After class, I had the bright idea to go grab a cocktail. It was an excellent class--the teacher…read moreand I put on a therapeutic show. So I went to Bar 1919 in Southtown, a tucked-away speakeasy-style bar. I'd heard it could be difficult to find, and that mystery is part of the charm. Once I stepped inside, I was struck by how polished and inviting it felt: low amber lighting, dark wood, intimate seating, and a quiet hum of conversation that made the room feel removed from the rest of the city. The atmosphere was elegant without feeling stiff. The dim light glowed against the bar, and the cozy layout made it easy to settle in. There was something satisfying about searching for the entrance and then emerging into such a carefully designed space. [NAME] took care of me, and the service was warm and attentive. I was there by myself, but I never felt awkward sitting alone. The bartender checked in without hovering and made the experience feel relaxed from beginning to end. He also made me a from-scratch cocktail. [COCKTAIL NAME/INGREDIENTS] The drink was beautifully balanced, with [YOUR WORDS ABOUT THE TASTE/QUALITY OF THE DRINK]. The aroma rose from the glass before the first sip, and the flavors unfolded gradually rather than overwhelming one another. It tasted fresh, deliberate, and carefully prepared. I also had [FOOD], and [YOUR WORDS ABOUT THE FOOD]. The dish arrived [DESCRIBE PRESENTATION OR TEMPERATURE], with [DESCRIBE TEXTURE, AROMA, OR FLAVOR]. Each bite added another layer to the experience, and it paired especially well with the cocktail. Bar 1919 was exactly what I needed that night: a small escape with thoughtful service, a handcrafted drink, and satisfying food. The hidden entrance gives it a sense of discovery, while the intimate setting makes it easy to linger. Excellent idea.

This is my go-to spot for an after-dinner nightcap or a relaxed place to meet for drinks and…read moreconversation. The service has consistently been exceptional, and I particularly appreciate their impressive bourbon and whiskey selection. Over the years, I've visited for everything from informal business discussions to evenings spent with close friends. The intimate lighting, softly glowing candlelight, and thoughtfully curated ambiance create a warm and sophisticated atmosphere. Combined with a moderate noise level that allows for comfortable conversation, it's an ideal setting for both meaningful catch-ups and professional engagements.

Back in San Antonio and first stop, Tokyo Cowboy and dinner was served!…read moreAfter settling into our Airbnb, Tokyo Cowboy came up highly recommend. I'm glad they had room for us but, it's still safe to make reservations. We did not know they are a tapas style restaurant, but that didn't deter us. And we were pleasantly surprised at the size of their "tapas". What we ordered was enough for two people to share. Dumplings - 9/10 Gulf Shrimp & Noodles - 10/10 Blistered Green Beans - 10/10 Ramen - 9/10 Service was great. It's a casual atmosphere, but perfect for an intimate date night.

Stopped in for a quick snack and drink. Had the Cobra Kai drink with Japanese whiskey and ube and…read morethe Fist of Fury with Lychee and Rum. Food: Krab roll and Brisket roll. The brisket roll was good and not greasy with a well spiced wasabi ranch. Krab roll is popular but wasn't as good as I expected. It's similar to a California roll without cucumber and the chili oil dip lacked flavor. Ambience was nice, drinks are strong. Good place for cocktails.

The Modernist -- A True Speakeasy Experience in San Antonio…read more If you're in downtown San Antonio, take a break from the River Walk and check out The Modernist. This is a true speakeasy-style lounge that's easy to overlook from the outside--it looks like a regular, unassuming place. But once you step inside, the atmosphere completely changes. The interior is cozy, intimate, and has that hidden-gem feeling you want from a speakeasy. The staff members are incredibly friendly and welcoming, which made the experience even better. I had the pleasure of having Adan behind the bar, and this guy knows how to make a good drink! As always, I started with my go-to Old Fashioned. I have to say, it was easily one of my top two Old Fashioneds I've ever had. Then I told Adan to surprise me, and he came up with some kind of peanut butter chocolate martini. Let me just say... it was a true pleasure. Rich, smooth, and absolutely delicious. What I really liked about The Modernist is that it feels like a place the locals actually frequent rather than just another tourist spot. I genuinely had a great time here. If you're visiting San Antonio and find yourself downtown, give The Modernist a try. Step away from the River Walk for a little while--you might just discover your new favorite spot.

