1919 is now my choice bar to frequent. The drinks are well made and the staff is not only friendly but they're also very generous. I recommend this bar to anyone wanting to grab a drink in the downtown area.
The bar itself is charming and usually empty during the week and then explodes on the weekends. I recommend experiencing the bar in both of their states as they equally have their own charm and energy.
Challenge Don to the 1919 challenge if you're ready to have some fun and also lose the challenge.
My son took my wife and me here for an after dinner drink. You have to know it exists, because it is on the "below ground" level of a building with no signage. It is a very long, narrow place with an extremely long bar and a small number of tables to the sizes and couches at the end.
What impressed me first was the amazingly large selection of whiskeys, scotches, bourbons, etc lining the back bar, as well as an impressive number of beers on tap and in bottles...but only one choice of vodka. The people behind the bar are not "bartenders" but skilled "mixologists." They can make virtually any cocktail and the cocktail menu is impressively long and creative.
For my wife and me (in our late fifties), it was a bit too loud - but this place was not designed for our demographic. If you are younger, and like the bar scene (as my son does), I can see why this "secret" place is very popular. If you are at all into trying new whiskeys, scotches, bourbons, etc or like very creative cocktails - I would definitely give it a try.
I loved this place!! I looked at the previous reviews so I was able to find it easily and took a friend of mine for drinks. Â We sat at the bar and perused the menu and listened to some bluesy tunes. Â Our bartender was very attentive and knowledgeable about the drinks. Â I will definitely be going back.
Review Source:I believe I have been here once...or maybe it was twice? It is a pretty nice bar especially given the lack of nightlife in San Antonio. Â The location is nice with lots of other little bars alone if you are a bar hopper. Â I have heard great things about the specialty drinks and cocktails, but I stuck to the wells when I went. Â I would go again i invited!
Review Source:This place is perfect. I checked it out with friends last night for the first time and really dug it! Â loved the speak easy vibe and the drinks are incredible. Â I had a Pimm's Cup and a Moscow Mule and really enjoyed both. Â The servers were attentive and took their jobs seriously. Â
Well, this place WAS perfect until...you see, I would have given this place 5 stars but I am deducting a star due to an employee who was very rude to me and my group as we were about to leave. Â Apparently we were standing in a walkway that must remain clear for fire code reasons. Â We would have gladly moved if he had simply asked instead he yelled "You all need to move now! Â This walkway must remain clear." Â It was quite unnecessary. Â He was an absolute jerk, who after his yell fest, stood in the stairwell smoking away and rolling his eyes as we departed. Â Sucks that such an awesome experience had to end on a downer note.
I'll be back to 1919 for sure and will give the douche bag a dose of kindness if I see him again - Â I'll tip him really well or buy him a drink. Â Maybe that's all he needs to lighten up.
Great drinks in a cool location but service is slow, drinks are over-priced and the crowd is rather obnoxious. If you don't mind pretentious Mad Men types, this place is for you. Everyone describes this place as a speakeasy type joint but clearly the definition of speakeasy has escaped them. This place is packed on weekends, hardly a secret. I've been here twice and both times the experience was the same.
Review Source:My goodness, this is by far my favorite bar in San Antonio. Â Before I found this place, Esquire Tavern and The Brooklynite were my favorites. Â I still love them, but this place takes 1st now!
The cocktails here are amazing, as are their infused liquors. Â I had the True Azul and the Blue Grass Fizz. Â The True Azul had tequila infused with peppers in it, and it was delicious! Â Not too spicy, just the right amount of kick. Â The Blue Grass Fizz was fizzy and refreshing.
The atmosphere is nice, the bartenders are super friendly and were eager to recommend drinks to us. Â I will definitely be coming back here in the future!
