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Cowabungas Bar

3.8 (19 reviews)
InexpensiveGay Bars
Open 11:00 am - 2:00 AM (Next day)
Updated 2 months ago

Cowabungas Bar Photos

COWABUNGAS BAR ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Moderate noise
Casual
Good for dancing
Good for groups

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Recommended Reviews - Cowabungas Bar

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Reviews With Photos

Nikolai bartender
Loui L.

Cowabungas is the most dive bars in San Antonio but the crowd is the best .. parking sucks tho .. ( it's downtown so parkings always gonna suck) but I think this bar is definitely a mix crowd

Pam M.

Went here for the first time the other night...very dark and very eery in feeling. Definitely a dive bar. Most of the seating is around the bar and most looked like they were probably regulars. Don't think I'd have to go back here. I like dive bars but this is a little too rundown for my liking.

two women with face paint

I went there on Fiesta weekend and Ryan shows really was inviting and very well doing an amazing job keeping the bar going and still remain a professional thanks Ryan for your awesome service you really are a nice guy ! Y'all gotta go show him some love 10 stars if I could

Main and only bar
Cory E.

A good friend of mine had told me the mythical story of stumbling upon a gay bar in the heart of downtown. Needless to say I had to find out what she was talking about since I am a sort of connoisseur of gay bars. Through mild word of mouth and ample searching... There it was, Cowabungas! I must say the entrance is a bit intimidating since there are no windows into the place. My friend and I pulled up our pants and dived right in anyways. Now this place doesnt stand out among any other hole in the wall gay bar with its service or drinks. Most gay bars I frequent have cheap drinks and this was no exception. The thing which really made this place ok in my book was the people. The bartender made sure we were comfortable since we were the only young ones in our 20s but the older crowd was very welcoming. Seriously, a gay cheers. I kept singing the song while we were there. It's not too bad if you just need a drink and maybe a chat that's away from the stuffiness of downtown.

Seattle sisters had a great time! Ryan is a fun bartender...full of laughs

Great friends...it's like a gay cheers

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1 year ago

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3 years ago

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9 years ago

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4 years ago

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8 years ago

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9 years ago

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5 years ago

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13 years ago

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12 years ago

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9 years ago

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12 years ago

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11 years ago

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12 years ago

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7 years ago

Ben is the best bartender in town. It is a dive bar and is seriously so perfect! We loved it here and can't wait to come back!

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7 years ago

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12 years ago

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7 years ago

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Ask the Community - Cowabungas Bar

Review Highlights - Cowabungas Bar

The bartender on duty, Ryan, was really nice.

Mentioned in 3 reviews

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The Bang Bang Bar - The triple threat pizza

The Bang Bang Bar

4.4(231 reviews)
4.6 mi
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Recently we hosted our Morrissey After Party at Bang Bang Bar, following the former Smiths…read morefrontman's sold-out January 10th performance at the Boeing Center at Tech Port and honestly, we couldn't have written a better script. Morrissey hadn't graced San Antonio in over 10 years, with past cancellations and postponements haunting fans along the way. So when he finally returned, San Antonio Moz fans showed up and showed out. Despite multiple after-party options across the city, fans from Brazil, the UK, Canada, Japan, and all across the U.S. chose Bang Bang Bar as the place to be on a cold Saturday night. Hosted by local emcee Ricardo Moz and Apollo DJ, the night turned into one for the history books. Bang Bang Bar is easily one of Texas' best dive-lounge bars...the perfect blend of gritty and cozy. Great cocktail program, solid beer selection, and a vibe that just works. The décor leans heavy into a 1950s-60s lounge aesthetic, with intimate spaces like the Blue Room and Yellow Room, perfect for groups of 7-10. Low lighting, warm atmosphere, and zero pretension exactly what you want for a night like this. Bang Bang Bar consistently supports local and touring acts, spanning punk, alternative, and DJ-driven nights, and this Moz Smiths Disco was no exception. It was wall-to-wall classics all night long. Major credit to Phanie and the Bang Bang Bar management they rolled up their sleeves, brought in extra bar staff, and handled an overwhelming crowd like pros. Fans waited up to 45 minutes in the cold, with a line wrapping around the building, and the energy inside never dipped. As the host of Panic On The Streets, I'm incredibly thankful to Bang Bang Bar for helping us pull off one of the best after-parties we've done in years. Fittingly, 2026 marks the 10-year anniversary of both Bang Bang Bar and Panic On The Streets of San Antonio and what a way to celebrate. Bang Bang Bar has long been one of my favorite bars in town, and after this night, that reputation is more than earned. Can't wait to do another Moz Smiths Disco here. -- Panic On The Streets of San Antonio

I've been here a couple of times and have always had a great time. The server/waitress was very…read morefriendly and knowledgeable on what they offered. They were happy to answer my questions and I was never made to feel rushed. The bar itself has an awesome vibe. It's divey but offer fancy drinks. The bar has a stage (we've seen FEA perform there) and they have ample seating (tables, couches, stools, etc). I also enjoy how each couch area is its own living room setup (think of what you see when shopping for couches/coffee tables) and feel/vibe. I make it a point to come and visit this bar any time I'm in San Antonio. We love supporting Phanie and her bands in any way possible. Girl in a Coma and FEA 4ever!

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Cowabungas Bar - gaybars - Updated May 2026

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