Live Music
White Rabbit
A staple of the local music scene, the White Rabbit makes San Antonio a definite tour stop. Beloved by scenesters and recognized by touring bands around the world, the live-music venue plays host to all genres of rock, but metal and hardcore are definitely a stronghold. The Rabbit has been raising the decibel level on the St. Mary’s strip for more than a decade since its relocation from Austin. The venue is 18+, unlike many others around town, and the addition of a pizza shop taps into the college-age crowd. Successful locals pack the place, and anticipated nationals make for steamy, sold-out affairs.
2410 N. St. Mary’s, (210) 737-2221, sawhiterabbit.com and myspace.com/officialwhiterabbitsa
Limelight Music & Drinks
A stone’s throw from the UIW, Trinity, and SAC campuses, the Limelight caters to the college-age crowd and is a regular stop on the local scenester circuit. Walk inside for a breath of fresh air — it may feel as if you’ve stepped outside of San Antonio. Indie rockers frequently grace the stage and select DJs take to the decks on designated nights to keep the dance floor packed ’n’ sweaty. We do give the venue props for a clean bar and hip atmosphere, but parking is scarce and your bartender may be more interested in texting than in taking your drink order.
2718 N. St. Mary’s, (210) 735-7775, myspace.com/limelightsa
The Mix
St. Mary’s bar-hopping strip bastion The Mix is the place for meeting up even if it’s a school night. This comfy bar screams SA scene, attracting the ratty T-shirted college crowd as well as guitar-toting punk rockers. With live music spanning the rock catalogue every night and never a cover, the joint is hoppin’ seven nights a week. A back room of pool tables caters to sharks as the outdoor patio does to conversationalists.
2423 N. St. Mary’s, (210) 735-1313.
Sam’s Burger Joint
At Sam’s the weekend usually guarantees top-notch locals and regional touring bands for a moderate price. During the week, the venue keeps the music coming with low-priced theme nights: Monday Swing Nites, including lessons ($6), Tuesday Karaoke (free), Texas/Americana Thursdays ($5), and Blues Thursdays (free). While you’re there try one of the half-pound specialty burgers, or the whole-pound BigUn Monster if you’re game.
330 E. Grayson, (210) 223-2830, samsburgerjoint.com
Rock Bottom Tattoo Bar
The space on Jones and Avenue B has housed many different establishments, but is now primarily a B-stage music venue. Bands as huge as Mushroomhead, M.O.D., and U.S.S.A. have graced the small stage along with a slew of locals, and some form of rock plays for a diverse clientele most nights. The bar serves up beer and wine only, but some nights you can BYOBottle it, extra for setups.
1033 Ave. B., (210) 320-2387, myspace.com/rockbottomtattoobar
The Warhol
Local musicians Brandon Hicks, Colin Wells, and Jordan Williams grew tired of the way musicians are sometimes treated and opened up their own live-music venue, The Warhol, last year. Located on Avenue B just down the street from Rock Bottom, the club caters to the bands and strives to make all music lovers comfortable. The River Walk expansion project is taking place right behind the club, which could drive some tourist traffic in the future. Locals, regional tours, and national acts grace the stage nightly — past shows have included Peachcake, Tera Melos, and Liferuiner.
1011 Ave. B, (210) 320-9080, myspace.com/thewarhol
Scout Bar
Scout’s northside location is a bit of a departure for scenesters, who primarily congregate around the North St. Mary’s strip, but the venue is expanding the SA scene. Exceptional sound is a trademark of Scout — both locals and nationals can rest assured they’re playing on a top-notch system. Rock memorabilia decorates the place, the swank Red Velvet Lounge hosts DJs and dance nights, and College Night Thursdays = Big Ass Beer Night. Buy a 23-ounce beer for $5, keep the glass, and get $2 refills.