OMG! Â This place is indescribably amazing. Â Service high marks! Ambiance high marks! Drinks even higher marks. Â
This little speak easy bar was a hard find but am I glad we've found it. Â We wandered around the back lots for quite some time and almost called it quits until we spotted a notice stating that they will closed for the upcoming holiday. Â
It looks like nothing special on the outside, but upon entering the establishment I felt as though I traveled back in time to the prohibition era. Â Cool swanky decor, bartenders dressed in tux, and1920s music playing in the background to top it off. Â
The bartender was skilled and quite hilarious. Â I asked what he recommended and he said anything on the menu because everything on the menu is good. Â So I went with the Perfect 10. Â Yes a girly drink for sure but I'm a girly girl. Â I loved the lemon rind floating in this crisp and full citrus flavored concoction. Â I felt quite fancy drinking this. Â
We also enjoyed their unique Sweet Potato Irish Car Bomb. Â Okay, "enjoyed" is an understatement. Â After trying this, it was game over I had to get another one. Â I looked at the bottom of the glass and was so sad that the whole experience was over. Â But then got excited again when my second round of sweet potato Irish car bombs came around. Â
If I lived in San Antonio, I would probably be at the bar now ordering another drink instead of writing this review.
This place is damn near perfect with the exception of the crowding hipsters on weekends. I tend to come during the week, after a long days work- less people and you get a better feel for the place. No Redbull and whatever type drinks, which weeds out 'that' crowd.. Thank god!
The bartenders are some of the best I've seen. Drinks are NOT watered down and worth the price. The Manhattan and Old Fashioned are my favorites, followed by the Blue Grass Fizz.
Going on a date that you want to actually have a conversation with? This is your place!
For all your mad men fantasies...
Classic & Nouveau cocktails at a fair price considering the labor that goes into each drink. Excellent single malt & craft beer offerings.
Hard to find but the word is out. It gets quite crowded on weekend nights. The downside is these cocktails are not enjoyable as you are risking someone spilling on you or vice versa. The glass ware has flair. However, not exactly suited to walking around with.
Luckily this is in my neighborhood & I can always swing by on their off nights. A proposition that is inviting indeed.
A great Sat or Sun afternoon in a REAL bar, they say a speakeasy and after living in Chicago for many years, this is the real deal in the neatest little basement in San Antonio (and I hate basements). Â Please read the rules, there are rules, yes and please follow the rules. Â It is one of those things that makes it work. Â Take you time, this is not a "How Many Can I Slam Down" kind of place. Talk to and listen to the bartenders, slow down, savor and enjoy a real crafted cocktail, there is an art to this. Â You will not believe the selections. Â Tried for 3 weeks to find this place, before asking someone. Â They do not believe in signage, it is a speakeasy.
Review Source:I first heard about 1919 while browsing around Yelp and decided to check it out, this attempt turned into wandering around the Blue Star Parking lot for 15 minutes before asking someone where the bar was. Â A bit of advice for first timers, either go with someone that's been there or just ask someone where to find it, don't be wasting your time looking for it. Â But once you find it, you'll be impressed. Â It's quite telling of SA that bars like this (including esquire and brooklynite) are popping up and it's good to see. Â
The bartenders are some of the best I've ever seen and though some of the drinks aren't quite to my liking, it's cool seeing that they're making the effort. Â As it is a "speakeasy" bar they do take a lot of time making the drinks, so hit this bar on a slow night unless you like waiting forever for drinks. Â
I'm looking forward to making one of their monthly tasting sessions where they pick a different type of liquor (american whiskey, irish whisky, etc.) and explain how each is different, though it's ~$35, it comes with 4-5 drinks and appetizers. Â Should be fun.
I could easily not like this bar. It's a little fancy and pretentious. And it can get busy. Â But ... It's nice. Big Band tunes. Nice lighting. Good beer selection. I challenge you to come up with a booze they don't stock or a drink they can't mix. The exception is vodka: only one, because they're all the same, right? And the bartenders are pretty damned cool. Owner Don Marsh is often there, and he is very knowledgeable. I was especially impressed with his beer offerings. Good bar.
