Downtown San Antonio is getting a new place to kick back, sip, and watch the game — with a side of honky tonk, two-stepping flair.
Howdy Sore Loser, the latest venture from Pink Shark founders Amber Hernandez and Jessica Marinez, is slated to open on Friday, Aug. 15, at 302 E. Commerce St. The two-story, Western-themed sports bar will feature the pair’s signature eclectic design touches, including a disco horse presiding over the upstairs space designed for dancing.
Downstairs is solely sports focused — with a mini-jumbotron, multiple TVs to catch the latest games (or yell if a ref makes a bad call), a photo wall commemorating famous sore losers in sports history, a pair of brown and white cowboy boots reminiscent of the famous pair at North Star Mall and plenty of space at the bar to order an ice-cold beer, three different types of signature ranch waters or a refreshing pickle margarita with dill-infused tequila.
Hernandez and Marinez, partners in life and business, are no strangers to San Antonio’s nightlife scene. They’ve built a mini bar empire with Northside favorite Picks Bar and the playful Pink Shark on North Presa Street.
While the two bars are worlds apart from the get-go, there are subtle nods that tie both concepts together.
Case in point, the upper level — aptly named the Saloon — with the disco horse. The clever nod to the Shark Side of Pink Shark is apparent, yet the room has its own purpose.
“Downstairs is for sports — but what happens if there isn’t a football or basketball game on? There are still people who want to dance. That’s what the second floor is for,” Marinez told the Current during a preview of the site.
Saguaro cacti illuminated by the glow of disco lights flank the open space upstairs, and a small bar stands on the opposite end of the disco horse. There’s a secret portal on the second floor that opens to reveal an exclusive karaoke room that guests can reserve for events. Inside, a sliding window opens to the upstairs bar. That way, patrons singing their hearts don’t have to go out of the room to refresh their drinks.
Hernandez told the Current that the food and drink program at Howdy Sore Loser will be akin to elevated sports-bar fare from a full kitchen. A food menu wasn’t available as of publication. As for drinks, the venue will cover all the bases, from a wide beer selection and build-your-own michelada bucket to shots served in green cactus glasses and signature cocktails such as a brown-butter Old Fashioned.
“We’re bringing a little bit of country to game day. Howdy, Sore Loser is where cowboy boots meet big screens with $1.99 Busch Light beer, cocktails and line dancing,” Marinez said.
Don’t forget to look up at the main bar for Wemby prayer candles and classic Wheaties boxes.
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This article appears in Aug 7-20, 2025.