The best bars in San Antonio right now

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A post shared by The Esquire Tavern (@esquiretavernsa)

What it is: Opened in 1933, The Esquire Tavern is the oldest bar in town. Aside from a closure between 2006 and 2011, Esquire has been serving drinks to San Antonio for almost 100 years. 

Why we love it: The Esquire Tavern is everything a retro Texas bar should be: it’s dimly lit with dark wood paneling, vintage mirrors and stuffed taxidermy. The 100-foot mahogany bar is the longest wooden bar in Texas and like much of the Esquire’s interior, it’s the original fixture. Sip on house cocktails, wine, beer or spirits, while conversing with friendly bartenders and servers and cold drinks. Whether you want to catch up with a friend, check out the game score or just soak up the vibes, Esquire is here for you. 

Time Out tip: Esquire has upstairs and downstairs seating. Should you want to change your seating throughout the night, Esquire recommends closing out your tab before migrating over to your new spot. 

Address: 155 E Commerce St, San Antonio, TX 78205

Opening hours: Sun-Thurs 11am-12am; Fri-Sat 11:30am-2am 

Expect to pay: Most cocktails are $13-$14. $75-$100+ should suffice for a dinner for two (drinks included).

What it is: An indoor-outdoor lounge with dazzling views of the city from 20 stories above the Thompson Hotel Riverwalk.

Why we love it: If you’re looking for city views, it doesn’t get much better than this. This rooftop bar offers sweeping views of downtown San Antonio. Grab a seat at the indoor bar or opt for patio seating before leaning into the bar menu, which features botanical-forward cocktails, beers and wines, with a few local brands thrown into the mix. There’s also a robust list of spirits and friendly bartenders who can help you come up with exactly the right libation to match your mood and energy. If you’re hungry, the all-day menu has everything from bar snacks and shareables to full plates. Hello, grilled haloumi. On Sundays, check out the Mediterranean brunch menu between 11am-2pm.

Time Out tip: This isn’t a big space, so if you want to guarantee a good seat, consider making a reservation before your visit. 

Address: 115 Lexington Ave, San Antonio, TX 78205

Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 4pm-12am; Fri 4pm-2am; Sat 2pm-2am; Sun 11am-9pm

Expect to pay: Individual drinks are $17, and most small plates and shareables are in the $15-$17 range. Brunch for two will run between $50 and $150, depending on how you approach your mimosa game. 

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A post shared by Little Rhein Prost Haus (@prosthaustexas)

What it is: A terrace bar with big German beer garden energy overlooking the River Walk.

Why we love it: The patio bar has long picnic tables, giant Jenga, generous drinks in souvenir glasses and live music seven days a week. A selling point, though, is Prost’s happy hour, and it happens to be one of the best on the River Walk, with $2 well drinks, $3 beers and $5 bites. 

Unsurprisingly, the menu is focused on German fare—schnitzel, huge Bavarian pretzels and sausages—but also features a smattering of other bar favorites like nachos, cheese fries, deviled eggs and crispy Brussels sprouts drizzled with balsamic syrup—for those that want to keep things healthy.

Time Out tip: Come a little hungry and order the Prost Tower. This three-tier appetizer extravaganza includes Bavarian pretzels, sausages, potato salad, deviled eggs, and “Kraut Balls,” deep-fried sausage, cream cheese and sauerkraut.

Address: 231 S Alamo St, San Antonio, TX 78205

Opening hours: Mon-Sat 11am-12am; Sun 10am-12am

Expect to pay: Prost’s signature cocktails will run you $10-$14, and the Alchemy Lounge’s concoctions are a little higher (most are in the $16-$17 range). Expect to pay ~$75 for a full meal and two drinks.

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A post shared by Hopscotch (@letshopscotch)

What it is: Art installation + bar? Sign us up! This 20,000-square-foot gallery features 15 immersive exhibits complete with indoor seating, an outdoor patio, food trucks and a full bar serving creative and beautiful cocktails, beer and wine. 

Why we love it: A museum cafe serving drinks is fun, but Hopscotch takes it up a notch with boozy, Instagrammable drinks like the sparkling Ziggy Stardust—made with vodka, violette, lime, butterfly pea syrup and electric dust—along with frozen drinks, adult Capri Suns and a playful selection of mocktails for those not wanting to imbibe. Best of all, you can take your drinks into the exhibits with you. Take in works from talented domestic and international artists, showcased through strobe lights, mirrored rooms and interactive stations. The museum blends hands-on, interactive fun with some truly exceptional art to savor.

