Sometimes, the best way to get the feel of a city is by relaxing with a drink and people-watching; it’s also a chance to sample some regional cuisine if you’re lucky. It provides a great opportunity to chat with the locals and get recommendations for restaurants, shopping, and things to do and see. If your travels take you to San Antonio, here are the five best places to stop for a drink.
The Friendly Spot
This open-air bar occupies a converted ice house anchoring the historic King William and Southtown arts districts. It’s a veritable paradise for beer-lovers; the menu features about 250 different bottled craft brews with 75 different beers on tap, including 25 Texas brands. One reason locals and visitors love The Friendly Spot is because this truly is a friendly bar — children and dogs are always welcome. The menu is Tex-Mex pub fare, and there’s a superb Sunday brunch featuring $5 pint-sized Mimosas.
Ocho
Photo by Michael Cruz via Trover.com
When you’re in San Antonio, you have to do the River Walk, and Ocho is right in the heart of it. Located in the Hotel Havana, Ocho features a gorgeous glass and steel conservatory and a lively outdoor patio with live music on the weekends. The more intimate downstairs bar is furnished with deep club chairs and cozy booths and serves an extensive array of fine spirits. The menu is heavy on Latin and Caribbean cuisine. Set aside an hour or two to enjoy a drink and watch the parade of humanity pass by.
Luke
Winner of the Best Happy Hour bar by the San Antonio Current, Luke is a favorite of the downtown crowd. Located in the Embassy Suites San Antonio, this lively bar offers steep discounts on tap beer and wine by the glass, as well as specially priced cocktails and appetizers. Don’t miss the 50-cent raw oysters ($1 if you like them charbroiled) and a $2 Pearl or Lone Star. Best of all, you won’t miss out if you’re only in town for a weekend getaway — Luke’s happy hour goes until 8 pm on Saturdays and Sundays, too.
The Granary ‘Cue and Brew
This award-winning brew pub is equally famous for its top quality brews and its first-in-class barbecue made from locally sourced, humanely raised, sustainable livestock. The granary is located in the old Pearl Brewery complex in the rustic brick cooper’s house. Come hungry; the tasty, innovative beers compliment a mouth-watering menu featuring fresh seasonal vegetables and local Texas produce.
The Cowboys Dancehall
No trip to San Antonio is complete without a good old Texas-style cowboy bar where beer flows freely and the two-step goes until dawn. This country dance hall has several polished dance floors, great drink specials, and the iconic mechanical bull to test your mettle. Entertainment varies, from live country bands to rowdy cage matches and everything in between. Sunday is teen night if you’re traveling with the kids.
When having a drink in San Antonio is on your travel agenda, do yourself a favor and enjoy a sip and a snack at these fabulous San Antonio bars.