The Tastiest Lounges in San Antonio

Amelia Social Lounge

★★★★☆ 3.9 (49)

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

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."

Backstage Lounge

★★★★☆ 3.6 (31) • $$

"This seems like a bar that'd be great to go to if you're staying at the hotel next door. Otherwise, I can't see much point in going here. The lounge smelled heavily of cleanser when we walked in. Pinesol isn't the most welcoming smell, but at least it didn't smell awful. It's funny, it kinda throws me off when they're in a sunken bar. You sit down, at a low bar, and they're below you. I was amused that they have bands' posters in a framed decoupage by the bar, that showcase bands that their clientele listen to. I was amused that among the clientele that they're attracting is people who enjoy Nickelback. They instantly lost a few stars for that. The bartender seemed rather clueless about the beers that they had, and they acted surprised when we asked about beers that aren't on the specials list. The beers on the specials list were shockingly cheap, so if you just wanna drink cheaply, this is a good place to go. However, the bar glassware was filthy. But you don't come here to drink fancy beers out of glasses. You come here for cheap ass cans of beer. Want clean glassware? Try ordering from a bottle instead. It seems like a laid back place to go and get some cheap drinks, but I wouldn't go out of my way to go here."

Pink Catrina Taco Club

★★★★☆ 4.4 (5)

"Great ambiance, excellent prices, DJ kept the mood going, managers hooked it up with a free round of drinks for me and my friends, had a great time, will decéntelo come back!!"

Paramour

★★★☆☆ 3.1 (594) • $$$

"Amazing spot to grab drinks with friends. Super cool setting and tons of seating. Great views on the upper deck. Great spot to socialize."

Evil Olive

★★★★☆ 3.6 (126) • $

"I love Evil Olive so much. The food is sneaky good. You know what I mean. Like WAY BETTER than you'd think it would be, drunk or not. Kelli is the best bartender I have ever known in my life and probably will ever know. The quesadillas, the mozz sticks, the wings, the nachos, the sandwiches (all of them; I have had all of them) the burgers, everything is amazing. Everything. I will love this place until I die because the company, the vibes, the service and the quality are exactly what I need. I hope you always come to Evil Olive. I love this place."

Uptown 78 Lounge

★★★★☆ 3.7 (19) • $$

"They serve both alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks. Friendly bartenders. Great place to go to with friends."

Oasis Lounge

★★★★☆ 4 (33) • $

"I've been coming here for years and I've always gotten the best service from Ara. She is good. Super good. Probably the best. She's my friend. But seriously it's great dive bar with very welcoming regulars and a chill atmosphere."

The Lounge at Valeria

★★★★★ 5 (3)

"The new lounge / bar at Valeria is awesome! If you've ever had the pleasure of eating Chef Keith's food from next door, you definitely need to check out the bar. The cocktails are excellent and Will was a great bartender. They have food too. They have booths, some comfortable chairs, and of course bar seating. Also, they are open late, which is not common in Boerne. Classy yet chill atmosphere. Will definitely be visiting again and often!"

Conversa Elevated

★★★★☆ 4.2 (21)

"I was almost hesitant to provide a review because this lovely place is so close to where I live. However, I do want them to thrive! The staff was welcoming, and it was a well-designed environment with plentiful dedicated parking. The cocktail menu is divine, and I look forward to exploring more of that menu. Also, the bites are high quality and beautifully presented. My only recommendation is that although everything we tried was delicious, I encourage them to consider varying the taste profiles a little since many items were citrus-forward."

Lighthouse

★★★★★ 4.7 (18)

"There are "dives" and then there are really "dives." The thing for me is what exactly quantifies being one? Is it location? Decor or lack thereof? The audience? No matter how well rounded a person you believe yourself to be you should have at least one in your pocket. A place where you can let your hair down. Trust me I've been to a few lounges so pretentious even a dollar- fifty can of Lonestar Beer turns into a fashion statement. But I digress.The Lighthouse Lounge across the street from Woodlawn Lake fits perfectly into that category. It's a semi small spot trying not to be anything except itself. First the basics. There is finite parking up front but a little opens up in the back. Before you step inside the doorperson takes your temperature. In all honesty I haven't been greeted this way in a long time(Reminded me of Tacoland). Entering inside I was struck by its aesthetics: an old pool table, velvet paintings, antique lamps, squeaky leather furniture and cow skulls on the walls. There is ample seating indoors but patrons were mostly hanging outside on the patio.Walking through I was reminded of the biker scene in "True Detective Season 1" meets "Threes Company." Needless to say it's very quirky, right up my alley. This is not to dissuade nor scare you into not going. If you're planning on ordering a bottle of 1929 Chardonnay from the French Alps of Bordeaux. Or a Trappist Ale from a hidden monastery in Belgrade this place might not be for you. Instead there is a small bar that serves mixed drinks, micheladas and a very small selection of beer at decent prices. I opted for Freetail' s Soul Doubt and Community Axis IPA at 5 bucks a can. They also carry Bud, Lonestar, PBR, etc but only in can. If you're wanting a beer on tap there is none. In addition if you're used to a server coming to your table to take your order don't hold your breath. Instead you go to the counter and the friendly barkeep will help you. Sitting here drinking my two beers whilst listening to Sade's, "No ordinary love" I reflected on this area. Growing up not too far from here there used to be a plethora of neighborhood bars. Instead this area has been rebranded as "The Monticello/Deco District" to attract a more upscale demographic. Sure I saw a few curious millenials who were here for the Happy Hour(7pm-9pm). But I also saw a couple who looked like art teachers. And another well into their Golden Years. In other words there's a cross section of all types and ages. No bar and club can be for everyone all the time. However if you are into new, unique experiences The Lighthouse Lounge might be your new hangout. The vibe is like you're at someone's house party minus Kid N Play. The beers are cold. The staff is friendly. They have DJ's that play 70's Yacht Rock, R&B, Oldies but Goodies on given nights. Plus you have a view overlooking Woodlawn Lake into the evening. If you happen to be in the hood please check it out. ps. I was air drumming to the Blue Oyster Cult's, "Burning for You" and the door person gave me that "More Cowbell!" look."