Time Out Tip: Tickets must be booked in advance. Once there, allow at least an hour to go through the museum. If you want to please your inner child, don’t skip the LED ball pit, and don’t forget to wear comfy clothes. 

Address: 711 Navarro St Suite 100, San Antonio, TX 78205

Opening hours: Sun, Mon, Thurs 11am-9pm, Sat-Sun 10am-10pm

Expect to pay: Cocktails start at $15.

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A post shared by Paramour at The Phipps (@paramourbar)

What it is: Paramour is a bar that wants to be your illicit lover, crafting drinks you’ll adore as much as your no-tell flame. With sweeping views of downtown San Antonio and its eponymous river, Paramour is the perfect perch to sit back with a drink in hand. Luckily, the drinks are good; we like the Three Dots and a Dash (dark rum, Agricole, orange, lime, allspice and falernum) and the Greenpoint (rye, green chartreuse, sweet vermouth and bitters). 

Why we love it: You’ll never get bored browsing the menu—Paramour keeps things fun with creative cocktails and quirky names, like A Mexican and a Cowboy Walk Into a Bar? Paramour also serves twists on classics. The trusty Old Fashioned, for example, is offered three different ways: with tequila; with bourbon whiskey with orange bitters; or with bourbon whiskey with burnt cane syrup. Not in the mood for a cocktail? Paramour also stocks over a dozen craft beers (many locally sourced) and a wide array of domestic and imported wines. The surprisingly long list of mocktails means even the designated driver can partake in a night out on the town.  

Time Out Tip: Arriving past 7pm? Prepare your attire for business casual and wallet for premium liquor brands. And if you’re really daring, ask your bartender the real story behind Paramour’s name.

Address: 102 9th St Floor 4, San Antonio, TX 78215

Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 12pm-12am, Fri 12pm-2pm, Sat 11am-2am, Sun 11am-3pm

Expect to pay: With cocktails around $18 and small plates averaging $20, expect to spend around $100 on two drinks, small bites and a tip. 

What it is: One customer described it best: it’s a cross between a strip club and your grandma’s living room, and they’re not wrong. You have to see it to appreciate it, so if you’ve been waiting for an excuse to do a little responsible day drinking, Bang Bang Bar awaits. 

Why we love it: The Bang Bang Bar isn’t your typical dive bar; it’s bright, fresh and whimsical. You'll find monstrously garnished Bloody Marys and craft cocktails topped with cotton candy and Pop Rocks. 

When we say “monstrously garnished,” we’re not talking about a pickle spear. If you’ve never had a Bloody Mary topped with a “chick on a stick,” which is a fried chicken cutlet topped with a jalapeno, isn’t it about time you did? Aside from crazy garnishes, the vinyl-spinning vibe with cozy groupings of vintage furniture makes the Bang Bang Bar an all-around cool place to hang out. Plus, plenty of entertainment options are available in the form of pool tables, dart boards, pinball machines and live music.

Time Out Tip: Go early on your first visit to secure a seat. Walking around and checking out all the unique decor gives you a real sense of place that you might not otherwise grasp if all the seating is full. 

Address: 119 El Mio Dr, San Antonio, TX 78216

Opening hours: Mon-Sun 12pm-2am 

Expect to pay: Most cocktails start at $10, while food items range between $16 and $20.

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A post shared by Liberty Bar (@libertybarsa)

What it is: A casual and lively Southtown bar and eatery with an extensive drink menu that includes a rotating selection of seasonal cocktails and margaritas. Add in the beer menu, wines by the bottle and glass, a list of spirits and a respectable selection of zero-proof drinks, and you’ve got a bar menu that checks boxes for everyone. 

Why we love it: The unique history of the building is what gives the Liberty Bar its allure. Once a convent for Benedictine Nuns, its pastel pink-and-white exterior still hints at its original purpose. Adding to its charm, a neon mural on the wall features a Spanish proverb that doubles as a perfect mantra for drinking and for life: Atascare ahora que hay lodo, or, ‘Get stuck now while there’s mud available.’ It’s a fitting reminder that Liberty is a place to let loose, embrace life’s messiness and enjoy the moment.

