They say you eat with your eyes first. That’s not just true about the delectable food served up by San Antonio restaurants and bars, it also applies to the decor and atmosphere of those dining spots.

When you’re feeling cute and want to post up at a spot with an Instagram-worthy atmosphere — from maximalist decor showcasing punchy colors to more understated yet sophisticated environs — refer to this collection of eateries and drinkeries that are a feast for the eyes.

Best Quality Daughter
602 Avenue A, (210) 819-4236, bestqualitydaughter.com
When it comes to innovative Asian-American dishes, Best Quality Daughter has plenty to choose from. The spot’s maximalist decor — featuring custom wallpaper in punchy colors and neon signs — provides festive ambiance perfect for a fun date. Credit: Nina Rangel
Press Coffee 4035 Broadway, (210) 550-4441, instagram.com/presscoffee_sa Press Coffee’s Boardwalk on Broadway location is one of the most unique spots to grab a cup of joe in the Alamo City. Housed in a windowed A-frame reminiscent of a greenhouse, the cozy coffee joint is full of greenery soaking in an abundance of natural light. Nina Rangel Credit: Nina Rangel
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: Kody Melton Photography
Francis Bogside 1170 E Commerce St. Suite 100, (210) 314-2994, francisbogside.com It isn’t common to see Irish neighborhood bars in San Antonio but Francia Bogside, a rustic chic take on a traditional Irish pub, has changed that narrative for downtown. Recently relocated to Commerce Street, Francis Bogside offers upscale pub fare alongside expertly-prepared craft cocktails, wine and beer. Credit: Courtesy Photo / Francis Bogside
Tokyo Cowboy 135 E. Commerce St., (210) 305-7075, tokyocowboytx.com Nestled right across the San Antonio river from the historic Bald Cypress some call “Geronimo,” this chic Japanese street food spot markets itself as a “whisky diner” and features menu items such as Viet-Cajun BBQ prawns and a sukiyaki burger. The stylish interior is awash in natural light from the restaurant’s banks of windows, showcasing warm wood tones, cool green accents and delicate shell light fixtures. Credit: Courtesy Photo / Tokyo Cowboy
Best Menudo Mi Tierra Café y Panadería 218 Produce Row (210) 225-1262 mitierracafe.com Credit: Nina Rangel
The Good Kind Southtown 1127 S. St. Mary’s St., (210) 801-5892, eatgoodkind.com The Good Kind’s verdant garden is perfect for those seeking a breath of fresh air. Couples can enjoy a simple date night meal, or pair the restaurant’s delicious eats and refreshing cocktails with events like trivia or live music. Credit: Courtesy Photo / The Good Kind
35. Elsewhere Garden Bar & Kitchen This spacious outdoor oasis overlooking the San Antonio River is popular for good reason. It’s hard to beat the relaxed, garden-like ambience, which includes ample seating for parties to chat, flirt or play one of the board games or the giant Connect Four. Selfie-ready attractions, from an old phone booth to neon art, also abound. A pair of old shipping containers serve as a walk-up craft-beer bar and kitchen. Grab one of the many on-tap offerings to go with the modest menu of well-executed bar food, which includes burgers for the carnivores and spicy Korean-style cauliflower “wings” which one needn’t be a vegan to become addicted to. 103 E. Jones Ave., (210) 446-9303, elsewheretexas.com.  Credit: Photo via Instagram / elsewheresatx
Paramour at The Phipps 102 9th St. Floor 4, (210) 417-6559, facebook.com/Paramour.Phipps Known for its drag brunches, Paramour not only puts on a show, but features a wide range of cocktails to give you something to sip on at this fun rooftop bar — enjoy the skyline views from the open air patio or the views inside, courtesy of a number of bedazzled drag performers. Credit: Instagram / paramourbar
Box Street All Day 623 Hemisfair Blvd. Ste. 108, (210) 476-5705, theboxstreetsocial.com This casual, chef-driven concept serves up all types of eats and drinks in a bright and bubbly atmosphere. Featuring photoshoot-worthy graphic wall art in pastel hues, the restaurant is perfect for a girls’ day out. Credit: Photo by s.a.foodie via Instagram / theboxstreetsocial
