The weather is finally cooling down for the few weeks that Texas approximates winter, and we can’t blame anyone who’s breaking out a sweater. Sure, curling up at home is great during the winter season, but sometimes you want a drink that you didn’t have to make yourself.
We rounded up 27 Alamo City bars with atmospheres tailor made for a cozy, comforting scene. And it doesn’t matter whether you’ve got a crew in-tow or want to spend some quality time with yourself.
Bar Loretta
320 Beauregard St., (210) 757-3607, barloretta.com
Relatively new to the San Antonio nightlife scene, Bar Loretta offers several nooks with designer details. Get comfy on the rich green banquette seating of snap a full-size mirror selfie, circa 2010. You can also post up in the small courtyard for something a bit more organic.
Photo courtesy of Dandelion Gatherings for Bar Loretta Credit: Courtesy Photo / Dandelion Gatherings for Bar LorettaThree Star Bar
521 East Grayson St., okayestbar.com
A self-proclaimed “dad bar” in all the best ways, Three Star Bar’s great food, drinks and arcade games are sure to keep you coming back for more — dad jokes included, of course.
Photo via Instagram / sanantoniobarsofficialAmor Eterno
540 S. Presa St., instagram.com/amoreterno_sa
Amor Eterno — a new venture helmed by local bar owners Brian Correa and Aaron Peña — is poised to bring puro flavor to Southtown, including SA-inspired, locally sourced fare from popular pop-up ¡Bucho! The space, which previously housed Don Martin’s Coffee Co., boasts one-of-a-kind wallpaper, cozy seating and moody lighting.
Photo via Instagram / amoreterno_saBar Mon Ami
This classy and timeless Alamo Heights bar is a cozy alternative to the bustling downtown. The curated atmosphere matches the elevated cocktails, all made with care.4901 Broadway St, (210) 740-9229, barmonami.com. Credit: Instagram / Bar du Mon AmiBarbaro
2720 McCullough Ave., (210)-320-2261, barbarosanantonio.com
If you’re a late-night bar hopper, no place is more inviting than Barbaro. With its share of beer and cocktails, this is a must since it also serves delicious grub — whether you need to sober up or or find somewhere comfy to hang out for an hour.
Photo via Instagram / sanantonioexplorerBar Ludivine
1014 S Presa St., (210) 908-9209, barludivine.com
The building that once housed J&O’s Cantina has become home to a new King William neighborhood favorite. If you’re down to mix it up, try one of their five seasonal special cocktails featuring uber-Texas ingredients like Poteet strawberries and Hill Country peaches.
Photo via Instagram / barludivineDownstairs at Esquire
155 E Commerce St., (210) 222-2521, esquiretavern-sa.com
Skip the tavern and stop by the riverside bar instead. This intimate lounge dishes out small bites packed with flavor and top-of-the-line cocktails. Go. Now.
Photo via Instagram / downstairsatesquireHavana Bar
1015 Navarro St., (210) 222-2008, havanasanantonio.com
Perhaps the most intimate of all the bars on this list, Havana Bar is all dim lights and cozy couches. We’re not here to give you ideas, but this tiny bar below the lively Ocho will.
Photo by minkmade via Instagram / havanasanantonioHigh Street Wine Company
302 Pearl Pkwy #104, (210) 908-9144, highstreetwine.com
For an extensive wine menu in a modern, yet rustic atmosphere, High Street is the place to be. Get a table along the wall to get a view of this beautiful space while you sip on wine and enjoy some small bites.
Photo via Instagram / highstreetwineHaunt Lounge at The St. Anthony Hotel
300 E. Travis, (210) 227-4392, marriott.com/hotels/travel/satlc-the-st-anthony-a-luxury-collection-hotel-san-antonio
Don’t let the name fool you, this hotel bar is all kinds of inviting. With chic furniture and delicious cocktails, Haunt Lounge will have you playing tourist all winter – and probably all year too.
Photo via Instagram / s.a.foodieBar 1919
1420 S. Alamo St., (210) 227-1420, bar1919.com
Snag one of the armchairs in this speakeasy, or stay close to the bar to watch these spirits wizards work their magic. Wherever you decide to set up for the night, the low-lights of the bar will have you feeling like you’re drinking at home – just with much, much better drinks.
Photo via Instagram / sacurrentBar 414
205 E Houston St., (210) 585-9999
Although you won’t find fabric couches inside this speakeasy, Bar 414 offers up prohibition era cocktails made with house ingredients and bootleg spirits. These discreet libations are paired with live music, so you’ll be feeling yourself in no time.
