Many of San Antonio’s bars and restaurants are as pleasurable for the eyes as they are for the taste buds. No wonder we see so many people snapping and sharing photos not just of their food and cocktails but of the restaurants themselves.
These 23 gorgeous Alamo City eateries offer aesthetic details such as velvet banquette seating, dramatic lighting and one-of-a-kind wallpaper — details primed to take your dining selfies to the next level.
Credit:Photo via Instagram / elsewheresatxLittle Em’s Oyster Bar
1001 S. Alamo St., (210) 257-0100, littleemsoysterbar.com
This bright and airy Southtown joint offers more than seafood, boasting crisp white walls and floors with pops of light pink and periwinkle blue that are just damn Instagram-worthy. Post up on the patio for oysters, ceviche, lobster rolls and a glass — or bottle — of sparkling wine.
Photo via Instagram / littleemsoysterbarSternewirth 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 / sternewirthatemmaHugman’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.
Photo via Instagram / hugmansoasissaSugar Factory
849 E Commerce St unit 109, (726) 204-2020, sugarfactory.com
Though Sugar Factory’s claim to fame is its Instagram-worthy sweet treats, the new spot at The Shops at Rivercenter also features literal walls of selfie-worthy art installations, from life-size candy dots to a whole wall festooned with floral flair.
Photo by Nina RangelPicks 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_barsaBox 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 as Instagrammable as it is delicious. Credit:Photo by s.a.foodie via Instagram / theboxstreetsocialMi Tierra
218 Produce Row, (210) 225-1262,mitierracafe.com
Many a selfie has been taken in front of Mi Tierra’s glittering estrellas and larger-than-life murals, creating nearly a rite of passage for locals and visitors alike. While you’re at it, wander out front and snap one with about a million papel picado fluttering in the background.
Photo via Instagram / cp2_unique_designsBright Coffee
1705 Blanco Rd., brightcoffeesa.square.site
With an abundance of natural light, plants and pastel colored furniture, Bright Coffee’s interior matches its name. Its menu features creative drinks and flavors as well as traditional offerings, made possible by beans roasted just across town at Estate Coffee.
Photo via Instagram / brightcoffeesaMaverick Texas Brasserie
710 S St Mary’s St, (210) 973-6050, mavericktexas.com
Venture inside this Southtown brasserie and enjoy oodles of natural sunlight in the sprawling dining room, or tropical vibes on the breezy patio. No matter where you strike a pose, the rich colors and textures of the space will give your pics a little extra oomph.
Photo by cravottainteriors via Instagram / leadersofdesignHopscotch
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 / letshopscotchBest Quality Daughter
602 Avenue A, (210) 819-4236, bestqualitydaughter.com
This “New Asian-American” spot boasts custom wallpaper — one featuring Alamo City landmarks in punchy colors — panda pinatas and neon signs, all fit for your new profile photo background.
Photo via Instagram / al.fonzo_txBlack + White Modern Creamery
4011 Broadway St., facebook.com/BlackWhiteCreamery
This high-end ice cream concept from local chocolatier Mary Collazo features “puro San Antonio” flavors amid an impressive monochromatic backdrop, perfect for mind-bending pics — or pop into the restroom for a different art installation that’s much more colorful.
Photo via Instagram / yoadrenOcho
1015 Navarro St., (210) 222-2008, havanasanantonio.com
There’s no mistaking the iconic turquoise furniture of Hotel Havana’s onsite eatery Ocho, and plenty of influencers and plain Janes alike have posted selfies from the aviary-like dining room. With an abundance of greenery and unexpected details, there are few bad angles here.
Photo courtesy of Nick Simonite for Hotel HavanaEstate Coffee Co.
1320 E. Houston St., Suite A101, (210) 667-4347, estatecoffeecompany.com
Estate’s huge front windows allow natural light to stream into its downtown space, creating a bright and airy atmosphere for snapping pics of your cuppa — or yourself. Its hours create the opportunity for a perfect snap at any point during the day, especially if you live the nine-to-five life downtown.
Photo via Instagram / estatecoffeecoKaffeinated
12619 La Cantera Parkway, #209, (210) 255-1260, kaffeinated.co
San Antonio’s newest crêpe and coffee spot opened in February of 2022, doling out treats in an atmosphere tailored for Instagram shares. The cafe offers a variety of food and drink amid pink and purple details and gilded accents.
Photo via Instagram / kaffeinatedtx Credit: Instagram / kaffeinatedtxBar 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 LorettaCredit:Photo via Instagram / cellarmixologyThe Good Kind Southtown
1127 S St. Mary’s St., (210) 801-5892, eatgoodkind.com
The Good Kind’s picturesque outdoor garden is open for all to peruse while the sun beams down, but don’t stop there. From ivy-covered walls to tucked-away adirondack chairs, this southtown spot offers multiple options for selfie-taking.
Photo via Instagram / thegoodkindsouthtownFairmont Rooftop Oyster Bar
401 S. Alamo St., (210) 224-8800, fairmountsa.com
For fans of the SA landmarks such as the Tower of the Americas, the view from this seafood-doling rooftop bar is tough to beat. Post up for a spectacular sunset view of the 53-year-old structure.
Photo via Instagram / ingamcottonTony’s Siesta
206 Brooklyn Ave., (210) 592-1199, facebook.com/TonysSiesta
This brightly-colored cantina serves up typical bar selections, including draft beers and craft cocktails under the glow of moody light fixtures. The vibe is so easy and comfortable, you may be tempted to take a little siesta in a cozy, neon-lit nook after one or two of their super-powered margaritas.
Photo via Instagram / tonyssiestaThe Moon’s Daughters
115 Lexington Ave, (210) 942-6032, themoonsdaughters.com
This Insta-worthy rooftop bar overlooks the SA skyline from a twenty-story perch. Indulge in its sophisticated cocktails and delectable chef-prepared bites while you snap a new selfie.
Photo via Instagram / themoonsdaughtersHaunt
300 E Travis St, (210) 352-3171, facebook.com/HauntSA
Arguably one of the most posh hotel bars in San Antonio, Haunt is sleek and sexy for a reason. Its contemporary aesthetic — an homage to the spooky spirits that call The St. Anthony home — makes for killer photos.
Photo via Instagram / lres_marketing
