Sparky's Pub caters to all of the LGBT community but is a favorite among professionals. It's a great place to go for a nice glass of wine after a long day. Their wine selection is impressive, and they have a little cafe attached to the bar that serves some pretty good food, including deli sandwiches, homemade soups, fresh salads and decadent desserts. They have a small, covered patio out front, so you can people watch to your heart's content. Another, larger private patio, is located in the back and the interior is spacious yet cozy. Sparky's Pub is a definite destination spot for a nice relaxing evening of good conversation and great drinks!
Recommended for Best Nightlife because: Sparky's Pub is always a fun place to bring a group of friends for a little nosh, drinks and dancing.
Kimberly's expert tip: They have a wine bar with snacks in the front of the venue, which makes it the perfect place to start your night out!
Travel + Leisure ranked the San Antonio River Walk as the #1 River Walk in America. Also known as Paseo del Rio, this major tourist attraction brings in over five million visitors a year. Delight yourself with a relaxing dinner at one of the numerous restaurants or cafes that line the river. Spice it up by visiting one of the numerous night spots or enjoying the sounds of mariachis and other live music. Adults and children enjoy floating on river boats piloted by San Antonio's humorous tour guides. The River Walk is the perfect place to hang out with family or sit quietly with your date while you enjoy the sounds of a bubbling waterfall.
Recommended for Best Nightlife because: The River Walk is a must for great food, excellent drinks and a lot of fun with old friends and new.
Kimberly's expert tip: With an abundance of restaurants, bars, clubs and more along the river walk, it's a great place to get lost on an adventure. It's also fun to people watch, so don't worry if you have a small budget.
San Antonio's Overtime Theater may be the only theater house in town dedicated to featuring original works written by ingenious San Antonio writers and played by talented San Antonio actors. Every performance is a collaboration of true heart, blood, sweat and immense creativity. The Overtime has some exciting upcoming performances and is always open on Saturday nights for their hilarious Improv troupe! They consider themselves the "theater for the people," and it must be working because they've won the San Antonio Current readers' favorite theater award for four years in a row now. You'll find everything from community-based plays, science-fiction and superhero epic adventures, broad comedy, gritty realism, and especially that which hasn't been seen before. The Overtime Theater may just be creating the freshest, hottest live theater in San Antonio!
Recommended for Best Nightlife because: The Overtime Theater is a great way to get a taste of the local talent and do something fun and different.
Kimberly's expert tip: Check out their improv on Saturday nights!
If you have time to plan ahead a romantic night out be sure to check you who is performing at the Majestic Theatre. The Majestic Theatre is San Antonio's oldest and largest atmospheric theatre. The theatre seats 2,311 people and was designed by architect John Eberson, for Karl Hoblitzelle's Interstate Theatres in 1929. This beautiful and elegant theatre is host to all the top performers from musicians such as Willie Nelson to comedians such as Aziz Ansari and Broadway shows such as Wicked. They're also home to the very talented San Antonio Symphony. Majestic Theatre San Antonio was listed on the National Register of Historical Places in 1975 and also designated a National Historic Landmark in 1993
Recommended for Best Nightlife because: The Majestic Theatre is a San Antonio gem and features popular national products and more.
Kimberly's expert tip: Eat at Bohanan's for a special treat before a show!
There's something quite magical about Jazz, TX with its stellar live music, cool speakeasy vibe, out-of-this-world cocktails and incredible food. It simply hits on every note! Located in the basement of the once bottling plant, now a food hall, at the Pearl Brewery, stepping into this jazz joint is like stepping back and forward in time all at once. There's nothing else like it in San Antonio, perhaps, in the entire state of Texas. Doc Watkins is the star of this show - a jazz artist, pianist, and singer. When he takes the stage, he lights up the room and sings an array of classic tunes across genres. You can also find some traveling acts here, but there's a primary focus on local, very talented, musicians. Jazz, TX is the purest definition of "dinner and a show!"
Recommended for Best Nightlife because: Visitors from near or far love Jazz, TX. It's a truly unique experience in San Antonio, perhaps all of Texas.
Kimberly's expert tip: Make sure to get your Christmas jazz tickets early!
