Sometimes you just want a beer without having to make small talk with friends-of-friends or the coworker you already politely declined an invitation from. Is that so wrong? We rounded up 25 bars to help you avoid just that — with the perks of good beer and fun atmosphere.

Betty’s Battalion 1524 E Grayson St, (210) 227-9255, facebook.com Though Grayson is known for its posh drinking spots, do yourself a solid and pay a visit to Betty’s Battalion. This homey spot is popular among military folks (being very close to Fort Sam Houston), but all are welcome here. Karaoke nights, live music and borderline-borracho drink specials will have you become a regular in no time. Photo via Instagram / bettysbattalionsatx
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 between 4 p.m. and 2 a.m. to hang out without any unfortunate run-ins. Photo via Instagram / shaunsee
Oak Hills Tavern 7920 Fredericksburg Rd, (210) 614-8855, facebook.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. Photo via Instagram / mexa_pina
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. Photo via Instagram / jonwiener
Faust Tavern 517 E Woodlawn Ave, (210) 257-0628, With a rock feel to it, Faust should take pride in being the no-fucks-given spot of the St. Mary’s Strip. If you’re looking for a surprisingly romantic spot, grab a few beers (or cocktails) and take your boo to the back patio with the two-seater picnic tables. We can’t think of anything more intimate than that, paired with cigarette smoke and metal playing in the distance. Photo via Instagram / drdithers
Bar du Mon Ami 4901 Broadway St, (210) 740-9229, bardumonami.com With dozens of spirits available behind the bar, you’ll enjoy cocktails that were created with plenty of thought and consideration — so that means they’ll hit just right. The red wall paint/light combination at this Broadway haunt is hella cozy, so post up in one of the booths feel like you’re hiding away. Photo via Instagram / bardumonami
Lowcountry 318 Martinez St, (210) 560-2224, facebook.com Solid drinks, a country theme and laid-back? Yup, Lowcountry has it all. Plus, it has live music to boot that will have you comin’ over on at least a weekly basis. Photo via Instagram / do210
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 — and without worrying about who you’ll see. This strip-mall watering hole is squeezed in alongside a donut shop, nail salon, cleaners, Thai restaurant and insurance office, so it’s not like anyone is coming here to be seen. This dive will come through time and time again. Photo by Mike Humphries via Instagram / realcameralero
Hidden Tavern 11407 West Ave, (210) 541-0001, Need a bare-bones drinking spot that makes it the priority for you to get drunk off your ass? We found it. This underrated watering hole has billiards, darts and of course live music for all types of fun. Photo via Instagram / mrschrislopez
Retox Bar 1031 Patricia, (210) 775-2886, This rock ‘n’ roll bar doesn’t have a cover, so you’ll be able to take part in karaoke nights and drink specials without any hassle. There’s also a bunch of TVs and live music, so you’ll always be entertained here. Photo via Instagram / andjdubyawaslike
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, the newly-renovated 5050 Broadway has a menu of bar food capable of satiating just about any visitor. Photo via Instagram / figgstop
Boneheadz 9503 Console Dr Round up the bros and have a boys night out on the town, just as long as you visit Boneheadz. This place is like a cross between a barn, a church and a frat house – and that’s okay. Just know that you’re getting yourself into a wild night. Photo via Instagram / 4everlondonbound
My Brother’s Bar 845 N St Mary’s St, (210) 557-0677 While most boozehounds drinking on St. Mary’s will be heading to the Strip, you’ll be safe from running into lots of people you know if you head to My Brother’s Bar. The downtown watering hole is down-to-earth and cozy, plenty homey with pool tables and cold beer to boot. Photo via Instagram / djvitamix
Joey’s 2417 N St Mary’s St, (210) 733-9573, facebook.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. Photo via Instagram / shaunsee
El Luchador 622 Roosevelt Ave, (210) 272-0016, facebook.com Bow down to el supreme luchador! You’ll love the Lucha Libre theme and let loose with the cocktail menu and weekly DJ takeovers. Photo via Instagram / chachaluxedevil
Zombies This horror-themed bar has great cocktails that match the theme and a long beer list. Horror flicks play on the TVs and there is often karaoke, to which guests bring their A-game. 4202 Thousand Oaks Dr, (210) 281-8306, https://drinkingwithzombies.com/. Credit: Instagram / Zombies
Rod Dog’s Saloon 2617 Wagon Wheel, (210) 828-2582, facebook.com/RodDogSaloon Located just north of Oak Park, Rod Dog’s offers a Western, relaxed bar atmosphere without the fuss. Photo via Instagram / godzilla_banzai
Cobalt Club 2022 McCullough Ave, (210) 251-2027, facebook.com If you’re paranoid about having a drink without running into people you know, you’ll be safe grabbing a drink at Cobalt Club — especially if you stop by in the morning. Serving up drinks 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily (except Sundays when it opens at 10:30 a.m.), we’d be surprised if you encountered someone you know at this iconic dive. Photo by Jaime Monzon
Reggae Bar 826 San Pedro Ave, (210) 772-9891 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. Be sure to visit on reggae & dance nights to get extra wild. Photo via Instagram / christinafrasier
Alibis Sports and Spirits 1141 E Commerce St, (210) 225-5552, instagram.com/alibissportsandspirits Tucked away from 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. Photo via Instagram / fatsauceband
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. Photo via Facebook / ourglasscocktails
Who Knows Cocktails 5660 FM78, Kirby, (210) 962-2371, facebook.com/whoknowscockails Swing by on Texas Tuesdays for $2.25 Lone Star beers, or buy a bucket of beer before 6 p.m. Monday-Thursday for free pool. Photo via Facebook / whoknowscocktails
BARFLYS 8503 Broadway St Ste 110, (210) 277-7202, facebook.com/BARFLYS1 Take advantage of the new patio seating before Texas fall comes and goes, where you can watch football on two 50-inch flatscreens or even play some trivia. Photo via Facebook / BARFLYS1
Thirsty Camel Bar 5307 McCullough Ave, (210) 780-0669, facebook.com/ThirstyCamelBar While it’s easy to make friends here thanks to karaoke roulette, you don’t have to worry about running into folks you don’t want to see. 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. Photo via Instagram / mksejdooley
Boozehounds 8531 Perrin Beitel Road, (210) 590-3223, facebook.com/Boozehounds-108170172558729 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, you won’t run into anyone you know — whether you want to see them or not. Photo via Instagram / boozehounds8531