San Antonio is a city full of casual hangouts, so it's nice to find an alternative to cheap beer at a local hole in the wall. Ivory Lounge offers that alternative with their upscale nightclub and lounge that showcases all-white decor as a backdrop to the hottest DJs, dancing and lighting effects. Ivory Lounge calls themselves San Antonio's premier Nightclub and Lounge because they specialize in VIP bottle service and also feature a full bar with signature martinis, drinks, and shots. The well-trained staff provides excellent service as you enjoy the evening surrounded by a wonderful crowd of your peers in a modern atmosphere. Some of the areas top DJ's spin a variety of today's most popular music along with stimulating visual elements. Go dancing, mingling and get entranced by a pearly white dance club as close to heaven as one can realistically get on earth.
Recommended for Dance Clubs because: Ivory Lounge is one of the chicest, modern dance clubs in San Antonio.
Kimberly's expert tip: Be aware that Ivory Lounge does enforce a dress code. No flip-flops or basketball shorts.
Azuca Nuevo Latino is not just a restaurant and bar, but an experience. It's a local's favorite for their happy-hour mojitos and caipirinhas. Located just south of downtown in San Antonio's arts district, Azuca offers fantastic drinks you can't find anywhere else in town in a vivid and vibrant atmosphere. Their outdoor patio makes you feel like you're vacationing in some tropical location and not only minutes from downtown. As for the food, Azuca's dishes are an exotic synergy of delicious flavors from South and Central America with Chef Rene's innovative touch. On Friday and Saturday nights, they clear the tables and turn it into a dance club with some sexy Latin beats played by a local DJ.
Recommended for Dance Clubs because: If you're looking for a little Latin dance love, go to Azuca on the weekends.
Kimberly's expert tip: Go for dinner and stay for the entertainment!
HEAT calls themselves the #1 dance club in town. In fact, HEAT Nightclub is more than just a dance club. It is also a night time entertainment venue for San Antonio's LGBT community. The club is described as 'sprawling' and features a video room, dance area, large bar and an outdoor patio that is heated during the winter months. Open Wednesday through Saturday, you'll find entertaining shows and a talented cast of performers including the former Miss Gay USofA. They are known for offering great drink specials and are a popular place to go for eye candy. If you love watching hot guys dance, head to HEAT!
Recommended for Dance Clubs because: The HEAT is the best of the LGBT clubs in town but caters to everyone.
Kimberly's expert tip: For those looking to party, they feature great drink specials.
Go to Cowboys Dancehall for some boot-stomping fun and authentic live Texas music! They are located on the northeast side of San Antonio and are probably the largest and most impressive music venue in the city. Besides great music and country dancing, Cowboys sports an indoor rodeo arena where you can see live events, such as professional bull riding. You'll want to plan ahead so you can buy your tickets early because many of their concerts feature well-known artists of all genres so they sell out fast. If your shy or out of practice, be sure to take advantage of Cowboys' dance lessons.
Recommended for Dance Clubs because: Cowboys Dancehall provides the ultimate venue for true Texas-sized fun.
Kimberly's expert tip: Wednesday night is College Night, so bring your most daring friends to ride the mechanical bull!
Sparky's Pub caters to all of the LGBT community but is a favorite among professionals. It's a great place to go for a nice glass of wine after a long day. Their wine selection is impressive, and they have a little caf� attached to the bar that serves some pretty good food, including deli sandwiches, homemade soups, fresh salads and decadent desserts. They have a small, covered patio out front, so you can people watch to your heart's content. Another, larger private patio, is located in the back and the interior is spacious yet cozy. Sparky's Pub is a definite destination spot for a nice relaxing evening of good conversation and great drinks!
Recommended for Dance Clubs because: LGBT-friendly, Sparky's is open to everyone and has a great dance floor.
Kimberly's expert tip: They have a wine bar with snacks in the front of the venue, which makes it the perfect place to start your night out!
