Restaurant Review Haiku ... place of nostalgia old fashioned not to be missed be a rough rider read more

Menger Bar - Bars Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

The Menger Bar is a definite stop when you're visiting the hotel and it's such a comfy place to stay and have a drink. The bar is relatively small, but it has 2 floors, which gives it a bit more room than expected. We enjoyed our drinks and you have to love all of the Teddy Roosevelt/Rough Riders memorabilia given that he recruited people to joint the Rough Riders in this bar (how can you not love that). Definitely check this out when you're in the area! read more

Menger Bar - Fun place! - Bars Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

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Beautiful, small, historic bar located right next to the Alamo. The entrance has a small hanging sign and you could easily walk right by without noticing it! I adored this place and the history it holds. The bar itself is dark and has heavy woodwork which the bartender told me is all original (including the seating). He also gave me some great advice about the area. Super friendly! They have lovely classic drinks on the menu. Don't expect cheap prices, this is anything but a dive bar! I enjoyed a Bulleit Rye Old Fashioned ($12) and it was very well made. I really enjoyed the company of my fellow visitors and will definitely stop by here again the next time I am in San Antonio. read more

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We went for a night cap, and the bartender was rude and gross! He broke a glass and used the "f" word and then preceded to curse with his co worker. He seemed more interested in a fairly large group at a table and then was talking with a woman at the bar. Hello?? We are sitting at the bar!! read more

Food was good. The service was wonderful. The ambiance was great for our party. We really enjoyed our time last night read more

Menger Bar - Bars Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

Oldest bar in Texas, last remodel 1859 when Teddy recruited for the rough riders. Order the mule

This is a staple every time we visit! Historical treasure! Just note that it's rather small and bar service only- be careful going up and down the stairs! read more

Margarita, old fashion and the orang delight is what we ordered! All were really good. The bartender was very attentive!!! read more

Really cool bar. Bartender was really friendly. Found it on Yelp, so we stopped by for a beer, and really enjoyed it all. No ghosts, that we know of, but you can definitely feel the history of the building and area. Definitely come on in, when you're in San Antonio. It's a must-see. After all, it's one of the oldest bars in the country. read more

Menger Bar - Entrance views - Bars Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

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The Menger Bar was Established in 1859. Just 14 years after the Republic of Texas ceased to exist and Texas was formally admitted to the Union. This bar is truly full of History. If the walls could talk. They would tell tales beyond belief. In 1898 Colonel Leonard Wood and his second in command Lt Col Theodore Roosevelt assembled here and recruited a volunteer army at the request of President McKinley to fight in the Spanish-American War. Future Presidents would often stay the Hotel. Babe Ruth stayed here. The bar and the hotel have memorabilia from all these events and notables. If you are in San Antonio this is right across the street from the Alamo and is a must visit place. read more

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I recruited zero Rough Riders while in this bar. And on my first visit, there was a screaming woman... who was finally asked to leave but OMG my eardrums. This is a small historic bar. Seating can be at a premium. It's dark and intimate but can get really really loud. I enjoyed the upstairs seating because of the view of the moose. My old fashioned was... different. So I would get a beer or a straight pour or standard mixer here. Love to drink where history is made so definitely a great spot to have an adult beverage. read more

Menger Bar - Bars Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

This is a beautiful historical must stop in San Antonio. I was at the hotel for a workshop and couldn't wait to check out this famous bar! It's famous for hosting the Rough Riders and Teddy Roosevelt as a patron. The bar itself has so much to look at. The dark wood all around and adorned with historical pictures. The bar itself is low lit and has that speak easy feel. Luckily they serve food here at the bar. I ordered lunch and was delighted to have the Portobello Burger. It's a great option for us vegetarians. The burger came with portobello mushroom with lettuce, onion, tomato, and pickles all packed between a sesame seed bun. It also offers a side of fries. Service was very quick during lunch. They order the food from the hotel restaurant and bring it to the bar. Our waitress was polite and eager to assist us. read more

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I had out of town guests and the Menger is a most-see! How can you not love the history of the Menger? We intended to stay a while; however, the three female bartenders were not friendly, didn't know what the bar had to offer and spent more time on their phone than talking to customers. I asked, "What kind of IPA beers do you have?" We got a dirty look and she pointed to the back of the bar where there were samples. OK, that would be fine....except that another bartender was on her phone and was standing right in front of all the samples--and refused to move? So, we had to wait 4-5 minutes for her to move (so we could see the beer selection) I mean, who does that? So, instead of enjoying our time at the Menger, and spending a wad of cash there, we moved on. They lost a lot of tip money--and I don't think the bartenders cared. Menger bar, please hire friendly staff. Please! read more

