1919 has all the vibes that make a speakeasy great: excellent drinks, friendly bartenders, a relaxed ambiance, and in a location that is hidden just enough away from the hooplah that is reality. (#1) This is truly one of my favorite places in all of San Antonio. First timers are more than likely going to get lost coming here. The signage is minimal at best and it's hard to see / hear anything that's going on. A key item is the illuminated "Joe's Jazz" sign above the basement level where the bar is located. Look beneath the street level railing and notice the blacked out windows. If one is lucky, they might even catch someone drinking along the limited outdoor seating, but inside is where all the action is. (#2) The elongated bar, along with the ambient lights behind it, is magical in its own little way. It's easy to be impressed with the space and ventilation (#3), where there is seating on each end in the form of couches and tables. I personally think the bar is the best place to be. It doesn't take a cocktail connoisseur to notice the bartenders are more like mixologists. Their crafty ways can whip up one hell of a drink and the kind that isn't just perfect for a photo op, but complex with its own liquor'y way. Whether it's a classic cocktail like a sazerac or an old fashioned, or one of their signature concoctions like the muthafuckah jones or pimm's cup, everyone is in for a treat. Personally, I like the to tell the bartender a spirit I'm feeling and just let him / her surprise me with something. It's worked quite well. Whether it's a date night or a night cap, this is an excellent place to enjoy an adult beverage. Drinks are understandably in the $12-18 range and are certainly on the upper echelon of libations. Come alone or bring a friend and step into an oasis that only speakeasies like 1919 can provide. _____________ (#1) Or if to be taken literally, a very large parking lot. (#2) Not a poor choice of words, at all. (#3) Fancy cocktails and hot weather is not anyone's idea of a good time. read more

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We love this bar. Very upscale and excellent bar tenders. This is a speakeasy and has a great ambiance. The bartenders do. Great job at making sure people sitting at the bar are well taken care of. We have been here twice, and enjoyed our visit both times. read more

Bar 1919 - Lounges Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

This is a neat bar experience. It's not like a typical dive bar, as they provide more of a upscale experience. If you've ever been on a carnival cruise, it reminds me of the Alchemist bar. The bar where you don't have avenge bartenders, but some trained bartenders that curate specialty drinks. I was asked 3+ times if I was already taken care of. Service: It doesn't get much better than that. Pros: ambiance, experience, professionalism, service Recommendation: I'd recommend removing a bar seat or two to create an area for ordering drinks. This recommendation is a recommendation I have with many bars. I'd go again. read more

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The drinks here are exceptional to say the least, its a calm classic speakeasy style bar. The bartenders are amazing and fast at their jobs, they are also given permission to make their own signature drinks and add them to the menu i can't recommend them enough! If you're looking for a nice calm bar for a classy date or just a evening out with a little flair this is the place. read more

By far the best bar in San Antonio! If you are looking for a unique experience with specialty craft cocktails this is your place. I cannot wait to be able to come back here again and experience all the specialty cocktails they have to offer! I have included a few that we have been able to experience. read more

Bar 1919 - Trip Sitter on the left and the Righteous on the right - Lounges Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

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We were in San Antonio for Halloween and we were looking for a bar where we could celebrate. In costume, of course. I got on the trusty Yelp app to look for bars that were within walking distance and came across Bar 1919. When I read "speakeasy," it was an easy sell. Like a lot of speakeasies, finding the bar is a bit difficult as it's not labeled. Once we came to our bearings, we walked in. In full costume since it was Halloween and everything. Bar 1919 represents everything a speakeasy should be. Dim lighting. Elegance. A lengthy and impressive menu of creative craft cocktails. The bar was pretty busy but we were able to find two seats at the bar. I ordered three cocktails around the cocktail and each was tasty and packed a bunch. Exactly what I want in a cocktail. Service was solid despite how busy it was. read more

Went on weekday, and it was awesome. It gives speak easy vibes. People dressed in older style clothes. Bartenders were nice. Drink choices were very diverse. read more

A bourbons lover's dream. Awesome spot for date night, but make sure you get there a little earlier, so you can snag a good spot.

