So disappointed and angry with our brass monkey visit. I highly recommend some racial sensitivity training for the security officers and management!! Tonight we went out to brass monkey and a few people in the group were smoking a tobacco juul. Despite multiple people smoking the juul, one friend was racially profiled. He was individually approached and escorted out by multiple security persons without question for "smoking a joint." We insisted he nor anyone else had any weed and they refused to do a search or listen. This was an obvious case of racial profiling and racist policing as Our friend, who is black, was singled out for behavior that multiple people in the group were exhibiting at the same time. Do!!!! Better!!!! read more

This place didn't seem like anything special when I first walked up to it this weekend. Walking in, the patio was decently sized with ample seating for patrons. When we walked into the actual bar, it was very dark and the ambiance reminded me of my beloved Elysium. The music was great; lots of 80's new/dark wave and some early 90's alternative stuff. All in all, we had a great time on the dance floor and hanging out with friends What I didn't like about this place was the bar setup. You had to stand at a specific place at the bar to order drinks or the bartender didn't even so much as bat an eyelash in your direction. No one told me this and there were no signs indicating this. My friend pushed me behind the people who were getting served and I placed my order. That was when one of the bartenders told me that I HAD to order drinks right there. When two o'clock came around, I went up to a different bartender to close out and he told me I had to close out with the bartender I opened with. Really Brass Monkey? I've been to plenty of bars and I've never had to do that. So my experience at this joint was so-so. I'd probably have to go back a few more times to get a better feel what this bar is truly like. read more

Terrible security. Security has no clue what is going on they pick on people and kick them out without reason.

So take it and leave it with this review, I love this place since they play 80s music. Security was good and didn't kick me out. Never had to deal with bartenders. When I dance, I don't need to get drunk. Just leave me alone and all is well. That is what Brass Monkey did for me. read more

If you want to schedule an appointment for your local Planned Parenthood, you got to stop here first. You don't know what you'll take home or create after stopping here. Place is like half club/half dive bar. Old to young, age group is diverse. The most busiest day is Sunday because it's $2 anything. Top shelf, low shelf, any guy/girl, $2 will make you holla. This place has an odd smell, it's like the color purple mixed with cheap perfume. The drinks are ehh, the music is probably the best part of this place, never seen a place go ape when Ginuwine came on the PA. It's a cool place if you're just turning 21 or looking for something itchy. I'll pass on Brass Monkey unless someone else is picking up my tab. read more

The restrooms make this place a dive bar. Killer 80's music and not the typical 80's music that is normally played. You will hear songs that haven't been heard in years. Drinks are cheap and there is an outdoor patio with a bar. It can be a little crowded but for the price you can't beat it. Parking does suck so plan to walk or take a cab. The good thing is there are enough places around there that you can bar hop all night read more

Horrible staff are rude and unprofessional. They have good music, and the outdoor area has a cool vibe but the stuff ruins it. Lots of better bars in the area, don't waste your time. read more

Woah - awesome alert! This is a place where you need to go after a few drinks so you can boogie down on the dance floor. Huge dance floor, laser lights, awesome 80/90s DJ, and cheap beer and great drink specials. Plus you're bound to see that lone ranger dancer, giving it his all to some random 80's song. I went on a Saturday night, but maybe a little too early because nobody was dancing yet, everyone was still being wallflowers and hugging tight to the bar. There is definitely something special about this place. Its St. Mary's dive-ish, but a dance club, and with a very eclectic crown of people. You have to see for yourself. read more

Atmosphere was awful, and their drinks are way over priced. Wouldn't recommend to a single person.

Drinks are not too bad price-wise, fairly normal drinks. Music is fine, scene is a little grimy for my taste. The floor itself is pretty nasty, and it's always super packed. Good luck getting to the bartender! But yeah, they DO kick out people for seemingly no reason. People have told me they had this experience, it's evident from Yelp reviews, and it happened to us. What it is is that when you close your tab, they kick you out to let in more people who are gonna buy drinks. Our friend closed her tab and made her way to the dance floor, was dancing like normal. You could tell we had all had a few drinks. After a minute or two they came and grabbed her and just threw her out on the street, basically. We all followed and tried to ask what in her behavior set her apart from 1. any of us, 2. the other ratchets inside still dancing. The only thing any of us could come up with is that she had closed her tab. So yeah, they WILL yell at you and throw you out on the street- poor form and dangerous. So yeah, cool if you want one drink and to be surrounded by gross sweaty kids. But beware- they kick you out when you close your tab! Gotta get that money, right? Go to any other bar on the strip if you can. read more