What's better than an outdoor movie? A free outdoor movie! And thanks to Slab Cinema, which provides free movie watching experiences all over the city of San Antonio, you have the opportunity to enjoy popular films, often several times a month. Slab Cinema started in 2004 and has been a favorite family activity ever since. From The Little Mermaid to War Games and even a Coen Brothers triple feature which includes Raising Arizona, Big Lebowski and Fargo, Slab Cinema pops up at the coolest, iconic venues, ranging from the San Antonio Museum of Art (at Confluence Park) to Hemisfair Park and even the Alamo. On the Southside, they've been playing movies on a restored drive-in screen at Mission Marquee Plaza. Typically, the movies tend towards family-friendly flicks, but the content varies, so be sure to check out their website to see what's coming up. Bring a blanket or chair, maybe a cooler with some drinks and snacks and you're set for the evening. Often the venues have food trucks or access to nearby restaurants, in case you don't have time to prepare. Free never felt so fun!
Recommended for Best Nightlife because: This free movie experience is an affordable and relaxing way to spend time with loved ones.
Kimberly's expert tip: Slab Cinema is the perfect fall event for enjoying the cooler weather! The movie starts approximately 15 minutes after the official sunset time.
If you're looking for the best local dive in town for some cheap beer and entertaining patrons, Bar America is your destination. Located in San Antonio's arts district, Southtown, Baramerica is frequented by artists, musicians and other interesting folks and within walking distance of some equally interesting bars. You can expect to find primarily domestic beer but at prices, you haven't seen in a decade, which is why this a favorite stop for late-night partying on a budget. The jukebox and pool tables add to the cool grunge atmosphere, making this an excellent place to go after a long day of walking around the city.
Recommended for Best Nightlife because: This fun little neighborhood bar gives you a taste of what the locals do to wind down in the evening.
Kimberly's expert tip: Bar America is just one stop amongst a string of great bars in the Southtown Arts District!
Perhaps San Antonio's most unique dance club, the Bonham is housed in a building that is over 120 years old. The club is known for inviting everyone to come in and be whoever you are without fear of criticism. Founded back in 1981, the original owner had a dream to launch a nightclub that was welcoming to San Antonio's GLBT community. He succeeded and today The Bonham welcomes EVERYONE. The Bonham Exchange has been in business for over 30 years. This is quite a feat for any night club. Come prepared for large crowds on the weekend with a variety of popular music. There are three levels in the club and each day of the week promotes a different 'special.'
Recommended for Best Nightlife because: Simply one of the best places to go dancing and have a good time in a long-running club situated in an historic building.
Kimberly's expert tip: Get in early as the line tends to get long on the weekends.
Located in the heart of downtown on the east side, in the historic St. Paul Square district, 1902 Nightclub is one of the newest hot spots to grace the downtown San Antonio landscape. The nightclub is situated in the former Sunset Station Train Depot, which is over 100-years-old. This glamorous nightclub offers fresh DJ-spun beats, sexy dancers, world renowned musicians, exciting cocktails and surprise entertainment. They feature a sweeping staircase inside the club, along with a giant dance floor surrounded by a second story balcony in a Spanish Mission Revival style building adorned with stucco walls, an arcade and clay tile roofs. Guests can enjoy bottle service and make reservations as needed. If you're looking for a world class nightclub experience, this is it!
Recommended for Best Nightlife because: 1902 is where all the cool club kids go to party in style!
Kimberly's expert tip: You can find free parking nearby if you get there early.
The Eastside of San Antonio just got cooler with this giant indoor/outdoor space filled with picnic tables that features craft draft beer and live music. Located next to the iconic Hays Street walking bridge, this bar is really one of the most interesting places to enjoy drinks with friends in the city. Alamo Beer also has a rich history. Years ago there was a beer called Alamo that was brewed by the Lone Star Brewing Company. The Alamo was a local's favorite made from the best barley malt, saazer hops and Texas rice. However, prohibition put an end to Alamo until the arrival of local entrepreneur, Eugene Simor. It took Simor a while but by 2003, he acquired a licensing agreement and Alamo Golden Ale was flowing on tap in the city. San Antonio supporters have followed his story and come out to support the brewery whenever they can. It helps that its good beer, good people and a fantastic location.
Recommended for Best Nightlife because: Alamo Beer is a popular brewery and beer garden on the near Eastside featuring incredible local brews, fun events and more!
Kimberly's expert tip: They offer free tours of the brewery on Thursdays at 6 pm and Saturdays at 1 pm.