Tiny Cantina

★★★★☆ 3.6 (44)

"Omg these margs are to die for. So good and dressed perfectly. It's such a cute little place in the perfect spot at the mall. I got the margarita flight with cucumber, mango, and strawberry. The bartender was the sweetest girl ever and made our drinks super quick. Definitely a good try if you drink and are at la Cantera!"

Downstairs at the Esquire Tavern

★★★★☆ 4.1 (167) • $$

"Discovered this speakeasy style bar on my biz trip. Like the name says - head downstairs once you arrive at the Esquire. Super cool and relaxed vibe - and very friendly and approachable bartenders. Excellent quality cocktails.Great place to relax and enjoy a great drink - highly recommended!"

Sugartimes Lounge

★★★★☆ 4.4 (12) • $

"I came here one day after work and ordered a Lone Star Light and had a good chat with the friendly bartender as she was watching an episode of COPS on the TV. Since I came early there were only two other people there having a drink outside on the patio so they can have a smoke. If you're a fan of tiny, hole in the wall dive bars then this place on the SE side next door to a Bill Miller's is for you."

Bar 1919

★★★★☆ 4.4 (489) • $$

"I came here to have an experience and I did. Asked for a new cocktail with the flavors and ingredients I was looking for and I got just that.The mixologists here are true professionals, they take their time and like to craft new cocktails. The ambiance is extraordinary, very intimate and out of the ordinary. I would love to come back to this place another time. It's one of those places that you add to a list to recommend and be back for more."

The Martini Club

★★★★☆ 3.9 (84) • $$

"We went here Saturday night to see a live band that started at 9PM. We we're meeting a group of friends. My husband and I got here around 8:35. We paid the 10$ a person cover. The bar was not full but every single table and every single barstool at the bar and another bar top seating had reserved signs on them. That seemed really strange considering your charging a cover and there is no place to sit down. My husband went to the lady who had just taken our cover and asked why there were no seats available. She said if people did not come by 9:30 they would take the reserved signs off. Getting a drink was difficult. This bar has many regulars and the bar staff was busy taking care of them. Our friends get there and 6 of us are in a corner around a small table, at 9:35 we move the table in front of ours to allow us to spread out a bit. The lady at the front who took our cover came to our table and asked why we had pulled the table to ours. I told her that you can't charge a cover charge for an event if every seat is taken. The lady got all upset and told me I did not have to have that attitude. My whole thing is if every seat is reserved then it needs to be closed for a private party. Please also inform people before they pay the cover that there is not seating until a certain time. The music was good. The drinks at the bar were very slow. They seem to have a very loyal crowd of regulars. Hopefully the owners/managers understand that customer service matters when your in the hospitality business."

Beer Goggles

★★★☆☆ 2.8 (24) • $$

"Mark is an awesome bartender. I recommend theJack Fire whiskey kept right in the freezer. Had the Free food on Fridays. Going to see the UFC FIGHTS ON THE BIG SCREEN. Good to get down in a small town."

Bar 301

★★★★☆ 3.7 (110) • $$

"My boyfriend and I have stopped by 2 times having the same bartender serving us on each visit. The first time he orders an old fashion, in which he was not impressed with. You can tell the bartender was not equipped with curating this drink.The 2nd visit he ordered a tequila sunrise and it didn't even have the layer of the obvious colors that are in this drink. When we got the bill, there was a $3 fee added for the juice, excuse me what???? That was a first that we have seen before and my boyfriend was not happy. He brought his dismay up to the bartender but said that is just the way things are. He is not a skilled bartender nor does he have the customer service touch.The bar is very small so can fill up easily and feels rather tight since the walls are so close to the seating surrounding it but there is plenty of seating outside. The first visit there was a live musician playing acoustic guitar where he sings covers to songs of your choice. My boyfriend and I had fun requesting some songs for him to sing, in which he was very talented. The second visit it was a pianist that sounded great too but it got so dang loud patrons talking we had to go outside. Unfortunately all of this has made us decide not to return again."

