20 Dark San Antonio Bars Where You Can Get a Damn Drink in Peace

By San Antonio Current Staff

        
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Whether you're not wanting to run into anyone you know or just want to get your drink on without being bothered, these bars offer a dark setting perfect for being left unbothered. Drinking alone? Looking for a flirty date night spot? Just not into the club scene? We've found a dark bar for every need you have.

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George's Keep
17803 La Cantera Terrace Suite #1200, (210) 310-3733, georgeskeep.com
Skip the overcrowded spots in the La Cantera area and do yourself a favor by heading to George’s Keep. This sophisticated lounge is regarded for its craft cocktails, so you’ll be drinking well here. If you want something more simple, don’t fret. They also have a solid draft and bottled beer selection.
Photo via Instagram / justin.a.torres

Bar 1919
1420 S Alamo St, (210) 227-1420, bar1919.com
Head on over to this speakeasy for some serious coziness. With only the bar lit and candles scattered about on the tables, you’ll be pressed to find a darker drinking spot, and a snazzy one at that.
Photo via Instagram / ficzko

Faust Tavern
517 E Woodlawn Ave, (210) 257-0628, facebook.com
This no-frills dive is a must-visit every time you frequent the St. Mary’s Strip. While the inside bar area itself doesn’t provide ample seating, but sure to set up shop early to snag a table. This eerie bar has an assortment of decor you’ll appreciate while sipping on quality dranks that come cheap.
Photo via Instagram / meredith_martina

The Brooklynite
516 Brooklyn Ave, (210) 444-0707, thebrooklynitesa.com
While not the darkest in this roundup, the muted lights at The Brooklynite provide a hazy ambiance that matches well with the vintage furnishings and classy chandeliers. If you like cocktails with a punch, consider that an added bonus. They may be small, but they’re strong as hell.
Photo via Instagram / blood_soup

Havana Bar
1015 Navarro St, (210) 222-2008, havanasanantonio.com
If you want some privacy on date night, head on over to the Hotel Havana’s bar. This romantic spot offers a loungey setting and serves up cocktails that are just as inviting.
Photo via Instagram / stevenvsqz

Jazz, TX
Building 6, 312 Pearl Pkwy #6001, (210) 332-9386, jazztx.com
The Pearl is the place to be at pretty much any time, and Jazz, TX is probably the most intimate place to get a drink here. While you’ll be plenty entertained with the bar’s stream of musicians, you’ll be right to put your trust in Jazz, TX for craft cocktails, draft beer and Texan-inspired bites.
Photo via Instagram / kaleyjamesanderson

Barbaro
2720 McCullough Ave, (210) 320-2261, barbarosanantonio.com
While there’s plenty of light during the day, visit at night and Barbaro transforms into a cozy spot with great food and drink. Regarded for its wood-fired pizza, Barbaro has a full bar that’s proven to be a one-stop shop for a night out on the town.
Photo via Instagram / cyties

Menger Bar
204 Alamo Plaza, (210) 223-4361, mengerhotel.com
Located at the Menger Hotel (duh), this historic bar was built in 1887 as a replica of the House of Lords Pub in London and features mirrors from France. Theodore Roosevelt is rumored to have gathered his Rough Riders here when they weren’t training to fight in the Spanish-American War. So when you’re here, pour one out for the Rough Riders and have a spot of whiskey because ‘Merica.
Photo via Instagram / jillwaterston

Downstairs
155 E Commerce St, (210) 222-2521, esquiretavern-sa.com
From The Esquire Tavern team comes Downstairs (at Esquire). Here you’ll be able to be on level with the River Walk and enjoy craft cocktails in an intimate setting. While the upstairs portion is better known and frequented by tourists, escape the commotion and hangout here.
Photo via Instagram / kodymelton

502 Bar
502 Embassy Oaks, (210) 257-8125, 502bar.com
It’s all about music here with live music and karaoke with the occasional movie nights. Craft beer connoisseurs will feel at home here, so invite the crew and get to drinking.
Photo via Instagram / ohmylandshark

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Haunt Lounge
300 E Travis St, (210) 227-4392, facebook.com
Found inside the beautiful St. Anthony Hotel, Haunt is a go-to for some dark glamour. The dim lights pair gorgeously with the dazzling chandelier over the bar. Whether it’s date night or you just want a reason to dress up, make it a point to visit Haunt.
Photo via Instagram / twentysomethingsa

The Edison Experiment
1846 N Loop 1604 E, (210) 479-9600, facebook.com
If you want to get away from all the crowd, head north and hit up Edison Experiment. Between happy hour offerings and a dark set-up, this spot really delivers with going all out with its cocktails. Like, they use fire to make some classic drinks. Trust us, you’ll have to see for yourself and be amazed.
Photo via Instagram / sip_sa

Bar 414
205 E Houston St, (210) 585-9999, bar414.com
Located in the Sheraton Gunter Hotel, Bar 414 is the spot to visit if you’re up for some cool vibes. In November 1936, the then-Gunter Hotel – specifically Room 414 – was set up as a recording studio that the bar now pays tribute to. Today, you can hit up this spot for live music and other cool events. It might just be us, but sometimes this place feels darker than others.
Photo via Instagram / gillyaguilar

The Modernist
516 E Grayson St, (210) 446-8699, facebook.com
This midcentury-inspired cocktail bar offers both custom and classic cocktails. The aesthetic is made complete with swank and modish digs that you’ll most definitely be snapping away for the ‘gram.
Photo via Instagram / eastgraysonsa

The Green Lantern
20626 Stone Oak Pkwy #101, (210) 497-3722, thegreenlanternsa.com
This underground outpost offers some seriously mellow vibes that you’ll appreciate when you want to be unseen – or at least feel really relaxed. And because there’s a speakeasy vibe about the place, you’ll definitely order a few cocktails to truly enjoy the space.
Photo via Instagram / sugarybysuzette

2015 Place
2015 San Pedro Ave, (210) 733-3365, 2015-place.business.site
This LGBT-friendly is perfect for anyone that’s proud to rep the community but just wants to chill – in the dark of course. While this San Pedro bar hosts drag shows, non-event nights are perfect for catching up with friends and maybe playing a few bar games. There’s even a small patio for you outdoorsmen.
Photo via Instagram / artsatx

Zombies Bar
4202 Thousand Oaks, (210) 281-8306, zombiesliveinsa.com
Sure, the space is dark, but so is the feel of it. Heavy metal lovers should already know this spot already since the bar brings in both local and touring bands. The spookiness doesn’t stop there though, Zombies also screens horror flicks. Whatever brings you here, the impressive selections of beers will keep you here all night.
Photo via Instagram / raulgabriel_1

Shenanygans
6422 Babcock Rd, (210) 690-1156, facebook.com
If you’re out in this neck of the woods, Shenanygans should definitely be your standard neighborhood bar. This spot is plenty inviting and has the friendliest staff. Though there’s a small dance floor and lit area for playing pool, this Babcock spot is dark enough to feel hidden.
Photo via Instagram / iamdj_therapy210

Ash at Sunset Station
1170 E Commerce St, ashsanantonio.com
Have dinner at Smoke The Restaurant then head downstairs for drinks at Ash. This speakeasy-esque basement keeps it cool with DJs and, of course, cocktails. If you want to be extra secluded, ask about Ember – the bar within the bar – for special events.
Photo via Instagram / 2live_jkrew

Bar du Mon Ami
4901 Broadway St, (210) 740-9229, bardumonami.com
With a stacked bar, this Broadway spot has its share of house cocktails that will hit the spot as you relax. This dark, posh place is definitely worth the visit.
Photo via Instagram / lzy_mskn

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