The 100 best bars in San Antonio 2022

When the Current introduced its 100 Best Bars in San Antonio list in 2021, we received an onslaught of feedback. To be…

By San Antonio Current Staff

79. RD Hidden Door Speakeasy

There's a certain je ne sais quoi about texting a random phone number for a secret password to enter a modern-day speakeasy. Sure, it's a little dramatic and theatrical — but what's wrong with that? Dark lights, gilded details, candles, an eclectic soundtrack and excellent cocktails await at this intimate, reservations-only spot where just 35 guests can imbibe at one time. Request a cozy seating area away from other patrons or snag seats up at the bar to watch the masters at work. 8400 N. New Braunfels Ave., (210) 605-2292, mixed4u.com. 
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26 essential spots in and around San Antonio for chicken wings

You'll find little argument that chicken wings are the perfect pub food, and the Alamo City has no shortage of spots that…

By San Antonio Current Staff

Tycoon Flats
2926 N St Mary's St., (210) 320-0819, tycoonflats.net
If you’re looking to grab classic wings without the frills, look no further than Tycoon Flats. The eatery offers Buffalo, Honey BBQ or Garlic Buffalo wings with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Photo via Google Maps
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The 27 best places in San Antonio to eat when you're alone

There's something to be said for enjoying a high-quality meal while basking in your own company. While San Antonio operates with a…

By San Antonio Current Staff

Niki’s Tokyo Inn
819 W Hildebrand Ave, (210) 736-5471, facebook.com/nikis.tokyo.inn
Incredibly authentic with tatami-style seating, Niki’s Tokyo Inn is a solid choice for genuine Japanese eats. Whether you take a seat on the floor or grab a stool at the bar, you can enjoy freshly-made sushi and other classic Japanese dishes all by your lonesome.
Photo via Instagram / mrs.a_w15
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22 San Antonio bars that open at noon or earlier so you can day drink

Whether you're pre-gaming ahead of a sports event, having a nightshift happy hour or going through a bad breakup, there are times…

By San Antonio Current Staff

Cullum’s Attagirl
726 E Mistletoe Ave, (210) 437-4263, cullumsattagirl.com
Known for its fried chicken that’s now available for lunch, you can also stop by Cullum’s starting at 11 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Seriously, grab a craft beer or two and enjoy it out on the patio of this rustic joint for a late morning pick-me-up.
Photo via Instagram / cullumsattagirl
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All the thirst-quenching drink specials at the inaugural San Antonio Icehouse Week

Popular drinking spots the Friendly Spot and Dakota Eastside Icehouse have joined forces with the Current to launch San Antonio Icehouse Week…

By San Antonio Icehouse Week

Sanchez Ice House
819 S. San Saba St., (210) 223-0588, facebook.com/SANCHEZICEHOUSE
Bud Light 12 oz. Longneck Bottles, $2 (2-6 p.m.) 
Photo via Facebook / Sanchez Ice House 1 & 2
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Everything we saw as San Antonio Hell's Kitchen chef Mary Lou Davis held a going-away pop-up

Mary Lou Davis, the San Antonio chef who took second place in the past season of cooking contest TV show Hell's Kitchen,…

By San Antonio Current Staff

Everything we saw as San Antonio Hell's Kitchen chef Mary Lou Davis held a going-away pop-up
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30 San Antonio lounges, speakeasies and hidden bars — and where to find them

San Antonio's bar scene has always been fun, but the cocktail explosion of recent years have given it double shot of hip…

By San Antonio Current Staff

The Speakeasy at Salvation Spirits
10091 US-290., Fredericksburg, (210) 605-2292, salvationspeakeasy.com.
“The Speakeasy,” as locals know it, is tucked away on a 10-acre orchard in the heart of the Texas Hill Country. The inviting space offers a variety of handcrafted gin and is the perfect setting for a date night or evening with the girlies after a day of winery tours. The Speakeasy is also the ideal venue for private events. 
Photo courtesy of The Speakeasy at Salvation Spirits
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The 100 best bars in San Antonio 2021

