Monday Night Karaoke is legendary!!!! Only place worth going to on a Monday night if you want a guarantied good night out. read more

Hi-Tones - Bars Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

Fun and great drinks. Definitely give them and their surrounding venues a try. The watermelon and pickle drinks are tasty

I love Hi-Tones!!! As a SA native born and raised, but no longer living in SA. I miss specific qualities of SA that are starting to disappear with gentrification and changes. I come to Hi-Tones because it gives me the exact energy of SA I miss. It embodies a lot of what makes countdown city so unique! Their drink menu is one of a kind and I love the picadilly drink and a pickle shot. If you wanna know what San Antonio vibes feel like...come to Hi-Tones! read more

One of the first spots I can to since getting out and I loved it! The drinks were good and the price wasn't too bad. The música was really good. Everyone was having a good time and dancing. The bartender was quick and earned all his tips. What I didn't like was all the people walking through us dancing to go to the upstairs bar. read more

Cool spot for live music on the Saint Mary's strip. Friendly staff and good drink specials.

Pickle PICKLE PICKLE!! Now that you've read it three times you are now going to forever affiliate Hi-Tones with some of the best Pickle Shots a bar has to offer. They're just so addicting and for $2 a piece how can they not be! For those of ya who have crave something on the tangy spicy side don't worry they have you covered as well with their infamous Chamoy Shots. This is one of my favorite places to be with my friends with as the atmosphere is just so laid back and the music (including live bands frequently) is just too hard to pass up on. The bartending staff is very friendly and always willing to give you drink ideas. They take pride to being "Home of the Original Pickle and Chamoy Shots" Don't worry about Hi-Tones burning a hole in your wallet as most of their drinks are under $6 It's a smaller establishment but the patio outside is plenty big. So come for the drinks and stay for the music. You'll be glad you came to check this place out. read more

See all

I had such a good girls night here. The weather was nice and the music was bumping here. My friend and I chose this place since they were having a special that night where girls got in free before 11 PM. I haven't been here in a long time. There were a couple of changes like they now have a cool new bar outside. My friend and I started inside with some pineapple Eastsiders inside with one of their signature chamoy shots. After the shots, we were in the mood to dance especially since they had a good DJ who had some good transitions. This place had good music and when it got too hot outside we sat outside to cool down. I had an amazing night. Will definitely be coming back next weekend. read more

Hi-Tones - My favorite alter - Bars Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

See all

Love this place!! One of my favorite small venues and bars in SATX. There's cool art all over the walls and there's a really cute patio area and bar. The vibes in there are really good. They have great drink specials. And the bartender, Joe, is super cool! They are known for their Pickle shot and Chamoy shot which are both really tasty. I like pickle juice..so I'm happy getting drunk off of it. Haha. I definitely recommend coming here for a show or just to stop in for some drinks while in San Antonio! read more

Hi-Tones - Bars Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

Every scene has its own unique crowd and vibe that goes along with it. Some places have a feel that if you were to close your eyes you can sense it. Hi Tones is that type of place. Contrary to popular belief with the exception of cheap drinks I would not classify it as a dive, quite the opposite. It is located on the St. Mary's Strip, which means it must be a tavern or a music venue by default. Well, it is kinda both. It is extremely small with little breathing room, or drinking space for that matter. I went to a fundraiser they were having, for a grassroots organization and also as a way to check out the place firsthand. Firstly it is pretentious, scenester and beyond Portlandia hipster! I don't mind a hipster crowd, certainly that demographic can raise the level of any establishment. But the too cool for school vibe is in full bloom in the air here, so dense you can cut it with a knife. And sure there is ample space outside to hangout with friends, with picnic style tables to match. It just feels like no matter where you sit someone is invading your space. For example I sat in a spot presumably away from all the incoming traffic of people. No sooner did I speak that a crowd of loud, sloppy drunk fratboys straight out of an episode of "Selfie" bum rushed the place. They clearly had no concept of personal space, plopping their messy drinks and manners alongside me at the table I was seated. I know that any spot that sells booze will have an equal amount of obnoxious behavior, certainly that comes with the territory. But to have inebriated, impolite and increasingly belligerent patrons bump against your table, almost toppling over drinks gave reason to pause. Inside is no different. Since it is so small it is filled to the brim with drunk people or others looking to become that. The place is dark, almost pitch black to the point that you can't see their menu or for that matter the people walking around you. To stand anywhere in this place is to be in someone's way, which made my experience here all the more unpleasant. I did notice on the floor there was a DJ and some entertainment going on, but since everyone was gathered in a faux moshpit it was really hard to distinguish what was going on. Exactly how do bands play in here and how can anybody enjoy them? I left with that impression. After awhile all the nudging, grinding and people bumping into me without the slightest trace of politeness got to me and I decided to leave. By definition a dive to me has always been a place that despite its rough edges has heart and charm. This place is not that. You have patrons who come here for the cheap drinks and when they have enough of them in their system, can buy fewer when they leave to a more upscale place. If you are into clubs where rockabilly couples, J.Crew fashionistas and bike riders collide but not in an ironic manner than this is your spot. On the way out I saw two dudes toasting with Lone Star beers in tow. To what, I have no idea. read more

