A night out in downtown San Antonio can be lively and fun, but parking and crowds get old fast. We don't blame anyone for wanting to stay closer to home as they chase a good time.
That's why we compiled this list of the best bars outside of the city center. From dives and taprooms to speakeasies and music venues, San Antonio has plenty of bars to offer — and they're not all downtown.
San Antonio's best bars that aren't located downtown
By San Antonio Current Staff on Wed, Jul 3, 2024 at 5:04 pm
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Photo via Instagram / djtech_neek
Lighthouse Lounge
The Lighthouse Lounge hosts bands and DJs and has an eclectic booking policy than can range from Latin hip-hop to doom metal. Located near Woodlawn Lake Park, this neighborhood spot offers specialty shots, is pet friendly and boasts of picturesque sunset views. 1016 Cincinnati Ave.,https://www.facebook.com/thelighthouselounge/.
The Lighthouse Lounge hosts bands and DJs and has an eclectic booking policy than can range from Latin hip-hop to doom metal. Located near Woodlawn Lake Park, this neighborhood spot offers specialty shots, is pet friendly and boasts of picturesque sunset views. 1016 Cincinnati Ave.,https://www.facebook.com/thelighthouselounge/.
San Antonio Current Staff
Charlie Brown's Neighborhood Bar & Grill
Charlie Brown's is a dependable Northeast San Antonio spot for posting up with friends for a meal or drinks. They serve pub fare and pizza, and the popular chicken wings have a range of sauces up to the Hot Ones level Butt Burner. 11888 Starcrest Drive, Suite 101, (210) 496-7092, charlie-browns.com.
Charlie Brown's is a dependable Northeast San Antonio spot for posting up with friends for a meal or drinks. They serve pub fare and pizza, and the popular chicken wings have a range of sauces up to the Hot Ones level Butt Burner. 11888 Starcrest Drive, Suite 101, (210) 496-7092, charlie-browns.com.
McFinnegan’s Pub
McFinnegan’s is a reliable spot for affordable bevs, making it an excellent choice to watch the game and grab a bite to eat. Guests rave about top-notch service and ice cold drinks. 7210 Blanco Rd, (210) 314-4194, https://www.instagram.com/mcfinniganspub/.
McFinnegan’s is a reliable spot for affordable bevs, making it an excellent choice to watch the game and grab a bite to eat. Guests rave about top-notch service and ice cold drinks. 7210 Blanco Rd, (210) 314-4194, https://www.instagram.com/mcfinniganspub/.
Instagram / Zombies
Zombies
This horror-themed bar has great cocktails that match the theme and a long beer list. Horror flicks play on the TVs and there is often karaoke, to which guests bring their A-game. 4202 Thousand Oaks Dr, (210) 281-8306, https://drinkingwithzombies.com/.
This horror-themed bar has great cocktails that match the theme and a long beer list. Horror flicks play on the TVs and there is often karaoke, to which guests bring their A-game. 4202 Thousand Oaks Dr, (210) 281-8306, https://drinkingwithzombies.com/.
Photo by satxrated via Instagram / cosmic_mayhemsa
Cosmic Mayhem Blacklight Mini Golf and Bar
Cosmic Mayhem feels like you fell down the rabbit hole into Wonderland, but if the Mad Hatter and company were more into mini golf than tea parties. This indoor blacklight mini golf joint offers an 18-hole indoor course, virtual reality games, an arcade and axe-throwing. A fun choice for first dates or family time.903 E. Bitters Road, Suite 310, (210) 437-1072, cosmicmayhem.com.
Cosmic Mayhem feels like you fell down the rabbit hole into Wonderland, but if the Mad Hatter and company were more into mini golf than tea parties. This indoor blacklight mini golf joint offers an 18-hole indoor course, virtual reality games, an arcade and axe-throwing. A fun choice for first dates or family time.903 E. Bitters Road, Suite 310, (210) 437-1072, cosmicmayhem.com.
Instagram / thestarlightersatx
The Starlighter
This Deco district live music destination is another fun choice for Friday — or any other night. They host drag events on the reg and also vendor markets, so be sure to check the calendar to see what they’ve got going on.1910 Fredericksburg Road, thestarlighter.com.
