You’ve just polished off the juiciest burger in San Antonio, the conversation is flowing like a perfectly poured craft beer, and you realize you both share a love for smoky brisket and live music. The night doesn’t have to end here. Where do you go next when you want that perfect blend of sizzle and spirit? Let these 18 bar & grills show you the way.
90 Proof Bar & Grill
$ | (210) 444-9990 | WEBSITE
Yep, the outdoor patio’s first this time, because if you’re heading to 90 Proof Bar & Grill on a weekend, you’re going to have to wait a bit for a table inside. Put your name on the list for dinner and head out back to the quieter patio area to pregame with brisket nachos and specialty drinks mixed by bartenders like Elaina who seriously know what they’re doing.
4th bar and lounge
$ | WEBSITE
4th Bar and Lounge is a local spot in San Antonio, and it’s your weekend secret weapon – perfect for a Friday night out if you’re looking to unwind, or a night strategically planned after a week of work, during which you just happened to stop by for one drink. Well done. You deserve some great music and friendly bartenders.
La Carreta
$$ | (210) 267-2473 | WEBSITE
If you’re tired of the same predictable bar food, you need to visit La Carreta. They serve vibrant Mexican-inspired dishes, from Kobe beef burgers to tasty tacos to delicious aguas chiles, and you’ll find great drinks, accommodating staff, and (on Fridays) live music that fills the space. There’s enough energy that you’ll never have the same experience twice (unless you want to), and if it doesn’t impress your friends, it’s a clear sign they’re missing out on San Antonio’s best bar and grill.
The Lost Bar and Grill
$$ | (210) 437-4873 | WEBSITE
Bar food is always a solid bet for a casual night out, and The Lost Bar and Grill is probably the most welcoming place to get it. Inside this cozy spot you’ll find delicious egg rolls, cheese curds, and a chubby melt you never knew you wanted until now. You’ll also realize (in case you ever had any doubt) that eating wings and nachos in a friendly space that feels like something from your neighborhood hangout is a pretty enjoyable thing to do.
If they have Karaoke Friday at 9 when you go, check it out.
Embers Wood Fire Grill & Bar
$$ | (210) 562-3075 | WEBSITE
Not only is Embers Wood Fire Grill & Bar a standout for its generous portions and reasonable prices, with its rustic wood accents, warm lighting, and cozy booth seating—but it’s also a perfect spot for a casual meetup with friends. Mix and match wood-grilled specialties like the Bella Pork Chops with parmesan sauce or the standout Ribeye Steak Dinner for an overall enjoyable meal, or split a Wood Fire Pizza. Just be sure to get the Embers Fries no matter what.
Gembler’s Barnyard
$ | (210) 639-5110 | WEBSITE
Keep the rustic theme going at Gembler’s Barnyard, a cozy bar with a lively atmosphere, which has a variety of entertainment options like darts, pool, and a dance floor. Much like a classic neighborhood spot, the casual space works equally well for hanging out with friends and unwinding after a long day.
Splach
$ | (210) 227-7579 | WEBSITE
You’ve just had a long day and the mood is good, so we’re not sending you to a pretentious spot to sip fancy cocktails in the dark while you struggle to find the right playlist. Head to Splach instead, and opt for a cold beer or decent wine. If it’s nice out, grab a seat at one of the tables near the games, but settling into a booth by the bar is just as good.
The Friendly Spot Ice House
$ | (210) 224-2337 | WEBSITE
If the quiet of San Antonio’s more formal spots leaves you restless, head straight to The Friendly Spot Ice House to catch the game and let the kids run wild. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a lively neighborhood hangout with big screens flashing sports, fire pits crackling on the patio, and a playground where the little ones can burn off energy until closing.
The menu keeps things simple and satisfying—think crispy wings, loaded nachos, and crunchy fried pickles, all served quickly so you don’t miss a play. Vegetarian options are clearly marked, and the drinks hit the spot, especially the specialty concoctions. If the weather’s fine, grab a seat outside where dogs are welcome and the vibe is pure Texas casual—just be ready for restrooms that could use a refresh. It’s the kind of place where everyone, from families to sports fans, finds their groove.
Tony’s Siesta
$ | (210) 592-1199 | WEBSITE
If you’re exploring downtown San Antonio, there’s a good chance you’ll stumble upon a cozy cantina – and if you find Tony’s Siesta, chances are you’ll want to stay for a while, too. All signs point to this spot for drinks. This place (which actually features a nice patio area with occasional food trucks) has an impressive selection of craft cocktails and beers, like the Mexican Martinis or a great daiquiri.
