Next time you're craving a delicious cocktail, go underground. Bar 1919 is located below ground level and features an elegant interior comprised of plush seats, leather banquettes, and polished walls. Their extensive menu of wonderfully crafted cocktails is served in a speakeasy-style atmosphere. Some must-try items on the menu include Without A Trace and Blue Grass Fizz.
Located in the Menger Hotel, the Menger Bar is full of history - and ghosts, some would have you believe. This is the place where Teddy Roosevelt recruited his Rough Riders, and you'll find photos of him here, as well as plenty of historic memorabilia. Enjoy Texas beer, whiskey, and other drinks in this bar that was built in 1887 and some say is haunted. The decor is true to the era in which it was built, except for the flat-screen TV on the wall.
The Friendly Spot lives up to its name, providing an inviting place for patrons - and their kids and pets - to hang out. This family-friendly ice house even has a play area where parents can watch their kids play while enjoying a drink from their menu of 250 bottled beers. Dogs are welcome too, so bring the whole family and enjoy the sunshine. From time to time, you'll be treated to a movie on their huge projection screen. Their menu features tasty bar snacks like sandwiches, hot dogs, and nachos. Factor in the friendly service, and this place is perfect to enjoy a Lone Star on a beautiful day.
The Bonham Exchange, simply known as "The Bonham," is a large and popular nightclub a couple of blocks away from River Center Mall. Although the Bonham still primarily sees itself as a lesbian/gay club, times have changed and the club now boasts a more diverse clientele. Dance on one of the club's three dance floors and when you are hot and tired, enjoy a drink on the patio. If you are hungry, you can usually find someone selling tacos or hamburgers. There is a small room between the first and second floors of the main dance floor with newspapers, flyers and other information about the lesbian/gay community.
It all started in 1881 when trappers, hunters and cowboys traded deer antlers for beer or whiskey at Albert Friedrich's saloon. Now, the saloon/museum's Hall of Horns, Hall of Feathers and Hall of Fins house not only the largest, but also some of the most impressive collections of native and exotic wildlife around. If you're squeamish about mounted deer heads, fish and fowl, then don't go. If you're awed by how large deer antlers can grow to be, by just how large of a mouth that a large-mouth bass can have, or at the wingspan of native turkeys, then you'll love this place. You can even bring in a set of antlers or a stuffed fish to trade at the bar for a whiskey or sarsaparilla.
If you're looking for a weekend dance party, head to The Industry. This club keeps the night lively by playing your favorite dance tunes from the 80s and 90s. The dance floor isn't huge, but it manages to get packed. Pair the cool tunes with reasonably priced cover charges and drinks, and it's easy to see why this place is one of San Antonio's favorite dance spots.
Enjoy Mediterranean tapas and a great wine selection at Copa Wine Bar. The atmosphere is intimate, decorated with candlelit wooden tables - perfect for a romantic night out. The menu features savory items that you can share, like fire-roasted chevre, cheese and meat plates, pizzas with a thin crust, and desserts. Stop by during happy hour on a weekday for specials on wine and appetizers.
Decked up with Lucha Libre paraphernalia such as a wall adorned with colorful wrestling masks and posters showcasing the legends of this genre. There are also seating areas inspired by wrestling rings. Unique craft beers and Mexican drafts are served on tap for beer enthusiasts. But there is also mezcal and tequila for those who want to try something other than beer. DJ nights and live music add to the entertainment factor of this place.
This ultra-casual bar called La Tuna Grill provides the perfect backdrop for drinking a few brews, getting a little sun and seeing a lot of local color. A few tables are inside, but most of the action takes place on the patio, under a canopy of huge pecan trees. For a list of beers, ask the bartender or just look at the bottle caps blanketing the patio. Delicious food on the menu is a big draw, too. This is also a family friendly establishment, offering a kids menu.