My friend was excited to dance at the Brass Monkey for her 26th birthday. She has an out-of-state ID as she is here temporarily for work. We waited in line, but when we got to the front the bouncer said her ID seemed fake. We insisted that it was real, and the owner came out and said it seemed "flimsier" than other IDs he had seen from that state but did not consult any source of information and didn't provide any other reason. I understand the bar's need to be cautious about letting in people under 21, but they should have a guide for each state license and reject people if they have determined that the ID does not match. I have seen these in other bars and grocery stores. Turning away someone who has been 21 for 5 years without a good explanation doesn't make sense. read more

Came here for the first time. Heard good reviews so thought we try it out. A little sketchy getting thru the door by being frisked. Music is pretty cool. All walks of people here. Very diverse crowd. Very chill here. Good music. Outside is awesome if the weather is awesome. Inside is louder so if you are with a group the outside will be better. Drinks are typical price for being on St. Mary's strip. Would recommend coming once if you like 80s, trance music. read more

This bar is what it's like if a vape pen was able to secure a bank loan and open its own bar. Also they made my wife leave her personalized ball point pen at the door. I guess they were afraid she'd use it to write a review of this place. read more

I probably shouldn't say I come here a lot, but I do, mainly because I have a friend that's dating the owner of Brass Monkey. From experience, I can say you'll always meet new personalities here. The people are of all ages from newly 21-year-olds to established men and women. There are people with tattoos and jean jackets and there are people wearing suits. And that's one of the best parts! The music is mostly always new wave 80s music such as The Smiths, which they love to play. However, if you don't feel like dancing, chill outside to their heavily fanned patio and enjoy the conversation. P.S. The outdoor bar is always faster, especially the one with "cash only"and there is never a cover. Check out their Facebook page for events happening: https://www.facebook.com/BrassMonkeyTX/events There is something for everyone here, from indie/electro to 80s dance. This is on St. Mary's Strip with a bunch of other divey bars as well and there is always something going on with drink specials Wed-Sun. If you haven't gone here yet, GO. read more

I've never had a bar confiscate my small bottle of Excedrine or the ball point pen out of my purse before. Completely ridiculous! Hated this place even more when we got inside. So smokey/foggy indoors that I couldn't see or breathe. They have hired muscle to literally herd you away from the bar after you've ordered your drink, or even if you're standing in the nearby vicinity. Won't be going back here. read more

Impromptu night with my friend as I had to work Monday. Decided to actually go, figured I'd get off work and go to sleep as soon as I get home. I've heard about this place being the Sunday spot. We got there the line to get in wasn't that bad. Once we got in it was jam packed. The bartenders take control of the crowd at the bar which is cool, keeps people from just standing around. Music was a great mix. Really nice people in there. I enjoyed myself. read more

I normally go to brass monkey to have a good time but last night I had an incident that will greatly affect if I go back. My friends and I bought drinks at the same time (two beers two shots). I was charged $20 and he made her open a tab, and kept her card and ID which is weird that they do that to begin with but it was because she had charges less than $10 so they have to keep your card if your charge is that low. When she closed at the end of the night she was charged for $50 worth of drinks and most of them were incorrect. I understand that it's crazy so I go to the bartender to correct it. First off he was really rude and told me I had an attitude when I asked for him to refund me or her for the drinks we paid for because it's clear he double charged us. He refused to do that. Management got involved and led me to believe they were resolving the issue when they were standing in a corner "discussing" what to do next. No one asked me questions. The lady manager said she was checking cameras and the guy later confirmed that wasn't happening. and I got told that they'll count drawers in the morning and that I'm not getting helped for it now because they have "a business to run" I'm sorry but as someone who works in service it was really terrible how myself and my friends were treated. If someone does something incorrect you fix that. Simple as that. Hope others are not treated this was. read more

Cheesy establishment and horrible random mash of cliche 80's hits with clumsy dj sets with a bad sound system. Horrible men's bathroom which speaks to how much care and thought they actually have for their patrons. Rude staff and some rude patrons too. This is not a thoughtful place. No thx. read more

Awesome 80's dance place! Didn't use bathrooms so I can't rate based on that. There were longs lines so I'm sure there could be some improvement. Anyhow, was visiting from Maryland and I had a blast dancing to my favorite 80's songs. Been a long while staying out late and having some fun. read more

