Winner: The Bang Bang Bar
119 El Mio Drive
(210) 320-1187
2. SA Country Saloon
1134 W. Hildebrand Ave.
(210) 908-9393
3. Faust Tavern
517 E. Woodlawn Ave.
(210) 257-0628
Previous Winners
Nightlife
Winner: The Bonham Exchange
411 Bonham St.
(210) 224-9219
If Pose emcee Pray Tell, immortalized by Billy Porter, was tasked with distilling the Bonham Exchange into a single ballroom category, he might come up with something along the lines of "Gay Disco with a Side of Historical Realness." Although Porter isn't among the stars who have graced the multilevel downtown club over the decades, he'd easily find something to love here. For starters, the San Antonio landmark is housed in a former German athletic club built in 1891 — if only walls could talk, honey. After passing through its stately entrance, the grand hallway that leads to the main dance floor simplyscreams for a dramatic runway strut. And around almost any corner, you'll find your way to a bar slinging budget cocktails to a wildly mixed crowd of revelers. While all walks come here to dance — to trash disco and club bangers that span the eras — theBonham also boasts a low-key back patio that's ideal for mingling and a wraparound balcony with top-notch views of all the dance-floor action. Recently treated to a COVID-era face lift, the venue's stately upstairs ballroom is looking mighty fine. It also regularly welcomes RuPaul's Drag Race stars and local performers alike to a storied stage that's hosted icons ranging from Iggy Pop to Tina Turner.
2. Elsewhere Garden Bar & Kitchen
103 E. Jones Ave.
(210) 446-9303
3. Hugman's Oasis
135 E. Commerce St.
(210) 441-7225
Winner: Elsewhere Garden Bar & Kitchen
103 E. Jones Ave.
(210) 446-9303
Elsewhere was lauded by readers as Best New Bar a couple of years ago. Clearly, it's also become a go-to for diners who like their burgers, sandwiches, salads and tacos locally sourced and with a view of the Museum Reach of the San Antonio River. Whether it's a big, hand-breaded chicken sandwich with Philly waffle fries you're after, or a more adventurous combo of gochujang cauliflower wings and a PB&J burger, the smallish menu packs big flavor. For those on the far North Side, Elsewhere has a second location in the works. Instead of a view of the river to go with the food, expect a 45-foot Ferris wheel.
2. The Esquire Tavern
155 E. Commerce St.
(210) 222-2521
3. Francis Bogside
803 S. St. Mary's St.
(210) 369-9192
Winner: Slackers
Multiple locations
2. Chicken and Pickle
5215 UTSA Blvd.
(210) 874-2120
3. Elsewhere Garden Bar & Kitchen
103 E. Jones Ave.
(210) 446-9303
Winner: Vikki Buchanan, The Bonham Exchange
411 Bonham St.
(210) 224-9219
2. Stephan Mendez, The Esquire Tavern
155 E. Commerce St.
(210) 222-2521
3. Debbie (Boo), The Good Kind
1127 S. St. Mary's St.
(210) 801-5892
Winner: The Hayden
4025 Broadway
(210) 437-4306
2. El Luchador
622 Roosevelt Ave.
(210) 988-3385
3. Southtown 101
101 Pereida St.
(210) 263-3753
Winner: Thirsty Horse Saloon
2335 NW Military Highway
(210) 348-1513
2. Lonesome Rose
2114 N. St. Mary's St.
(210) 455-0233
3. SA Country Saloon
1134 W. Hildebrand Ave.
(210) 908-9393
Winner: Flying Saucer Draught Emporium
11255 Huebner Road, Suite 212
(210) 696-5080
2. Elsewhere Garden Bar & Kitchen
103 E. Jones Ave.
(210) 446-9303
3. Big Hops
Multiple locations
Winner: The Bonham Exchange
411 Bonham St.
(210) 224-9219
If Pose emcee Pray Tell, immortalized by Billy Porter, was tasked with distilling the Bonham Exchange into a single ballroom category, he might come up with something along the lines of "Gay Disco with a Side of Historical Realness." Although Porter isn't among the stars who have graced the multilevel downtown club over the decades, he'd easily find something to love here. For starters, the San Antonio landmark is housed in a former German athletic club built in 1891 — if only walls could talk, honey. After passing through its stately entrance, the grand hallway that leads to the main dance floor simplyscreams for a dramatic runway strut. And around almost any corner, you'll find your way to a bar slinging budget cocktails to a wildly mixed crowd of revelers. While all walks come here to dance — to trash disco and club bangers that span the eras — theBonham also boasts a low-key back patio that's ideal for mingling and a wraparound balcony with top-notch views of all the dance-floor action. Recently treated to a COVID-era face lift, the venue's stately upstairs ballroom is looking mighty fine. It also regularly welcomes RuPaul's Drag Race stars and local performers alike to a storied stage that's hosted icons ranging from Iggy Pop to Tina Turner.
2. Brass Monkey
2702 N. St. Mary's St.
3. Heat Nightclub
1500 N. Main Ave.
(210) 227-2600
