Azuca

713 South Alamo Street, San Antonio, TX 78205; Tel. 210.225.5550
The Nuevo Latino bar and restaurant Azuca combines all things Latin in fare, drinks and entertainment. Azuca spreads across two buildings with a patio in between. The contemporary interior pits vibrant color against rigid black and white table coverings, and Chihuly-inspired illuminations dangle in the air. Executive chef Rene Fernandez’s culinary creations reinterpret standard Latin classics with imagination. For the Latin dance lover (or the wishful thinker), Azuca offers music and dancing Wednesday through Saturday.

The Riverwalk is wonderful, but it was great to find someplace else for a change.  The food was wonderful, the waitstaff all terrific, and crowd friendly, and the music great.  Absolutely will return on the next trip.

Drink Cocktail Bar

200 Market St, San Antonio, TX 78205; Tel 1-888-DRINK21; http://drinkcocktailbar.com

Drink is the only cocktail bar in the downtown area, with an imaginative list of 70 classic cocktails and 20 signature drinks. A good list of Champagnes, wines and draft beer provide alternatives if you're not in the mood for Long Island Iced Teas and Mojitos. The margarita is reputed to be one of the best in San Antonio (amazingly hard to find given the reputation for Tex-Mex in the city), and the Happy Hour (5-7pm) is focused on cocktail variations. The ever-enthusiastic bartenders draw from a mind-boggling cocktail list to impress visitors, and it's easy to find you've spent more hours than you intended 'sampling' their creations. Prices are inexpensive for downtown (cocktails from $4.95, wine from $5 a glass). Open daily from 5pm, located across from the Hotel Contessa.

Waxy O'Connors Irish Bar

234 E Commerce St, San Antonio, TX 78205, Tel: 210-229-9299‎ 

The most authentic Irish bar on the river with a great patio outside. There's food served all day and the employees are enthusiastic and friendly. It's popular with families during the daytime and then the music starts at 8pm every night. Overall, there's a good crowd here and sports TV from almost any seat.

ZEN BAR 

221 E. Houston Street, TX; 78205.  Tel. 210.271.7472

Their "Lucky Budha Happy Hour" (Mon-Fri. 5-9pm) is a great deal because every drink in the house was only $3.  However you should realize that this is an bar/lounge NOT a restaurant so be forwarned that there is a very limited selection of (mostly) appetizers that are available.  The atmosphere is somewhat upscale (think "lounge" not "bar") but there is no hint of snobbery to be found.  There are several lounge areas inside and a very nice patio area.  Rumor has it that after about 10:30pm it becomes one of the top "hot spots" in San Antonio with a line of folks out there door waiting to get in.

Final Word:  Highly recommended for happy hour!!