recently visited Brass Monkey and an establishment I've been going for at-least 6 years, on and off. I wanted to share a concern. The restroom setup bothered me. Male security opening and closing the female bathrooms? Not cool or appealing. With many younger females around, we need to look out for each other.He is literally looking inside and his job is to ensure that the door is closed, but he is looking inside! This seem unsafe, inappropriate and alarming. read more

Me and My husband have been coming to brass monkey for years. He recently got a neck tattoo & last night he was told by the security guards he could not come in because brass monkey doesn't allow people with neck tattoos on the weekend. Funny thing is they had an employee with neck &face tattoos working there when we got there. This is discrimination his tattoo is not gang related at all either. Y'all should not allow employees with neck tattoos to work on the weekend if your not going to allow paying customers to come in with these tattoos. This should be promoted as well so people don't waste there time coming and waiting to get in to be told they are not allowed to come in. read more

Never in my life have I felt more discriminated against. I moved to San Antonio a few months ago and have loved going to Brass monkey. I had a friend come visit and I told her we had to go check it out. After paying for an Uber, we arrived and went through security. I was stopped by security because I have one small tattoo of a sailboat behind my ear, no other visible tattoos. I was told I was not allowed in the bar, by an employee covered in full neck tattoos. I've always had fun at this bar, but I promise I will NEVER return after the most ridiculous policy I have ever heard. Do not go to this bar if you are any type of alternative (not that I would even consider myself that) and looking to be accepted. They are living in the same backwards policies as much of Texas. Very disappointed. read more

Brass Monkey - Bars Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

I love 80s music so I wanted to like this place and originally I did. I'm not sure if they changed owners but this place has changed for the worse. The drinks were not good and when coming through the door they literally frisk you...my guy got violated basically. I'm not sure if they have issues with drug dealers around here but wow...at least buy my guy dinner first before grabbing his crotch. Also once you order a drink they give you 5 seconds and then tell you to get away from the bar.We will never come back to this dump. There are much better places to get your 80's fix and where they make you feel like a paying guest instead of a criminal. read more

They didn't let me in because I have a small neck tattoo. Security guy or whatever he is asked me if I had makeup in my bag to "cover up the neck tat". Everybody has tattoos these days so I thought it was ridiculous and extra that he asked to cover up a small tattoo. And if I'm being honest brass monkey isn't worth wasting my makeup to cover up a little tattoo. If I could give 0 stars I would but in order for me to post this post I have to add a star unfortunately. read more

I must confess when it comes to the subtle art of dancing I have two left feet. The degree of my dance prowess is the head shaking done like the gentlemen from the movie, "Night At the Roxbury's." However, when I heard that the Brass Monkey was going to do a tribute to the music of "The Smiths" and "Morrissey" I was totally in, despite my own shortcomings. The Brass Monkey is located on the ever changing scene in The St. Mary's Strip. It is a mid sized dance/hangout club that is a perfect place to go with friends or with a date. Before you even enter the doormen do a quick frisk for weapons, battery operated flat irons and especially flasks; for sneak in booze. It is divided into two parts: a patio section with a bar. And the main area, which is a bar alongside a dance floor. Automatically walking around I was reminded of 80's local staples like, "Changes" or "Images" It is divey, campy and over the top. Above the dance floor there are disco balls glimmering, recalling a time when clubs were once fun. It is darkly lit, with lights that pulsate as music plays and people are dancing. I must admit the 70's is more my area of personal expertise. However, they play a heavy dose of 80's music on their rotation such as: Siouxsie and the Banshees, The Cure and Depeche Mode(Who I totally love!) creating a sense of nostalgia. On the drink front everything is pretty cheap. Mixed drinks are low for this area. I bought a Dogfish Head for five bucks. Unheard of, especially along the strip where bars and clubs eagerly poke your eyes out on the price of drinks. In my experience the bartenders were professional and quick to get your beverages out. The vibe of the place is high energy, whilst being laid back at the same time. I've been to spots where you can sense tension and danger in the air, this is certainly not that place. I did have some reservations about going here, in my fuddy duddy mind I envisioned a young, hip crowd. In reality the opposite is true. It is a club that attracts all different types of people: hipsters, young, old(er), former ravers, the bike culture, blondes, brunettes, slightly graying, goths, guys who Vogue; in other words anyone and everyone. I do have to warn you this place gets jam packed as the night progresses. In addition since there are limited places to sit or place your drinks expect to carry them all night. Period. But it is all in good fun. The Brass Monkey is a fun spot, especially if you worship the 80's. It is dark, divey and over the top. The bartenders give good service and the drinks are cheap to boot. In addition they have special themed nights like , "A Star Wars Party" as well as the aforementioned, "The Smiths Tribute" night. If you love to dance or like watching people attempt to dance, this is your club. ps Any place that shows love to The Smiths or Morrissey, will get five stars from me everytime. read more

