Entertaining out-of-town guests can be a hassle. Finding the perfect spot is daunting, but thankfully San Antonio has a plethora of joints that cater to the most discerning of guests and they’re all scattered across town. Here, in no particular order, are the places we’d take mom, dad, old friends, new friends, college roommates, wily grandmas and more.
The Brooklynite 516 Brooklyn Ave., 210-444-0707, thebrooklynitesa.com Maybe we love The Brooklynite because it’s a hop-skip away from our office, but the bar’s appeal doesn’t stop there. Take your visitors there for great cocktails, people-watching come weekends or a potent Pain Killer from their tiki menu featured every Tuesday. Photo via SA Current, Linda Romero
Rumble 2420 N. St. Mary’s St., rumblesa.com If your out-of-towners are looking for a chill spot to grab a drink, Rumble will give them a great view of St. Mary’s and let them indulge in spicy margaritas and other house drinks. Photo via Instagram, arielmarte
Sancho’s 628 Jackson St., 210-320-1840, sanchossmx.com If frozen margs are more their speed (no shade here), head to Sanchos which is equal parts patio, music venue, purveyor of tasty tacos and other bar snacks (get the shrimp balls). But it’s best to enjoy them on the roof where you get magnificent views of Downtown, the Taco Bell parking lot and more. Photo via Facebook, SanchosMX
The Esquire Tavern 155 E. Commerce St., 210-222-2521, esquiretavern-sa.com.com Though not the first cocktail bar in San Antonio, The Esquire earns points for several great traits. From its storied history as the longest bar in Texas, to its thoughtful decor, to its amazing food menu, to its extensive mezcal list, and yes, classic and inventive cocktails, there’s a bit of everything to find here. Photo via Facebook, EsquireTavernSA
The Friendly Spot 943 S. Alamo St., 210-224-2337, thefriendlyspot.com Or maybe you want a place where you can let the kiddos get the wiggles out. You can do that at The Friendly Spot Ice House. Beer lovers will get to choose from oodles of bottles on the wall (er-fridge) or more than 70 taps of local, regional and national craft — though you can still get down with a Lone Star if you want. Pups are also welcome to while away the day under the giant trees or take in a movie during the week on the inflatable big screen. Photo via Facebook, TheFriendlySpot
Bohanan’s 219 E. Houston St., 210-472-2600, bohanans.com If we’re talking OG bars, your out-of-town guests need to visit Bohanan’s for expertly made cocktails by a professional staff and the classy vibes that grow from spending time on Houston Street. Photo via Facebook, Bohanans
Paramour 102 9th St., Suite 400, paramourbar.com If your fam has high expectations and not just any old rooftop will cut it, take ’em to Paramour. Known for its barrel-aged program, thorough wine list and being Downtown’s first rooftop bar, the sprawling watering hole makes for excellent people watching. Take in the view with your pals and brag about how cool San Antonio is getting. Photo via SA Current, Jeffrey Burton Credit: Photo by Jeffrey Burton
Tony’s Bar 206 Brooklyn Ave., 210-227-4551, facebook.com/tonysbar On the flip side of posh, get a true San Anto experience and visit Tony’s Bar. Yes, it’s cash only, but the libations are hella cheap and Tony Lopez and his staff will take care of your brood. It’s one of the Current’s favorite places to watch the Spurs game and will be yours soon, too. Photo via SA Current, Sara Luna Ellis
Faust Tavern 517 E. Woodlawn Ave., (210) 257-0628, facebook.com/thefausttavern The St. Mary’s Strip is having a bit of a renaissance and leading that charge is Danny Delgado, owner of Faust Tavern, Hi-Tones, La Botanica, Phantom Room and soon The Squeezebox. Faust edges out sister Hi-Tones (though you should definitely still go there and have a pickle shot) with Crossroads Kitchen, which serves Southern fare until 2 a.m., its spooktastic vibe (there’s a ouija board inside!) and laid-back atmosphere. Photo via Instagram, adolfacosta
The Hoppy Monk 1010 N. Loop 1604 E., 210-545-3330, thehoppymonk.com When The Hoppy Monk first landed in SA, we thought it was too good to be true. But several visits and beers in and we couldn’t speak highly enough of this bar with its more than 90 taps of craft brew, delicious and evolving menu and chill ambiance. Sure, it sits right next to 1604 and doesn’t have the best of views, but if your guests want great tacos and equally tasty beer, you could do far, far worse. Photo via Instagram, thehoppymonk_sa
Big Hops 306 Austin St., 210-320-1470, bighops.com Honestly, you could go to any Big Hops location and get great service and your fill of growlers. But we’re partial to the Bridge location where you can hop on Hays Street Bridge and admire San Antonio from a new angle. Your out-of-town guests will get a great view and hopefully a few great beers. Photo via Facebook, bighopsbridge
Bonham Exchange 411 Bonham St., 210-224-9219, bonhamexchange.com If your guests want to get down, take them to the Bonham Exchange one of San Antonio’s oldest, longest-running gay bar and it’s housed inside a historic building. The drinks are cheap, the place is massive and the DJ sets are on point. What more do they want? Photo via Facebook, bonhamexchange
Cobalt Club 2022 McCullough Ave., 210-734-2244, facebook.com/Cobalt-Club If your friends and family would rather visit a dive than a cocktail lounge, or if they’re into day-drinking early, then a visit to Cobalt Club is in order. The tiny bar plays host to random performances by local acts like Buttercup and opens at 7 a.m. for all your drinking needs. Photo via SA Current, Jessica Elizarraras
Pegasus Nightclub 1402 N. Main Ave., 210-299-4222, pegasussanantonio.com Maybe your guests need a very specific kind of entertainment? Pegasus Nightclub with its outdoor drag courtyard, country bar and leather bar is a can’t-miss stop if you and your guests are crawling along the Main Avenue Strip. Make sure to fuel of at Luther’s beforehand. Photo via Facebook, ThePegSA
Tucker’s Kozy Korner 1338 E. Houston St., 210-320-2192, facebook.com/tuckerskozykorner A San Antonio staple since 1948, Tucker’s Kozy Korner has gone through plenty iterations. The latest, owned by Chris Cullum of Cullum’s Attaboy and Attagirl, delivers dance nights, elevated bar food and an even better brunch. Give your company a taste for the East Side with a stop at this long-standing bar. Photo via Facebook, tuckerskozykorner
Freetail Brewing Company 4035 N. Loop 1604 W. #105, (210) 395-4974, www.freetailbrewing.com
Sternewirth 136 E. Grayson St., 210-223-7375, hotelemma.com If you’re already in the Pearl area because your visitors needed to get a box of macarons from Bakery Lorraine, then make sure to walk them on over to Hotel Emma, where they can ooh and ahh at Sternewirth. Because it really is that breath-taking, it will require multiple visits, but their first foray into this brewery-turned-bar should include a sit in the brew-tanks that now function as fun cubbies for groups. Or sit near the wine wall and lord over the rest of the patrons, or take the whole family (adults only) and sit at the long table over a few tiki drinks. Photo via Facebook, Sternewirth