19314 Hwy. 281 N., (210) 494-7700, scoutbarsa.com
Night Clubs
The Bonham Exchange
Located off the corner of Houston and Bonham streets downtown, the Bonham Exchange is the prime spot for a no-holds-barred, out till 3 a.m., tacos-on-the-way-home extravaganza. The line to get in snakes down the street on weekends, guaranteeing a 30-minute-minimum wait if you arrive after 11 p.m. Experienced regulars will drop by for a wristband early in the evening to avoid the queue. Once inside, the place is packed. You can (and will) lose the 10 friends you came with, but sometimes getting lost is part of the fun. Drinks are cheap but the bars are usually slammed five deep, so order two at a time.
411 Bonham, (210) 271-3811, bonhamexchange.net
Club Rive
This multi-level venue has four bangin’ clubs in one with DJs, live bands, go-go dancers, and the occasional celebrity sighting. A wall-to-wall packed dance floor is the norm in the Sky Dome, but if chill is more your style, head for Hush Lounge, where the hookah reigns. A college ID will get you in for free ($10 otherwise) until 11 p.m. on Thursday nights, and $2 drinks ensure you’ll be there until 2 a.m. Friday is Ladies Night — no cover for ladies until 11 p.m.
245 E. Commerce, (210) 222-4700, clubrive.com
Heat Nightclub
A hot spot for boys to meet boys. Step inside and you’ll find young guys dressed in the latest trend, giving the Alamo City a metropolitan feel. Eye candy is muy caliente with the male strip-off on Tuesdays, while VJ CeCe serves up some hot jams for “Boys Night Out” Thursdays. Saturdays are always packed, and there’s never a cover before 11 p.m.
1500 N. Main, (210) 227-2600, myspace.com/heatsa or heatsa.com
Cowboys Dance Hall
Cowboys is a prime spot to look flashy if you want to be seen, and it’s not uncommon for guys to approach a huge table of gals in search of a dance partner — the outskirts of the dance floor are lined with men just waiting to scoop up a lonesome female. If you don’t like two-stepping, you’ll quickly find yourself sitting all alone in the packed place as your friends get picked up one by one. So get out and prowl the racetrack in search of a promising dance partner, or at least make some willing guy buy you a beer.
3030 NE Loop 410 @ 35, (210) 646-9378, cowboysdancehall.com
Beer Selection
Flying Saucer
It’s a no-brainer. More than 70 drafts are on tap, showcasing some of the best brews from around the world, supplemented by more than 150 bottled suds. If you play your cards right, you might even make the ring of honor — a distinction reserved for anyone with the guts to try 200 different brews. Waitresses help customers make informed selections, a brewmaster’s board matches food with complementary beer, and Texas Pint Night on Sundays supports local breweries.
11255 Huebner, (210) 696-5080, beerknurd.com
Blue Star Brewing Co.
Located in the Blue Star Arts Complex, the Brewing Co. combines basic Americana roadhouse food and décor with the city’s best selection of house-brewed beer, occasional live music and film screenings, and a patio that’s cooled with misters during the eternal summer. Blue Star offers anywhere from five to 12 different handcrafted brews, depending on the season, but staples like the Amber Ale, Golden Lager, Pale Ale, and Stout are almost always on tap. Carry fresh brews back to the dorms with a growler, a four-pint “to go” jug — sealed, of course.
1414 S. Alamo, (210) 212-5506, bluestarbrewing.com
Lion & Rose
One of the few places in SA to buy a pint of Smithwick’s (and an imperial pint at that). Live music on the weekends, English-style pub grub, and imports galore. The décor is the same, but the differences between the locations are vast. The original Broadway location beckons patrons from nearby Trinity and the Word, while a chill crowd at the 410 location creates a relaxing atmosphere where focus can be kept on beer guzzling and idle chat. Geeks Who Drink — the new UK-style pub quiz for drunken intellectuals — takes over the Sonterra location on Tuesday nights.
