Austin’s reputation for great live music is well known, but in San Antonio bands have time to grow, develop, and experiment before being thrown into the limelight. Aficionados consider San Antonio both a musical breeding ground and laboratory. This guide is divided by genre – the asterisks denote bars near the Convention Center.
Genre Changes Nightly
*Cadillac Bar
212 S. Flores St.
210-223-5533
Bar near downtown, a hangout for lawyers because of the proximity to the courthouse.
*Espuma
928 S. Alamo St.
210-226-2521
This coffee shop is in Southtown. Has open mic and karaoke on Fridays and Saturdays.
*Esquire Tavern
155 E. Commerce St.
210-222-2521
One of the oldest bars in San Antonio and one of the longest bars in Texas.
*Polly Esther’s
212 College St.
210-220-1972
This club is located on the banks of the riverwalk. It has 80’s music and a fun feel.
Casbeer’s
1719 Blanco Rd.
210-732-3511
North of downtown known for its food and local music
The Pourhouse
4750 Seguin Rd.
210-661-8082
Rebar
8134 Broadway
210-320-4091
North of downtown on Broadway. Sort of a lounge atmosphere.
Salute
2801 N. St. Mary’s St.
210-732-5307
Small venue just north of downtown with local Conjunto acts as well as Tejano.
Sky Lounge
5500 Babcock Rd.
210-691-3000
Located in the Medical Center this club features good DJ’s and hip hop on Saturdays.
Stone Werks
7300 Jones Maltzberger
210-828-3508
Located in the Quarry, this bar features food, drinks, and the occasional music act.
Cementville
7310 Jones Maltzberger
210-828-7232
Located in the Quarry area. Nice place for a meal or music on the weekends.
Country
Continental Café
6390 Fairdale Ave.
210-822-8555
Cowboy’s Dance Hall
N.E. Loop 410 at 35
210-646-9378
Located on the Northeast side of town. One of the few clubs with live country music.
Rock/Blues
*Dick’s Last Resort
406 Navarro St.
210-224-0026
Fun bar with a surly wait staff. Located on the riverwalk.
Sam’s Burger Joint
330 E. Grayson St.
210-223-2830
This restaurant and bar has Poetry Slam every Tuesday night and local music. Located just north of downtown off of Broadway.
Sanctuary
1818 N. Main Ave.
210-732-0313
Looking for a local music experience? Look no further, known for Goth.
Sin 13
1902 McCullough Ave.
Another venue for local music. Just north of downtown.
Taco Land
103 W. Grayson St.
210-223-8406
A classic in the local San Antonio music scene. Cold beer, pool, and a surly manager, what more could you ask for? Just north of downtown.
White Rabbit
2410 N. St. Mary’s St.
210-737-2221
Located just north of downtown.
House Bands
*Azuca Cocina Latina
713 S. Alamo St.
210-225-5550
Located in Southtown, food, fun and local flavor.
*Durty Nelly’s
715 River Walk, Hilton Palacio Del Rio
210-222-1400
Are you Irish? Do you want to be? This local watering hole has a piano player, peanuts to eat, and shells on the floor.
*Mad Dogs
123 Losoya
210-222-0220
Located on the riverwalk near the Hyatt. A pub with an English feel.
*Mariachi Bar Mi Tierra
Market Square
210-225-1262
A classic among tourists and local alike. Cold drinks and mariachi singers.
*Rosario’s
910 S. Alamo St.
210-223-1806
Salsa music on Fridays. Fun in Southtown.
*Schilo’s Deli
424 E. Commerce St.
210-223-6692
Great German food downtown. Occasional German singers.
Silo Restaurant & Bar
1133 Austin Hwy
210-824-8686
Upscale dining just a short drive north of downtown.
Martini Club
8507 McCullough
210-344-4747
Panchito’s
4100 McCullough
210-821-5338
Jazz
*The Landing
123 Losoya St., Hyatt Regency
210-223-7266
Located in the Hyatt downtown. Local bands take the stage nightly.