Brass Monkey - Any minute from now Ducky from, "Pretty in Pink" is going to leap out and dance! - Bars Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

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This is the Best Spot to be at on the Saint Mary's Strip hands down !!! Cleanest restrooms, great music , more than affordable drink prices, and the BEST working a/c in town!!!! From the reviews Ive read, there is a lot of haters and probably a wannabe bartender who probably didn't get hired at there and is mad about it . One thing you need to realize is you're in San Antonio, a fight can and has broke out anywhere !!!! I am pretty sure if you got kicked out of an establishment it's because your acting like a fool !! So if you wanna leave a one star about this badass club make sure you don't stand in the line that wraps around the building to get in !!!! They're obviously doing something right with a line wrapped about the building !!! read more

The only reason this is a two star rating is because of the DJ and the music played. On multiple occasions there is a bartender at the inside bar at the far end who is continually rude, off putting and makes patrons feel very uncomfortable and not welcomed. In particular, I was trying to order two drinks, which my friend had ordered right before me and he argued about what I was ordering, berated me as I ordered and, after discussing, overcharged my friend for the same order. He then tried to start an argument when I said something (not about him) to my friend as he charged my card trying to start an argument as if I was speaking about him. He argued with the people in front and behind us as well. I understand the bar is busy but there is a difference between trying to quickly get orders and making people feel uncomfortable for taking "too long to order." Do better. Make your customers feel comfortable. And become a better bar. read more

Horrible experience, they security guards are so rude. They pushed me and checked my bag in a very rude way. This is not acceptable

Really cute Place for drinky drinks bartender was nice and offered recommendation when I wasn't sure what to get! The music was good and the vibe was on point! read more

is there a negative. parking sucks. then as I walk in where they have the reserved parking the bouncer was like they don't want you walking through this area. bro I ain't walking or peeing. but he told me to walk around. then we get in and I ask for a cup with extra ice cuz my wife like sit and the bartender was like I have to charge you $2 extra. the fuxk. then. as we are leaving my wife has to use the RR so I walk her and wait like a gentleman should they tell me I can't stand near the RR I'm waitong for wife so I go to the middle of the floor and the bouncer was like no you have to stand against the other wall. fuck this place and the way they handle this. cant wit to get my uncle to raid this place to see how they serve minors read more

they have some cheap drinks. $3 drinks. good music. gay. the security is a tad bit extra tho. they also have heaters outside to stay warm. read more

Brass Monkey - bad bunny - Bars Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

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Would rate a zero for their outdated rules Refused entry for neck tattoos, while bartenders have neck tattoos, AND they allow people during emo nights with tattoos AND we were allowed in MULTIPLE times with the same tattoos. Denying us entry kinda felt homophobic, as our group that was entering was obviously queer. read more

Just hold on we're going home. Sipping on a 2 dollar Red Bull and deep eddy vodka right now as Drake is playing. Ain't no bigger deals on st Mary's like this place. No food. Just jams, friends and good drinks for CHEAP! Good place to meet someone if you're single and ready to mingle but if you're not just have fun with friends here. Good place for your birthday chills too read more

This laughing stock of a bar hires bartenders that don't know how to bartend. Male bartender acts high and mighty when I ask him if he put alcohol in my adios mf which is a cocktail that consists of 4 liquors and tells me he pours them singles lol what a joke stop hiring street trash read more

Please don't waste your time coming here this is literally one of the worst bars in San Antonio. Here's a list of reasons why. 1. You get padded down before you can enter the bar which makes people very uncomfortable. I've been to real clubs, much larger clubs in Austin and have never gotten patted down. 2. If you're a guy you can't bring anything in with you and that might even include hat sometimes it just depends on how the owners feel. Women can bring purses in but they get searched and god forbid you have anything they deem unsafe all of which are determined by the owners. 3. When you finally enter the brass monkey there is only certain spots where you can actually stand or sit down. If you are standing in a spot that you are not supposed to security will move you or remove you from the bar. 4. Is it the last three bullets weren't bad enough the staff is beyond rude. If they even suspect you of doing something that they don't like they will be pestering you so watch out and do what they tell you to do. Or just don't go in the bar at all because you're better off. 5. Most of the bartenders don't even know how to make drinks unless it's super simple like a vodka tonic or something. So remember keep it simple if you want to drink and don't go crazy. 7. The bathrooms are awful, God forbid you have to poop because there is only 1 bathroom stall with no door and it sits right in front of the bathroom entrance. Honestly I could go on but do yourself a favor find a different bar. read more

