Winner: Bonham Exchange
411 Bonham
(210) 224-9219
The word “institution” gets thrown around a little too easily these days, but it’s no exaggeration at all to call the Bonham a San Antonio LGBTQ+ institution. Arthur “Hap” Veltman transformed this century-plus-old German social club into a gay bar in 1980, and it’s continued to pack in crowds with a mix of high-energy dance music and low-priced cocktails. Despite the iconic club’s clear orientation, its open-door policy has made it Party Central for a wide variety of folks, from college students and post-Battle of Flowers revelers to certain TV news anchors and occasional out-of-town celebs.
2. Heat Nightclub
1500 N. Main Ave.
(210) 227-2600
3. La Botanica
2911 N. St. Mary’s St.
(210) 716-0702
This article appears in Best of San Antonio 2020.