Whether you’re celebrating Pride Month or just looking for inclusive places for dinner, drinks or entertainment, the good news is that San Antonio can be an oasis in state that doesn’t always have a rep for being LGBTQIA-friendly.
These 25 Alamo City bars and restaurants proudly proclaim their allyship, whether they’re located along the North Main Strip or further flung reaches. Indeed, many are LGBTQIA owned.
At just 25 entries, this list isn’t comprehensive, of course, but it’s a great place to start discovering queer culture in San Antonio.
1134 W Hildebrand Ave., (210) 525-0915, facebook.com/sacountrysaloon
As its name suggests, this north-of-downtown bar embraces both kinds of music: country and western. And it also embraces an LGBTQIA clientele. Beyond the strains of steel guitars over the sound system, there are karaoke nights, drag nights and dance lessons, not to mention truly affordable drink prices. Yeehaw, and belly up, pardners! Credit: Josh Huskin
This Deco district live music destination is another fun choice for Friday — or any other night. They host drag events on the reg and also vendor markets, so be sure to check the calendar to see what they’ve got going on.1910 Fredericksburg Road, thestarlighter.com. Credit: Instagram / thestarlightersatx
411 Bonham St., (210) 2224-9219, bonhamexchange.com
With three floors full of music, drinks and dancing, this iconic gay bar is also one of the largest and oldest dance clubs in the city. Built in 1891, the massive structure once housed a German athletic association, which is immediately apparent in its high ceilings and amazing architectural details. Credit: Bonham Exchange/Facebook
125 Lamar St., (210) 999-1229, facebook.com/lamaceta.52
Swing by La Maceta Tapatios to fill up before a night of fun. The tacos and taquitos from this LGBTQ-owned food truck are sure to hit the spot, but those wanting to shake things up might want to try La Maceta’s take on a Mexican hot dog. Credit: Photo via Instagram / lamaceta_52
203 N Presa St., (210) 834-3372, instagram.com/pinksharkbar
Owned by the same couple as Picks Bar, this vacation-themed cocktail bar is sure to chomp at your taste buds. If the impeccable decor and shark-shaped tiki mugs don’t sell you, the extensive list of draft beers, cocktails and food likely will. While you’re there, maybe you’ll catch a sight of Left Shark or Blåhaj, the blue-and-pink IKEA shark plushie that became a trans icon. Credit: Instagram / pinksharkbar
1127 S. St. Mary’s St., (210) 801-5892, eatgoodkind.com
The Good Kind guarantees fresh and local whenever possible, so you can enjoy the fresh air of the garden-like outdoor dining area knowing what you’re eating is fresh, too. Check the calendar before your trip and you could catch yoga, pop-ups, trivia and more. Credit: Courtesy Photo / The Good Kind
1420 N Main Ave., (210) 227-7678, knockoutsa.com
With a wide selection of pizza and all-day drink specials, Knockout has established itself as among the youngest LGBTQ+ bars in the city. Spurs fans looking for a new game night spot may find that Knockout is just the place — the bar has 15 flat screen TVs dedicated to sports. Credit: Sanford Nowlin
606 Embassy Oaks, #500
Following the departure of co-founder Marcus Baskerville in June, Weathered Souls Brewing Co. announced in September it was closing after eight years in business. “Over the years, we’ve weathered the storms & despite the challenges the brewery world has faced, we managed to do things we’re incredibly proud of,” the then-owners said via social media. Credit: Facebook / Weathered Souls Brewing Co.
3123 Broadway, (210) 828-2322, wddeli.com.
Kelly Palubiak and Steve Clemens took over ownership of this lunchtime eatery in March of 2022, and they’ve proved to be a great fit since. The launch of their pay-it-forward program in 2022 — which allows diners whose pockets are empty to place an order of a sandwich, with cheese and a drink, and charge it on “Joyce’s account”— shows how Palubiak and Clemens both seek to preserve the deli’s legacy as a longtime SA eatery, as well as give back to the community. Credit: Facebook / W.D. Deli
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
