The Esquire Tavern in San Antonio, Texas:

Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews

Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews

Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews

On my first river boat tour with the ladies on Saturday evening after the football game, I spotted this cool establishment and took a picture of it.  Doesn't it draw you in, making you want to check it out?  Doesn't it remind you somehow of New Orleans?  No?  Well that is how I felt when I first saw it:

 Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews

The next day, Sunday afternoon, January 14, 2012, Cary and I hopped on a river taxi along the River Walk in the fine city of San Antonio, Texas.  The boat tour guy, Doug, that mentioned that The Esquire Tavern had the longest old wooden bar in the city, at 100' long.

 Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews

We found it on the River Walk side (versus the street side), and climbed up the stairs, taking photos along the way: 

 Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews

 Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews

From the back entrance, you need to climb up these steep stairs.  Cary and I both thought that nobody could get away with this entrance in Oregon.  Because it is a bar, there is a likely chance that somebody could get hurt entering or exiting on those stairs.  I suppose, even if it wasn't a bar that could happen.  However, we were in Texas, and it seems that people just might need less babysitting in Texas.  Either that, or they don't allow as much government regulation.

 Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews

When we got up the stairs and came through the back door of the bar, I began taking pictures.  This is how you get into the Esquire Tavern from the street level.  The Esquire originally opened in 1933, which was six years before the River Walk itself opened.  I am still trying to find out the whole history here, but it was closed from 2006 until April 2011 when it reopened under new owner Chris Walker.  Here is a link to what it looked like during the refurbishing process, just " CLICK HERE".

 Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews

This cheerful sign greets you at the front door.  If you turn left at the front door, you will find a very dark and scary hallway with a big (clean) and scary bathroom.  It was still in the middle of the day when we were there, but that area of the joint gave me the creeps.  I wouldn't be surprised if something bad has happened there over the years, but I have no evidence to back that up right now.  I do hope that there are surveillance cameras where the bartenders can monitor the hallway though.  Or at least please light up the area a bit more.  I'm just sayin'.

 Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews

The decor is simply beautiful.  The booths and bar stools have beautifulyl re-worked leather upholstery.  The bar is indeed long and old.  There are several taxidermied animals scattered about here and there, from bobcats to game birds.  The windows and door above open up to the backdoor and balcony overlooking the San Antonio River.

 Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews

 Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews

This bar/restaurant is HUGE!  They call it a tavern, but it isn't like your typical Oregon tavern, which is generally something small and cozy, with a pool table here and there.

 Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews

Look at the old lights.  The ceiling is copper and is so beautiful!

 Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews

Cary and I were promptly greeted, and sat down at the bar.  We were not hungry, so he ordered a gin and tonic and I ordered a glass of Merlot.  But they didn't have Merlot.  By this time, I was getting used to San Antonio not offering Merlot.  The friendly bartender gave me some other wine options, but I decided to have a Margarita instead.  It was fine, but I have been reading the reviews of The Esquire, and they brag on how each drink is made extra special, by trained mixologists and are the best to be found anywhere.  Still, my drink was nothing like the best ever Margarita that I have ever had in my life, which was at McMenamins Old St. Francis School  in Bend, Oregon.  Those things are made with fresh fruit and are simply to die for.  Again, I'm just sayin'.  We must have been at The Esquire at happy hour, because our drinks were about $6 each, not  too expensive.  The reviews also mentioned that some of their specialty drinks are $13.00 each.

 Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews

The bartender and other peeps were very friendly, and they gave me a copy of their bar menu to take home.  We enjoyed our time there, and if we go back to San Antonio, we were sure go back to this place again and try the food. 

 Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews

 Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews

Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews

Here are a couple of You Tube videos featuring The Esquire Tavern in San Antonio:

Links:

The Esquire Tavern.com

The San Antonio Current Article on The Esquire Tavern

So, that is my take on this historical place.  We liked it, and we will certainly return if we get the chance.  Hope you enjoyed the review.

~ Kathy M.

At Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy, if you miss a day, you miss a lot!  All material on this post is copyrighted and not for use without my permission ...Please click here to go to my home page and see what is happening in Mayberry today.