to come back for the drinks. Not all customer service has been great though."

Shady Lady Saloon

★★★★☆ 4.4 (15) • $$

"Great neighborhood bar. Not pricey. Staff and patrons here are friendly. They have screens inside and out on the patio with another bat outside. Live music on the weekends. They also have steak nights. Pool tables. Jukebox as well."

Kindling Texas Kitchen

★★★★★ 4.5 (285) • $$

"My second time eating here. My company had a dinner with about 20ish people. They handled our group well. Appetizers came out quickly. All of them were tasty that I got to try. Our meals were timed well and still the proper temperature. The scallops were prepared perfectly. Everyone was talking about how good it was the next morning and how much they enjoyed it."

Espuelas

★★★★☆ 3.5 (14)

"Love the atmosphere and decor inside and out! Having two DJ's inside and outside really is great for a mix up of different music! I had the La Flor drink and WOW it gave a good kick of absolute and strawberry. Definitely coming back!"

La Cascada Table & Bar

★★★☆☆ 3.3 (28)

"Pretty good, I wouldn't come just for this food but since I'm staying here it's nice atmosphere and easy."

Bar 601

★★★★☆ 3.7 (107) • $$

"This place is a place to view the sunset. It was nice to bring an out of town guest. Only issue is, getting down the tower can take 10 minutes of waiting for the elevator.Server was great! She made sure my mocktail wasn't too sweet. I've had the kimchi calamari before. It's crunchy, but its sauce is like a very sweet gochujang mayo with a sweet reduction drizzle below the fried rice noodles."

Burleson Yard Beer Garden

★★★★☆ 4.1 (229) • $

"We finally had a chance to come and try this place out, with the kids.We are so thankful for spots with playgrounds. Especially when they have great drinks and eats. The kids had a great time on the playground and were entertained while we kicked back and relaxed. I had the cucumber margarita, frozen and on the rocks but favored on the rocks. It was nicely balanced and helped cool me off in this Texas heat! The hubs had the pear snap beer and fresh kicks hazy IPA. He was really looking forward to the Electric Jelly Fish but they were out. I just need to say, the fries here are so good. They were the stand out dish all around, and they're a side. My girls really enjoyed the chicken strips, they were tender, juicy and a good portion size. The cheesesteak was nothing extraordinary, kinda plain tasting but not terrible. I don't think it's really the thing to get here. Not pictured is the burger with just about everything except avocado. Lettuce, tomato, pickles, cheese and bacon. My husband devoured it and boasted about its deliciousness.We didn't get to partake in any live music but the stage setup is really nice and there is plenty of seating. If you're lucky you can snag a table with a fan! Everyone here is super friendly and service was pretty quick with drink and food orders."

Toro Kitchen + Bar

★★★★☆ 4.4 (690) • $$

"Great ambiance, very cool bar!The service was excellent!I'm very impressed with the wine selection as well as the entree selection.It felt like being back in Spain.Love this place."

Cullum's Attaboy

★★★★☆ 4.2 (151) • $$

"A gem in San Antonio. Cullum's Attaboy is somewhere between a French bistro and early 1900's San Antonio diner, serving an elevated brunch that will not be found anywhere else in this city. The staff wear white aprons and hats, classic jazz plays softly, and the space feels cozy yet effortlessly luxurious. The menu is concise yet interesting, featuring classics like pancakes and burgers, along with fine ingredients like escargots, truffles, and plenty of caviar. Order/pay at the counter, choose a table, and the staff will serve your food. Brunch for two set us back just under $100. Their Cortado was the best espresso drink I had in my 5 day visit to San Antonio. My husband's drip coffee was very good as well. Service was polite. You must order the 1915 Spudnuts. These are soft, pillowy donuts made from riced potatoes. Their exterior is delicately crisp, and the inside melts in your mouth and has a buttermilk pancake flavor. 10/10. Another must order is the Champagne Butter Poached Scallop. While $18 for two bites of food may seem steep, I assure you that it is well worth it. The scallop was delicately poached and impossibly tender, enhanced by a rich hollandaise and rainbow trout roe.The French Omelette was excellent, albeit slightly over salted. Skip the Baked Tomato French Toast. While a savory French toast sounded intriguing, it was ultimately an over baked salt/oil bomb. I quickly got palate fatigue. Regardless, this was my favorite meal in San Antonio, by far."

