San Antonio's 25 best bars, according to Yelp

San Antonio likes its adult beverages, and there are plenty of spots to get one. From dives to distilleries and from basement speakeasies to rooftop cocktail lounges, our wide selection of bars comes in many flavors.

However, some bars are of a finer vintage than others. Or at least that’s what the folks on Yelp think. Here are the 25 best bars in San Antonio, according to reviews shared on the site.

25. Rock and Rye

17631 La Cantera Parkway, Suite 103, (210) 742-5963, rockandryebar.com.

“They clearly know their craft … every cocktail was perfectly balanced, beautifully presented, and made with care. What really stood out was their ability to read the room, recommend drinks based on taste, and keep the vibe upbeat without being overbearing.” — Kenedy L.
Photo via Instagram / rockandryebar

Credit: Jaime Monzon

24. Bar 414

205 E. Houston St., (210) 585-9999, thegunterhotel.com/bar-414.htm

“I was rather impressed with the relative silence of the place and the lavishly polished leather seats, remarkable floor-plan and it’s impressive ambiance. […] I took a seat and ordered me a couple of proper drinks. There was only one person manning the whole bar, but the dimly lit bar did possess beauty.” — David V.

Credit: Instagram / rumble_sa

23. Rumble

2410 N. St. Mary’s St.

“This bar is a perfect spot for you to post up at to either do some people watchin’, Spurs game watchin’, killin’ time before the shows starts (next door at Paper Tiger aka the old White Rabbit – IYKYK), or just want a cool chill spot to hang with your friends for some drinks or brunch. There is so many seating options (inside under the garage) or outside on the benches and tables. You will not go wrong here as there is plenty of space for you and your big group of friends or family to spread out and chill.” — Melissa G.

Credit: Facebook / The Elbow Room

22. The Elbow Room Karaoke Lounge

10730 Perrin Beitel Road, (210) 451-8888.

“I go here every Tuesday for their excellent Comedy night. Afterwards they usually do Kareoke, so it’s a great place to get a free show and then be the free show!” — Steven B.

Credit: Instagram / @theroseofsanantonio

21. The Rose of San Antonio

110 Broadway, https://www.instagram.com/theroseofsanantonio.

“The Rose is a great bar with lots of charm. Its name pays homage to the country song, “San Antonio Rose.” The dim lighting creates a romantic ambience, so it’s perfect for date night but also a great place to hang out with friends and enjoy live music. Featured musical acts range from Old School Blues, Rock, Jazz, & Soul. The menu offers a nice selection of craft cocktails and artisan bites at a reasonable price.” — Nikki B.

Credit: Photo via Instagram / 1watsonrooftop

20. 1 Watson at AC by Marriott

111 Soledad St., (210) 222-8300, 1watsonrooftop.com.

“The view is amazing, but stay for the cocktails with friends. This rooftop bar has a perfect view of the courthouse and the plaza in front of the historical San Fernando Cathedral.”

Mary S.

19. Pastiche

1506 E. Houston St., (210) 439-1532, facebook.com/pastiche.sa.

“This was honestly one of the best bars I have ever been to in San Antonio! I want to come here for every date night!! If you’re big on R&B, throwbacks, and good vibes this is your spot! Great wine and the DJ selection is out of the worldddddd” — Brianna E.

Photo via Instagram / pastiche_sa

Credit: Michael Karlis

18. Urban Cocktail

9859 I-10 West, Suite 106, (726) 999-2693, facebook.com/urbancocktailsa.

“A little hidden gem that stays open till 2 a.m. offering phenomenal drinks, great atmosphere, great bar service, super intimate environment with great music playing.” — Lindsey R.

17. Devils River Distillery

401 E. Houston St., (833) 379-1840, devilsriverwhiskey.com.

“The coffee bourbon had the perfect amount of sweetness and balanced coffee flavor. The branded ice cube and pitchfork were a unique touch. There’s ample seating upstairs with a Birds Eye view of the stills, but we chose to explore the speakeasy downstairs. We were transported back in time as we relaxed on the antique furniture and sipped our perfectly crafted cocktails in the dimly lit lounge.” — Tanya R.
Photo by Jaime Monzon

16. The Edison Experiment

1846 N Loop 1604 East, (210) 479-9600, facebook.com/edisonexperiment.

“This place has Absinthe! Knowledgeable bartenders, amazing drinks, BEST BAR IN TOWN! Come for REAL cocktails!” — Siyao G.
Photo via Instagram / theedisonexperimentsa

Credit: Courtesy Photo / Otto’s Ice House

15. Otto’s Ice House

111 Newell Ave., (726) 215-6886, ottosicehouse.com.

“Bottom line up front: Great addition to the Pearl District, food was great, and the service was spectacular, live music a nice touch.” — Jack W.

Credit: Photo via Instagram / pinksharkbar

14. Pink Shark

203 N Presa St., (210) 834-3372, instagram.com/pinksharkbar.

“Absolutely loved Pink Shark Bar! The vibes were great both in the main bar & the speakeasy. The owners really outdid themselves with all the decor and furniture as well. Bar service was great as well.” — Ileana V. G.

