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    Menger Bar

    4.0 (252 reviews)
    ModerateBars
    Closed 12:00 pm - 12:00 am (Next day)
    Updated over 3 months ago

    Menger Bar Photos

    MENGER BAR ATMOSPHERE

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    Recommended Reviews - Menger Bar

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    I love all the wood work.
    Nikki B.

    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.

    Entry from inside the hotel
    Dori N.

    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.

    Meena P.

    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.

    St C.

    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!

    Sign to bar
    Elsa C.

    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.

    BJ N.

    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.

    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.

    Jessica P.

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

    Drink menu
    Fernanda F.

    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.

    Brent F.

    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.

    the entrance to the restaurant
    Torrey S.

    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.

    Heather B.

    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.

    Menger Bar's Manhattan.

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    3 years ago

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

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    Ask the Community - Menger Bar

    Can you watch the games here?

    They do have a couple of small TVs but the sound is not on. I would not suggest this bar for a sporting event.

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - Menger Bar

    What more can you ask for than a bar in a haunted hotel where Teddy Roosevelt actually fired a shot in the wall.

    Mentioned in 54 reviews

    Read more highlights

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    Live in Tulsa and have one of the best cocktail bars in the country out there (believe it or not),…read moreso I'm particular about cocktail spots nowadays. That said, this place is great. Had the Wild Duck which was the experience the bartender who came up with the drink said it would be. Can tell they were true mixologist that are serious about their craft. Was kind of busy and loud but it was Friday night so what else would you expect. Definitely coming back.

    Take me to the underground to a hidden place next to the river walk!…read more It's a speakeasy so you shouldn't notice it right away but if your looking for it go to the back parking lot of where the address takes you close to the river walk look at the building that's right next to the parking lot a bit away from the road then look below and you'll see some tables and a door go down the stairs to get inside! They had a bunch of different cocktails inside lots of unique options and some not so much but where it was all about was the specials one in particular the Dunkle Sandwich as it tasted like Peanut butter and jelly like it was soo good up there with one of the best shots I've ever had soo flavorful and just good like this was by far my favorite thing I drank this night! Our other drinks were yummy too don't get me wrong as each of them has key components that made them taste amazing while I did forget the names just know that each one of them was yummy! On this particular night they had a mentalist wondering around doing magic he was fun and added to our evening here so that was a nice touch! Our bartender was awesome and quick to get us our drinks and I must say everything was mixed very well! Overall awesome spot for date night we both enjoyed our time here and hopefully we get to make it here again at some point because you can't go wrong with a chill speakeasy!

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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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    This place you definitely come for the history of being the longest wooden bar and oldest along…read morewith the atmosphere of being on the riverwalk. The food was not the best especially for the price. The drinks on other hand were amazing. My server Marah toke great care of me. Attentive, funny, and well knowledgeable. She helped me pick an outstanding bourbon due to having so many I couldn't decide. She's impeccable at her job didn't have to write anything down had multiple tables and was very efficient. Would come back for the drinks and her service. The food on other hand definitely could use some help.

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    Be Kind & Rewind - 1of the bars

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    If you ever get the chance to be served by someone who truly loves what they do, it shows--and…read morethat's exactly what you get with Ninah! The energy of 'Be Kind and Rewind' is amazing and out go-to! From the moment you walk-in the energy is a totally Vibe! Ninah's, kindness, and attention to detail made the entire experience feel special. You didn't just "do your job"--you went above and beyond to make sure everything was perfect! Thank you for making us feel welcomed and turning a simple outing into something memorable. We'll absolutely be back--and we'll be asking for you every time!

    This is a wee bit old, but figure better late than never. I see my friend wrote hers a little late,…read moretoo. Ha! Anyhow, we had a large group of friends during Halloween weekend and after our dinner on the River, a friend said, "Hey, lets all go to Be Kind & Rewind!" We said, "Um, okay!" We were already in costume so that was great. The place is pretty big and you pretty much dance everywhere. There are several bars. It's easy to get overlooked by the bartendar so you have to be prepared to stand your ground and not get bumped to the side (with the customers and not the staff). The drinks were good (not the greatest) but I loved the syringe shots. Those were fun. It was fun trying to walk around the whole place when it was packed. Very difficult but entertaining. Ladies, don't wait last minute to use the restroom. There was always a line! Overall, a lot of fun! .. ...

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    Menger Bar - bars - Updated May 2026

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