Entry No. 3 — the San Antonio file — filed under: speakeasy
Bar 1919
Down a dim stairwell under the Blue Star Arts Complex, vested mixologists pour from one of the country's largest whiskey collections — and pointedly keep the vodka selection almost nonexistent, a house rule they'll happily explain.
The story
Finding your way in requires tracking down a discreet basement stairwell inside the sprawling Blue Star Arts Complex. Once you drop below street level, you enter a dim, low-ceilinged retreat that operates like a dedicated temple to amber spirits—specifically, one of the largest whiskey collections in the state of Texas.
The vested bartenders take the Prohibition-era premise seriously, right down to the bottle selection. If you step up to the mahogany bar hoping for a quick vodka soda, you'll be politely re-educated; the bar pointedly keeps vodka off the high shelf, steering drink orders toward un-aged agave, heavy rye, or forgotten aperitifs.
What it's like
Descend the stairs after 7pm—remembering to wear closed-toe shoes to clear the dress code—and claim a leather booth in the low light. Skip the decision anxiety by asking the bartender to build a custom cocktail based on your usual flavor profile, or take down a flight of off-menu whiskies while the quiet hum of Southtown stays muffled upstairs.
The move: Descend the basement stairs after 7pm (closed-toe shoes required by the dress code), order a flight of off-menu bourbons, and let the bartenders build you something custom while you work through the Prohibition-era back catalog.
- 📍 Southtown / Blue Star Arts Complex
- 💸 $$
- ⚡ Up for anything
- 🌗 Indoors
Where: 1420 S. Alamo St, San Antonio, TX 78204
Hours: Added 2026-07-20 — confirm current hours before you go.
Pair it with
- Southtown House of Spirits — Keep your night dark and subterranean by heading less than a mile up South Alamo to this gothic, candlelit parlor.
- Déjà Vu Esoterica — Pair your heavy whiskey flight with a daytime stop down South St. Mary's to browse tarot decks and bagged herbs.
- Presa House Gallery — Balance your underground drink session with a visit to this nearby DIY art house turned neighborhood gallery space.
Good to know
Is there a dress code at Bar 1919?
Yes, they enforce a basic dress code—most notably requiring closed-toe shoes before you walk down the basement stairs.
Where is the bar entrance inside Blue Star?
Look for the unmarked basement stairwell located near the Blue Star Brewery side of the 1420 S. Alamo St complex.
Can you get a vodka cocktail here?
Practically no. The bar intentionally keeps vodka almost nonexistent on its backbar as part of its craft spirit philosophy.
Does Bar 1919 have a happy hour?
Yes, they offer a designated happy hour menu featuring discounts on select signature cocktails and pours.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Further reading: Official site · sacurrent.com · mycurlyadventures.com
last checked: 2026-07-20