San Antonio offers plenty of laid-back spots where diners can enjoy a relaxed meal, but there’s something to be said for spicing up the experience with a little novelty sometimes.

Enter this collection of restaurants and bars that offer themed motifs and menus to liven up the experience. They range from the relatively tame — tiki and ’80s pop culture — to the truly outlandish — zombies and  space aliens.

For an extra dose of kitsch, choose one of these 20 spots and get your crew to dress to match before heading out.

Hugman’s Oasis 135 E. Commerce St., (210) 441-7225, hugmansoasissatx.com Named for Robert H. H. Hugman, the architect responsible for the creation of San Antonio’s River Walk, this spot offers a colorful, tiki-tastic interior as well as an impressive patio crafted by legendary tiki bar designer “Bamboo Ben” Bassham. Credit: Photo via Instagram / hugmansoasissa
Be Kind & Rewind 115 Alamo Plaza, (210) 951-1980, bekindandrewindsa.com Be Kind & Rewind is San Antonio’s new go-to spot for a 80’s, 90’s or Y2K themed night out. Whether it’s a birthday, weekly dance parties or a karaoke night out with your friends, Be Kind Rewind is serving up craft cocktails and fun vibes seven days a week. Credit: Nina Rangel
El Luchador Bar 622 Roosevelt Ave., (210) 988-3385, facebook.com/luchadorbarsa Puro San Antonians love lucha libre so much that this themed bar is a popular destination. Complete with a wall of lucha libre masks behind the bar and various decorations throughout the space, this Lone Star neighborhood bar keeps it going with playful cocktails too. And you’ll have plenty to do here as well, as the bar offers lots of cool events, from trivia nights to lotería. Credit: Photo via Instagram / luchadorbarsa
The Ringer Pub 2826 Thousand Oaks, (210) 368-9020, instagram.com/theringerpub Do you absolutely love The Big Lebowski? Well, you’ll likely have a blast at The Ringer Pub. This watering hole is fashioned after the famed ‘90s flick, making it the perfect place to pony up to the bar for a White Russian. The bar has plenty of drink specials, as well as trivia nights and bar games. Credit: Photo via Instagram / theringerpub
Sideliners 15630 Henderson Pass, (210) 404-0121, sasideliners.com This family-friendly indoor/outdoor bar takes the “sports” part of “sports bar” very literally. Alongside the usual karaoke nights and flatscreen TVs, Sideliners operates several sand volleyball leagues that play on their on-site sand volleyball courts. Credit: Photo via Instagram / sasideliners
The Angry Elephant 19314 US-281 #107, (210) 545-3782, theangryelephantbar.com Alcohol and politics may seem like a bad mix… well, they probably are. But that hasn’t stopped the Angry Elephant. The politically-themed bar has plenty of decor for you to observe while you slam down cocktails and hot dogs alike. Credit: Photo via Instagram / angryelephantsa
Magic Time Machine 902 NE Interstate 410 Loop, (210) 828-1478, magictimemachine.com Is there one specific theme at Magic Time Machine? Not really, but the restaurant prides itself in being “an adventure” with “fun, not stuffy, servers.” You’re definitely in for a memorable night here as the waitstaff are in costume and the space is decorated with memorabilia, with each table having a distinct theme. After stopping in for a bite to eat, consider catching a literally underground comedy show in the basement, courtesy of Blind Tiger Comedy Club. Credit: Photo via Google Maps
Cuba 1918 2809 W. Southcross Blvd., (210) 236-9925, cuba1918.com This cozy cafe in southwest San Antonio was renovated back in 2022 to look like a colorful Havana Bungalow. The spot serves up breakfast, lunch and coffee options, as well as weekly Wednesday “Havana Nights” live music shows. Credit: Photo via Instagram / cuba_1918
Crockett Tavern 320 Bonham, (210) 890-2224, crocketttavern.com Stop by this cowboy-themed bar after your next trip to the Alamo to fuel up on food and drink in a restaurant themed after the famous battle of the Alamo. The restaurant features an extensive drink menu with themed cocktails and country-style cuisine. Credit: Shutterstock / 4kclips
MAAR’s Pizza & More 14218 Nacogdoches Rd., (210) 599-7400, maarspizzaandmore.com Family-owned and -operated MAAR’s has gotten a reputation for being pretty out of this world since first opening in 2011. The family puts a galactic spin on typical pizza-place treats, with space-themed pizzas like The Milky Way, The Moon Pizz, and The Area 51, and specialty cocktails like The Sour MAARtian. Credit: Photo via Instagram / maars_pizza
