I'm well overdue in providing an opinion about this particular bar. Let me start with the negative and get that out of the way. Whether any of you who are reading this know about the history of the Menger Bar and it's role in Teddy Roosevelt's assemblage of the Roughriders in this particular establishment or not the drink which he had was a mint julep. When I ask for that drink for which The past president was known to imbibe in they did not have the ingredients. That was a disappointment. Beyond my disappointment was the reality of a service establishment that had great personnel that is bartenders who were quite service oriented and given the activity in the bar where quite efficient. I mentioned this to suggest that the ingredients for a drink are as much, a managers, responsibly, bartender, and so in fairness to what I think was exemplary service I certainly did not want my personal disappointment to reflect on how good these bartenders were. The ambience is also wonderful. It is the period appropriate or appears to be appropriate and hence gives you the comfort of being able to visualize Teddy drawing together a group that eventually went on to Victory over the Spanish in Cuba. It is romantic and comfortable. The bartenders explained that the round table at which Roosevelt sat has been moved somewhere within the hotel. This is an experience not to be missed. Nacho just for the historical content of such a visit, but simply for the contemporary service and ambience. read more

The Menger Bar with all of its history was a delightful treat. I only popped in to order up some poolside drinks, but this place was LOUD and crowded the first night (5.25.2025) we stayed at the Menger Hotel. The second afternoon/evening (5.26.2025), it was not nearly as crowded, but still buzzing with the entire row of barstools almost taken and a large group of folks upstairs. I loved the dark wood, odes to Teddy Roosevelt and his Rough Riders, the glorious ceiling, the low lighting, and all the beveled mirrors. All of the bartenders were friendly and worked super fast to quench everyone's thirsts for cocktails, bottled beers, and my fabulous Jack & Cokes. Thanks for all the extra cherries in my girls' Roy Rogers. read more

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Disappointed, came here for a light snack and a beer. The bar was wall to wall people. There was an insane long wait to order. There was nowhere to sit. We actually spent most of our time exploring the interior of the hotel then we did inside the bar, big disappointment. read more

Menger Bar - Bar - Bars Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

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Located at the Historic Menger Hotel, The Menger Bar is fashioned after London's House of Lords Pub. Legend has it that Teddy Roosevelt recruited the "Rough Riders" here in 1898. I don't know if that is true, but you can tell this place has a lot of history. In fact, it was voted one of the Top 10 Historic Bars in the U.S. I enjoy visiting these type of establishments. This place exudes so much charm with its original hand carved mahogany wood bar, dark cherry wood paneled ceiling, and beveled mirrors imported from France. My friend and I ordered a drink so we could soak in the ambience. I tried the House Margarita and my friend got the Rye Old Fashioned. I'm used to margaritas being served in a rocks glass, but this came in a pint glass. As the saying goes, everything is bigger in Texas. It was tasty. My friend also enjoyed the Old Fashioned. The is definitely a neat place to check out when in the area. read more

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We went here to have a drink because we heard it is haunted. Located inside the Menger Hotel (near the Alamo) The bar tender takes your order at the bar and you seat yourself. There's an upstairs, the wood wall area is dark but beautiful. Lots of history here. Cocktail was average. read more

Menger Bar - Entry from inside the hotel - Bars Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

Historical bar in the heart of San Antonio where Teddy Roosevelt recruited his rough riders. They showcase a lot of memorabilia throughout the bar and they have captured the old time feel of those days. Loved the bar seating and they have an upper and lower seating area too. Bar food menu and great drinks available and wine and beer. Service was fine... they are very quiet bartenders !! Enjoyed a great gin and tonic here and my friends had some beers which I totally forgot to take a picture of. Had a little bar food in the form of fries and pretzels. Nice drinking hole in a very classy hotel. read more

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When in San Antonio, always have to visit my favorite bar at the Menger. Drinks always good. Nice bartenders. Very dark with lots of wood. If you come in the door from the street, don't fall down the stairs because you can't see. Bright yo dark. Lots of Teddy Roosevelt memorabilia. read more

Was told to take kids to get the famous Mango ice cream at this bar, so we did on our last trip downtown to enjoy a pleasant spring day. This hotel is a historic treasure that is fun to walk through and imagine the old days of SA. The atmosphere in this small bar has not changed over the decades. The ice cream is not cheap, but it is really good to enjoy from the balcony. Check it out! read more

