Where to Drink in San Antonio, Texas

Despite its long-proffered prompt to “remember the Alamo,” San Antonio often still slips into the shadow of other Texas cities—this, despite being the second-most-populous and oldest chartered civil settlement in the state. “I think people underestimate San Antonio in all aspects of food and drink,” laments Diego Galicia, the chef and co-owner (with Rico Torres) of the locally beloved restaurant Mixtli. “There is still a misconception that we are all about bean-and-cheese enchiladas, Margaritas, and horses.” But the city’s centuries of cultural evolution have today coalesced into a thriving and dynamic hub, particularly on the culinary front.

“SA is a rapidly growing city with a very diverse hospitality scene. You can get world-class cocktails in beautiful settings that would break the idea of San Antonio being some stagnant Texas city,” says Galicia. “We are so much more than the Alamo and the River Walk.” Having called the city home for more than two decades, Galicia offers a tour of some of his current favorite establishments for a quality drink and some welcoming hospitality.

La Ruina

Built out in the historic (and long neglected) Robitzsch Brothers Building in San Antonio’s eastside, this cocktail spot from local bar veterans opened in the fall of 2022 and leans into its namesake vibes reminiscent of places like Old Havana and Colón, Panama. “The bar is fashioned with dimly lit booths and floral accents,” says Galicia. “La Ruina’s cocktail menu highlights ‘revitalized’ staple cocktails made with specialty tequila, rum, wine, and mezcal.” The pan–Latin American offerings range from simple highballs like a Cuba Libre or sotol with house-made tepache, to classics like the El Presidente and a Piña Colada with a house rum blend.

Mixtli

For more than a decade, Mixtli has been preparing progressive Mexican cuisine ranging from pre-Hispanic to modern, avant-garde techniques. The restaurant’s bar and accompanying wine cellar offer equally impressive programs. “Adjacent to the dining room, The Cellar holds more than 1,200 wines from around the world,” says Galicia. “Curated by certified sommelier Hailey Pruitt, the collection pays special homage to wines from Mexico.” The bar, which is managed by seasoned mixologist Lauren Beckman, “offers a variety of cocktails rooted in the history and romance of Mexican lore,” says Galicia. A modern twist on foundational flavors can be seen in cocktails like the Ponche de Leche, a clarified punch with Mexican whiskey, rum, fernet, clarified coconut cream, mole bitters, and mazapán candy.

Little Death

Even amongst the hustle and bustle of San Antonio’s midtown entertainment district, it would be difficult to miss Little Death. “Little Death is housed in a 90-year-old gas station on the legendary St. Mary’s strip,” explains Galicia. Every inch of the building’s exterior is covered in technicolor graffiti murals. But inside the wine bar and bottle shop, the vibe is minimalist with the focus put on the product itself.“Shelving around the shop displays an eclectic selection of wines, mostly from small producers, representing just about every corner of the world where grapes grow,” Galicia says. Recent offerings have included Kindeli Wines from New Zealand, and a lineup from Scythian Wine Co., a new project from sommelier-turned-vigneron Rajat Parr.

Ladino

The Ladino language (also called Judeo-Spanish) is a mix of Castellano, French, Italian, Greek, Turkish, and Hebrew. It’s the language that chef and Ladino partner Berty Richter grew up speaking at home. “Ladino celebrates the cultures and cuisines of the Mediterranean region,” notes Galicia of the restaurant nestled in San Antonio’s Pearl district. Freshly made sourdough pita emerges from a wood-fired oven alongside regional specialties like beef and lamb dumplings. “The beverage program highlights the area’s wines and spirits—in particular arak, raki, and ouzo,” says Galicia, pointing to a menu of playful cocktails like the Matkot & Chill with mezcal, arak, grapefruit, basil, coconut, and lime, or the spirit-forward Sazeraki.

Künstler Brewing

“German for ‘artist,’ Künstler takes one part Bavarian tradition, one part Texas pride, and brews it all in the multicultural barrel that is San Antonio,” says Galicia. German-born head brewer Vera Deckard, who co-owns Künstler with her husband, Brent, crafts a rotating lineup of playful yet traditionally inspired beers like the Texas Chainsaw Triple and The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Märzen. Enjoy a brew alongside an order of currywurst fries or the spaetzle mac and cheese. “It’s a one-of-a-kind brewery experience alongside German-Texan fusion fare in a warm and welcoming neighborhood environment,” enthuses Galicia.