Hi-Tones appears to be the new Chicano hangout. Thus far, I've seen some great local and out-of-town bands perform. When you approach the building on St. Mary's it has a cool, blue presence and you know you have arrived. Parking is interesting and I haven't been towed or ticketed yet so I'm guessing it's ok that they turned their parking lot into an outdoor hang-out with picnic tables, a bar and food truck. Apparently, they are known for their chamoy and pickle shots. I prefer to get a chamoy/pickle shot. All-in-one is best and won't leave you with sour face. I was missing LA last month and luckily, there were two bands from LA playing on their trip to SXSW. It was nice to reconnect with the bands and get some of that East LA energy here in San Antone. Admission has been $3 or $5. Not bad. Free is best given that I lost a $20 near the bar on my first visit there. Super sad face! :( I'll still keep coming here to hear the latest in the local Chicano/alt-rock scene and to support what may be the only venue that features these group on a consistent basis. I wasn't around for Salute but I hear that was "the" place for Chicano music in town. We passed by the old Salute building after leaving Hi-Tones only to see a bunch of bearded hipsters in skinny jeans. Very very very sad. We shouldn't turn into another Austin. San Antonio needs to keep it's authenticity and not sell-out to the highest bidder. read more

My group of friends were looking for something new on NYE and we certainly found it driving by the old Gigabytes and Java location. The newly painted teal Hi-tones was blaring some awesome dance tunes and cool video to match its intensity on the side of its building. No cover, awesome crowd, great selection of drink specials and beverages, swift bartenders (although there should have been 4 of them back there, only saw 2) and decently clean RR facilities! Now, one toilet on a big night like NYE was basically an epic fail, but on a regular night... is still probably set to fail. My opinion is bars should have at least two toilets per gender just to keep a steady flow of... you know! More drinking! Its gotta go some where! I had fun talking to everyone while waiting... and waiting... and waiting. Now there were a bunch of heavily intoxicated people no doubt, including partying employees, I feel their judgment on other patrons might have been a little harsh. One guy got rammed on the ground wrestling with a friend wasn't bothered by any staff, while another girl got accosted for being tipsy was asked to leave. Why a cab wasn't called for both of these people baffles me. It must be hard running a bar on such a big night. Regardless we enjoyed ourselves, with pint sized well drinks at $2.50, met many great couples, we definitely anticipate a low key trip soon. The sound system was the tits!! read more

Hi-Tones - Bars Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

See all

Great place to go and unwind, i went for selena night. I would recommend everyone to atleast try changos shots, picle shots as these are speciality of this club and price is also decent for these shots (only $2). I went there with my college mate. Good spot to find locals read more

Hi-Tones - two men posing for the camera - Bars Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

See all

Okay so let's first list the good: For being on St. Mary's there is actually always parking; the drinks are cheap and pretty good. If there isn't a terrible band then the music is pretty cool. Okay so that was that. First off -- it's super dingy and it seems to attract a combo of man child types (dudes who wear band Ts literally always) and fake ID 19 year olds. Then it does the worst thing -- it charges cash cover. The worst phrase in modern history after "make America great again" is "cash cover" // I just don't understand why anyone over the age of 21 needs to be paying cover ever and I don't care I hate it!!! Especially given that this bar is on the only street in SATX that you can bar hop. Mind you - paying cover when there is a band is even worse cause 10/10 times the band will be horrible. The next great American rock song will not be discovered at Hi-tones. Anyway - if you find yourself here get the chamoy shot and then follow it with a pickle shot. You may as well, seeing as you already paid cover-- and, btw, they are delicious. read more