Photo via Instagram / sip_saLa Roca Cantina
416 8th St., facebook.com
This dance/night club features a lounge to park with some drinks in hand – there’s always great drink specials going on. Just be sure to get your ass out of your chair and dance your booty off, too.
Photo via Instagram / ey219Sternewirth Tavern
136 E Grayson St., (210) 223-7375
This cool, cavernous spot offers plenty of space to post up with a cocktail or two. Be sure to check out the cushioned seating areas inside two large industrial tanks while you sip on a classic Vieux Carré cocktail, with rye whiskey, cognac, sweet vermouth liqueur, Bénédictine and Peychaud’s bitters.
Photo via Instagram / historicpearlGeorge’s Keep
17101 La Cantera Pkwy., Suite 1200, georgeskeep.com
Escape the fast-paced bar scene in downtown and venture out to La Cantera. Unwind during happy hour with The Northwest Side (vodka, cucumber, lime, simple syrups with muddled serrano) or a glass of wine, each at $5.50.
Photo via Instagram / csj55Signature
16401 La Cantera Pkwy, (210) 247-0176, destinationhotels.com
As part of the La Cantera Resort & Spa, Signature from esteemed Chef Andrew Weissman brings fine dining to tourists and locals alike. Whether you’re taking a staycation or just stopping by for dinner, you can trust Signature to make some of the best food in the city. The restaurant also features a gorgeous space, complete with a fireplace, so it’s no wonder it was named one of the most romantic restaurants in the U.S. earlier this year.
Photo via Instagram / signaturesanantonioJazz, TX
Building 6, 312 Pearl Pkwy #6001, (210) 332-9386, jazztx.com
The Pearl is the place to be at pretty much any time, and Jazz, TX is probably the most intimate place to get a drink here. While you’ll be plenty entertained with the bar’s stream of musicians, you’ll be right to put your trust in Jazz, TX for craft cocktails, draft beer and Texan-inspired bites.
Photo via Instagram / kaleyjamesandersonThe Edison Experiment
1846 N Loop 1604 E, (210) 479-9600, facebook.com
If you want to get away from all the crowd, head north and hit up Edison Experiment. Between happy hour offerings and a dark set-up, this spot really delivers with going all out with its cocktails. Like, they use fire to make some classic drinks. Trust us, you’ll have to see for yourself and be amazed.
Photo via Instagram / sip_saThe Modernist
516 E Grayson St, (210) 446-8699, facebook.com
This midcentury-inspired cocktail bar offers both custom and classic cocktails. The aesthetic is made complete with swank and modish digs that you’ll most definitely be snapping away for the ‘gram.
Photo via Instagram / eastgraysonsaThe Green Lantern
The Green Lantern is an underground bar with a speakeasy aesthetic. Expect quality cocktails with a side of mystery. 20626 Stone Oak Pkwy #101, (210) 497-3722,greenlantern.bar. Credit: Facebook / thegreenlanternsaTBA
2801 N. St. Mary’s St., (210) 320-1753, tbasatx.com
A service industry favorite for unwinding, TBA serves up a solid list of cocktails and canned craft beer in the tight space formerly occupied by Salute.
Photo via Instagram, tbasatxLowcountry
318 Martinez St., (210) 560-2224
Though this Southtown joint possesses a sizable back patio, the inside is small and dark (the black paint certainly helps), perfect for chill hangs or spooky seances.
Photo via Instagram, mandimicheleTucker’s Kozy Korner
1338 E Houston St., (210) 320-2192
Tiny and timeless, Tucker’s is known for its fun happy hour and guest DJs.
Photo via Instagram, clive78757Who’s Who Cocktails
1711 Babcock Road, (210) 973-5055, facebook.com/whoswhococktails
Who wants to go to Who’s Who? Sure, cocktails are front and center at this northwest side bar, but there’s also karaoke for you to partake in. So swing by when you’re in the area and enjoy drinks & a show.
Photo via Instagram / realcameraleroThe Bang Bang Bar
119 El Mio Drive, (210) 320-1187, thebangbangbartx.com
From super friendly folks to a welcoming vibe that will leave everyone in your group satisfied, it’s pretty hard not to love Bang Bang Bar. With solid cocktails, live music, arcade games and all types of fun, this San Pedro spot is a go-to if you want to find a central watering hole without heading downtown.
Photo via Instagram / colvera326El 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 / chachaluxedevilLuna
6740 San Pedro Ave, lunalive.com
For those who don’t mind some tunes with their drinks, Luna touts a wide variety of live music each weekend.
Photo via Instagram / schadenfreudad
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