Chifladas

★★★★★ 4.7 (9)

"You'll like the way they work it (no diggity), no doubt. This place isn't fancy. It's necessary. Chifladas is the life of the west side, a literal diamond in the rough.On a corner on W Martin you'll have a chance to listen to some amazing jams (how do you want it? how do you feel?), hang out under bistro string lights, use a vintage photo booth, drink your drink, and feel right at home. Sitting at a table out back feels like we're just hanging out at a friend's house in the backyard.You have to stop in to appreciate the genuine warmth of this homegrown local spot. Highly recommend."

Stone Terrace Gastropub

★★★★☆ 4.4 (71)

"We visited Stone Terrace on a whim, leaving us incredibly full and satisfied. Pros:- Easily available reservations- Friendly and attentive staff, including chefs and the owner, who checked on us during our meal- Diverse and creative drink menu catering to various tastes- Options for both outdoor covered seating and a pleasant indoor environment- Varied meal choices ranging from French to Italian even the UK, all of which were well balanced and delicious - Enjoyable music selection of 90s hits, adding to the lively atmosphere- Generous platters offering a substantial amount of delicious food, perfect for sharing between a coupleCons:- Slightly secluded location off the main path- The only minor critique would be slight variations in the cooking level of calamari due to size, though still enjoyable with the accompanying specialty sauceStone Terrace will be my go-to spot. I plan to frequent this amazing restaurant, especially for special occasions when I need to unwind with friends and family."

Merkaba

★★★☆☆ 3.4 (62) • $$

"I ended up at this place by mere luck and the minute I walked in I knew I was in the right place for my liking. I was greeted by the manager Eric and he placed me on the vip list and gave me a vip band. Eric was friendly and very nice. As a vip I had access to happy hour all night long which was a big plus. Upon entering there was a live band doing an acoustic set and it just happened to be a local musician I've worked with before in the music scene. They played three acoustic sets for the rest of the night and they even did request. The music itself was spot on for the place. It went well with the atmosphere and I was at ease just listening to music in here. My waitress Ruby was real friendly and tended to my alcoholic needs all night long. As I mentioned before I had access to happy hour all night and it was a real treat. Low prices and good adult drinks, I definitely plan on making plans to come back on another time. On a side note happy hour happens everyday from open till 10 pm but if get vip band you have it all night."

High Praise

★★★☆☆ 3.3 (6)

"Located inside the new Intercontinental Hotel, this bar located on the third floor is gorgeously decorated with plenty of comfortable seating area inside as well as two rooftop patio areas (no heated lamps when we went this past Saturday). Their menu as of now is limited, so we just got a beer and truffle fries. Truffle fries were crispy on outside and fluffy on inside, but not worth the $16 price tag (I think more reasonable would be between $8-10). Our server was super attentive to us and appreciated the DJ who played mainly pop and hip hop at a good volume where you could enjoy the music but not too loud that you couldn't have a conversation. Prices were a little on higher side, which I do think is a con. It is a newer bar - we went on a Saturday night at 9:30 pm and it was only my husband and I for awhile until 10:30 pm when a group of 9 people came in I think after they were at a wedding. Parking wise they do validate your parking for an hour! So that's a plus. I think if you're looking for some pre or post dinner drinks, the ambiance alone is worth the visit but wouldn't recommend buying more than one drink/dish as the quality is not worth the price tag."

