Welcome to San Antonio’s premier nightlife guide.
On this page, you’ll discover the vibrant and varied nightlife scene in San Antonio. You’ll find the perfect venue for you and your preferred night out. Whether you want to go all-out clubbing or if you’d like a more laid back dinner and drinks with a view, we’ve got your covered.
Enjoy!
A small introduction to San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio or officially the City of San Antonio is the seventh most populated city of the United States, home to approximately 1.5 million residents. The city was founded in 1718 as a Spanish mission and colonial outpost. The area remained a part of the Spanish Empire and the Mexican Republic, therefore earning the title of the oldest municipality. The city has a main big church in the center, which depicts the true culture of the Spanish Colonial Era.
The city experienced tremendous growth in recent decades. In fact, it is the fastest-growing one of the top ten largest citifies of the United States. Due to its historical associations, there are many cultural heritages and landmark in the city. The prominent attractions of the city include San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, The Alamo, Tower of the Americas, Marriage Island and RiverWalk.
Talking about the media, San Antonio has one central major newspaper called San Antonio Express-News, which is established since 1865. You can hear approximately 50 different and diversified Radio stations being broadcasted in the city.
San Antonio also holds numerous yearly events, such as the city’s signature event; Fiesta San Antonio and Fiesta Noche del Rio, providing a wide variety of entertainment to the residents and tourist and as well as strengthening the economy. The event Fiesta San Antonio alone carries an annual economic impact of a whopping $340 million. The city also hosts SAFILM-San Antonio Film Festival every summer in August. It is the largest festival of South Texas and is about to complete its 25 years of quality entertainment.
Equipped with some of the swankiest bars, restaurant, and nightclubs the San Antonio’s life is not also behind. In recent years, there is a noticeable boom in the nightlife spots that have residents and visitors alike flock to. While the Stone Oak area has its attractions and its tourists, the downtown area in the city is the main attraction of nightlife. Though San Antonio is a popular tourist destination, unless you’ve been closely following the trends and culture of the city, in the last five years, you might not be aware of the thrilling nightlife scene that the city has developed lately. Therefore we’ve come up with a comprehensive guide covering mainly the nightlife of San Antonio to make your tour memorable for the rest of your life.
The Nightlife in San Antonio
San Antonio serves a wide variety of activities that one can enjoy in the night. There are some of the renowned of bars, lounges, and dance clubs for partying hard or you could simply enjoy a relaxing conversation with your other half while having a drink. The city has all sort of activities, keeping in mind the diversity of people coming there. San Antonio is known for, among other things, the San Antonio great Tex-Mex food, Spurs, the Alamo, the River Walk, a notable heavy metal and hardcore music scene. This is why it is loved for its amazing nightlife that it offers to its tourists and locals. You can enjoy the following activities or visit the place to delight your tour with the true experience of San Antonio’s culture.
Gruene Hall
Located just outside the city limits of San Antonio, Gruene Hall is a place that is worth the extra gas to get to what has now become an iconic venue for the tourists. Established in 1878, Gruene Hall is the oldest running dance club in Texas and the Central Texas birthplace of many famous songwriters and musicians. This is the place to put your boots on, grab your partner and head on down for an evening to remember throughout your life.
Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club
LOL or the Laugh out loud is the famous social media term associated with laughter. This is why this club can’t resist having such a catchy name. if you are planning to head towards San Antonio make sure Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club should be on the top of your wish list, especially when exclusively featured by from Bravo TV and Comedy Central. Each week, LOL brings in renowned comedians from around the country including Vegas showrooms, the Tonight Show and Comedy Central. Located in the heart of the city the LOL club offers free parking and is located next to the Drafthouse, so you can also enjoy a good movie and dinner before heading over to the LOL show for some laugh gags and awesome cocktails!
