Since childhood, history lessons have instructed us to “Remember the Alamo,” the first time many people first heard of San Antonio, the second-largest city in Texas by population. In recent decades, the city’s famed River Walk, major theme parks and the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park have made it an immensely popular destination for travelers around the globe.
What may be lesser known is that San Antonio is one of only two UNESCO-designated Creative Cities of Gastronomy in the U.S., which led Visit San Antonio to trademark the city as the Culinary Capital of Texas.
Thanks to the Culinary Institute of America, San Antonio is producing top chefs who stick around after graduation. That invention, paired with centuries of Mexican and European influences informing the cuisine, has led to a thriving food scene. And by proxy, an elevated cocktail culture has emerged, complementing the city’s friendly dives and ice houses.
To get the insider’s take on the best of San Antonio’s drinks scene, we turned to a handful of industry professionals for their recommendations on where to go and what to order. Read on for their top picks.
Best Cocktail Bar
Mixtli
Southtown, King William District
Named after the Aztec spoken word for cloud, Mixtli drifts effortlessly across the vastness of Mexico via a food menu that changes quarterly. Its beverage program is equally impressive.
David Young, lead bartender at The Sternewirth, inside Hotel Emma, offers high praise. “Mixtli is run by Lauren Beckman, who easily makes the best cocktails in the city,” he says. “Even the most experienced mixologist out there can go there and be amazed at the combinations that they put together in their drinks.”
Start simple with Young’s recommendation, the house margarita, which combines clarified lime juice and salted foam with edible flowers. Or, pull up a stool at the bar and let the bartenders create a custom cocktail that is specific to your favorite spirits and flavor profiles.
Best Tequila Bar
Cuishe
Downtown
“This place, hands down, has the best selection of agave distillates you can find in the city,” says Dave Arciniega, executive chef and beverage director of The Moon’s Daughters and Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk.
Cuishe boasts more than 200 tequilas and mezcals on its list. Before you dig in, Arciniega recommends starting with a cantarito, a traditional tequila or mezcal cocktail made with lemon, lime and grapefruit juices. “It comes in a clay pot and is available in larger formats for you and your date to share,” he adds. “No one regrets it ever.”
Best Date Night Bars
Bar Loretta
Southtown, King William District
Set in a cozy, 100-year-old building that was once two separate structures, Bar Loretta focuses on Texas-inspired seasonal cuisine, cocktails and a thoughtful selection of beer and wine. Grab a seat inside or out, and order a Ride or Die Baby!, a drink made with nopal-infused El Tequileño tequila. It’s Young’s top pick whenever he stops by: “refreshing and a little savory, suitable for day or night, hot or cold weather,” he says.
Ladino
Historic Pearl District
Mediterranean influences abound at the cheery Ladino, from the ingredients in the restaurant’s Jewish-Balkan fare to the crisp blue and white dinnerware. Young loves to go for happy hour, when he can snack and enjoy a lower-alcohol Tokaji Spritz made with Tokaji wine from Hungary.
“It’s got a dark apple note to it that makes it great for a fall and winter drink, as well,” he says. “I find myself going back for it over and over again, along with an order of their spicy feta appetizer. It's one of the simplest things, but it tastes incredible.”
Best Wine Bars
Copa Wine Bar
Stone Oak
Long-time Stone Oak residents Jeff and Angie Bridges got their start in the food and beverage world as owners of a wine and spirits store in the neighborhood. That transitioned into Copa Wine Bar, an intimate and casual place to enjoy easy-to-drink wines, as well as rare brands and special vintages that will appeal to true connoisseurs.
Blanca Aldaco, president of Aldaco’s Mexican Cuisine, loves to pop over for some Mediterranean bites and a good glass of wine from the rotating list. “But I love their homemade sangria,” she adds. Available in red, white and rosé, the sangrias can be purchased in large quantities to-go, too.
Isidore
Historic Pearl District
The recently opened Pullman Market offers multiple food concepts under one roof, from produce and groceries to fast-casual and full-service restaurants. Isidore focuses on flavors and ingredients native to Texas, paired with well-matched wines in a wide variety of profiles from Texas and California to all across Europe.
