First Look: Palomino is the 1800s-style saloon San Antonio’s Southtown was missing

New Southtown drinking spot Palomino feels like stepping into an 1800s saloon.

The name is fitting, considering how easy it is to imagine hitching a horse outside the establishment and sauntering in, spurs a-jangle. Taxidermied hogs, bobcats, wolves and bucks adorn the walls of the small, converted house at 109 Playmoor. Vintage paintings and items from antique shops round out the decor.

Palomino held its soft opening Thursday night, which was packed with friends and family. This weekend, the bar opens at 8 p.m., though its management tells the Current hours are likely to be adjusted over the coming weeks. Plans for an eventual happy hour are also in the works. 

The new saloon is the latest venture from the bar group behind San Antonio favorites The Lonesome Rose, Holy Diver, Slow Ride, Faust, Last Caress, Hi-Tones, Buho and Low Country. In keeping with a theme, music is a big part of the atmosphere — outlaw country, ’70s rock and Tex-Mex provide the sonic backdrop at Palomino while patrons shoot pool.

Rather than have a specialty drinks menu, Palomino sticks to a no-frills approach — just the classics. Besides, during Thursday’s soft opening, it felt like the music might stop and a glass might drop if someone put on airs and ordered a fancy yankee-style tipple.

Just the same, the bar does have a robust tequila selection.

So, if an Espolòn neat is your style, Palomino just might be your huckleberry.

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This article appears in Apr 16-29, 2025.