5148 Broadway, (210) 822-7673;
842 NW 410, (210) 798-4154;
700 E. Sonterra, (210) 798-5466.
Hills and Dales
Nestled in the shadow of the UTSA 1604 campus, Hills & Dales has more than 50 beers on tap and around 400 bottled brews. A prime spot for beer drinkers who know their hops. Bring your own mug — you can leave it there for return visits — or you’ll be drinking out of a plastic dixie. Punch cards log every draft you drink, while the varied clientele is a friendly mix of bikers, suits, students, and more. Everyone’s welcome.
15403 White Fawn, (210) 695-2307.
Tattoos, Piercing
Dandyland
The lower-back tramp stamp is a staple for college freshmen girls (though we once spotted one on a guy at Schlitterbahn) but if you’re into the work you’re getting done and not just rebelling against your parents, check out Dandyland. The shop has ranked first for tattooing and piercers in our annual reader poll for the last few years, and the work is guaranteed to be top notch. The environment is pristine and the staff is extra-friendly — drop by to check out artists’ portfolios and talk about your next piece of body art. A stone’s throw from the STMU campus.
1821 Bandera Rd., (210) 432-5747, dandyland.com
Platinum
Consistently ranked in the top three in our annual readers’ poll, Platinum accrues high marks for both tattoos and piercings. The shop is exceptionally clean and the staff is knowledgeable and professional — regulars swear by it and recommend it to their friends. This spot’s also within St. Mary’s stomping grounds.
5545 NW Loop 410, (210) 682-5239.
Mr. Lucky’s Tattoo
Mr. Lucky’s is close if you call the N. St. Mary’s strip home and frequent the UIW, Trinity, or SAC campuses. We dig the eclectic interior that could be mistaken for a sunny surf shop, and artists turn out tattoos that have earned them regulars. Check out great images of completed tats and those in progress on the website.
2710 N. St. Mary’s, (210) 736-6900, mrluckystattoo.com
Mind’s Eye Tattooing and Piercing
Located in a nondescript strip center at the corner of Broadway and 410, Mind’s Eye is a smaller, but extremely professional place. The shop is sparkling clean and the staff is happy to talk about procedure and sterility. The artists are down-to-earth, funny, and talented, equally as comfortable with custom work as they are with pre-drawn images. Come by to talk shop — they’ll be happy to listen to your ideas, make educated recommentations, and draw up something.
8503 Broadway, Ste. #107, (210) 656-2300, mindseyetattoos.com
Records, Stores
Hogwild Records
Perhaps the most revered record shop in San Antonio, Hogwild has achieved such a feat for two reasons — its proximity to SAC’s legion of music-craving students, and the diversity of its inventory. The shop is the dean of SA mom-and-pop record stores, and over the years it’s also become the place where musical miscreants in this city congregate, compare notes, promote their shows, and seek out fellow musicians. Hogwild dutifully carries the obligatory hot new national releases, but it really stands out because of its collection of used vinyl and Texas music.
1824 N. Main, (210) 733-5354.
Music Town
If ever there was a record store that catered to the Facebook crowd, it’s Music Town. Run by Brent Evans, the 16-month-old shop features mostly contemporary favorites like Radiohead, Spoon, and Animal Collective. Fresh-faced indie hipsters can expect to find new and used CDs and DVDs in addition to the vinyl, while the posters and accessories can just as easily find a new home in your dorm room. Check out the events list for occasional in-store performances.
4714 Broadway, (210) 826-2737, musictownsa.com
CD Trader
Not only a place to purchase music but also a place to discuss it, CD Trader features predominantly old-school rock and metal, everything from Iron Maiden to Slayer to European bands the likes of which you’ve probably never heard. In addition to a stacked collection of vinyl, CDs, and even cassette tapes, CD Trader features novelty items like Rob Zombie and Misfits lunchboxes, autographed pictures, and even a 2-foot-tall Ace Frehley KISS doll.
10724 Perrin Beitel, (210) 590-0045, myspace.com/cd_trader
Alamo Records & Sheet Music
Considering it’s located on the third floor of an antique mall in the downtown area, you know what to expect upon entering this shop — oldies. Lots and lots of oldies. Though Alamo Records features a sizable section dedicated to the 1960s-80s mainstream, the charm of the store is found in the more obscure records resting on the shelves, on the floor, and in boxes strewn all about the place.