I don't know what it is about San Antonio and holidays but it's almost damn near IMPOSSIBLE to find a bar open much less a COOL bar open with 1) no cover, 2) awesome music, and 3) that is CHEAP CHEAP CHEEEEEAP! On Thanksgiving, my sister, a friend, and myself set out to find a cool place to wet our whistles and drink some while listening to some music. The Mix, down the street, doesn't "pick up" until after 11 (or when the bands start playing) so we took a stroll down to Hi-Tones where neither of us had been to, yet. Upon walking in I for sure thought there was going to be a cover since the nice and humble door man had a post, a stool, and even a SAPD cop right next to him (what is the deal with cops being at all the bars down St. Mary's?!). He checked our ID's and didn't ask us for money! SCORE! 100 points! Walked into the bar and saw a few tables that were empty, a great DJ spinning some Ghostland Observatory (yeaaaaaah!), and a sign that had 4 house shots listed on a chalkboard with the $2 price tag next to it. As a fan of pickle shots here in Austin (see my review on Kung Fu Saloon), I was totally game in trying the pickle shots. We started out evening out right by ordering 2 pickle shots EACH and having at it. BOY OH BOY these shots were wonderful!!!!!!!!!!! They are rimmed with TWANG (oh you won my Mexican heart over already, Hi-Tones) and even had bits of pickle in the shot! Best PICKLE SHOT I HAVE EVER HAD! Seriously! You cannot beat $2 a shot! We must've had, collectively, at least 24 pickle shots. It was that good! Rest of the night we held it down with some tallboy Lonestars paired with our pickle shots. I was too sold on the pickle shots to try the chamoy or any other of the housemade shot. I know I will have an other opportunity to go out to Hi-Tones again and venture on trying the other 3 shots. I saw many high school friends while I was there and got to meet new ones too. Great patio to hang out and converse as the music inside can get too loud that you might have to scream to your friend over and over again when trying to figure out what he or she wants to drink next. read more

Cool hidden gem in SA TX / Tobin Hill area. This location is a bit hard to find, and they open at 9 pm. The bar inside is super chill. The night we went, the bar inside played cool old school rap the entire time. Service: Service with a smile. The bar tenders were friendly and helpful. Drinks: Drinks are super cheap and interesting. I ordered a Raspa drink - pineapple flavor. Delish! The place was not too crowded and had a very chill vibe. read more

Hi-Tones - Cool place - Bars Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

See all

Probably the best chamoy shot I ever had. They have a assortment of shots which are all awesome. They have mixed drinks, karaoke, live bands and patio outside area. read more

Hi-Tones - two cocktails on a bar counter - Bars Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

The man outside checking peoples ids did not allow me to come in because he saw me laugh at his little stupid sign about Donald trump. He then asked me my political stances on trump. I laughed and he then denied me entry to hi tones, don't know why. Not a fun place. Do not recommend read more

This is my all time favorite Friday night spot! The drinks are always perfect and cheap. Out of all the bars on the trip Hi-Tones has the best tasting drinks thanks to the bartenders. My favorite shots are the paleta shot and the original pickle shot. On Friday nights the DJ typically plays a variety of 2000s hip hop and current hip hop music. At the end the night there is a couple cumbias being played. I have never been disappointed at hi-tones on a Friday night! read more

A friend and I did the bar crawl in South SA on a Sunday night. So I'm going to do the reviews for all four of the bars: Faust Tavern: Good dive place with cheap drinks, a bit hidden. The inside is a bit too dark for me, but the outside patio is great to have a drink. La Botanica: Almost the same as Faust Tavern, but they had a karoke machine for people to sing. That was kind fun. The Squeezebox: An accordion themed place. My friend, who is Mexican, said he loves this place because it reminds him of his dad who listens to those types of music. Hi-Tones: A dance club, fun place to end your night at. read more

Livin' the Hi-Life! This place is so much fun! There's always something going on here. They have live music regularly. They play inside, and that place gets loud in there. They usually show local bands, or some smaller group that happens to be touring through town. The place has some cheap drinks! Gotta love the ice cold Lone Star Beers, and cheap shots! They specialize in pickle shots, and chimoy shots. Those really aren't my thing, but they seem to be the most popular drinks on the menu. They have one that is made of pineapple juice and rum that's as delicious as it is inexpensive. The decor is funky. The walls are lined with old photos, picture frames and religious candles, giving you the feeling that you've walked into some sort of unholy shrine. The outdoors area is nice, with lots of picnic tables and an extra beer line. They usually start charging cover after about sundown. If you get there early, you can get in for free. The bathrooms are gross. They smell, and are covered in graffiti and bumper stickers. Try to go before you arrive. The bartenders are always fast and friendly, pouring with a heavy hand. There's hardly ever a wait, and they crank out the drinks. read more

