Esquire Tavern

Oldest Bar on the River Walk

What makes it fun

One of America’s greatest historical accomplishments was ending prohibition. The Esquire Tavern opened in celebration of the abolishment of such blasphemy in 1933 and has been serving swanky drinks and cold booze ever since. Rich with history, character, dim lights, and vintage vibes The Esquire is the ultimate atmosphere for old souls and cool people. In addition to their delicious drinks they also have a menu full of scrumptious American Fare. Grab your sweet patootie and bring them to The Esquire Tavern for a unique experience and a memorable night. Celebrate your right to drink the giggle juice and your right to love each other for the rest of your lives!

Google Reviews

The Esquire Tavern

4.4

Based on 5256 reviews

Crissy Porter

3 weeks ago

Esquire Tavern is a memorable experience with its historic charm, creative cocktails, and delicious menu. Located near the River Walk, this iconic spot combines a unique atmosphere with expertly crafted drinks and flavorful dishes. The attentive service, vintage ambiance, and welcoming vibe make it a great destination for a casual meal or night out.

Rebecca Burton

3 weeks ago

very old, dark pub with great drinks and cool environment (as in out of the texas sun)… worth a visit to see the exceptionally long bar!

Sherice Adams

3 weeks ago

You’ll be transported back in time in this moody, historical tavern. Service was top tier. I ended up sipping on some smokey mezcal while my husband enjoyed a whiskey. Food was simple, yet satisfying. I really enjoyed my French Dip.

Ana Sofía M. M.

3 weeks ago

Michelle Lutton

3 weeks ago

Probably one of the oldest bars in town. There's an old time charm to it. The Moscow mule was very good! The Puro tavern fries were just ok and the Waldorf salad was pretty good. They seem to charge a lot of little fees that I haven't seen before in town. I have seen the credit card charge (2%) in other cities and states but not here in town
There was also an alcohol tax or something that I haven't seen before either. I'm not sure if that's just downtown or if alot of bars are doing that now. It was fun to go once but I probably wouldn't go again.

Matt Esche

1 month ago

They were out of the bison burger, then the oysters for the Po Boy, so Lamb burger it is and it was tremendous. So much going on with it.

The mac and cheese was really cheesy, but I'm a fan of it. The lights were dimmed as the night went on, so its not a trick on you at all.

Service was a little off, food came out a bit late as the others with me at the bar were half done before mine arrived. Either way, if I had time, I would not be opposed to going back at all. The ambiance was well worth it.

Amber Gray-Kurz

2 months ago

We visited this Tavern because it has two claims to fame. It has the longest wooden bar top in San Antonio and it was the first bar in SA to open after Prohibition. The staff was very friendly and considerate. We had been standing a while and when the staff noticed another couple was about to leave they let us know so we could position ourselves to take the seats. The decor was very authentic and I recommend a visit if you have time. It is located on the River Walk.

Coco Gonzalez

2 months ago

Wow! This place is AMAZING! Favourite spot in Riverwalk San Antonio! Vibes are great staff is super friendly (we talked with our barman about the upcoming Spurs game). Happy hour is great!! And the burger OMG! Super tasty!! You gotta go and hang out and have a few 🍻

Jennifer El Nil

3 months ago

Love love love this place. We came on Saturday at 11 pm and there was no wait. The ambiance is great and the food was amazing. Meals felt clean yet comfort food style. The service was great and explained everything. Their ginger beer is also great (wish it had less ice and more ginger beer but that’s a little nit pick). Pricing was decent too. I got a burger and a drink and paid $25. No military discount. This is on the river walk so parking is lucky street or paid garage. The upstairs is a bar only, downstairs is food and drink. Will definitely take people back here. It’s also a historic site!

K J

7 months ago

Lots of history with The Esquire, but also a nice spot for a cocktail and food. Go with the happy hour drink menu. Like bourbon? Esquire won't disappoint. Sat inside, but a nice table outdoors would be much enjoyed. The onion dip was excellent. 100 footlong bar is uber cool to saddle up to for a cocktail. The history of the bar is worth exploring. Cheers!!

