The adorable little bar inside our hotel ended up being the perfect spot for a quick cocktail before heading down to the San Antonio River Walk. The staff was pleasant, welcoming, and made the experience feel relaxed from the moment we walked in. The bar itself had a fun atmosphere -- stylish without trying too hard -- and was a great way to start the evening. Definitely a nice hidden gem for hotel guests. read more

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We wanted a good drink before heading to the Majestic to see Funny Girl, so took the river walk from our great loft to the Omni. Nice quiet dark bar with the best drinks. I always get a Side Car here. Love the sugar on the rim. I think the others got wine or margaritas. Everyone happy. Very nice server at our table. Even got to pet a Yellow Lab which was a bonus. read more

El Colegio - My fav - Side Car. Look it up. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

Even though El Colegio pales in comparison to Four Brothers, it wasn't a bad choice when I was feeling hungry on a Friday night. El Colegio is a cocktail bar located inside the Omni La Mansion del Rio, the hotel I was staying at during my recent trip to San Antonio. However, they also offer eats, and they're pretty good. Maybe not as good as Four Brothers, but a solid choice when you want something less extravagant for a cheaper price point. First, I was kind of annoyed that the menu I saw on the Omni Hotels website wasn't the same as the menu I saw in person at the time of my visit. Like, for example, the hot chicken sandwich wasn't offered anymore. I know the weather was hot and all, but given the recent craze in Nashville Hot Chicken sandwiches, I would have been willing to give one a try, especially since San Antonio isn't that far from Nashville. They did, however, have a Smash Cheeseburger, but it was priced $2 higher than their website menu on my first visit. You could opt to have the impossible patties instead of the regular Double Angus patties, but that would be an additional $4 on today's menu; the website menu stated a $2 upcharge back then. Pretty disappointing that I came at the wrong time. Who knows? Maybe if I had gone the previous week, I could have spent the same amount for their Smash Cheeseburger with impossible patties as I did for the same burger, but without the upcharge. The bar wasn't nearly as full, especially for a Friday night; I suppose there were other bars on the Riverwalk that were much more conducive to a larger crowd. Anyways, I waited about 20 minutes for my cheeseburger, which wasn't too bad. It had a pretty bold taste, and I also liked the fries, which were seasoned with barbecue. A little too salty overall, but I'd give that visit 4 stars overall. However, the second visit was where I had to drop one star. I came in the following Thursday night to order a Brisket Quesadilla. Isabella, the bartender, told me it would take about 15 minutes to prepare my quesadilla. However, it actually took double that! I was so annoyed that I had to wait twice as long for the food, especially because I was getting really thirsty, and I wasn't in a good mood either. I could have asked for some water, but Isabella was way too busy serving the other customers. Also, they gave me a utensil pack to go with my quesadilla, but the utensil pack had a hole in it, so the salt & pepper came out prematurely. Really now? Quality control must have been lacking this time around. The Brisket Quesadilla was about as good as the Smash Cheeseburger. It came with a cup of sour cream and a larger cup of salsa, both of which were great supplements to the quesadilla, though the salsa could have been less watery and more flavorful. I don't know where the food was cooked, however, but I did notice an employee walking in from the main entrance with my brisket quesadilla in a takeout bag, and Isabella had to tell him that was for me. I would have guessed there was a kitchen directly behind the bar, but maybe not? Service wasn't bad, but it also paled in comparison to Four Brothers, which I thought was borderline over the top friendly. There are a handful of tables inside, and in the very back of the bar, there are a couple of TVs where you can watch some games while sipping on your drinks, which I can't comment on since I don't drink alcohol. However, the eats were good enough for me to recommend. I just wish they were more accurate on their waiting times or at least offer me some water while I wait. A couple minutes over isn't bad, but 15? I should at least have been notified; otherwise, I could have just chilled in my hotel room and waited for the phone call that my order was ready, something that Four Brothers actually had the courtesy to do. read more

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Just stopped for a drink but Rico was very attentive and the bar is dark, cozy and has a gas fireplace. It's like your own private library!

