The white paint, the columns, the wrap around front porch, the architecture of VFW Post 76 looks almost stately, a monument set against the San Antonio River that snakes through downtown San Antonio. For those visiting, a pro tip that though there is street parking throughout the area surrounding the post, the lot just under the metal archway is available for VFW Post 76 visitors, despite looking restricted in some of the lot’s signage. At night, someone did an excellent job on exterior lighting as the building bathes in the kind of lighting that even further accentuates the feeling of getting a glimpse of some kind of dive bar monument.
In the parking lot that surrounds the post’s main building, an elevated wooden platform is easily seen with neon along its ceiling inscribed with “Cigar Deck.” In reality, this is a multi-purpose area, one that occasionally features live music playing to the large quantity of picnic tables set up outside. During the many river-based San Antonio events, such as Fiesta, VFW Post 76 becomes an outdoor drinking destination complete with dedicated drink tents and beer sales catering to the large crowds. River Walk access can be found near the wooden structure, a few steps down to one of the quieter parts of San Antonio’s marquee pedestrian feature.
Not immediately apparent, the front entrance to VFW Post 76 can be found to the right of the wraparound porch, leading into a cross between your grandmother’s living room and the dive bar she frequented in her younger days. A very official, faded green door with the name of the post on it leads into a foyer of sorts, the white exterior melding into a stark, white interior. On first visit, the layout can be a bit confusing, though following the typical noises associated with drinking helps. A left turn out of this quasi-sitting room opens up to one of two bars found inside, a short counter with room for about four stools. The liquor selection here is limited, housed on a single shelf behind the bar, complemented by beer coolers and not much else.