125 Broadway, (210) 212-4200.
CD Exchange
CD Exchange is a mecca if you’re into perusing records, CDs, movies, and special-interest music DVDs simultaneously. The various locations around the city have ample listening stations for you to scan the tunes before shelling out any money, and if you’re looking to sell, friendly staffers are more than happy to help.
Various locations including 6900 San Pedro, (210) 862-2662.
Dirt Cheap Distro
Dirt Cheap Distro is tucked away on the far South Side of San Anto, where small commercial planes fly by and high-school football games are all the rage — a place that no punk dares to go. Until the shop opened five years ago, that is. Owner Debi Vega has put together a nice balance of essential punk garb (Ramones T-shirts) and vintage finds (cheetah print clutches) to create a unique mix of genres in this family-operated record shop.
600 E. Amber Place, myspace.com/dirtcheapdistro
Janie’s Record Shop
San Antonio is dubbed the Tejano Music Captial of the World, so the folks over at Janie’s Record Shop have their work cut out for them. They don’t disappoint — the shop stocks a tejano and norteño collection like no other in the city. Plus, with their “if we don’t have it, we’ll find it” motto Janie’s keeps their customers coming back for those hard to find albums.
135 Bandera Rd., (210) 735-2070, janiesrecordshop.com
Flip Side Record Parlor
Classic rock has been Flip Side’s specialty ever since the shop’s opening nearly 35 years ago. From trucker hats to rock-star accessories of the studded-leather kind this Southside institution knows how to serve their hard-rockin’ fan base. The shop also boasts a large assortment of fragrances and essential oils, a necessity for any dorm room. 1445 S.W. Military Dr., myspace.com/flipsiderecord
24-Hour Eats
Las Palapas
Imagine Taco Cabana with a more authentic feel. Mama Ruth’s flauta special and the Chuleta combo makes the Tex-Mex cuisine joint a real down-home kitchen experience. The restaurant also offers a delectable assortment of seafood dishes including a tilapia plate. Las Palapas is open daily except Sunday, but not all their locations are 24/7, so check before you visit.
Multiple locations, las-palapas.net
Las Salsas
Walk into Las Salsas after last call on a weekend, and you’re guaranteed a spectacle. A melting pot of bleary-eyed patrons hailing from the North St. Mary’s strip and the GLBT-friendly stretch of North Main, the clientele is boisterous, entertaining, and hungry. There’s often a wait but it’s worth it — the late-night eats won’t disappoint, and the joint’s a happenin’ spot for people-watchers. We recommend the chilaquiles plate, a heaping portion of eggs freshly scrambled with corn-tortilla strips, diced chiles, and cheese, accompanied by pan-fried potatoes, refrieds, and homemade tortillas. Open 24 hours Thursday-Saturday.
2018 San Pedro, (210) 732-5366.
Chacho’s
Chacho’s is a regular stop for the college crowd. They boast ’round-the-clock service, mountainous stacks of “nachos” (chips, cheese, beans, meat, sour cream, guac, and did I mention cheese?), and quite possibly the most potent margaritas in the city — we’ve heard they’re made with Everclear but can’t say for sure. Regardless, is there anything else you need? This staffer lived less than five minutes from one during the college years, and can happily say she’s now a good 15 pounds lighter.
Multiple locations, chachos.com
Lulu’s Bakery & Café
Texas-style is the only way to describe the portions and service at Lulu’s. Expect comfort food like cinnamon rolls, breakfast omelets, and a chicken-fried steak so huge it hangs off the sides of the plate — don’t set foot inside if you’re worried about the Freshman 15. The diner’s open 24/7 and its location on the SAC- and GLBT-friendly N. Main strip guarantees a melting pot on any given night. Free WiFi invites study groups.
