Bartenders were super nice/personable and pour a nice glass of bourbon. Definitely a must see for the historical things which occurred here. Ask the bartender nicely and he'll even show you where the 2 bullet holes in the bar are still located! read more

Menger Bar - Bars Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

Do not waste your time, actually staying in the hotel. Went in to get a drink- completely ignored, three men standing behind the bar? Waited and waited at a table, then went to the actual bar- still not acknowledge, the hotel relies entirely on its historic value and not service. Will not be back, lots of other great hotels in San Antonio. read more

Located inside the Menger hotel, this is a historical bar that apparently old presidents and hunters frequented. It's a lot smaller than we expected but it has some character with it's history and wood interior. We got martinis, a mule, manhattan, and jalapeno poppers (they were out of cheese sticks). All of the drinks were pretty good (though they used cheap cherries and I had to ask for them). The poppers were tasty and hot. It was pretty quiet when we arrived but was picking up quite a bit when we left so it's probably a fun place later in the day. read more

I had always wanted to visit this "haunt" of my fav US President and RoughRider, Teddy Roosevelt. You can definitely still feel his "spirit" here with all the photographs adorning the rustic and antiquated walls. Walking in, I felt like I was walking into the same bar he would have and I loved it with all the dark woods, it just created that "old-timey" ambiance of legitamcy. We only had one cocktail here, but it was enough for me to say it is the place to get one of the best Old Fashioneds in San Antonio! It is a bit pricey, but you are paying the atmosphere and the quality. Service was prompt and attentive. I will definitely be back to pay homage to #26. read more

Classic bar full of rich history. Classic whiskey sour to enjoy along with the historical displays paying tribute to Lt. Col. Theodore Roosevelt and all the Rough Riders. Cheers - "Rough Riders!" read more

Great bartender made us fantastic old fashions. And we are originally from WI! Atmosphere couldn't be any more historic with collecting the Roughriders. read more

I love this place. The history alone makes this a must go to bar. Friendly patrons as well as an excellent bar staff. I visit the Menger bar every time I'm in San Antonio! read more

Great $5 drinks and Angela has one of the best mustaches. Definitely, better than Justin's.......

This place gets 5 stars for its authentic 1880s atmosphere (it's much smaller than I thought!), our gregarious bartender who was happy to talk about the history of the place (ask to see Teddy Roosevelt's bullet hole by the mirror), and above all the mango ice cream, which was by far the best thing I ate on my recent trip to San Antonio. So smooth and light, house-made with fresh mangoes and served with a little cookie. I'll never forget it. Our cocktails were ordinary - no fancy mixology stuff here - but Menger Bar was a great side trek on our visit to the Alamo, which is mere steps away. read more

The bartender claims The Menger Bar is the oldest bar west of the Mississippi. I didn't fact check his claim, but it certainly seems like it could be true. Menger Bar is unique and offers an enjoyable experience. Surrounded by wood and in a dark space, it reminded me a bit of the original Cheers in Boston. Regardless of the time of day, it's easy to kick back and relax. The bartender was quick, efficient, friendly and made some stiff drinks. He also had cups of pretzels on the bar for snacking. I felt like I could not visit this place without trying the mango ice cream. It was a large portion with a perfect blend of soft ice cream and small pieces of mango. They also offer other food selections. If you're a history buff, this is definitely a must visit given the connection to Teddy Roosevelt and the Rough Riders. read more

Menger Bar - Must try Mango Ice Cream. - Bars Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

Tons of history happened in this little dark hotel bar! Loved hearing stories of Teddy Roosevelt and his rough riders drinking here back in the 1850s. There was even a reference to Tampa as the story goes they went by train from San Antonio to Tampa! It's historic and a place you want to stop for a cold bear or whiskey while visiting the Alamo! read more

Menger Bar - Bars Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

Nice staff and local Texas whiskies abound. This was a real treat. Not only drenched in history, but a nice respite from the heat and crowds. There is a menu of food items we did not get to, but the drinks were well poured. A really nice stop. read more

