Cocktail Bar
Unclaimed profileBar 1919
San Antonio, TX · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Bar 1919 is a speakeasy-style cocktail bar with a serious spirits program. The cocktail menu spans classics to original creations, featuring techniques like duck fat-washing. Whiskey and scotch lists are deep, including rare bottles. Beer and wine offer variety, and non-alcoholic options are limited to beer. Happy Hour and Whiskey Wednesday provide value.
- What should I order?
- Start with the 20th Century ($13) for a crisp classic. For something adventurous, the Know Your Roots ($20) layers rum with root beer syrup and vanilla ice cream. The Wild Duck showcases duck fat-washed bourbon. On Happy Hour, the Old-Fashioned at $9 is a steal.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Whiskey enthusiasts will appreciate the extensive scotch and bourbon selection. Cocktail aficionados will find creative originals. Beer lovers can explore Trappist and Belgian options. Those seeking non-alcoholic choices will find only a few NA beers.
- When should I go?
- Whiskey Wednesday features selected whiskies at half off. Third Thursday Tasting Events are $65 per person.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Cocktails range from $8 to $20, with most in the $10-$16 range. Wine by the glass $9-$20, bottles $32-$230. Beer $4-$55. Spirits pours vary widely, with rare bottles priced in the hundreds.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The bar's speakeasy vibe is backed by a serious drinks program. The duck fat-washed bourbon in The Wild Duck and the homemade vanilla ice cream in Know Your Roots show creative flair. The scotch list is organized by region and includes ultra-rare bottles like Macallan 30.
Beverage categories
We only score what a venue sets out to do. Categories a venue doesn't attempt are left unscored rather than penalized.
Cocktails
Extensive cocktail menu with sections for Classics, Legacy, and Apothecary. Creative ingredients like duck fat-washed bourbon and smoked salts. Positive community feedback on craft and taste.
Menu strengths
- — Diverse menu with classic and original creations.; Creative use of ingredients and techniques.
Standout selections
- — 20th Century – Citadelle Gin, Lillet Blanc, Tempus Fugit Crème de Cacao, Lemon Juice ($13).
- — Know Your Roots – Flor de Caña 7yr Rum, vanilla, root beer syrup, homemade vanilla ice cream ($20).
- — The Wild Duck – duck fat-washed bourbon, pear brandy, green walnut liqueur, umami bitters.
- — Old-Fashioned (Happy Hour) – bourbon or rye, Angostura bitters, sugar ($9).
Pricing: Cocktails $8-$20, most $10-$16; Happy Hour $7-$10; Brunch $8-$11.
Wine
Wine list covers sparkling, white, red, and fortified. Includes well-known regions and premium Champagne. Offers by-the-glass and bottle options.
Menu strengths
- — Variety of categories including sparkling, red, white, and fortified.
- — Both by-the-glass and bottle options.; Includes premium Champagne and well-known producers.
Standout selections
- — Ayala Brut Majeur – Champagne ($100 bottle).
- — Louis Roederer Brut – Champagne ($150 bottle).
- — Groth Oakcross Proprietary Red Blend – $40 glass / $140 bottle.
- — Dr. Loosen Riesling – $10 glass / $33 bottle.
Pricing: Glasses $9-$20; bottles $32-$230.
Beer
Beer menu spans Belgian, dark, draught, IPA, sour, wheat, and non-alcoholic. Strong on Trappist and Belgian options. Happy Hour discounts draft.
Menu strengths
- — Large and diverse selection with many Trappist and Belgian beers.
- — Includes non-alcoholic options.; Beer available on draught and in bottles.
Standout selections
- — Chimay Cinq Cents – Trappist Tripel ($13).
- — Delirium Tremens – Belgian Pale Strong Ale ($17).
- — Duchesse de Bourgogne – Belgian Sour ($20).
- — Schneider Aventinus Cuvee Barrique 2015 – Weizenbock ($55).
Pricing: Beer $4-$55, most under $20.
Nonalcoholic
Non-alcoholic options are limited to a few beers, including a NA West Coast IPA and a NA Gose. No mocktail menu found.
Standout selections
- — Best Day NA West Coast IPA – non-alcoholic ($6).
- — Clow Shoes Rainbows are Real – non-alcoholic Gose ($8).
Pricing: NA beers $6-$8.
Spirits
Exceptional depth in whiskey and scotch, organized by region, with rare and high-end bottles. Includes bourbon, rye, Japanese, and more. Community highlights bourbon selection.
Menu strengths
- — Exceptional depth and variety in whiskey and scotch.
- — Includes rare and high-end bottles.; Community recognition of bourbon and whiskey selection.
Standout selections
- — Macallan 30 – single malt Scotch ($1050).
- — Port Ellen 35 Limited Release – single malt Scotch ($840).
- — Buffalo Trace OFC 1995 Vintage – bourbon ($840).
- — Yamazaki 18 Mizunara 2017 Edition – Japanese whisky ($360).
Pricing: Scotch $6-$1050; Whiskey $6-$840; Absinthe/cordials $5-$30.
How it sits with the food
Brunch cocktails like the Mañana Peligrosa ($11) with coffee liqueur and pineapple could pair with brunch dishes. The Aperol Spritz ($9) offers a light, bitter counterpoint.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
Community reviews
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