Ocho at Hotel Havana 1015 Navarro St, (210) 222-2008, havanasanantonio.com With Pan-Latin fare, mojitos and a chic aesthetic at the forefront, Ocho is a favorite for a reason. Tourists may flock to the beautiful Hotel Havana, but locals will feel more than welcome to enjoy the scenery brought to you by this glass-enclosed riverside spot. With the cocktail menu highlighting San Antonio’s Mexican roots (we’re talking about tequila) and the prevalence of rum in Havana’s culture, guests will be drinking well here. Credit: Courtesy Photo / Nick Simonite for Hotel Havana
A Perfect Day 803 S. St. Mary’s St., instagram.com/aperfectdaywinebar Southtown wine bar A Perfect Day opened in Francis Bogside’s former space this summer along with cocktail lounge Gimme Gimme. A Perfect Day’s easygoing vibes are complemented by a selection of wines, cocktails and bites. Credit: Nina Rangel
Ida Claire 7300 Jones Maltsberger Road, (210) 667-2145, ida-claire.com If brunch with a little bit of Southern charm is your jam, post up at a table at Ida Claire, where authentic comfort food meets an elevated experience. Credit: Photo via Instagram / idaclairesa
Liberty Bar 1111 S. Alamo St., (210) 227-1187, liberty-bar.com Liberty Bar’s iconic pink exterior paint job may draw diners in, but it’s the eats that keep them coming back. Snag a cozy table for two in one of the eclectically-furnished dining rooms and treat your lover to the signature oven roasted chili relleno. Credit: Photo via Instagram / deadlywritr
Picks Bar 4553 N. Loop 1604 West, (210) 253-9220, picksbar.com. Jessica Marinez and Amber Hernandez crafted this venue for the live music lovers of SA. The nightspot features regular live performances, karaoke nights, an expansive drink menu and a food menu to boot. The partners — in business and in life — also operate the new downtown spot Pink Shark. Credit: Photo via Instagram / picks_barsa
The Moon’s Daughters 115 Lexington Ave., (210) 942-6032, themoonsdaughters.com This rooftop bar at the Thompson San Antonio hotel overlooks the city skyline from a twenty-story perch. Indulge in its sophisticated cocktails and delectable chef-prepared bites while while appreciating the spectacular views. Credit: Courtesy Photo / Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk
Sternewirth 136 E. Grayson St., (210) 223-7375, thehotelemma.com Serving as the hotel’s tavern and club room, this moody downtown-area drinkery boasts historic brewing tanks converted into seating, sofas situated underneath 25-foot vaulted ceilings and an impressive backlit bar. Credit: Photo via Instagram / sternewirthatemma
Hopscotch 711 Navarro St., Suite 100, letshopscotch.com Snag a craft cocktail at the well-stocked bar before meandering about Hopscotch’s immersive and interactive art installations, where each room provides at least two visually-arresting options for your next viral selfie. Photo via Instagram / letshopscotch Credit: Photo via Instagram / letshopscotch
La Ruina
410 Austin St,, (210) 627-7846, facebook.com/laruinasatx
Situated in an old grocery store on the city’s East Side, La Ruina is an aesthetically pleasing cocktail bar focused on serving tropical America-focused cocktails and spirits. La Ruina’s classical elegance is sure to brighten up your social media feed. Credit: Courtesy Photo / La Ruina
Hanzo 7701 Broadway St, (210) 826-1488, hanzobar.com This Broadway hangout keeps folks coming back with its creative cocktails and Japanese beer and small plates — but that’s only part of the appeal. The Japanese-inspired aesthetic can be considered the final piece of the puzzle to this gem of a gastropub. Credit: Photo via Instagram / hanzobarsa
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 Loretta
Amor Eterno 540 S. Presa St., instagram.com/amoreterno_sa Amor Eterno’s one-of-a-kind wallpaper, cozy seating and moody lighting evoke a luxe vibe, making it a great spot to have a fun night out — and document it on social media. Credit: Courtesy Photo / Amor Eterno

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