Bar House owner to open new concept on San Antonio's St. Mary's Strip

Honky-tonks may have rough roots, but San Antonio’s newest takes don’t need peanuts on the floor to make those Justin Ropers glide. From a St. Mary’s strip classic with an all means y’all vibe to a downtown haunt out of Cowboy Carter, these Alamo City bars might not have broken-bottle grit, but they’re still pretty Haggard.

Moonshine Off Grayson
If you're searching for the vibe of this San Antonio newcomer, take a look at the bar back. In between liquor bottles and moonshine, a taxidermied raccoon named Cooter keeps a watchful eye on guests, Marlboro in hand. Just opened in late July, this Pearl-area bar keeps it country with live music and karaoke nights, setting the scene with vintage beer signs and cowpoke kitsch. Thankfully, the moonshine cocktails are easy-sipping. Gasoline is best left to tractors.

The Lonesome Rose
It's downright shocking nobody's coined a barn burner about this classic honky-tonk on the St. Mary’s Strip. Although the atmosphere borrows from rough-and-tumble Texas dives, you don’t need a big buckle to be welcomed. Go for Cowboy Karaoke on Wednesdays. Who cares if your Conway Twitty sounds a little Loretta.

El Honky Tonk
With a beer/shot combo menu named The Grand Ole Opry Presents, El Honky Tonk could never be accused of lacking country bona fides. The downtown honky tonk (not to be confused with lil sis La Honky Tonk below) has plenty of boozy indulgences that pay homage to Nashville icons. Start the night off with the Hank Williams (made with Jack Daniel's and apricot whiskey liqueur) or the Johnny Cash (a Fireball shot and a Lone Star). Hot damn! The flames never went higher.

La Honky Tonk
Think pink at this Broadway hot spot, known for its sugar-sweet decor in various shades of blush and bashful — and its wall honoring the Trishas, Tammies, and Tanyas who defined country radio. Still, it’s not just a place for cowgirls. The spot boasts one of the biggest dancefloors around, suitable for two-stepping or the occasional watermelon crawl. Just be aware that this honky-tonk is dog-friendly. Don’t be surprised if a high-lonesome pug tries to cut in.

Thirsty Horse Dance Hall & Saloon
If you're looking for a classic Texas dance hall experience without sweating through your Wranglers, this Castle Hills spot is the comfortable choice for boot scootin’. But the bar’s variety is even cooler than that blast of AC. Listen to music on the main stage, watch the Cowboys at Ricky Bobby’s sports bar, or take a spin on the huge dance floor. We’ve heard some gossip that there's even a new martini bar in the works.

Howdy Sore Loser
This downtown lounge might have purists clutching their bandanas. Although it’s as country as a pair of worn-in Daisy Dukes, think Kacey Musgraves in her “High Horse” era or Beyoncé galloping as a rodeo queen. Start the party with a cactus-shaped tray of shots — or one of three different flavors of ranch water. Then, head upstairs for line dancing and photo opps with a special guest: a mirror ball horse. Would you expect anything less from the founders of Pink Shark?