Seersucker Gin Distillery

★★★★★ 4.5 (20)

"Such a fan of Seersucker Southern Style gin! If you don't like gin, you will like Seersucker Gin! Trust me. It is an adorable place to hang out any day of the week! The grounds are beautiful, ample amount of parking. There are rocking chairs on the covered porch, picnic tables, plush chairs and ottomons, bean bag toss and bocce ball set up outside with fans. There are a few tables inside the tasting room, along with the bar, restrooms, merchandise for sale and the distillery. The tasting room is right in the middle of the distillery, so you see all the working parts that go into making the gin and Cinco vodka. They offer free tours on Saturday's at 3 PM, and request that you RSVP on their website. Trey, the owner, was the one who gave the tour. He is a fun and interactive guy, so you definitely will not be bored. We were able to taste their Cinco Vodka, Gin, Lemon Flavored Gin and Limeaide Gin. Then we each purchased a cocktail to take on the tour with us. Fun fact - Seersucker was the first gin to be made with real fruit juice, not just flavored. They also have trademarked the "Southern Style Gin." Who knew this little hidden gem was in San Antonio! Seersucker is pet friendly, as long as your pet is leashed. They also pop fresh popcorn daily."

Hugman's Oasis

★★★★☆ 4.2 (311) • $$

"One of the best (and most underrated) tiki bars in the country. Hugman's Oasis is an escape to a cave-like South Seas paradise, complete with diverse menu of classic and modern rum-based cocktails. The dark interior is filled with carved wood tikis, a faux water feature, and plenty of illuminated vintage fishing floats. They are located on the Riverwalk, but the entrance is somewhat hidden. Look for Tokyo Cowboy; Hugman's Oasis is just down the stairs, or you can take an elevator down. The bar has a patio area with tiki torches, but I recommend the interior bar.When visiting a tiki bar for the first time, I always start with a Mai Tai to test the waters. The one here was wonderful, complete with Rhum Agricole. I opted for the $2 upgrade to the better rum, which was well worth it. Their Painkiller was expertly executed, and quite light on the palate, despite being sweet and creamy. My third drink, and perhaps my favorite, was one of their house signatures, the "Texas Sun", which includes bourbon, white rum, dry curaçao, baking spices, and a little absinthe. Tiki bar food is notoriously terrible, but the Coconut Shrimp here were tasty. The shrimp were juicy and fresh, with a delicately crisp, well seasoned breading.The bartenders were knowledgable of tiki culture and cocktails, and genuinely hospitable. I was shocked to be the only patron on a Thursday night. If this bar was in LA, they would be packed out every night."

Casa Catrina

★★★★☆ 3.8 (77) • $$

"I love the dia de muertos vibes the place has! It's definitely a place to visit during Halloween but we went for Christmas - funny enough. Every year my family eats at a restaurant along the river walk. Casa Catrina decor is fab and the outside seating area during Christmas was magical! The food - O M G. I have zero complaints outside of the lack of more options but honestly what they have on their menu - they have perfected. The salsas were fabulous- the carnitas tacos were AMAZING!The service was fantastic! They have an upstairs so just fyi. The price is a little steep but it's along the rivals it's to be expected."

Silo Terrace Oyster Bar

★★★★☆ 4.3 (242) • $$

"We have been going to Silo for many years... Food is consistently delicious and the service is always fabulous. Jonah has seen us several times, and he always remembers us. Being on the terrace is always a treat. The outdoor bar is like a garden retreat. Inside the restaurant, it's very streamlined, minimalist and hipster. Go here if you want some fresh delicious seafood, pasta, chicken, or a delicious burger during lunchtime. It's very affordable at that time. I've never eaten there at dinner because it's a little bit pricey, but I hope to try it one day. For now, I will stick to lunch."

Thai Lucky Sushi Bar & Restaurant

★★★★☆ 3.5 (292) • $$

"If you like Thai food, or east asian cuisine in general, then you must try Thai Lucky. There are two locations with the same name, I always go to the one on Navarro instead of the one on Pine but that's personal preference. I have been to both. I typically order carry out but dining in seems pleasant. Fairly clean establishment although you can tell it's been there for awhile. I've ordered many different entrees from here and have enjoyed every one. The portions are decent for the price you pay. If you are downtown or on the southside of SA and want some Thai food, check this place out!"

Full Belly

★★★★☆ 3.9 (118) • $$

"Full belly never disappoints in flavor! This was my first time at this location, and the food is just as good as the original. Unfortunately, my pineapple Brie appetizer, didn't have any Brie! It was so good that I didn't even realize it until I looked at the menu again, but still... The chorizo hash was OMG delish. The side of focaccia with blueberry jam was okay; there are probably better choices.The service was excellent; we were the only ones there. The ambiance does not compare to the original, but gets points for the groovy floor. I will 100% go back for the food."

