It's been said that this place reminds one of an airport bar: a relic of the 90's tucked into a bustling complex, the drinks may be expensive and selection lacking, but the people are interesting and the barkeep always friendly. Yes, the bar smells of cheese, and no, the jukebox doesn't work. The ambience soulless, yet somehow haunting. Precious moments, how they linger. A proper bar. Stop in, and make best of friends with a total stranger here, before your plane departs. read more

This place reeked of bleach as soon as we walked in the door. It must have been from cleaning up all the bodies because this place was DEAD. On a Saturday night, there were 3 people sitting at the bar. They also guard their bathroom like the gestapo with this ridiculous sign and a key. This bar has to be a front for something because it's a literal joke of a place. After being at Sam's Burger joint and then wasting our time getting to this atrocity, we ended up spending our money at Howl at the Moon. I suggest you do the same. Southtown is a slum. read more

Joe Blue's - LOL - Bars Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

Went there on a Monday night, not expecting much. However, the local beer selection on tap was superb and not overpriced. James was behind the bar, and demonstrating his prowess as an accomplished mixologist, while simultaneously keeping conversations moving all along the bar. The vibe felt like it was straight out of "Cheers", and the other patrons were very chill. Definitely going there again! read more

While a seemingly popular destination, I've never actually stepped foot into this bar. I walk by often. I notice the neon blue signage when I wait for an Uber. I have had many fleeting conversations with the legends of Southtown on the patio space. Sadly, I cannot tell you about the drinks, the service, or if they are pet-friendly. I can guess that it's packed on First Friday with art enthusiasts, and despite other reviews, I'm sure the bartender has flair. Joe's is significant to me all the same. - I'm moving to New York City, and "Review Joe's" is scribbled on my to-do list among selling all my shit and squeezing in a breakfast taco tour. Almost a year ago, I met this man through a good friend. Tall, charismatic, polyglot, likeable, a real man of the people. He has this swoopy politician hair that hides beneath an obnoxious hat he's collected somewhere along the way. He speaks in excessive idioms and with conviction like it's written in the damn Constitution. He's worldly - it shows. His everyday canvas footwear has seen better days, but his two cell phones suggest importance and a stacked calendar. He's overflowing with ideas and vision and has the most contagious smile I've ever seen; the kind that makes you completely weak in the knees. We were friends, who became more than friends, stemming from a shared love for drive-thru cuisine. His sense of humor is a remix of dry British humour and run of the mill mean girl. Strong notes of sarcasm and self-deprecation with a deadpan delivery. I'd love to meet his childhood English tutor. One of his first jokes I danced with was "the review." In the spirit of open and honest communication, he chuckled about installing a sexy touchscreen on the wall of his loft to include an emoji survey for data collection, similar to those you find outside airport restrooms. How was your overall experience, Aaleen? Smile, Neutral, Frown. A handful of tangents later, it evolved to a rideshare innuendo. "Do I get five stars?" As a seasoned critic in my thirties, I must consider the stunning orange explosion beating through your windows each morning. However, no signs of coffee. Surely, that will influence my lover's rating. In an attempt to poke fun at the absurdity of life and dating culture as we know it, he claimed his previous romantic encounters wrote their reviews hidden in plain sight on the Yelp page for the bar downstairs; he lived above Joe's. As such, I was mildly disappointed to find that no one has taken the time to submit their review - trust me, I looked. Well, here we are: 5 Stars. I don't know what the future holds for this establishment, but I can confidently say my experience has been otherworldly. You are my favorite reminder that life should be lived vibrantly, and to me you are magic. I hope you always feel loved. read more

Johnson's Margaritas have honestly improved. I will keep going here because of him. He does a variety of flavors now. Keep making them bomb buddy. Sincerely T. =^..^= read more

Joe Blue's - a drink on a table - Bars Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

If your looking for funand high energy, you will want to skip this place. The atmosphere was like sitting in a cold dark library at night drinking with nothing to look at or listen to. There was only one other person in there aside from my husband, and this was on a Saturday night. We each had one drink then left. I would have had fun if we would have gone to a library. read more

Joe Blue's - a bar with two televisions on the wall - Bars Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

Such a wonderful place to find. After finding an uninviting and pretentious atmosphere downstairs, we came in to see if it was quieter and more comfortable. The bartender was wonderful. He was friendly and knowledgeable to make create drinks for me based simply on the description of "herbal" which were delicious. It was so easy going and quiet. It wasn't quite a surprise to see a bartender from the bar we had just left come up to confer with the bartender here about how to make a drink because the downstairs establishment didn't have anyone "versed" in that drink. Clearly, the bartender here is a more experienced and knowledgeable bartender. Not to mention the affordability. That's always a bonus. read more

I came to visit this bar for the first time and the bar tender named Johnson was an incompetent douche. He treated me and my friend like total trash and on top of that made the worst drinks I have ever had in entire my life. I will no longer be returning to this establishment as long as he is the bartender that has no customer service skills and seems like he hates his job. This place has so much potential and is in a great area but with staff like this who would ever want to come and enjoy an evening out when the people they employ have no people skills or knowledge of what they are doing behind the bar. read more