It’s a longtime Alamo City ritual to swig from a longneck on the breezy patio of a neighborhood icehouse. But there’s also…

By San Antonio Current Staff

21. Bruno's Dive Bar

After the pandemic killed off a barbecue restaurant operated in this space by the owners of the nearby Friendly Spot, they reopened it and rechristened it with a nod to Bruno Dzanski, operator of B&D Ice House, which occupied the space from 1961 to 2014. With its back-to-basics approach and eccentric sense of décor, Bruno's hearkens back to the B&D days and ensures there's still at least one loveably grubby and downscale spot to drink at in the rapidly gentrifying Southtown neighborhood. 1004 S. Alamo St., (210) 225-9801, brunosdive.com. 

Photo by Sanford Nowlin
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27 cozy San Antonio bars for when it's getting too cold to drink outside

The weather is finally cooling down for the few weeks that Texas approximates winter, and we can't blame anyone who's breaking out…

By San Antonio Current Staff

Downstairs at Esquire
155 E Commerce St., (210) 222-2521, esquiretavern-sa.com
Skip the tavern and stop by the riverside bar instead. This intimate lounge dishes out small bites packed with flavor and top-of-the-line cocktails. Go. Now.
Photo via Instagram / downstairsatesquire
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24 bars and restaurants to take out-of-towners that show the real San Antonio

It can be hard choosing a place to take friends or family visiting from out of town — or if you're just…

By San Antonio Current Staff

The Moon’s Daughters at Thompson San Antonio
115 Lexington Ave, (210) 942-6032, themoonsdaughters.com
This Insta-worthy rooftop bar overlooks the SA skyline from a twenty-story perch. Indulge in its sophisticated cocktails while you snap a new selfie. 
Photo via Instagram / themoonsdaughters
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25 San Antonio bars where you probably won't see anyone you know

Sometimes you just want a beer without having to make small talk with friends-of-friends or the coworker you already politely declined an…

By San Antonio Current Staff

Our Glass Cocktails
1301 Pat Booker Rd Ste A, (210) 599-7036, facebook.com/ourglasscocktails
Even if it’s your first visit, a night at Our Glass Cocktails guarantees a wave of nostalgia with its pool tables, darts and friendly service.
Photo via Facebook / ourglasscocktails
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San Antonio's 35 best bars that aren't located downtown

Downtown SA doesn't have everything sewn up when it comes to nightlife. Sometimes you don't want to mess with the center city…

By San Antonio Current Staff

Wurzbach Ice House
10141 Wurzbach Road, (210) 877-2100, wurzbachicehouse.com
13 beers on tap and more than 200 in bottles and cans await at this north central staple. Just make sure you order some jalapeno bottle caps, too.
Photo via Instagram / wurzbach_ice_house
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San Antonio's 26 best bars, restaurants and tasting rooms for whiskey lovers

The margarita may be the unofficial drink of Texas summers, but there’s something to be said for a perfectly-balanced cocktail made with…

By San Antonio Current Staff

Bar Loretta
320 Beauregard St., (210) 757-3607, barloretta.com
This new spot offers cocktail mavens a bar menu that highlights a selection of Manhattans, created by bartender Michael J. Neff, founder of The Cottonmouth Club in Houston and The Rum House in New York.  
Photo via Instagram / barloretta
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30 San Antonio bars and restaurants with dog-friendly patios

Spring has officially sprung, bringing with it beaming sunshine and cool breezes. Before we slip into the dog days of summer, doesn't…

By San Antonio Current Staff

The Hoppy Monk
Masks Not Required for Customers
1010 N Loop 1604 E, (210) 545-3330, thehoppymonk.com
Slamming back the booze of your choice while munching on elevated pub grub AND kicking it with your pup on a patio has never been so easy. Seriously, what would we do without the Hoppy Monk?
Photo via Instagram / jairock87
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23 bike-friendly San Antonio bars and restaurants to try on your next ride

Since the pandemic began, a whole lot of us tuned up that bike that's been hanging in our garage for the past…

