Best Bars on the River Walk
There is a vibrant nightlife scene in the Downtown San Antonio area. The Riverwalk and Downtown offer a wide variety of live music venues, wine bars, martini bars, and lots more. The horseshoe of the Riverwalk has some of the oldest entertainment establishments on the River to date. Coupled with the Riverwalk expansion project, river north offers even more options for your nightlife needs. Don’t feel like walking the River? No problemo amigo there are tons of options in the Downtown area that offer the same level of service and entertainment. Whatever you’re in the mood for, Downtown San Antonio offers Texas-sized fun when the sun goes down.
Below is a list of all the bars on the River Walk –
The Republic of Texas Restaurant
The Republic of Texas Restaurant on the River Walk offers visitors and locals a refreshing chance to entertainment on the River Walk. We offer karaoke on the River Walk where you are the star and the whole world is your stage. Relax on the River Walk and enjoy an ice-cold Texas beer or a Cadillac Margarita. Don’t forget to try our colossal margarita that comes in your own takeaway souvenir mug!
The Republic of Texas Restaurant offers a variety of dining experiences to make your visit to San Antonio, Texas a memorable one. The Republic of Texas Restaurant is open daily, Monday through Sunday. Enjoy a bountiful breakfast along the beautiful San Antonio River with our Six Flags Over Texas Breakfast Menu, our extensive lunch and dinner menu include such items as the Gigantic El Grande Mexican Plate, Half pound burgers, Sizzlin Fajitas, and our colossal 46 oz. Margarita served in a souvenir take-home glass and much…much…more.
For a change of pace, book a dining cruise that we cater for breakfast, lunch, dinner or cocktail cruises and enjoy your voyage while meandering down the San Antonio River and learn the history of our beautiful river from the riverboat pilot. (See Riverboat Dining/Private Parties)
In the late evening, we turn on the night lights, we boast a wooden dance floor where our D.J.’s play a wide variety of music for our guests to dance to or just tap your feet while sipping on drinks from our full-service bar or one of our Colossal 46 oz Margarita’s. Everything is bigger in Texas! The Republic of Texas Restaurant personifies that attitude with our larger-than-life meal spreads, our Colossal drinks, and our “Texas Friendly” attitude, we look forward to serving YOU!
526 River Walk (78205)
(210) 226-6256
therepublicoftexasrestaurant.com
Naked Iguana Tequila Bar
Naked Iguana Tequila Bar and Riverwalk Bar feature an awesome Happy Hour from 3p.m. – 6p.m. daily and for the night owls we have a “Reverse Happy Hour,” Sun–Thru 9pm–11pm.
The renowned Naked Iguana Tequila Bar, established in 1989 on the San Antonio Riverwalk is legendary among locals and visitors alike. It’s a favorite stop for marvelous margaritas and excellent people watching. Do as the locals do, and enjoy a tequila shot from our extensive, carefully selected list. Kick back and relax with a cool and refreshing libation from the bar while you watch your favorite sports event. The Naked Iguana features a large River Walk patio complete with a state-of-the-art misting system for warm weather and heaters for chilly weather. Group Happy Hour and Tequila team building tastings available upon request.
421 East Commerce San Antonio, Texas 78205
(210) 226-8462
nakediguanariverwalkbar.com
Barriba Cantina
A new spin on an old tradition awaits you at Barriba Cantina. Barriba Cantina serves fresh Mexican food with a flair. Folks come from miles around to sample our slow-cooked Mango Pork Carnitas, Baja Pescado, and our house specialty Tacos del Ray.
One of the only establishments booking original music/singer-songwriters and bands and it’s on the Riverwalk. We hear people gripe all the time, “There’s no original music on the Riverwalk”, now there is
My family and I took a little vacation to San Antonio came into Barriba because they had a live band. We enjoyed every minute of it, the food what fantastic the staff was amazing. Defiantly going to be our first stop when we go to San Antonio for a vacation again.
111 W. Crockett, #214, San Antonio, TX 78205
Phone: (210) 228-9876
barribacantina.com
Coyote Ugly San Antonio
Coyote Ugly Saloon is the most famous bar in the United States and is now in 14 locations across the country.
The Coyote Ugly legend began with a girl, a dream, and a little bit of Wild Turkey. In 1992, Liliana “Lil” Lovell, a 24-year-old Wall Street apprentice-turned-bartender was living a good life. She was doing a job she loved, making money, and gaining notoriety for her antics on the bar as well as behind it.
Tired of working for other people, she was ready to make her move. The plan was simple: open her own bar, make money, and have fun doing it. Determined not to let anyone or anything get in her way, she drew up a business plan [beautiful girls + booze = money].
