Themed Bars and Restaurants in San Antonio Worth Trying

El Luchador Bar
622 Roosevelt Ave, (210) 272-0016, facebook.com/luchadorbarsa
Puro San Antonians love lucha libre, so much that this themed bar is always poppin’ 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 too, as the bar offers lots of cool events, from trivia nights and live DJs to loteria and even live lucha libre matches on special occasions.
Photo via Instagram / luchadorbarsa

The Ringer Pub
2826 Thousand Oaks, (210) 530-1319, theringerpub.com
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, and appropriately offers $4 White Russians at any given time. Whether you choose to pair it with a $3 shot of Fireball or not, you can practice your bowling skills, play bar games or simply watch the game.
Photo via Instagram / theringerpub

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. You may be tempted to visit often as no two tables are alike here, each with a different theme.
Photo via Instagram / spicepinkie1

Coco Beach
12159 Valliant St, (210) 341-5330, facebook.com/CocobeachSA
Life’s a beach. So head to Coco Beach and slam back some drinks at Coco Beach, a beach-themed neighborhood bar. With seaside decor, you can relax with drink specials throughout the night while playing darts and pool.
Photo via Instagram / thekickstandsa

Dick’s Last Resort
223 Losoya St, (210) 224-0026, dickslastresort.com
Does being a dick count as a theme? Let’s say it is, ‘cause that’s the deal at Dick’s Last Resort. While most restaurants wait on you hand and foot and treat you with the utmost respect, such is not the case here. Expect insults throughout your meal, so you better be ready to be roasted.
Photo via Instagram / alphamuscleg

Restaurant Gwendolyn
152 E Pecan St #100, (210) 222-1849, restaurantgwendolyn.com
Restaurant Gwendolyn is completely one-of-a-kind, and we’re treating the fact that everything from the upscale American menu is prepared without motorized machines. Made with locally-sourced ingredients, the downtown hotspot embraces the way of life in Europe before the Industrial Revolution. Now that’s a restaurant worth experiencing.
Photo via Instagram / restaurantgwen

Francis Bogside
803 S St Mary's St, (210) 369-9192, francisbogside.com
A fire didn’t let Francis Bogside from opening its doors again, so make sure to treat this Irish pub with the utmost respect when you visit. This elevated spot is popular for its custom cocktails, beer and bar bites served. The polished, rustic space may not feel very Irish, but this Southtown spot is Irish enough for most.
Photo via Instagram / francisbogside

The Modernist
516 E Grayson St, (210) 446-8699, facebook.com/themodernistsa
Aside from quality cocktails, the Modernist offers midcentury-inspired vibes with its swank, modish digs. You oddly feel like you’re drinking in someone’s living room, and it’s oh so comfortable.
Photo via Instagram / angela_ne

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, import 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 / maddogspub

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
406 Navarro St, (210) 224-4867, bubbagump.com
A newer addition to San Antonio’s food scene, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. offers seafood and American fare. Oh, and lots of decor from the iconic Forrest Gump, from photos to even the ping pong paddle on your table. Anyone that loves the film will be delighted to dine here.
Photo via Instagram / terrianne_passingham

Thursty Turtle
1626 NE Interstate 410 Loop, (210) 820-3600, facebook.com/TheThurstyTurtle
Turtles may not seem like a theme, but they totally are here. From the laid-back vibes that are totally in the vein of turtles, to the giant-ass shell enclosed in a glass case on the wall, turtles are definitely celebrated here. Grab some drinks and toast to the beloved reptile.
Photo via Instagram / yurikostun

Zombies
4202 Thousand Oaks, (210) 281-8306, zombiesliveinsa.com
In true fashion of all things zombie, this themed bar is all about horror movies. Known for hosting heavy metal acts, this watering hole also screens horror flicks! If that’s not enough, the cocktails and long beer list will definitely have you feeling spooky.
Photo via Instagram / elfcounselor

Rainforest Cafe
110 E Crockett St, (210) 277-6300, rainforestcafe.com
You may want to avoid tourist traps at all cost, but if you have the urge to eat in a space reminiscent of a rainforest, then boy we have the place for you. The appropriately-named Rainforest Cafe is filled wall-to-wall with lots of green and leaves to make you feel you’re in the middle of the jungle among animatronic animals. The menu is full of American bites and cocktails, so you don’t think it’s too authentic.
Photo via Instagram / pchayes01

Pirate Tavern
8748 Grissom Road, (210) 681-4464, facebook.com/thePirateTavern
If lost bounty and hidden treasure are your thing, you’ll likely be a fan of Pirate Tavern. The theme is obviously pirate-inspired, so it comes as no surprise that this laid-back watering hole is a great place to chill with beer, billiards and darts. Just be sure to practice your best “Ahoy matey!” before heading over and take a selfie with the huge pirate statue on your way out.
Photo via Instagram / awelcome

The Lion & Rose British Restaurant & Pub
17627 La Cantera Pkwy, (210) 798-5466, thelionandrose.com
Find yourself in La Cantera and looking for something different? Venture inside the Lion & Rose, a British-themed eatery and pub. The sports pub chain features a full bar, imported draughts, plenty of TVs, trivia nights and even kilt-clad servers. Who knew you could have the full British experience right here in San Antonio?!
Photo via Instagram / handi.app

The Angry Elephant
19314 US-281 #107, (210) 545-3782, facebook.com/theangryelephant
Alcohol and politics may seem like a bad mix… well, they probably are. But that hasn’t stopped the Angry Elephant from existing. The politically-themed bar has plenty of decor for you to observe (we’ll live it at that) while you slam down cocktails and hot dogs alike. The entertainment comes from piano nights and live bands at this playful tavern. Just don’t expect any serious, nay constructive political talk to happen here.
Photo via Yelp / Samantha W.