TEXAS — Some of the oldest establishments in the country to get a stiff drink are in Texas, according to a new list.
Historic Hotels of America named the top 25 most historic bars in the nation and two bars in San Antonio and one in Dallas made the list.
San Antonio
The Menger Bar
The Menger Bar, located in the Menger Hotel in San Antonio, is one of the most historic bars in the U.S., according to the list.
Established in 1859, the hotel is located in the heart of the city just steps away from the historic Alamo. It was founded by German immigrant William Menger. According to Historic Hotels of America, the bar is a reproduction of the House of Lords Pub in England and was even used by Theodore Roosevelt to enlist volunteer soldiers in the Spanish-American war.
Fittingly, the historic tavern’s signature drink is a classic Old Fashioned, which is often considered the world’s quintessential first cocktail.
It’s open Fridays and Saturdays from noon to midnight, and the rest of the week from noon to 11 p.m.
Bar 414
San Antonio is home to not just one but two of some of the country’s most historic bars. Bar 414 is located inside The Gunter Hotel San Antonio Riverwalk, which dates back to 1909. The bar’s name refers to the room where blues artist Robert Johnson had his first recording session in 1936 and recorded some of his most famous songs.
Honoring its roots, the soundtrack to the bar is classic jazz and blues music. And it has an ambiance to match, with dim lighting and plush leather seats. According to Historic Hotels, Bar 414 is a “cultural and sensory experience” with a speakeasy atmosphere.
According to San Antonio Express-News, Bar 414 is temporarily closed while The Gunter Hotel undergoes a $50 million renovation. The bar is set to reopen once the work is complete.
Dallas
Bourbon & Banter
An underground speakeasy in Dallas hotel The Statler was the only North Texas establishment inducted into the coveted list of historic hotels. Bourbon & Banter was once home to the hotel’s famous barbershop, where guests would stop to freshen up before attending events, meetings or performances in The Statler Ballroom.
Bourbon & Banter opened in 2017 after the hotel’s renovation and reopening, but the hotel itself dates back to 1956. The bar’s signature cocktail is the Porto Old Fashioned, which includes Basil Hayden Dark Rye Whiskey, Sagamore Small Batch Rye Whiskey, port wine reduction and chocolate and orange bitters.
In the spirit of classic speakeasies, the bar is tucked away in an alcove by a 1950s-era phone booth and a vintage shoeshine stand. Guests must dial a secret code on the phone to enter, where they are transported to the mid-century with Old Hollywood photos and news clippings decorating the space.
Bourbon & Banter features comedy showcases every Wednesday and live jazz music every Thursday. It’s open daily from 7 p.m to midnight, and until 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturday. Reservations are required to get the code to enter. The bar can also be reserved for private events.
“These historic settings have been preserved or reinvented as fun and authentic destinations, where culture-minded travelers can relax and enjoy a night off,” said Lawrence Horwitz, executive vice president of Historic Hotels of America and Historic Hotels Worldwide. “While it is a collection of very different venues with their own aesthetics, vibes, and styles, each of the bars on the list celebrates the history of its city and its community, all united by impeccable hospitality, fascinating stories, unique surroundings, and expertly crafted drinks.”