Good atmosphere. Drinks were delish and had some comfy seating in the side. Dim lighting but comfortable. read more

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Best Old Fashioned in town... Oh and ask to challenge the owner with a Thanksgiving Bomb... You won't be disappointed!

Exceptionally knowledgeable bartenders. I've tried to trip them up by ordering Boulvadier's, Vieux Carré's, Paper Planes, Old Pal's, and even a Sbagliato before those became TikTok famous. They're selection of obscure liquors is hands down the best in San Antonio. They have wifi, AC and cushioned seats. Grab a barstool and enjoy. read more

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Great place to grab a cocktail and relax on a couch with friends. It may take you a minute to figure out how to enter the establishment, but that's the fun of it. I love that it truly has a speakeasy vibe. This time we decided to try a pour of Pappy Van Winkle and a cocktail. First, for those that want to have a taste of pappy without breaking the bank, this is your place. They have reasonably priced options. I tried the righteous cocktail. It was perfect. Not too sweet. Great taste. They do offers plenty of cocktails and have a lot of liquor to choose from. Right now, during the covid pandemic, they do have someone at the door checking your temperature and escorting your group to your seats. Parking is shared and can be difficult. read more

Bar 1919 - Righteous - Lounges Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

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Great bar! Very clean and nice but hard to find lol. Drinks are amazing and service was prompt and attention to detail. But man it is boring here!!!! The vibe is very chill but man the music is just not the vibe. It maybe because we came on a Monday so it was a little slow but come on and get some little up beat jams going. HIGHLY RECOMMEND A OLD FASHIONED!! read more

Had a good time met new people just not my cup of tea. I thought it was just too small for me. They need to add more mixologist. I thought they were overwhelmed was hard to get a drink from him. read more

First time stopping by Bar 1919 and at a glance, the bar is like stepping back into older times. It was around 5pm and it was definitely a bit busy but not overwhelmingly full. It did take a while for the bartender to take my order. Orders take a while because bartenders and slicing and cutting orange peels, flambéing and doing all these things to make each drink which honestly takes a while. Definitely feels like a lot of smoke and mirrors because the drinks we got tasted like cough syrup. My friend ended up ordering a different drink which she also did not like so we decided to check out a different spot. Definitely a bit disappointed by our experience. read more

Bar 1919 - BOULEVARDIER - Lounges Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

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Through the parking lot, down the stairs and past the red lights we go. We were in town for a few days with family and had a free night. I looked up "Speakeasy", and a few popped up. 1919 looked interesting and it wasn't too far. When we entered the atmosphere was chill and welcoming. We were greeted by the bartenders and took a seat in the back where it looked comfy. The bar selection is amazing and the drinks they offer were terrific. We ordered our drinks and had a terrific time sitting back and enjoying the vibe. It was a week night so it wasn't too busy, but I see it being a hustling place on the weekend. The staff is friendly and can conjure up some friendly spirits. Looking for a place to chill and spend quality time conversing. Go check em out. read more

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Before I walked into this bar I told my man I loved him and the bouncer told us we could not enter. Our friends were inside drinking . We wanted to meet them. We were able to get back inside. He found us and told us to get out. I called the bar and asked what he requirements were to enter. They said to be at least 21 which we are 30! So I'm very upset that we couldn't meet our friends . If we were acting absolutely crazy and upset, I could understand. But we weren't . And the whole point of going to a bar to drink and get drunk and be loose and have a good time? So I'm just not sure . Don't go here they are party poopers read more

Visited this bar the first night of our trip. Drinks and atmosphere were great. Stephanie made our drinks and she was friendly and every drink was delicious! read more

Bar 1919 - Yummy Drinks! - Lounges Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

Bar 1919 is definitely a throwback to the pre prohibition era. It's dimly lit and has a speakeasy vibe going on. I came in on a Friday night solo and sat at the bar while a really attractive bartender made my first cocktail which was a Sazerac. That drink was strong but delicious. I definitely liked the vibe and would recommend this bar to anyone who loves Whiskey and a sexy night out. Also when you come it's downstairs beneath another restaurant. read more