The Coyote Ugly Saloon officially opened its doors on Jan. 27, 1993. Over the years Coyote Ugly has meant different things to different people. Some come in just to get abused by Lil and drink cheap tequila out of her boots some to watch Jacqui long term bartender-turned-manager down 151, set it on fire, then shoot the flames down the bar and others come just to drool over the new bartender dancing on the bar. Quick wit, unshakable assurance, and the ability to take your last dollar have made the Coyote Ugly what it is today.
409 East Commerce Street, San Antonio, TX 78205
210-271-7472
coyoteuglysaloon.com
Dicks Last Resort on the River Walk
Dick’s Last Resort is a small bar and restaurant chain in the United States, known for its intentional employment of an obnoxious staff. The name consists of seven restaurants, including one near Petco Park, California and another in Las Vegas.
The restaurant, which uses picnic-style tables and no tablecloths, has its origins in the owners’ original opening of a “fine-dining” establishment. The establishment was a failure, which resulted in bankruptcy. Rather than continue with the upscale restaurant motif, the owners retooled their efforts and decided to “go sloppy”.The end result was a success, leading to the creation of six additional locations.
406 Navarro (78205)
(210) 224-0026
dickslastresort.com
Durty Nelly’s on the San Antonio Riverwalk
Despite the name, you don’t have to be Irish to enjoy Durty Nelly’s. This drinking establishment is widely known for having one of the best beer selections in San Antonio.
“Unless you’re a stuffed shirt or a prude, you can’t help but have a grand old time.”
The pub opened in September 1974. Durty Nelly’s is a replica of the original Durty Nelly’s in Ireland. The original tavern dates back to 1620 as part of the Bunratty Castle in Limerick, Clare Country. It is one of the oldest continually operating restaurants in the world and has been open for over 390 years!
The concept of the San Antonio location came from Bill Hunter, the general manager of the Hilton Palacio del Rio in the 1970s. After visiting the bar in Ireland, he returned to the Alamo City to convince Mr. Bartell Zachry to build the identical pub on what was then a seldom-used corner of the hotel under the Market Street Bridge. The pub is designed in the tradition of the European style with two fireplaces, slate floors, and stone walls. Since Durty Nelly’s doors first opened, this corner has become a hot spot on the Paseo del Rio.
The rules at Durty Nelly’s are: “only two to a stool, no talk of religion or politics, and those drinking rum may stand by themselves, preferably near the window.” And no wee ones under 21 allowed after 7:00PM. It is all a great escape San Antonio-style. So come on down, grab some brew, and join in on the frolic and fun. It may be the closest thing to a genuine Irish experience you’ll find in the Alamo City.
200 S Alamo St
San Antonio, TX 78205-3213
210 224 3343
Esquire Tavern
Crafted cocktails and fine food. Jeret Pena, our award-winning bartender creates and serves the best cocktails in the City! Our Chef, Brooke Smith has been named one of the upcoming chefs to watch in San Antonio.
The Esquire Tavern opened in 1933 to celebrate the end of Prohibition and has been a beloved San Antonio watering hole ever since, with a short hiatus from 2006 to 2011. The Esquire is back as the quintessential downtown bar: dark, cool, redolent with history, and serving cold, cold beer, swanky cocktails, and excellent food. Open 7 days a week 11 am until midnight S-TH, 11am-2am Th-Sat.
I know that The Esquire Tavern is more of a bar, but it has to be one of the best places to eat on the Riverwalk. The bison burger is the most delicious burger I’ve had in San Antonio so far. It’s a very underrated place to eat and the staff are on point for sure.
155 E. Commerce
San Antonio, TX 78205
210-222-2521
.esquiretavern-sa.com
Howl a the Moon on the River Walk in San Antonio
Howl at the Moon is a highly successful dueling piano concept that has grown to eleven locations since its inception in 1990.
Ready to Howl, San Antonio? Howl at the Moon is the #1 nightlife spot that’s keeping Riverwalk dancing! Part bar and part concert, Howl creates a non-stop party with live music performed in a high-energy setting. Get on the dance floor and join our talented musicians in rocking out to your favorite songs while trying our signature 86oz buckets of booze! You’ll hear everything from classic rock to hip-hop to pop. It’s the best nightlife in San Antonio has to offer!
Howl at the Moon’s energetic and interactive setting creates the perfect atmosphere for any type of special event in San Antonio. It doesn’t matter if you’re celebrating a bachelorette party, birthday party, or planning a corporate event, any group event at Howl at the Moon is guaranteed to make for a memorable night. It’s the most fun you’ll have dancing and singing in San Antonio!
