San Antonio may not get terribly cold during the winter, but when temperatures drop, it’s still natural to crave winter coziness.

These San Antonio eateries and drinkeries offer a comfy and romantic ambiance, from nostalgic speakeasy vibes to just-like-home feels. Whether you’re looking for somewhere to sweep a date off their feet or a place to recharge with some alone-time, these spots will keep you warm both inside and out.

Amor Eterno 540 S. Presa St., facebook.com/Amor-Eterno-104928765099182 Located in the heart of Southtown, this spot aims to impress with its elevated cocktails and a sexy ambiance. Billed as a love letter to puro San Antonio cultura, the bar is small but bursting with personality. Custom wallpaper, velvet wall treatments and cozy nooks make for an ambiance that accommodates date night or after-dinner nightcaps. Credit: Photo via Instagram / amoreterno_sa
Downstairs at the Esquire 155 E. Commerce St., (210) 222-2521, esquiretavern-sa.com/downstairs This intimate lounge dishes out small bites packed with flavor and top-of-the-line cocktails, which is to be expected — it’s just below downtown’s historic and lauded Esquire Tavern. The talented crew slings expertly-crafted drinks on the River Walk level of the storied building, adding to the swanky vibe. Credit: Photo courtesy of Downstairs at the Esquire
Arrosta 1803 Broadway, Suite 101, (210) 979-9950, arrostapearl.com Helmed by Robbie Nowlin, who also serves as executive chef for sibling restaurant Allora, Arrosta serves up “comfort Italian” vibes at the Pearl for lunch and dinner. Cozy up with a hearty serving of pasta, or a classic panini for lunch. Credit: Photo by Erin Winch
La Ruina 410 Austin St., (210) 627-7846, la-ruina.com Recently-opened La Ruina’s use of exposed brick and repurposed wood offers a lived-in vibe that vividly evokes its tropical inspiration. The bar doles out several cocktails made with rum, tequila and mezcal, as well as house sangria, and the backyard oasis is rife with cost nooks for a late night canoodle. Credit: Photo by San Antonio Current Staff
Jazz, TX 312 Pearl Pkwy. Building 6, (210) 332-9386, jazztx.com ​​Pianist Doc Watkins’ speakeasy-style venue at the Pearl presents a variety of local, regional and touring performers seven nights of the week. Jazz, big band, blues and salsa aren’t the only thing on the menu though — the food is also a draw. Photo via Instagram / jazz_tx Credit: Photo via Instagram / jazz_tx
Josephine Street Cafe 400 East Josephine St., (210) 224-6169, josephinestreet.com Walking distance from the Pearl, Josephine Street Cafe’s mouthwatering menu offers options that satiate any diet with a helping of comfy vibes on the side. You can’t go wrong with a basket of their iconic cornmeal-based onion rings or, as their iconic neon sign suggests, steak and whiskey. Credit: Photo via Instagram / josephine_street
Bar Loretta 320 Beauregard St., (210) 757-3607, barloretta.com Guests indulge in “exceptional-yet-approachable” fare at this trendy, warmly lit Southtown spot. The eatery serves Texas-inspired cuisine and handcrafted cocktails, perfect for those who want to treat themselves to a night out. Credit: Photo courtesy of Dandelion Gatherings for Bar Loretta
Paloma Blanca 5800 Broadway #300, (210) 822-6151, palomablanca.net This Broadway eatery has a familial atmosphere — and not just because some of its employees are related to one another. The sprawling eatery offers several cozy areas in which to nosh on its hearty Latin fare. Credit: Photo via Instagram / palomablancasa
Bar du Mon Ami 4901 Broadway, (330) 565-5445, instagram.com/bardumonami With dozens of spirits available behind the bar, you’ll enjoy cocktails that were created with plenty of thought and consideration, so that means they’ll hit just right. The red wall paint/light combination at this Broadway haunt is super cozy, so post up in one of the booths to feel like you’re hiding away. Credit: Photo via Instagram / bardumonami
Supper 136 E. Grayson St., (210) 448-8351, supperatemma.com While Hotel Emma has no shortage of memorable dining and drinking spots, Supper is a can’t-miss. Open all day, this hotel outpost features elevated farm-to-table American dishes that diners can enjoy while seated in the restaurant’s cozy, cushioned booths. Credit: Photo via Instagram / supperatemma
The Modernist 516 E. Grayson St., (210) 901-8646, facebook.com/themodernistsa Walking distance from the Pearl, The Modernist’s mid century-inspired digs pair excellently with its eclectic cocktail menu. When colder weather hits, the bar sets up fire pits and blankets for cozy outdoor imbibing. Credit: Photo by mikeywynnns via Instagram / themodernistsa