Jukebox is amazing. They got lots of good beers. They don't specialize much in mixed drinks. This is more of a beer joint. Place is very hard to find if you're not familiar with the neighborhood. Bartender is kinda stuck up as well as most of the regulars. read more

Very bad service. Bartender (woman) Didn't even acknowledge I was there with a date. She had one customer. We sat down and waited for her to look up at us to see if she would serve us...10 minutes and nothing. We walked to the bar and ordered and demanded we leave a credit card. She was NEVER nice to us. Rude and we could feel it. Although we bought the beers, we walked out. read more

I like to think of Joe Blues as my little secret. Though it gets pretty crowded pretty quick on weekend night by those who know its whereabouts, this is a fairly intimate bar tucked unassumingly away behind Blue Star Brewery in the Blue Star Arts Complex. The bar serves a full lineup of specialty martinis and cocktails. They keep a few beers on tap, including Stella Artois (a favorite of mine) and its always frigid; and a full selection of bottles and cans are available as well as a small but delicious selection of wines. Patrons of Joe Blues are as varied as the alcohol on tap. A young hipster crowd mingles with a more swanky uptown crowd and everyone in between seem to roll in and out seamlessly. I like spots like this were people are just cool and respect each other and bask in their differences. The last time I was in, Joe Blues had installed a jukebox. The selections are a bit pricey in my opinion, but there were lots of songs to choose from and everyone in the bar seemed to enjoy taking turns making picks. It was a good ice breaker. The bar is small and gets smokey quick so if you're not into secondhand smoke inhalation venture out and sit on the patio and people watch everyone around Blue Star. Tons of fun had when you venture off the beaten bath! read more

Joe Blue's - joe blue's sign in the window - Bars Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

Walked in the door a little apprehensive, but Cassie greeted us with a warm smile and an enthusiastic welcome. Tried some of the Pretzels with Beer Cheese dip and they were really good. We'll definitely be back to see her. read more

I don't know. Joe Blue's is alright, I guess. I was recently there on a dead Tuesday night and received less than lackluster service from the bartender. It couldn't have been because he was slammed, more like he just didn't want to be there. Besides that, it's definitely a beer-drinkers haven with quite a selection. I wish they had at least one cider to go along with all the beers they offer. With friendlier service and better drink options at La Tuna, 1919, Stella, and Halcyon all in walking distance, it's not my first choice. Unless I have friends playing there, then I'm all in. read more

Before we get into anything else... what a jukebox!! We spent half an hour putting money in the machine and just picking gorgeous songs (Mumford & sons FTW). Small, or intimate as you prefer, with nice clean lines and enough move around space for folks to belly up or sit at a table as they like. Though there was only one bartender on staff, he was incredibly nice. Knowledgeable about the beer selection, which is fabulous and even trying to make the karaoke machine work on the big screen so we could fulfill all of our Celine Dion dreams. Being more of a liquor girl myself, I absolutely appreciated the heavy handed pours. El Rufuso especially liked the white Christmas tree, judging by his romp through the branches. It was too cold but there's a sweet patio as well. If you're in the area and down for a brew, Blue Star is a great stop... but Joe Blues is where you should end your night. read more

I came to Joe Blue's with high expectations, but the place isn't very impressive. It reminds me more of a strip mall bar than a lounge in a historic arts complex (which is what it is.) When we were there basketball was on the TV and audio system. It was far more sports bar than lounge. The bartender was standing outside smoking when we arrived and gave us the kind of look that said "Damn, guess I have to go to work." I'm not sure I'd call him rude, but he was indifferent--no smile, no chatting, just efficiency. I asked him a question about food delivered from the brewpub next door and got a grunted answer, which pretty much summed up the bartender's demeanor. The thing that really turned me off is that at one point he sneezed and he didn't even try to cover his nose and mouth--just sneezed right at the glasses and bottles on the back bar. With many better options in King William and downtown San Antonio, Joe Blue's will not be on my list for a return visit. read more

I feel like I should probably spend most of this review covering the nuances of the jukebox, or about how bright the light is in the hallway on en route to the rest room after you've been in here awhile. But I won't do that. What would be the point, really. Besides, it's much more fun to talk about what Joe Blue's is - a typically late night stopover for the gang from Blue Star (and whoever else may be chatting each other up that day) - there's a solid brew selection present, even a little quirk in that regard, and they remember you (well, they often remember me, but that's probably 'cause I tend to make my way in when Krys directs, and when you're with folks in the know, that doesn't hurt). You'll occasionally find live music, but you'll often find good cheer. And that's worth a little something, too, I'd say. read more

