1919

I like cocktails a lot. So I like cocktail bars. But 1919 is just trying SO HARD. And for a cocktail place, it’s not a fun place to hang out.
Pros:
1. Well crafted cocktails.
2. Huge menu of cocktails to choose from.
Cons:
1. Crowded. They might have a great menu of cocktails, but it took me five minutes to find the menu, because we couldn’t even get near the bar.
2. Who wants to stand in a cocktail bar? There are so few tables, which means that 75% of people in the bar will be standing. So you’ll be holding your delicate little cocktail glass as people bump into you and push you as they try to get to the bathroom or find a spot at the bar in this ridiculously cramped bar.
3. Loud. Couldn’t hear anything anyone was saying. I thought it was supposed to be COCKTAIL BAR — not a CLUB.
So overrated. Boo. Won’t be back. I’ll take Halcyon over 1919 any day.

Probably my favorite bar in SA. Great service, atmosphere, and drinks. Plenty of bar space and also areas of more intimate seating. Good vibes, good times

Perhaps my favorite bar ever. I love the custom cocktails. The bartenders really know their craft. You can tell them the spirit you’d like, and they will ask a question or two, then make a recommendation that will blow your mind. The attention to detail is wonderful. Flaming orange zest is pretty impressive. Be patient, good things come to those who wait.

This place is really cool/​chic. :)
As everyone else has said, it is setup as an old fashioned speak easy and you have to hunt for it to find it. When you finally do find it, head on down the stairs to find absolute bliss.
I’m not usually a liquor or mixed drink guy, but this place is know for their consistency and delicious cocktails so I decided to imbibe. :)
The place was busy but not overly packed. The variety of whiskey and gin they had was AMAZING. It has to be seen to be believed.
They play jazz music and also some modern swing from bands like Big Bad Voodoo Daddy.
We had the Perfect 10, a Sloe Gin Fizz, and a Tom Collins. They were all prepared right in front of us by the bar tenders who are absolute masters of their trade.
This is a really unique place to take that someone special — go there now!

Very cool speakeasy-​style bar with excellent hand crafted cocktails and craft beers. It was a perfect location to have a few interesting drinks while chatting with friends.
If you’re looking for an upscale feel without the stuffiness check it out.

For once, fellow Unilocalers, you were right on this one!
Met a date here, she suggested it, since I was fairly new to the area.
The drinks were pretty strong and yes, the prices are consistent with what everyone here says. $ 10 old fashioned, but it was probably one of the best I’ve ever heard! Not a fan of drinks in cocktail glasses, but I tried the sazerac and it really wasn’t bad. But I’ll stay loyal to my old lady.
Great ambience, and the music was on par. Was here around 6−9pm, so I can’t tell how it gets after then. There was a jazz band and they were really good too.
Tricky to find, but will definitely return if I’m ever in the SA area

Truly one of the best bars/​lounge in San Antonio. Nice place for before or after dinner drinks with the spouse were you can actually hear one another. Makes you feel like you’re in a NY Speakeasy.

First, don’t give up on finding this place… look for the red light and realize it’s below another bar without any signs leading downstairs to it just to the south of the Blue Star Brewery in the same parking lot (sorry, I forgot that bars name). That said, it’s worth the time to find this classic speakeasy on a Friday night. The diverse crowd provided a great backdrop to boozy cocktails served from a great group of bartenders who know their business inside and out. If you read my reviews, you know I appreciate bartenders who can make recommendations, know their business and their product. I’ll definitely be coming back to try their beer selection. The perfect place to grab a cocktail after pizza at Stella’s (across the parking lot).

1919 offers solid drinks at expected prices, but I feel there is room for improvement. Fashioning itself as a ‘speakeasy’ style bar, 1919 misses the mark with televisions adorning most walls and an experience you’d expect at crowded and noisy bars.
Visited July 2015

The best for cocktails hands down! The owner Don is a walking book of knowledge when it comes to alcohol, he’s passionate with drinks and his bartenders are top notch. Bartenders; Bryan. T, Luke, Ben, Spencer, and Corey can make a killer cocktail. Shout out to Brian, Taylor, Clyde & frank which also keep the bar running smooth. Sorry if I forgot to mention anyone. Ha ha
The following are a must try; Perfect 10, Curious Jorge, Millionaire, Jack strap, Crimson Pearl. Their house made infusions are great also, try a Sweet Potato shot and ask don and the bartenders to do a sweet potato bomb! Try to beat Don the owner, which you will loose! Ha ha. A great classy place for good drinks, remember you get what you pay for! Ofcouce a great selection of whiskey and Scotch, my favorite is Port Ellen 23.
Lastly Thursday nights are live jazz starting at 9pm, shout out to Ruby Alexander and the bonafied playboys which are a great retro-​jazz band.
Now get here and enjoy some drinks, no I’m not an employee just a very loyal patron!

Strong drinks, awesome atmosphere, great bartenders and perfect place for a date… highly suggest the moscow mule. Everything is original and presented the way it should be. Also the preparations for the Rum Rose shouldnt be missed. It taste like an original bubble gum ball filled with rum.

Place is great. It does seem to get packed on Saturday nights. Not too too spacious. Cocktails are pretty good, a little on the pricey side. Place is downstairs from Joes (just FYI if you can’t find it). 4 stars because it’s pretty chill, cool atmosphere. –1 because of the space maybe a tad pricey on certain drinks.

