There's bar food, and then there's Esquire Tavern bar food. This historic watering hole in San Antonio has been around since the repeal of Prohibition, and it's learned a thing or two about pub fare over the years. Patrons can indulge in everything from house-made fried pickles to chicken-fried steak to fried apple pie, plus a bevy of delicious, expertly-crafted cocktails.
If you've ever been to the San Antonio River Walk, you've passed by The Esquire Tavern - even if you didn't know it.
Boasting the longest wooden-top bar in Texas, this historic watering hole opened in 1933 to celebrate the end of Prohibition, making it the oldest bar on the River Walk.
With the exception of a brief hiatus from 2006-2011, The Esquire has been an enduring Alamo City icon that neither locals nor travelers can get enough of.
The vibe is swanky, but not stuffy - somewhere between a saloon and a Gatsby-esque speakeasy.
The bartenders really know what they're doing; whether you order a classic cocktail like a Moscow Mule or one of The Esquire's signature beverages, you can expect to be blown away every time.
You'll see interesting flavor combinations like vodka mixed with vanilla, passionfruit, lime, and tropical bitters. The Esquire takes risks, but they always pay off.
In my opinion, what truly sets The Esquire apart from other bars is the food.
This is not your average bar food - take these fried pickles, for example. How many bars do you know of that make their own pickles in-house?
Other light bites include empanadas, mini chalupas, deviled eggs, soups, and sandwiches.
There's also a late-night menu and a lunch menu.
Hungrier for more than just apps? No worries. From chicken-fried steak and shrimp and grits to juicy burgers and hulking sandwiches, there's something to please every palate here.
Whatever you do, don't skip dessert. The fried apple pie is out of this world good.
Visit The Esquire Tavern's website or The Esquire Tavern's Facebook page for more information, including current hours and menus.
Have you ever visited this historic watering hole? If so, do you think it has some of the best bar food in Texas? Tell us your thoughts in the comments! Check out our previous article below for more things to do on the San Antonio River Walk. And if you're looking for more ways to be active in the Alamo City, I absolutely adore the San Antonio Missions Trail. Learn all about it on AllTrails, and sign up for AllTrails+ for additional perks like 3D map access.
Stroll Down The San Antonio River Walk, A 15-Mile Waterfront Paradise In Texas
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