11 Best Bars in San Antonio, Texas

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.

One of the most elegant spaces at the Pearl—no surprise since it's inside Hotel Emma—the bar is named for the Sternewirth Privilege, the 19th-century tradition of giving brewery employees free beer during the workday. The cool, dark, swanky space has a 25-foot vaulted ceiling over a collection elegant furnishings, a fireplace, and a beautiful bar serving signature cocktails, beer, and wine, along with satisfying bar bites.

Every Friday and Saturday night from 10 pm until 2 am, come to Azúca to put some salsa or merengue in your step accompanied by live music inspired by blending the atmosphere of the Caribbean and Central and Latin America. Kitchen closes at 10 pm, but you'll be sipping on a specialty cocktail or other beverage until 2 am.

This quiet, cozy neighborhood bar is a favorite go-to for area locals craving wine, beer, or a unique, well-crafted cocktail. Knowledgeable bartenders are happy to help you choose, The dimly-lit space has a chill, intimate vibe perfect for conversation.

A very cool bar with a friendly vibe and bright decor, Blue Box serves a good selection of house cocktails, house shots of spicy pineapple tequila and strawberry vodka, and some very good seasonal craft brews. The name comes from the blue box cooler that overnight "third shift" workers at the original Pearl Brewery would keep their beers in (brewery workers could drink on the job back then). All Day Happy Hour on Sunday and Monday.

Built in 1935, this fun, casual place has been a staple of the Alamo Heights community for so long that most people can't remember when it wasn't there. The crowd is eclectic, although it skews younger, and it's a great place to hang out, have a cold adult beverage, listen to live music or karaoke, and watch sports. There's also a lunch and dinner menu—the burgers alone have their own devout following. Saturday and Sunday features a variety of breakfast tacos.

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.