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No Food so eat before you go. It is actually easy to find and enter, down the steps on the 1420 building. No 1919 sign. Its spacious inside and there was no loud music. It was appropriately curated gentler stuff for the 6.00pm crowd and us old codgers. We sat at the bar and enjoyed a couple of bourbon cocktails. They were good and appropriately priced. The bourbon and rye selection is outstanding, I think I counted at least 150 choices so if brown liquor is your poison this is for you. A nice addition to the neighborhood. We did not find it particularly friendly or the staff welcoming but with a long night ahead likely they were pacing themselves. But still..... read more

Best Cocktail Bar in San Antonio. Very intimate setting and helpful bartenders to make whatever drink you need. Definitely recommend trying their specialty sweet potato infused whiskey. read more

1919 is hit and miss. There's nights when the service and drinks are great. Tonight the drinks were great but that's all. Service was terrible. The place wasn't even busy however it took well over 10 minutes for any acknowledgement, another 10 to order. The bartenders seemed to stay on one side of the bar the entire time I was there. For anything I had to flag them down. The cherry on top was when I first attempted to close my tab, 10 plus minutes go by, I'm watching them really do nothing and it wasn't until I went over to them was my tab closed. Kinda sad that even simple acknowledgment is a hassle to get. Good drinks though. Service is trash. read more

Bar 1919 - Bartenders pretty much stayed on that side of the bar my entire visit. - Lounges Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

I came in expecting a 'stuffy, snobby' place, much like I had experienced years ago in my home town in California. Completely opposite. Very welcoming. Staff was wonderful, made you feel at home. Lighting is warm and nice places to sit. Volume is low so conversations can be had. No food on menu but plenty of places nearby. Definitely returning and bringing family and friends. read more

Went to Bar 1919 with my sister last night. The atmosphere is inviting and friendly. And the staff is amazing!

I have to agree with San Antonio that this IS the best bar in San Antonio! The staff is friendly and quick, but not only that very knowledgeable in cocktail craft. Truly is an art and you can taste it. the best whiskey selection in the city read more

Bar 1919 - Chillin - Lounges Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

A few chairs and a couch are the only indoor options if you can't get a seat at the bar. The ambiance is very nice. Not all of the bartenders seemed to be having the best night but it happens. read more

Bar 1919 - Great atmosphere and the Old Fashions were pretty damn good - Lounges Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

Nice looking place, and the drinks are really great. Service is absolute crap. The staff is not attentive by any means and I'm not even being a Karen about it. Was warned several times at other places about the pretentious staff but had to find out for myself, they were right. read more

Visiting town with my wife and in laws and was excited to go here. Myself and my in laws really enjoy whiskey and tequila, so we were excited initially to see the large selection. My wife prefers to only drink vodka. We asked if they had vodka and they confirmed they do, but they told us they would refuse to make a vodka cocktail. To be clear, we were not asking for a vodka sprite, but any sort of vodka artisanal cocktail. They said they would not make it, so we walked out and took 4 people's business elsewhere. read more

I can't believe I have never reviewed 1919. It was my first bar when I turned 21, and it is still a regular bar I come to. Their craft drinks are amazing, and they used to have a bartender works towards the left side of the bar that I love the way he makes my cocktails, but the last few times I have visited, I couldn't find him. Their house tequila shots are amazing; hence, anything that is made with the house tequilas are amazing as well. Our favorite and one of a kind would be the 'Bloody Mary'. Ask for house tequila with blue cheese. Trust me, it won't go wrong. read more

Bar 1919 - Lounges Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

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Johnny is a super bartender, extremely charismatic and knew just what to recommend. We loved him so much that we brought him a bite to eat; along with something for ourselves. Next time you're here, ask for Johnny. - Julian and Faith read more

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What Can't I say???? This 20 minute or so... experience into this smoky kinda darkish mysterious bar was -Unreal- I did not know what to expect!!??? Service Was Superb Cocktails that'll blow your socks off! The Confidence of our bartender and his speed in -CRAFTING- our Cocktails was insanity! -SPOT ON PRECISION- "Infreakn'credible!" We WILL be RETURNING W/Company in tow!!! read more

