San Antonio’s bar scene has always been fun, but the cocktail explosion of recent years have given it double shot of hip sophistication. These days, the city is awash in spots that boast swanky vibes, including some speakeasy-style bars that are intentionally kept on the downlow. How many of these have you explored? 

The Speakeasy at Salvation Spirits 10091 US-290., Fredericksburg, (210) 605-2292, salvationspeakeasy.com. “The Speakeasy,” as locals know it, is tucked away on a 10-acre orchard in the heart of the Texas Hill Country. The inviting space offers a variety of handcrafted gin and is the perfect setting for a date night or evening with the girlies after a day of winery tours. The Speakeasy is also the ideal venue for private events. Photo courtesy of The Speakeasy at Salvation Spirits
Pastiche 1506 E. Houston St., (210) 439-1532, facebook.com/pastiche.sa. Local bar bard Benjamin Krick has taken an East Side cottage and turned it into a hip haven for contemporary quaffers with an appreciation of the Belle Epoque past. And anyone with a feel for le fée verte will admire drinks dedicated to once-banned absinthe. Past special events have included an homage to the art of flamenco. Photo via Instagram / pastiche_sa
Dash 1017 N. Flores St., gwendolyngroup.com Celebrated San Antonio chef Michael Sohocki’s first foray into the lounge scene will take shape in Dash, a new concept in the loft space at the 5 Points Local building. Photo via Instagram / dashbarsatx
RD Speakeasy 8400 N New Braunfels Ave, (210) 824-0116, facebook.com/rdspeakeasy Tucked behind The Barn Door restaurant north of downtown, RD offers opulent details and expertly crafted cocktails in an unassuming spot. Photo via Instagram / atanotherangle
Cellar Mixology by Toro Kitchen + Bar 1142 E Commerce St, (210) 592-1075, cellarmixology.com Located in St. Paul’s Square, just east of Downtown San Antonio, this speak-easy concept boasts basement walls that date back to the 1920’s. While the space may feature older details, the whiskey cocktails are anything but tired. Photo via Instagram / cellarmixology
Havana 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 / havanasanantonio
Downstairs 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 / downstairsatesquire
The 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 / thegreenlanternsa
Bar 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 / sacurrent
The Bang Bang Bar This loveable neighborhood blends a rock ‘n’ roll vibe with vintage furniture, games and a solid cocktail menu. Cozy up on the couch with a cocktail or belly up to the bar for a beer.119 El Mio Drive, (210) 320-1187, thebangbangbartx.com. Credit: Julian Ledezma
74. The Moon’s Daughters It’s tempting to suggest that The Moon’s Daughters, a spectacular indoor-outdoor lounge perched 20 stories above the Riverwalk is more about the Instagram than the shaking can. There are only 10 cocktails on the online menu, but the city skyline is almost infinite from the outdoor deck — and patrons often dress to suit the setting. But give those bartenders a chance to shake up a Storied Coasts with pea flower-purple Empress Gin, lavender and a prosecco cap, and you might be surprised. Locally produced Twang Sunrise Salt adorns the rim of the serrano-infused and tequila-based All That’s Nice. Get fancy and head on up. 115 Lexington Ave., (210) 942-6032, themoonsdaughters.com. Photo courtesy of The Moon’s Daughters
4. Amor Eterno This Southtown spot helmed by Brian Correa and Aaron Peña — proprietors of iconic Bar America and the Squeezebox respectively — debuted last New Year’s Eve and immediately grabbed attention with its elevated cocktails and a sexy ambiance. Billed as a love letter to puro San Antonio cultura, the bar is small but bursting with personality. Aside from the inventive cocktails — try the tequila-heavy Chile Girl — the inviting and intimate space is an homage to our city’s old school vibes. Custom wallpaper, velvet wall treatments and cozy nooks make for an ambiance that accommodates date night or after-dinner nightcaps. 540 S. Presa St., facebook.com/Amor-Eterno-104928765099182. Photo courtesy of Amor Eterno
Bar 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 Ami
Haunt at The St. Anthony 300 E Travis St, (210) 352-3171, facebook.com/HauntSA Arguably one of the most post hotel bars in San Antonio, Haunt is sleek and sexy for a reason. This bar may look contemporary, but it actually pays homage to the spooky spirits that cal The St. Anthony home. So go ahead, sip on some drinks and meet the ghosts here, all while enjoying the view. Photo via Instagram / lres_marketing