Enjoy the solid mezcal selection while discussing where to ride your bike next in the neighborhood.
La Tuna Icehouse
$ | (210) 224-8862 | WEBSITE
We’re not sure whether La Tuna Icehouse is a serious neighborhood icehouse, or a neighborhood icehouse that’s making fun of itself – it’s that laid-back – but it’s a great place to bring friends to eat regardless. You’ll find rustic picnic tables, string lights hanging overhead, and decorative touches like vintage signs throughout.
The short list of comfort food classics here is excellent, but feel free to put your faith in the counter service to bring you something based on your personal food preferences.
Charlie Brown’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill
$ | (210) 496-7092 | WEBSITE
When you want to watch the game but don’t want to fight for a seat, there’s always Charlie Brown’s. You can get a serious chicken fried steak here (along with some mashed potatoes and gravy), or you can keep things casual and split the lemon pepper wings or some nachos at the bar with a house margarita – equally satisfying options, in our book.
Grille 254
$$ | (210) 558-2307 | WEBSITE
Grille 254 is one of the most popular spots in San Antonio – which means it’s the kind of “bar and grill” experience that’s special whether you’ve never been there before or if it’s your hundredth visit (if that’s the case, cheers). A table will work, but it’s more fun to sit near the windows, watching the golf course action.
The space is straight-up relaxed, like a cozy lodge with TVs around the room, and no matter what you order – brisket sandwiches, spicy chicken, cheese curds, even the wings – it’s all going to be satisfying.
McFinnigan’s Pub
$ | (210) 314-4194 | WEBSITE
A couple of blocks away is McFinnigan’s Pub, a bar and grill perfect for pretending you’re a dart league champion in the making. It’s a little louder than most pubs, and the entire menu is in English, so bonus points if you’re hungry – but asking for guidance from the staff is certainly not a sign of weakness. Neither is ordering a Philly cheese steak.
The Dog Co. Icehouse
$ | (210) 445-8304 | WEBSITE
So you’ve been texting with your friends for a while now, trying to decide where to hang out, and as far as you can tell, they’re interested in something fun, peaceful, casual, and lively all at the same time. Well, this is off to a great start. Keep it on the safe side with The Dog Co. Icehouse. It works whether you’re bringing kids, dogs, or just a group of friends, and you can get great food from multiple trucks ranging from Brazilian meat skewers to Mediterranean wraps and juicy burgers.
If you want to start relaxing early, try the excellent margaritas and enjoy the live music from 7pm.
AJ’s Bar and Grill
$ | (210) 314-7394 | WEBSITE
Let us guess: your friends want to go “somewhere in San Antonio where we can actually have fun.” Go ahead and forget about anything you were already planning – unless you were planning on AJ’s Bar and Grill. This is a reliable, lively hangout spot where there will be a 0% chance of boring atmospheres or overpriced drinks. What you’ll find instead is a welcoming space with a unique, spacey theme, exceptional wings, and plenty of entertainment options like darts and pool tables, too.
Nairobi Bar & Grill
$ | (210) 222-0011 | WEBSITE
It’s your spontaneous night out – time to just unwind and enjoy good company. So we’re sending you to Nairobi Bar & Grill to kick back with affordable drinks, a friendly pool table, and a cozy environment where everyone’s happy and laughing. The staff treats you like family, the games of dominoes keep things lively, and the warm, inviting ambiance makes you feel right at home. By the way, congrats – sounds like you found your spot.
Boiler House at the Pearl
$$ | (210) 354-4644 | WEBSITE
San Antonio’s Pearl District is packed with dining destinations, so it can be tough to choose where to go for a proper meal – but Boiler House is a spot we recommend going out of your way for. Although since it’s nestled right in the heart of the Pearl complex, you really aren’t going too far out of your way. And a stroll through the historic grounds builds character, after all.
Here’s the drill: Settle into the dining room’s warm, industrial-chic atmosphere, take in the scene, and get some of those elk chops or filet mignon that regulars rave about. Don’t skip the bread pudding – it’s the real deal.
Ay Que Chula
$$ | (210) 251-4902 | WEBSITE
When you’re ready to swap all of the parade floats and fiesta music for some excellent drinks, head over to Ay Que Chula, a spot that truly celebrates diversity and inclusivity. This is really not the time to worry about fitting in – instead, just relax and enjoy the warm, welcoming atmosphere. And if you’re still hungry after brunch, their delicious food and friendly service can only make the experience better.