I hit up Swig whenever I'm in town, and have been going there for years. The drinks are somewhat pricey, but it's a swanky kind of place, so that's understandable. What always stood out to me was the jazz music. It's really one of the only places on the Riverwalk left that offers good jazz.
After my visit this past Friday I must ask....Swig, what happened??!??
What I witnessed on Friday night was not the same quality of entertainment I've grown to expect from your establishment. The band was great, but the female vocalist was just terrible to listen to. She was cute, and I think that was the appeal. The band played just fine but when she sang my party and I just cringed. I am normally in town during the week, so this was a treat for me, or so I had hoped.
Swig, your place is swanky and classy. Keep it jazzy! Not sure what your music line up is, but I hope it's better than this visit!
Cool place for an expensive drink in downtown. Â You get some good elbow rubbing / people watching. Â We were pretty sure that one chick was a hooker, but hey, maybe the guy had money...which doesn't aid in the enigma at all. Â Anyway, we were there on Saturday night and there was this horrid lounge singer chick trying to belt out tunes ala Mamma Cass...Not good. Â Drinks were good though. Â thankfully did not opt for the flight of tequila..
Review Source:Came here as part of a Bachelorette party on a Thursday night. Walked in, was seated immediately and was the only large group in the venue (which according to the locals in our group, was quite unusual as the venue is normally packed).
Nice, swanky atmosphere with extensive list of martinis and cocktails. I had the chocolate coconut martini which tasted EXACTLY like an Almond Joy. The rest of the group enjoyed their respective martinis/cocktails as well. The only complaint we had was the volume of the live music which made it impossible for us to hear one another. Minus the music volume, Swig is the perfect lounge atmosphere to enjoy a drink and good conversation.
First off, if you go here, get Brian to make you a drink. Â We told him what we wanted, and he made my friend an amazing Banana-something drink. Â It was so good, I got one too. Â The service was amazing, especially since it was noonish on the Riverwalk on St. Patrick's Day, there was almost no one in there. Â They even changed the TV for me so I could watch a basketball game.
However, at night it was packed with men in suits, I'm not sure if that's the normal crowd for a night at the Riverwalk, or if there was a convention in town.
Good bar. Atmosphere is modern and location is good, can be a bit touristy but it is the river walk so it should be expected. Drinks are good and stiff, nice selection of martinis. Crowd is a hit or miss depending on what convention/ event is going on downtown. Overall a decent bar with decent drinks.
Review Source:I love you red-headed bar tender who makes the killer Red Velvet martini (her own creation). All the girls were so sweet! And the cocktails were delicious, unique and creative. Came back here twice in one night and drank about 8 Red Velvets! I'm a fan. Please send me your recipe, I don't live in San Antonio!
Review Source:There was a large drink selection, as well as a decent cigar menu. Â I think I just made a bad choice with my cigar, it was a really girly cigar and I think I lost some street cred. Â We were happy to find a place to smoke cigars in San Antonio, though, and had a nice evening people watching.
Review Source:Top notch service. Decadent drinks to appease all taste buds.  I tried a handful.  Let's see the Blue Goose is probably my favorite. I like a little zing to my drink, so it was perfect.  The red velvet tasted just like liquid cake, so for sweet eaters it is perfect.  The Chocolate dipped strawberry had a nice flavor, but not really my thing. The frozen cosmo was excellent and refreshing.  The winston churchhill was strong and enjoyable for a true martini lover. This place doesn't serve any finger foods to snack while you drink.  They have live music though and they were  very enjoyable :) They played classics.  There are couches and tables to sit at and relax. I would definitely continue to stop here on my trips to San Antonio.
Review Source:There wasn't a whole lot going on here when I stopped in but it was a little early. Love the martini menu, there's a lot that sounded good and what I did try wasn't bad. The prices seem pretty average for the rest of the bars in the area and the atmosphere is nice. I would take this bar over many others in the area.
Review Source:I came here one Friday night while a free concert was going on across the street. Â It's been almost 8 years since I've last had a drink here and noticed not much has changed. Â There are still some good looking women here, some single, others taken (booo!). Â There was a good band playing inside the bar. Drinks here are a bit expensive but it is an upscale environment. Â I spent a total of $14 for two drinks (tip included) (a shot of Crown Royal and a Jack and Coke).
Review Source:During a recent weekend trip to SA, we started the night off at Swig and had a so-so experience. Â The bar itself was really nice and modern without being too pretentious. Â We had to wait a few minutes for an open table, but not too long.
The bartender was pretty friendly but the servers weren't the best. Â Our server didn't seem too happy to be working that night, was slow and took my wife's and sister's drink orders without even asking if I needed another one.