This Deco district live music destination is another fun choice for Friday — or any other night. They host drag events on the reg and also vendor markets, so be sure to check the calendar to see what they’ve got going on.1910 Fredericksburg Road, thestarlighter.com.
Nina Rangel
Cootey’s Tavern
Cootey’s has been delivering no-nonsense drinks to San Antonio’s North Star area since 1969. Classic pool and darts plus karaoke and trivia can be enjoyed alongside daily specials including $4 whiskey. The vibes are easygoing. and the patrons are devoted — always a good sign.8318 Jones Maltsberger Road, #128, (210) 342-4998,cooteystavern.com.
Cootey’s has been delivering no-nonsense drinks to San Antonio’s North Star area since 1969. Classic pool and darts plus karaoke and trivia can be enjoyed alongside daily specials including $4 whiskey. The vibes are easygoing. and the patrons are devoted — always a good sign.8318 Jones Maltsberger Road, #128, (210) 342-4998,cooteystavern.com.
Nina Rangel
Thirsty Horse Dance Hall & Saloon
They’ve got both kinds of music, country and western! Located in north central SA, Thirsty Horse has live music most nights and a massive dance floor from which to enjoy it. Free dance lessons on Wednesday through Saturday will have you perfectly ready to pull your boots on and get out there. Don't worry wallflowers, there's a lovely patio to enjoy as well.2335 NW Military Highway, (210) 348-1513,thirstyhorse.net.
They’ve got both kinds of music, country and western! Located in north central SA, Thirsty Horse has live music most nights and a massive dance floor from which to enjoy it. Free dance lessons on Wednesday through Saturday will have you perfectly ready to pull your boots on and get out there. Don't worry wallflowers, there's a lovely patio to enjoy as well.2335 NW Military Highway, (210) 348-1513,thirstyhorse.net.
Nina Rangel
Shady Lady Saloon
Southeast San Antonio’s Shady Lady Saloon has ice-cold, no-frills beverages which can be enjoyed from the shuffleboard court. It's also got pool tables and darts. 3603 S. WW White Road, (210) 333-4224, facebook.com/shadyladsaloonsa.
Southeast San Antonio’s Shady Lady Saloon has ice-cold, no-frills beverages which can be enjoyed from the shuffleboard court. It's also got pool tables and darts. 3603 S. WW White Road, (210) 333-4224, facebook.com/shadyladsaloonsa.
Photo via Instagram / therustynailsa
Rusty Nail
This neighborhood joint has a wide selection of burgers and booze as well as all the good bar staples like karaoke, trivia, sports and live music. It also hosts whiskey tastings for those wanting to learn more about their favorite liquor.15122 Potranco Road, (210) 254-9201, therustynailsa.com.
This neighborhood joint has a wide selection of burgers and booze as well as all the good bar staples like karaoke, trivia, sports and live music. It also hosts whiskey tastings for those wanting to learn more about their favorite liquor.15122 Potranco Road, (210) 254-9201, therustynailsa.com.
Courtesy Photo / Chicken N Pickle
Chicken N Pickle
Chicken N pickle is a huge complex of shuffleboard, pickleball, corn hole and ping pong. There’s an extensive food menu and plenty of adult beverages to enhance your playing on the court. 5215 UTSA Boulevard, (210) 874-2120, chickennpickle.com.
Chicken N pickle is a huge complex of shuffleboard, pickleball, corn hole and ping pong. There’s an extensive food menu and plenty of adult beverages to enhance your playing on the court. 5215 UTSA Boulevard, (210) 874-2120, chickennpickle.com.
Instagram / cover3dining
Cover 3
Cover 3 has a ton of food options, and the drinks won’t let you down either. It’s a classy kind of sports bar that doesn't just have the expected cold beer but also a wine cellar with over 70 options. 1806 N 1604 W, (210) 479-9700, cover-3.com.
Cover 3 has a ton of food options, and the drinks won’t let you down either. It’s a classy kind of sports bar that doesn't just have the expected cold beer but also a wine cellar with over 70 options. 1806 N 1604 W, (210) 479-9700, cover-3.com.
Instagram / Picks Bar
Picks Bar SA
Picks Bar offers live music Wednesday through Sunday and myriad libations to boot. Sunday brunch, bottle service and live band karaoke make it a well-rounded establishment.4553 North Loop 1604 W #1101, (210) 253-9220, picksbar.com.