Signature 16401 La Cantera Pkwy., (210) 247-0176, signaturerestaurant.com Cozy doesn’t mean it can’t be fancy. Signature’s contemporary takes on classic dishes pair well with the spot’s extensive wine menu, perfect for sipping by the restaurant’s indoor fireplace. Credit: Photo via Instagram / signaturesanantonio
Barbaro 2720 McCullough Ave., (210) 320-2261, barbarosanantonio.com Grab a seat at the bar and prepare to get boozy – especially if you stop by during happy hour. Barbaro features a full bar so you can have your drink of choice while munching on one of their delicious wood-fired pizzas, making it an obvious choice when you want to eat well in some cozy digs. Credit: Photo via Instagram / sanantonioexplorer
Piatti Multiple locations, piatti.com This charming Italian eatery has outposts at the Quarry and La Cantera, though the Quarry location closed for renovations and is scheduled to reopen sometime during the winter of 2022. Though a pasta dinner would surely be filling, diners may want to leave room for tiramisu or a lemon tart for dessert. Credit: Photo via Instagram / kikiswirlzz
Credit: Photo via Instagram / bar1919_official
6. Meadow Neighborhood Eatery + Bar 555 W. Bitters Rd. Ste. 110, (210) 481-4214, meadowsanantonio.com “Love this place! Love the menu selections and the variety. The outdoor seating is nice especially next to the fire.” – Melissa H. Credit: Photo via Instagram / meadow_sa
Bar 414 in Sheraton Gunter 205 E Houston St, (210) 585-9999, marriott.com Jam-packed with history, this Sheraton Gunter hotel bar pays tribute to the recording studio that used to be in the hotel – specifically room 414. And unlike some hotel bars, there’s happy hour so guests can play tourist without the upcharge. Credit: Photo via Instagram / dirtyriverjazzband
Liberty Bar 1111 S. Alamo St., (210) 227-1187, liberty-bar.com Housed in a restored convent, Liberty Bar’s bright, window-filled space makes for a naturally gorgeous spot to dine in, whether it’s for brunch or late at night. The food and drink are definitely the main draws, but the ambiance sure isn’t anything to shake a stick at. Credit: Photo via Instagram / deadlywritr
Sternewirth at Hotel Emma 136 E Graysaon St, (210) 223-7375, thehotelemma.com Every facet of Hotel Emma delivers on elevated experience, and Sternewirth is no exception. Serving as the hotel’s tavern and club room, you’ll feel nice and cozy on the sofas that sit underneath 25-foot vaulted ceilings. Credit: Photo via Instagram / thehotelemma
Ida Claire 7300 Jones Maltsberger Rd, (210) 667-2145, ida-claire.com Ida Claire dishes out Southern-inspired cuisine with a modern twist, from classic chicken and waffles to pecan smoked pork chops and duck nachos. Plus, the restaurant offers free live music every Wednesday night from 8-10 p.m. Photo via Instagram / idaclairesa Credit: Photo via Instagram / idaclairesa
RD Hidden Door Speakeasy 8400 N. New Braunfels Ave., (210) 605-2292, mixed4u.com Dark lights, gilded details, candles, music from the 1920s and excellent cocktails await at this intimate, reservations-only spot where just 27 guests can imbibe at a time. To top it all off, the staff is top-notch and the music selection is always eclectic and sets the mood. Credit: Photo via Instagram / rdsanantonio
La Fonda on Main 2415 N. Main Ave., (210) 733-0621, lafondaonmain.com A classic for Tex-Mex and Mexican fare since 1932, the longstanding La Fonda on Main should be on every couple’s date night bucket list. The shaded patio is the perfect spot to sip margaritas together. Credit: Instagram / matthewmauldon
El Colegio at Omni La Mansion Del Rio 112 College St, (210) 518-1000, omnihotels.com Paying tribute to the St. Mary’s School of Law that first inhabited the space in 1934, El Colegio highlights cocktails popular in the ‘30s. That’s not to say this is a speakeasy, however. Either way, the Prohibition-era decor is the cherry on top to a drinking spot that focuses on local and regional spirits. Credit: Photo by design_dudes via Instagram / omnilamansiondelrio
Niki’s Tokyo Inn 819 W. Hildebrand Ave., (210) 736-5471, facebook.com/nikis.tokyo.inn Incredibly authentic with tatami-style seating, Niki’s Tokyo Inn is a solid choice for genuine Japanese eats. Whether you take a seat on the floor or grab a stool at the bar, you can enjoy freshly-made sushi and other classic Japanese dishes in this cozy eatery. Credit: Photo via Instagram / mrs.a_w15
Pastiche 1506 E. Houston St., (830) 483-0514, instagram.com/pastiche_sa This East Side cottage is a hip haven for contemporary quaffers with an appreciation of the Belle Époque past. Plush seating areas and mood lighting are the icing on the proverbial cake at this craft cocktail joint. Credit: Photo via Instagram / pastiche_sa