My wife and sis really enjoyed their martinis, so it seems like the bartenders know their stuff. Â I'm a beer drinker and thought their selection was lacking. Â Overall prices were a little steep.
The cover band that night was WAY too loud and played a pretty depressing selection of songs. Â I think the highlight of the night was watching some old man seated right in front of the cover band puke mid-song all over his table and chair. Â We left pretty soon afterward.
Swig is a nice little place to grab a round or two, which is exactly what we did, but probably not the place to spend your entire night.
I came here a few times during a week I spent in San Antonio back in January. Â The first night it wasn't so bad - very smoky, but it's a cigar bar, so that's expected. Â I tried a Red Velvet martini which was alright. Â A bit too sweet and not much martini for the price. Â The second night I came here it was so cramped, loud, and annoying I left after 5 minutes. Â There are better places (street level) to find drinks near the Riverwalk. Â This place seems to attract large crowds of tourists and raucous businessmen. Â Two stars for them having such a huge selection of martinis and top shelf liquor.
Review Source:A mandatory stop if u like jazz, cigars, and good cocktails! Â We were treated to an impromptu jam with two amazing saxophone players that joined in with the normal drummer, guitarist, keyboard player, bass player, and vocalist.
Claudette was off the hook for vocals! Â
However, avoid their red wines unless they open a new one. My wife ordered two  of her favorites and they were vinegar.
Must not be storing them properly. Otherwise it was a great place.
Sometimes you like something different, a restaurant or bar that is not too over the top or wild, but can be a place for a few hours of enjoyment. SWIG Â definitely hits the spot, especially for those looking for a good drink, good service -- and perhaps a nice cigar or a place to smoke (since those are becoming more and more rare these days). I ran across SWIG accidentally. A Texas friend introduced me to cigar smoking enjoyed by her and her husband when she visited me a few months back, and I jokingly told her that I'd likely have my next cigar when we hooked up in December. (I was right). So knowing I would be visiting San Antonio over the Christmas holidays and meeting up with my friend, I wondered if the city had a cigar bar -- and that was how I found SWIG. On reading the positive reviews, I suggested it and we hoped we'd be able to check it out.
We visited on Monday, December 26, 2011 at around 9-ish. There was seating outside -- overlooking the splendid Riverwalk -- (several couples and groups were braving the chill), and seating inside; we decided to sit inside, and at the time of our arrival, there was not yet a large crowd, which was fine. The recorded music was at a decent level so you could have a conversation without screaming, and the server was at our side almost immediately and with three menus: one with the cigar selections, the second with their martinis, and the third with their general cocktails, beers, straight bourbons and whiskeys, non-alcoholic drinks, etc.
We stayed until after midnight, when a large (and boisterous) group arrived and the music got louder and we couldn't hear one another anymore. But before then, it was a great atmosphere, regardless of whether you're a cigar smoker, a martini drinker, a lover of cocktails, or a bit of both. There were several TV's showing sports channels; you had the music; the seats were comfortable (chairs and booth-type seating).
My friend was impressed not only with the selection of cigars, but the price range (starting around $3.50 and up to $20.00 or thereabouts), so there was something for everyone -- the more expert smoker or the novice like me. (My favorite was Eileen's Dream by CAO, a dessert wrapped up in tobacco: Irish Cream and white chocolate truffle). I was sorry they didn't provide torch lights as these are best for lighting cigars, but TSA won't let you fly with them, and my friend forgot her personal one, so they provided us with matches (it'll do the job -- eventually); they do have clippers if you need one.
The mixed nuts we ordered for snacks were fresh. We stuck with the cocktails which were great, not overly strong but not weak either and the various combinations available should please even the pickiest.
With open hours between 2 PM and 2 AM, this is the ideal place before dinner, after dinner, or just to kick back to end a day in San Antonio.
We walked thru & among the great unwashed, & around the "the Walk" until we found the bar with our name on it.....which turned out to be Swig. Â Sat outside with some Knob Creek/cokes while we talked about our 2nd amendment rights which we The People are damn sure ENTITLED to. Â
Our Expedient Eloquent One named Joy, was the quickest & maybe classiest Cocktail Hostess I've EVER had the pleasure of ordering an adult beverage from. Â SHE made Swig all that which it was that night.
We visited San Antonio last year and made it a point to stop by Swig again to have a martini. This time, we stopped by on a Friday night. When visiting, I suggest you specifically ask for Courtney. They do have other bartenders but she makes the BEST martinis at Swig..
My wife had a Victoria's Secret martini. If you are looking for sweet martini that is neither too sweet nor too strong, this is the way to go.
