A night out in downtown San Antonio can be lively and fun, but parking and crowds get old fast. We don’t blame anyone for wanting to stay closer to home as they chase a good time.

That’s why we compiled this list of the best bars outside of the city center. From dives and taprooms to speakeasies and music venues, San Antonio has plenty of bars to offer — and they’re not all downtown.

Credit: Photo via Instagram / djtech_neek
Credit: Photo by San Antonio Current Staff
McFinnegan’s Pub McFinnegan’s is a reliable spot for affordable bevs, making it an excellent choice to watch the game and grab a bite to eat. Guests rave about top-notch service and ice cold drinks. 7210 Blanco Rd, (210) 314-4194, https://www.instagram.com/mcfinniganspub/.
Zombies 4202 Thousand Oaks, (210) 281-8306, Love heavy metal and getting boozy? Zombies is the place for you. There’s live music on the regular – both local and touring acts – as well as horror flick screenings, karaoke, cocktails and a loooooong beer list. Photo via Instagram / whatdivawants52 Credit: Instagram / Zombies
Cosmic Mayhem Blacklight Mini Golf and Bar Cosmic Mayhem feels like you fell down the rabbit hole into Wonderland, but if the Mad Hatter and company were more into mini golf than tea parties. This indoor blacklight mini golf joint offers an 18-hole indoor course, virtual reality games, an arcade and axe-throwing. A fun choice for first dates or family time.903 E. Bitters Road, Suite 310, (210) 437-1072, cosmicmayhem.com. Credit: Photo by satxrated via Instagram / cosmic_mayhemsa
The Starlighter
This Deco district live music destination is another fun choice for Friday — or any other night. They host drag events on the reg and also vendor markets, so be sure to check the calendar to see what they’ve got going on.1910 Fredericksburg Road, thestarlighter.com. Credit: Instagram / thestarlightersatx
Credit: Nina Rangel
Credit: Nina Rangel
Credit: Nina Rangel
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Credit: Courtesy Photo / Chicken N Pickle
Cover 3
Cover 3 has a ton of food options, and the drinks won’t let you down either. It’s a classy kind of sports bar that doesn’t just have the expected cold beer but also a wine cellar with over 70 options. 1806 N 1604 W, (210) 479-9700, cover-3.com. Credit: Instagram / cover3dining
Picks Bar SA Picks Bar offers live music Wednesday through Sunday and myriad libations to boot. Sunday brunch, bottle service and live band karaoke make it a well-rounded establishment.4553 North Loop 1604 W #1101, (210) 253-9220, picksbar.com. Credit: Instagram / Picks Bar
Rocky’s Tavern This Northeast SA drinkery has a sweet outdoor patio, perfect for fresh air and cold beer. Enjoy TVs, pool and darts inside.11403 O’Connor Rd. Ste. 106, (210) 637-7625 https://www.instagram.com/rockystavern/. Credit: Instagram / SACurrent
The Hoppy Monk This taproom has an ample menu for both food and beer plus a popular Sunday brunch. The spacious outdoor seating area is ideal for a cold beer on a sunny afternoon. 1010 N Loop 1604 E, thehoppymonk.com. Credit: Photo via Instagram / s.a.foodie
Slackers 126 W Rector // 12234 Nacogdoches Road, (210) 845-2603, slackersbars.com With three locations in San Antonio, Slackers lets you hit up the locations near North Star Mall and on Nacogdoches when you don’t feel like dealing with the St. Mary’s Strip. At Slackers, sports bar booziness meets arcade fun, meaning you and your crew will be entertained (and getting plastered) for hours. Photo courtesy of Slackers Credit: Slackers
Bar Mon Ami This classy and timeless Alamo Heights bar is a cozy alternative to the bustling downtown. The curated atmosphere matches the elevated cocktails, all made with care.4901 Broadway St, (210) 740-9229, barmonami.com. Credit: Instagram / Bar du Mon Ami
The Bang Bang Bar This loveable neighborhood blends a rock ‘n’ roll vibe with vintage furniture, games and a solid cocktail menu. Cozy up on the couch with a cocktail or belly up to the bar for a beer.119 El Mio Drive, (210) 320-1187, thebangbangbartx.com. Credit: Julian Ledezma
Lucy Cooper’s Texas Ice House With cornhole and cold beer, adirondacks and fire pits, Lucy Cooper’s knows how to keep revelers entertained. The kitchen is also known for its deft hand at Southern fare.16080 San Pedro Ave, (210) 462-1894,, lucycoopers.com. Credit: Photo via Instagram / lucycoopersicehouse
