A hidden library speakeasy has opened on San Antonio's River Walk

The Library Cocktail Lounge is envisioned as a tribute to legendary comedians and hosts nightly comedy shows. Credit: Instagram / librarysatx

A new drinking spot located steps away from the throngs of River Walk and Alamo tourists is hush-hush in more ways than one. Namely, it’s both a speakeasy and a library.

The Library Cocktail Lounge made its debut last week as a self-described “hideaway hotspot” under the Maverick, a luxurious downtown apartment hotel at 606 N. Presa St.

The lounge feels like it is hidden in plain sight, a little oasis surrounded by the hustle and bustle of one of San Antonio’s busiest corridors.

The Library’s cozy, contemporary space is decorated not only with bookshelves but the portraits of great comedians including Robin Williams, George Carlin, Richard Pryor, Joan Rivers and Steve Martin. As the portraits signify, the watering hole adjoins the Riot Comedy Club, another new feature under the Maverick that debuted last week.

The Riot, which originated in Houston, has opened its River Walk location as part of a planned eight-city expansion, the Current reported in August.

Bringing laughs back to downtown, which has been without a comedy club since 2018, the venue offers ticketed shows along with open-mic nights for up-and-coming acts. Its Houston location averages 650 shows annually at the Rudyard’s British Pub, making it a Space City institution.

“I anticipate tourism to be a big market for us,” Riot owner Brian Gendron told the Houston Chronicle of the SA club. However, River Walk establishments are reporting that tourism business is down, prompting City Hall conversations about how to draw more locals to the area.

Deals can’t hurt.

The Library, located just a block and a half from the Alamo, offers daily happy hour specials until 7 p.m., including $2 off all cocktails, mixed drinks and wine and $1 off beers and seltzers.

Plus, for those who happen to find themselves downtown for whatever reason, a nearby, tucked-away refuge might be just what’s needed.

The Current reached out to the Library to determine whether books are for rent, purchase or just for show, and what the selection might be, but got no response by press time.

The Library is open seven days a week. Its hours are 4-11 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 4 p.m.-midnight Thursdays, 3 p.m.-midnight Fridays and Saturdays and 4 p.m.-10 p.m. Sundays.

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A hidden library speakeasy has opened on San Antonio’s River Walk

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