6 Best Bars in Downtown and the River Walk, San Antonio

Originally opened in 1933 following the end of Prohibition, the Esquire Tavern has a storied past as the oldest riverfront bar on the River Walk. The legendary locale even claims to be the longest bar in Texas, at 100 feet. The sleek, dark 1930s interior blends well with an elevated pub-style menu. The evolving seasonal classic cocktail menu is a favorite of locals and visitors alike. The intimate Downstairs area is directly on the River Walk and is open Friday and Saturday from 7 pm to 2 am.

Choose from the extensive selection of tequilas and margaritas here as well as nearly 20 tequila flights for the indecisive. They also have domestic, imported, and Texas craft beers.

At this historic bar within the Menger Hotel (one of the city's great cultural treasures), listen to tales of how Teddy Roosevelt recruited his army of Rough Riders here. The bar was built in 1887 as a replica of London's House of Lords pub. It's a fun place to go with friends for a drink or to meet the locals. A small but hearty pub menu is served all day.

Across from Hotel Contessa, Drink Texas serves tapas and has a large variety of signature Texas cocktails, wines by the bottle, and wines by the glass. They're also known for their long (2 pm to 9 pm) happy hour.

The San Antonio outpost of New Orleans institution Pat O'Brien's serves the bar's wickedly strong Hurricanes, along with cocktails like the Cyclone and the Cat-5 Margarita. They have live music daily on the patio and a New Orleans–style menu.

After dinner, the Republic of Texas restaurant—family owned an operated for 45+ years—transforms into a nightclub. On Saturday nights, they play dance music from all the hits from 9 pm to close, for 21 and over, no cover charge.