1919 is miles and miles and miles above any bar I’ve ever been to. Those bartenders make the best damn whiskey drinks you’ll ever taste. They care, they’re friendly, and their quality doesn’t subside with time. 1919 is fashioned to feel like a prohibition era speak easy with couches and ample bar seating. Sinatra is playing some timeless classic while you lean into the man you love and sip on some whiskey and graze on some charcuterie. What could be better for a night on the town?

I wasn’t sure what to expect when we were going to 1919 but as soon as we walked down some unmarked stairs with no signs, I knew we were in for something good! It’s definitely a speakeasy style so you wouldn’t see any signs for it. The interior is very classic and has a huge long bar that looks amazing!
The bartender we had was really awesome! I knew just after walking in that this wasn’t you vodka kinda establishment but really, who cares what liquor you’re drinking when you’ve got such awesome mixologists that can make anything taste delicious!
We had several gin based drinker for the girlie list that were all a hit with everyone. They were the wet one and sticky fingers. They’re a tangy and a little sweet but not sugary. We also tried one of the Absinthe cocktails that was pretty good, it’s unique!
Their prices are incredibly reasonable for what you’re getting! Instead of spending $ 8-​$ 10 on a crap drink at regular bars, you can get craft and quality for the same price.
Go with an open mind and palette and try things you never imagined you would, you’ll be pleasantly surprised!

nice place to have a drink or more. It is hidden downstairs and no signage visible. The bartenders are nice and courteous. There are sandwiches and other items on th menu. The music keeps things happy.

Ok, so every time I come to this place I have an issue with the crowd… what’s up with that? I’m on my best behavior, I’ve showered, I’m in my Sunday-​go-​to-​meeting clothes? I don’t get it.
The night starts off perfectly… the place is empty. They have Pappy… did I mention that? They do… OMG. The bartenders (a new crew since my last visit) are attentive, über capable, and friendly. The music is prohibition-​era as to be expected… it’s inspirational. They mix it up with current artists like Brian Setzer to create a wonderful environment. They do indeed have the most amazing selection of scotch, bourbon, and whiskey I’ve ever had the privilege to be among.
But damn the customers! Generally, the group starts off decent enough… grown-​ups with ways and means… but hey, bartender when anyone walks in sporting a cocked-​to-​the-​side ball cap, throw them the hell out! Nothing good will come from this. And certainly it didn’t.
I’m still giving em four stars because, honestly, the place is pretty awesome… but the bar staff has got to be cognizant of miscreants in that area. It ruins business. Give it a go, but be prepared for the row.

San Antonio! You are growing up. Very cool «speak easy» and well worth the prices. I think I’m might be showing my age, but earlier is probably better as the millennials starting coming in droves as we were leaving, but nothing to complain about.
Loved the music and décor.

Follow the rules. At first, I thought it was silly, but the «rules» grow on you. This place is refreshingly chilled out and somewhat unique to the SA scene, therefore I assume order is necessary. It also helps to maintain their cool speakeasy feel.
Speak easy. No one wants to hear your obnoxious conversations across the room. Unless you’re talking about how there’s «too much urban sprawl here compared to Chicago» in which case, I suppose carry on, because the 2 places are totally comparable. Just sayin’!
Qualm: did my Moscow mule have any vodka in it? Apparently there’s only 1 vodka available here, did they forget it possibly? Oh well, they’re not playing Chris Brown or Pit Bull over the speakers so who cares? For that simple fact, I’m loving it already. While we’re on the subject of music, just know that it’s an acquired taste that your old reincarnated soul will thank you for.
Excellent, bravo, kudos go to their showmanship on the part of our 2 barkeeps for the evening. As for cocktails, their Jack (not Jock) Strap; sweet potato bombs; Old Fashioned; Moscow Mules, were all amazing. The Monkey Gland tasted too much like overpowering black licorice to me but they do have a very nice spicy tequila shot that’s oh so tasty. I’ll be returning soon to try Pearly Legal. Quirky cocktail names, in case you hadn’t noticed.
Yes, I did say sweet potato bombs. What are they you ask? A sweet, sweet, sweet-​potato-​infused shot of Jameson nestled in a pint glass half-​full of a delicious milk stout. It’s like sweet potato pie and a latte all in one. Heavens yes.
You may have to dig a little deeper in your wallet for an evening at this one but come on now, you’ve earned the opportunity to treat yo self.

Dear 1919,
I love you. You have so much gin. Coming from a vodka town, it’s refreshing to see such a huge selection of liquor other than vodka. I love that you can make my beer snob friends very happy here and we can end the night with a cigar. If I ever feel like having something other than gin, I can choose from your PAGES of whiskey (single line-​spacing on this menu) and other spirits. I can bring anyone here while I swim in your incredibly well-​made, tasty selection of infused liquors and hip mixed drinks. Your bartenders are awesome. I dig your old-​fashioned vibe. The secret Prohibition-​style nature is super cool. In short, I will love you always.
Signed,
A big fan

Definitely one of the best hidden bars in San Antonio! I wish it were a bit larger as it was getting a bit crowded but it’s certainly a great stop for a delicious craft cocktail!
Speak-​easy meets modern whiskey bar and the staff is all dressed for the occasion. The drinks here are excellent and there is no shortage of options that’s for sure. Do yourself a favor and come here for a night out, pre-​funk, or just a night cap, you won’t regret it!