Everyone has their go-to bar, but sometimes you’re just in the mood to explore something new. Skip the usual recommendations you get and hit up these underrated bars – whether new and still finding their place in San Antonio’s drink scene or long-standing but still a hidden gem. Cheers!

Social Spot 930 Broadway St, (210) 263-9009, facebook.com/socialspotSATX Away from the centralized business of Broadway sits the Social Spot, which is an accurate name in every sense. Let the trippy, yet beautiful mural on the exterior draw you in and the drinking games and booze keep you there. Trust us, fun is waiting to be had here. Photo via Instagram / social_spot_satx
George’s Keep 17803 La Cantera Terrace Suite #1200, (210) 310-3733, georgeskeep.com Fitting in with its neighborhood, this sophisticated drinking spot has your drink of choice, whatever it may be. Whether you’re all about cocktails or prefer draft beer, having a few rounds at this beautiful lounge is ideal catching up with the girls or having a nightcap at the end of your date. Photo via Instagram / georgeskeep
The Edison Experiment 1846 N Loop 1604 E, (210) 479-9600, facebook.com/edisonexperiment Away from the business of downtown lies the Edison Experiment, a cozy bar that is plenty welcoming and has a cocktail menu that justifies the drive to get there. The happy hour menu is a perfect adventure the next time you venture outside Loop 410. Order the Carajillo and be wowed, trust us. Photo via Instagram / theedisonexperimentsa
Thirsty Horse Saloon 2335 NW Military Hwy, (210) 348-1513, San Antonians love dancing, but not everyone knows about the solid choice in Thirsty Horse. Mostly playing country tunes, this dancing spot comes through when you just feeling like dancing. Whether you want to shake your nalgitas or not, this spot is a great one for group outings that call for lots of booze. Photo via Instagram / juliafilipiak10
Davenport Lounge 203 N Presa St, (210) 224-5635, davenportloungesa.com Opt for something a bit less-divey and hit up Davenport Lounge. Located in the heart of downtown, this polished bar brings live entertainment every night, plus a sophisticated cocktail list. If craft beer is more your thing, you’ll find plenty of that here too. Photo via Instagram / robalfieriphoto
Cobalt Club
2022 McCullough Ave., (210) 251-2027, facebook.com/thecobaltclub
Cobalt Club’s affordable drinks, affable staff and unconventional hours — drinks start flowing at 7 a.m. daily — have helped solidify its place as one of the city’s most beloved north-of-downtown watering holes. Pull up for casual, low-key, LGBTQ-friendly vibes in a windowless spot anchored by a wraparound bar. You’ll be getting your drink on with shift workers, staff from nearby hospitals and others looking to get a buzz on in the midday hours. Like any other dimly lit neighborhood joint, you’ll encounter die-hard regulars at just about every hour, but don’t fret — they’ll treat you like one of their own. Credit: Jessica Elizarraras
Southtown 101 101 Pereida St, (210) 263-3753, southtown101.net Bringing crowds for trivia night and a solid happy hour choice in the neighborhood, Southtown 101 is a must-know if you love classic bars. With a dependable drink menu as well as DJs, live music and even karaoke, this is the type of chill bar where memories are made. Photo via Instagram / southtown101
Babio’s Night Club 527 W Hildebrand Ave, (210) 409-7245, facebook.com/babiosedd Perfect for a girls’ night out, Babio’s is all about living your best life and dancing the night away to prove it. A favorite in the LGBTQ community, complete with drag shows, this ritzy bar has decor that’ll have you feeling like you’re in Manhattan sipping on a Cosmopolitan. With catchy music, decent drink specials and the posh aesthetic, this might just be your new spot if it isn’t already. Photo via Instagram / bfodah57
The Modernist 516 E Grayson St, (210) 446-8699, facebook.com/themodernistsa Inspired by a mid-century aesthetic, The Modernist is a still-new addition to SA’s drink scene, but it can surely hold its own. With custom and classic cocktails on the menu, you can enjoy your libations in such swank, modish digs. Photo via Instagram / themodernistsa
See some salsa dancing at Luna 6740 San Pedro Ave, lunalive.com Every Wednesday is salsa night! It’s also 18+ with no cover. Photo via Instagram / elizabethanne00
My Brother’s Bar 845 N St Mary’s St, (210) 557-0677 While St. Mary’s has plenty of watering holes, one that can hold it down but doesn’t always get the recognition is My Brother’s Bar. Down-to-earth and cozy, MBB is plenty homey with pool tables and cold beer to boot. With the name My Brother’s Bar, become a regular here and you’ll feel like family. Photo via Instagram / djvitamix
