San Antonio offers plenty of laid-back spots where diners can enjoy a relaxed meal, but there’s something to be said for spicing up the experience with a little novelty sometimes.
Enter this collection of restaurants and bars that offer themed motifs and menus to liven up the experience. They range from the relatively tame — tiki and '80s pop culture — to the truly outlandish — zombies and space aliens.
For an extra dose of kitsch, choose one of these 20 spots and get your crew to dress to match before heading out.
Luchadors, Big Lebowski, Zombies: San Antonio's themed bars and restaurants everyone should visit
By San Antonio Current Staff on Fri, Mar 31, 2023 at 1:50 pm
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Photo via Instagram / hugmansoasissa
Hugman’s Oasis
135 E. Commerce St., (210) 441-7225, hugmansoasissatx.com
Named for Robert H. H. Hugman, the architect responsible for the creation of San Antonio's River Walk, this spot offers a colorful, tiki-tastic interior as well as an impressive patio crafted by legendary tiki bar designer “Bamboo Ben” Bassham.
135 E. Commerce St., (210) 441-7225, hugmansoasissatx.com
Named for Robert H. H. Hugman, the architect responsible for the creation of San Antonio's River Walk, this spot offers a colorful, tiki-tastic interior as well as an impressive patio crafted by legendary tiki bar designer “Bamboo Ben” Bassham.
Nina Rangel
Be Kind & Rewind
115 Alamo Plaza, (210) 951-1980, bekindandrewindsa.com
Be Kind & Rewind is San Antonio’s go-to spot for a 80’s, 90’s or Y2K themed night out. Whether it’s a birthday, weekly dance party or a karaoke night out with your friends, Be Kind Rewind is serving up craft cocktails and fun vibes seven days a week.
115 Alamo Plaza, (210) 951-1980, bekindandrewindsa.com
Be Kind & Rewind is San Antonio’s go-to spot for a 80’s, 90’s or Y2K themed night out. Whether it’s a birthday, weekly dance party or a karaoke night out with your friends, Be Kind Rewind is serving up craft cocktails and fun vibes seven days a week.
Photo via Instagram / luchadorbarsa
El Luchador Bar
622 Roosevelt Ave., (210) 988-3385, facebook.com/luchadorbarsa
Puro San Antonians love lucha libre so much that this themed bar is a popular destination. Complete with a wall of lucha libre masks behind the bar and various decorations throughout the space, this Lone Star neighborhood bar keeps it going with playful cocktails too. And you’ll have plenty to do here as well, as the bar offers lots of cool events, from trivia nights to lotería.
622 Roosevelt Ave., (210) 988-3385, facebook.com/luchadorbarsa
Puro San Antonians love lucha libre so much that this themed bar is a popular destination. Complete with a wall of lucha libre masks behind the bar and various decorations throughout the space, this Lone Star neighborhood bar keeps it going with playful cocktails too. And you’ll have plenty to do here as well, as the bar offers lots of cool events, from trivia nights to lotería.
Photo via Instagram / theringerpub
The Ringer Pub
2826 Thousand Oaks, (210) 368-9020, instagram.com/theringerpub
Do you absolutely love The Big Lebowski? Well, you’ll likely have a blast at The Ringer Pub. This watering hole is fashioned after the famed ‘90s flick, making it the perfect place to pony up to the bar for a White Russian. The bar has plenty of drink specials, as well as trivia nights and bar games.
2826 Thousand Oaks, (210) 368-9020, instagram.com/theringerpub
Do you absolutely love The Big Lebowski? Well, you’ll likely have a blast at The Ringer Pub. This watering hole is fashioned after the famed ‘90s flick, making it the perfect place to pony up to the bar for a White Russian. The bar has plenty of drink specials, as well as trivia nights and bar games.
Photo via Instagram / sasideliners
Sideliners
15630 Henderson Pass, (210) 404-0121, sasideliners.com
This family-friendly indoor/outdoor bar takes the “sports” part of “sports bar” very literally. Alongside the usual karaoke nights and flatscreen TVs, Sideliners operates several sand volleyball leagues that play on their on-site sand volleyball courts.
15630 Henderson Pass, (210) 404-0121, sasideliners.com
This family-friendly indoor/outdoor bar takes the “sports” part of “sports bar” very literally. Alongside the usual karaoke nights and flatscreen TVs, Sideliners operates several sand volleyball leagues that play on their on-site sand volleyball courts.
Photo via Instagram / angryelephantsa
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.
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.