“Isidore has one of the strongest wine lists in the city and some of the most knowledgeable somms who can really help you walk through your options,” says Young.
But, if you’re leaning more toward cocktails, he also recommends the Miracle Well Martini made with Texas gin or vodka, celery leaf, melon and Mediterranean-style vermouth. “It’s one of the softest and easiest boozy cocktails I’ve ever had.”
Best Speakeasies
Downstairs at The Esquire Tavern
Downtown
The oldest bar on the San Antonio River Walk—and home to the longest wooden bar top in Texas—The Esquire Tavern has become a legendary must-visit since opening in the 1930s. Though the greater Esquire Tavern space is rather large, the Downstairs bar offers moody, darkened environs that offer a distinctive speakeasy vibe, despite being accessible directly from the bustling River Walk. “This is a must-see for anyone visiting San Antonio,” Arciniega says.
RD Hidden Speakeasy
Alamo Heights
Start by making a reservation at this tiny spot decorated with vintage furnishings and all sorts of quirky knickknacks in a rather nondescript red building. “RD Hidden Speakeasy is exactly that—hidden!” Aldaco says. “It’s a gem of a cocktail bar located inside a secret room at The Barn Door. When you make a reservation, you’re provided a secret code, which is used to get into the establishment. It’s a very intimate, cool experience with amazing cocktails.” She recommends ordering the signature drink of the evening because it’s always different and always delicious.
Best Tavern
Sternewirth
Historic Pearl District
Back in the 1800s, something known as the Sterenwirth Privilege allowed brewery employees to drink during the work day. Appropriately enough, Sternewirth is a swanky, two-story space with vaulted 25-foot ceilings in the former brewhouse of the Pearl Brewing Company. You can even snag a seat in repurposed brewing tanks that create intimate nooks for imbibing and conversing, unlike anything in the city. “Service is always solid and a carefully curated cocktail and wine list make this cozy bar a win,” says Arciniega.
Best Singles Bar
Pastiche
Eastside
Equal parts speakeasy and European cocktail bar, Pastiche hosts regular mixers for singles. The remodeled 1920s-era house has “a great selection of out-of-the-ordinary spirits,” says Arciniega. He recommends trying something from their collection of eau de vies (clear fruit brandies) or going during brunch where repurposed bathtubs ice down bubbly for mimosas. “Take a date and chill on their antique furniture while downing some amaro,” he adds.
Best Honky-Tonk
Thirsty Horse Dance Hall & Saloon
Northwest San Antonio
For country western music, two-stepping into the wee hours of the morning and icy cold beer, Thirsty Horse Saloon covers all the bases. It’s a quintessentially Texas place with multiple bars and entertainment options in one venue. Live music and all the big sports games on multiple TVs are among the draws. Thirsty Horse gives “dive bar vibes, but you never wait more than a couple of minutes for a drink,” says Arciniega. “I personally stick to Wild Turkey 101 on ice and a cold Modelo while listening to my favorite country music all night.”
Best Brewery
Southerleigh Fine Foods & Brewery
Pearl Historic District
Comfort food and ice-cold beer are always a classic combination. At Southerleigh Fine Foods & Brewery, brewers craft multiple styles of beer, several of which tap into the German influences of the Texas Hill Country region. Southerleigh “is a great place to visit if you’re coming to San Antonio,” Aldaco says. “My go-to is a craft beer flight, so I get to try a little of everything.”
Best Steakhouse Bar
Blü Prime Steakhouse
Stone Oak
In Texas, steakhouse bars have a draw all their own. Many times, locals hang out without even ordering a ribeye or New York strip. However, Aldaco suggests you try the excellent food, but “sit at the bar: the staff is amazing and you’re sure to make a friend,” she says. Her must-try drink is the House of Dragons cocktail made with Casa Dragones Blanco, strawberry, dragon fruit, homemade grenadine and soursop guanabana nectar.
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In the Shop
For Wine On-the-Go
This versatile messenger-style wine bag comes with removable bottle liners, a corkscrew and an aerator.
Published: November 22, 2024
