Texas hasn’t exactly earned a reputation for supporting LGBTQ+ rights, but the queer community here thrives in spite of it — especially in vibrant San Antonio.

We rounded up 25 LGBTQ-friendly bars and restaurants in the Alamo City, from gay bars on the North Main Strip to LGBTQ-owned and -operated restaurants across the city to local establishments that proudly proclaim their allyship.

The list isn’t comprehensive, but it’s a great place to start when planning a rainbow-hued night out on the town. 

The Starlighter 1910 Fredericksburg Road, thestarlighter.com If the bisexual stage lighting isn’t enough of a hint, the Starlighter’s calendar is jam-packed with drag performances. The live music destination in the Deco district regularly hosts drag brunch, a drag market and drag shows featuring local performers. Credit: Photo via Instagram / houseofeternas
Heat Nightclub 1500 N. Main Ave., (210) 227-2600, heatsa.com If you need to turn up the heat, look no further than Heat Nightclub on the Main Strip. The dance floor is often packed, music pumping and drinks flowing, and the LGBTQ+ space welcomes people from all walks of life. The club also features more quiet and intimate spaces such as the back patio and “Chill Bar.” Credit: Sanford Nowlin
76. Picks Bar This far North Side music venue offers a slew of reasons to make the trek, including a recently upgraded patio, craft cocktails on tap and its always-fun live-band karaoke experience. The bar’s larger-than-life atmosphere ensures there’s always something happening, and it’s often something a little on the rowdy side. Beyond the karaoke, there’s a musical act onstage every night of the week. Fans should also be on the lookout for the owners’ next venture, Pink Shark Bar, in the heart of downtown. 4553 N. Loop 1604 West, (210) 253-9220, picksbar.com. Credit: Photo via Instagram / picks_barsa
The Bonham Exchange 411 Bonham St., (210) 224-9219, bonhamexchange.com Once a pioneering gay disco with a popular “straight night,” the Bonham Exchange has three floors that let you partake in all the good stuff nightlife is made of: drinks, music and dancing. Each floor has a different vibe — and a new opportunity to meet someone special. Credit: Julian P. Ledezma
Ocho at Hotel Havana 1015 Navarro St, (210) 222-2008, havanasanantonio.com With Pan-Latin fare, mojitos and a chic aesthetic at the forefront, Ocho is a favorite for a reason. Tourists may flock to the beautiful Hotel Havana, but locals will feel more than welcome to enjoy the scenery brought to you by this glass-enclosed riverside spot. With the cocktail menu highlighting San Antonio’s Mexican roots (we’re talking about tequila) and the prevalence of rum in Havana’s culture, guests will be drinking well here. Credit: Courtesy Photo / Nick Simonite for Hotel Havana
Paramour at The Phipps 102 9th St. Floor 4, (210) 417-6559, facebook.com/Paramour.Phipps Known for its drag brunches, Paramour not only puts on a show, but features a wide range of cocktails to give you something to sip on at this fun rooftop bar — enjoy the skyline views from the open air patio or the views inside, courtesy of a number of bedazzled drag performers. Credit: Instagram / paramourbar
Elsewhere Garden Bar & Kitchen 103 E. Jones Ave., San Antonio, TX 78215, (210) 446-9303, elsewheretexas.com Elsewhere is located right on the River Walk, making it perfect for people-watching as guests sip their drinks or nosh on the spot’s gourmet goodies. Its drinks range from beers to margaritas to even spiked coffees, guaranteeing a good time as folks revel in adult-sized swings and eclectic outdoor seating areas. Credit: Photo via Instagram / elsewheresatx
La Maceta Tapatios 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
Rosario’s 722 S. St. Mary’s St., (210) 223-1806, rosariossa.com Rosario’s newest (and since March of 2023, its only) location is a two-story building featuring a 5,000-square-foot rooftop bar in Southtown, with breathtaking views of the downtown skyline. Expected to open in spring 2023, the rooftop bar will welcome guests ages 23 and up and have a dedicated bar and small bites menu. Credit: Photo by Nina Rangel
Pegasus 1402 N. Main Ave., (210) 299-4222, pegasussanantonio.com A beacon on the North Main Strip, the party doesn’t stop at popular gay bar Pegasus. The bar’s outdoor stage is host to frequent drag shows and other live entertainment, ranging from outdoor karaoke to video DJs. For many, stopping at Pegasus is almost like going on a pilgrimage: according to its website, it’s the oldest bar on the Strip. Credit: Sanford Nowlin
Pink Shark 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: Photo via Instagram / pinksharkbar
Magnolia Pancake Haus Multiple Locations, magnoliapancakehaus.com With locations in San Antonio and Cibolo, this brunch joint is known for its buttermilk pancakes that pack their dining rooms for weekend brunch. Enjoy the usual breakfast staples, but if you’re feeling adventurous, be sure to try the corned beef hash, bananas foster French toast or lemon poppy seed waffle. Credit: Photo via Instagram / magnoliapancakehaus
The Good Kind 1127 S. St. Mary’s St., (210) 801-5892, eatgoodkind.com Not only does The Good Kind offer a great spot for fresh and local eats — they’ve also got a consistent lineup of on-site events, such as a Saturday farmers market and Wednesday night karaoke. It never hurts to check out the events calendar before heading over to see what else might be brewing. Credit: Courtesy Photo / The Good Kind