Picks Bar offers live music Wednesday through Sunday and myriad libations to boot. Sunday brunch, bottle service and live band karaoke make it a well-rounded establishment.4553 North Loop 1604 W #1101, (210) 253-9220, picksbar.com.
Instagram / SACurrent
Rocky’s Tavern
This Northeast SA drinkery has a sweet outdoor patio, perfect for fresh air and cold beer. Enjoy TVs, pool and darts inside.11403 O’Connor Rd. Ste. 106, (210) 637-7625 https://www.instagram.com/rockystavern/.
This Northeast SA drinkery has a sweet outdoor patio, perfect for fresh air and cold beer. Enjoy TVs, pool and darts inside.11403 O’Connor Rd. Ste. 106, (210) 637-7625 https://www.instagram.com/rockystavern/.
Photo via Instagram / s.a.foodie
The Hoppy Monk
This taproom has an ample menu for both food and beer plus a popular Sunday brunch. The spacious outdoor seating area is ideal for a cold beer on a sunny afternoon. 1010 N Loop 1604 E, thehoppymonk.com.
This taproom has an ample menu for both food and beer plus a popular Sunday brunch. The spacious outdoor seating area is ideal for a cold beer on a sunny afternoon. 1010 N Loop 1604 E, thehoppymonk.com.
Courtesy Photo / Slackers
Slackers
Slackers isn’t slacking when it comes to fun. Whether you’re there for the sports bar aspect or the collection of games, this spot has something for almost everyone. 126 W Rector // 12234 Nacogdoches Road, (210) 845-2603, slackersbars.com.
Slackers isn’t slacking when it comes to fun. Whether you’re there for the sports bar aspect or the collection of games, this spot has something for almost everyone. 126 W Rector // 12234 Nacogdoches Road, (210) 845-2603, slackersbars.com.
Instagram / Bar du Mon Ami
Bar Mon Ami
This classy and timeless Alamo Heights bar is a cozy alternative to the bustling downtown. The curated atmosphere matches the elevated cocktails, all made with care.4901 Broadway St, (210) 740-9229, barmonami.com.
This classy and timeless Alamo Heights bar is a cozy alternative to the bustling downtown. The curated atmosphere matches the elevated cocktails, all made with care.4901 Broadway St, (210) 740-9229, barmonami.com.
Julian Ledezma
The Bang Bang Bar
This loveable neighborhood blends a rock 'n' roll vibe with vintage furniture, games and a solid cocktail menu. Cozy up on the couch with a cocktail or belly up to the bar for a beer.119 El Mio Drive, (210) 320-1187, thebangbangbartx.com.
This loveable neighborhood blends a rock 'n' roll vibe with vintage furniture, games and a solid cocktail menu. Cozy up on the couch with a cocktail or belly up to the bar for a beer.119 El Mio Drive, (210) 320-1187, thebangbangbartx.com.
Photo via Instagram / lucycoopersicehouse
Lucy Cooper’s Texas Ice House
With cornhole and cold beer, adirondacks and fire pits, Lucy Cooper’s knows how to keep revelers entertained. The kitchen is also known for its deft hand at Southern fare.16080 San Pedro Ave, (210) 462-1894,, lucycoopers.com.
With cornhole and cold beer, adirondacks and fire pits, Lucy Cooper’s knows how to keep revelers entertained. The kitchen is also known for its deft hand at Southern fare.16080 San Pedro Ave, (210) 462-1894,, lucycoopers.com.
Photo via Facebook, OAK HILLS TAVERN
Oak Hills Tavern
Come for the cheap drinks and good grub, stay for the cool events and hidden-gem charm. Oak Hills Tavern calls itself the best damn diver bar in San Antonio, and has been proudly flying under the radar for 25 years. 7920 Fredericksburg Road, (210) 614-8855, oakhillstavern.com.
Come for the cheap drinks and good grub, stay for the cool events and hidden-gem charm. Oak Hills Tavern calls itself the best damn diver bar in San Antonio, and has been proudly flying under the radar for 25 years. 7920 Fredericksburg Road, (210) 614-8855, oakhillstavern.com.
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