918 N. Main, (210) 222-9422.
Mama Margie’s
Mama Margie’s is another option for that tacos-on-the-way-home extravaganza, and the I-10 at Wurzbach location is a staple for the massive college crowd that resides in the Medical Center area. Food is standard Tex-Mex fare — fajitas, enchiladas, fresh homemade tortillas, and top-shelf margaritas. You can dine in or drive through 24 hours a day, and no waitress tipping makes cheap food even cheaper.
Various locations, mamamargies.net
Jim’s Restaurants
Depending where you’re located in SA, your area Jim’s might not be 24/7 (we advise you to check the website beforehand), but when you’re hankerin’ for their Chili-Chop steak at 2 a.m. you’ll make the drive to find a 24-hour Jim’s.
Multiple locations, jimsrestaurants.com
IHOP
IHOP has been the salvation for legions of hung-over college kids around the US. With their delectable scrambled eggs, original buttermilk pancakes, and a side (or two) of bacon you’ll be cured before your afternoon Bio class. Of course, the establishment does serve a pretty mean crispy banana caramel cheesecake, but we beg of you to try it when you’re sober.
Multiple locations, ihop.com
Mi Tierra Café & Bakery
If you’re new to SA, welcome, and please don’t be turned off by Mi Tierra’s strolling musicians (be prepared to pay upward of $5 per song performed). As their website says, “Mi Tierra is a little loco and a lot of fun.” We couldn’t agree more. With its famous Christmas light décor, to-die-for pan dulce, and their chilaquiles famosos, the restaurant really knows how to serve locals and out-of-towners.
218 Produce Row, (210) 782-8496, mitierracafe.com
Coffee Shops
Olmos Perk
West Elm. White Stripes. WiFi. The first impressions of furniture, tunes, and allure as this staffer stepped into the sleek Olmos Park establishment. “I missed all this because the logo suggests a plain-joe coffee shop where geriatrics congregate?” she thought. Ugh. Turns out the goods are good. Pop in for specialty coffees, smoothies, other drinks, and fresh-baked goods — stay to relax, read, or work in the comfortable environment.
5223 McCullough, (210) 858-2956, samuelesqueda.com/olmos
Timo’s Coffee House
With natural light pouring in floor-to-ceiling windows and soft jazz wafting throughout, Timo’s Coffee House feels like a trouble-free, West Coast café. Though not necessarily your late-night joint — it stays open until 10 p.m. most nights — Timo’s is perfect for a homemade dessert and coffee after class. If you need a snack, simple soups, salads, and sandwiches are the fare.
2021 San Pedro, (210) 733-8049.
Candlelight Coffeehouse
Candlelight stands out not only for its java, but also for its couches, cats, and wine. The full coffee bar features everything from espresso and cappuccino to latte and mocha frappes, while the menu has expanded to include entrées in addition to soups, salads, sandwiches, and pastries. Candlelight has a vintage indoor atmosphere with plenty of sitting space in the mini living rooms, and a quaint patio surrounded by vines and old trees. Free WiFi ups the college cred. Open from 4 p.m.-midnight, Tuesday-Saturday, and close to the SAC, Trinity, and UIW, and UTSA downtown campuses.
3011 N. St. Mary’s, (210) 738-0099, candlelightsa.com
Ruta Maya Riverwalk
Ruta Maya’s unique atmosphere makes it a prime destination for the college crowd that wants to socialize over some joe. The progressive Fair Trade coffee house is comfortably hip — work by local artists decorates the walls and bands turn it up for music in the late-night weekend hours. The spacious interior boasts plenty of study seating and the full menu attracts a lunch crowd.
107 Martin, (210) 223-MAYA, rutamayariverwalk.com
Lazarus
When you’re in Southtown and have just finished up an afternoon gallery stroll at Blue Star, stop by the underground coffee joint to grab a latte or a panni, whatever your preference. A hangout for Blue Star residents and shop owners, Lazarus also fits the bill for college students in need of a quiet place to relax between study sessions.