First off I would like to say that the officer searching people's belongings either makes you feel very safe or makes you feel like the bar is a little sketchy. Very friendly staff and they seem to work very hard. I was impressed by how the bartender who helped me was obviously stiffed by the person before (which he saw) and was still very nice to me. That has to be a little disheartening. Know what you want to order before you get to the bar please. Seriously there are about 10 people behind you. The music is great. The dance floor can get popping. There are some serious creeps that come to this place so watch your drinks! This place is covered in "substances" and glitter and definitely is a younger 20s crowd. I don't see myself visiting very often or none at all. read more

Great music, terrible service. Brass monkey is a great dive club where you can get your groove on any night of the week, and I really appreciate that; however, I had an awful experience last night. Well cocktails were being served for $.75, and after ordering a number of drinks, I also asked for a glass of water. The bartender returned with a $2.00 bottle, and I asked him again for a glass, not a bottle, of water, not wanting to pay almost three times as much for water as I had for my cocktail. The bartender refused and only when one of my female friends, who is pushier than I am, arrived did he finally acquiesce! I was so floored. I think it is wrong of a bar to serve drinks that cheap and not also provide water to paying customers. Absolutely unbelievable. read more

Okay so I went on $2 drinks day, and as expected it was extremely packed. It was a mixed crowd with extremely young individuals and then really older people. Not sure if I liked either one. The DJ was horrible. It was supposed to be 'throwbacks' but honestly it seemed like he just stole a playlist off of YouTube. It was so boring. Then the dance floor is so tiny, and people are just dropping their glass containers of beer on the ground causing broken glass. Also, because of this tiny dance floor you can't even dance or accidentally bump someone without them wanting to fight you. Probs won't go back. read more

So much fun! Saturdays are 80's 90's night and I swear to it's is so much fun! They check your purses and ask men to lift there shirts ! Safety first y'all! Staff was awesome! My boyfriend and I were a bit drunk and we went outside to look for a cab and the police officer saw use and ask one of the workers to call a can for us and then said they would come inside to let us know when it arrivals! && guess what THEY DID!! They even paid for our cab ride back to our hotel! That's was so nice a amazing!! They also did random drink specials! That was a treat! The music was awesome to dance too! People were really dancing!! Bartender were nice and talkative! I like that there not rude and just serves your drink. Over all I will be back every time I come to San Antonio. read more

best bar in san antonio the crowd and drinks are amazing and so are the bartenders they take care of us

This place is always a great time. 80's music, disco balls, laser lights, cheap drinks! (margaritas about $4.00). There is also a bar outside on the patio with ample seating. The only thing would be that security upfront can be a little picky and look through your purse and frisk you if you are male. It's a good thing I guess... Overall, I highly recommend this place! read more

Came here on a Thursday night with friends. We were visiting from California and stumbled upon this place. Lots of hipsters and awesome cheap drinks. We enjoyed 75 cent wells- make it a double to get your money's worth. They also had $2 fireball shots. There is an indoor bar but we opted for the outdoor space which offered a bar and picnic bench seating. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone looking to go out to a casual bar with friends. read more

Had a great time at the disco/80s night dancing with my fellow 80s crowd.. however, i only give 4 stars because around 1100 a new younger crowd started to arrive, then it became sooo crowded that you could not dance comfortably. Then the jumping and moshing began with this younger crowd and shoving etc.. because of this, i probably would not come again.. :( was fun while it lasted read more

I rate this place mainly because of my personal music preference... I enjoy a variety of music genres. This place has the same "older" music when I go... Other than that it is a cool place to hangout with friends in their patio. Their drinks are pretty cheap so that's always good! read more

I like this place. Somehow I always end up here when 80's music is playing (no problem there). The ambiance is nothing too special yet very fitting with the area. Comfortable, relaxed, kind of dive like. I have seen all types of people here so really anyone and everyone should mesh well. The drinks are average to decent with a good price point. I would not say this is the best value bar on St. Mary's, but it gets the job done adequately well. Bartenders are efficient and friendly. Last time I was here I accidentally dropped a shot when I got bumped by somebody and the bartender immediately replaced it, no charge. Their beer selection is well stocked but mostly with average common grade D and lower beers. Keep those for the masses and maybe add a few more to rotate in for us brew seekers. Ill gladly pay a couple bucks more for craft over adjunct lagers. I like the fact that there is security outside. Im sure if you really wanted to sneak something in it would not be too daunting, but still nice to have a deterrent. Ive never paid a cover here and that is awesome. I really hate the dance floor=$$$ mentality. read more

The door staff and security are super nice. The vibe inside is great. I love the display of prayer candles and other decor they have on the inside. read more