Oak Hills Tavern 7920 Fredericksburg Road, (210) 614-8855, facebook.com/OakHillsTavern With more than 20 years under its belt, Oak Hills Tavern can still be considered a bit of a hidden gem. But for those that know this Fredericksburg Road spot, the tavern is a solid watering hole that comes through with cheap drinks and good bar grub. As if you need any more convincing, the bar also hosts cool events, so you’re bound to visit sooner or later. Photo via Facebook, OAK HILLS TAVERN Credit: Photo via Facebook, OAK HILLS TAVERN
Who’s Who Cocktails
Who’s Who Cocktails is a comfortable and inviting watering hole in the Medical Center area that’s known for its handcrafted cocktails. Oh, and did we mention karaoke? It’s a hoot! 1711 Babcock Road, (210) 973-5055, https://www.facebook.com/whoswhococktails/. Credit: Photo via Google Maps
Main Street Bar Main Street has booze, pool, darts and a patio — all the essentials for a friendly neighborhood bar. Kick back on the weekends to enjoy live music and periodic events. 13477 Wetmore Road, (210) 490-3038, https://www.barsanantoniotx.com/. Credit: Instagram / Main Street Bar
Copa Wine Bar This intimate and cozy wine bar is a must-visit for vino fanatics. Pair domestic or European wines with pizza and tapas. 19141 Stone Oak Pkwy Suite 704, (210) 495-2672, thecopawinebar.com/. Credit: Courtesy Photo / Copa Wine Bar
Credit: Michael Karlis
Flying Saucer Draught Emporium The draft list is so long that you’ll never have to order the same beer twice. This Texas-based chain also offers plenty of pub fare and fun events including trivia. 11255 Huebner Road #212, (210) 696-5080,http://www.beerknurd.com/locations/san-antonio-flying-saucer. Credit: Instagram / Flying Saucer SA
Ranger Creek Brewing and Distilling
Ranger Creek has some of the best beer in the area plus a selection of bourbon if you’re in the mood for something stronger. Check the award-winning brewstillery’s Facebook for events and themed nights. 14834 Whirlwind Dr., (210) 339-2282drinkrangercreek.com. Credit: Instagram / rangercreekwhiskey
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Wurzbach Ice House Wurzbach is here for the beer: 13 on tap and more than 200 in bottles and can. If the menu leaves your head spinning just close your eyes and point. There’s also a food menu to accompany your cold brew. 10141 Wurzbach Road, (210) 877-2100, wurzbachicehouse.com/. Credit: Facebook / Wurzbach Ice House
Evil Olive
This Northeast San Antonio establishment has an extensive menu of bar food and a welcoming vibe. It’s also got karaoke, musical bingo and live music to entertain you while you sip and munch. 2950 Thousand Oaks, Suite 5, (210) 495-0970,https://www.facebook.com/EvilOliveSA/. Credit: Photo via Google Maps
The Thursty Turtle 1626 NE Interstate 410 Loop, (210) 820-3600, facebook.com/TheThurstyTurtle Don’t let the framed giant-ass turtle shell fool you, this place is dope AF. The drinks are known for being strong and the vibe is consistently chill, so just think as the free popcorn and giant Jenga as the cherry on top. Photo via Instagram / jonwiener Credit: Photo via Instagram / jonwiener
Kennedy’s Public House 19179 Blanco Road, (210) 764-1333, kennedysirishbar.com Whether you want to hang out at the bar or lounge around on the couches, this Irish bar might just be your new favorite hang out if you’ve never been. Found in the Stone Oak neighborhood, Kennedy’s has daily specials and always has 16 beers on tap, including some Texas craft brews. Plus the food here is pretty solid, so you’re bound to have a good time, lad. Photo via Yelp / Jennifer O. Credit: Photo via Yelp / Jennifer O.
The Green Lantern
The Green Lantern is an underground bar with a speakeasy aesthetic. Expect quality cocktails with a side of mystery. 20626 Stone Oak Pkwy #101, (210) 497-3722,greenlantern.bar. Credit: Facebook / thegreenlanternsa
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502 Bar 502 bar is best known as a live music venue featuring local bands, but it’s sure to satisfy your thirst as well. There are tons of craft beer options to choose from as well as karaoke and movie nights.502 Embassy Oaks, (210) 257-8125, 502bar.com. Credit: Mike McMahan