Review Source:Great drinks......but the bartenders are almost better. I mean, they have so much knowledge, they truly show that making cocktails is an art. Â The bartender asked what I liked, and presto, he mixed up something involving a porter, some whiskey, egg whites, about 4 other ingredients, and lit the thing on fire. Â And it was good. And it was only $9 for a big concoction that he threw together. Â So go once and live a little.
Review Source:Sometimes people will describe this place as a "Speakeasy", but I don't totally get that, although you do have to walk downstairs to get to their basement location. Â They have a HUGE selection of every type of alcohol possible, and they specialize in class or old fashioned drinks. Â
The best thing about 1919 is their bartenders for sure. Â They are what makes this place! Â They are so knowledgeable and creative. Â If you can't decide what you want, just tell them what you feel like and they'll even make up a cocktail just for you! Â My husband couldn't decide, so our bartender took a heavy beer, an egg white, some bourbon, some other stuff, blended it and then literally lit it on fire! Â It tasted so good and all of a sudden people were asking, what's that called? Â I want one of those!
1919 definitely started to get crowded after 9ish, so if you want a fun seat at the bar, go early. Â Friends are fun, but I love watching all the action going on behind the bar!
I really dig this place. It's hidden and if you aren't "in the know", you'll never find it. I knew where it was (sorta) and still couldn't find it! This obviously makes it more appealing. It's like being on a treasure hunt! Who doesn't like treasure hunts?
I went on a random week-night and there seemed to be a few locals there (probably folks that live in the blue star area). Music was low enough to let you talk but high enough to enjoy it if you were there by yourself. Cool staff but I ordered a moscato then merlot and they didn't have either. Settled with a reisling that wasn't too bad but I was a little disappointed there was no moscato but other than that, loved it!
As a friend of mine would say "Que fancy!" Â I get nervous about bars I like in San Antonio. I just wait in angst when the ghetto-ness factor will creep in and some bad Rhinnah/hip hop music will invade the place. However, I think the location of this joint will ward off any such detriment as it's on the Hipster side of town and there is the list of rules....
4 stars for being pretentious and having a bunch of No's and rules on the menu. Places with true high class leave rules such as those unspoken. Have the right environment, employees that model what you want, and the right location (as I believe you guys do) and you won't have to worry about a bar full of douche bags. Lay them out and it comes across as "who are you to judge?". That said, I agree with most of them.....But what's up with the Vodka rule?? 1919, the rules remind me of a madam walking around with a whip keeping her gimps in line.  If you knew me at all, you'd know I always have the whip  ;)
Tip for customers: Belhaven! It's the best.
So: I'm biased. I ADORE this place.
I've been here on weekend nights (and even the dreaded First Friday), and I found the place crowded, the drinks delicious (as delicious as a drink ordered at 2pm when it's dead), and the bartenders still made it as personable as possible.
The atmosphere: dark, glossy hardwood. Â More bottles of scotch and whiskey/whisky than I've ever seen in one place before. Â Interesting concoctions lit from below in somewhat sinister fashion - these are the infusions. Â The bartenders dress in button-ups with the sleeves rolled up, bow ties or ties, and vests - a very nice touch. Â You have to find the place which is located under Joe Blues, and there is no indication that the limo-tint darkened establishment exists, also a very nice touch.
The drinks/food: consistently amazing. Â As soon as I sit down, it's 98% guaranteed the bartender(s) or the chef will ask me, "Jameson? Fernet?" and it's 100% guaranteed that's what I want. Â The bartenders remember the persnickety way I like drinks (less sweet, more strong!), and they're always amazingly patient when I don't know what I want to drink and spot-on with recommendations. Â I highly recommend trying a car bomb here; I won't steal Don's thunder and explain its superiority over other car bombs, but trust me, it's wonderful. Â Also, this place isn't the typical bar fare. Â Sure, they've got some of the basics, if you call gourmet smoked almonds, cornichons, and fancy olives basic. Â But I'd highly recommend the devilish eggs before they get rotated off the menu - it is a seasonal offering after all. Â Chef Selina's always got great munchies, and it is a bit pricey, but I know there's no way I could prepare a cheese/charcuterie plate the way she does. Â She DID introduce me to figs after all.