7959 Broadway, ste. 510, and 1420 S. Alamo, lazaruscoffee.org
Starbucks Quarry
Though having a Starbucks on every street corner can grow tiresome, the college crowd is always on the lookout for a 24-hour java joint in the wee hours. The Quarry location is just that, located about 10 minutes away from the Trinity and UIW campuses. Perfect for late-night cram sessions that have to be done at least a mile away from your warm, comfy bed.
255 E. Basse Rd., (210) 828-3818, starbucks.com
Guadalupe Street Coffee
Not quite the anti-Starbucks, but Guadalupe Street Coffee is a pretty sweet alternative to the found-on-every-street-corner coffee shop. The Westside java joint is a community-development project operated by Baptist Child & Family Services community ministries program. Guadalupe offers a small (and cheap) menu of drinks, poetry mic nights, and a meeting room ideal for student activist groups. Plus, their super-friendly staff and free WiFi makes this spot a chill college hangout.
1320 Guadalupe St., (210) 212-6508, myspace.com/guadalupecoffeeshop
Mandala
Next month Mandala will turn one and owner Pramod Goshai intends to focus his attention on the reopening of the tea-house portion of the gallery. He’ll serve chai tea and lassi (a yogurt drink), as well as wraps and salads. Mandala is a multifunctional facility that features Indian art and imported goods. The space also offers patrons free WiFi access, making Mandala the perfect setting for a mid-day study session.
1701 Blanco Rd., (210) 347-5692, mandala-online.com
Bookstores
Cheever Books
Cheever Books has always had a fairy tale atmosphere. With its unorganized books and uneven floorboards, we can’t help but imagine being sucked into Never Never Land once we step foot in the back of the store. Although the books aren’t quite in alphabetical order, the extra time spent at Cheever may provide more time to check out their etiquette section.
3613 Broadway, (210) 824-2665
Nine Lives Books
Located in The Village at The Summit, Nine Lives is a short driving distance from STMU but a worthwhile destination for students on any campus. The store carries a large selection of books, videos, music, and textbooks, and the friendly staff will try to find anything they don’t have in stock. It’s one of the most personal and independent bookstores around town — resident cats prowl among the literature, and you can take home a kitty of your own for $50 from the in-store Adoption Center.
4919 NW Loop 410, (210) 647-5656, ninelivesbooks.com
Half-Price Books
At its finest, this 36-year-old Dallas-born chain feels like a neighborhood bookstore — especially the locally beloved outpost on lower Broadway, which is in close proximity to the UIW, Trinity, and SAC campuses. The well-arranged combination of gently used detective novels, literary classics, and bargain-priced new titles naturally blunts any corporate atmosphere, and Half-Price attracts and hires the bookstore version of John Cusack’s High Fidelity character.
Multiple locations, halfpricebooks.com
Barnes & Noble
|If there’s one thing we like about B&N it’s their kick-ass magazine selection; in our opinion everything else is priced way too high. But, on any visit you’ll always spot college kids studying in this popular book chain. They do have a sweet clearance section we’ve purused plenty of times as well as frequent in-store readings and events.
Multiple locations, barnesandnoble.com
Borders
We frequent the Borders at the Quarry on a weekly basis, so we know that after 6 p.m. the store is unfortunately crowded with high-school kids waiting to get picked up after partaking in a PG-13 flick. But their friendly staff and easy to access info kiosk have made shopping at Borders a breeze.
Multiple locations, borders.com
Vintage/Thrift
Jive Refried
Jive Refried owner Agosto Cuellar is kind of a big deal in the local fashion scene, so his shop is the mecca for SA’s fashion-forward crowd. With vintage T-shirts and one-of-a-kind creations by Cuellar himself, it’s hard not to spend your entire work-study check at the shop. But beware ladies; Jive’s costume jewelry collection may leave you with more rings than you have fingers to wear ’em on.
919 S. Alamo, (210) 257-5132, jiverefried.com
Redemption Garb
Vintage & more
Vintage cocktail dresses with a reasonable price tag — we’re so there. Redemption lives up to its name by offering clothes a second chance to be worn by local fashionistas. The shop carries eclectic clothes for both sexes and also handmade one-of-a-kind pieces from local designers. The nearly two-year-old shop also has a small
selection of body jewelry, too.