The Menger Bar a small bar packed with a ton of history! Most notable for Teddy Roosevelt visiting, it contains a ton of memorabilia. Seating is offered downstairs and there is a small upstairs, make sure to check out both! My parents love to stop here. Most recently, I came here twice in one week with them when they were staying at the Menger. Service was always very friendly, they would frequently give tourists suggestions on places to visit (some that I would confirm were good!). Drink prices are reasonable, especially considering Riverwalk prices. This is a must-stop for anyone visiting San Antonio and wanting to see some history while enjoying a drink. read more

Menger Bar - Bars Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

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Had an old fashioned with rye, was ok. Service was great at the bar. Very historical bar really like that being a local San Antonian. read more

Menger Bar - Old Fashioned with rye - Bars Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

My friend and I went to the bar for a nightcap. Lemon drops were delicious. Love the decor and history of the bar/ hotel. Bartenders were really friendly, even showed us the famous bullet holes in the wall made by Teddy Roosevelt and some other fella in a shooting competition. Definitely recommend. read more

The Menger Bar staff is amazing! The completely understood the type of refreshment we were looking for when we walked in the door! Quick and to the point! Thank you! read more

Menger Bar - The Historic Menger Bar! - Bars Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

Despite the fact that this place tends to be touristy, I enjoyed it. One can enter directly from the inside of the hotel or from the street. Although from the street it could be easily missed as the entrance is not grand, merely a dark door with a small hanging sign. The bar is dark and moody and is full of dark pretty rich wood and historical memorabilia throughout. The drinks were solid. It was fairly busy for a Sunday but the bartender kept the drinks flowing and remained freindly. Several different patrons were all talking and sharing historical stories of which they've heard or read somewhere. The history of the place tends to add some camaraderie among the patrons which was pretty cool. The bar is said to be haunted. The place is bigger then it appears as there is an upstairs portion to it as well. There were kids present, there was one TV and closes at midnight. read more

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We love it here! We had Angelina mixing drinks for us today and she is the BEST! Yummmmmmmmm read more

Menger Bar - This sweet lady made the BEST chocolate martinis! Go see her! - Bars Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

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If these walls could talk... This little bar goes back to the days of Teddy Roosevelt recruiting rough riders in 1850's. Pictures on the walls, black & white of course of many famous people that have blown through this place. It's definitely not a fancy place. No food is served here and the bar menu is quite simple. Beers will cost around 5-10. While the mixed drinks between 10-15 a clip. Tables available upstairs and ground level. Don't try to order a drink with a umbrella sticking out of it. They'll probably laugh you out of here. Family's come just to have a cocktail or two with kids in tow. Bartenders were friendly and will give you a story or two if they are not that busy. Gave me one, it's the oldest bar in Texas. This place reeks of history. Check it out, you won't be disappointed. Oh yeah and it's right across the street from the Alamo. Enjoy. read more

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I've always loved the Menger Bar but this last visit had me underwhelmed. What I thought was a classy (in its own way) establishment is now serving cocktails out of plastic cups. The only available white wine was a Chardonnay and when I asked for a top shelf margarita I was handed a sickly sweet concoction that tasted more like a lemonade than a enjoyable cocktail. I am not sure if the bar serves separate quality to guests versus off the street visitors, but since our drinks were charged to a room, I guess it's the same low quality for all. Please Menger, step it back up. read more

Teddy Roosevelt founded the rough riders in this very bar. This hotel and attached bar is chock full of history. They claim there are even some of the original bullet holes in the walls. Huge moose head hangs over the bar, for the bull moose himself. They have a small history place with some uniforms and guns from the era. But man the old wood everywhere, the history, and just the ambiance reminds you of the old west. Loved the experience. The bartender was top notch. Any drink you choose he would say "excellent choice". Made ya smile. Prices were fair, service was amazing and history was great. This should be a must stop on your tour of San Antonio. You'll enjoy yourself. Promise. Syoy!! read more

This will be another of my short and sweet reviews. Best burger you'll ever have.....Period! And the bartender Angela is the greatest!!!! read more

Menger Bar - Booze!!!! - Bars Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

Visiting Mengar Bar is a must whilst in San Antonio. Do it; bring a novice guest, they'll be awed. Have a signature cocktail and maybe split an appetizer....then move on to Ripley's Believe It Or Not!, or whatever tourist trap is next on your list. I had a couple of wonderful Old Fashions, and remarkably bland, "Crab Stuffed Jalapenos" which could have been simply deep fried cream cheese. Horribly boring flavor. Son enjoyed his Portobello burger, so I suppose there is some hope on the menu. read more

Menger Bar - Dark and Touristy - Bars Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

