Some bars are just for drinking. But other bars are for when you’re thirsty. (If you know what we mean.)

If you’re looking for sexy fun in San Antonio, check out our list of the Alamo City’s most happening, hottest hookup bars.

Hills and Dales Ice House 15403 White Fawn Dr., (210) 695-2307, hillsanddalesicehouse.org No one would expect that a spot on the Northwest side would be the center of the universe, but that’s exactly what the sign outside of Hills and Dales proclaims to its patrons. With an indoor-outdoor set up and the option to get a shot ceremoniously poured straight down your throat (called a “chuggie”), this spot right by UTSA provides plenty of room to mingle while getting your drink on. Credit: Photo via Instagram / hillsanddalesicehouse
The Bonham Exchange 411 Bonham St., (210) 224-9219, bonhamexchange.com Once a pioneering gay disco with a popular “straight night,” the Bonham Exchange has three floors that let you partake in all the good stuff nightlife is made of: drinks, music and dancing. Each floor has a different vibe — and a new opportunity to meet someone special. Credit: Julian P. Ledezma
Sand Box 7280 UTSA Boulevard #109, (210) 277-0970, thesandboxsa.com This two-story sports bar draws crowds of college students, and on weekend nights, it can certainly get hot in there — and heavy. If you want to get to know your date better, head to the outside area for a sexy game of cornhole. Credit: Sanford Nowlin
Brass Monkey 2702 N. St. Mary’s St., (210) 480-4722, facebook.com/brassmonkeytx This St. Mary’s strip spot boasts no cover and seemingly has a themed night every day of the week — including Wednesday emo nights and Thursgayz. Notorious for getting packed, you’ll get up close and personal with a lot of people looking to do the same. Credit: Photo via Instagram / brassmonkeytx
Witness Sporting Club 7280 UTSA Boulevard, (210) 772-3658, facebook.com/witnesssatx This sports bar, in the same complex as the Sand Box, offers one more avenue not only to watch the game, but to spit some game, too. Credit: Photo via Instagram / witness_satx
Versa 123 Heiman St., (210) 977-0566, instagram.com/viceversa.sanantonio Bathed in red lighting and cloaked in black paint, this spot turns into a sexy jazz bar on the weekends, is host to a number of DJ nights and has “secret shows.” It’s a pretty alluring underground space that draws in alluring people. Credit: Courtesy Photo / Versa
47. Heat Nightclub If your night on the Main Strip calls for dancing, you’ll inevitably find yourself in Heat. A prime attraction on San Antonio’s LGBTQ+ landscape since 2001, the hotspot welcomes all walks — from twinks and lipstick lesbians to allies and boozy bachelorettes — on its often-packed dance floor. During prime weekend hours, the club’s unique multi-room layout accommodates drinking and dancing — not to mention eye candy on parade — in several slightly more intimate spaces, including a back patio and designated “Chill Bar.” Often raging long after 2 a.m., Heat also plays host to occasional guest DJs, themed parties and Sunday night drag shows. 1500 N. Main Ave., (210) 227-2600, heatsa.com. Credit: Photo via Instagram / heatnightclub
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
5. The Bang Bang Bar As far as live music venues go, few come more funkier or more fun than the Bang Bang Bar, opened seven years ago by a couple members of the band Girl in a Coma. The vintage furnishings and mid-Century flair make it feel like you’re catching a show in a friend’s living room. There’s enough seating in threadbare sofas for it to be a relaxed place for conversation before the music cranks up, and the side room full of diversions including Skee Ball, electronic darts and pool tables round out the entertainment options. 119 El Mio Dr., (210) 320-1187, thebangbangbartx.com.  Credit: Photo via Instagram / thebangbangbar
Urban Cocktail 9859 I-10 West, Suite 106, (726) 999-2693, facebook.com/urbancocktailsa Appealing to an older crowd looking to unwind (like, really unwind) after a long workday, you can get to know somebody under a bath of seductive neon lights at Urban Cocktail. Credit: Michael Karlis
Pegasus 1402 N. Main Ave., (210) 299-4222, pegasussanantonio.com This nightclub is one of the friendliest and oldest bars on the North Main Strip, and it’s a reliably great spot to catch a drag show and dance the night away. There’s never a dull moment with karaoke nights, contests and DJs, but Pegasus doesn’t stop at offering San Antonio a great night out. They also regularly host fundraisers and benefits to give back to the community. Credit: Photo via Facebook / PEGASUS NIGHTCLUB SAN ANTONIO
