Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in San Antonio

OpenTable

Updated 05 May 2025

Looking for restaurants that have the most vibrant bar scenes in San Antonio? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyses nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favourite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you book, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Sidecar at Prince Solms Inn

5.0

5 (538)

$30 and under

Tapas / Small Plates

New Braunfels

About the restaurant

"Where craft meets quality. An evening at Sidecar, located in the heart of New Braunfels at the historic Prince Solms Inn, is like stepping back in time. The ambiently lit speakeasy features an extensive whiskey selection, live jazz and fantastic tapas. Whether you're enjoying the live music downstairs or imbibing in one of the private party rooms upstairs, the beauty of the building does not disappoint."

Top review

Cristina

Dined 7 days ago

We absolutely love everything about Sidecar! We went for Whiskey Wednesday and they have great deals on craft cocktails. One of the mixologists, Tyler, came to our table and talked to us about some of the Whiskeys and drinks we might like. We appreciated him taking time to make recommendations and answer questions we had.

Fife & Farro

4.8

4.8 (35)

$30 and under

Contemporary Italian

Downtown

About the restaurant

WOOD-FIRED PIZZA AND FRESH PASTA

Nestled inside the market, let us hold your groceries while you take a break and enjoy wood-fired sourdough pizzas and handmade heritage grain pastas. This family-friendly space is great to relax and enjoy lunch and dinner.

Top review

MariaVIP

Dined on 27 Apr 2025

Everything was perfect! The food was delicious, the service was excellent, and it came out very fast. My only comment is that there was a lot of noise, my husband and I couldn’t have a conversation because of the loud noise and it was only the both of us at the table. Overall, AMAZING!!! No complaints, will come back soon.

Las Guitarras Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (26)

$30 and under

Mexican

Boerne

About the restaurant

Please note that we do not accept online bookings 90 minutes prior to your desired booking time. Any questions\concers, kindly reach out to us at via phone or text at (210) 620-3698.

Las Guitarras Cocina Mexicana is not only about food, but also about music, dance and culture. When you dine with us you will also, at various times, experience the unique time-traveling ambiance of fine Spanish Guitar and the sounds of Flamenco.

Top review

Jeanette

Dined on 19 Apr 2025

Great atmosphere and very welcoming. The chef and wait staff were awesome and the food was absolutely delicious. Restaurant is more Santa Fe style versus Tex-Mex. Will definitely visit again.

Anaqua Garden Bar

4.7

4.7 (37)

$30 and under

Cocktail Bar

Downtown

About the restaurant

Sanctuary In The Shade. Outdoor Garden Bar at The Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa. Deep flavors and deep connections are cultivated at Anaqua Garden Bar, where the city’s electric energy finds its zen. With roots firmly planted in San Antonio’s vibrant nightlife scene, Anaqua tempts you with the chance to escape into a lush, natural refuge that’s worlds away from the ordinary.

Top review

JulieVIP

Dined on 25 Apr 2025

Nice place garden had a limited menu and was a bit loud near the pool. Inside the filler menu had some good options but pretty expensive

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Experience

Tranquil Vibes Happy Hour

Cover 3 - San Antonio

4.7

4.7 (87)

$30 and under

American

North Central

About the restaurant

Located on San Antonio's north side, within the 1604 loop near the Stone Oak neighborhood, COVER 3 offers a diverse menu of inventive American fare for lunch and dinner. Each menu item is carefully prepared with the finest, freshest ingredients. COVER 3 offers brunch on the weekends and an impressive Bloody Mary & Bubbles Bar, inviting you to mix up your favorite brunch cocktails. The restaurant also offers a full bar with a premium well, a spectacular selection of spirits, a variety of draft beers chilled to perfection, and a fabulous collection of wines available by the glass. COVER 3's accolades include best Mac N Cheese, best Wings and top Sports Bars. Whether you stop in for a quick lunch, take the family to brunch or host clients for dinner, COVER 3 is ready to serve you. Come and experience their specialties: Dining, Spirits and Sports.

Top review

Kelli

Dined on 27 Apr 2025

My friends and I had a wonderful time at brunch. The server Debbie and the manager Jason were exceptional. This is my third visit and my most enjoyable. The atmosphere and vibe were both enjoyable.