Majestic Theatre
If you are planning a romantic night out, be sure to check out who is performing at the Majestic Theatre. The Majestic Theatre is this city’s oldest and largest atmospheric theatre. The theatre can easily cater to 2,311 people and was designed in 1929. This beautiful and ostentatious theatre is home to all the top artists from musicians such as Willie Nelson to comedians such as Aziz Ansari and Broadway shows such as Wicked. They also have very talented San Antonio Symphony. Majestic Theatre San Antonio was featured in the National Register of Historic Places in 1975 and also declared a National Historic Landmark in 1993. It can be a great source of entertainment for tourists and as well as the locals. Moreover, going to such place really polishes out your understanding of the local culture of San Antonio.
SeaWorld
SeaWorld is the most famous place for tourists. It should be on everyone’s list when visiting San Antonio, no matter what your age, you’ll find suitable entertainment for yourself. Although they have some great rides, from Steel Eel to Great White rollercoasters, the best thing which the SeaWorld is famous for, is the animals and the animal-centric shows. They have dolphins and stingrays that you can “pet” if you are lucky enough for them to swim by you. The place has a magnificent aquarium filled with all sorts of aquatic animals, including sharks and giant and old sea turtles. The shows are really outstanding and thrilling, which include dolphins, Beluga whales, and sea lions. There are also penguins in such shows to really entertain the people with their overloaded cuteness.
Tower of the Americas
What can be better than a soothing and romantic view of the city from the top? For the best view in San Antonio, you should, without any second thought, go directly to the Tower of the Americas, which was originally built for the World’s Fair far back in 1968. Located in downtown, the overall height of the tower is about 750-foot, and that is what helps it to provide a calm and wowing view of the city. In the middle of Hemisphere Plaza, it offers the most spectacular views from its observation deck, as well as a thrilling 4D Theatre ride that the kids will love! If you are planning to go all out, grab a bite to eat at Chart House, the finest dining option that one could ever find in the tower itself, revolving slowly, much to everyone’s delight. Make sure to take time to enjoy Hemisphere Park, which is made up of beautiful grounds, waterfalls and fountains, a children’s playground, historic buildings and is also home to the Institute of Texan Cultures and the Children’s Magic Theater.
The Puresolspa
Apart from the busy activities of the city, if you want to enjoy a relaxing and soothing evening, you should definitely check out the Puresolspa. It is located in the Embassy Suites by Hilton at Brooks and is the one and only salt cave of San Antonio. They offer all kinds of traditional relaxing spa services that you might expect, including relaxing massages and facials for individuals and couples but also unique services such as cupping and halotherapy and salt cave inhalation. The salt cave is a, truly, one-of-a-kind experience. You literally sit fearlessly and relax in a cave covered in beautiful salt. Surprisingly, years ago, research showed that the miners who worked in the salt mines were exceptionally healthy. We now know that breathing in this salty air has surprising health benefits, including respiratory and skin. If you’re out and about exploring the Texas Hill Country, they also have a second salt cave in Boerne at Tapatio Springs Hill Country Resort, which offers the same relaxing services.
RiverWalk
If you want to enjoy a relaxing and romantic evening with your other half then you should definitely invest your time in the RiverWalk of San Antonio. Combined with the restaurants offering deliciously exotic foods alongside the RiverWalk to cater your craving, the RiverWalk could be an all in one romantic experience for you. Traveling and Leisure that it provides has ranked itself as the #1 River Walk in America. Also known as Paseo del Rio, this major tourist attraction brings in over five million visitors a year. You can Spice your restaurant scene up by visiting one of the numerous night spots or enjoying the sounds of mariachis and other live music. Adults and children love to enjoy floating on riverboats piloted by San Antonio’s humorous and hilarious tour guides. All in all, The RiverWalk is the perfect place to hang out with family or sit quietly with your partner while you both enjoy the soothing sounds of a bubbling waterfall.