Credit: Travis E. Poling

13. Bar du Mon Ami

4901 Broadway, barmonami.com.

“This casual, laid-back neighborhood bar is perfect for a cozy evening of drinks and conversation with friends. The dimly lit space is inviting, intimate, and the low hum of electronica in the background relaxes you while the perfectly crafted cocktails ease you out of the hustle of the day. Cheers!” — Heather M.

12. The Lucky Rabbit

2405 Vance Jackson Road, https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083020556711.

“Great atmosphere. Extra friendly staff. Dart tournament daily. Definitely will be back!!!” — John C.

Credit: Courtesy Photo / Esquire Tavern

11. Esquire Tavern

155 E. Commerce St.esquiretavern-sa.com.

“Cool speakeasy atmosphere, very dark with lots of wood. Perfectly made mixed drinks and a good beer selection. Got a bison burger and mashed sweet potatoes. […] Definitely the best bar on the Riverwalk and probably the best bar in San Antonio.” — Ed S.

10. Thirsty Aztec

200 River Walk St, (210) 580-4844, thirstyaztec.com.

“I tried their Michelada cocktail, and it was fantastic. I definitely recommend it. They don’t have any seating, but you can grab your drink and go outside to enjoy the river view.” — Sara G.
Photo via Instagram / thirsty_aztec

9. RD Speakeasy

8400 N. New Braunfels Ave., (210) 605-2292.

“This is the coolest chill spot to be with your date. You make a reservation, get a secret code word, and you get your own spot for a few hours. [The] charcuterie board was phenomenal. The drinks, the style, vibe and service was amazing!” — Jordan S.
Photo via Instagram / rdsanantonio

8. Amor Eterno

540 S. Presa St., facebook.com/Amor-Eterno-104928765099182.

“Not in to the rowdy bar scene? This is the perfect place to chill and listen to vintage vinyl records with some of the best handcrafted cocktails in SA. This place is a whole vibe y’all. The music, the intimate, welcoming atmosphere, the soft core ’70s porn on the TVs late at night . We love coming to Amor to put the cherry on top of a great night.” — Beth H.
Photo courtesy of Amor Eterno

Credit: Kody Melton Photography

7. Hugman’s Oasis

135 E. Commerce St., (210) 441-7225, hugmansoasissatx.com.

“This is the cutest little Tiki Bar tucked into the corner of E. Commerce on the river walk. It really does feel like a little escape away from it all.” — Vanessa P.

Credit: Nina Rangel

6. Be Kind & Rewind

115 Alamo Plaza, (210) 951-1980, bekindandrewindsa.com.

“They perfectly encapsulate the ’80s , ’90s and early 2000’s aesthetic, giving you nostalgia overload. They had music from various eras playing which takes you down memory lane. The ambiance was amazing and very nostalgic.” — Munah M.

Credit: Courtesy of El Luchador

5. El Luchador

622 Roosevelt Ave, (210) 988-3385, facebook.com/luchadorbarsa.

“As one of San Antonio’s only truly themed bars El Luchador is a must for any fan of Luchadors, Lucha Libre or wrestling! The wall of masks is an awesome centerpiece!” — Charles M.

Credit: Photo by mikeywynnns via Instagram / themodernistsa

4. The Modernist

516 E. Grayson St., (210) 901-8646, facebook.com/themodernistsa.

“From the moment we walked in, it was a whole vibe: retro-loungy décor straight out of the ’60s/’70s, with a killer soundtrack spinning alt-country, psychobilly, and groovy vintage tunes. It felt like stepping into a stylish time capsule with serious cocktail cred. NOTE: There’s no drink menu here. This is a “tell us what you like, and let the magic happen” kind of place. The bartenders know their craft, and if you’re even remotely into cocktails, this will blow your mind.” — Renee M.

Credit: Michael Karlis

3. The Lighthouse Lounge

1016 Cincinnati Ave., facebook.com/thelighthouselounge.

“This is one of my favorite neighborhood bars. Great music and awesome people. You get a true San Anto vibe at the Lighthouse. The live music and dj’s are awesome.” — Andi G.

2. The Bang Bang Bar

119 El Mio Drive, (210) 320-1187, thebangbangbartx.com.

“The bar itself has an awesome vibe. It’s divey but offer fancy drinks. The bar has a stage (we’ve seen FEA perform there) and they have ample seating (tables, couches, stools, etc). I also enjoy how each couch area is its own living room setup[…] I make it a point to come and visit this bar any time I’m in San Antonio. We love supporting Phanie and her bands in any way possible. Girl in a Coma and FEA 4ever!” — Armando M.
Photo via Instagram / thebangbangbar

Credit: Travis E. Poling

1. Bar 1919

1420 S. Alamo St., (210) 227-1420, bar1919.com.

“The drinks here are exceptional to say the least. Its a calm classic speakeasy style bar. The bartenders are amazing and fast at their jobs, they are also given permission to make their own signature drinks and add them to the menu i can’t recommend them enough! If you’re looking for a nice calm bar for a classy date or just a evening out with a little flair this is the place.” — Mark A.

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San Antonio’s 25 best bars, according to Yelp

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