The Study at Dean’s

4.7

4.7 (33)

$31 to $50

Speakeasy

Downtown

About the restaurant

Study the Classics.

Tucked away in a historic courtyard under century-old live oak trees, find The Study at Dean's. This reservation-only, intimate bar is a cocktail aficionado’s haven, ideal for those who appreciate higher touch ingredients, presentation, and ambiance. Linger over high-end cocktails and small bites in a charming atmosphere with raised banquettes, brass details, and original limestone walls - this is the educated choice for a place to connect and unwind.

Top review

HenryVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Great spot, the mixologist did a wonderful job of taking care of us. We actually went twice in the same evening, once prior to dinner and we returned after dinner, both visits were exceptional.

Esquire Tavern

4.6

4.6 (666)

$31 to $50

American

Downtown

About the restaurant

Located in the heart of downtown, The Esquire Tavern is the oldest bar on the San Antonio Riverwalk, opened the year, month and day that Prohibition was repealed. Tending bar in the early days was a highly prized and much sought after craft. Bar keeps then created many of their own syrups, mixes and concoctions and used the freshest of juices with the intention of serving the best products. We at the Esquire have taken a serious approach to the old world of bartending and spun it with a modern twist. Combining classic techniques and new world flavors and culinary concepts, our goal is to lead and set San Antonio's emerging cocktail culture on the map.

Top review

Murray

Dined on 30 Apr 2025

Everything was fabulous! But they need to clean the bathrooms.

La Margarita

4.6

4.6 (528)

$30 and under

Mexican

Downtown

About the restaurant

La Margarita Restaurant & Oyster Bar is proud to be a part of Market Square, “The Heartbeat of Mexico,” where locals and visitors alike enjoy spectacular fiestas, shopping as diverse as produce and piñatas, and the romantic music of strolling Mexican troubadours.

In San Antonio, “The Mecca of Mexican Cuisine,” the Cortez Family and the entire staff of La Margarita welcomes you to the “Home of the Sizzling Fajitas.” Here, the most exciting dishes from across the border are presented to the most discriminating tastes.

Top review

Robert

Dined on 11 May 2025

Great food and great service. They handled a party of 12 plus a high chair with relative ease.

Dashi Sichuan Kitchen + Bar

4.6

4.6 (91)

$30 and under

Sichuan

Stone Oak

About the restaurant

大师川菜 DASHI Sichuan Kitchen + Bar celebrates the centuries-old traditions of Sichuanese cuisine and culture with modern inspiration in San Antonio, Texas.

The most influential new restaurant in San Antonio, we’re thrilled for you to join our grand master artists - or “da shi” - on an intriguing journey into the iconic flavors, textures, and colors of Sichuan. Welcome to the amazing DASHI.

大师 'Dashi' means grandmaster or grand artist in Chinese. We hope that Dashi will be a delicious spirited gathering place that not only showcases grandmasters from the culinary world but from all the arts. Eat, drink (responsibly), be inspired, create, be happy.

Top review

Moira

Dined on 28 Apr 2025

Everything was so delicious! Our waiter was awesome and really funny! Thank you for making our anniversary so special!!! Will definitely be coming back again!

P.F. Chang's - La Cantera

4.3

4.3 (167)

$30 and under

Chinese

La Cantera

About the restaurant

We are an Asian & Chinese restaurant offering dine-in, takeout, to-go, delivery, and catering. Make a reservation online to dine in. Order Asian and Chinese food delivery, takeout, and catering online or through the P.F. Chang's mobile app. Let us cater the perfect feast for you - corporate office catering menus are also available. P.F. Chang's offers a variety of signature Asian, Thai, Korean, Japanese, Mongolian, and Chinese food dishes including Chicken Lettuce Wraps, Chicken Pad Thai, Signature Lo Mein, Fried Rice, Mongolian Beef, Chang's Spicy Chicken, and Pork and Shrimp Dumplings. Order online for sushi delivery and takeout. Many gluten-free and vegetarian menu items are available. Try our seasonal cocktails and seasonal menu items.

Top review

Steve

Dined on 10 May 2025

This is a very small PF Chang's. However, for a casual meal, and knowing PF Chang's - it was very good. Loud and "spot lights" were a bit annoying - but overall a solid 4.

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