11 West Crockett St. #201
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 212-4770
howlatthemoon.com
Kremlin on the River Walk
Kremlin – San Antonio’s Most Upscale Nightlife Scene on the Riverwalk. With a dance floor that inspires ultimate energy and sensuality, Kremlin is your upscale destination in Downtown San Antonio. Experience Vegas on the Riverwalk.
210 College St. San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 220-1972
kremlinsa.com
Mad Dogs British Pub
The Pub that thinks it’s a Club. We are situated in the VERY BEST Riverwalk Location. Maddogs British Pub – San Antonio Welcome to Maddogs British Pub. We are located on the San Antonio Riverwalk, directly underneath the San Antonio Hyatt Regency Hotel. Unlike other San Antonio Bars and Clubs – Maddogs British Pub is an authentic British Theme Pub. We offer a full range of imported beers, excellent riverwalk dining with a tasty food and drink menu (including an extensive vegetarian menu). Maddogs British Pub is a relaxing place to enjoy the beautiful San Antonio Riverwalk during the day and a great nightspot to soak up the San Antonio nightlife. Maddogs British Pub offers a wealth of evening entertainment, including Karaoke, Live Music, and a resident DJ & MC. Not to mention we have a pool table and big-screen TVs to watch all the sporting events live.
123-19 Losoya (78205)
(210) 222-0220
maddogs.net
Ocho at Hotel Havana
Inspired by the union of old and new worlds, Ocho at Hotel Havana offers two unique spaces for dining and drinks on the Museum Reach of the River Walk in San Antonio.
INSPIRED BY THE UNION of old and new worlds, Ocho at Hotel Havana offers two unique spaces for dining and drinks on the River Walk in San Antonio. The upstairs Ocho dining room, situated in a glass and steel conservatory reminiscent of a birdcage, opens onto the river and offers seating both indoors and outdoors. The beauty of the steel structure is highlighted in Tiffany blue, with couches and lounge seating filling one side of the luminous space and linen-clothed tables spilling into the courtyard. The downstairs lounge provides a dimly candlelit gathering place with velvet couches and antique leather club chairs suited for intimate meetings and secret rendezvous.
Executive Chef Larry McGuire presents a food, cocktail, and wine menu that is rooted in the hotel’s pan-Latin cultural influences. The cocktail menu is built around reinvented old-school recipes and highlights the tequila of the hotel’s San Antonio roots with the rum of its Cuban homeland. The wine list offers guests a chance to explore lesser-known selections from the old world of Spain and France as well as bold new flavors coming from young wine-producing regions in South America.
Ocho offers inventive menus for breakfast (recently voted among the Best in Texas in 2011 by Texas Monthly Magazine), lunch, dinner and late-night — to be served in-room, on the patio or in the upstairs lounge. From sweet plantain griddle cakes with Mexican crema and blueberries to the huitlacoche quesadillas and the shrimp and crab campachena, the food reflects a new approach to traditional Latin fare with the classic country club as inspiration.
1015 Navarro Street San Antonio, Texas 78205
(210) 222.2008 – tel
hhavanasanantonio.com
Waxy O’Connor’s Irish Pub
The pub was established in March 2006 on the ground floor of the elaborate San Antonio Loan and Trust Building, in the heart of San Antonio’s historic and renowned Riverwalk.
The building, designed by G. Voorhees, was built in 1901-1903. It was built to house San Antonio’s first trust company, which was founded by prominent businessman George Brackenridge in 1892 and was moved into this building upon its completion in 1903.
OUR PUB
The pub was built at the Truwood Joinery Shop in County Monaghan, Ireland. Irish craftsmen used painstaking care and attention to every detail when designing and building the pub. Upon its completion, it was very carefully crated and shipped to the port of Galveston.
The pub’s arrival in Galveston was unexpectedly delayed when Hurricane Rita threatened the city of Galveston and mandatory evacuations were ordered. Since the container ship carrying the pub was well on it’s way, there was no other choice but for the ship to wait hundreds of miles offshore until the hurricane passed.
When the ship finally arrived safely, the crates were trucked to San Antonio and the pub, and all its contents were assembled by a team of Irish carpenters.
The atmosphere of the pub speaks for itself. Whether you are sitting at the rich mahogany back bar, enjoying a pint in one of our many cozy booths or just taking in the tranquil river view outside on our Irish stone patio, you will feel the authenticity of the pub. Every stool, table and chair, every stone in the rustic front bar, and all the artwork and lighting fixtures have made the long journey from The Emerald Isle. We feel this is the only way to experience and enjoy the true atmosphere and “craic” of an Irish pub.
234 Riverwalk
210-229-WAXY
waxys.com