Best Bars in San Antonio
With the culinary scenes pretty high in the city, San Antonians love to eat and drink. When you go out and about enjoying the nightlife of the city chances are pretty high that you would also want to enjoy the finest brews of the bars. Well, you are lucky enough, because, the city has an embarrassment of riches when it comes to bars that serve carefully made drinks. So it’s really tough to agree on an option about where to spend your time/money. To make your life easier we have compiled a list of the strongest joints in the city, ranging from dives and icehouses to cocktail lounges and breweries, so you could enjoy the wholesome experience of boozing without the hassle of actually going through all the options. Enjoy them with caution, because it’s hard to have just one drink at any of these spots, because of the great taste offered by them:
Juniper Tar
Located at 244-W, Houston Street, this shadowy, upscale haven of shining marble and crystal, no doubt, continue to produce some of the city’s most deliciously-tasting and fascinating spirits-forward cocktails. With exotic tastes from grape spirits from Bolivia, Hungarian dessert wines, Armagnac and a host of assorted aperitifs and other surprises, buying a cocktail here can feel like buying a straight ticket to the heaven. Co-owner, beverage director and general manager of the Juniper Tar, Benjamin Krick and his team often find themselves in teaching mode, explaining comprehensively what the spirits are based on and what is on their ambitious menu to the curious ones. But speaking about the friendly vibe maintained here which ensures that those who just simply want a cold beer will feel just as comfortable as those who are looking to expand their palate.
High Street Wine Co.
If you are visiting the city and missing a particular drink from your home country, or some old-school choices, don’t worry the High Street Wine Co. has got you covered with its wide array of deliciously exotic options, which will surely have your required drink. High Street Wine Co.’s team produces or gathers hard-to-find wines by the glass or bottle and presents them with consummate knowledge without an ounce of pretension or snootiness. Advanced in the wine game, Scott Ota, also who is the general manager and beverage director, and his team is congenial tour guides through the more than 170 labels here. The options are virtually unlimited when you are visiting High Street Wine Co. You can have a glass of wine while shopping outdoors, enjoy a relaxing evening while sitting in the bar, craving for some cherries? No problem at all. The crew will facilitate you to fullest and will make sure that the evening becomes great for you. Moreover, if you want to geek out about a wine location or a specific type of wine, or just learn more about it, that can also be done.
Bar America
Originally established in 1942 as a café, Bar America has seen some menu, format, and even location renovations over the couple of years. But it has stayed in the Ramirez family, beginning with the current owner’s great-great-grandfather. The environment and the vibe are relaxing and welcoming, drawing guests from all walks of life, this bar has got you covered with its comprehensive list of wines. The one thing you won’t find at Bar America and is good in its own sense is unruly or rude patrons, who by strict regulations of the bar will be asked to leave to maintain the relaxing and soothing environment of the bar. So pull up a stool, follow the rules, and enjoy one of dozens of draft and bottled craft beers selections and some tunes from the jukebox.
Freetail Brewing Company
Located in Shavano Park, this local brewery has some of the best views, beer, and pizza in the city which will cater all of your needs under one roof. A youngster on the local brewing scene, Freetail manages to offer the laid-back attitude of its founder while still feeling 100% San Antonio. It is famous and signature beers, which are produced at the company’s truly own Southtown brewhouse and available for sampling there, include the ever-growing Bat Outta Helles Lager, Bourbon Barrel Aged Local Coffee Stout, and the summer-only Peach Bexarliner, which will really stimulate your taste buds in a positive manner.
The Modernist
Located at 516 E. Grayson Street, The Modernist is like a fantasy or it could also be your ultimate dream came true because of the exotic cocktails offered along with the retro-styled décor and furniture. Olaf Harmel, the godfather of the San Antonio’s cocktail scene, and Gerry Shirley, who formerly owned Bar du Mon Ami in its prime when Harmel was there, are back together in this small new venture that brings an old-school, retro-cool aesthetic to decor and cocktails. Like the jazz music being played through a speaker, the team loves to riff, and when told about a particular taste, kind, or information about a drink, they’ll come up with something tailored-made just for you, and that too for a price less than comparable bars. To fulfill your Food craving you could order food from the restaurant across the street and they will bring it to you to eat in the bar.
