Sometimes you want to kick back and enjoy a beer or a mixed drink at a place where you don’t have to worry about running into your ex from high school or that coworker you already politely declined an invitation from.

Is that so wrong?

These San Antonio drinking establishments have all the unique atmosphere, fun activities and quality beverages of the best local bars — just without the looming risk of having to make awkward small talk with friends-of-friends or people you’d really rather not run into.

Credit: Photo via Instagram / bardumonami
Web House 320 Blanco Road, (210) 531-0100, webhousecafe.com Sit out on the deck or grab a seat at the bar — no matter where you post up, you won’t be seeing folks you don’t want to see. The no-frills spot comes through that way, as well as with a pool table and live entertainment from time to time. Feel free to stop by Tuesday-Sunday between 4 p.m. and 2 a.m. to hang out without any unfortunate run-ins. Credit: Photo via Google Maps
Credit: Photo via Instagram / lowcountrysa
Oak Hills Tavern 7920 Fredericksburg Rd., (210) 614-8855, oakhillstavern.com This is probably SA’s collective favorite dive bar, so you’re really missing out if you haven’t been already. With good food, better beer and generous happy hour offerings, you can’t get much else out of Oak Hills Tavern — it’s got everything you need. Credit: Photo via Instagram / realcameralero
Who’s Who Cocktails 1711 Babcock Road, (210) 973-5055, facebook.com/whoswhococktails Need to kick back with a drink in your hand? Who’s Who is exactly the place where you can do just that without worrying about who you’ll see. This unassuming strip-mall watering hole is the perfect place to grab a drink in the company of other folks not looking to be seen. This dive will come through time and time again. Credit: Photo via Google Maps
Broadway 5050 5050 Broadway, (210) 832-0050, broadway5050.com Whether you’re there to watch the game, for karaoke night or just to grab a drink, 5050 has a revamped menu of bar food and an expanded drink menu capable of satiating just about any visitor. Credit: Photo via Instagram / thebeerdedbikemechanic
Faust 517 E. Woodlawn Ave., (210) 257-0628, facebook.com/TheFaustTavern This intimate St. Mary’s Strip venue lives up to its name with a dark and mysterious atmosphere. Appropriately, the shows focus on metal and other forms of heavy rock. Photo via Instagram / wildpleasuresrocks Credit: Photo via Instagram / wildpleasuresrocks
Joey’s 2417 N. St. Mary’s St., (210) 733-9573, joeys-sa.com No matter where your bar crawl takes you on the St. Mary’s Strip, you should always make it a point to hit up Joey’s. Drink specials, bar food, multiple pool tables and ample outdoor seating make for an all-around good night of getting boozy. Credit: Photo via Instagram / joeyssa
El Luchador 622 Roosevelt Ave., (210) 988-3385, facebook.com/luchadorbarsa Bow down to el supremo luchador! Enjoy the Lucha Libre theme and let loose with cocktails, karaoke nights and weekly DJ takeovers. Credit: Photo via Instagram / luchadorbarsa
Alibis Sports and Spirits 1141 E. Commerce St., (210) 225-5552, instagram.com/alibissportsandspirits Tucked downtown, on the outskirts of the hustle and bustle of the Alamo City’s tourist spots, Alibis offers a laid back atmosphere with great drinks for anyone looking to wind down. Credit: Photo via Google Maps
Thirsty Camel Bar 5307 McCullough Ave., (210) 780-0669, facebook.com/ThirstyCamelBar This Olmos Park nightclub is a hoppin’ spot for live music and more, and is complete with a full bar. If you find the weather nice, there’s also space outside for you to sit back with a drink in hand. Credit: Photo via Instagram / j_hernandez0417
Zombies 4202 Thousand Oaks, (210) 281-8306, drinkingwithzombies.com Love heavy metal and getting boozy? Zombies is the place for you. There’s live music on the regular as well as horror flick screenings, karaoke, cocktails and an impressive beer list. Credit: Photo via Google Maps
The Thursty Turtle 1626 NE Interstate 410 Loop, (210) 820-3600, facebook.com/TheThurstyTurtle Right off the Loop 410 access road you’ll find this dingy (we say it with love) dive bar connected to a convenience store. While the folks you graduated with flock to more poppin’ spots, you and your selected company will be safe drinking it up here. Take the strong drinks and laid-back vibes as the cherry on top for what will be a drama-free outing. Credit: Photo via Google Maps
Reggae Bar 826 San Pedro Ave., (210) 772-9891, facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057501885692 Reggae Bar brings the chill, laid-back attitude of the island back to SA. The Jamaican theme is all around, from food and drink to music and aesthetic. Visit on reggae and dance nights to get extra irie. Credit: Photo via Google Maps
Hidden Tavern 11407 West Ave., (210) 541-0001, hiddentavern.com Need a bare-bones drinking spot that offers comfy, low-lit digs? We found it. This underrated watering hole has billiards, darts and live music for all types of fun. Credit: Photo via Google Maps
Retox Bar 1031 Patricia, (210) 775-2886, retoxbar.net This rock ‘n’ roll bar has karaoke nights and drink specials in addition to live music, plus a bunch of TVs, so you’ll always be entertained here. Credit: Photo via Google Maps
Coco Beach 12159 Valliant St., (210) 341-5330, facebook.com/CocobeachSA With island-themed decor, taco nights and TVs mounted around every corner, Coco Beach can the perfect place to kick back after a long day, when you’re looking to give your socializing muscles a break. Credit: Photo via Google Maps
Rod Dog’s Saloon 2617 Wagon Wheel, (210) 828-2582, facebook.com/RodDogSaloon Located just north of Oak Park, Rod Dog’s offers a relaxed bar atmosphere with chingos of pool tables — and without any fuss. Credit: Photo via Google Maps
Our Glass Cocktails 1301 Pat Booker Rd. Ste. A, (210) 599-7036, facebook.com/ourglasscocktails Even if it’s your first visit, a night at Our Glass Cocktails guarantees a wave of nostalgia with its pool tables, darts and friendly service. Credit: Photo via Google Maps
BARFLYS 8503 Broadway Ste. 110, (210) 277-7202, facebook.com/BARFLYS1 Take advantage of the patio seating while the Texas weather is crisp and refreshing. Here you can watch football on two 50-inch flatscreens, play pool or darts, or just quietly enjoy a drink. Credit: Photo via Google Maps
Boozehounds 8531 Perrin Beitel Road, (210) 590-3223, facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063612217134 Whether you’re here for happy hour specials, a couple of rounds of pool or the live music taking over for the night, you’ll be surrounded by lots of different people when drinking at Boozehounds. Don’t worry though, the chances of you running into someone you know are low. Credit: Photo via Google Maps