After compiling lists of the 100 best bars in San Antonio for the past two years, the Current has slimmed its 2023 list down to half as many.
Why? Certainly not because of a dearth of worthy drinking spots. They keep proliferating as the Alamo City grows, creeping into new parts of town and switching hands as new owners with creative ideas try their hand in the business.
No, we decided to make 50 the magic number this year to give the list more exclusivity. Nothing wrong with 100, but with 50, we had to make hard choices, including leaving some cherished longtime favorites off the list and passing over a few new and hip nightspots.
In other words, there may be some painful omissions, but you, dear reader, can feel assured that we're presenting a list of watering holes that are truly exceptional and worthy of exploration.
Keep in mind that this is a snapshot in time. As with all lists of its type, the makeup could change if we redid it next week. If you don't see your favorite spot, relax and remember it may well make the cut next year. If you see a place you can't stand, hey, it's a subjective process. Besides, there's always the risk the exposure would bring a flood of losers who ruin the essence of your favorite haunt.
What we can assure you is that we had a blast assembling this list, and that it's representative of San Antonio's unique, diverse and ever-evolving nightlife scene.
Cheers!
Reviews written by Nina Rangel, Sanford Nowlin, Bryan Rindfuss, Travis E. Poling and Michael Karlis.