Music is part of San Antonio’s lifeblood. It’s part of our culture. And, as a city, we owe a debt to the bars, clubs, theaters and dance halls who open their doors and offer their stages to make it happen.

We all know about major concert venues like the AT&T Center, the Tobin Center and the Majestic and Aztec theatres, but how many of the smaller venues that present both local and touring acts are you familiar with?

While this list is far from complete, consider it a good primer for places beyond the big amphitheaters, arenas and concert halls where San Antonio fans can check out live music of all varieties. 

Paper Tiger 2410 N. St. Mary’s St., papertigersatx.com This St. Mary’s Strip staple presents a wide variety of alternative and underground sounds, from punk to psych to hip-hop. It features both a large stage and smaller side room as well. Photo by Jaime Monzon
Take them to a show at Gruene Hall
1281 Gruene Rd, New Braunfels, (830) 606-1281, gruenehall.com
Built in 1878, Gruene Hall bills itself as Texas’ oldest continuously operating dance hall. Teach mom how to two-step for an unforgettable experience. Credit: Instagram / gruenehall
Vibes Event Center 1223 E. Houston St., (210) 255-3833, therockboxsa.com This downtown-area warehouse-turned-special event facility regularly books concerts for metal, post-hardcore and emo touring acts that draw substantial crowds. Photo by Jaime Monzon
Vibes Underground 1223 E. Houston St., (210) 255-3833, therockboxsa.com A smaller room at the same site as Vibes Event Center, Vibes Underground books touring acts whose draws can’t fill the much larger hall. Photo by Jaime Monzon
Rock Box 1223 E. Houston St., (210) 772-1443, therockboxsa.com A former warehouse turned into a music venue, the Rock Box presents a variety of touring shows with draws too big for a club but not able to fill an arena. As its name suggests, rock is the primary focus. Photo by Jaime Monzon
Lonesome Rose 2114 N. St Mary’s St., (210) 455-0233, thelonesomerose.com This St. Mary’s Strip venue has the warm and welcoming vibes of an old-time honky tonk. While alt-country and Americana are its focus, you’ll also find it booking a variety of rock shows as well. Photo by Jaime Monzon
502 Bar 502 Embassy Oaks, (210) 257-8125, 502bar.com This North Central music venue mixes live shows, primarily by local acts, with karaoke and movie nights. Good sound quality and a solid selection of craft beers add to the appeal. Photo via Instagram / nicky_g41
Jazz, TX 312 Pearl Pkwy. Building 6, (210) 332-9386, jazztx.com ​​Pianist Doc Watkins’ speakeasy-style venue at the Pearl presents a variety of local, regional and touring performers seven nights of the week. Jazz, big band, blues and salsa aren’t the only thing on the menu though — the food is also a draw. Photo via Instagram / jazz_tx Credit: Photo via Instagram / jazz_tx
1902 Nightclub 1174 E. Commerce St., (210) 941-3010, 1902satx.com Located in The Espee complex in St. Paul Square, this former train station features a 16-foot stained-glass window and plenty of old-time vibes — but with a modern dance club spin. Photo courtesy of 1902 Nightclub
John T. Floore’s Country Store 14492 Old Bandera Rd., (210) 695-8827, liveatfloores.com Located in Helotes and opened in 1942, this venerable dance hall and café has hosted some of the biggest names in country and Americana, including Bob Wills, Willie Nelson, Patsy Cline and Bob Dylan. Photo via Instagram / turlashby
Cowboys Dancehall 3030 N.E. Interstate 410 Loop, (210) 646-9378, cowboysdancehall.com/san-antonio As its name suggests, country music is the specialty of this mega-sized Loopland venue, but that’s not the only thing it books. The club has also played host to superstar DJ Steve Aoki and occasional Latin music acts. Photo via Instagram / justnoel_ Credit: Photo via Instagram / justnoel_
Sam’s Burger Joint 330 E. Grayson St., (210) 223-2830, samsburgerjoint.com Burgers aren’t the only draw at this Pearl-area spot, which books a ton of touring acts. Although Americana dominates, expect to see a variety of other genres from rock to jazz. Photo via Instagram / irie_tower
Amp Room 2407 N St. Mary’s St., theamproom.com Although DJ music rules the day at this St. Mary’s Strip venue, it occasionally hosts live music on weekends, ranging from goth to punk to stoner rock. It’s hard to go wrong with a SA venue with a Doug Sahm mural on its wall. Photo via Instagram / eyeamsurreal
The Cove 606 W. Cypress St., (210) 227-2683, thecove.us While best known for its food, this casual spot hosts local live music five nights a week. The offerings range from singer-songwriter performances to garage rock to jazz and a monthly blues jam. Photo via Instagram / thecovesa
The Mix 2423 N. St. Mary’s St., (210) 735-1313, themixsa.com Longtime St. Mary’s Street bar The Mix books a variety of local and touring rock acts in a laid-back atmosphere. Drinks are cheap and the vibe is welcoming. The patio out front is a fun place to mingle between sets. Photo by Jaime Monzon
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
The Lighthouse Lounge 1016 Cincinnati Ave., facebook.com/thelighthouselounge Located near Woodlawn Lake, this pet-friendly neighborhood spot has a cozy, old-school San Anto vibe. The music can range from DJs spinning old-school hits to Latin fusion to rock to hip-hop. Photo via Instagram / djtech_neek
Carmens De La Calle
320 N. Flores St, (210) 281-4349, carmensdelacalle.com
Owned by Paula Sullivan, Carmens De La Calle is a hub of Spanish culture in downtown SA. After years on the St. Mary’s Strip, the bar moved to its current location in late 2014 after being closed for a year, and has thrived ever since with Sullivan at the helm. With support from the spirit of downtown, Carmens serves globally-inspired dishes and hosts live musicians regularly. Credit: Photo by Torence B. White via Instagram / surrealtymz
Take in amazing local music While summer can be a great time to catch big package tours by famous musical artists, it’s also a nice time seek the cool environs of a club to catch one of the city’s many up-and-coming local acts. Click above to consult our list of 24 venues every live music fan should know — and get ready to have your world rocked. Credit: Photo via Instagram / squirrel_boi20071
Fitzgerald’s Bar 437 McCarty Rd. #101, (210) 607-7007, fitzrockssa.com Hard rock and metal are the focus at this North Central venue that regularly hosts tribute bands along with local, regional and touring acts. A spacious patio is a nice place to unwind between sets. Photo via Instagram / infamous_bam_
The Bang Bang Bar 119 El Mio Dr., (210) 320-1187, thebangbangbartx.com A frequent winner of Best Dive Bar in the Current’s Best of San Antonio polling, this funky retro-themed spot also books a variety of music, primarily local and on the edgier side of the rock spectrum. Photo via Instagram / cju17
Hi-Tones 621 E. Dewey Pl., instagram.com/hitones_sa Always busy thanks to its drink specials and hopping patio, this St. Mary’s Street staple with funky vintage décor also presents plenty of live music, ranging from rockabilly to emo. Photo by Jaime Monzon
Picks Bar SA Picks Bar offers live music Wednesday through Sunday and myriad libations to boot. Sunday brunch, bottle service and live band karaoke make it a well-rounded establishment.4553 North Loop 1604 W #1101, (210) 253-9220, picksbar.com. Credit: Instagram / Picks Bar
Luna Music Bar & Lounge 6740 San Pedro Ave., lunalive.com Neon and mid-century vibes provide a classy setting at this longtime North San Antonio venue specializing in jazz, blues, Latin, soul and “anything that grooves.” Photo courtesy of Luna Music Bar & Lounge