One star because the music was at least good. Straight away it's a bad experience before you even enter the establishment. You're patted down aggressively like you're about to begin your first day in prison. So it starts off weird. Then the bartenders.. shittiest rudest bartenders ever. They have attitude, make weak ass drinks and are clearly miserable and hate their job. Hire people who at least can deal. Don't waste your time - go somewhere else. read more

This place used to be an every Thursday night thing but after tonight's experience i will not be returning. Not only was my boyfriend not let in because of his vape... but they kept it? Then kicked me out for asking for it back? I've seen people do far worse things in this establishment but to keep someone property after not allowing them onto the premises is wrong & a weird "power flex". Rules don't apply to everyone being that i walked into this place with the same vape..... do better! read more

The security staff is very rude. They don't allow visible tattoos. They constantly scream at people to move away from the bar. They throw out all kinds of random stuff from your purse. Terrible! Don't recommend. read more

You can't stand anywhere without the bouncers telling you to move. It's so annoying. Bouncers are on a power trip and it's always packed so you can't even move around. read more

I went here with my husband and his co-workers for an inside thing they had about going to "emo" night. I did NOT enjoy myself. No security inside but they do search and pat you down before you come in. They have a dance area that people started raging in and with what JUST happened at the Travis Scott concert I was not feeling that at all. People were pushing into each other and things were getting knocked over on the side tables etc. The drinks were cheap so that was a plus. Im sure the other nights are different but I don't enjoy being smashed on the dance floor and no security or staff insight to help anyone stuck in the mess. I only gave a two-star because Matt our bartender was awesome and had my beer ready before I even walked all the way up to the bar. Great Bartender! otherwise, it would have to be a zero for safety and the environment. read more

It's a hole in the wall dance club on the Saint Mary's strip folks, so take it for what it is worth. Yes, the bouncers frisk the guys when you enter, but we spent 3-4 hours there and never felt like it wasn't safe. It got crowded later, but it was still a great, fun lovin' crowd and not threatening at all. Yes, the dance floor was sticky as Curt mentioned, but everything else was great. Domestics are "always" $2 I was told. Not a lot of seating, so plan to get your groove on and do a lot of dancing! There are multiple bars and an outside area with some seating if you want to take a break and hear each other talk but you can still listen to the music - just not as loud. The ONLY thing keeping them from 5 stars is that if you open a tab, you have to get in the line for the register that you left your card at. We stood in line a couple of times while the bartender at the other register offered to help us, but we couldn't move over there because our tab was at another register. Also, a $10 minimum charge for credit cards, so with $2 domestics, expect to buy rounds for your friends or tip heavily! No cover, GREAT DJ - he's not just playing songs, but he is actually blending and transitioning them - INCLUDING the music videos. Plenty of TV's around so you can dance like the rock stars they show - it was 90's night when we were there, so lots of dance and rap music. All in all, it was a fun night, and believe it or not, but Brent L. can cut a rug if he needs to! read more

Awesome bartenders and great atmosphere! A must go and visit. The place has great prices on drinks

Fun place! Was definitely packed out though! The drinks were yum and the bartenders & security were super nice!

Brass Monkey has some great service, fast bartenders, and with great attitudes! We will definitely be going back just to get serviced by Robby Rob and have a great time as always!! read more

i used to love brass monkey, but the security sucks. i had my BIRTH CONTROL PILLS taken away and thrown in the trash because the security guard said i couldn't go in with pills. if they had women bouncers or cared enough to listen for a second and see that they were clearly harmless birth control pills, i would still have my birth control. this isn't the first time something so stupid has happened here. my friend has a sever nut allergy and she carries medicine for that at all times and they also took that away, even though it was labeled and she had her prescription for it with her. music is mid most of the time and the drinks are ass. choose any bar on st. mary's before coming here, they take birth control away! read more

I had the worse time here. A fight started in line and the sercuity pepper sprayed him and it got on everyone's face. I started crying so hard and begged them to let me in to go to the restroom to watch my face or give me a paper towel. The owner refused and told me I wasn't allowed to go in for the rest of the night because I was "causing a problem". He even put his hands on me and started pushing me claiming he was "old school" and could hit a women. read more

My boy Abner is the best bartender in the biz since day one! He's a muthflufin GOAT, killin the game!!