32. Devils River Whiskey This new distillery opened its doors in spring 2021 and does things in a big way. Inside its confines you’ll find a coffee shop, a basement speakeasy, a main dining area and a lounge that overlooks the distilling equipment. (Did we miss anything?) A sprawling patio allows whiskey aficionados and curiosity seekers alike to enjoy fresh air while they sip on Texas-distilled spirits, available in bourbon, rye, barrel strength and coffee expressions. The cocktails are not to be missed, but we’re still swooning over the antique bar, copper stills, marble floors and floor-to-ceiling columns that make this a downtown destination. 401 E. Houston St., (833) 379-1840, devilsriverwhiskey.com. Photo by Jaime Monzon
Sternewirth 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 / historicpearl
George’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 / csj55
Bohanan’s 219 E. Houston St., 210-472-2600, bohanans.com If we’re talking OG bars, your out-of-town guests need to visit Bohanan’s for expertly made cocktails by a professional staff and the classy vibes that grow from spending time on Houston Street. Photo via Facebook, Bohanans
Blue Box Bar 312 Pearl Pkwy, (210) 227-2583, blueboxbar.com This trendy, recently reopened bar keeps it real with all-day happy hour on Sundays (and Mondays too). There’s lots of different price points, but you can find $3.50 house shots, $6 draft beers, $3 domestics, $6 wine and $6 cocktails to get you feeling good. Photo via Instagram / blueboxbar
The 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_sa
Rock & Rye 17631 La Cantera Pkwy RIM, Suite # 103, (210) 721-7753, rockandryebar.com Fans of luxurious vibes and no-nonsense cocktails can now enjoy specialty spirits at Rock and Rye, a new far northwest spot from Bar 1919 owner Don Marsh. The smart and stylish space follows in Bar 1919’s footsteps, offering an impressive specialty cocktail menu and a spirit list that currently boasts 400 varieties of booze. Photo via Instagram / rockandryebar
89. The Squeezebox Located in a former floral shop, The Squeezebox’s 2016 brought a welcome Puro San Anto vibe to the revitalized St. Mary’s Strip. The cantina-like vibe, fun drink specials, live music and DJs have made it a prime pre-pandemic draw, and the crowds are certainly coming back. Even on busy nights, bar service is quick and efficient, and when things slow down, the staff members have the bartending chops to mix up something special. A neon sign hanging inside reads “Lost her to the Strip.” With The Squeezebox as one of the nightlife district’s star attractions, it’s easy to see why. 2806 N. St. Mary’s St., (210) 314-8845, facebook.com/thesqueezebox. Photo via Instagram / thesqueezebox_sa
Tucker’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, clive78757
Jazz, 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 / kaleyjamesanderson
Bar 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 / barludivine
Bar 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_sa
El Colegio at Omni La Mansion Del Rio 112 College St, (210) 518-1000, omnihotels.com Paying tribute to the St. Mary’s School of Law that first inhabited the space in 1934, El Colegio highlights cocktails popular in the ‘30s. But that’s not to say this is a speakeasy. Either way, the Prohibition-era decor is the cherry on top to a drinking spot that focuses on local and regional spirits. Photo via Instagram / sanantonios_places Credit: Instagram / sanantonios_places
63. Lighthouse Lounge Can someone please explain to us why it took this long for someone to open a cozy nightspot just outside Woodlawn Lake Park? The Lighthouse’s charm is that it simultaneously feels fresh and hip yet could have been tucked away in its quiet neighborhood for decades. Occasional live music and DJ sets are draws, but even on quieter nights, you’ll find neighborhood folks relishing the relaxed atmosphere, complemented by vintage furnishings, a full bar and a not-to-be missed Como La Flor shrine. As quickly as this city is gentrifying, it’s refreshing to see new spots embracing the flavor of old SA. 1016 Cincinnati Ave., facebook.com/thelighthouselounge. Photo by Sanford Nowlin
Luna 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