I tried a Blue Moon Martini this time and it did not disappoint (though I liked hers better).
The band they had Friday night was pretty good, a cover band playing Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan. They were a bit loud but very good.
We will definetely be returning to Swig during our next visit to San Antonio. We wish they had one in Houston
Swig is a decent place with decent martinis. Â If you can land an outdoor table next to the railing with a view of the river walk and tourist throngs, it is a fun place to enjoy a drink. But otherwise, it can a cramped, noisy place that only mixes average cocktails. Â
We've been here twice--once we got very poor service and the second time received friendly and prompt service. Â On one of the nights, the bar featured a rock band, but I found the place entirely too small and the band too loud to enjoy the experience. Â Plus, I wasn't sure what a Journey-singing rock band was doing in a place trying to create a lounge vibe.
There are better options on the river walk for a drink, but there are also worse.
I love a good martini bar. Even though this one is advertised as on the Riverwalk, it's really up a staircase over the water so it's not so rowdy. Pretty nice crowd, from all over, Well - except for that guy with Billy Bob teeth who wanted to buy my drink. I declined and he took his teeth out...turns out they were a gag. And the woman with the biggest cigar I ever saw (and boy did it stink), I think her name was Monica. They sell cigars here as well.
They have a special martini made with Grey Goose and a different fruit everyday. Last night it was pineapple. Supposed to be $9 but turns out it was happy hour and it was $4.50. What a deal. I'll just have another. Wow they were good. Caution: They're so good you may not know when to stop.
There was a guy who a dead ringer for Jeff Bridges, but said he was from Rio. The country, not the restaurant below. Locals are always friendly here, will tell you all about their beautiful city. And you can go right out the door and get a cab.
Return factor - 100%. Oh yeah I'll be back.
Went on St. Patricks day and it was SO crowded.
I can only give it 3 stars because we sat outside so I don't know much about the insides.
I got the Flirtini. The drink itself was delicious. I pretty much downed it in about 4 minutes. I was glad it was delicious because it was $10.
I think that if you are on the Riverwalk a lot then this is probably one of the best places to hang out at.
I have been to a decent selection of martini bars. Well not really... I have only been to 2-3 that i can remember from the top of my head.
  So I come here to wait for some friends to show up and i get a coconut martini. (i was just courious)  and I was like boy... they serve some water downed martinis here b/c it was awesomely refreshing.
  And then my friends show up and of the bar I step and to the walking I do.  1... 2.. 3.. i hits me... the buzz the wooz...   A martini that sneeks up on you. Must of been stiff w/o making me realize it.  :)
   As for the athmosphere.. a decent one to carry a conversation with tv and, stools and seats.  Right next to the river walk where you can carry the evening some where else.
Swig... even though it's a sip... it makes you feel as though you took down a swig.
Swig is swanky! Â Fun location... we enjoyed sitting out on the patio area overlooking the Riverwalk, but there was plenty of space inside too. Â The drinks were good, but small and pricey. Â I guess that's to be expected though on the Riverwalk. The staff was friendly and knowledgable about the drinks on the menu. Â Bonus, I found a lucky penny on the way out the door... a sign I should return for more drinks and more good times in the future!
Review Source:One-person men's room does not lock. Â No privacy. Â Door opens almost directly onto the dining floor. Â Vince, who works behind the bar, will barge in on you (or your handicapped friend) in the restroom, even when you ask for privacy. Â He just shrugs his shoulders and does his business.
Please join me in doing what you can to get Vince fired.
Came here last night on a whim with my girlfriends. The manager asked me why I looked so sad [I had pregamed beforehand but was certainly not sad haha], I said I dumped my boyfriend today. He responded "ohh, recently single eh? Don't worry, we will take care of you!" So, he did. He asked me what I wanted to drink, and he gave a round of vodka lime shots for my friends and I.
Anyway, atmosphere is nice and perfectly dim. Not too loud nor too quiet. The bathroom is quite clean, which is a huge plus. Drinks are strong and relatively affordable. I only wish they played house music. Oh well, I am going there again tonight!
I wish I could tell you I remember more about this place :-) It was close to the end of the pub crawl we explored on the river.
It did seem a bit pricey - definitely not a beer bar. I wish I had know about it being cigar friendly I would have came here earlier lit up and tried to gather more Intel.
If your looking for a beer bar - walk on.
Locals rarely make it to places on the Riverwalk. Â Unless said local happens to work downtown, which explains why I have been to Swig so many times.
Regardless, I like it here. Â The crowd is generally all tourists, but I kind of think that is cool. Â I have met lots of people from all over the world sitting in this little bar.