People here are SO nice! Classic cocktails and casual but sophisticated atmosphere makes this a amazing bar for both hotel stayers and locals alike. Also, AMAZING pastries! read more

Best margaritas in the district by far!!! After walking the river walk, finally decided to yelp the best margaritas and was not disappointed! Definitely worth the short walk read more

El Colegio - Cucumber and Four Brothers Margaritas - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

Great place to meet before you go out or for a night cap on your return! El Colegio is a relaxed and cool bar! It's a nice place with plenty of comfortable seating. There are 3 TV's to catch a game. The service was excellent!! It's always a huge plus to have a cool hotel bar!! read more

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Decided to go downstairs for a drink... we we're going to order a bottle but they were out on our first few choices. Ordered a Moscow mule, not so good... bartender wasn't so friendly or helpful. The ambiance was decent and the menus were pretty cute. It was convenient but next time I'd just walk right outside to grab a drink... read more

El Colegio - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

Hotel bars can be very tricky and are usually a hit or miss in most cities. I'm never a fan of attending a hotel bar and being charged an obscure amount for a simple cocktail or beer. I understand the price of convenience especially when traveling but when you're a local that can be one thing to gripe about. Which is why I'm happy to have found a new little gem in the hotel bar world... El Colegio! El Colegio is located inside the Omni downtown and boy was I surprised by this intimate little bar. There is a very cozy feel once you enter the doors of this bar. Entrances are located through the lobby or outside of the main street. Super nice when you're not actually staying at the hotel. With an intimate fireplace towards the back and a few tv's, it's nice to catch up on a game or with friends. The menu includes small bites for you to fill your tummy up alongside with some great drinks. From draft beer to Moscow Mules, this joint has you covered. I had no clue this bar even existed until I was walking around on a beautiful night downtown. If you're looking for a bar to kick off the night or need a nice little escape from reality, El Colegio is a great place to consider. I'll be visiting this place again when I want to have a catch up session with friends or family. read more

We went here on 2/5/16 before seeing Jerry Seinfeld. The rye Manhattan was superb. One of the smoothest I've had...both of them ;-) The ruby red Collins my GF got was really good too. The snacks were tasty - Spiced olives, guacamole/salsa and best of all the rosemary and sea salt seasoned Marcona almonds. The bartenders were very, good! read more

Cool little spot with a sweet and spicy drink list! The bar used to be the presidents office in the college and the theme of it still works. My drink and the ambience was great! read more

El Colegio - Mexican firing squad Marg! It was strawberry and chili margarita...delicious - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

Nice quiet bar with a very attentive staff. Stephanie was excellent and mixed great drinks. Also gave us suggestions for dinner. If you're ready for a quiet cool vibe after a busy time on the Riverwalk stop in and settle into the comfy chairs. read more

Stopped by here after an evening event since I was still hungry. Part of the Omni hotel and the only place that was serving food after 9 pm. Got the shrimp tacos, which I liked and enjoyed the presentation. read more

El Colegio - shrimp tacos - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

Great ambience and service. Conveniently located inside the lobby of the Omni. I enjoyed sitting by the fireplace and watching the game here. Drink and food menu is decent. read more

Hands down best Sangria! Light, sweet, smooth. Very easy in the palette, so refreshing! read more

El Colegio - Best Sangria, ever! - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

Friendly service from knowledgeable bartenders. Quiet, calm bar in the Omni La Mansion Del Rio Hotel just steps from the bustle of the Riverwalk. Thanks, ladies, for making me a real margarita on the rocks with fresh lime juice and no unnecessary, extraneous crap. read more

Delicious drinks! Decent service. Calm atmosphere. All in all, a great experience. College street parking garage is a convenient and close.

SO GOOD! Had the shrimp tacos and quesadilla after seeing a show at the Aztec. Friendly staff and delicious food!

This is a calm cool and collected bar for a smooth relaxing drink with a nice bar menu. Recommended for people who don't want to be in a crowd of sombrero -wearing, tequila- guzzling tourists. read more