70. The Modernist Even after its recent change in ownership, The Modernist remains a crown jewel in San Antonio’s bar scene — from its intimate setting inside an old house to the expert bartenders’ eagerness to create cocktails on the fly by asking patrons what flavors they typically enjoy in a drink. To be sure, the bar’s name encapsulates the approach: it’s offering what a bar experience could or should be rather than our expectations of what it usually is. The highly knowledgeable and creative barkeeps continue to make a visit to The Modernist a novel experience. 516 E. Grayson St, (210) 901-8646, facebook.com/themodernistsa. Credit: Photo by mikeywynnns via Instagram / themodernistsa
Shin-Dig 22250 Bulverde Rd., (726) 444-0091, shindigsa.com Self-titled “A Party Place,” this spot near Stone Oak hosts speed dating events, especially for a crowd no longer involved in the debauchery of their 20s. Credit: Photo via Instagram / theshindigsa
Cowboys Dancehall 3030 N.E. Interstate 410 Loop, (210) 646-9378, cowboysdancehall.com/san-antonio A honkytonk specializing in country music, not only can you learn to swing with free dance lessons, but there is also a mechanical bull if you want to practice your riding. Credit: Photo via Instagram / justnoel_
Social Spot 930 Broadway, (210) 263-9009, facebook.com/socialspotSATX Featuring an expansive patio, this chill Broadway spot has outdoor games and plenty of room for bargoers to live up to its name — it’s a place literally made for mingling. Credit: Photo via Instagram / social_spot_satx
76. Picks Bar This far North Side music venue offers a slew of reasons to make the trek, including a recently upgraded patio, craft cocktails on tap and its always-fun live-band karaoke experience. The bar’s larger-than-life atmosphere ensures there’s always something happening, and it’s often something a little on the rowdy side. Beyond the karaoke, there’s a musical act onstage every night of the week. Fans should also be on the lookout for the owners’ next venture, Pink Shark Bar, in the heart of downtown. 4553 N. Loop 1604 West, (210) 253-9220, picksbar.com. Credit: Photo via Instagram / picks_barsa
1. 1902 Nightclub St. Paul Square’s glitzy 1902 Nightclub has hosted big-name DJs including Steve Aoki, Loud Luxury and Jersey Shore’s DJ Pauly D since it opened last year, bringing heavy beats to the fully revamped train depot that never quite gelled during earlier attempts to turn it into an entertainment destination. Nestled into the development now known as The Espee, 1902 offers bottle service and strobe effects for folks who looking to get their boogie on. During big events, the club opens up its elegant second level, which overlooks the dancefloor. 1174 E. Commerce St., (210) 941-3010, 1902satx.com. Credit: Courtesy Photo / 1902
16. Boxcar Bar Located in San Antonio’s growing east-of-downtown area, Boxcar Bar comes across as the kind of relaxed craft-cocktail spot where you can also kick back and catch a game. With several 70-inch TVs above the bar, all eyes needn’t be on the guy shaking up your drink. Even if there’s no game on, there’s plenty to keep visitors entertained, including DJs and themed parties. The cucumber martini isn’t just exceptionally well made, it’s strong enough to numb the pain if your team takes a tough loss. 125 Lamar St., (210) 265-3860, facebook.com/boxcarbarsatx. Credit: Michael Karlis
Tony’s Siesta 206 Brooklyn Ave., (210) 227-4551, facebook.com/tonyssiesta Kiss somebody under the artsy pink neon “Besos” sign at Tony’s Siesta, which went from sleepy downtown bar to slinky nightspot in late 2020. Credit: Photo via Instagram / tonyssiesta
67. Luna In November, San Pedro Avenue’s Luna celebrated 19 years of live music, specialty frozen cocktails and Mid-Century Modern design inspiration — all while basking in the orange glow of El Montan Motor Hotel. A well-earned anniversary for one of the only bars in town offering regular bookings of nationwide jazz, R&B and soul acts up to three days a week, Luna has continued to persevere in a market known more for Tejano, Norteño, country and meat-and-potatoes rock ‘n’ roll. Outdoor seating under the light of crescent moon-carved lamps lets patrons enjoy grub from musician-owned Blue Pit BBQ, the bar’s resident food truck. 6740 San Pedro Ave., lunalive.com. Credit: Courtesy Photo / Luna Music Bar & Lounge
Esquire Tavern 155 E. Commerce St., (210) 222-2521, esquiretavern-sa.com Located on the River Walk with the longest wooden-top bar in Texas, this spot gives you a great chance to check out a whole host of singles. You can cozy up in one of the booths, or head out to the tiny terrace that overlooks the river. Romantic, isn’t it? Credit: Courtesy Photo / Esquire Tavern
Dad’s Karaoke 2615 Mossrock Dr., (210) 267-5703, facebook.com/dadskaraoke With a slightly sleazy feel to it, Dad’s Karaoke is a great spot to get drunk and scream into a microphone for that adrenaline rush. Afterward, get a different kind of rush by mingling with one of the many singles that make up the audience cheering you on. Credit: Photo via Google Maps