This place lives up to all my hopes and dreams. Historic. If you like history, you'll love this place. We had an Old Fashioned and an Apple tini. Great drinks. Great atmosphere. Met a 29 year Army veteran celebrating retirement with his family. Good times. Bar tenders are fab. Sorry, no pics. I drunky pants. Highly recommend. read more

When most people think of San Antonio they often think of the Alamo and The Riverwalk. Sure those places are historic and unique, but there not all they are cracked up to be. For me, I'd rather sit at the Menger Bar and have a cold beer while admiring the rich history of the bar and enjoying some of the best people watching this side of the Mississippi. History - Back in 1898 Teddy Roosevelt used the Menger Bar as a place to recruit Rough Riders. I don't know exactly what that scene looked like back then, but the dark wood and old bar sure painted a vivid picture of what it must have been like. People - I think the Rough Riders would be quite shocked at the clientele these days. There was a large group of woo girls, bros, old folks and even regular folks like me. Since the majority of seating was taken up by the first two groups I mentioned, we found the only open seats at the bar. The best thing about those seats is that next to us was one of the most unique characters I've ever encountered in a bar. I wish I could remember his name, but for the sake of the story, I'll call him Tex. Tex was a friendly guy and a true Texas Cowboy. He was dressed in legit cowboy gear including well worn boots and a hat that looked as if he had worn for his entire life. Tex struck up a conversation that went something like this: Tex: where are y'all from? Me: New Orleans Tex: hmm. I haven't been there in years. Me: what did you think about it when you visited? Tex: It was interesting Me: That it is Tex: I met a few folks from New Orleans before. They were a friendly lot Me: Yep Tex: Yep Me: where are you from? Tex: Texas Me: I mean what part Tex: Fred Me: I'm John. Nice to meet you. But what part of Texas are you from? Tex: Fred Me: OK Fred. I'm John Tex: Fred, Texas Me: OK Fred. Texas it is. So Fred, do you know of anywhere good to eat around here? Tex: I'm not the right guy to ask about that. I'm really easy to please. Me: Ok then. Tex: (as he got up to leave) Y'all have a good day. Me: You too. I later learned that Fred was actually a town in Texas. Boy am I dumb. In addition to that riveting conversation, Tex did tell us that western Texas was a unique and beautiful place. Boy was he right. If you find yourself in San Antonio, I encourage you to check out The Menger Bar. I can't assure an experience like mine, but I bet you have a great time. read more

Small, quaint bar right by The Alamo. It is accessible by the sidewalk along the grounds of Alamo and also by the Menger hotel. Surprised that drink prices aren't as expensive as what I've expected. Great bar hop stop if you like history and fairly priced drinks. read more

Menger Bar - Specialty Drink Menu - Bars Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

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When I was a kid, I remember dining at the most luxurious brunch I had ever experienced at the attached hotel. Now that I'm older, food is a second to excellent libations. My priorities are clearly misaligned. I love the people who work here (if you don't get hugs from your bartenders, your life is devoid of extra happiness). I love the strong pours. And most of all I love the history. Bear with me as I heard some of this history slightly inebriated. Teddy R used to recruit Rough Riders here. He would buy the recruits a strong pour of Mr Menger's beer and then son, you've enlisted by signing your drunk illegible name. That is one of the reasons for one of two bullet holes on the corner of the bar. Me Menger modeled the beautiful wood interior after the House of Lords in England. But where the bar is now, is not where it used to be. The whole hotel was expanded to be closer to the Alamo - the bar used to be on the side nearest to the mall. He only built the hotel so his bar patrons would have a place to stay - entrepreneur to the max! Great ambiance, great single serve friends, maybe a haunting, and fantastic service. If you don't like this place, you need to reconsider who you are as a person. read more

Menger Bar - Bars Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

As soon as we walked in the door, the bartender yelled at us to put masks on so we left. We were standing on the threshold walking in and he didn't say "Excuse me...." Or "Please would you ...", He just started telling. Seems to me, with the road cut off for construction outside the Alamo, they don't have the business to spare. I suppose I'm mistaken. read more