By San Antonio Current Staff

Bombay Bicycle Club
3506 N St Mary's St., (210) 737-2411, bombaybicycleclubsa.com
After a scenic ride through Brackenridge Park, stop at Bombay Bicycle Club for one of their famous burgers. They’ve been slinging burgers at the St Mary’s location since 1973, but have plans to open a second location at Hemisfair next Spring. 
Photo via Instagram /  
bombays_sa
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Everything We Saw as San Antonio Bars Reopened on Friday

Bars across Texas reopened at 25% occupancy Friday after Gov. Greg Abbott's latest order restarting the state's economy. Clearly, lots of Alamo…

By Sanford Nowlin

Everything We Saw as San Antonio Bars Reopened on Friday
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In a Takeout Rut? We Asked 15 San Antonio Chefs What They've Been Ordering While Quarantined

As of Friday, San Antonio restaurants are able to open their dining rooms at 50% capacity under Phase 2 of Governor Abbott's…

By Nina Rangel

Botika
303 Pearl Parkway #111, (210) 670-7684, botikapearl.com
The Dragon Dinner at Botika has become chef Geronimo Lopez’s go-to when he needs a meal to-go. The meal feeds four, and includes all of his favorite things: whole roasted chicken with anticuchero marinade & chimichurri, potstickers, egg rolls, steamed rice, corn salsa, salad and dessert. 
Photo courtesy Geronimo Lopez
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Two San Antonio Bars Under One Roof — All Throwing It Back to the '90s

Howl at the Moon and Merkaba are known for their classic throwback themes, and last night the chokers were on, mini backpacks…

By San Antonio Current Staff

Two San Antonio Bars Under One Roof — All Throwing It Back to the '90s
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20 Under-the-Radar Bars in San Antonio You Should Try

San Antonio has plenty of places to grab a drink, so you'd have to go out a lot to hit them all…

By San Antonio Current Staff

RD Speakeasy
8400 N New Braunfels Ave, (210) 605-2292
San Antonio (unfortunately) isn’t home to a lot of speakeasies, but a recent addition has yet to gain too much attention. Anyone who wants to feel really badass should make arrangements to visit the RD Speakeasy. Here’s what you gotta do: text RD at the number above with your party size and expected arrival time. Once you get the green light, you’ll need to whisper the password through a peephole where you see a green light at The Barn Door — the speakeasy is found in a former party room of the restaurant.
Photo via Instagram / rdsanantonio
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Where to Find Friendsgiving Parties in San Antonio

Whether you're looking to avoid extra family time or just like to celebrate with friends, there's quite a bit of ways to…

By San Antonio Current Staff

Wild West
21025 Encino Commons Blvd, (210) 496-9453, facebook.com
Part Thanksgiving Eve party and part reunion for Midnight Rodeo folks, this bash will include $2, $3 and $4 drink specials before 11 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m., so you have plenty of time to get drink it up.
Photo via Instagram / wildwestsa
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25 San Antonio bars where you won't see anyone you know

Sometimes you just want to go out and not see anyone you know. But that can be difficult given that everyone knows…

By San Antonio Current Staff

Web House
320 Blanco Road, (210) 531-0100, webhousecafe.com
Sit out on the deck or grab a seat at the bar — no matter where you post up, you won’t be seeing folks you don’t want to see. The no-frills spot comes through that way, as well as with a pool table and live entertainment from time to time. Feel free to stop by between 4 p.m. and 2 a.m. to hang out without any unfortunate run-ins.
Photo via Instagram / shaunsee
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Where to Find the Best Bloody Marys, Micheladas in San Antonio

What's red, delicious and goes great with brunch? That's right — we're talking about Bloody Marys and micheladas. Whether you're throwing them…

By San Antonio Current Staff

Liberty Bar
1111 S Alamo St, (210) 227-1187, liberty-bar.com
A favorite for its Bloody Marys and as a prime spot where you can nurse a hangover, Liberty Bar is a dependable spot for any boozehound. The bright pink Southtown outpost has the kind of laid-back vibes and attentive service that tend to aid a successful recovery. Consider yourself lucky if your hangover falls on a Saturday, because that's when Bloody Marys, made with the bar's own spicy mix, are half-price. Seldom does a $4 Bloody Mary taste this good.
Photo via Instagram / treatyoselftexas
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20 San Antonio Drinking Spots with Actually Good Bar Food

