Great place. Dark, cool and quiet and excellent drinks. Not easy to find, as it's a speakeasy, but…read morejust go down the stairs.

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

I heard this was a good spot for black people so I came to check it out. Inside was packed, but…read moreit's so small it packs out pretty easily. The bar was damn near impossible to get to. There's no real 'line' and people just move into whatever space available to get to the front. Then they order, get their drinks, and just stand there blocking the rest of the people. After getting passed up twice I gave up and sat outside. Nice patio area. But they need to spray and prep for mosquitos. It wasn't a good experience. A gentleman came out and took my order- which was top notch and unexpected- but they didn't take cash. I used the atm card- and got a double leguas- and it came to$32!!!! How sway!?!?!? The ambiance was very nice- just not enough room inside. There was a dj in the living room- but their music doesn't play on the patio. It's a boombox out there playing a different playlist.

Pastiche is a WHOLE VIBE. We were in SA for a conference. Our waitress at Magpie recommended them…read more They were just a little walk down the street. Approaching, we didn't know what to expect. But once we got in and saw the layout AND heard the music, we were stuck. The eclectic old school decor from the front to the backyard set up...ALL AMAZING! We enjoyed our cocktails and time there. Don't even think about it...JUST GO!

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!

Was taken here on a date recently. Friday night around 10pm. Wasnt too crowded, didnt have to wait…read more The seating arrangements are tables, sofas, and bar seating. There is an outdoor seating area as well with views of downtown. We sat outside, so to order food you have to go to the inside bar. I ordered a mojito, veggie tacos, and the shrimp and artichoke dip. Found seating outside and vibed to the live DJ playing latin music. Food took awhile to come out but we weren't in a rush. The tacos weren't anything to write home about and could've used some spice. The chips served with the dip were crispy and light and yummy. The dip had a decent amount of shrimp and I enjoyed it. The ambiance is giving upscale lounge but the fact that there is no table service outside, it feels like a basic bar. Im not sure if there is table service inside. The DJ really set the vibe for the place. Im not sure if I wouldve enjoyed myself had the DJ not been there.

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.

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.

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.

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

Cute sport bar with bar type food,but they can make a drink! but wait times and lines can be long,…read moreif they did table service it might help with crowded long lines hope to visit again soon

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