The actual bar is pretty cool, but the staff are TERRIBLE. They play 80s music with the music videos, which is pretty fun. But that's where it ends. When you walk in, prepare for an intense pat down. Even TSA is less invasive than the cops at Brass Monkey. Then once you get in, be careful where you stand. If you're standing within several feet of the bar or restrooms, a bouncer will make you move. It's just ridiculous - the "security" are just so high on themselves. The bartenders arent any better. Save your money and find a bar that appreciates their customers. read more

Despite the many bad reviews this place is not bad at all! There are a lot of mentions about being checked at the door... not too sure what the big deal is here. A lot of big night clubs and venues check you at the door for safety reasons, i see no problem here. I think people are being a little dramatic. I am a female and went with my boyfriend. Didn't have a purse or bag with me so i walked right in no problem. Everyone at the door(bouncers etc.) was friendly and welcoming. It was a Saturday night and they do an 70s-80s theme and have a Saturday drink special for $2. We went around 1030-11pm and it gets a little crowded, hot and sweaty. They also have an outside area with a bar and seating. Cool place! read more

Brass Monkey - Bars Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

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I DO NOT RECOMMEND coming to this bar. The bartender got my drink wrong. I asked for two Tito's and soda and he gave us tequila. He charged me and I told him that I asked for a Tito's (I don't like tequila) he argued with me and told me that's not what I said. Then he grabbed my drink and tossed them out and told security I had to be kicked out. I was in shock! That was the first drink I ordered and because the bartender got it wrong, I was kicked out? read more

We went during a 3 day weekend (Memorial) on a Friday night. Weather was good. There wasn't a long line to get in so we were lucky because last time we decided to skip brass monkey since there was a humongous line. The strip looked empty, hence our luck for getting in but this place was crowded and filled with people near the dance floor. A good place to get drinks and dance if you're into that kind of thing. Drinks are priced decently especially the beer. If you don't mind the crowds, loud music, and standing up then this place is good. It's the the type of outing we're you wanna look cute, do your makeup, and call up some friends to go out, and dance. Music selection was varied so that was good. A little bit of cumbias, hip hop, and pop. People were feeling themselves and more so with some added drinks. We only stayed for about an hour. The interior wasn't spectacular or amazing but it had some eye catching decor and it was easy to order your drinks. There is a semi quieter patio within the building with tables and chairs and then there are double doors that lead you inside to the dance floor. So it's cool if you wanna take a brake from the crowds and head out onto the patio outside. Kind of practical. read more

Very Rude door man named tarzan and very rude little security. Didn't even go inside. I called but no answer and no call back. Safe to say totally not worth making the trip here and not ever making the effort to come here unless they straighten up entry process. read more

How the mighty have fallen. Last year I left a 5 star review for Brass Monkey as it was one of my go-to places for a night out. I will say, after a few months of not going to this location, it has changed tremendously at the front. For instance, the front has gotten a little more unorganized as they separate into two lines of males/females so if you're going as a couple, be very wary of which line is longer for whoever gets their pat down first has to go "all the way" inside to then wait for their significant other. But let's talk about the pat down specifically for a moment, as in when I'm usually getting pat down, it's a simple pocket and waist check. However, with this establishment, the security officer got a little too friendly and reached into my inner thigh touching a more private area. I wanted to just stand by and wait for my date, but instead he got in between us and in front of me and said "no, go all the way inside and wait for her in there." Very aggressive pat down and we ended up leaving. Even the people inside start making rude comments after they bump into you. There's a lot more promising and welcoming clubs/bars nearby. Don't go here. #Ghetto read more

This place has very cheap drinks and really good music also the managers are super cool and nice they really have a good song DJ playlist overall good fun read more

Great place to enjoy a night out. I think it's probably one of the most safest places to enjoy and no have to worry about anything. The bartenders are excellent and the security is amazing. read more

The bartender we had there was so rude that even after we got and paid for our drinks we left them on a table and bailed.

Stopped in here on 4th of July. It was totally empty at 10:00PM at night but the A/C is really kicking. I was wondering if it was empty because of the date but the place filled up within the next hour. The bartender was awesome and very helpful. I drink well vodka and their well drinks that night were only 75 cents. I was shocked!! I left the bar with hardly any tab at all. We didn't realize it, but it happened to be pride night, which is cool. We hung out and watched people dance and have a good time then left when we reached our limit on drinks. They will pat you down though like you just stole crack from a cop so be careful of that. read more

Good space, talented DJ's, clean, cool crowd... if you're expecting a college-style bar with cheap drinks and shots and watered-down call-liquor, then this is your place. I appreciate top shelf liquors and typically order these on the rocks. Ordered a double Grey Goose and later a double Belvedere and both were obviously watered down. I'll go back because I had a great time at the bar with friends, but I'll order only bottled beer in the future. read more

Decent drinks and music. Not the best bar on the strip but it is the cheapest. The dance floor way too small. And the crowd is a bit older at times so not that great if you are in college but cheap drinks so kinda worth it I guess. Update: Every time I go the drinks get worst and weaker even for the cheap price. The bouncers and "bar guards" get ruder. This bar is honestly lower than a dive bar. Its a dance club with older people reliving their disco days and cheap 20 somethings who just want to get drunk for under $30. read more

Brass Monkey - Bars Near Me - San Antonio, Texas