Whenever I'm in San Antonio, I have always stopped in at The Menger Bar for years bc my father was in the Air Force and used to drink here. Also, it's nice to get a refreshment after going to the Alamo across the street. I took my sister and brother-in-law here on my brother-in-law's birthday. One of the bartenders was in a gruff mood. He sharply informed us that the kitchen was closed and we told him we were just there for a birthday drink for my brother-in-law. My sister and I approached the bar and asked the other bartender for the advertised $5.00 beer special that they had on an advertisement outside. Without responding to us, the bartender abruptly pushed past my sister and just about knocked into my sister while doing so to bring the advertisement inside and would not honor the price! We ended up getting drinks that were about $15 a piece, not even a complimentary birthday shot for my brother-in-law, and the drinks were lackluster, watered down and overpriced. It's a shame because I used to really enjoy going to this place, but I will bring my business (and those with me) elsewhere. There are plenty of drinking spots around the Riverwalk and in San Antonio in general. This place needs to do more than just live on its past historical glory. They really need to overhaul their customer service practices and customer recovery in general. What a shame!!! read more

This is a great historic bar with good drinks and a wonderful staff. The food comes from the restaurant next door. read more

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I didn't eat or drink but the ambiance is cool, the relics are cool, I enjoyed being there with friends and looking at the bullet holes.

If you like ambience, this is the place. History abounds. I could not stop looking around. It is magnificent! And the old fashioned is superb! read more

The Menger Bar is so full of history and a great place to meet new friends!! The food is great too, I ordered the Cobb Salad and was the best I have ever eaten read more

If you happen to get bored walking around the Alamo, look for the door to the bar at the Menger Hotel right across the street from the Alamo. I mean it's RIGHT across the street. We moseyed in on a Sunday afternoon a few weeks ago. This bar is two stories, dark wood, big mirror behind the bar, old photos of the hotel hung on the walls. Booze galore. We sat at the bar and chatted up the bartender who told us about the ghosts that supposedly haunt the hotel, and told us that sometimes when people take photos in the bar they'll see a little girl in the background of their photos. Spooooky. The bartender also told us that once she couldn't find the keys to one of the liquor cabinets (she was working alone), and after searching for hours she finally found them on the bottom of the container with all the straws. Most likely the ghosts playing a joke on her, she assumed. Who knows?! And I'm not going to admit that this poor bartender left her keys out, and my friend hid them under the straws when we left the bar. Tee-hee. I try to visit San Antonio once a year, so I am putting this bar on my list of stops. read more

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Stopped by for a glass of wine and to experience the history. Our bartender Lauren was sweet and attentive. Thanks!

The Menger Bar (and corresponding hotel) has a wealth of Teddy Roosevelt artifacts and historical documents. I loved this aspect of the bar! The drink menu was lacking. With one bartender and a PACKED bar, drinks took a very long time to order and make. We ordered food too which was bland and mediocre. If you're interested in the history of Teddy Roosevelt, have one drink here and then walk around the hotel a bit. read more

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A nice little getaway from the Texas' heat if you're showing family or friends the Alamo area who are in town visiting. Not only do they have food available, but it's also family friendly. We were able to sit down with a five year old in the small but ample dining area. I almost feel like this bar was built during the time when folks were a lot shorter but it truly gives it character. It's an all wood and has a very personable vibe. Staff is super friendly and they even have an upper level for seating. Make sure to take a look around the hotel if you have some time. Solid spot if you're in the area for a drink or two. read more

Amazing Dirty Martinis! Really cool old bar. Great bartenders. Full of history. We will definitely come back.

This place is a tourist trap. Terrible drinks however service was ok. Do not recommend to go.

Tucked away in the corner of the historic, supposedly haunted, Menger Hotel is the small Menger Bar. When you step in it's as if you've gone back in time. Old timey small bar, lots of beautiful carved wood, a gigantic moose head hung, and several pictures and window boxes filled with interesting history. A great place to stop in, even if your not a hotel guest, to enjoy a drink and get away from all of the Alamo area hustle and bustle. I was going to give the Menger Bar 5 stars until I noticed the small flat screen TV in the corner. It just doesn't belong. Maybe a ghost will break it....ooooh. read more

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Took a little walk in the rain to see this tiny historical gem. Sat upstairs - and was amused by the sign saying "more than 10 people not allowed"...as the bar is quite old. After discussion with the bar tenders - held over the upstairs railing while they were downstairs behind the bar- I ended up with a wonderful Amaretto spiced rum chocolate liquor martini. It was quite warming on a cold rainy night and I would deinfiftely come back to sample their custom creations again. read more

Menger Bar - Amaretto Spiced rum chocolate martini - Bars Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

Omg this is some of the best margaritas I ve had. I'm hooked. Best bartender. Drinks are to go

I absolutely loved this place. Filled with history. Prices are great. I had a Reuben sandwich and 2 martinis. Generous pours. This is the original bar where Teddy Roosevelt got volunteers to join the Rough Riders. Skip the river walk and come here. Jeff was the bartender. He was great. I will definitely come back. read more

Menger Bar - Beautiful original bar. - Bars Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

If you're in SA on a trip for fun or business, and you're in the Alamo or Riverwalk area and want a cold one, you got to try the Menger Bar. Full of history in the bar and hallway leading back into the hotel. A must for any history buff. read more

Menger Bar - Bars Near Me - San Antonio, Texas