20 Under-the-Radar Bars in San Antonio You Should Try
By San Antonio Current Staff on Fri, Jan 17, 2020 at 1:50 am
San Antonio has plenty of places to grab a drink, so you'd have to go out a lot to hit them all up. While you might have your go-to spots, venture out and explore some of these bars (and sometimes hidden gems) that you may or may not have had the pleasure to drink at just yet.
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I Don't Know Yet Lounge
1229 Babcock Road, (210) 735-1276, facebook.com
Big, cheap beers? Yeah, this lounge has ‘em. In case you need another selling point, IDKYL is super spacious and chill, meaning you can make friends during the events going on here, or sit off to the side and do your own things.
Photo via Instagram / asapstormborn
1229 Babcock Road, (210) 735-1276, facebook.com
Big, cheap beers? Yeah, this lounge has ‘em. In case you need another selling point, IDKYL is super spacious and chill, meaning you can make friends during the events going on here, or sit off to the side and do your own things.
Photo via Instagram / asapstormborn
Sanchez Ice House
Multiple locations, facebook.com/SANCHEZICEHOUSE
With one location downtown nearing the West Side and another near Fort Sam Houston, you have options for your next night out for a drink. Happy hour specials, bar games and dancing are just some of the extra treats you’ll get when you stop by for a drink (or however many you order) here. Just be sure to bring cash when you’re ready to get boozy.
Photo via Instagram / pj1113
Multiple locations, facebook.com/SANCHEZICEHOUSE
With one location downtown nearing the West Side and another near Fort Sam Houston, you have options for your next night out for a drink. Happy hour specials, bar games and dancing are just some of the extra treats you’ll get when you stop by for a drink (or however many you order) here. Just be sure to bring cash when you’re ready to get boozy.
Photo via Instagram / pj1113
QPV Queso Pan Y Vino
727 S Alamo St, (210) 263-9729, facebook.com/QPVSA
Southtown has no shortage of food and drink options, but QPV is one that doesn’t get enough credit. Here you’ll be able to munch on delicious pizza and your wine of choice. Doesn’t that sounds like a classy, fun way to spend a night on the town?
Photo via Instagram / richie1186
727 S Alamo St, (210) 263-9729, facebook.com/QPVSA
Southtown has no shortage of food and drink options, but QPV is one that doesn’t get enough credit. Here you’ll be able to munch on delicious pizza and your wine of choice. Doesn’t that sounds like a classy, fun way to spend a night on the town?
Photo via Instagram / richie1186
Squeeze Inn Sports Bar & Club
1755 S General McMullen Dr, (210) 432-1080, squeezeinnsanantonio.com
If you don’t mind running into your tio when you go drinking, you will definitely want to hit up Squeeze Inn at some point. This West Side gem is full of regulars who are welcoming, which you’ll be thankful for if you feel like playing a game of darts or pool. Maybe you’re enticed by the karaoke (Tejano and oldies are favorites here). Be sure to order a michelada, it’ll get you good.
Photo via Yelp / Squeeze In Sports Bar and Club
1755 S General McMullen Dr, (210) 432-1080, squeezeinnsanantonio.com
If you don’t mind running into your tio when you go drinking, you will definitely want to hit up Squeeze Inn at some point. This West Side gem is full of regulars who are welcoming, which you’ll be thankful for if you feel like playing a game of darts or pool. Maybe you’re enticed by the karaoke (Tejano and oldies are favorites here). Be sure to order a michelada, it’ll get you good.
Photo via Yelp / Squeeze In Sports Bar and Club
Rathskeller Bar
525 S St Mary's St, (512) 660-1706, facebook.com/hsrathskeller
Also regarded as “Hermann Sons,” Rathskeller Bar is likely a building you’ve passed by time and time again, maybe taking note of the sign. Yes, there’s really a bar inside. It’s actually the longest continuously-functioning bar that’s held a TABC license so long — since 1937 to be exact. Plus, the bar also has a ballroom upstairs that features themed events like Chicano oldies nights — and there’s a bowling alley too.