The company: Â I'm a daywalker, or a day drinker. Â I prefer happy hours and stay away on weekends because of the ample parking, the atmosphere is delightfully cozy, and the company amazing. Â I often find myself getting there an hour (sometimes more) just to order a drink and chat with the bartenders, bar backs, chef, and/or Don who is also a bartender, but also the owner/proprietor. Â I'm always learning something interesting and new about spirits; if I'm very lucky, I get to hear about upcoming new drinks they want to try, spirits they're buying, new menu items, etc.; and if I'm very lucky, I get to hear fun stories from the employees about themselves. Â
The comparison: I certainly haven't gone to all the other cocktail specialty bars in town, but I have gone to plenty. Â The ready availability of parking, the consistent perfection of the cocktails (and for the price point), the selection of spirits, the service, and the conversation are all unrivaled. Â I don't want to spend a fortune on parking and food when I just want a snack before I go to dinner, I don't want to be a nameless and forgettable nobody when I frequent a place. Â
The short: 1919 may not be for everybody, but everybody should definitely give it a try. Â If you're not a fan of crowds, go when it's not busy. Â If you like the liveliness of weekends, go then. Â It's not rocket science.
Welp, the secret is out and 1919 joins the chorus of hip bars in cool locations blah blah blah. I hate to play compare and contrast, but it is fishing in the same pond as other SA cocktail creation stations, so you almost have to.
Being a little newer, 1919 has got the buzz going for it, which also means the crowds. There's not exactly a lot of seating and with the colder months upon us, the outdoor space is pretty much out at night. But the good news is the crowd is high turnover, so stick around and a chair will be yours.
The only gripe I have is you get the feeling that they're trying a little too hard. The list of "house rules" gets a bit of eyerolling. And I'm not sure how anyone could miss the staircase down when there's usually a guy who is dressed like a "Where Are They Now: Squirrel Nut Zippers/Cherry Poppin Daddys" standing at the top.
There's totally a bit less of the relaxed vibe going here, but the service and quality more than make up for it. Can't wait to have things settle down a bit and let the "easy" part come into full swing.
I heard about this place by some friends so I decided to check it out. Â Now I know why the Blue Star parking lot was always packed but Blue Star Restaurant wasn't nor Joe Blues. Â Everyone was in the 1919!!! Â It's easy to find if you are used to the area. Â It's right under Joe Blues. Â If you are facing Joe Blues directly, head to the left until you find the stairs. Â Go down stairs and you are in! Â The place is very dark. Â I went on a Saturday night and it was pretty packed in there. Â The whole bar wall is lined with bottles. Â It's overwhelming in a good way. Â
It did take a while for the bartender to get to me, but she did acknowledge me and gave me a menu when I asked. Â Follow the rules and all will go smooth. Â Don't ask for a typical drink, know what you want and be ready to pay (meaning don't fumble with your wallet or purse to find your means). Â It takes a few minutes to get your drink as it is freshly and perfectly prepared. Â I ordered a Perfect 10. Â It's great for grapefruit lovers (like myself). Â It was soooo easy to drink and I felt a bit happy afterwards. Â The menu warned that that may be all I will want to order after I have it, which was very true. Â At first I thought I could try something else, when I finished I craved another. Â My friend had a Waterfall which was very cool and smooth, subtle and easy to drink. Â It tasted like cucumber amongst other wonderful flavors. Â My other friend had a Snow White which reminded me of pumpkin spice. Â Another very smooth drinkable "libation."