Maria Bonita

★★★★☆ 4.2 (412) • $$

"Maria Bonita has become one of our go-to spots, and we've been here several times. Every visit delivers amazing food and a lively atmosphere! Here's what we've tried so far:Brisket Birria Benedictos ($19) - A creative and flavorful twist on a brunch classic.Huevos Rancheros ($13) - Solid choice with bold, authentic flavors.Spinach and Mushroom Omelet ($17) - Light yet hearty; packed with fresh veggies.Chilaquiles (Sunny Side Up) ($18) - Perfectly crispy with a satisfying kick.Ceviche ($13.49) - Bright, fresh, and a must-try starter.Maria Bonita Combo Plate (Cheese Enchiladas and Beef Fajita) ($14.99) - The enchiladas are the bomb! Cheesy, flavorful, and so satisfying.The atmosphere can get a bit loud, but it's fantastic for groups. They even have a party room, which makes it perfect for celebrations or larger gatherings.The drink flights are always a highlight! Whether you're into margaritas, mezcal, or micheladas, the flights let you explore a variety of flavors in one go. We've found a few favorites this way, and it's great for sharing.Maria Bonita continues to impress us with every visit. If you're looking for great food, drinks, and a fun vibe, this is the place!"

Lowcountry

★★★★☆ 3.8 (56) • $$

"I want to start out by saying this bar isn't for everyone. Not everybody is going to like it, it is smaller than most, and if you have a goo band playing it'll be hard to find a seat inside. The patio however is spacious, and the drinks are so, so, good. It is a cocktail bar, though they do offer some bottled beers and wine. They have a cocktail menu that is written daily, so it's always changing. while some might be disappointed to find that a drink they liked one day, isn't on the menu the next, I think it's what makes the bar so great. Variety is the spice of life after all!This really is your friendly neighborhood bar, the bartenders are all quite experienced and are pulled in from bars all over the city. if you frequent the bar scene, and frequent this bar, it will quickly become like cheers, where "everyone will know your name."There is frequently live music playing, either in doors or outside depending on the weather. The ambiance is great, on the patio you can see the Tower of the Americas. The inside perfectly captures a balance between divey and classy, intimate and friendly. It's a really great bar, and while not everyone will like it, they should at least give it a chance."

Tokyo Cowboy

★★★★☆ 4.3 (423) • $$

"Tokyo Cowboy is a delightful fusion of Southern and Japanese comfort food, offering a unique menu and an inviting atmosphere. We were looking for a place with delicious food and drinks, and this spot delivered. Located in a fantastic area, the restaurant combines upscale and classy vibes indoors with a tiki bar-inspired aesthetic outside. The drinks were designed with a tropical feelFrom the moment we walked in, the service was excellent. Although it wasn't very busy, we were promptly seated at the bar. The bartender was incredibly friendly, knowledgeable, and engaging, making our experience even more enjoyable. I ordered the Yuzurita, a mix of tequila, yuzu, triple sec, and lime, and it was absolutely top-notch--perhaps the best drink I had during my trip through Texas.For our meal, my husband and I decided to sample three dishes. The brisket egg roll was tender and flavorful, complemented perfectly by the tangy chili herb ranch dip with a slight kick. The crispy pork chop was well-cooked but a bit bland on its own; however, the apple-curry gravy elevated the dish with its rich, sweet flavor. The standout dish, though, was the Dashi Corn Waffle. The waffle had a perfect texture--crispy on the outside and pillowy on the inside. Paired with shrimp, pork belly, and a flavorful Japanese BBQ sauce, it was an impeccable balance of sweet and savory.Although the menu is small, every dish we tried was well-crafted and delicious. The combination of amazing food, fantastic drinks, and a trendy yet welcoming atmosphere makes Tokyo Cowboy a must-visit in San Antonio. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a unique dining experience."