Photo via Instagram / _j_l_a_n_d_
525 S St Mary's St, (512) 660-1706, facebook.com/hsrathskeller
Also regarded as “Hermann Sons,” Rathskeller Bar is likely a building you’ve passed by time and time again, maybe taking note of the sign. Yes, there’s really a bar inside. It’s actually the longest continuously-functioning bar that’s held a TABC license so long — since 1937 to be exact. Plus, the bar also has a ballroom upstairs that features themed events like Chicano oldies nights — and there’s a bowling alley too.
Photo via Instagram / _j_l_a_n_d_
Babcock Social Pub
5891 Babcock Road, (210) 236-8080, babcocksocial.pub
If you ever find yourself driving down Babcock late at night and hear thumping music, chances are you’re driving by Babcock Social Club. This neighborhood bar is all about providing a place for folks to hang out and, of course, have some drinks. On top of happy hour beverage specials, you’ll also be able to score bites from the grill, listen to live music and play bar games. Sounds like a win-win to us.
Photo by Mike Humphries via Instagram / realcameralero
5891 Babcock Road, (210) 236-8080, babcocksocial.pub
If you ever find yourself driving down Babcock late at night and hear thumping music, chances are you’re driving by Babcock Social Club. This neighborhood bar is all about providing a place for folks to hang out and, of course, have some drinks. On top of happy hour beverage specials, you’ll also be able to score bites from the grill, listen to live music and play bar games. Sounds like a win-win to us.
Photo by Mike Humphries via Instagram / realcameralero
RD Speakeasy
8400 N New Braunfels Ave, (210) 605-2292
San Antonio (unfortunately) isn’t home to a lot of speakeasies, but a recent addition has yet to gain too much attention. Anyone who wants to feel really badass should make arrangements to visit the RD Speakeasy. Here’s what you gotta do: text RD at the number above with your party size and expected arrival time. Once you get the green light, you’ll need to whisper the password through a peephole where you see a green light at The Barn Door — the speakeasy is found in a former party room of the restaurant.
Photo via Instagram / rdsanantonio
8400 N New Braunfels Ave, (210) 605-2292
San Antonio (unfortunately) isn’t home to a lot of speakeasies, but a recent addition has yet to gain too much attention. Anyone who wants to feel really badass should make arrangements to visit the RD Speakeasy. Here’s what you gotta do: text RD at the number above with your party size and expected arrival time. Once you get the green light, you’ll need to whisper the password through a peephole where you see a green light at The Barn Door — the speakeasy is found in a former party room of the restaurant.
Photo via Instagram / rdsanantonio
The Base Line
1139 Harry Wurzbach Road, (210) 930-6612, thebaselinebar.com
Whether you hang out near Fort Sam Houston or not, you’ll likely end up at this bar sooner or later. Previously known as the Recovery Room, The Base Line comes through with drink specials, pool, darts, shuffleboard, karaoke, trivia nights and even food. If it’s your first time here, be sure to order the Transfusion Shot.
Photo via Yelp / The Base Line
1139 Harry Wurzbach Road, (210) 930-6612, thebaselinebar.com
Whether you hang out near Fort Sam Houston or not, you’ll likely end up at this bar sooner or later. Previously known as the Recovery Room, The Base Line comes through with drink specials, pool, darts, shuffleboard, karaoke, trivia nights and even food. If it’s your first time here, be sure to order the Transfusion Shot.
Photo via Yelp / The Base Line
My Friend's Backyard
442 W Hildebrand Ave, (210) 573-5227, facebook.com/myfriendsbackyardbar
Beers and fun drinks are always up for grabs here, as are laid-back vibes at this fun spot. Plus, you’ll find all the sports bar vibes with multiple TVs and bar games.
Photo via Instagram / la_aventurera_
442 W Hildebrand Ave, (210) 573-5227, facebook.com/myfriendsbackyardbar
Beers and fun drinks are always up for grabs here, as are laid-back vibes at this fun spot. Plus, you’ll find all the sports bar vibes with multiple TVs and bar games.
Photo via Instagram / la_aventurera_
Pete’s Place Spirits and More
14743 Old Bandera Road #9, Helotes, (210) 474-6116, petesplacespspiritsandmore
Helotes might be a heck of a drive for you, but if you find yourself in the area, you can trust Pete’s Place for quick alcohol fix. The bar has generous drink specials on deck every day of the week, meaning you can get tipsy for cheap no matter when you stop in. As always, drink responsibly, folks.
