• ESSENTIALS 210

1. Rookie’s Bar
6402 Callaghan, (210) 377-0909, myspace.com/rookiesbarsatx

Rookie’s is the essence of the good ol’ ‘merican dive bar. The drinks are cheap and the Spurs are always on at this neighborhood haunt. Covered in wood paneling and boasting an impressive selection of board games as well as shuffleboard and darts, this dim hole-in-the wall is a laid-back place to sidle up to and knock back a few beers with your friends.

2. The Mix
2423 N St. Mary’s, (210) 735-1313, facebook.com/themix.sanantonio

3. Oak Hills Tavern
7920 Fredericksburg, (210) 614-8855