Dance, Dance, Dance
Country Western, Swing, Latin y más
1. Cowboys Dancehall
Daily specials like college night and ladies night make Cowboys the place to see and be seen in San Antonio. The music is eclectic—from Top 40 to country—and the crowd is fun. You can’t go wrong with this Alamo City staple. 3030 NE Loop 410, (210) 646-9378, cowboysdancehall.com.
2. Midnight Rodeo
With free dance lessons on Wednesdays and Saturdays, Midnight Rodeo offers one hell of a deal. The circular dance floor is lively, so try not to get run over by other couples. The only thing missing here is a mechanical bull. 12260 Nacogdoches, (210) 655-0040, midnightrodeosanantonio.com.
3. Wild West
Saddle up, cowboys and cowgirls, and get ready for a wild night at Wild West. Lot’s of two steppin’ and good fun at this high-class honkey-tonk venue. Their motto? “Wild West—A little wild, but civilized!” 21025 US 281 N, (210) 496-9453, wildwestsanantonio.net.
4. Arjon’s International Club
With more than 20 years in the business, this tried and true Latino dance establishment is a unique gem. They offer lessons on Sunday, and an excellent array of Tejano and Latino dance music Thursday through Sunday. 8736 Tesoro, (210) 804-1419, arjonsinternationalclub.com.
5. Swing Nite at Sam’s Burger Joint
Every Monday at Sam’s Burger Joint, the San Antonio Swing Dance Association puts on a shindig for those who can Jitterbug and Charleston. For those who can’t, there are free lessons at 7 p.m. before the dance begins at 8:30 p.m. A mix of local and regional live bands set the tempo at this weekly event. 330 E Grayson, (210) 223-2830, samsburgerjoint.com.
Nightclubbin’
Dance clubs are few and far between in San Antonio, let alone clubs that allow minors. Here are a few that do.
1. Club Rio
Club Rio is one of the only true dance clubs in San Antonio that allows minors. Get ready for a full-on discotheque experience. Lots of Latin dance songs and a very diverse crowd. 13307 San Pedro, (210) 403-2582, club-rio.net.
2. Club Empire
Rowdy, loud and perfect for college kids. Get down and dirty at one of the most popular clubs in San Antonio with appearances by 98.5 The Beat and select artists. With appeals like their “Twerk-It Thursday,” how could you not go? 6890 NW Loop 410, (210) 688-7000.
3. Joe’s Volcano
Crazy lights and Tiki themed decorations can be found in the center of the volcano, Joe’s Volcano that is.
6844 Ingram, (210) 680-7225, joes-volcano.com.
4. Graham Central Station
With seven locations in three states, GCS is an entertainment marvel. The unique set-up includes six different themed nightclubs under one roof: karaoke, hip-hop, old school, techno, tejano and regional Mexican music. 4902 Fredericksburg, (210) 979-9303, grahamcentralstationsanantonio.com.
Hookah Brother Up
San Antonio has an abundance of hidden hookah hangouts that are perfect for underage students. An ancient Persian ritual, smoking shisha (flavored tobacco) out of a hookah has gained immense popularity in North America. All establishments are 18 and older. Remember, shisha is tobacco, and there are certain health risks involved when smoking it.
1. Shisha Café
5500 Babcock, #101. (210) 694-4800, 11am-2am Sun-Thur, 11am-4am Fri-Sat, shishacafesa.com.
2. Sultan Café and Grill
5625 Babcock, (210) 641-5544, 6pm-2am Sun-Thu, 6pm-3am Fri-Sat, facebook.com/SultanCafe.SA.
3. Suck It Hookah & Bubble Tea
6565 Babcock, #7, (210) 384-2974. noon-2am Mon-Thu, noon-2:30am Fri-Sat, 6pm-1:30am Sun, suckitsa.com.
4. Amore Café
4553 N Loop 1604 W, (210) 492-4994, 6pm-midnight Sun-Wed, 6pm-2am Thu-Sat, myamorecafe.com.
5. The Raven Hookah Lounge
1255 SW Loop 410, #133, (210) 673-3650, 7pm-2am Mon-Wed, 7pm-3am Thu-Sat, 7pm-1am Sun, ravenhookah.com.
At the Gay Bar
Why are LGBT nightclubs always more entertaining than regular clubs? Because they allow minors, of course!