The Bunker Mixology

★★★★☆ 3.6 (22)

"Came back again before going back to Hawaii Our mixologist this time was McKenzie. She also provided great customer service and recommendations. This time I got the La Reve"

Maverick Whiskey

★★★★☆ 4.2 (155)

"Nestled in the heart of downtown San Antonio, Maverick Whisky Distillery captures the essence of Texan spirit with every sip. From the moment you step inside, you're enveloped in the rich tapestry of San Antonio's vibrant culture. The aroma of aged oak barrels mingles with the sounds of live music, creating an atmosphere that's both timeless and electric.The whiskey itself is a testament to craftsmanship, each batch carefully curated to perfection. Whether you prefer the smooth notes of a classic bourbon or the bold kick of a rye, Maverick offers a range of flavors to suit every palate. Each sip is a journey through the flavors of Texas, with hints of mesquite, pecan, and even a touch of spicy chili, paying homage to the state's diverse culinary landscape.But it's not just the whiskey that makes Maverick stand out; it's the sense of community that permeates every corner of the distillery. Locals and tourists alike come together to share stories over a glass of their favorite spirit, forging connections that transcend time and place. And with its prime location in the heart of downtown, Maverick serves as a cultural hub where tradition meets innovation, making it a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the true spirit of San Antonio"

Holy Diver Tiki Lounge

★★★★☆ 4 (5)

"This place has excellent l, well-crafted drinks. Bartenders are knowledgeable and friendly. Highly recommended. Great vibe."

Web House Cafe & Bar

★★★★☆ 4.2 (36) • $

"I have been frequenting the Web House Cafe & Bar a few times for the past year to catch alternative drag shows hosted by House of Coven. The drag shows have been great & testifies to what kind of place Web House is to be the venue for these incredible, alternative, shows. Keep in mind, my review is from my experience being at this place around midnight during the mayhem that is an alternative drag show, so I have no clue how it is outside of clubbing hours, or outside of it's drag nights. The venue looks deceivingly small, but you'll find ample seating on their patio - lit with decorative lights, as well as even more seating in beyond the patio. Very divey, very casual. The drinks are pretty good, I haven't paid much attention to the prices. The bartenders are friendly. THE FOOD!!!! Wings are alright, but I wouldn't come here for them. I would come here for their BURGER!!!The moment I had last night eating this burger is what every foodie lives for: That unexpected experience finding great food in the least unexpected place. The seasoning on the patty was what made this delicious morsel so enjoyable. I want to say there was a garlic component to it, but I honestly have no idea. It was very savory. Very tasty. The fries it came with were really good and generously added on the plate. Taste ranking wise? I know I'll get some haters, but it was way better than shake shack (Having had it recently)-- and price wise it was only 6.95 including fries. So yeah, I'll come back here for the drag. I'll come back here for the drinks. And I'll definitely be coming back for the cheeseburger."

The Base Line

★★★★☆ 4.3 (44) • $

"Found this place by chance and it's off the beaten path. First of all. I knew nothing about this bar but apparently I know more than ever now. It's out of the way but trust me it's so worth it. The drinks are on point and Heather is a GEM. I've been here a few times and every single time I'm glad I came. If your looking for a place you can unwind and relax with a stiff drink. This. Is. Your. Place. I read the other reviews and trust me. You won't regret it. It's perfect. Unwind. Sit back and relax. You will make this go to place."

Savor

★★★★★ 4.7 (87)

"Savor has become our gold standard for fine dining. Right off the bat, the person attending the entrance opened the door for us and warmly greeted us - not the worn out welcome of someone grinding through the night, but someone who genuinely seemed to care that we'd have a good time at Savor. The interior is modern and warm - clean lines and lots of wood. We've come a couple times and each time the servers are so helpful and courteous. The margarita is excellent, sweet and refreshing. Each time we've been, we've loved the food here. Recently, the pistachio crusted ahi and pork albondigas were great. But since the menu changes every season, asking the opinions of the servers is really helpful. Since the price of each dish doesn't affect an expected tip, the servers are really giving an honest opinion of what's really great, and they have never steered us wrong! Looking forward to coming back soon!"