Entertainment in San Antonio
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Overtime Theater
This upstart produces innovative shows and keeps ticket prices low. The names of some of its original shows gives you an idea of the vibe: Sheer Bloody Lunacy!, Pirates vs Ninjas, and The Brain That Wouldn't Die: A New Musical.
reviewed
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B
Martini's
For a taste of Las Vegas in the heart of San Antonio, head to what can only be described as a kitsch lounge bar. Wayne, the owner–singer–guitarist–trumpeter–saxophonist, fronts a three-piece band. He can impersonate anyone by request, from Neil Diamond to Willie Nelson, to perfection. Located in a strip mall next to the Avon shop, the only indication of the bar's existence is a small brass plaque reading 'Martini's' screwed to the wall next to the entrance.
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C
Rivercenter Comedy Club
Check out the up-and-coming local funnymen and -women – as well as occasional major headliners – at this lively club in the Rivercenter. There's no cover for the open-mic show on Saturdays at 3:30pm, and you usually get what you paid for, although you never know. There's also a free adults-only 'After Midnight Madness' show on Saturday night. Three-hour parking at the Rivercenter Mall is available with validation.
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D
John T Floore's Country Store
This terrific old bar and dance hall first opened in 1942 as a store run by a friend of Willie Nelson. (Willie used to play here nightly; the sign still says so.) Today at John T Floore's Country Store, whether in the outdoor stage yard or by the fire in the rustic building, this is the true way to hear Texas country music on a Friday or Saturday night. Bandera Rd is off Hwy 16.
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The Landing
Jazz at the Landing is not just a San Antonio tradition; it’s also a syndicated show on NPR. Catch a taping of Riverwalk Jazz on Saturday nights, when advance reservations are definitely required. The rest of the week, live jazz duos play starting at noon on the outside riverside patio, weather permitting. On many evenings, you can catch the seven-piece Jim Cullum Jazz Band.
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E
Magik Children's Theatre
This merry theater troupe stages adaptations of favorite children’s books, hilarious original musicals and modern retellings of Texas legends and classic fairy tales, such as the witty (and bilingual!) La Cinderella. The theater’s regular season runs from September to May, and includes a contemporary play series for adults, too.
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F
Esquire Tavern
The Esquire Tavern is a 1933 speakeasy with a catwalk balcony perched high over the water. Come here for cheap drinks, colourful regulars and the longest bar in Texas (or so they claim). It's a local classic and a long-standing favourite - the real McCoy, if a little rough. A few tables on a rear balcony overlook the river far below.
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Flying Saucer
More than 300 beer choices, from Abita Abbey Ale to Young's Double Chocolate Stout and everything in between, make this place a beer-lover's paradise, as does the casual, beer garden vibe. It's a bit of a schlep from downtown – around a 15 to 20 minute drive – but it's a good way to unwind after a (child-free) visit to Fiesta Texas.
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G
John T Floore Country Store
Northwest of town in Helotes, this dancehall has been around since the 1940s, and rivals Gruene Hall for authenticity. The hall hosts plenty of country-and-western concerts; Willie Nelson, Bob Wills, Patsy Cline and Elvis have all done shows here. Sunday is family night, with free admission and dancing after 6pm.
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Alamo Drafthouse
It's a bit of a drive from downtown, but you can catch both dinner and a movie at this theater that surprisingly has nothing to do with the Alamo at all. (It actually started in Austin. Go fig.) It serves a full menu including beer and wine that's brought right to your seat to enjoy during the first-run films.
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H
San Antonio IMAX Alamo Theatre
Films shown here include the 45-minute award-winning film Alamo: The Price of Freedom, about guess what. If you've never seen a film on a six-story-high screen in six-track surround sound, this theater plays several movies in the IMAX format – it's worth the admission price just for the experience.
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Bonham Exchange
There’s plenty of room for everyone at the Bonham: although it’s predominantly a gay bar, the sheer enormity of the place attracts a mixed crowd with drinking and dancing on their mind. Located in an imposing Victorian edifice built in 1892, it has huge dancefloors and five bars spread over three floors.
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I
La Tuna Ice House
When the sun starts to set over Southtown, scoot down by the railroad tracks to this back-to-basics watering hole for a few cold beers and nostalgic school-size snacks. Locals, even families, crowd around outdoor tables until well after dark, especially on weekends when there's live music.
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J
San Pedro Playhouse
The Russell Hill Rogers Theater is the performance venue for the nonprofit San Antonio Little Theatre, which stages several shows a year, usually classics. It's also home to the Cellar Theater, a 60-seat venue that holds scaled-down and experimental works.
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K
White Rabbit
This is one of the best places for indie, metal and punk sounds, with two stages, slates of several bands per night and often no cover. These days, it has diversified into a college bar scene on Thursday nights. Acoustic acts take over Tuesday nights.
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Cowboy's Dance Hall
This enormous dancehall packs in a mix of people – hard to say the proportion of actual cowboys – ready to scoot their boots to country-and-western music. Check the website for drink specials, teen nights and ladies' nights festivities.
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L
Zinc Champagne & Wine Bar
Head to Zinc's for an atmosphere that's nicely chilled-out, helped along by a good range of music and an array of wines, champagnes and ports that are simply stunning. There's also a nice garden bar and an extensive selection of cigars.
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M
Mad Dog's British Pub
Authenticity is not in high demand along the Riverwalk, but this Britishy pub (named after the bar started by two Scots over in Hong Kong) has ales on tap, billiards, pool tables and darts. Occasionally there's live entertainment, too.
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N
Atomix
Goth and industrial music is not dead. No, really, we swear. On Friday and Saturday nights, this midtown club spins '80s and '90s retro from new wave to synth-punk and electro grooves. Drinks are unbelievably cheap.
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O
Club Rive
If you're looking for a nightclub overload Club Rive is probably the place to come. Four nightclubs in one, here you can smoke a hookah, dance to a techno beat, watch exotic dancers vibrate or listen to live music.
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Sam's Burger Joint
Its neon sign visible from the highway overhead, Sam's hosts plenty of rockabilly, ska and punk bands all week long. It's also SA's main venue for open-mic poetry slams, often held Tuesday nights.
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Majestic Theatre
San Antonio’s most historic downtown venue for the performing arts is the Majestic Theatre, which hosts a variety of musical concerts, Broadway plays and other events year-round.
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Saluté
This tiny place looks like a dive at first, especially with its siren-red neon sign. Inside there's great live music of all stripes, from funk to soul to Latin jazz to blues-rock and beyond.
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Cove
Jazz, bluegrass, roots and rock – they play it all. The Cove is an incredibly unique combo of food stand/cafe/laundromat/car wash, with a kiddie playground.
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Re-Bar
Just off of Loop 410, this stylish lounge is not only a place to meet and mingle, but it also books live local bands a few nights a week. Sit on the open-air patio, if you can.
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