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30 San Antonio lounges, speakeasies and hidden bars — and where to find them

By San Antonio Current Staff on Fri, Jan 21, 2022 at 2:51 pm

San Antonio's bar scene has always been fun, but the cocktail explosion of recent years have given it double shot of hip sophistication. These days, the city is awash in spots that boast swanky vibes, including some speakeasy-style bars that are intentionally kept on the downlow. How many of these have you explored?

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Rock & Rye
17631 La Cantera Parkway, Suite 103, (210) 721-7753, rockandryebar.com.
Fans of luxurious vibes and no-nonsense cocktails can now enjoy specialty spirits at this smart, stylish space in far North San Antonio. The newish Rock & Rye offers an impressive specialty cocktail menu and a spirits list that boasts 400 varieties. The nightspot wants to build up an arsenal of 3,000 bottles, ranging from cocktail staples such as whiskey, gin and agave spirits to more adventurous options including aquavit, grappa and absinthe. If an imbibing adventure is what you're looking for, start here.
Photo via Instagram / rockandryebar

The Squeezebox
2806 N. St. Mary's St., (210) 314-8845, facebook.com/thesqueezebox.
The cantina-like vibe, fun drink specials, live music and DJs have made it a prime pre-pandemic draw, and the crowds are certainly coming back. Even on busy nights, bar service is quick and efficient, and when things slow down, the staff members have the bartending chops to mix up something special.
Photo via Instagram / thesqueezebox_sa

Tucker's Kozy Korner
1338 E. Houston St., (726) 999-3764, facebook.com/tuckersbarsa.
This East Side staple originally opened in 1948, and it's since become a San Antonio cocktail and music institution that draws patrons from all over the city. This cozy lounge makes a history-filled backdrop for classic cocktails, a dozen domestic and imported beers and wine by the glass.
Photo via Instagram / clive78757

Jazz, TX
312 Pearl Parkway, Building 6, Suite 6001, (210) 332-9386, jazztx.com.
This basement spot in the Pearl is San Antonio's spot for year-round jazz. Shows take place daily and feature not only Watkins and other local, regional and touring jazz acts but also blues, Americana, salsa and more. The bar knows its way around a cocktail and the kitchen offerings range from shrimp ceviche to a center-cut filet.
Photo via Instagram / kaleyjamesanderson

Bar Ludivine
1014 S Presa St., (210) 908-9209, barludivine.com
The building that once housed J&O’s Cantina has become home to a new King William neighborhood favorite. If you’re down to mix it up, try one of their five seasonal special cocktails featuring uber-Texas ingredients like Poteet strawberries and Hill Country peaches.
Photo via Instagram / barludivine

Bar 414
205 E Houston St., (210) 585-9999, marriott.com/hotels/travel/satgs-sheraton-gunter-hotel-san-antonio
Although you won’t find fabric couches inside this speakeasy, Bar 414 offers up prohibition era cocktails made with house ingredients and bootleg spirits. These discreet libations are paired with live music, so you’ll be feeling yourself in no time.
Photo via Instagram / sip_sa

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. But that’s not to say this is a speakeasy. Either way, the Prohibition-era decor is the cherry on top to a drinking spot that focuses on local and regional spirits.
Photo via Instagram / sanantonios_places

Lighthouse Lounge
1016 Cincinnati Ave., facebook.com/thelighthouselounge.
The Lighthouse's charm is that it feels fresh and hip yet could have been tucked away in its quiet neighborhood for decades. Occasional live music and DJ sets are draws, but even on quieter nights, you'll find neighborhood folks relishing the relaxed atmosphere, complemented by vintage furnishings, a full bar and a not-to-be missed Como La Flor shrine.
Photo by Sanford Nowlin

Luna
6740 San Pedro Ave., (210) 804-2433, lunalive.com.
A midcentury modern feel pervades, and guests commingle in cozy corner booths and at tables surrounding a small dance floor. Beer, wine and cocktails fuel weekly salsa nights. Conversation with strangers happens organically in this dimly lit locale
Photo via Instagram / schadenfreudad