1. The Electric Company
We suggest drinking a Red Bull before coming here. The energy is, well … electric. $8 cover charge for 18+. 820 San Pedro, (210) 212-6635.
2. The Saint
The Saint is anything but virtuous. Dancing, lights, hypnotic music. Who knows what goes on in all that smoke. $10 cover charge for 18+. 800 Lexington,
(210) 225-7330.
3. Bonham Exchange
Advertised as wanting the customer to “be whoever you want to be and have a great time without fear of criticism,” San Antonio’s most (in)famous LGBT night club is a must-go for college kids. The diversity among the crowd and the ambiance will make you feel comfortable, straight, gay or other. Cover charge varies, but minors are always permitted entrance. 411 Bonham, (210) 271-3811, bonhamexchange.com.
4. Silver Dollar Saloon
Foggy and packed ... What more can you ask for in a gay club? $10 cover charge for 18+. 1812 N Main, (210) 227-2623.
5. Heat
This dance lounge has multiple rooms in the venue providing several ways to heat up your evening. $15 cover charge for 18+. 1500 N Main, (210) 227-2600, heatsa.com.
Good, Clean Fun
From karaoke to pool to comedy, there are so many options for those of us unable to kill our brain cells with alcohol (yet).
1. Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club
With most of their shows geared toward those 18 and older, the Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club is a really fun(ny) entertainment alternative for minors. You can avoid annoying pre-teens and even try out your own comedy skills at one of the regular open mic nights. 618 NW Loop 410, (210) 541-8805, lolsanantonio.com.
2. Fast Eddie’s Billiards:
After 7pm, Fast Eddie’s becomes an 18+ establishment. Let the party begin! Eddie’s provides an opportunity to hone your pool skills, meet some new people and enjoy a low-key night of bank shots. Multiple locations, fasteddiesbilliards.com.
3. Asiana/Big Bang Karaoke
With space to accommodate around 10 people, and a wide variety of English and Korean karaoke songs, Big Bang Karaoke rooms can be rented for parties with friends. Although the food is pricey, the disco ball decor makes up for this shortcoming. 4408 Walzem, (210) 501-9448.
4. Kantina Karaoke Bar
On Friday and Saturday, there is a $10 cover charge for those under 21. Sing your heart out. 2512 SW Loop 410, (210) 344-4400, kantinakaraokebar.com.
LATE NIGHT BITES:
While our elders consume alcohol at night, we consume delicious queso, cinnamon rolls and s’mores, so at least we can keep up, calorically speaking.
1. Halcyon
A combination of bar, coffee shop and boutique eatery, there is something for everyone at this unique joint. Open until 2 a.m. every night and known for their tableside s’mores—they literally bring over sticks, marshmallows, graham crackers, chocolate and a small open flame—Halcyon is a welcome new Southtown spot. 1414 S Alamo, (210) 277-7045, halcyonsouthtown.com.
2. Lulu’s Bakery and Cafe
Featured on Man vs. Food, Lulu’s is home to the 3-pound cinnamon roll. Open 24/7, consider going around 3 a.m. on a Friday or Saturday. Why? You might get to witness a table full of drag queens from the neighboring clubs enjoying a bite to eat—a free show in it’s own way. 918 N Main, (210) 224-5001, luluscafeinsa.com.
3. Mi Tierra Café y Panadería
Despite being a staple San Antonio tourist restaurant, Mi Tierra is the perfect spot for locals in need of late night queso and tacos. Few tourists will be there past the witching hour, so enjoy the flashy décor and mariachi music without those annoying fanny packers taking over the joint. Open 24/7. 218 Produce Row, (210) 225-1262, mitierracafe.com.