Knockout 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
Hops & Hounds 13838 Jones Maltsberger Road, (210) 592-9400, hopsandhoundsllc.com This northeast San Antonio joint offers several snacks on which to nosh while you grab a drink and play some good ol’ fashioned cornhole with your friends. As the name implies, man’s best friend is also welcome at Hops & Hounds, and the patio even sports a fully furnished dog park. Credit: Photo via Instagram / hopshoundssa
Sparky’s Pub 1416 N. Main Ave., (210) 320-5111, sparkyspub.com Bringing a taste of England to the North Main Strip, Sparky’s Pub offers a relaxing atmosphere to grab a beer, play darts or shoot pool. In addition to the alcohol, Sparky’s also offers coffee, panini, pastries and other eats. Credit: Sanford Nowlin
Weathered Souls Brewing Co. 606 Embassy Oaks – Suite 500, (210) 274-6824, weatheredsouls.beer Weathered Souls Brewing made a name for itself in 2020 with its Black is Beautiful social justice campaign. You can get that signature brew or any of Weathered Souls’ many others at the northeast San Antonio taproom. Guests can also check out their food menu, which features a diverse selection of eats that ranges from a stuffed avocado appetizer to a loaded sandwich called The Hot Boi. Credit: Photo by Kimberly Machado via Instagram / weatheredsoulsbrewing_satx
2. 2015 Place This longtime LGBTQ+ nightspot is nestled a few blocks away from the Main Strip, giving it more of low-key neighborhood pub vibe. A mirrored dance floor, pool, darts and a cozy patio help complete the picture. Taken together, it all adds up to something of a timeless feel — appropriate since the 2015 is no Johnny-come-lately on the scene. Beyond those physical features, though, the inexpensive drinks, attentive bartenders and a friendly atmosphere no doubt are the key to its longevity. 2015 San Pedro Ave., (210) 733-3365, 2015-place.business.site. Credit: Sanford Nowlin
Box Street All Day 623 Hemisfair Blvd. Ste. 108, (210) 476-5705, theboxstreetsocial.com This casual, chef-driven concept serves up all types of brunch foods. Not only that, but the spot also features an espresso bar, craft cocktails, bubbles and local beer, all in a cheeky, Insta-worthy environment. Credit: Courtesy Photo / Box Street All Day
The Friendly Spot Ice House 943 S. Alamo St., (210) 224-2337, thefriendlyspot.com Southtown’s Friendly Spot Ice House, with its colorful chairs, neon signs and massive projector screen, feels like a home away from home — a place that’s friendly for everyone. Plus, it’s located just a few blocks away from the San Antonio River, which is fitting, because the drinks on tap flow just as the river does. Credit: Photo via Instagram / southtownbunuelos
W.D. Deli 3123 Broadway, (210) 828-2322, wddeli.com A longtime San Antonio eatery with a reputation for giving back to the community, W.D. Deli serves up breakfast and lunch foods seven days a week. Featuring classic foods as well as healthy options, this cafe and catering business is a welcoming local spot to pick up a breakfast sandwich or panini any day. Credit: Photo via Instagram / wddeli
Bakery Lorraine Multiple locations, bakerylorraine.com Through its colorful and tasty macarons, beautiful tarts and perfectly laminated croissants, Bakery Lorraine’s presence has grown across San Antonio, with four locations in the city, as well as outposts in Boerne and Austin. In addition to mouth-watering pastries, the bakery also offers breakfast and lunch foods such as croissant sandwiches and the BL Burger. Bakery Lorraine is a well-known supporter of the LGBTQ+ community as one of the sponsors behind the annual queer review and Fiesta send-up, Cornyation. Credit: Photo via Instagram / bakery_lorraine
Second Pitch Beer Co. 11935 Starcrest Drive, (210) 474-0234, secondpitchbeer.com On March 7, Second Pitch Beer Co.’s owners announced that the spot was shutting down, with its last day in operation slated for March 9. The award-winning brewery featured abundant seasonal and rotating beers along with their Hometown Lager and Meet in the Middle IPA. “Thank you for the memories and for your support, love, and friendship over these three years,” the post announcing the closure read. “We met amazing people who we hope will be in our lives for years to come.” Credit: Photo via Instagram / secondpitchbeercompany
Social Spot 930 Broadway, (210) 263-9009, facebook.com/socialspotSATX Just north of downtown on Broadway, Social Spot boasts a huge footprint —most of which is covered in art by local talent. Featuring a stunning mural of Selena, the Queen of Tejano herself, Social Spot offers a variety of cocktails and plenty of daily drink specials. Credit: Photo via Instagram / social_spot_satx
Black Laboratory Brewing 1602 E. Houston St. #109, (210) 370-3442, blacklaboratorybrewing.com Via a new partnership with 2-1-Dough Pizza Co., Black Laboratory Brewing now offers pizzas made in a wood-fired oven. The pizzas can also be customized with a vegan cheese substitute. Credit: Photo via Instagram / blacklaboratorybrewing

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