San Antonio may be known for its rich history and vibrant culture, but it also has a secretive side with a number of hidden speakeasies that offer a unique, intimate nightlife experience. These secretive spots transport you back to the Prohibition era, blending classic cocktails with a cozy, clandestine atmosphere. In this blog, we’ll uncover the best speakeasies in San Antonio that you need to visit for a night out unlike any other.
1. Bar 1919
Bar 1919 is one of San Antonio’s most iconic speakeasies, located in the Blue Star Arts Complex. This hidden gem is known for its extensive whiskey selection and meticulously crafted cocktails. The ambiance is intimate and sophisticated, with dim lighting, leather seating, and vintage decor that perfectly capture the spirit of the Prohibition era. Whether you’re a whiskey connoisseur or just looking for a great cocktail, Bar 1919 offers a truly special experience.
Why Visit: An iconic speakeasy with an extensive whiskey selection and a cozy, vintage atmosphere that captures the essence of the Prohibition era.
2. The Modernist
The Modernist is a unique speakeasy that stands out for its lack of a traditional menu. Instead of choosing from a list, patrons simply tell the bartenders their preferences, and they’ll create a custom cocktail tailored to your tastes. Located in a nondescript house in the Government Hill neighborhood, The Modernist offers an eclectic, laid-back atmosphere where the focus is on creativity and personalization.
Why Visit: A speakeasy with no menu, offering custom cocktails crafted to your preferences in an eclectic, laid-back setting.
3. The Brooklynite
The Brooklynite is a lively speakeasy-style cocktail lounge that combines the best of vintage New York City with San Antonio’s local flair. The bar is known for its creative, seasonal cocktails and quirky decor, which includes vintage furniture and playful touches that give it a unique character. The Brooklynite’s lively atmosphere and innovative drinks make it a favorite among locals who appreciate both style and substance.
Why Visit: A quirky, lively speakeasy-style lounge with creative, seasonal cocktails and a unique vintage New York-inspired decor.
4. The Last Word
The Last Word is a cozy, intimate speakeasy located in the heart of downtown San Antonio. The bar offers a carefully curated menu of classic cocktails, along with a selection of craft beers and wines. The interior is small but stylish, with exposed brick walls and dim lighting that create a warm, inviting atmosphere. It’s the perfect spot for a quiet drink or a date night.
Why Visit: A cozy, intimate speakeasy in downtown San Antonio with a curated menu of classic cocktails and a warm, inviting atmosphere.
5. The RD Speakeasy
The RD Speakeasy is one of San Antonio’s best-kept secrets, offering an exclusive experience that requires a reservation to enter. This hidden bar is located behind a secret door within another establishment, adding to its allure. Once inside, you’ll find a sophisticated space with plush seating and a menu of expertly crafted cocktails that pay homage to the classics. The RD Speakeasy’s exclusivity and attention to detail make it a must-visit for anyone looking for a truly special night out.
Why Visit: An exclusive, reservation-only speakeasy with a sophisticated atmosphere and expertly crafted cocktails hidden behind a secret door.
6. Hanzo
While not a traditional speakeasy, Hanzo offers a speakeasy-inspired experience with its low-key entrance and intimate setting. This Japanese-inspired bar focuses on craft cocktails that incorporate Asian flavors and ingredients. The minimalist decor, featuring clean lines and subtle lighting, creates a serene atmosphere perfect for enjoying a quiet drink. Hanzo’s unique blend of Japanese aesthetics and cocktail craftsmanship make it a standout in San Antonio’s nightlife scene.
Why Visit: A Japanese-inspired bar with a speakeasy vibe, offering craft cocktails with Asian flavors in a minimalist, serene setting.
7. Sternewirth
Sternewirth, located in the historic Hotel Emma at the Pearl, is not exactly hidden, but its grand yet intimate setting gives it a speakeasy feel. The bar is named after the Sternewirth Privilege, an old brewery tradition that allowed employees to drink while on the job. The high ceilings, large leather seating areas, and vintage decor create a luxurious atmosphere, while the cocktail menu offers a mix of classic and contemporary drinks. Sternewirth’s blend of history and luxury makes it a must-visit for cocktail enthusiasts.
Why Visit: A grand, luxurious bar with a speakeasy feel, offering classic and contemporary cocktails in a historic setting at the Hotel Emma.
8. The Basement at The Esquire Tavern
The Esquire Tavern is already a San Antonio institution, but its basement bar offers an even more intimate and secretive experience. The Basement at The Esquire Tavern is a speakeasy-style bar that takes you back in time with its vintage decor and prohibition-era cocktails. The dimly lit, cozy space is perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the Riverwalk and enjoy a quiet drink in a hidden gem of a bar.
Why Visit: A hidden speakeasy-style bar located in the basement of The Esquire Tavern, offering prohibition-era cocktails in a cozy, intimate setting.
9. Jet-Setter
Jet-Setter, while not entirely a speakeasy, captures the essence of a hidden bar with its discreet entrance and sophisticated interior. This cocktail bar offers a menu inspired by global travel, with drinks that pay homage to different cultures and regions. The mid-century modern decor, complete with vintage travel posters and sleek furniture, creates an atmosphere of elegance and adventure. Jet-Setter’s unique concept and stylish setting make it a must-visit for those looking for something different.
Why Visit: A travel-inspired cocktail bar with a discreet entrance, offering globally inspired drinks in a sophisticated, mid-century modern setting.
10. The Blue Box
Located in the Pearl District, The Blue Box offers a speakeasy-inspired experience with its industrial-chic decor and menu of craft cocktails. The bar is known for its creative drinks and relaxed atmosphere, making it a popular spot for both locals and visitors. The Blue Box’s combination of innovative cocktails and stylish setting make it a standout in San Antonio’s bar scene.
Why Visit: A stylish, industrial-chic bar in the Pearl District offering creative craft cocktails in a relaxed, speakeasy-inspired setting.
San Antonio’s speakeasies offer a hidden world of craft cocktails and intimate settings, perfect for those looking to escape the ordinary. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, these secret spots provide a unique way to experience the city’s nightlife. As you explore these hidden gems, keep an eye out for Skinny Spiritz as we expand into the area—bringing our portfolio of premium spirits to San Antonio’s most exclusive bars. For more insights on where to enjoy a hidden night out, check out our blog. Cheers!