Shin Dig

★★★★☆ 4 (57) • $$

"So definitely a place where you can feel like if you walked in they'd remember you remember your drink and what type of snack or appetizer you wanted with that drink it's simple. It's quiet. It's down to earth. It's a great place to stop on your way back home from work when you've had a long day and you know the next thing you gotta do is get home and reconfigure all your thoughts so why not stop have a nice drink and a place with great service and great ambience."

Ocho

★★★★☆ 3.6 • $$

"The ambiance was nice overlooking the River but the view is best because of the trees and foliage surrounding it.The service was a little slow but the food arrived hot. I did not like the sopas. They tasted like they were cooked in old oil and they were hard to eat. I ordered spinach salad with grilled chicken. The chicken was a little dry but the salad was fine."

Breathe Lounge

★★★★☆ 3.9 (17) • $$

"Very impressed with the upgrades and new concept in the former boiler room nightclub. This is a nice addition to the broadway strip and I can imagine myself stopping by for a drink or five. They will have DJ's on the weekend, Happy Hour specials, and also hookah setup for those who feel like relaxing & smoking. The setup is very spacious and with all new furniture and upholsteries added, the sound system upgraded, you're in for a great evening."

Cream Cocktail Lounge

★★★★☆ 4.3 (10)

"Driving home on a Friday night and the neon pink light caught my eye. I thought I'd stop in for a nightcap to see if this could qualify as a new neighborhood haunt. Gotta say, I think it will. You walk in through the patio which is a completely different (relaxing) vibe than the bar itself. The music is noticeably different, but nice if you're trying to have an intimate conversation. Walking in, the place is decorated nicely. I'm not sure what the theme is but by the signs exclaiming "t*Ts are awesome" and "girls girls girls" I'm assuming the name is not because Cash Rules Everything Around Me. The bartender was nice and friendly. They have specialty drinks, drink + shot combos, and packaged beers. The drink prices were more than reasonable. Dive bar prices with a very nice ambience. The music was great and spanned decades and genres. I found myself dancing in my seat and enjoying my time. It wasn't very crowded but after scouring their social media they've been open for about a month. I'm anxious to see their late night food menu. I've already made plans with friends to come back and check it out. Five stars for potential. I enjoyed my time there and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to others. TL;DR: cheap drinks, fun vibe, spacious and well decorated, classy with affordable drinks that won't break the bank. Fingers crossed on the kitchen, not yet open"

Pastiche

★★★★★ 4.8 (57) • $$

"This was such a cool little spot to have a drink or two and just enjoy the atmosphere. The music was dope."

Thirsty Camel Bar & Lounge

★★★★☆ 4.2 (42) • $

"This place is hopping sometimes but was dead when I went. I don't recommend their kareoke nights. The staff was attentive, good 80s music playing, drinks priced reasonably. Lots of comfortable seating, outdoor patio, and arcade games. I would come here again on a different night."

SILO Alamo Heights

★★★★☆ 3.8 (291) • $$$

"I didn't realize that the original @siloelevated is the Alamo Heights location. It's all of our first time to visit for dinner tonight. It's a touch different than the other locations.Dad had the Limeade, I had Malbec, and my husband had the Spellbound Pinot Noir. Dad and I shared the Chicken Orzo Soup. My husband had the Baby Wedge. The 2 Way Foie Gras was so delectable! The braised version was fantastic. Just wish there were more toast. Dad and I shared the Pan Roasted Red Snapper. My husband had the Center Cut Ribeye. Everything was so good. We left so full!Tonight, they were having a promotion. If you spend $100, then they give you a $50 gift card to use on your next visit. What a deal!"

The Esquire Tavern

★★★★☆ 4.1 • $$

"Absolutely LOVED my visit here ! Daniel was awesome. Very attentive, made a great cocktail, and gave me a bunch of recommendations of fun things to do while I'm in town. He was super funny and easy to talk to. I've been to several bars, restaurants etc while visiting and it's hard to find a place that has staff that is willing to take the time to get to know you. It made me feel welcomed and I am most certainly going to be back a few more times before my trip ends. I had a Moscow mule and it was sooooo good! I love that they make their own ginger beer. It was perfectly gingery and balanced. My only complaint was that I wish the ginger beer had more carbonation. One of the best qualities of a mule is how crisp and bubbly the ginger beer is. But it was still good and I would definitely get it again. Can't wait to come back to try more cocktails and food."

Deol II Sports Bar & Lounge

★★☆☆☆ 2.1 (96) • $$

"It's kinda like a dive bar with good danceable music, a [sorta] dance floor near the entrance, pool tables and mediocre drinks for a somewhat decent price. Not an awful place also not a place to sit and drink, this is the kinda loud place you end the night at. Might be back if we're in the area or have nothing else to do."