Photo via Instagram / hotpinkgoldfish
14743 Old Bandera Road #9, Helotes, (210) 474-6116, petesplacespspiritsandmore
Helotes might be a heck of a drive for you, but if you find yourself in the area, you can trust Pete’s Place for quick alcohol fix. The bar has generous drink specials on deck every day of the week, meaning you can get tipsy for cheap no matter when you stop in. As always, drink responsibly, folks.
Photo via Instagram / hotpinkgoldfish
Wetmore City Limits
12329 Wetmore Road, (210) 494-7190, facebook.com/wetmorecitylimits
This roomy bar is all the more inviting due to its space, but the vibes here can be attributed to the chill energy, sports on the TVs and bar games like billiards and darts. No matter what brings you here, the spirit of the bar will keep you coming back. Perhaps the best part though? Wetmore City Limits is open daily from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.
Photo via Yelp / Yvonne P.
12329 Wetmore Road, (210) 494-7190, facebook.com/wetmorecitylimits
This roomy bar is all the more inviting due to its space, but the vibes here can be attributed to the chill energy, sports on the TVs and bar games like billiards and darts. No matter what brings you here, the spirit of the bar will keep you coming back. Perhaps the best part though? Wetmore City Limits is open daily from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.
Photo via Yelp / Yvonne P.
The Roadhouse Saloon
6159 FM78, (210) 969-6001, facebook.com/TheRoadhouseSaloon78
Inbetween Kirby and Windcrest, this saloon keeps it simple with drink specials every day of the week and a relaxed vibe that will make anyone feel welcome. It may just be a matter of time before you become a regular here too.
Photo via Instagram / theroadhousesaloon78
6159 FM78, (210) 969-6001, facebook.com/TheRoadhouseSaloon78
Inbetween Kirby and Windcrest, this saloon keeps it simple with drink specials every day of the week and a relaxed vibe that will make anyone feel welcome. It may just be a matter of time before you become a regular here too.
Photo via Instagram / theroadhousesaloon78
The Local Bar
600 N Presa St, (210) 267-9885, thelocalbarsa.com
A laidback bar in the heart of downtown might sound like something of legend, but this dive bar is , in fact, just that. Offering a cozy, neighborhood feel to all who venture inside, The Local Bar keeps the drinking a-comin’ with happy hour (and reverse happy hour) specials and gets the party going with DJs on Saturday nights.
Photo via Instagram / normagarzardz
600 N Presa St, (210) 267-9885, thelocalbarsa.com
A laidback bar in the heart of downtown might sound like something of legend, but this dive bar is , in fact, just that. Offering a cozy, neighborhood feel to all who venture inside, The Local Bar keeps the drinking a-comin’ with happy hour (and reverse happy hour) specials and gets the party going with DJs on Saturday nights.
Photo via Instagram / normagarzardz
What’s It To Ya Lounge
5725 Evers Road, (210) 647-5700, facebook.com/WITYLOUNGE
If you don’t think a cool place to grab a drink exists in Leon Valley, think again. The vibe is late '60s Sunset Boulevard at this hidden lounge, and the worn upholstery and a delightfully tasteless nude portrait lend an attractive air of faded glory. The bartenders are nice, the drink specials generous, the vibe relaxed — come here and kick back with a cold one.
Photo via Google Maps
5725 Evers Road, (210) 647-5700, facebook.com/WITYLOUNGE
If you don’t think a cool place to grab a drink exists in Leon Valley, think again. The vibe is late '60s Sunset Boulevard at this hidden lounge, and the worn upholstery and a delightfully tasteless nude portrait lend an attractive air of faded glory. The bartenders are nice, the drink specials generous, the vibe relaxed — come here and kick back with a cold one.
Photo via Google Maps
Rocky's Tavern
11403 O'Connor Rd #106, (210) 637-7625, facebook.com/Rockystavern2013
Considered a “divey gem” to some, Rocky’s Tavern has all the elements of a solid dive bar: Dart boards, TVs, pool tables and bar snacks like peanuts and popcorn. Hang out on the patio or chill inside, no matter what you’ll be having a good time here.