I love the atmosphere and the jazz music played at a good enough volume to enjoy yet still hold a conversation. Â I don't know what the hell a hipster is, but someone here said it's that kind of hangout. Â I'm just a normal girl who likes good shit. Â The crowd there seemed nice, more class than the other places I went to that night. Â A lot of people there seemed approachable, even the guy I was leaning on to get out of another persons way. Â He didn't seeme to mind and struck up a short conversation. Â The bartenders are nice as well, just don't piss them off!
UPDATE:
I have been there several times again. Â I love it even more. Â I think I might have to get a job to support my 1919 habit! Â So, I have tried the Moscow Mule. Â It is sweet and sooo easy to drink. Â They won't give you a copper cup on a packed night because fools have been stealing their cups! Â I had a Blue Grass Fizz, Mmmmmm it reminds me of kissing a woman. Â Also had a Pims Cup. Â It is salty sweet sour, very good though. Â I get it every time. Â I have never been a Bourbon or Whiskey drinker, now I am... Well of course mixed as a cocktail. Â The bartenders just get better too! Â They always check on me, make suggestions and love to talk about the drinks. Â One showed some friends of mine and I how he makes an ice ball. Â We were like kids watching foam come out of a science fair volcano. Â So quiet and amazed haha! Â I hope the owner knows how awesome his bartenders are. Â They never piss me off. Â
So, that's it. Â Christina approved, this sh!t's good!
The place is real nice, but the drinks are not as great as they make them appear. Tried 3 different drinks including their jalapeño speciality and it was horrible.
It was so bad that our group ordered more of them just so try could see the look on people's faces as they took a sip.
I'll just stick with crown and coke at this place.
It's a Hipster hangout.
Like most newbies, I wandered around the Blue Star Art Complex for about 20 minutes looking for this place. Let me give you a hint: there are no signs or any indication that this bar is where it is.
It's like a speakeasy, you gotta know somebody who knows somebody who's been there before. So, since we're friends, at least here on Yelp, let me help you find it. Park in the parking lot in front of the entrance to the Blue Star Contemporary Art Museum. To the right of the building that houses the museum, there's a staircase that leads down to what appears to be an unfinished part of the basement. The first door will be locked. The windows will be blacked out. Go to the farthest (second?) door and prepare to be amazed.
DECOR/AMBIENCE: speakeasy, early 1900s vibe. Bartender is dressed in period garb and the lights are dim. There are two TVs near the bar, which honestly I don't think really need to be there. Seating at the bar, to the left in booths or to the right in an open living-room style area. There is also a "private party" room next to the bar that is hidden behind what appears to be part of the wall.
DRINKS: I tried the Lingonberry Lick, which was unlike anything I'd ever tried. I'm used to (and a fan of) savory ingredients in a mixed/muddled drink, but the addition of the spicy kick was new. It took some getting used to, but like anything spicy, was addictive. My boyfriend tried the coconut beer and found it lacking.
FOOD: we ordered the two cheese plate and the two meat plate. This is the reason I dropped a star. Each of these plates were $8, for a total of $16 (half of our bill). They have hired a chef to prepare these plates, which are indeed beautiful, but EXTREMELY skimpy on their portions. The smoked cheddar was to die for, but we only got 4 (?) little sticks. The rosemary cheese was also in short supply, unimpressive and the rind was not as pungent as expected. The meat portion was only slightly more ample. The prosciutto was very nice, paired well with everything. The salami was missing the kick of flavor one comes to expect. All in all, their food offerings are extremely limited, expensive, and not worth your money.
STAFF: our bartender was great. He gave us a tour of the private room, explained my drink as he was making it, and gave some insight into how they make their "secret" infused liquors.He gave us little sample shots of different infused shot varietals including the corn-basil tequila, the sweet potato whiskey and strawberry pepper rum. All three were unique and exciting, but I'd have to say I'd be more than happy to order the sweet potato whiskey again.
Bust out your best detective skills and sniff out this place. It's worth your time and worth asking questions about.
