OT: What to do in San Antonio?

[SHUSource]

You guys always come up big on these questions, so:

I'm headed to San Antonio for four days toward the end of March. Who's been? I've never even been to Texas, let alone SA. My days are spoken for, but what is there to do at night?

My hotel is right on the River Walk, so it looks like a good place to be. No shortage of bars around, but are there any places not to be missed for a mid-forties guy who can still make it to last call, but doesn't necessarily want to post another OT thread in two months soliciting advice on divorce lawyers?

Even more wholesome recommendations are welcome.

 

[BLewis1968]

See the Alamo, of course. And drive to Austin; they have good food, great nightlife on 5th Street, and its only 80 miles.

 

[ScarletSam]

go bar hopping on the river walk.. it is a good time.

 

[BeantownKnight]

I'm in DFW every week, so I get my fill of Texas. There is a very good BBQ place right across the street from the Alamo. And, as has already been mentioned, the River Walk itself is pretty terrific. You can board one of the boats that goes up and down the river. After that, well - there are a number of good bars and restaurants on the River Walk. You can actually just walk it and go up to street level and explore various parts of the city (which is pretty interesting). The Art Museum is nice. And, as has been mentioned, Austin is a short drive away.

Also, get yourself some cowboy boots.

 

[29PAS]

The riverwalk was A LOT better then I expected it would be - plenty of places to eat and drink. There are also a ton of good Mexican restaurants in the area - can't remember the names as it's been a few years but the locals know.

 

[RU4Real]

What happens in San Antonio stays in San Antonio.

 

[rutexan84]

I lived in San Antonio for eight years. It's a great town. You can hang around the River Walk the whole time without having to drive anywhere to eat or drink. The worst thing that could happen is you fall in the river in a drunken stupor.

 

[AreYouNUTS]

I'm gonna go with: Texas woman (or dudes, whatever floats your boat...)?

 

[RUich]

Watch where you step in the river walk. There are places where there is virtually nothing between you and the water. Drinking may make this a bit worse. [cheers]

 

[RU205]

Alamo, river walk and if you like steak, I think the best steakhouse is called Bohanans.

 

[SHUSource]

I'm gonna go with: Texas woman (or dudes, whatever floats your boat...)?

At halfway to 90, I've successfully managed to avoid any and all dudes (not that there's anything wrong with that). But either one would pretty much guarantee that I'd have to resurrect the always popular OT thread about divorce lawyers.

I wonder which option would actually play worse at home? I'd just as soon not learn...

 

[SHUSource]

Good suggestions here, much appreciated. I could tell from Google maps that there are any number of seemingly good options within easy walking distance from the hotel, from pubs to roadhouses to sports bars to more elegant cocktail lounges ... and those are all good.

Being way of the water sounds like sound advice, too. I'd love to see Austin - don't know when I'll be that near again - but I don't think I'll have access to a car. Not sure if time would permit it anyway. I guess the Alamo is a must, though, huh? Kind of like going to Paris and not seeing the Eiffel Tower.

 

[RUSK97]

I'd recommend Boudro's Texas Bistro on the Riverwalk.

 

[touchyfeely]

I thought the Alamo was a bit overrated, but since you're staying right near there, it's a quick little diversion. Although I believe the buildings all close pretty early - you may still be able to walk the grounds a bit. There are actually other missions that I think are better than the Alamo, but since you don't have a car you could ride a bike, but again, probably not open at night.

If you're walking the riverwalk you're always going to be near water. It can get congested as the walkways aren't pretty wide.

 

[Upstream]

See the Alamo, of course. And drive to Austin; they have good food, great nightlife on 5th Street, and its only 80 miles.

If you are going to be in San Antonio for 4 days, and your days are spoken for, don't bother making the 3-hour roundtrip drive to Austin. It is not like you are spending 4 days in San Jose and trying to decide if you want to make the trip to visit San Francisco. Austin is nice enough, but it is nothing special. Quite honestly, San Antonio is more interesting.

Spend your time at the Alamo and Riverwalk. There are certainly enough restaurants, bars, and night clubs in San Antonio to keep you occupied. And if you are looking for something other than that, take in a Spurs game.

 

[PaKnight]

 

[FanuSanu52]

Houston is a pretty easy road trip. You could go see the AAC championship trophy!

 

[AreYouNUTS]

At halfway to 90, I've successfully managed to avoid any and all dudes (not that there's anything wrong with that). But either one would pretty much guarantee that I'd have to resurrect the always popular OT thread about divorce lawyers.

I wonder which option would actually play worse at home? I'd just as soon not learn...

LOL excellent response!

 

[SHUSource]

Houston is a pretty easy road trip. You could go see the AAC championship trophy!