Menger Bar - Bars Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

A cute and kitschy little place, there is a ghost story that you might even meet Teddy Roosevelt here. We did not, and our experiences were a bit of a mixed bag, but mostly positive. Our first stop in, the bar was completely full, so we took a seat at a table. The menu said to order at the bar if table service was not available, but it was very unclear if table service was available. It was a bit of a madhouse, so we left and went somewhere a little less crowded. Our second time in, we were able to get up to the bar, and we had a quick drink before a nearby tour started. When the bartender learned that it was my friend's birthday, she gave us a card for free admission to another nearby night spot. I wish we'd had more time to savor the time at the bar of the Menger, but there will definitely be a next time! read more

One of my friends on this trip is big on historical landmarks, so when we found this bar, it was a must go. The Menger Bar is authentic as it can get being founded in 1887, voted one of the top 10 most historical bar in the US. Teddy Roosevelt recruited cowboys for his "Rough Riders" army to fight in the Spanish-American War. They have a relatively large display case of memorabilia to the left of the bar and numerous black and white photos displayed throughout the entire bar. This bar is surprisingly not crowded at all, with a local bar vibe. There's an upstair mezzanine, but with a ceiling clearance so you'll be uncomfortable if you're a relatively medium/tall person. read more

When in San Antonio Texas you should try to visit this bar, as it is full of history. The bar is attached to the Menger Hotel so there is parking. We walked there from another bar. Be ware as the area is under construction. The bartenders here are nice and so helpful. When we arrived we were hot as the weather outside was so muggy that they offered us water first and turned on fans for us. Once we caught our breath we ordered a couple of delicious Rye Old fashioned that were made with nice tasty bourbon. The bartender told us a bit of the history of the Menger bar. Husband and I sat for a while and enjoyed the drinks and the atmosphere. Go enjoy and learn about some great Texas history. read more

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Went to The Menger Bar last night & had a few drinks. Justin the bartender was so awesome & friendly. Made a great Caribbean Mama!! He was giving history of the ba& hotel to other customers & it was very exciting to hear. read more

Menger Bar - Bars Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

We stopped in after a sister grimm bus tour. We really enjoyed it and passed by this bar on the way to the bus so we knew we were coming back to admire photos and read captions bc that's the kind of stuff we love! We stopped in and my husband ordered a whiskey based drink - it was all whiskey. lol. worth the price. I ordered a top shelf margarita and yall, it was perfect. I rarely order a mixed drink at bars. I stick to bouron and diet or maybe an old fashioned if its an upscale place but This margarita was fire. I'd go back for sure. and yes, our tour guide told us to look for the bullet holes in the wall, allegedly put there by mr. rough rider's recruiter himself. I didnt feel any supernatural entities there but definitely an energy. they have lots of wooden tables, and beams, and stairs but the thing that gives the energy is all the mirrors facing other mirrors. We didnt order food but I have to say I did like that they didnt have a waitress coming around asking if you want another drink. sometimes I feel pressured to hurry and finsh my drink just to order another bc i'm being pressured too - kinda like at the esquire which i used to really love and now wont go back to. read more

If you like history with your drink, this is your spot just off the Alamo. T. Roosevelt recruited some of his Rough Riders here, just steps from the Alamo. Good drinks, good bartender in a warm setting. read more

Menger Bar - Bars Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

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Great spot for drinks, bartender was hilarious and made the drinks amazing. Recommend the manhattan. read more

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The Menger Bar is one of my go-to places I like to take out of towners when they are visiting the Alamo City. This historic bar is located inside the historic Menger Hotel (just across from The Alamo) and was established in 1859, which makes it the oldest continuously operating saloon in the city. It is famously known because Teddy Roosevelt recruited his Rough Riders in this bar (what!?). The bar is full of historic memorabilia which makes it extra special, and it's decor is super unique. I recommend accessing the bar through the hotel, because you can get the full experience and see all the memorabilia they have around the hotel. I personally think this is the perfect spot to hangout after visiting the Alamo and complete your full tour experience. read more

Menger Bar - Drink menu - Bars Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