Photo via Google Maps
Magic Time Machine
902 NE Interstate 410 Loop, (210) 828-1478, magictimemachine.com
Is there one specific theme at Magic Time Machine? Not really, but the restaurant prides itself in being “an adventure” with “fun, not stuffy, servers.” You’re definitely in for a memorable night here as the waitstaff are in costume and the space is decorated with memorabilia, with each table having a distinct theme. After stopping in for a bite to eat, consider catching a literally underground comedy show in the basement, courtesy of Blind Tiger Comedy Club.
902 NE Interstate 410 Loop, (210) 828-1478, magictimemachine.com
Is there one specific theme at Magic Time Machine? Not really, but the restaurant prides itself in being “an adventure” with “fun, not stuffy, servers.” You’re definitely in for a memorable night here as the waitstaff are in costume and the space is decorated with memorabilia, with each table having a distinct theme. After stopping in for a bite to eat, consider catching a literally underground comedy show in the basement, courtesy of Blind Tiger Comedy Club.
Photo via Instagram / cuba_1918
Cuba 1918
2809 W. Southcross Blvd., (210) 236-9925, cuba1918.com
This cozy cafe in southwest San Antonio was renovated back in 2022 to look like a colorful Havana Bungalow. The spot serves up breakfast, lunch and coffee options, as well as weekly Wednesday “Havana Nights” live music shows.
2809 W. Southcross Blvd., (210) 236-9925, cuba1918.com
This cozy cafe in southwest San Antonio was renovated back in 2022 to look like a colorful Havana Bungalow. The spot serves up breakfast, lunch and coffee options, as well as weekly Wednesday “Havana Nights” live music shows.
Shutterstock / 4kclips
Crockett Tavern
320 Bonham, (210) 890-2224, crocketttavern.com
Stop by this cowboy-themed bar after your next trip to the Alamo to fuel up on food and drink in a restaurant themed after the famous battle of the Alamo. The restaurant features an extensive drink menu with themed cocktails and country-style cuisine.
320 Bonham, (210) 890-2224, crocketttavern.com
Stop by this cowboy-themed bar after your next trip to the Alamo to fuel up on food and drink in a restaurant themed after the famous battle of the Alamo. The restaurant features an extensive drink menu with themed cocktails and country-style cuisine.
Photo via Instagram / maars_pizza
MAAR’s Pizza & More
14218 Nacogdoches Rd., (210) 599-7400, maarspizzaandmore.com
Family-owned and -operated MAAR's has gotten a reputation for being pretty out of this world since first opening in 2011. The family puts a galactic spin on typical pizza-place treats, with space-themed pizzas like The Milky Way, The Moon Pizz, and The Area 51, and specialty cocktails like The Sour MAARtian.
14218 Nacogdoches Rd., (210) 599-7400, maarspizzaandmore.com
Family-owned and -operated MAAR's has gotten a reputation for being pretty out of this world since first opening in 2011. The family puts a galactic spin on typical pizza-place treats, with space-themed pizzas like The Milky Way, The Moon Pizz, and The Area 51, and specialty cocktails like The Sour MAARtian.
Photo via Instagram / maddogspub
Mad Dogs British Pub
123 Losoya St. #19, (210) 222-0220, maddogs.net
Pretend you’re on the other side of the pond at this British-themed pub. Complete with classic pub grub, imported drafts and themed parties on occasion, Mad Dogs makes for a solid choice on the River Walk the next time you want to get into a bit of extra fun.
123 Losoya St. #19, (210) 222-0220, maddogs.net
Pretend you’re on the other side of the pond at this British-themed pub. Complete with classic pub grub, imported drafts and themed parties on occasion, Mad Dogs makes for a solid choice on the River Walk the next time you want to get into a bit of extra fun.
Photo via Instagram / knightwatchgames
Knight Watch Games
16350 Blanco Rd. #116, (210) 888-1051, knightwatchgames.com
Knight Watch prides itself on its atmosphere, styling its interior like a castle’s great hall, making it the perfect place to host your next DnD or board game night. The venue features a cafe with ample themed food options for patrons and hosts a $6 “ladies knight out” on Thursdays.
16350 Blanco Rd. #116, (210) 888-1051, knightwatchgames.com
Knight Watch prides itself on its atmosphere, styling its interior like a castle’s great hall, making it the perfect place to host your next DnD or board game night. The venue features a cafe with ample themed food options for patrons and hosts a $6 “ladies knight out” on Thursdays.
Jaime Monzon
RD Hidden Door Speakeasy
8400 N. New Braunfels Ave., (210) 605-2292, mixed4u.com
Texting a random phone number for a secret password to enter a modern-day speakeasy may seem a little theatrical, but what's wrong with that? The real journey starts when you enter the space located behind the Barn Door Restaurant in Alamo Heights. Dark lights, gilded details, candles, music from the 1920s and excellent cocktails await at this intimate, reservations-only spot where just 27 guests can imbibe at a time.