My wife and I went to The Modernist after seeing it on social media. There wasn't a drink menu, and…read morewe were told the idea is that you tell the bartender what you like and they make something for you. Her first drink was a lavender-style cocktail and was fine. For her second drink, she told the bartender to surprise her. He gave her a look and asked more than once if she was sure she wanted him to surprise her. Instead of making her an actual cocktail, he poured her what seemed to be a straight, extremely bitter liqueur. The whole interaction felt sarcastic and like he was intentionally messing with her rather than trying to make her something she would enjoy. What bothered me most was the attitude behind it. We weren't being rude, demanding, or causing problems. We were there to have a good time and experience the whole "tell us what you like and we'll make you something" concept. I did call the number listed for the business afterward trying to speak to someone about it. The person who answered said I had the wrong number and didn't know what I was talking about. I got angry during that call and said some things I shouldn't have, and I can admit that. But that doesn't change how disappointing the experience at the bar was. We expected a creative and welcoming experience and instead left feeling like my wife had been mocked. I hope management sees this and addresses it, because the concept of the place is great, but the way we were treated completely ruined it for us

Not even three seconds after walking in, the staff greeted me right away. They were super warm and…read morewelcoming. The drinks were great and our bartender Mia was a total vibe. I loved the feel of this place and it really makes you feel like you are in a vintage style grandma's house in the best possible way.

Pastiche is a place that I've always really enjoyed but I recently went and had a very bad…read moreexperience. The menu seemed to have changed the last time I went & lowered in quality significantly. I'm not sure if it was new management or a temporary condition but I would say that the drinks were nearly inedible. For example the old fashioned riff I had was bourbon, angostura bitters, and anise. It seemed to be missing a sugar component like a simple syrup. It was also smoked but the smoke was very synthetic in flavor. Additionally some of the other cocktails ordered by the group were just of a much lower quality at Pastiche. A lot of the drinks were artificially sweet & had chamoy & tajin rims. I think these drinks are good for certain places in San Antonio but I've come to expect much better from Pastiche. I'm so very bummed by this new development in what is usually a very great experience & atmosphere with some amazing cocktails. I hope this isn't the beginning of a "new pastiche"!

I'm not sure where to find good employees but I think I can take a note out of how you do it here…read more Everyone was super pleasant but George was by far my favorite. Super friendly and so outgoing. From the second he got to the table, we were talking like we've been friends for years! I went in just to grab a quick bite to eat and winded up staying way longer than planned just to chat. Food was great but George made the whole experience next level. Definitely coming back again.

I hadn't been here in a bit and was very happy to join some work, friends here for a drink and some…read moredinner. As far as rooftop bars go, the views from this place are not gorgeous. Great night, sky and cityscapes, but you're not facing anything that is particularly beautiful to look at. That said, the outdoor area of this sky. High bar is very nicely appointed with great music and nice views. I did not have any cocktails just go round. I just had a beer and all that was great. We had great service and I decided to try the crispy chicken Cobb salad. Now for those of you that are old enough to remember the "real men of genius" Bud Light commercials I refer you to the inventor of the giant taco salad... Fried chicken strips, bacon, fried onions, and a little bit of lettuce... Lol! Delicious!

The Study never fails to disappoint!…read more They have a great bourbon selection, and most are very reasonably priced! Bartenders are very knowledgeable and offer great suggestions! They don't do parties of larger than four, so it is always quaint, cozy and intimate. Great atmosphere!

Our initial visit to this establishment presented some unique circumstances. On that occasion, the…read morevenue was exceptionally busy, and the sole bartender on duty informed us he was covering for an absent colleague. Despite the staff shortage, we placed a significant order for at least ten drinks. My husband had made a reservation for 6:00 PM. However, at approximately 7:30 PM, after we had already placed our drink order, a staff member informed my husband that our table reservation was only valid for two hours. Concerned about the impending two-hour limit and the delay in receiving our drinks, which had still not arrived by 7:45 PM, we inquired with our bartender about potentially canceling our order. He reassured us, stating that other tables were available should additional patrons arrive. Our subsequent visit, on Saturday, July 25, 2026, was solely with my husband. We arrived punctually, approximately five minutes before our 7:30 PM reservation. A female bartender directed us to a small, two-person table, despite the presence of two larger, seemingly more comfortable, unoccupied tables nearby. While initially assuming these larger tables might be reserved for a bigger party, the selection felt somewhat restrictive given the availability. Our seating unfortunately placed us adjacent to another patron who was using an additional chair to prop up her footwear, which contributed to an unpleasant atmosphere. The bartender then approached our table and asked if it was our first time, to which we replied it was not. She then asked if we knew what we wanted to order. We requested a brief moment to review the menu. However, we then waited for approximately fifteen minutes for her to return. Eventually, my husband had to actively call her over to place our order. Our initial drinks arrived after another ten to fifteen minutes. Subsequently, my husband attempted to catch the bartender's attention to order another round and request water. However, she was engaged in a lengthy conversation, estimated at ten minutes, with the neighboring patron and proceeded to walk past our table without acknowledging us. This extended period of being overlooked led to considerable frustration for my husband, who then felt compelled to approach the main bar directly to place our order and obtain water from a different bartender. It was only after this that the initial female bartender finally approached our table, asking if we needed anything. Considering the relatively small size of the establishment and the fact that there were only three occupied tables at the time, the level of inattentive and delayed service was particularly disappointing and, frankly, perplexing.