I wasn't impressed with the service or drinks. Nothing was bad but it was very fine. I liked that it was a smaller bar and the ambience was good. I got the chips and queso so that it could leave a tip for the bartenders since we were redeeming free drinks. I wish that there was a Venmo or something for the bartenders since the hotel gives out free drinks often. The salsa was watery and the chips were fine but the queso was inedible. I swear without joking I think it was just canned Tostito's queso barely warmed up plus jarred Tostitos salsa. It was grainy and awful and we didn't choke down more than one bite. It's not a bad place to wind up having a couple of drinks but I would still just go somewhere else for late night drinks and snacks. read more

A must see in San Antonio. Crowded during our visit for the Final Four, but we grabbed a table and tried to join up for the Rough Riders. Bar staff was busy but attentive. read more

Menger Bar - Bars Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

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This is the type of place you visit due to it being historic and nostalgic. Well drinks were overpriced. Better deal across the street at the Crockett Bar. It was just ok. read more

What more can you ask for than a bar in a haunted hotel where Teddy Roosevelt actually fired a shot in the wall. We stopped here two nights in a row. There is a small balcony upstairs - we didn't go up there - and we had no problem finding a table either night. That said, on the first night we couldn't ever get to the bar to sit because patrons chose to space out in such a manner as to leave only empty single stools, when there was more than enough space to leave two side-by-side. That's not the bar's fault - just selfish patrons. We got to experience at least three different bartenders across the two visits, and they were all very efficient (though I'd say my first Mule both nights was watered down or possible made with flat ginger beer). Nonetheless, the best of the bar staff was the lady the first night. This bar seems to get busy in waves, so don't be intimidated if there's a line at the bar when you come in. Ask for a menu, too. The food itself is pretty much generic pub grub, but it works in the moment. Mostly, though. It's cool to know you are drinking in the same dark-wooded bar that once saw a future president fire off a round or two during an excursion to recruit Rough Riders. If you take the exit to the outside, rather than the hotel, there is also a statue of TR right across the way. read more

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This is a wonderful bar.  It is small but cozy. it comfortably seats small groups of four at the tables.  The drinks were great, as was service.  Even though we didn't get visited by Teddy, I loved the decor and just the overall vibe within it. read more

Menger Bar - Bars Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

Nice historic atmosphere, lots of memorabilia from the Teddy Roosevelt/Rough Rider era. Steps away from the Alamo. A beautiful building to explore even if you're not staying at the Menger Hotel. If you're looking for a quieter place for a nightcap, away from the tourist spots on the Riverwalk, this is a great choice. read more

Menger Bar - Menger Bar's Manhattan. - Bars Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

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A small dark historical bar on our Teddy Roosevelt pitstops. Yes Teddy and his Rough Riders drank here but did you also know that Carrie Nation or Hatchet Granny, who was a radical member of the temperance movement, which opposed alcohol before the advent of Prohibition slammed her axe in the bar here. You can still see the repairs. Service was neither good nor bad just middle of the day getting by. Visit the hotel and the bar, anyone who is anyone has stayed and drank here. read more

Again it's all about the charm. The bartenders and drinks were good but it's the atmosphere I love most in here. It feels just like a Boston pub! The utmost coziness. Like the rest of the hotel, there's tons of history on display. And... they have a moose! Made my day. We ordered food that was scrumptious; probably one of the best Reubens I've ever had and the fries were perfection too. Get drinks to go in here before you set off on a ghost tour! read more

Menger Bar - View from upstairs area - Bars Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

Stopped into the historical bar and saw lots of memorabilia about Theodore Roosevelt and his Roughriders. Lots of cool display cases, pictures, and memorabilia. Stopped in the bar for a cold drink only a couple things on the bar menu, so did not eat here. Chicken wings $14.50 for six wings so little too steep for my liking. read more

Menger Bar - Small historical bar. Came midday so not busy - Bars Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

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History, atmospheric, strong drinks. If you fancy haunting a spot formerly patronized by Teddy Roosevelt and his Rough Riders before they shipped out to Cuba, this is your spot. Designed to mimic ye olde English pubs, this two-story stacked bar, attached to the Menger Hotel, has an installation of memorabilia in the adjacent hallway and high ceilings with dark paneling. Self-served at the bar on our visit -- very English. We enjoyed it. Wholly authentic to another space and time, right on the SATX tourist strip. read more