One serious downside to Swig is that it is set up as a place to sit down and talk. Â Tables and chairs fill up the entire place (no real dance floor) BUT on weekend night's, they play music so loud it inhibits conversation. Â I wish they would clear out those table and just let it be a loud place to dance on the weekends.
Drinks here are good and even generally affordable despite its Riverwalk locale and being a tourist spot. Â Staff is usually pretty friendly if you tip well right off the bat. Â (Take note of that last sentence.
) Â I've made the mistake of thinking I would tip out at the end of the night on a couple of occasions and I did not get the same level of service as tipping well on the first drink.
That slight issue aside, Swig is great. Â The drinks a good and cold and the crowd is pretty wild and ready to party. Â Sometimes, those are the only elements needed for an amazing evening...
Total tourist trap. Lots of military guys. Waitresses are cute, but seem very distracted and ditzy (could it be the random 80's music mixed with house mixed with hip hop that have made their ears bleed so that they are unable to hear us?) The martini list is extensive, but for $10 the martinis are really small. You could easily spend $50 dollars here and walk away barely buzzed....
I judge a bar based on 3 things:
-price of drinks vs alcohol content (and presenatation of said drinks)
-music selection
-Hot man count
Swig got about a 2 out of 5 for all 3 items....the prices were high for what we got, the music was obnoxious, and the only cute guys I saw were married. Meh.
After 7+ years of riverwalk experience (this is by no means bragging; it is the riverwalk...), Swig is the one location that I feel comfortable recommending to friends without subjecting them to a total tourist trap. Â While not always the "scene," it has consistently provided a good time. Â As others have described, the drink menu is nearly all-encompassing and the bartenders are great at their craft. Â If you're looking to relax and/or catch up with friends, it's a good idea to get here before 10:00 or 10:30 on weekends but during the week you'll have no problems finding a place to sit. Â The outside seating is adequate for people watching although it can be a little annoying when the music/singing/drunks from the piano bar which shall remain nameless gets out of control on weekends. Â
If you're going to enjoy a cigar with your adult beverage, bring your own. Â In this swigers opinion, the ones sold on site have been too dry and are not worth purchasing. Â Ladies will be able to find a drink they love here and men can try something new (if not, the scotch menu is nice and there are many beers on draft). Â Cheers!
One of my favorite stops along the Riverwalk. Â The staff is friendly, drinks unique, and crowd interesting. Â There's usually Jazz playing inside and if that's not your thing there is patio seating that's above the main Riverwalk path away from the tourists. Â If you get there early you can grab a seat at the bar where the bartenders will take care of you all night while you watch those around you become friendlier and friendlier. Â The smoke isn't bad at all; I rarely see anyone purchasing / smoking a cigar and besides the doors are usually wide open to allow for a nice breeze. Â If you really dislike the tourists there's another location that just opened at Blanco and 1604 (I think).
Review Source:Totally with you on this place, James B: Â I'm not historically (or hysterically) a martini drinker, but some of these suckers were too good to pass up: I mean, seriously, chocolate covered rim? Â Can I take it home with me? Â
Like any place near the Riverwalk I'm sure your experience may likely vary based on a variety of factors, and who in the party of hammered businessmen beside you decides to play it cool that day. Â Regardless, my last stop in here was punctuated by a yummy cigar (get 'em while they're not hit with a 10,000% tax - thanks Congress) and a wide variety of exploratory cocktails, which sounds like a terrific bandname but in actuality is more like the menu. Â Always my plan to get back by.
This place is awesome and deserves five stars for it's outstanding drink menu, wildly raw and talented musicians, and service that makes you want of nothing.
I took two stars away solely for the cigarette and cigar smoke-filled venue. Â Though the smoke fits the style of this back-in-the-day martini bar I felt bad for the guests and employees breathing nothing but heavy fog.
If you don't mind smoke definitely go here for an evening drink, or ten! Â Swig's extensive drink selection will keep you busy ordering the next best thing as well as the classic favorites. Â Or, weather permitting, enjoy the evening on the outside patio to avoid the air quality all together.
The 5 best restaurants in the 2015 Denver Restaurant Week
3,611 Views | Category: Denver
The complete list of 2015 Denver Restaurant Week businesses
1,972 Views | Category: Denver
The tourists' guide to Portillos: 5 must have dishes
3,318 Views | Category: Chicago
Pho = Pronounced "fuh" not "foe" for pho-king sake
2,915 Views | Category: Denver
Indulgery selected to exhibit at Collision Conference
2,987 Views | Category: Press Releases
Not Logged In
BUSINESSES
Local Businesses
Near Me
My Favorites
SOCIAL
Blog & News
MY ACCOUNT
Login
Register
Contact Us
Add Your Business