Sports Mom Kris

2 years ago

Exceeded my expectations, definitely a five star tavern with delectable food! We had the cheeseburger with fries, a salad, cake with ice cream and Limonada with cucumber! Service was quick with asking if anything was needed, food was prompt, and the view from the balcony was incredible with the river walk Christmas lights! Mahara was the best!

Jennifer Fuentes

2 years ago

Stepped in to The esquire the other day. Had been a while since I’ve been there. We sat at the bar and had the best time. Food was amazing as always but our bartender made the night even better. Thanks to Daniel we will definitely make sure to come more often!

Bryan Bertos (RedTide1277)

2 years ago

Food and service here is wonderful. Food was delicious. Definitely need to try out their burger at least once. Drinks were well made by bartenders. Only issue with the place is that it was a bit dark inside and had a bit of a foul odor during our visit on 11/20/24. Other than that it is a place to add on your list of places to go.

Rainer Schmidt

2 years ago

Grant & Sabrina Guensler

2 years ago

Daniel made our visit fantastic. He was friendly and helpful. We enjoyed drinks after visiting the Riverwalk.

Katie Martinez

3 years ago

Ended up at this place twice. Cocktails were fantastic and had a few appetizers. Don't skip the beef empanadas. The pastry is incredible. Really liked the atmosphere and vibe.

Will McCullough

3 years ago

Had to stop in during our San Antonio visit for drinks based on other's recommendations... and now I get to add my recommendation to the list as well. Fantastic establishment & wonderful drinks. Highly recommended...5 easy stars.

안진현

3 years ago

It is the oldest bar at the river walk in San Antonio. The inside tables and atmosphere look good. But I prefer the outside tables next to the riverwalk. It is the 2nd floor, so the view for the river walk is very good.

matt Smith

3 years ago

Absolutely loved the Christmas pop-up bar! The festive decor created a magical atmosphere, and the holiday-themed drinks were delicious. The cheerful staff and lively music added to the joyous vibe. A perfect spot to celebrate the season with friends and family!

Ariana Rivera

3 years ago

Really nice ambience and good food. Grateful for the attentiveness of the waitress

Jeromie Diamond

3 years ago

Speak easy, Speak LOUD! Our adventures brought us to this well a/c establishment. Service, outstanding. Food, amazingly, unexpected fantastic. Speed of everything was fast. The house rum, for rumbles, must have. Thank you Angelica for taking great care of us!

Jackie Adler

3 years ago

Great time at the downstairs Speakeasy yesterday. Unique drinks that did not skimp on the alcohol and a cool atmosphere to spend a relaxing hour. Wonderful Bartender who offered suggestions and was friendly but professional.
Highly recommend!

Eric Davis

3 years ago

Fantastic bar and restaurant. All four dishes we had were great (bison burger, wagyu burger, bangers and mash, brisket melt) but I think the standout was the brisket melt. Great cocktails with a menu that even describes how they are served!! Great ambiance (including real oil table lamps!!), felt like an authentic find on the Riverwalk, and super friendly server. So happy we found this tonight. Enthusiastically recommend this to anyone in downtown San Antonio.

David Bleke

3 years ago

A must stop while visiting the San Antonio Riverwalk. They make a great Margarita on the Rocks. This is the oldest bar on the Riverwalk and it shows in the atmosphere of this bar. They have an old really long carved bar. Great bar stools and the dark lighting just adds to the experience. Great bartenders!

Kim N

3 years ago

What a lovely atmosphere! The balcony overlooking the River Walk was just what I was looking for my first time in San Antonio. The drinks (frozen margarita - 4/5, hot lips - 5/5) and brisket melt were good (3.5/5 for slightly bland brisket flavor), the side house salad and fried apple pie were great! I got here around 4 and service was a bit slow on the balcony through shift change, but was high quality shortly thereafter. I might come back on this trip!