Cherrity Bar 302 Montana St, (210) 559-0421, cherritybar.com Cherrity Bar, a new bar concept that helps three charities raise funds on a monthly basis, opened on the city’s Eastside. Stop in to the 22,000 square-space for cocktails and soon enough, ramen and deli sandwiches. Photo by Jessica Elizarraras Credit: Jessica Elizarraras
The Green Lantern 20626 Stone Oak Pkwy #101, (210) 497-3722, thegreenlanternsa.com No, we’re not talking about the terrible movie starring Ryan Reynolds. Head north and check out this mellow, underground bar that offer speakeasy-style digs. Classic or contemporary cocktails, take your pick. Or have both, you might as well drink to your heart’s content. Photo via Instagram / thegreenlanternsa
Rod Dog’s Saloon 2617 Wagon Wheel, (210) 828-2582, facebook.com/RodDogSaloon If you’re looking for something low-key, you’ll definitely want to check out a neighborhood bar. Oh, and Rod Dog’s checks all the boxes for a prime spot for drinking when you just want to chill. Photo via Instagram / godzilla_banzai
2015 Place 2015 San Pedro Ave, (210) 733-3365, 2015-place.business.site Taking pride in being friendly (especially to the LGBT community), 2015 Place is a place where all feel welcome. With a dance floor and pool tables inside and a small, but cozy patio outside, this neighborhood bar is a solid place to meet up with friends for an after-work drink or start your night of bar-hopping. Photo via Instagram / frankie_part2_
The Thursty Turtle 1626 NE Interstate 410 Loop, (210) 820-3600, facebook.com/TheThurstyTurtle Don’t let the framed giant-ass turtle shell fool you, this place is dope AF. The drinks are known for being strong and the vibe is consistently chill, so just think as the free popcorn and giant Jenga as the cherry on top. Photo via Instagram / jonwiener Credit: Photo via Instagram / jonwiener
Cloak & Dagger Social Club 8338 N Loop 1604 E, (210) 233-1609, facebook.com/CloakandDaggerSA Not too far from UTSA you’ll find Cloak & Dagger, an interesting combination of a sports bar and a speakeasy. While the two would seemingly not mesh well, it works for this club. Complete with beautiful lounge seating, this watering hole welcomes a variety of crowds, making it one of those bars where everyone can hang. Photo via Instagram / therealdjocean
Thirsty Camel Bar 5307 McCullough Ave, (210) 780-0669, facebook.com/ThirstyCamelBar Ever heard of karaoke roulette? You already know that those two words, together, call for a night of unforgettable fun. That is, unless you get drunk off your ass. In that case, you’re still in for a lot of fun. Stop by for themed karaoke nights and slam back all the booze you can handle to get the courage if you need. Photo via Instagram / thirstycamelsatx
Franky Diablos 1301 Roosevelt Ave, (210) 723-6451, frankydiablos.com With a number of shots named after culture references in the culture, you know Franky Diablos is that bar. A favorite to those who know what’s up, Franky Ds has lots of fun shots, but you’ll want to start with the Flying Chancla (just don’t duck). Photo via Instagram / frankydiablos
Main Street Bar 13477 Wetmore Road, (210) 490-3038, barsanantoniotx.com Walk in and you’ll see what you get: pool, darts and a sizable bar, which is perfect to set up at when you’re wanting to catch the game on the big screen. Explore a bit more and head out to the patio. There you can relax and catch live music weekends. How cool is that? Photo via Instagram / mainstbar
Cootey’s Tavern 8318 Jones Maltsberger Road #128, (210) 342-4998, facebook.com When you just want to get a damn drink, you want to go somewhere not at all pretentious. Trust Cootey’s Tavern to just bring all the booze you need as well as shuffleboard, darts, pool and weekend karaoke. When you think bar, it should be this place. Photo via Instagram / heatherdeekay
Hidden Tavern 11407 West Ave, (210) 541-0001, hiddentavern.com This bare-bones bar has it all: pool, darts, karaoke and live music. Oh, and not to mention a pretty friendly crowd that’ll make your visit all the more pleasant. This neighborhood bar is homey for sure, so if you’re close by this may just be your new place. Photo via Instagram / odetogatsby
Reggae Bar 826 San Pedro Ave, (210) 772-9891, facebook.com With a Jamaican theme on all fronts, Reggae Bar keeps it chill with its vibe inspired by the culture. There’s bites to be eaten, music to be danced to and booze to be consumed. What are you waiting for? Photo via Instagram / chuytorresjr74
Wax Club Lounge 2211 San Pedro Ave, (210) 737-9191, facebook.com/WaxClubLounge With dance parties for pretty much any type of event, you can bet on Wax Club being the place to go when you want to move your hips. Whether you want to dance from beginning to end, or need to take some breaks and end up people-watching, Wax Club all but guarantees a fun night out on the town. This San Pedro lounge is open to everyone, but be warned that the sexy dress code is enforced. Photo via Instagram / thewavecharlie