I'm so jealous of everybody that lives downtown... y'all get all the cool spots right at your fingertips! 1919 is such a great little speak-easy.. I love the vibe there. It's kind of hard to find, since there's no actual signage for it, but that's part of its charm. I met up with my girlfriend, Kelly D, who is a regular there and checked out the extensive cocktail menu... sooo many fabulous drinks I would have loved to have sat all night and tried.
The bartender was kind enough to take a minute to find out what kind of liquors and flavors I like and then whip me up something... he made me his own special concoction called a Perfect 10.. it was deliccciousss! I highly recommend it to anyone that isn't really into overly sweet drinks. This went down so smooth it was almost dangerous! I especially loved that all the cocktails were served in chilled martini glasses.. very nice touch! The next cocktail he made me I wasn't so crazy about.. maybe too much bitters or something.. but as soon as I mentioned I didn't really like it he quickly made me something else that I did love and comp'ed me the other drink.
Service was great... drinks were amazinggg.. and the atmosphere is really laid back and chill... whats not to love? The fact that its so close to Feast and The Monterey is nice too! I'll definitely be back to 1919.
Bar 1919 is one of those establishments that I desperately want to see succeed, because there are not enough places in SA that have quality, hand crafted cocktails, with great service, great atmosphere, and are in an awesome location. This place is a true gem in the blustar complex which is steadily growing to meet the needs of what I hope to be a growing crowd that enjoy a good drink and  don't mind paying for it.
1919 is obviously a time period bar, situated in the "basement" of the blue star complex making it all the more fun as it mimics the speakeasy saloons that would have been in business during the time. The bartenders are in full saloon garb with suspenders and some taking it to up a notch by slicking their hair back in the style of the time. The bar has a comprehensive menu of cocktails that were born out of the prohibition era, and explicitly discourages you from ordering common 21st century drinks of the vodka redbull and Cosmo variety.
My guy friends were also impressed with their cigar menu, if that's your thing.
The music and vintage furniture/decor all add to the 1919 era atmosphere. Â I really love this place and I highly recommend it to anyone. Check it out, be adventurous, and try one of their signature cocktails. You will not be disappointed, and if you are, they'll make it right.
As if I needed another bar to fall in love with. Are specialty cocktail bars with handsome bartenders in dapper suits and suspenders a trend? Well then color me one trend-loving girl!
A fellow Yelper, Shawn G and his fiance Melissa invited me to enjoy their "speakeasy sunday", and those two are the right people to experience 1919 with. I'll tell you what Melissa told me - order the Lingonberry Lick, Melissa-style. I think it's gin based with some other ingredients, but all that really matters is it is shaken with a serrano pepper and mint. Mind. Blown.
You won't be disappointed with anything you order. As long as you tell the bartender what kind of liquor you like, they'll whip you up a palate pleasing libation that's probably the best version of a classic cocktail with a twist. Also, be sure to try one of their infused liquors. I tried the corn and basil infused tequila in a bloody mary shot. That just might be my hair of the dog from now on.
Don't miss these guys when they have their private cocktail tastings. At an affordable price, you'll get an exclusive hang out sesh with the guys, along with detailed explanations of how their cocktails are made. At the most recent tasting, I enjoyed six cocktails, some of which haven't even been put on the menu yet! Lucky me. And you never know, after six tasty drinks, you might find yourself challenging the owner to an Irish Car Bomb race, and he will happily oblige.
Really cool hidden away little bar in the Blue Star Arts complex.
The mixed drinks here are fantastic! You can tell that they've really put some thought into them, and have quite an extensive menu of different drinks. The Bluegrass Fizz is probably one of my favs!
It gets dark in here, so they graciously supply flashlights to read the menu by.
It can get a bit crowded, but the staff is always fast and professional.
Their beer selection is outta sight! It's funny how they have their price points on beers. They offer Lone Star for $4 (gasp!) but top of the line drafts for $5. So I'd say in this one instance, pony up for that extra dollar and get some craft beer instead of the usual Lone Star.