Whether you're a foodie that likes to drink or just want some delicious grub to accompany your booze, these local drinking spots…

By San Antonio Current Staff

Sanchos
628 Jackson St, (210) 320-1840, sanchosmx.com
Come for the margaritas, stay for the delicious Mexican bites. Nachos, tacos, tortas – whatever’s your fancy, you’ll be satisfied here. Oh, and you can forget those patio/live music vibes.
Photo via Instagram / txmikka
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The Best Food and Drinks in San Antonio, According to Our Readers

The people of San Antonio have spoken! Here are the Best of San Antonio Food & Drink winners for 2019.

By San Antonio Current Staff

Best Barbecue
Smoke Shack BBQ, 3714 Broadway St, (210) 957-1430, smokeshacksa.com
Photo via Instagram / jessy_eats
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The Best Bars and Nightlife Spots in San Antonio, According to Our Readers

We asked, and San Antonio answered! Here are the Best of San Antonio Nightlife winners of 2019.

By San Antonio Current Staff

Best Place To Nurse A Hangover
Liberty Bar, 1111 S Alamo St, (210) 227-1187, liberty-bar.com
Photo via Instagram / libertybarsa
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25 Essential Dog-Friendly Drinking Spots in San Antonio

From restaurants and bars to breweries, here are the boozy places where you can crack open a cold one with your dog!…

By San Antonio Current Staff

The Luxury
103 E Jones Ave, (210) 354-2274, facebook.com/theluxurysanantonio
Of course this offbeat, riverside hangout wants you to stop by with your doggo! The counter-serve kitchen and bar has the most welcoming patio vibes that you and your pup will enjoy chilling on. Consider the booze and grub the cherry on top because, well, it is.
Photo via Instagram / jabbathe_pug
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25 Essential San Antonio Restaurants, Bars for Wine Lovers

If wine is your libation of choice, all the more power to you. Whether you're celebrating or just looking for a solid…

By San Antonio Current Staff

Sternewirth
136 E Grayson St, (210) 223-7375, thehotelemma.com
This cozy, yet sexy bar may be frequented by tourists daily, but it’s also a go-to for boozy locals. While the cocktail program reigns supreme here, you’ll be smart to order a glass of your favorite wine while you catch up with friends or during a hot date.
Photo by Jason Risner via Instagram / sternewirthatemma
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San Antonio Bars Where You Can Drink Before Noon

Whether it's Fiesta, a drinking holiday or you just feel like getting boozy in the morning, you can knock back a few…

By San Antonio Current Staff

Paramour
102 9th St #400, (210) 340-9880, paramourbar.com
This swanky rooftop bar opens at 7 a.m. on weekdays, 8 a.m. on Saturdays and 10 a.m. on Sundays for your drink of choice. While lots of bar-goers will likely be sipping on coffee in the early morning, pay them no mind and go ahead and order up a wine, cocktail or beer of your choice to make the most of your morning.
Photo by Jeffrey Burton
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25 Last-minute San Antonio Date Ideas That Don't Suck

Whether you’re having a late Valentine’s date or having a date night on the fly, here are some last-minute date ideas that…

By San Antonio Current Staff, Gabriella Pawelek

Snack on raspas (and all your favorite puro snacks) at Las Nieves
Multiple locations, lasnievesfruitcups.com
It doesn’t get more puro than kissing your date even if they’ve got Frito breath.
Photo via Instagram / eat_intheheartoftexas
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Where to Find the Best Patios in San Antonio

Though it's hot outside, you can make it bearable with a cold drink in hand. Here are 23 bar and restaurant patios in…

By San Antonio Current Staff

The Friendly Spot
943 S Alamo St, (210) 224-2337, thefriendlyspot.com
You say patio and all we hear is “meet me at Friendly Spot.”
Photo via Instagram / skylinedronetx
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