17 San Antonio Bars to Take an Out-of-Towner

Maybe we love The Brooklynite because it's a hop-skip away from our office, but the bar's appeal doesn't stop there. Take your visitors there for great cocktails, people-watching come weekends or a potent Pain Killer from their tiki menu featured every Tuesday.

Photo via SA Current, Linda Romero

If frozen margs are more their speed (no shade here), head to Sanchos which is equal parts patio, music venue, purveyor of tasty tacos and other bar snacks (get the shrimp balls). But it's best to enjoy them on the roof where you get magnificent views of Downtown, the Taco Bell parking lot and more.

Photo via Facebook, SanchosMX

Though not the first cocktail bar in San Antonio, The Esquire earns points for several great traits. From its storied history as the longest bar in Texas, to its thoughtful decor, to its amazing food menu, to its extensive mezcal list, and yes, classic and inventive cocktails, there's a bit of everything to find here.

Photo via Facebook, EsquireTavernSA

Or maybe you want a place where you can let the kiddos get the wiggles out. You can do that at The Friendly Spot Ice House. Beer lovers will get to choose from oodles of bottles on the wall (er-fridge) or more than 70 taps of local, regional and national craft — though you can still get down with a Lone Star if you want. Pups are also welcome to while away the day under the giant trees or take in a movie during the week on the inflatable big screen.

Photo via Facebook, TheFriendlySpot

If we're talking OG bars, your out-of-town guests need to visit Bohanan's for expertly made cocktails by a professional staff and the classy vibes that grow from spending time on Houston Street.

Photo via Facebook, Bohanans

If your fam has high expectations and not just any old rooftop will cut it, take 'em to Paramour. Known for its barrel-aged program, thorough wine list and being Downtown's first rooftop bar, the sprawling watering hole makes for excellent people watching. Take in the view with your pals and brag about how cool San Antonio is getting.

Photo via SA Current, Jeffrey Burton

On the flip side of posh, get a true San Anto experience and visit Tony's Bar. Yes, it's cash only, but the libations are hella cheap and Tony Lopez and his staff will take care of your brood. It's one of the Current's favorite places to watch the Spurs game and will be yours soon, too.

Photo via SA Current, Sara Luna Ellis

The St. Mary's Strip is having a bit of a renaissance and leading that charge is Danny Delgado, owner of Faust Tavern, Hi-Tones, La Botanica, Phantom Room and soon The Squeezebox. Faust edges out sister Hi-Tones (though you should definitely still go there and have a pickle shot) with Crossroads Kitchen, which serves Southern fare until 2 a.m., its spooktastic vibe (there's a ouija board inside!) and laid-back atmosphere.

Photo via Instagram, adolfacosta

When The Hoppy Monk first landed in SA, we thought it was too good to be true. But several visits and beers in and we couldn't speak highly enough of this bar with its more than 90 taps of craft brew, delicious and evolving menu and chill ambiance. Sure, it sits right next to 1604 and doesn't have the best of views, but if your guests want great tacos and equally tasty beer, you could do far, far worse.

Photo via Instagram, thehoppymonk_sa