Hi Tones came around during an interesting point in the evolution of the North St Mary's Strip. In some ways, it may have saved North St Mary's from being rendered obsolete. Limelight used to be the ultimate 'alternative dive bar in San Antonio.' However, due to shifts in management and an evolving scene, Limelight wasn't really able to retain or curate a dynamic experience of their 2008-2009 prime. Hi Tones has done a good job of combining the elements of a dive bar (cheap drinks, minimally furnished, dark). On top of that, they have differentiated from other dive bars with the integration of raspa-wave shot menu. The integration of the low end Chicano flavor palette is a playful take on San Antonio. Big Red, Big Pineapple, Chamoy, and pickle shots make HiTones a great place to start or end your night. Recently, they put two portapotties in the patio area. While this is probably good for people who have to 'go potty', the idea of chilling by portapotties isn't that great. Unless they are they as part of some larger metaphor. The recent spray painting of damask design elements on the interior walls was probably a bad idea. read more

This place is my new favorite bar. I wish I lived closer, and while I'm wishing for things, I wish they'd open earlier! I'm getting old and my bed time is 9. Besides all that, this place is the bomb. The exterior is super cool looking, and they have a nice patio outside. Inside is dark and mysterious, but we usually take our drinks to the patio. The best part: drinks are sooooo cheap! Which is freakin' awesome! My hairstylist told me to try the Chamoy-lada (I think that's what it's called) that comes with a Tecate. It's only 5.50 and delicious. It's pretty sour and topped with pickles, but the second time I ordered it I had the bartender add some mango juice/nectar and it made it even better. They also have pickle shots, which I have not tried yet but it's on my list! They also have tons of other drink choices, all for great prices. The bartenders are super great as well. Shout out to Manny (at least I hope that's his name) who I want to compliment for putting up with my stupid requests! Thanks for making us some yummy drinks. Everyone here is always friendly, which is always nice! read more

My liver and my wallet thanked me the next day by reminding how I'm not 21 anymore, nor am I rich. I've past this place more than enough times during my semester stint at SAC. For awhile I thought it was a record shop... alas it's a bar that is somewhat new and I have never been to. So this past weekend I decided to give it a shot, or should I say about 2 rpunds of shots & 3 rounds of beer. Between the 3 of us all for the mere $20. YAYYY!! So 2 of us had the paleta shot (sp?) whatever it was; it was delicious. My friend got the chamoy shot since he has a secret addiction to that stuff. He said it was awesome, I'll believe his word on that one. We also did the pickle shot. Since I'm not a pickle shot connoisseur, I can tell you it tasted like pickle juice from the jar. Couldn't taste the alcohol, but I'm sure it was in there. They had a band, seemed pretty decent. Bathroom kinda sucks, one per gender. What grabbed me is the patio, nothing like kicking back outside with St. Mary's right in front of you. It's like free entertainment. Oh and the parking wasn't too bad, it seemed safe & the chances you would have a car to walk back to were pretty high. Being one of the newer places on the strip has a great chance to stick around for quite sometime. read more

I don't understand why Hi Tones doesn't have more reviews since it's coming up big time on the St. Mary's Strip and is becoming viable competition to The Mix, Club Venom, Joey's and White Rabbit. Oh well I came here to meet a friend to celebrate his birthday. I like the vast beer selection, the friendly bartenders and the songs played in the background. I tried the pickle shot and liked it so I highly recommend you try it in case you haven't. For those wondering what a pickle shot is, it's just pickle juice with vodka mixed together. Don't be grossed out, it really is good! I would not recommend trying the chamoy shot, it's too sour for me. read more

I came to Hi-Tones a few days ago with a group of new friends! I tried the pickle shots, they are AWESOME!! Hi-Tones has the most LEGIT Pickle Shots I've ever had! They have pretty good prices the Pickle Shots where $2 bucks I was drinking Crown and Coke and bought a few drinks for my friend! The Bartender cut me off (I wasn't driving but she didn't know that) so I paid and my tab was like $22 bucks. I was like "is that all?" I left a big tip, because the service was fast and excellent! I've been here a couple times now, and they play good music and book local bands, so it's a good time even if there isn't a band! They have a huge outdoor seating area as well! Hi-Tones is pretty cool! I would recommend it for anyone who just wants to have fun and isn't trying to fit into a "scene" Just come relax have a Pickle Shot and dance your butt off! Hi-Tones has made it on my list of Awesome San Antonio Night Spots! read more

I was impressed. I drive by this place everyday but just hit them up for my first time. It has a cool funky ambiance. I paid $7 cover for two, which seemed like an error but ok. It's a small place with San Antonio vibe. The Jesus candles and religious iconography brought me home. read more