I'd give it ZERO stars based on last visit(which was tonight). Been here a TON of times-so sorry that we interrupted the bartender's quiet and easy SAT night. The four of us made our way in, and were not greeted(!). Found bartender on a on his phone, watching Discovery Channel filler and nothing else on, nor were there anyone else in bar. We asked for drinks, which he made but when we asked to have the Copa America Game put on, he begrudgingly and immediately asked if there was a English broadcast... When there wasn't, he muted the Spanish broadcast in the entire bar. (I even offered to look for English broadcast, like an apologetic idiot...) We, being the only other patrons, felt awkward, and played music on the juke box... Very sure we will NOT be here again...$ spends the same regardless... read more

What a sad sad little place.... We came in because it looked cool from the outside, with the starry walls and such. As soon as we walked in, I felt depressed. No music at all, tvs on mute, only 3 other people in the whole place. One woman was working on something/studying.... It was a Friday night at 8! Plus, as others have said, what a douche bartender.... Just go downstairs to bar 1919 for an actual good time. read more

Located in the fantastic Blue Star Arts complex this is, to barrow a phrase from Humphrey Bogart, a great little gin joint. It's not a big place but it doesn't feel cramped either. With a big bar and plenty of tables this is the kind of place that's great to meet up with a friend two after a long day at work. Beyond the full complement of liquor, they have a really good beer selection. The bartender was very knowledgeable and helpful. Offering some great recommendations. read more

Heard a lot of great things about this place as I am new to San Antonio, in love with the Southtown district so I expected a lot from this bar but my most recent visit to this bar proved otherwise. Walked in and wasn't greeted by the bartender as he appeared to be taking his lunch break behind the bar. I approached to order with a "hello" and he responded with, "Yeah what do you want?" I didn't even order a drink. Walked straight out. Observed from the outside and the tender seemed unphased by the situation. He proceeded to eat and mind you could hear every crunch because apparently this place doesn't play music or have sound on their tvs? Maybe I caught them on a bad..Saturday..night...? read more

You get two parts yuppie and one part art crowd when you do get a large turnout at this slick bottom-floor bar of the Blue Star lofts. I think they have a decent craft beer lineup; they definitely make some mean cocktails. That's all I remember--I may have fallen off a chic barstool or two here before. read more

Perfect for those wishing to experience the price, atmosphere, and alcohol selection of a north side strip mall bar without actually having to drive all the way up there. read more

I do not recommend this bar! A group of us did a pub crawl this past weekend and this the starting point. They were clearly not ready because they were very unorganized and the beer was hot! The short male bartender was less than friendly and needs a lesson in customer service. He kept looking away when we were standing right in front of him. I have a feeling it's the same bartender others are writing about. I guess the owners don't care..... read more

Thought it was a jazz bar. No music so we asked the bartender where the blues were. He pointed at the juke box where you have to put quarters in. Ordered a Chardonnay and it was warm. :(. Don't do it read more

Taps and a wall of all the booze your little heart desires! Staff is friendly and knowledgable of the shaker tin and what's poured from a tap. A bit small but ample seating as the space was utilized nicely! Nice that they have a few tables out front for the fair weatherers. Drive, walk or cycle over for a cold one! read more

I had a blast last night with my boyfriend on his birthday! It wasn't my first time, but it was his! Scott was so nice and entertaining, we will definitely come back! We really enjoyed to trivia...We both had never played it before, and we won! The guy that does it was wonderful and so nice, I'm sad that I forgot his name! Had so much fun and can't wait to go back! read more

This is a nice, unwind kinda spot. Very chill. A few times they have had a Frank Sinatra impersonator singing, so you get the vibe. If you feel down or want to be alone, you can definitely chill out here. Dave the bartender is a kool kat too. read more

Great little bar. Generally it's pretty chill here, not so busy. It's one of the only places in this area where you can get an actual cocktail. No smoking inside so it's not all gross either. It's pretty great. read more

Ummmm, this place was "ok". Even though there were THREE guys behind the bar, it was still hard to get a drink. Yeah, the beer is gonna be a bit pricey (for the area), so I had no major complaints there. The restroom was kinda hard to find (you would know what I was talking about if you've been there). I guess the thing I didn't like was the parking situation. it was really hard to find decent parking. read more

I've never been to a place like this. The batender acted like he was annoyed that we were there yet nobody was there on a Friday night. We wanted to hear the jukebox but he told us no, we wanted to change one TV to a different game, he told us no. The beer was warm, awful environment. Wait for this place to go out of business and hopefully something better moves in. Oh the bartender was a dick. read more

Arrived about 10:00 on a Saturday night in May and this place was dead. No live music, no DJ, no piped in music. The place was empty. We walked in, were unimpressed, and walked out. Headed downstairs to Bar 1919. read more

Figured out what this bar is doing wrong. You'll notice that the bar downstairs, 1919 is packed. Yet JB is empty. Starts with the attitudes from the rude guy checking ID'S to the bartenders who act like they are being imposed upon buy customers! Place needs a face lift, different furniture couldn't hurt either. Group of us were there this past Saturday, of course not packed, and they ran out of Jameson! read more