LAST CALL
Artisan distillery and brewery taps out of San Antonio's East Side

Artisan Distillery & Craft Bar will shutter January 25.
A longtime player in San Antonio’s craft spirits scene is pouring its final round. Artisan Distillery & Craft Bar at 402 Austin St on the East Side says that it will close after a farewell party on January 25.
In a frank social Instagram statement, the concept outlined the economic pressures facing the bar and the broader alcohol industry.
“The reason for Artisan’s closure is due to accumulation of current economic and market changes, current tariffs that increased production costs significantly, and the decrease [in] popularity of hand-crafted cocktails and micro-distilleries/breweries,” wrote a rep.
Nick Spink founded the concept in 2012, making an initial splash with Spike Vodka, a unique spirit made with nopal instead of the traditional fermented cereal grains or potatoes. Later, the distillery ramped up its offerings to include gin, whisky, moonshine, and a tequila-like agave liquor and branched out to brewing.
As the business grew, it also saw a few location changes. It first debuted near De Zavala Road before relocating to Eighth Street and finally landing on Austin Street, adding a tasting room to showcase its spirits in cocktails.
The latter was a departure for the brand. Although previous incarnations included cocktail tables and sipping space, Spink upped the glam with chandeliers, lounge furniture, and other spots to watch its busy lineup of programming.
Although the shutter is imminent, Artisan’s calendar will remain packed until the closing days. The bar will host its regular drag bingo, drag brunches, and stand-up comedy nights before serving its last drinks during a weekend of farewell parties held January 24 and 25.