The only real drawback is the bathroom. You gotta go waay out and around to go. Rather use the bushes than find it after a few Bluegrass Fizzes.
First I need to give a shout out to my bartenders here! Â Nick and Mike You Guys Rock! Â All of the 1919 bartenders are awesome but these 2 are generally there when I come in and I have gotten to know them and discuss different cocktails and possible new recipes.
Now about the bar. Â There are not words to describe the drinks that these guys put together. Â
I have been coming to 1919 at least once a week for a couple of months now. Â I am fairly certain that I have tried everything on their, extensive, cocktail menu. Â Now that I have said that they will change the menu and I will start over again.
If you are not a patient person and are not willing to wait a couple of minutes for them to create you cocktail then you are in the wrong bar.  The libations are literal drink creations.  They do not have a whole lot of premixed anything here.  It takes time to make a drink  and it is worth the wait.  So please calm down and enjoy the show as the bartenders do their work.
The drinks here are amazing. Â Not only do they have any and all of the classic cocktails but they also have a lot of their own creations. Â They have a number of different apothecary jars full of different spirits. Â They are being infused with different flavors. Â Ever thought about a Strawberry and Serrano Rum? Â What about a Corn and Basil Tequila? Â There are more but I can't think of everything they have. Â They use these, infusions, for different "Signature Cocktails" and for some great shooters. Â
My favorite drinks? Â So glad you asked.
I have 3 favorites right now.
Tru Azul: Do you like Margaritas? Â This is a spicy (very spicy) adaptation of a margarita. Â It is amazing but keep a glass of water handy.
Rathbone: Remember the infusiins I was telling you about? This is made with one. Basil and corn infused Blanco Tequila. The corn really stands out in this drink. Add in an absinthe laced glass, lome juice and some ginger syrup and you have my personal favorite drink.
Blue Grass Fizz: Bourbon, honey, lemon and ginger. This is my idea of a perfect summer cocktail. Sweet and smooth. Almost too smooth don't drink it too fast it is more potent than it tastes.
There are plenty more cocktails and if you get overwhelmed just tell the bartender what liquor youlike and if you like it sweet, spicy, bold or whatever. Â They will hook you up with something delicious. Â
Oh and 1 final thing. Â The Rules are on the front of the menu. Â Read them and Obey them.
Like most other people, I had a hard time finding the place. Â But after circling the Blue Star Complex a few times, I finally caught a glimpse of a bar and beelined for the door. Â At 6:30pm on a Friday night, 1919 had a good crowd going but I still found a seat at the bar and looked over their menu. Â And what a menu it was! Â I've never seen a menu this jam-packed full of handcrafted cocktail goodness. Â
Started off with the Pimms Cup and it's probably the 2nd best I've ever had. (Sorry, but Esquire has it down to a T) Â Next drink I was feeling slighlty more adventurous and went with the Q Cum Cocktail (Um, fair warning, don't google that.) which was cucumber infused gin, ginger and dill with smoked salt and pepper on the rim. Â Now I'd like to think years of practice have built up my tolerance for strong alcohol but day-um. Â While the flavors were amazing, that cocktail was all kinds of strong! Â The bartender saw I was sipping it rather slowly (in comparison to gulping the Pimms Cup) and asked if it was okay. Â Told him it was delicious but my god, the burn! Â He laughed and said some of their cocktails are a little strong and brought me a water. Â I wish all bartenders were this attentive!
I heard some talk of a Happy Hour but didn't get the specifics. Â Heck, even at full price I think 1919 is worth the trip and I'm committed to take on more of their amazing menu. Â With a glass of water, just in case..
Once you find it you will be glad you did. There are no signs and it is down a small flight of stairs in a half basement.
The menu is fantastic and I have been told the menu is updated quarterly with new creations. The mixologists are always working on creating new delights.
The bartenders are very nice and very knowledgeable. I told the bartender that I do not like gin. he mixed me up a fantastic gin drink and I now like gin.