Disrespectful door guard. They like to pat people down to ensure they aren't carrying anything illegal in that's not allowed. I get that. What the problem I have is when I tried to talk to the door guy to ensure he would have a female pat down my wife it gave me an attitude and wanted to throw me out because. Don't understand how this made any sense I was simply asking a question and ended up having to talk to the manger about this. read more

Yo Sunday's they have two dollars you call it and they have $4 doubles. Check out my boy Fernando and watch his skills as he takes a shit ton of orders and flawlessly execute them. Tip your bartenders despite the cheap price don't be cheap when you tip. read more

It is a whole in the wall. Love that their is no cover usually. They play good music on Thursdays. They also have good drink specials. I met up with a girlfriend and some of her coworkers. I bought her and I shots and drinks. Plus I didn't even spend over 20 bucks. We had a good time danceing I side and outside. Love that they have a bar inside and outside. read more

I really like that this place is no cover! Drinks are cheap and the music is pretty fun! It's just way too crowded for my Taste

The bouncers here are absolute thieves. My friend bought CBD tincture from a vendor at a bar across the street. Unopened, sealed with obvious labels and they confiscated it saying they will hold it until the end of the night. We come back and they say they threw it away when it's obviously in this clear container. Why would you LIE???! That's expensive stuff for chronic pain. we could have easily put it in our car if you didn't LIE and say you would return it. It shouldn't have been confiscated to begin with. read more

Brass Monkey bouncers are really rude. I had a friend come down to visit from California and we decided to go to Brass on Sunday for the drink special. When we get to the front the bouncer did not want to let my friend in because of the out of state ID. He scanned it & checked it under the UV light and everything was passing but he said it fell "off". She even showed her debit card name to prove the name on the ID. It got to the point where he was holding up the line and we had to call the managers. I understand that for security reasons they need to check IDs but just because it feels "off" is not an excuse. I was very very angry at that fact that he was also being rude. Most bouncers ask security questions or the states information but this bouncer was threatening to cut her ID cause he thought it was fake. Very bad experience, my friend and I will both be writing a review. Also on Sunday nights so much glass and water ends up on the dance floor that if u wear sandals or white shoes it will soak ur feet in the dirty water and glass. GROSS! read more

I used to think this place was okay, but now I really think this place just straight up sucks. I get why people come here: no cover, cheap drinks, and decent music, but that's it. The staff is awful especially the bartender, Nikki. She is rude and awful. The last time I went I paid for my drink ( a 75 cent vodka sprite) with $10 bill, Nikki tried to put my change in her tip jar. Excuse me, you are lucky to even get a tip from me with that attitude, don't get ahead of yourself thinking you deserve a $9 tip from me. When I put my hand to get the change back, she just gave me the ugliest look. If you ever do go to Brass Monkey because you might be on budget or whatever reason.... wait what am I saying? Just don't go, there are so many better places to go to! read more

This place was like a home away from home for me. Nothing but great experiences here. I know a lot of people complain about the bouncers everywhere, but I feel comfortable about it. In all the time I've been going here I've never seen one fight, or seen anybody so messed up that they're falling over. It makes for a pleasant night, and the bartender Fernando is amazing. Quick and efficient service from everyone who's ever served me there. I will miss it so much, but will visit whenever I'm in town again. read more

You can never really go wrong while having fun on the St. Mary's Strip. Brass Monkey (formerly the venue known as Lava Lounge) was extremely fun! The music was great, drinks were on point and of course awesome people watching. The staff was very friendly and very talkative when we arrived. Each night features a different genre of music and on the particular night we visited it was "90's Night". Absolutely loved the music. Despite it being Texas and the middle of hot Summer nights, I enjoyed sitting on the patio with my friends enjoying some drinks and great conversation. I like the casual to fancy dress code. I liked the clean restrooms (this is important, since I am a girl and I like clean restrooms with toilet paper and paper towels). I liked the drink specials, different ones each day of the week and I loved NO COVER EVER! Plus, there were food trucks near by for the after club hour munchies! Bonus points for people watching! This is always a plus! read more

If you like dancing, drinking, and conversing this place is for you. Every time I go to Brass Monkey I have an unforgettable evening. Recently I went for my friends bday. I arrived around 11 and met my group on the patio where people can smoke, sit at picnic tables to converse, and order drinks from the outside bar. Once everyone had their nicotine fix (I don't smoke!! Yuck) we headed inside to DANCE! Now this place does it right! Flashing lights, sunken dance floor, and good music! At the Brass Monkey you never have to worry about "feeling" the music, just wait and you are guaranteed to hear a jam to get you moving! If I want to dance I will go here!! read more