Heart of San Antonio

- Drinks -

Margaritas

Jim Cullum's Landing [TOP]
123 Losoya [Map N]
210-223-7266
$$

Hands down, the best spot on the Riverwalk. And, it has one of the best margaritas: the RioRita or RiverRita, I never can remember which it's called. Hmmm, that should tell you something... It's their premium version ($6) and worth every cent. There should be a limit of 3 per person, they're that good, and strong. Maybe, since 3 Ritas and a nominal tip will burn a twenty, they are kind of self-limiting after all. But the Rita is not the only reason to spend an afternoon or evening at The Landing. It's the best people watching spot on the Riverwalk, situated right at the entrance to the Hyatt Riverwalk and the Paseo del Alamo, everyone passes by at least once. When it's a typical SA summer day, about 100° in the shade, they have their misters going, dropping the temp about 20° and making it the coolest outdoor spot on the Riverwalk. But, just as good as their Ritas is the music. Jim Cullum is world renown for his jazz and his band plays almost every night inside. Outside, during the day and evening is a 2-4 piece combo pouring out some of the nicest, light jazz you'll find anywhere. With the best location, cooling misters, great Ritas and great jazz, it'll be a long time before someone knocks The Landing outta first place. You can take that to the bank. Jim does.

On the weekends, there is a cover charge to sit inside and listen to the band. No cover charge during the week.

As good as Jim's Ritas are, another restaurant just down the walkway has to be our first pick for Margaritas and the people watching is almost as good as Jim's...it missed first place because it's lacking the great jazz and misters...

Zuni Grill [TOP]
221 Losoya (511 Riverwalk) [Map C]
210-227-0864
$$$

Zuni's is the site of Raoul Nachi's first NBA photo foray. While sitting there, taking pictures of the people, Raoul was introduced to Zuni's most excellent "Original" Margarita, pricy but exceptional in every respect. One's enough, two's too much, three's suicide. Be careful! Rumor is they have a cactus margarita that's even stronger, ask if you dare...

While you're enjoying your margarita and watching the people parade by, be sure to check out their "Blue Corn, Smoked Chicken Nachos." We gave them the award for best nachos.

Bloody Marys

Republic of Texas [TOP]
526 Riverwalk [Map E]
210-226-6256
$$

Winner of our Hamburger award, and soon the Chicken Fried Steak award, the Republic of Texas serves the best Bloody Mary's on the River-bar none.

Martinis

Swig [TOP]
111 W. Crockett [Map O]
210-476-0005
$$

Like the cigar craze, the popularity of martinis is spawning numerous martini clubs and bars. The first martini bar on the Riverwalk, Swig is a classy yet comfortable place and will certainly satisfy the most discriminating martini fan. Try a couple of Cebe's chili piquien onions...pure Texas, puro San Antonio!

Cold Beer

Esquire Bar [TOP]
155 E. Commerce St. [Map P]
210-222-2521
$

The Esquire is San Antonio's answer to Cheers albeit a little intimidating to the uninitiated. Boasting the longest bar in Texas, the Esquire offers cheap cold beer and a mixed range of music from the excellent jukebox. At night, mariachis stroll the narrow isle, playing for the patrons. When the mariachis are not playing, the back dance floor is usually cranking to whatever is playing on the jukebox. They have a small balcony that overlooks the Riverwalk and is our choice for a relaxing place to have a cold beer, visit with friends and wave to the tourists passing below in the boats when we're looking for good music, cheap cold beer and an eclectic crowd to watch. Beer is about 1/2 of what you'll pay in other Riverwalk pubs. It's about 100' before you get to Delores del Rio.

Wildest Variety

Mad Dogs [TOP]
123 Losoya [Map N]
210-222-0220
$$

Without question, Mad Dogs has the most extensive drink list of any place on the Riverwalk. Nestled in the bend right next to the Hyatt Riverwalk and flanking the Paseo del Alamo, Mad Dogs shares the best spot on the Riverwalk for people watching with Jim Cullum's Landing, on the other side of the Paseo del Alamo. This is one of only two Mad Dogs in the world, the original being in Hong Kong, and soon to be a worldwide chain. As great as it is for spending an afternoon or evening enjoying the Riverwalk, one word of caution...they have the only drink menu that should be X-rated, so keep the kids out of it or you'll have a lot of red-faced explaining to do.