Yes, yes, yes. My after spot when we go to the Tobin Center. An easy walk. LOVE the professionalism…read moreand personality of the bartenders. They gave great recommendations. LOVED the flat breads and my espresso martini. Adult grilled cheese with kettle chips were perfect. Vibe is oh so nice for couples, groups, or solo like me.

I really wanted to like this bar. It looked cozy and inviting from the outside. We were greeted by…read morea nice lady that talked too long, took our drink order and then everyone forgot about us. They were not busy and perhaps we should have said something but it took them 30 minutes and 2 different people to finally get our 2 drinks. The drinks were not good and considering we had plan to be somewhere when we finally got our drinks we paid the bill gulped down our not good drinks and left. This bar looks like it can be good but get better employees. If people sit at the bar they want to talk if they sit away from bar let them be. Serve the drinks and go away. The lady that kept talking to us was acting as if she ... Maybe this place will get better.

Great location, nice atmosphere, nice and cool inside and lots of choices. Kind and friendly staff…read moreand great service!

The food and drinks were blah, the chairs were sticky, and the entire restaurant had the unsettling…read moreenergy of a men's podcast filmed in a basement. Then an employee named Bryan or Ryan or some other generic frat boy name told me it was "weird" that I wasn't married because I'm "so pretty." Apparently women are decorative merchandise that should be claimed by a husband before an expiration date. The food was underseasoned, but the misogyny was served generously. I came in hungry and left wondering whether the stickiness on the chairs was syrup or centuries of unwashed male audacity. Absolutely not.

My husband and I enjoyed our couple hours we spent at the bar thanks to Daniel, our bartender who…read morewas extremely knowledgeable and entertaining! We will be back!

Update to first review below, rating updated from a 3 to a 5 star (drinks & bartender would get 10+…read morestars if we could rate that high): Saturday night: Went back for after dinner drinks at the Downstairs (a "speakeasy" throwback, look up the history of the place to see why). Drinks were AMAZING! Bartender Rob made the best Negroni I've ever had. I asked him to use whatever gin he thought best--result was an artistic smooooooth full-bodied drink. Told him when I was done I'd lick the glass if it wasn't considered so uncouth for a 'mature' lady like myself to do so Hubby's Buffalo Trace bourbon old fashioned was also outstanding. Rob was the bartender last night who did such a great job, and his work was even better tonight. We highly recommend The EsquireTavern for excellent cocktails. We love the long wood bar and high copper ceiling upstairs, but love the intimate speakeasy atmosphere downstairs even more. We'll definitely be back every time we're in San Antonio! First review, Friday night: Drinks were great (Manhattan and Bourbon Old Fashioned). REAL drinks, no complaints at all about those. And the bartenders were very friendly and helpful. Those aspects of the Esquire get 5+ stars from us. But the appetizers were not good, close to inedible. It was about 8:30pm or so, so maybe they were getting ready to close out the kitchen but the chalupitas with chicken tasted like rubber, and no flavor at all. The seafood platter had something in it that was breading with shell inside, but no meat of any kind. We couldn't figure out what it was supposed to be. The shrimp was good and the fish was good but those other things... We'll always love the drinks, the long wooden bar, and the ambiance at the Esquire Tavern, but we'll eat somewhere else and come here for before or after dinner drinks. (See update above to this review for when we returned the next night for after dinner drinks.)

Fun location under N. St. Marys bridge on the Riverwalk. Clever cocktails and N/A beverages and…read morefood was freshly prepared. Service was swift and friendly. Adobe BBQ tacos were generous portions. Spicy Margarita actually had a kick to it. Nachos with Queso was also a generous portion. For a place in the 'zona tourista' it is with a stop.

So friendly, great location! If you are not familiar with the Riverwalk, you're allowed to walk…read morewith alcohol. This was a great pick up spot. But also a great place for a break from the sun. It's located under a bridge. We got walking tacos and a drink. Everything was great. Is it worth the drive?...yes