Photo via Instagram / sacurrent
11403 O'Connor Rd #106, (210) 637-7625, facebook.com/Rockystavern2013
Considered a “divey gem” to some, Rocky’s Tavern has all the elements of a solid dive bar: Dart boards, TVs, pool tables and bar snacks like peanuts and popcorn. Hang out on the patio or chill inside, no matter what you’ll be having a good time here.
Photo via Instagram / sacurrent
Puzzles Tavern
3111 TPC Pkwy, (210) 481-5633, facebook.com
Find yourself way north of town? You’ll be in good hands at Puzzles, which offers generous drink specials, pool, and, as any bar should, regularly celebrates Bloody Mary Sundays.
Photo via Instagram / ajvargas14
3111 TPC Pkwy, (210) 481-5633, facebook.com
Find yourself way north of town? You’ll be in good hands at Puzzles, which offers generous drink specials, pool, and, as any bar should, regularly celebrates Bloody Mary Sundays.
Photo via Instagram / ajvargas14
Lefty’s Draft House
15179 Judson Rd #101, (210) 650-5144, facebook.com/Leftysdrafthouse
A sports bar with multiple TVs, live music and bar games like pool and darts? Yep, this is a spot where you come to hang with the boys. Whoever your drinking crew and/or sports club comprises of, you’ll be in good hands at this no-frills spot that’s all about having a good time.
Photo via Instagram / justabeerblog
15179 Judson Rd #101, (210) 650-5144, facebook.com/Leftysdrafthouse
A sports bar with multiple TVs, live music and bar games like pool and darts? Yep, this is a spot where you come to hang with the boys. Whoever your drinking crew and/or sports club comprises of, you’ll be in good hands at this no-frills spot that’s all about having a good time.
Photo via Instagram / justabeerblog
Barflys
8503 Broadway St, (210) 277-7202, facebook.com/BARFLYS1
Way north on Broadway you’ll find this laidback watering hole that’s perfect for grabbing a drink with friends. There’s even a fire pit on the patio so you can feel cozy while you slam back your drinks. It’s so chill of a spot that you might actually make friends here. Go on and visit if you don’t believe us.
Photo via Instagram / janehensonjennings
8503 Broadway St, (210) 277-7202, facebook.com/BARFLYS1
Way north on Broadway you’ll find this laidback watering hole that’s perfect for grabbing a drink with friends. There’s even a fire pit on the patio so you can feel cozy while you slam back your drinks. It’s so chill of a spot that you might actually make friends here. Go on and visit if you don’t believe us.
Photo via Instagram / janehensonjennings
The Martini Club
8507 McCullough Ave, Suite A9, (210) 595-7626, themartiniclubsatx.com
It’s been a few years since Wayne Harper sold The Martini Club, but the McCullough lounge remains a dependable spot for anyone who can’t resist a cocktail made with care. The swanky lounge, which calls itself the “best kept secret in town,” is regarded for its Vegas-style shows and karaoke nights.
Photo by @neptune9photog via Instagram / sacurrent
8507 McCullough Ave, Suite A9, (210) 595-7626, themartiniclubsatx.com
It’s been a few years since Wayne Harper sold The Martini Club, but the McCullough lounge remains a dependable spot for anyone who can’t resist a cocktail made with care. The swanky lounge, which calls itself the “best kept secret in town,” is regarded for its Vegas-style shows and karaoke nights.
Photo by @neptune9photog via Instagram / sacurrent
Frankie G’s Sports Bar
2437 Frio City Road, (210) 431-7913
Located close to Lackland AFB, this sports bar often sees a lot of military members enjoying a few drinks. Still, the spot is welcoming to all who come in, the staff behind the bar will make sure of that. Open from 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. daily, you have pretty much all day to swing by and get acquainted with this hidden watering hole.
Photo via Instagram / guero_justguero
2437 Frio City Road, (210) 431-7913
Located close to Lackland AFB, this sports bar often sees a lot of military members enjoying a few drinks. Still, the spot is welcoming to all who come in, the staff behind the bar will make sure of that. Open from 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. daily, you have pretty much all day to swing by and get acquainted with this hidden watering hole.
Photo via Instagram / guero_justguero
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