And those two drinking spaces couldn’t feel more different, the rocker vibe alive and well inside, where dark walls and low lighting fit the somewhat ‘metal’ aesthetic. Outside, crisscrossed lights hang over a slim but surprisingly spacious front patio, the music here not necessarily quiet, but maybe less loud. Walking through the patio feels much like arriving at a friend’s front porch, even if this particular San Antonio dive bar front porch features a handful of small- and medium-sized picnic tables. Bordered on three sides by the building and its neighbor, the feeling is one of seclusion back here, a spot to take in the Texas weather when it cooperates (probably at night).
Inside, the dial creeps up to 11 on the rocker vibe, patterned wallpaper, black ceiling and limited selection of let’s say ‘dark’ artwork making for a very different feeling than a handful of picnic tables under twinkling lights. Vintage posters of old magic acts serve as one example of the décor found here, exposed beams over head providing space for a few strands of colored Christmas lights. This is a small room, mostly devoid of seating outside of the limited selection of stools at the bar which runs along the short wall at the end of the space. Signature shot and cocktail menus can be found here, the margaritas recommended highly by locals (cucumber seemed to be the most popular choice).
Dark wallpaper behind deeply colored wood shelves provide the backdrop to the liquor options provided behind the bar. The selection provides coverage across all drinking categories without feeling overwhelming or sitting two and three layers deep. The beer selection in particular is robust, the line of available cans running the length of the display behind the bar, just above a pair of Native American art pieces bookending the alcohol.