Look, we get it.
Sometimes you want to just enjoy a quiet drink to yourself without running into an ex or that guy from high school you have nothing in common with other than sitting next to him in life sciences during 11th grade.
For those who want to opt out of “the scene,” there are plenty of San Antonio bars to duck into and disappear without all the stress of small talk with people you’d rather not engage in conversation.
Here are 20 highly recommended watering holes where you can get your drink a la incognito.
Credit: Photo via Google Maps
Who’s Who Cocktails
1711 Babcock Road, (210) 973-5055, facebook.com/whoswhococktails.
Need to kick back with a drink in your hand? Who’s Who is exactly the place where you can do just that without worrying about who you’ll see. This unassuming strip-mall spot is the perfect place to grab a cold one in the company of others not looking to be seen. This dive will come through time and time again.
Credit: Photo via Instagram / luchadorbarsa
El Luchador
622 Roosevelt Ave., (210) 988-3385, facebook.com/luchadorbarsa.
What could be more incognito than someone in a luchador mask? Enjoy the Lucha Libre theme and let loose with cocktails, karaoke nights and weekly DJ takeovers.
Credit: Photo via Google Maps
Alibis Sports and Spirits
1141 E. Commerce St., (210) 225-5552, instagram.com/alibissportsandspirits.
Tucked into St. Paul Square, on the outskirts of the hustle and bustle of the Alamo City’s tourist spots, Alibis offers a laid back atmosphere with great drinks for anyone looking to wind down.
Thirsty Camel Bar
5307 McCullough Ave, (210) 780-0669, facebook.com/ThirstyCamelBar.
While it’s easy to make friends here thanks to karaoke roulette, you don’t have to worry about running into folks you don’t want to see. This Olmos Park nightclub is a hoppin’ spot for live music and more, and is complete with a full bar. If you find the weather nice, there’s also space outside for you to sit back with a drink in hand.
Photo via Instagram / mksejdooley
Credit: Photo via Google Maps
Zombies
4202 Thousand Oaks, (210) 281-8306, drinkingwithzombies.com.
Love heavy metal, fright flicks and getting boozy? Zombies is the place for you. Enjoy the spooky decor, loud music, horror film screenings, karaoke, cocktails and an impressive beer list.
Credit: Photo via Google Maps
The Thursty Turtle
1626 NE Interstate 410 Loop, (210) 820-3600, facebook.com/TheThurstyTurtle.
You’ll find this dingy — and we say that with love — dive bar connected to a convenience store just off the inner Loop. While the folks you graduated with flock to more poppin’ spots, you and your selected company will be safe boozing it up here. Take the strong drinks and laid-back vibes as the cherry on top for what will be a drama-free outing.
Credit: Photo via Google Maps
Hidden Tavern
11407 West Ave., (210) 541-0001, hiddentavern.com.
Need a bare-bones drinking spot that offers comfy, low-lit digs? We found it, and the name does not lie. This underrated watering hole has billiards, darts and live music for all types of fun.
Credit: Photo via Google Maps
Coco Beach
12159 Valliant St., (210) 341-5330, facebook.com/CocobeachSA.
With island-themed decor, taco nights and TVs mounted around every corner, Coco Beach can the perfect place to kick back after a long day — even when you’re looking to give your socializing muscles a break.
Credit: Photo via Google Maps
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.
Credit: Photo via Google Maps
BARFLYS
8503 Broadway, Suite 110, (210) 277-7202, facebook.com/BARFLYS1.
Take advantage of the patio seating while the Texas weather is crisp and refreshing. Here you can watch football on two 50-inch flatscreens, play pool or darts — or just quietly enjoy a drink while not being noticed.
Credit: Photo via Google Maps
Boozehounds
8531 Perrin Beitel Road, (210) 590-3223, facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063612217134.
Whether you’re here for happy hour specials, a couple of rounds of pool or some live tunes, you’ll be surrounded by lots of different people when drinking at Boozehounds. Don’t worry though, the chances of you running into someone you know are pretty low.
Credit: Google Maps
The Happy Hut
1902 West Ave., (210) 735-6510, the-happy-hut.menu-world.com
This hole-in-the-wall hideaway near the Deco District H-E-B is a true dive. We’re talking buckets of beer, multiple TVs showing different stations above the bar and old timers camped out at gambling machines.
Credit: Facebook / The Elbow Room
The Elbow Room Karaoke Lounge
10730 Perrin Beitel Road, (210) 451-8888.
This spot is beloved for its karaoke and comedy nights. And for not being crowded with folks you’re trying to avoid.
Credit: Instagram / @theroseofsanantonio
The Rose of San Antonio
110 Broadway, instagram.com/theroseofsanantonio.
This downtown bar may be less frequented by locals than tourists, which is perfect for hiding from people you know in town. The venue also has live music acts playing blues, country rock and more, and the pub grub on the menu isn’t bad at all.
Credit: Travis E. Poling
Hangin’ Tree Saloon
18424 2nd St., Bracken, (210) 651-6812, facebook.com/Hangin-Tree-Saloon-100057859831165.
The Hangin’ Tree Saloon is a step back in time in Bracken, a village steeped in capturing the past with its restaurants and retail spots. This rustic relic offers shelter from the harsh light of day when it opens at noon, and by night it transforms into a honky-tonk refuge from the world’s problems.
Credit: Michael Karlis
Urban Cocktail
9859 I-10 West, Suite 106, (726) 999-2693, facebook.com/urbancocktailsa.
Appealing to an older crowd looking to unwind (like, really unwind) after a long workday, you can get to know somebody under a bath of seductive neon lights at Urban Cocktail. As the name suggests, they know how to mix up a crafty concoction or two.
Credit: Facebook / The Lucky Rabbit
The Lucky Rabbit
2405 Vance Jackson Road, https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083020556711.
Hide out in this neighborhood dive on the Northwest corner of downtown and unwind. As Merle Haggard once sang, you’ll have everything you need to drive you crazy.
Dad’s Karaoke
2615 Mossrock Drive, (210) 267-5703, facebook.com/dadskaraoke.
You can belt out your favorite tunes at this longtime strip-mall haven with every confidence that no one you know is watching.
Pecan Grove Drive Inn
1526 Roosevelt Ave., (210) 532-4113, facebook.com/pecangrove.driveinn.1.
This converted South Side residence includes a bar, a pool table and not much else. Most of the action takes place in the tree-shaded backyard, where there’s a chance someone is spinning smooth West Side soul. The Cheap Ass Mondays live up to their name with $1.75 domestics.
The Edison Experiment
1846 N Loop 1604 E, (210) 479-9600, facebook.com/edisonexperiment
Away from the craziness of downtown you’ll find Edison Experiment, a cozy bar that has a cocktail menu that justifies the drive to get there. The chill vibes and unlikeliness that you’ll see anyone you know are reason enough though, trust us. Order the Carajillo and be wowed. Photo via Instagram / edisonexperiment