This was a must see on the San Antonio tour. There was a who's who of Old Rough Riders. Teddy Roosevelt, Davy Crocket. Very dark and cozy inside with a decent drink and food menu. The fact it has so.much history you need to grab a beer after checking out the Alamo read more

Menger Bar - Historic bar from 1859 - Bars Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

Great historic bar. No drafts (other than Rough Rider recruiting ) by great hand made cocktails and history. read more

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

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This is one of the (many) times I wish Yelp would let me half-star reviews. The four stars is for the ambience, the history and the old-school vibe. Menger Bar gets three stars for the drink prices, bartenders and lack of parking situation. To set the mood, this bar is old. Really old. 1859 old. Word is Menger Bar, along with the Menger Hotel, is haunted with many things going bump in the night. I've stayed at the hotel for three nights and heard nothing. But I already have a hard time getting women... imagine me trying to get a ghost to appear. Anyway, Menger Bar is a very small and cozy place. You can enter through East Crockett or the hotel. When you go in, you are immediately drawn to the humongous moose head mounted on a wooden pillar. Teddy Roosevelt was one crazy motherf-cker. The bar is on one side, and two levels of seating are on the other. I love the second level seating. It reminds me of Frank's Pizza in Houston, for my fellow Houstonians... The seating is nothing but nice and spacious restauranty four-seat wooden tables. The place is filled with at least 100 very cool old-school light bulbs. The music is old and antiquey. There's a TV in there trained on ESPN. The bartenders are okay. Not superb, not shitty. Just okay. The drink prices are fucking ridiculous. I understand patrons are paying for 'history' and what not, but an imported beer (bottled) was $5 during what would be happy hour anywhere else. (They don't have one) I can only imagine what a whiskey or scotch would run. It's a cigar bar (which apparently is ending in SA Aug. 19, 2011 - all smoking inside restaurants, bars, etc. Asstards). Good luck finding parking. Unless you're going to Rivercenter Mall/The Alamo/etc. don't just come to Menger Bar to come to Menger Bar. You'll most likely have to pay to park in a lot or garage, so make it worth your trip. I would recommend you come to see the history, but get your hard drinking on somewhere else... somewhere cheaper. A helluva lot cheaper. read more

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Rainy, cold, Saturday in January. The dark wood seems fitting. No gnats. Expensive Manhattan, but this isn't something that happens every day. Costumed cowboys and their lasses all around me, restless spirits in the dark corners. One star off for the television. Unnecessary. read more

Menger Bar - A dark drink in a dark bar. - Bars Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

The Menger bar and the bartender Justin and an amazing and excellent recommendation for dinner at Pizano's! We will back!

This bar was great place to unwind and enjoy the history. The bartenders were friendly and knowledgeable about the area. The bar is dark and quiet most of the time. My wife and I enjoyed this probably the most while we were in San Antonio. read more

The BEST Lemon Drop martini I have ever had. The atmosphere was so cool and it was like being dropped in history. Any Teddy Roosevelt fans should definitely stop by! read more

Great atmosphere for a relaxing cocktail after a long day on the trail. Excellent mixologist and unique crowd for a Wednesday. Makes me wish I was born a handful of generations earlier. read more

Menger Bar - Bars Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

Excellent Magarittas! It is worth the stop just to have 1 or 10. I am not even a magarita drinker. Located just a short walk from the Alamo. read more

Menger Bar - Bars Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

Very nice bartender, loved the decor and old feel of the place. Had 1 beer and 1 whiskey Coke, was $12.00 total which seemed kind of steep for a beer. Good place to relax and talk about the history of the place. read more

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A quaint little bar, rich in San Antonio history. Recommend stopping by for a beverage, take in the cozy atmosphere, look at all the amazing pictures and learn the history of the Menger Bar. read more

Menger Bar - Bars Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

What a treasure this little hidden gem is! We were staying across the street and stumbled into the Menger Bar and were greeted by Justin behind the bar. We loved the atmosphere and this bar is one of the oldest in the USA. Justin went above and beyond for us making our experience here very enjoyable. We were snowed in in a rare snowstorm in San Antonio and Menger Bar was one if not the only restaurant open in all of downtown. We ordered two beers and a burger each! Delicious!! We came back that night and everything was sold out except burgers and chicken fingers- we got the fingers! Also, very delicious! Stop here for a great atmosphere, excellent service, and a piece of history! read more

