I was in San Antonio for a conference the last two days, and got the Esquire as a recommendation from the hotel concierge. The bar had just re-opened the previous Friday, and there weren't any recent-opening snags in service. The staff was very friendly, capable and competent. And knowledgeable. Oh man, every drink was like a history lesson. The barmen(and women) are passionate about their craft. Exceptionally smooth mixes, with some exotic takes on old standbys that are pulled off flawlessly.
This isn't a place to sidle up to the bar and ask for a bottle of beer.. This is a place for old school mixed drinks. The kind of place you can ask the bartender ""what do you recommend?"" and be absolutely blown away by your drink, with some context and education along the way. There's a passion and appreciation of the craft that's alive and well here. I haven't found a place quite like it in my travels.
The atmosphere feels like time stopped in 1933. The old bar, the wallpaper, booths, lights, everything. It feels like a legit, old-school speakeasy. Everything about it feels like a throwback to a bygone era. Just cool, and fun, and perfect.
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