This restaurant, famous for their delectable burgers for over a decade, turns into one of the most hoppin' dance clubs on Friday and Saturday nights. Go for dinner and stay for the nightlife! One of San Antonio's favorite DJs is in the house spinning a wide array of chart-toppers to move and groove too. The cover is only $5 after 10 pm. There's no doubt it's the best bang for your buck, and in the heart of the city, so a great stop along the way, if you're checking out the Alamo City scene in all its glory. Just plan to get there early, as the line can stretch all the way to the Alamo. Moses Rose's sports a full bar and features a specialty cocktail menu as well. A crowd pleaser is the Moses Candy cocktail, made with cucumber vodka, Watermelon Pucker, sweet and sour, Sprite and finished with a chamoy chile rim, which is a puro San Anto touch, as they say.
Recommended for Dance Clubs because: Moses Rose's is a hot spot for dancing in San Antonio on the weekends, with a fabulous DJ leading the charge.
Kimberly's expert tip: Try the brisket and bacon burger! You're going to burn off those calories anyway!
Shrinking violets beware: With two dueling piano players, a raucous atmosphere, and audience participation near 100%, Howl at the Moon is a great place to let loose. Musicians keep things boisterous with witty banter, good-natured ribbing, and familiar tunes that all seem to be crowd favorites. Get your courage up with tube or jello shots or an old-fashioned mixed bucket of beers. A mainstay of younger crowds, the bar also pulls in business travelers on a quest for a good time. Located in a hub of bars and restaurants, Howl at the Moon is a fun place to stop at along the way.
Recommended for Dance Clubs because: When downtown, Howl at the Moon is the go-to hot spot for young and old for singing, dancing and drinking.
Kimberly's expert tip: This is the place to go for a raucous good time!
Perhaps San Antonio's most unique dance club, the Bonham is housed in a building that is over 120 years old. The club is known for inviting everyone to come in and be whoever you are without fear of criticism. Founded back in 1981, the original owner had a dream to launch a nightclub that was welcoming to San Antonio's GLBT community. He succeeded and today The Bonham welcomes EVERYONE. The Bonham Exchange has been in business for over 30 years. This is quite a feat for any night club. Come prepared for large crowds on the weekend with a variety of popular music. There are three levels in the club and each day of the week promotes a different 'special.'
Recommended for Dance Clubs because: This historic dance club is probably the largest dance club in San Antonio and is always a great place to meet people and have fun.
Kimberly's expert tip: Get in early as the line tends to get long on the weekends.
Although Gruene Hall is located outside the city limits of San Antonio, it's worth the extra gas to get to what has now become an iconic venue. Built in 1878, Gruene Hall is considered the oldest running dance hall in Texas, and the Central Texas birthplace to many famous songwriters and musicians, including George Strait, Ace in the Hole, Jerry Jeff Walker, Lyle Lovett, Joe Ely, Robert Earl Keen, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Hal Ketchum, Bruce and Charlie Robison, and many more. This is the place to put your boots on (or an excuse to buy some if you don't already have a pair), grab your guy or gal and head on down for an evening to remember!
Recommended for Dance Clubs because: Gruene Hall is an historic featuring Western music by the most iconic artists.
Kimberly's expert tip: Head to Gruene early to enjoy dinner at the Gristmill River Restaurant for a gorgeous view and country cuisine.
Located in the heart of downtown on the east side, in the historic St. Paul Square district, 1902 Nightclub is one of the newest hot spots to grace the downtown San Antonio landscape. The nightclub is situated in the former Sunset Station Train Depot, which is over 100-years-old. This glamorous nightclub offers fresh DJ-spun beats, sexy dancers, world renowned musicians, exciting cocktails and surprise entertainment. They feature a sweeping staircase inside the club, along with a giant dance floor surrounded by a second story balcony in a Spanish Mission Revival style building adorned with stucco walls, an arcade and clay tile roofs. Guests can enjoy bottle service and make reservations as needed. If you're looking for a world class nightclub experience, this is it!
Recommended for Dance Clubs because: The newly opened 1902 Nightclub offers everything you could want in an elevated club, including a drinks, dancing and revelry!
Kimberly's expert tip: Visit nearby Toro restaurant for some Spanish-style tapas before visiting the nightclub.