Great service, drinks, and food for a friend's celebration! The history here is immense - so we had to celebrate here for a friend's promotion drink. Everything was clean and the staff was fantastic. They enforced mask wearing guidelines gently to ensure everyone was safe and within regulations. This is understandable so we all can enjoy this special place. read more

To quote my friend who talked about this bar non stop while planning this trip "I'm a fan." The Menger Bar is right across the street from the hotel I stayed in (The Crockett) while on vacation in San Antonio. I only had a vodka water, but that's my go to drink if a bar isn't know for a specialty. This was such a cool looking bar with a cool story! Great to stop in here after checking out the Alamo for drinks and to speculate about the ghosts of the bars past. My drink was strong and the atmosphere was just spooky enough, its everything I wanted it to be and totally lived up to it's hype. When in San Antonio, stop by here for a drink. read more

A great historic find on the way to Alamo!! If anyone can, would you post the letter upstairs from a general regarding Theodore Roosevelt's resignation from the Navy?? :) read more

This is an excellent stop off to enjoy an adult beverage and some history. Teddy Roosevelt frequented this place. It's the oldest bar in San Antonio. read more

Menger Bar - Bars Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

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Neat place to visit but small. We stopped to visit and not a lot of room to move around and tiny bar.

Horrible, feel like bartender discrimined us and rude, did not have the ingredients nor bleender for frozen margaritas! We left! Never will stay, eat or dinner at the menger... totally turn down read more

Stopped into Menger Bar for a quick drink. No need to order a cocktail here, but worth taking a quick look around this special bar. Quality: Menger Bar is much more about its unique past than anything else. Built in 1887, this longest continuously operated bar in San Antonio is where Teddy Roosevelt recruited members of his Rough Riders. Spread across the space are all sorts of cool pictures and paraphernalia from this famous crew. They do serve up drinks, but I would not deviate far from a classic cocktail. I ordered a Bulleit Rye Old Fashioned, which was fine, but one was all I needed. Quantity: No issues with the drink pours. Value: $12 for a Bulleit Rye Old Fashioned. Ambiance: Menger Bar is found in the Menger Hotel in Downtown San Antonio. Just steps from The Alamo, the entire complex is steeped in history. The bar is just past the hotel lobby, but you can also enter from a side door. With two floors, this primarily wood bar is a unique space that also functions as a mini museum. Pictures, clothing, weapons, and flags fill the walls. You will also find a collection of footballs from the Alamo Bowl and a few animal heads. They also have possibly the most inconveniently located television a bar could have hidden near the top of the second floor ceiling. Crowd: A small crowd, some here for drinks, others to just walk around the historic bar and look at the pictures and artifacts. Service: Bartenders who were more well versed in the history of the bar than drink making. Parking: Extremely limited parking in this tourist area. read more

Nice bar, enjoyed it since I know the history. Service was mediocre but not horrible. One waitress was having a really bad day.

This gets five stars for Texas ambience. In addition to Roosevelt's bullet holes, look for the triangle repair in the bar where they had to repair it after Carrie Nation took her hatchet to it as part of her temperance crusade. Fabulous place to experience San Antonio. read more

This is a great bar with great history. They have the memorabilia on the wall and are proud of the old wood and the establishment. It is a little pricey mostly because of the Riverwalk/Downtown area. It's an older crowd which is right up my alley. I like to go to a bar where I can talk and have great conversation and not have to scream over music that is too loud. This is my type of place! read more

Visit the historic Menger hotel. It has an old world feeling with history and photos that tell a ghostly story. The hotel has a horrible nursing home smell to it. The dinning room had a sickening smell that takes over the hotel. A big turn off. We had a fun time in the bar. Service was attentive and is positioned away from the main hotel entrance. Doesn't smell as bad unless you are at the actual bar stand, then expect to smell vomit. Ugh!!! read more