Bar Restaurants in San Antonio
Following up on the recommendations laid out in the above section when you are out and about fulfilling your cocktail needs in San Antonio, chances are that at some point you’re going to crave for the food as well. With San Antonio’s culinary scenes continuing to grow and innovate, it’s no wonder that a restaurant bar would be a great idea to go with. San Antonio has some of the finest restaurants that serve delicious food along with freshly boozes to make a perfect combination. For a city that likes to drink a lot, it’s no surprise that they’re quickly becoming drinking spots in their own sense. The best thing to do is to select a bar that also serves delicious food. That way your need for booze and craving for the food will be catered under one roof. Therefore, to fulfill your extreme craving for delightful food and awesome booze, we’ve come up with a list of San Antonio’s best bar restaurants, good enough to stimulate your taste buds to take you to the cloud noun:
Dough Pizzeria Napoletana
Originally The Dough opened in 2007, kicked off the Alamo City’s love of truly fresh gourmet pizza with its establishment in 2007. The second location just opened up in Hemisfair and is not only providing the authentic taste just like the previous one but also bringing a whole new facet to the eating experience. While Dough is obviously famous for its pizza, it’s the freshly pulled creamy mozzarella and burrata where this place really shines and steals the heart of its customers. The deliciously-exciting experience of digging your spoon into a bowl of fresh burrata cheese, and piling the cream in the middle on a piece of bread is nothing less than religious. There is enough outdoor seating as well, where you can eat pizza, drink Italian wine, and watch city life go.
The Maverick
Located in Southtown/Downtown, At Maverick, meat is the undisputed specialty and hero of the menu. Which goes beyond your expectations of typical grass-fed sirloin and New York strip to include dishes like Texas quail, crispy duck, the delicate, melt-in-your-mouth experience is especially good. Though dinner is the obvious standout, you can get equally delicious plates during lunch as well. With its green velvet colored seats providing a retro vibe, going to bar is like stepping back into the history. The accompanying drinks list is seasonal and well-selected. You can also ask the bartender about any specific type of wine or beer on the menu because sometimes they’ll have it anyway. Overall it could be a great choice for having booze and food at the same time.
The Esquire Tavern
Located alongside the RiverWalk of San Antonio, The Esquire Tavern, on the western side of downtown, is the oldest bar and the longest wooden bar top in Texas. Visitors can enjoy the craft and traditional cocktails with delicious food while having a beautiful and soothing view of the RiverWalk. The kitchen staff does not squelch on culinary quality or presentation at the buzzy tavern. Appetizers such as deviled eggs, boiled peanuts, and pork belly rillettes are fan favorites. If you want to enjoy a romantic dinner with your partner while having a romantic view of the RiverWalk, you should definitely hit up The Esquire Tavern.
Charlie Brown’s
Charlie Brown’s offers a full neighborhood bar on the North Central side of town and has a solid pocket-friendly menu. Charlie Brown’s offers Buffalo wings; eight types of burgers; and nine sandwiches, including the prime rib and the Philly cheesesteak. Entrees include Salisbury steak, 10-ounce New York strip streak, 16-ounce rib-eye, or fish and chips. Overall it would provide you a great experience of boozing along with great and delicious food.
Ocho
Located alongside the RiverWalk, Ocho is another restaurant and lounge that shares space with Havana, a full bar, at the upscale Hotel Havana, where you can Enjoy a pan-Latin-inspired lunch, dinner, or late-night snack with a cocktail while enjoying a beautiful sight of the RiverWalk. The all-day menu includes coconut rice and beans, shrimp and crab campachena, and a classic Cuban sandwich which all taste exceptionally delicious.
Best Nightclubs of San Antonio
Apart from the culinary scene and eateries, you may want to simply enjoy dancing on some great beats and enjoy a drink. Or, you just want to hang out with some friends at a nice place or want to make some new friends. Well, you should stop worrying because San Antonio’s nightclubs are perfect for everyone. From finding your date to hanging out with your friends you can enjoy yourself in nightclubs. With so many options available, it can sometimes become difficult to choose or identify a great option. Therefore, we’ve come up with the following list of some swankiest nightclubs in San Antonio to entertain you:
The Davenport
Located at 203 North, Presea Street, The Devenport offers a 20-foot bar counter featuring craft beers and some specials under a 14-foot ceiling that really looks like a crystal chandelier. With the live music being performed and curated by the live DJs, the experience becomes more thrilling and exciting that will keep your fingers snapping and your foot tapping till the morning whatsoever.