This amazing bar is hidden below a large building. We had a tough time finding it until a local helped us. The drink menu is the most extensive I've ever seen! Every detail was hand made and presented. It truly feels like your in an old bar feeling. read more

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Best bar in San Antonio!!! Make sure you ask for Joe!! Best bartender on the block!! He has his own secret menu! You will not be disappointed! read more

Bar 1919 - Lounges Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

Really good drinks and the atmosphere is perfect for starting the night. You start the night here or you end the night here. The vibe is chill it is not the dance bar. read more

The sun was down, the moon was out - my husband and I embarked on our 6 stop journey for the night. First stop- Bar 1919. I've been here before with the girls and today I came with my husband - both times a flashlight was needed. This bar gives me a little bit of gentlemen club vibes , bottle everywhere, very dim lighting, men bartenders dressed up, cigar cabinet. Definitely a nice place for a small group of 2-3 to have amazingly crafted drinks and conversation. Not really a girls night out type of feel. It's a small place so the best seats are around the bar but I believe there are 2 couches for a more relaxed feel. Our bartender was such a gentlemen and surprised us with our drinks because my husband and I didn't know what to order. We got the bluegrass and the righteous- both so delicately crafted with a skill - our bartender for sure had a bachelor's degree on this. My insides exploded with each sip. So yummy. There really is a drink for everyone in this. I definitely recommend this bar. read more

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So this is my first visit to a speak easy and man was I loving it. It could have been the few cocktails I had on river walk prior to my adventure starting at 1919, but you can take that into account as you see fit. This bar is located in a hip little Old industrial part of town and is hard to find if you haven't been there before. Like every speak easy, there is no sign indicating where it is or what door to use, but many still find their way. You must walk down a set a stairs to a blackened out glass door and then boom...you're there. We had someone help us as we didn't even realize it was a speak easy until we arrived since the location was recommendation from another bartender. I ordered to the wet and true Azul. Both were fabulous but the True Azul tasted like a roasted jalapeño was in the drink. It came with smoked salt on the side that completely made the drink. My husband was majorly impressed with their scotch collection and the bartenders knowledge of what they had. All and all a tremendous experience. Worth every penny. read more

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Every single thing you can want in a speakeasy type bar and then some. Their menu is extensive, they carry over 1400 different bottles of spirits, and they have an awesome happy hour from 4-7 on weekdays. Did I mention that even outside the happy hour the drinks are strong, but mixed exceptionally, while remaining very reasonably priced? Our bartender John (apologies if it's Jon) was utterly outstanding, providing friendly and insightful conversation while he masterfully concocted our drinks throughout the night. He even made my girlfriend an "off-the-menu" gin cocktail which was her favorite of the four drinks she tried. This place is exceptional--don't miss it! read more

It's been a while since I've been but I remember having an excellent experience, delicious Old Fashioned and quick service! Recommend for a modern speak easy vibe! read more

The term speakeasy doesn't really apply here. There are no illicit transactions taking place. No secrets. In fact, THE SECRET IS OUT. 1919 has over 400 reviews at the moment, which is a tad on the high side for anything [in San Antonio], and it's not hard to understand why. THIS PLACE IS EXCELLENT. They have it all when it comes to booze. You could LITERALLY fill a moderately-priced above-ground pool with all the amber liquid they have on display. There are clear alcohols available too, but bartenders take much more pride(trust me) in the aged stuff that tends to fall on the visual spectrum somewhere between golden and brown. Some reviews say they have over 1000 bottles. This is seeable and believable, but what's truly impressive within 1919: the bartenders have knowledge and details on all these obscure bottles AND they can steer you in some tasty directions. read more

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This place is so chic! Very cute for an elevated casual date night. Service wasn't super expedient, but the bartenders/mixologists make up for it with their knowledge and friendliness and provide a unique curated experience. 10/10 recommend. You should go here! read more