This small hotel bar is jam-packed w history! It is the oldest bar in TX, open for well over 160 years so far! A young Teddy Roosevelt recruited all 1250 Rough Riders in this bar, for the successful Cuban campaigns. Evidently the boys were excited; two of them accidentally fired their pistols - and YES - the bullet-holes are still in the woodwork by the bar! Simple drink menu; heavy on the Western basics. Service is friendly, if not super quick during peak hours. The bar serves restaurant quality food in dining hours, and we loved it all!! Tons of old photos and memorabilia; this is a 'must-stop' for any history buff! read more

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Great historic place but very boring bar. The display case showing historic Texas artifacts has and inch of dust on it. Clean it and be more respectful. Very much felt taken for granted. read more

If you are staying at the Menger Hotel, you definitely should stop in at least once - even if you don't drink - just to soak in the history and vibe. I loved the look and feel of the Menger Bar. It was a cute vacation-date-spot if you're into something a little different. We had a great time there. read more

I was in a mood this particular day to immerse myself in San Antonio's history. After seeing the large statue of Teddy Roosevelt in front of the Menger Hotel I looked up his connection to read about the Rough Riders and this location as many have mentioned in prior reviews. Old bar + history? Sign me up! After asking directions for the location I came into this bar that felt Western appropriate. It is slightly dim, two floors, dark wood tones, cool bars. Yes, the bartenders pointed out the bullet holes. I was there at a quiet moment as there were only two other tables occupied. I ordered a raspberry martini and sat in the corner. I loved it. The bartenders were great. They were engaging, open to talking about the bar tho I bet they've done it dozens of times this day alone. The drinks were smooth and the ambiance was epic. It is one of those locations that everyone should visit. read more

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Package deal great food fun friendly service! Highly recommend! Love coming here. As an added bonus it has a ton of history! This is where the rough riders started with Teddy Roosevelt and where the Temperance movement actually axes the bar. read more

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I highly recommend stopping in for a drink or two if you find yourself near the Alamo and/or Riverwalk. The Menger Hotel is historic and beautiful! read more

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We went for a night cap, and the bartender was rude and gross! He broke a glass and used the "f" word and then preceded to curse with his co worker. He seemed more interested in a fairly large group at a table and then was talking with a woman at the bar. Hello?? We are sitting at the bar!! read more

Restaurant Review Haiku ... place of nostalgia old fashioned not to be missed be a rough rider read more

Menger Bar - Bars Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

The Menger Bar is a definite stop when you're visiting the hotel and it's such a comfy place to stay and have a drink. The bar is relatively small, but it has 2 floors, which gives it a bit more room than expected. We enjoyed our drinks and you have to love all of the Teddy Roosevelt/Rough Riders memorabilia given that he recruited people to joint the Rough Riders in this bar (how can you not love that). Definitely check this out when you're in the area! read more

Menger Bar - Fun place! - Bars Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

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This bar is the coolest! My friend and I were spending the day downtown and decided to stop by for the spirits (no pun intended). I absolutely love the vibe and decor of this place, it seems authentic and adds to the atmosphere. It was slightly busy when we went, most of the tables were full and all seats at the bar were taken. Thankfully, we both found some seats to admire the decor from. It's a pretty small space but they make up for it with the second level of seating and the high ceilings. We both got cosmos and they were great! The glasses were nice and clean, and the drinks were strong. We stayed for quite a while and just basked in the energy of this place. If you're looking for a cool place to take a friend or a date near Alamo Plaza, take them to the Menger Bar! For a decent price, they have the perfect atmosphere for a night in downtown San Antonio. read more

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Beautiful, small, historic bar located right next to the Alamo. The entrance has a small hanging sign and you could easily walk right by without noticing it! I adored this place and the history it holds. The bar itself is dark and has heavy woodwork which the bartender told me is all original (including the seating). He also gave me some great advice about the area. Super friendly! They have lovely classic drinks on the menu. Don't expect cheap prices, this is anything but a dive bar! I enjoyed a Bulleit Rye Old Fashioned ($12) and it was very well made. I really enjoyed the company of my fellow visitors and will definitely stop by here again the next time I am in San Antonio. read more

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Food was good. The service was wonderful. The ambiance was great for our party. We really enjoyed our time last night read more

Menger Bar - Bars Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

Oldest bar in Texas, last remodel 1859 when Teddy recruited for the rough riders. Order the mule

This is a staple every time we visit! Historical treasure! Just note that it's rather small and bar service only- be careful going up and down the stairs! read more