Time Out Tips: If you want the most bang for your buck, catch the daily happy hour between 3pm and 6pm, half-price wine on Mondays and half-price house margarita on Thursdays. The food menu includes pizza, burgers, homemade bread and fettuccine, salads and heartier offerings like a pot roast bowl.

Address: 1111 S Alamo St, San Antonio, TX 78210

Opening hours: Mon, Thurs, Fri 11am-12am, Sat-Sun 10am-2am

Expect to pay: Cocktails average $14 and entrees $20. Dinner for two, including drinks, will run you $65.

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A post shared by Georges Keep (@georgeskeep)

What it is: One of San Antonio’s best-kept secrets, George’s Keep is a trendy cocktail den located in San Antonio’s La Cantera neighborhood. Once you pass through the Tolkien-esque door (the hallway is fit for a hobbit), you’ll find yourself in a sophisticated 1960s-inspired lounge. 

Why we love it: The small menu includes the must-try signature margarita made with Don Julio 1942 tequila, orange liqueur, fresh juices, hibiscus and unexpected combinations of Lowland Espressario’s Scotch, espresso liqueur and coconut. 

Time Out Tips: If you’re ready to mingle, George’s Keep regularly hosts dating events and is a must-do for singles. You can check out their Instagram page for more info.

Address: 17803 La Cantera Terrace, San Antonio, TX 78256

Opening hours: Sun-Sat 4pm-2am

Expect to pay: $9-$12 for regularly priced cocktails and $25 for the signature margarita.

What it is: Located in the lobby of the Hotel Valencia Riverwalk, Dorrego’s is an Argentinian-inspired eatery offering indoor and patio seating. With plenty of small tables and bar stools, it’s a fabulous place to people watch and observe the comings and goings in the lobby of this gorgeously appointed boutique hotel.

Why we love it: Interesting cocktails include a Blackberry Bramble made with housemade blackberry liqueur, citrus vodka and freshly squeezed lemon juice. In addition to a solid list of beer, wine and spirits, Dorrego’s has brunch drinks beyond the mimosa. Try a brunch Old Fashioned, made with maple bacon syrup, or a Cubanita, a rum-infused twist on the Bloody Mary. Summertime typically sees the seasonal addition of “poptails,” which are cocktails paired with boozy popsicles. If you’re in the mood for tequila, step across the lobby to Naranjo, the Riverwalk’s tequila-only bar that’s open on Friday and Saturday nights. 

Time Out Tips: If you’re hungry, order the star of Dorrego’s, the Proveleta flaming cheese appetizer. It’s as much of a show as it is a snack, and yes, it tastes as good as it looks. 

Address: 150 E Houston St, San Antonio, TX 78205

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 6:30am-2pm, 5pm-12am; Sat 7am-2pm, 5pm-2am; Sun 7am-2pm, 5pm-12am

Expect to pay: Most cocktails are $14-$15 with the Bloody Mary and Cubanita priced higher at $25, while small plates range from $14-$20 and larger plates $30-$50. 

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A post shared by Durty Nelly's Pub (San Antonio) (@durtynellyspubsa)

What it is: Although an Irish pub might not scream “San Antonio,” this River Walk mainstay has been entertaining locals and visitors for more than 50 years. This postcard-sized tavern is always full, with tables crowded around a pianist belting out rowdy—in a good way—Irish tunes and singalong favorites. 

Why we love it: The bar menu is simple, but you’ll find Guinness, Smithwick’s and Harp on tap, plus lots of Irish whiskey-infused cocktails. The food offerings, like the shepherd’s pie and fish and chips, stick to your ribs. It’s a dark and shadowy Irish pub with wooden tables and chairs close together, so there’s space (pun intended) to get to know your neighbors well. 

Time Out Tips: Any line outside an establishment can make people turn around, but a line outside Durty Nellies just might be worth the wait. Leave the kids at home—no wee ones are allowed after 8:30pm, as the songs can get a bit off-color. 

Address: 200 S Alamo St, San Antonio, TX 78205

Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 11am-12 am, Fri-Sat 11am-2am, Sun 12pm-12am

Expect to pay: Beer runs $8-$9, most cocktails $15-$16 and entrees $15-$20.