Not much as far as food, just nibble on stuff while enjoying the great drinks. They sell cigars too but those are to be enjoyed outside.
The atmosphere is great, the staff is great and the drinks are great. This is the perfect bar for chilling with friends.
*hic* Â I think I'm still ineebreeated... eneebriated... ehneeeebrehated... DRUNK... as I write this review. Â *hic*
My GPS told me it was to my left. Â I looked to my left. Â Riverwalk. Â But the Blue Star is to my right? Â My GPS kept re-routing to the Riverwalk. Â Dafuq? *hic* Â I saw Shawn G.'s truck parked out there so I knew I was somewhere in the right vicinity. Â I parked and walked out. *hic* Â Saw a long bar below and told my partner that it looked like the pictures and I thought that was the place! Â Woo hoo! *hic*
We walked in, Shawn introduced us to the bartenders, and I ordered The Waterfall. Â Now mind you, everyone *hic* in our group knows I'm not a drinker but damn it all, I was gonna hang with the guys! Â The Waterfall is a cilantro infused gin with cucumber juice, honey, lemon, and from what the menu said, another goody *hic* Â I was about to down it all because it was mixed THAT WELL but Shawn told me to slow down. Â Awww...! Â *hic* Â The bartenders served up some concoctions for Shawn to try and I took sips from those as well - each of them tasting better than the next! Â I finished out my early evening with The Cadbury. Â As the menu said, if you love chocolate and eggnog, then this is your drink! Â *hic* Â Well hot damn, I was lit!!!! Â Thank goodness I had someone to drive me home because yours truly wanted to go to sleep on one of the couches. Â *hic*
WOW! this place really hits the spot for me. the drinks are concocted to perfection. I had a friend complain about the prices but he managed the spend less than $30 and had an amazing time. the bar is long, and there are plenty of bartenders to make a beautifully crafted cocktail. all is done with grace here. if you're the divey type. come here on a special occasion.
i'll end this with:
best PIMMS cup ever.
As others have said, great addition to Blue Star and San Antonio. Nice retro/speakeasy vibe with complicated and old-timey cocktails and a good beer selection. The last page of the menu has guidelines that make it clear that this is a place where Jagerbombs won't be served and you shouldn't come expecting to get sloppy.
Only thing that stopped me from giving it 5 stars is that both times I've been there, they've been playing 1980s radio hits. Which definitely clashes with the ambiance and is distracting--I was expecting retro lounge music, or big band, or jazz, or something. I've been around happy hour times, though, so maybe in the evenings they play better songs.
Wonderful addition to the Blue Star Complex. Â Large selection of well thought out cocktails, draft beers (about 15), unique liquor infusions, and absinthe set ups. Â The three of us in my party each ordered something different so we could try a variety of their offerings (three pages of the menu are dedicated to specialty cocktails). Â The Blue Grass Fizz was a favorite - I believe it was a bourbon cocktail with ginger beer and a few other things - very refreshing. Â Their version of a sidecar was also a hit. Â And the "Confused" is worth a try - the mescal adds a very smoky flavor to the cocktail and the addition of absinthe makes this one stiff drink! Â The service and staff were friendly and attentive. Â We were told a small plates menu is in the works.
Using the building's bathroom was not an issue for us - it's up one flight of stairs, so it really isn't a big deal. Â The staff stated there was also an elevator available for anyone that needed that.
Brand new bar in the Blue Star complex. Look for the red lantern outside the door. The look and feel of the bar is a lot like Green Lantern (which is appropriate seeing as I hear the bar mgr used to work there). We were greeted when we arrived, the cocktail waitress came around regularly and the bar was well staffed--I hope that's not just because it's opening weekend!
The biggest downfall is that you use the building bathroom, the same bathroom you use for Joe Blues, which is a bit of a hike. Specialty drinks range from $6-$12, and they have a lot of decent $5 pints. House ginger beer in my Pimm's Cup was delish! That's right, I'm Pim, and I drink Pimm's cup!
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