423 W. Grayson, (210) 324-0157, myspace.com/redemptiongarb
Boysville
We don’t know about you, but we prefer our thrift stores clean, organized, and also full of non-clothing goodies. Boysville has a nice selection of clothing (we’ve spotted plenty of cool screened T-shirts) and an adjacent showcase room of furniture and other useful household appliances that will come in handy when searching for a gently used dorm desk. 307 W Olmos Dr,
(210) 826-2195, boysvilletexas.org
Goodwill
When your first college costume (or toga) party rolls around, make sure to visit Goodwill before you drop serious money elsewhere. Goodwill has clothed South Texas with lightly used clothing and shoes since 1945, and every store we’ve visited has a pretty awesome hat collection (when you live in SA an extra cap won’t do you no harm). Plus if you visit Goodwill’s West Commerce/Santa Rosa location you can also try Good Bytes Café, a nice little downtown joint across from the beautiful Museo Alameda.
Multiple locations, goodwillsa.org
Hair Salons
Doo or Dye
Doo or Dye won best hair colorists, hair salon/stylist, and best place to hide from your parents in this years’ Current Best Of SA issue. Sure, we’ve bestowed plenty of accolades on the Monte Vista hotspot, but the 13-year-old salon has gained quite a reputation among the cool kids in SA. Doo or Dye stays true to its DIY roots by carrying its own line of hair products and the prices are bottom of the barrel.
331 W. Mulberry, (210) 738-8089, dooordye.net
Shag the Salon
Drive down San Pedro and you’ll catch a glimpse of Shag the Salon — it’s hard to miss considering the building is painted a bright lime green with orange and yellow circles. Once you step inside, you’d think you entered a 1960s movie set. But the styles that come out of this salon are anything but old-school; Shag does hair extensions, thermal straightening, and dreads for a great price.
110 Warren, (210) 222-1700, shagthesalon.com
Comics + Gaming
Atomic Comics & Gaming
Atomic Comics & Gaming keeps things simple. The comic-book collection is sizeable and the gaming area is big enough to host weekly Magic: The Gathering events. But what sets the shop apart from others is the comic-book themed artwork. The helpful staff is also known for having an anti-snob policy, so if you’re a comic-book newbie you won’t feel out of place at Atomic.
4904 Broadway, (210) 826-3223 atomic-sa.com
Collectors Authority
This family owned and operated comic-book store moved to their new location six months ago, but Collectors Authority has been in the biz for more than 10 years. They offer an extensive collection of comic books and a unique flair, with wooden cutouts of superheroes scattered around the shop. Their website also includes a collection of fan art created by CA’s loyal customers.
1534 S.E Military Dr. #106, (210) 977-8818, collectorsauthority.com
Alien Worlds
Whether you’re a Dungeons & Dragons dungeon master or just a fan of the 1950s comic Weird Science, Alien Worlds is the place for you. The shop carries limited-edition comic books along with an eclectic assortment of toys and memorabilia, including Elvis Matchbox cars. The shop is definitely out of this world.
6900 San Pedro Ave., (210) 826-3800
Heroes & Fantasies
The 21-year-old Heroes & Fantasies started out as a dream that Rich Conley, president of Heroes & Fantasies, had as a teen. He always wanted to own a comic-book store, and when he set up shop in San Antonio during the trading-card heyday of the late ’80s, his business expanded to include more than comics and cards. Since then, he’s added more locations, including a 6,000-square-foot collectors’ museum located on Hwy 410 and Summit Parkway.
Multiple locations, heroesandfantasies.com
Dragon’s Lair Comics and Fantasy
With locations in San Anto and Austin, this store features comics, manga, and graphic novels. The Lair keeps late hours (open till midnight four days a week) to host game nights, including the multiplayer online game Warhammer. The shop also offers anime DVDs, which are available to rent.
7959 Fredericksburg #129, (210) 615-1229, dragonslairtx.com
