Esquire Tavern is one of the neatest places in San Antonio to visit for food, drink, and a fun nightlife scene. In true tavern form—including dimmed lights and plenty of cushy chairs—the warm atmosphere of Esquire makes it the perfect location for luxurious cocktails, cold beer, and delicious grub. Oh, and did we mention that this is the oldest San Antonio river walk bar?

Everything from Scratch

Part of the reason that the food is so good here is that everything’s made from scratch. Unlike other restaurant who buy buns and rolls from a factory in bulk, the kaiser rolls, burger buns, and pastries are all made in house. What’s more, the restaurant even makes their own ketchup, mustard, ice cream, soda water, and just about everything else, too. If you want good food that is exemplifies a home cooked meal, Esquire Tavern is the place.

Fun Food Items

The food on the menu could be classified as a combination of American, Mexican, Texan, and downright delicious. Favorite appetizers include the chalupitas with organic chicken, beans, sour cream, cheddar cheese, salsa verde, and chimichurri; as well as the deviled eggs. The fried pickles are also a top favorite here. For your main dish, the pulled pork sandwich is to die for, the Confit tuna melt really will melt in your mouth, and the burgers are amazing! Try the jalapeño bean burger, the sirloin cheeseburger, or the bison burger with white cheddar and special sauce if you’re feeling really hungry. Other menu items include a plethora of soups and salads, some amazing plate options (we LOVE the enchiladas and short rib empanadas!), and yummy sides.

Sweet Treats

The dessert menu is amazing at Esquire, and you might want to stop in just for something sweets, sans a meal. The dessert menu features ice cream, chocolate mousse, horchata panna cotta, fried apple pie, and an Esquire Tavern ice cream float. Try the float or the fried apple pie, which are two of the top sellers.

Beer, Wine, and Cocktails

This is the place to go for beverages, and as they’re open until 2 AM, Esquire is a great bar in addition to restaurant. They have a huge selections of beers on draft, as well as bottled; a few of the basic reds, whites, and sparklings for wine; and some amazing craft cocktails. Go for the Ruby Suze with gin, suze, grapefruit, rhubarb, and sparkling wine for something with a zing, or opt for the Sea of Confusion with rum, pear brandy, chartreuse, zucca rabarbaro, passion fruit, lemon, and angostura bitters for something that will really knock you off your feet.

Reservations

While you don’t need a reservation to get in, this is a bar where you will want a reservation for dinner or you want a table for drinks. Anyone can hang out at the bar area, but it’s best to book in advance for food. You can make your reservation online, or call them to book.