Try every shot they offer to for the night. Pickle shot is interesting and pretty good. Pica piña shot I liked and the bomba roja is the best! Great atmosphere and music. It's like the Fine Line back in my club days in Tucson. If we come back to SA, we will definitely give Hi Tones a visit. read more

Very airy, chill bar, good drink prices, GREAT music! It's located at a tall teal building near the corner of St. Mary's and Josephine street. read more

Everyone says the pickle shot is amazing and they're right! It absolutely is delicious and so is every other drink here. They make a wonderful blue Hawaiian and La Raspa as well as other concoctions. Service is fast and the outdoor area is relaxing. read more

Hi-Tones - So many choices - Bars Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

Found this place on yelp and had to check out the shots everyone said are so yummy. We arrived a quarter until nine on a Sunday and there was only one small group other than us. We ordered a round of pickle shots, chango shots, mexicandy shots, horchata shots and paleta shots. They were all pretty good but the paleta shots are awesome! And for only $3 you can't beat it! We ended up throwing back quite a few before heading out to the next bar. The bartender was very sweet and helpful. I didn't get her name but she was in a red hat. We didn't stay long because the place was empty but they still get 5 stars in my book for the cheap, yummy drinks, clean establishment, easy parking and great service! read more

Great experience and really cool Building I was actually drawn to the bar because of the building but I stayed for the cold beer and nice staff. read more

Two words: Outdoor heaters!!! I would be so much happier enjoying a taco or drink outside if there were heaters outside. The drinks were good & reasonably priced. My favorite part of the night were the street tacos. Yummy! The music was not to my liking. The DJ was okay, but I prefer music with lyrics and not just a bunch of thumping and bass. read more

Great underground bands and good beer selection and specialty drinks. Good drink prices.

Awesome little gem here. With an outside patio and inside usually having live music small local bands or DJs killing it! Best pickle shots! Beer is pretty cheap overall such a chill atmosphere! 10/10 read more

Cool place with great cheap drinks, cool drink specials, and some awesome bands. Always a big enthusiastic crowd, but plenty of room for dancing or moshing, whatever's your thing. It can get packed inside, but you can always head outside if you need some space. There's even a bar outside if you want another drink while you're out there. So, what are you waiting for? Go check out Hi-Tones and enjoy the live music-especially the local band Los De Esta Noche, they're amazing! read more

The 2 times I've been here I've messed up my car. No, I wasn't drunk, didn't even have a drink yet. The parking situation is CRAP. The tiny parking lot has a 1 foot curb as you're turning in, and I scrapped the side of the car on it 6 yrs ago since it's stupid high and serves no purpose. Then today I was coming to check out the vendors and safely made it through the aforementioned UNFIXED curb and went to park and the front end of my car dropped down about a foot into a hole in the asphalt in a parking spot. It was overgrown with grass so I don't know how I was supposed to see it. My husband told me that while he was here (got here before me) that they all heard about 5 other cars do the EXACT SAME THING, but nobody did anything about it. No neon cones out, no trash can blocking the spot, barricade with caution tape, nothing. Thanks for nothing. This place is haunted, IMO. Just talked to someone else here and they said the same thing happened last year. This is very irresponsible read more

I love it here. Even though it gets a little hot but what place doesn't when you're busy dancing the night away to Sean Paul on a Friday. Best DJs ever. Great shots. And bathroom line isn't too long! I recommend the chango shots because the chamoy shots are a little on the thicc side. read more

Came here for a wrestling show with my elderly friend who is a disabled veteran and the door guy was on some power trip or something. He demanded that my buddy (who CLEARLY has a grey beard) show him his ID. If this doesn't indicate over 21 then I don't know what does? My friend had a beverage with him and this door nazi wouldn't let him bring the drink in despite the fact that the door nazi allowed others to bring in their drink before we arrived. Do not like a place that treats disabled elderly veterans like this. I expect this in Austin not in "military city USA", will not be back. read more

We met friends at Hi Tones to celebrate a birthday. I was a little apprehensive that I might not be cool enough to be there, but my fears unfounded as the crowd was both diverse and friendly. As others have mentioned, the drinks were very affordable and there was no cover charge the night we went.. The live music was great and the atmosphere was divey-eclectic in a good, interesting kind of way. We had a great time and will definately return in the near future. read more

High tones is the shizznit, way better than the unfriendly spot a few miles away. $2 lonestar beers and drink specials is the way to go. Unless you like getting raped by your "friends". Lol read more