Private Drunk History Tour: 4 historic bars & 5+ hours

Explore San Antonio’s Historic Bars and Saloons with a Private Guide

This private Drunk History tour offers a unique way to experience San Antonio’s legendary drinking spots while uncovering stories behind the city’s past. Priced at $420 per person, the tour lasts approximately 5 to 6 hours, making it an engaging and leisurely way to combine history, culture, and cocktails. The tour starts at 5:00 pm from 204 Alamo Plaza and ends just a few blocks away at the Rose of San Antonio. The guided experience is tailored exclusively for your group, ensuring personalized attention and a flexible pace.

What makes this tour different is its focus on historic bars and saloons, including the oldest continually operated hotel in Texas, with heavy pours and fascinating tales about the Alamo, the city’s unsolved murders, and its pop culture. The inclusion of an iPad for each guest adds an interactive element, allowing a closer look at various historical aspects while exploring some of San Antonio’s most iconic venues.

This experience is ideal for those who enjoy history and storytelling combined with drinks. It’s particularly suited for groups who want a private, relaxed outing with a focus on local legends and lively conversations. Keep in mind, alcoholic beverages are not included but can be purchased at each venue, and the tour is accessible for most travelers.

Key Points

• Private experience with your own guide for personalized attention
• Visit 4 historic bars and saloons including the Menger Hotel and St. Anthony Hotel
• Explore San Antonio’s history through engaging stories and iPad access
• About 5 to 6 hours of walking, drinking, and storytelling starting at 5:00 pm
• Heavy pours and the chance to purchase craft cocktails and snacks
• End the night just 3 blocks from the Alamo in a lively, historic setting

Starting at the Menger Bar in the Historic Menger Hotel

The tour begins at Menger Bar, located inside the famous Menger Hotel, one of San Antonio’s most historic landmarks. Known for its old-world charm and long-standing reputation, this bar offers an authentic setting to toast to the city’s past. Guests enjoy a drink here and get introduced to stories about the hotel’s history, which dates back to the late 1800s.

The admission is free to this iconic spot, and spending around an hour allows for a relaxed introduction to the tour’s theme of blending history with heavy pours. The Menger Hotel is well-known for its connection to the city’s early days and its role in the Texas Revolution.

Visiting the Alamo Plaza and Its Historic Significance

Next, the group visits Alamo Plaza, for a quick 15-minute stop. Here, the guide shares insights about the famous Battle of the Alamo and the surrounding plaza’s history. This stop is ideal for those interested in understanding the context of the Alamo’s role in Texas independence.

While the visit is brief, it provides a visual connection to the stories told throughout the tour. The plaza is a lively area, so it’s a good chance to soak in the atmosphere while listening to engaging commentary on the unsolved murders and pop culture references tied to the Alamo.

Exploring the Buckhorn Saloon and Texas Ranger Museum

The Buckhorn Saloon and Texas Ranger Museum is a highlight of the evening. This one-hour stop grants exclusive access to an extensive taxidermy collection and a Texas Ranger museum. The saloon’s unique ambiance combines historic charm with curiosities, making it a favorite for history buffs and those interested in Texas’s legendary law enforcement.

Guests enjoy the atmosphere and learn about the saloon’s storied past, including how it has operated continuously and its role as a gathering place for locals and visitors alike. The museum adds depth to the experience, providing a glimpse into Texas’s rugged frontier history.

Sipping at the St. Anthony Hotel’s Historic Club Bar

The tour continues at the St. Anthony Hotel, a luxury property with a rich history dating back to the early 1900s. The legendary club bar inside is the perfect spot for a cocktail or bite to eat. During this one-hour visit, the guide reveals many secrets of the historic hotel, emphasizing its significance in San Antonio’s social scene.

This venue offers a refined setting to unwind, enjoy heavy pours of your favorite drinks, and continue absorbing local stories. The hotel’s historic architecture and ambiance make it a memorable part of the evening’s exploration.

Interactive History with Personal iPads

Throughout the tour, each guest receives an iPad that provides interactive content related to the sites visited. This feature enriches the storytelling, offering visual aids, maps, and additional facts about San Antonio’s history and the venues explored. It supports a more engaging and educational experience while allowing guests to explore topics at their own pace.

The iPads are a thoughtful addition that turn a simple bar crawl into a fascinating journey through time, making the experience suitable for history enthusiasts who appreciate visual learning.

Logistics and Accessibility

The tour departs from 204 Alamo Plaza at 5:00 pm and concludes around three blocks from the Alamo, at the Rose of San Antonio. The walk between stops is manageable, and the tour is designed to be accessible for most travelers, with near public transportation options and service animals allowed.

Since this is a private tour, the group size is limited, offering a more intimate experience with plenty of opportunity for questions and personalized stories. The duration of up to 6 hours allows ample time for drinks, sightseeing, and storytelling without feeling rushed.

The Stops: Deep Dive into Each Venue

Menger Hotel and Bar: Known for its historic allure, the Menger Hotel’s bar is a must-visit for its connection to San Antonio’s early days. Guests enjoy a casual drink while soaking in the ambiance of one of Texas’s oldest hotels.

Alamo Plaza: While brief, this stop provides essential background on the famous battle and the surrounding urban landscape, setting the stage for the stories ahead.

Buckhorn Saloon and Texas Ranger Museum: The taxidermy collection and museum exhibits bring the wild frontier to life, making it a visual feast and an educational stop.

St. Anthony Hotel: The historic club bar offers a luxurious setting to relax and hear about the hotel’s legendary past—a perfect finish to the evening’s journey.

Concluding the San Antonio Drunk History Experience

The tour wraps up just a few blocks from the Alamo, giving guests a chance to continue exploring or head back easily. The private nature of the tour means it can be tailored slightly if needed, and the guided storytelling ensures a memorable mix of history and entertainment.

This experience is particularly well-suited for history buffs, cultural explorers, and groups looking for a relaxed, private night out. The heavy pours and interactive elements make it a lively, educational way to enjoy San Antonio’s rich past.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are alcoholic beverages included in the tour?
No, alcohol is not included; guests can purchase drinks at each venue.

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 5 to 6 hours, starting at 5:00 pm.

Is the tour suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate; the tour is accessible, and service animals are allowed.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at 204 Alamo Plaza and ends near the Rose of San Antonio, about 3 blocks from the Alamo.

What makes this tour private?
Only your group will participate, ensuring a personalized experience and attention from the guide.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellations are allowed up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What is the guide’s role?
The guide leads storytelling, shares historical facts, and ensures you enjoy a fun, informative evening.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, as this is a private tour, booking ahead guarantees availability.

Is transportation provided between stops?
No, the stops are within walking distance, and the tour is designed for easy navigation.

Can I bring children?
While most travelers can participate, this experience is centered around drinks and adult themes, so it’s best suited for adults.

What sets this tour apart from others in San Antonio?
The combination of private storytelling, historic venues, and interactive digital content creates a rich, personalized experience focused on local legends and legends of the Alamo.

This Private Drunk History Tour offers an engaging way to experience San Antonio’s historic drinking culture with a knowledgeable guide, exclusive access, and a relaxed pace. A perfect choice for those wanting to blend history, camaraderie, and cocktails in a memorable evening.