Mad Dogs British Pub 123 Losoya St. #19, (210) 222-0220, maddogs.net Pretend you’re on the other side of the pond at this British-themed pub. Complete with classic pub grub, imported drafts and themed parties on occasion, Mad Dogs makes for a solid choice on the River Walk the next time you want to get into a bit of extra fun. Credit: Photo via Instagram / maddogspub
Play tabletop games at Knight Watch 16350 Blanco Rd. #116, (210) 888-1051, knightwatchgames.com Knight Watch prides itself on its atmosphere, styling its interior like a castle’s great hall, making it the perfect place to host your next DnD or board game night. The venue features a cafe with ample themed food options for patrons and hosts a $6 “ladies knight out” on Thursdays. Credit: Photo via Instagram / knightwatchgames
79. RD Hidden Door Speakeasy There’s a certain je ne sais quoi about texting a random phone number for a secret password to enter a modern-day speakeasy. Sure, it’s a little dramatic and theatrical — but what’s wrong with that? Dark lights, gilded details, candles, an eclectic soundtrack and excellent cocktails await at this intimate, reservations-only spot where just 35 guests can imbibe at one time. Request a cozy seating area away from other patrons or snag seats up at the bar to watch the masters at work. 8400 N. New Braunfels Ave., (210) 605-2292, mixed4u.com.  Credit: Jaime Monzon
26. Chicken N’ Pickle There is more to this Chicken N’ Pickle than just noshing on chicken and playing one of the fastest-growing sports in the U.S. Of course, with six indoor courts and five outdoor courts, the UTSA-area venue does feel a bit like Disneyland for those who love the game. And although the pickleball and plentiful corn hole stations make it family friendly, it’s a fun place to hang out with adult friends too, thanks to the fully stocked bar. However, the food may be what pushes this place over the top. It’s hard to beat washing down Chicken N’ Pickle’s exemplary country-fried chicken with a frosty Hopadillo. The place seems to be packed at all times of day, so that might be yet another reason to take an Uber. 5215 UTSA Blvd., (210) 874-2120, chickennpickle.com/san-antonio. Credit: Courtesy Photo / Chicken N Pickle
Zombies 4202 Thousand Oaks Dr., (210) 281-8306, drinkingwithzombies.com True to its name, this themed bar is all about horror movies. It’s also known for its heavy metal karaoke nights, and if that’s not enough, the themed cocktails will definitely have you feeling spooky. Credit: Photo via Google Maps
Black Potion 1900 Fredericksburg Rd. Suite 101, (210) 369-8750, facebook.com/BlackPotionSATX Nerd-friendly new bar Black Potion boasts impressive craft beer and wine lists, private board game rooms and even a 49-seat theater for hosting everything from film screenings to an in-house improv troupe. Credit: Photo by crazydottie6 via Instagram / blackpotionsatx
410 Diner 8315 Broadway, (210) 822-6246, 410diner.com This 50s-themed restaurant has been offering San Antonians a blast from the past since 1982. Enjoy classic diner fare in a setting right out of a classic sitcom. Credit: Photo via Instagram / carolinebrami
Pat O’Brien’s 121 Alamo Plaza, (210) 541-5940, patobriens.com Get the feel of a classic New Orleans dueling piano bar without making the trip east. This replica bar of the original Pat O’s offers cajun food, hurricane cocktails and live music straight from the ragtime era. Whether you choose to spend your time at the main bar, on the patio or in the piano lounge, you’re sure to have fun! Credit: Photo via Instagram / patobrienssa
The Winchester 5148 Broadway St., (210) 721-7762, winchester-pub.com This Alamo Heights neighborhood pub is bringing the authentic English gastropub feeling to San Antonio. The Winchester’s food menu offers a mix of American pub classics and English dishes like fish & chips and bangers & mash. Credit: Photo via Instagram / kikithefoodie_satx
Coco Beach 12159 Valliant St., (210) 341-5330, facebook.com/CocobeachSA You don’t need to wait for summer weather to go on a beach vacation — just head to Coco Beach. With seaside decor, you can relax with drink specials throughout the night while playing darts and pool. Credit: Photo via Google Maps