I'll wait until next year when it comes up to Philadelphia! :stuck_out_tongue_winking_eye:

 

[Southern Gentleman]

La Margarita for authentic Mexican food.

 

[RUSK97]

La Margarita for authentic Mexican food.

Ooooo...SG is right. Quite a few excellent Tex-Mex restaurants in SA and a handful of good regional authentic Mexican restaurants as well. I liked Rosario's, but it's been a few years and I heard they might've slid a bit.

 

[RUSK97]

Oh yeah, you might also want to check out the Alamo Brewery. East side of downtown. The beers are decent; not mind-blowing, but refreshing. Wonderful patio and beer garden though.

 

[76Scarlet]

Just was there in November ( and wayyyy back in 1969). Of course the Riverwalk but be careful........somewhat of a tourist trap. Definitely do the Tower Restaurant and take a quick trip to the Japanese Tea Garden, the SA Zoo, and the Botanical Gardens. I missed this but I heard really good things about the Buckhorn Museum and Saloon. Happy Trails!

 

[RUinPinehurst]

Rudy’s Seafood, 122 S Flores St. Muy bueno!

Bracken Cave... Cuidado, amigo!

 

[mikershoein]

Texas has pretty women

You should check out the local "talent" with a couple hundred single dollars in your pocket

 

[Will Scarlet]

Whatever you do, if you over-imbibe at Riverwalk, don't relieve yourself on The Alamo. [cheers]

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/n...lamo-33-years-after-urination-arrest-20151106

 

[ScarletJack]

Maybe missed i,t but surprised no one mentioned "old town" SA. Quick cab or bus ride. Great Tex/Mex Restaurants. For your time there no need to leave the environs. San Antonia is the best of Texas.

 

[Alamo Al]

Maybe missed i,t but surprised no one mentioned "old town" SA. Quick cab or bus ride. Great Tex/Mex Restaurants. For your time there no need to leave the environs. San Antonia is the best of Texas.

What is left of the Alamo is about 1/5 of what it was at the time of the battle. It is NOT overrated. It is quite significant in US, Texas, and Mexican history. There are enough exhibits there and the surrounding area.

Why would you think I know?

 

[knights1212]

The Alamo is amazing. Of course that is coming from an Alamo fanatic. I visited the Alamo in 1968, 1979, 2005 and 2015. I taught history for 36 years so it meant a lot to me. On my last visit I even did historical research in the Alamo Library. There is so much about Alamo history that can be learned visiting the Alamo. The Menger Hotel by the Alamo is historic too and is over 100 years old. They also sell many antiques there and should be seen. The San Fernando Church has a coffin in the lobby which supposedly contains the ashes of many of the Alamo defenders after their bodies were burned by the Mexicans. It is about a half mile walk from the Alamo and is right near the River Walk. San Antonio has always been one of my favorite cities in the USA.

 

[198hamilton]

If you're into beer, try Beethoven Maennerchor located in the King William Historic District. Its a German beer hall and garden with many, many beers on tap. Something off beat is the Menger Hotel and Bar, next to the Alamo. It's where Teddy Roosevelt recruited his "Rough Riders" and is said to be haunted by TR's ghost.

 

[Alamo Al]

The Alamo is amazing. Of course that is coming from an Alamo fanatic. I visited the Alamo in 1968, 1979, 2005 and 2015. I taught history for 36 years so it meant a lot to me. On my last visit I even did historical research in the Alamo Library. There is so much about Alamo history that can be learned visiting the Alamo. The Menger Hotel by the Alamo is historic too and is over 100 years old. They also sell many antiques there and should be seen. The San Fernando Church has a coffin in the lobby which supposedly contains the ashes of many of the Alamo defenders after their bodies were burned by the Mexicans. It is about a half mile walk from the Alamo and is right near the River Walk. San Antonio has always been one of my favorite cities in the USA.

 

[Alamo Al]

Knight1212. Do you know that there is an Alamo Society and some of the leading members are right here in NJ?

 

[R U Crazy]

I agree with everyone else .. The Riverwalk is the place to be.
I went there Jan 2015 and I could not believe how nice it was.
Great atmosphere....enjoy your trip

 

[SHUSource]

So much good information here - many thanks, folks! I appreciate the input.

 

[JoeRU]

So much good information here - many thanks, folks! I appreciate the input.

Check out Howl at the Moon. It a dueling piano show on the River Walk

Wait until late in the day to see the Alamo, no lines. Also, it's pretty small so you really only need 30 min or so

 

[SHUSource]

Check out Howl at the Moon. It a dueling piano show on the River Walk

Wait until late in the day to see the Alamo, no lines. Also, it's pretty small so you really only need 30 min or so

I actually saw Howl at the Moon on Google Maps. It's very close to my hotel.