After a decade of rocking the St. Mary’s Strip, The Amp Room is calling last call. The bar, one of San Antonio’s few live music venues that booked local acts, says it only has three weekends to go before it closes for good on October 4.
“After an incredible decade, The Amp Room will be closing its doors due to a rent increase,” the venue posted on Facebook. “We’re beyond grateful for the loyalty, love, and unforgettable nights we’ve shared with all of you.”
The Amp Room debuted in March 2015, taking over the former home of Bootleggers at 2407 N. St. Mary’s. The venue was at the vanguard of the entertainment district’s revival, opening in the same year as Paper Tiger, a renovated Limelight, and Phantom Room.
Before the revitalization, the area had seen a 20-year slump. In 1990, St. Mary’s attracted 15,000 revelers to film an MTV Street Party segment. But pushback from its Tobin Hill neighbors, a spike in crime, and a high-profile murder cast a pall on the strip, shuttering many of its original businesses.
In more recent years, the strip was burdened by further troubles — the COVID-19 pandemic and a delayed city construction that made the walkable district less attractive for bar-hopping. While spots like Squeezebox and La Botanica threw in the towel, The Amp Room hung on, mainly focusing on punk, metal, and darkwave.
Although the venue occasionally hosted national acts like H.R. from Bad Brains, it more frequently booked local acts. San Antonio musicians took to the comments section in an outpouring of support.
Damn! So sorry to hear this.. grateful for the opportunity to have at least played at The Amp Room once,” wrote Chironex frontman Donnie Sage. “Wishing y’all well moving forward.”
“We love you! Always my favorite venue to play over the years,” added Missy Ayala of Fox motel. “Thank you for all the support.”
The Amp Room will continue its regular programming in its final days, hosting live music and its popular ‘80s nights.
“Join us for our last three weekends and let’s make every night one to remember,” wrote a representative. “Come raise a glass, sing along, and help us close this chapter the only way The Amp Room knows how — with music, friends, and good vibes.”