8400 N. New Braunfels Ave., (210) 605-2292, mixed4u.com
Texting a random phone number for a secret password to enter a modern-day speakeasy may seem a little theatrical, but what's wrong with that? The real journey starts when you enter the space located behind the Barn Door Restaurant in Alamo Heights. Dark lights, gilded details, candles, music from the 1920s and excellent cocktails await at this intimate, reservations-only spot where just 27 guests can imbibe at a time.
Courtesy Photo / Chicken N Pickle
Chicken N Pickle
5215 UTSA Blvd., (210) 874-2120, chickennpickle.com/san-antonio
Beyond being a bar and restaurant serving up classic American fare, the Chicken N Pickle complex features space for a number of activities, including — naturally — five outdoor Pickleball courts, two bocce ball and four shuffleboard courts.
5215 UTSA Blvd., (210) 874-2120, chickennpickle.com/san-antonio
Beyond being a bar and restaurant serving up classic American fare, the Chicken N Pickle complex features space for a number of activities, including — naturally — five outdoor Pickleball courts, two bocce ball and four shuffleboard courts.
Photo via Google Maps
Zombies
4202 Thousand Oaks Dr., (210) 281-8306, drinkingwithzombies.com
True to its name, this themed bar is all about horror movies. It's also known for its heavy metal karaoke nights, and if that’s not enough, the themed cocktails will definitely have you feeling spooky.
4202 Thousand Oaks Dr., (210) 281-8306, drinkingwithzombies.com
True to its name, this themed bar is all about horror movies. It's also known for its heavy metal karaoke nights, and if that’s not enough, the themed cocktails will definitely have you feeling spooky.
Photo by crazydottie6 via Instagram / blackpotionsatx
Black Potion
1900 Fredericksburg Rd. Suite 101, (210) 369-8750, facebook.com/BlackPotionSATX
Nerd-friendly new bar Black Potion boasts impressive craft beer and wine lists, private board game rooms and even a 49-seat theater for hosting everything from film screenings to an in-house improv troupe.
1900 Fredericksburg Rd. Suite 101, (210) 369-8750, facebook.com/BlackPotionSATX
Nerd-friendly new bar Black Potion boasts impressive craft beer and wine lists, private board game rooms and even a 49-seat theater for hosting everything from film screenings to an in-house improv troupe.
Photo via Instagram / carolinebrami
410 Diner
8315 Broadway, (210) 822-6246, 410diner.com
This 50s-themed restaurant has been offering San Antonians a blast from the past since 1982. Enjoy classic diner fare in a setting right out of a classic sitcom.
8315 Broadway, (210) 822-6246, 410diner.com
This 50s-themed restaurant has been offering San Antonians a blast from the past since 1982. Enjoy classic diner fare in a setting right out of a classic sitcom.
Photo via Instagram / patobrienssa
Pat O’Brien’s
121 Alamo Plaza, (210) 541-5940, patobriens.com
Get the feel of a classic New Orleans dueling piano bar without making the trip east. This replica bar of the original Pat O’s offers cajun food, hurricane cocktails and live music straight from the ragtime era. Whether you choose to spend your time at the main bar, on the patio or in the piano lounge, you’re sure to have fun!
121 Alamo Plaza, (210) 541-5940, patobriens.com
Get the feel of a classic New Orleans dueling piano bar without making the trip east. This replica bar of the original Pat O’s offers cajun food, hurricane cocktails and live music straight from the ragtime era. Whether you choose to spend your time at the main bar, on the patio or in the piano lounge, you’re sure to have fun!
Photo via Instagram / kikithefoodie_satx
The Winchester
5148 Broadway St., (210) 721-7762, winchester-pub.com
This Alamo Heights neighborhood pub is bringing the authentic English gastropub feeling to San Antonio. The Winchester’s food menu offers a mix of American pub classics and English dishes like fish & chips and bangers & mash.
5148 Broadway St., (210) 721-7762, winchester-pub.com
This Alamo Heights neighborhood pub is bringing the authentic English gastropub feeling to San Antonio. The Winchester’s food menu offers a mix of American pub classics and English dishes like fish & chips and bangers & mash.
Photo via Google Maps
Coco Beach
12159 Valliant St., (210) 341-5330, facebook.com/CocobeachSA
You don’t need to wait for summer weather to go on a beach vacation — just head to Coco Beach. With seaside decor, you can relax with drink specials throughout the night while playing darts and pool.
12159 Valliant St., (210) 341-5330, facebook.com/CocobeachSA
You don’t need to wait for summer weather to go on a beach vacation — just head to Coco Beach. With seaside decor, you can relax with drink specials throughout the night while playing darts and pool.
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