Downtown San Antonio is packed with nationally infamous bars. By day, many serve lunch in a neighborhood, bar-style atmosphere, but by night these river hot spots turn rowdy. Whether its comical dueling pianos, sassy dancing bartenders or notorious Cajun drinks, nightlife on the River Walk offers something for everyone. And with such close locality, bar hopping is strongly encouraged.
Located in the former basement of the Historic Nix Hospital, Dick’s Last Resort is an admittedly trashy bar that offers a ruckus good time. Traditional bar food and sarcastic, rule-breaking remarks are served hot. Dick’s is known for its surly wait staff. They’ll serve you, but you’ll have to put up with a little outrageous humor first. In the end it’s all fun and games: they break the rules, you kick back with a drink and, together, everyone gets a little rowdy. Despite the abrupt attitudes, Dick’s treats its guests well with live music and no cover on the weekends.
If it’s music you desire, then check out Howl at the Moon. This dueling piano bar is sure to have you rocking and … howling. More than just a duo piano concert, Howl at the Moon showcases a performance of music, comedy and sing-along fun all rolled into one. Arrive early on Fridays to enjoy a complimentary buffet before the show. To keep the libations flowing, order Howl at the Moon’s signature Hurricane Bucket. The Hurricane Bucket with Bacardi Superior and 151 is sure to keep your table rockin’. Or try the Mega-Margarita Bucket—enough fiesta to share.
Also located downtown is a New Orleans treasure, Pat O’Brien’s. Known for its famous Hurricanes, Pat O’Brien’s serves up a little of Bourbon Street. During Happy Hour from 4 to 7 pm, enjoy specialty Hurricanes at $5 a glass. The bar also serves excellent appetizers like Catfish Strips, Alligator Bites and Crawfish Nachos. Nightlife aside, join Pat O’Brien’s on Sundays for a mini-trip to the French Quarter. Brunch is served from 11 am to 3 pm with plenty of Bloody Marys and live jazz in Alamo Plaza.
While you’re on the River Walk, make sure to stop in on some coyotes. At Coyote Ugly, the sassy wait staff is sure to make you smile, dance, and, oh yeah, order that next drink. By the end of the night, some guests are taking tequila shots out of cowboy boots! Happy Hour runs from 4 to 8 pm every day with drink specials like $3 margaritas and $2 beers throughout the week. For the full experience, don’t miss Ladies Night on the River Walk every Saturday night. Coyote Ugly is the perfect place for an entertaining spectacle and overflowing whiskey.