The Brass Monkey
The Brass Monkey is a place that seems to attract all types, from young and old, hipsters. In other words, people from a different background would love to hang out here. Located on the popular St. Mary’s strip, this medium-sized dance club is an awesome place to go to with friends or even with a partner. They have a nice outdoor section with a bar and the main room, complete with bar and sizable dance floor. Apart from dancing and just generally getting your groove on, The Brass Monkey is well-known for arranging events such as a tribute to the music of The Smiths and Morrissey. The suspended disco balls and often 80’s music playing, this campy, fun club is will provide you everything you need to have a blast to the past. Drinks are very reasonably priced while mixed drinks are particularly inexpensive for this part of town. The bartenders are qualified and on the ball, but as the place gets filled quickly, you must plan early.
Ivory Lounge
San Antonio is a city that is full of casual hangouts, so it’s nice to find an alternative to the swanky bars. This place offers such alternative with their high-end nightclub and lounge that showcases all-white decor as a backdrop to the hottest DJs, dancing and lighting effects. It wouldn’t be wrong to call the Ivory Lounge, San Antonio’s premier Nightclub and Lounge because they specialize in VIP bottle service and also offers a full bar with signature drinks and cocktails. The exceptionally well staff provides excellent service as you enjoy the evening surrounded by a wonderful crowd of your peers in a modern atmosphere. Some of the area top DJ’s spin a variety of today’s most popular music along with stimulating visual elements. Go dancing, mingling and get entranced by a pearly white dance club as close to heaven as one can realistically get on earth.
Cowboys Dancehall
Located on the Northeast side of the City of San Antonio, you can go to Cowboys Dancehall for some boot-tapping fun and authentic live music of the Taxes! They offer probably the largest and most impressive music scene in the city. Besides lovely music and dancing, Cowboys offers an indoor rodeo arena where you can see live events, such as professional bull riding. You’ll want to plan early so you can buy your tickets early because many of their concerts’ tickets are sold out like a breeze because of the presence of some renowned artists. Overall the place could be pretty awesome to enjoy the nightlife of the San Antonio.
Bonham Exchange
Located in Downtown, Bonham Exchange is Perhaps San Antonio’s most unique dance club. It is located in a building that is probably over 120 years old. The club is well-known for inviting everyone to come in and be whoever you are without fear of discrimination. Founded back in 1981, the original owner had a dream to launch a nightclub that was welcoming to everyone. He succeeded and today The Bonham welcomes literally EVERYONE. The Bonham Exchange has been in business for over 30 years. This is quite surprising for any night club. You will experience a crowd along with some live music thing going on.
Conclusion
To sum up things a little bit, it can be said that the City of San Antonio has a pretty high historical association with the war events that lead to the creation of many historical heritages in the city, which are also recognized by UNESCO. We went through a brief history of the city along with the details of how it came into being. We also discussed the renowned festivals and events which are held throughout the year in the city.
We then discussed several places to hang out with your friends and family in the night time. LOL comedy club, Gruene Hall and Majestic Theatre topped the list.
Coming to the adult nightlife of the city, we established how easy it is to find a good bar to enjoy with your friends or family or a date. Such bars could really offer some great pre-made cocktails for you or you could just ask for a special drink to be served especially for you.
You don’t feel hungry during your tour, that is why we also suggested some of the finest restaurants in the city of San Antonio that offer exotic and delicious food along with your favorite drinks. You can really enjoy the taste of good food along with some great booze. And lastly, we went through a comprehensive list of Nightclubs that offered great music with some delightfully exotic options for drinks and cocktail that will polish your overall experience.
Make sure to check out the above recommendations whenever you visit San Antonia so that you won’t miss the best options.
