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Esquire Tavern Reviews List
Esquire Tavern
Located in the heart of downtown, The Esquire Tavern is the oldest bar on the San Antonio Riverwalk, opened the year, month and day that Prohibition was repealed. Tending bar in the early days was a highly prized and much sought after craft. Bar keeps then created many of their own syrups, mixes and concoctions and used the freshest of juices with the intention of serving the best products. We at the Esquire have taken a serious approach to the old world of bartending and spun it with a modern twist. Combining classic techniques and new world flavors and culinary concepts, our goal is to lead and set San Antonio's emerging cocktail culture on the map.
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59 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Rating Breakdown 59 reviews
5 stars
(20)
4 stars
(21)
3 stars
(11)
2 stars
(5)
1 star
(2)
Food
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- vibrant bar scene(29)
- neighborhood gem(28)
- good for groups(24)
- fit for foodies(23)
- late-night find(21)
- hot spot(15)
Esquire Tavern Reviews List
Review 1 for Esquire Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Amazing!
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/17/2013
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"My husband and I went for our anniversary. Making a reservation was the good part. We had Joey as our waiter and he was so fun! I would recommend the bacon cheeseburger. It was delicious! They make their own pickles and ketchup! You could taste the freshness! It was just an overall great experience for us."
Dined on 5/17/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene, romantic, scenic view, hot spot, great for lunch
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Review 2 for Esquire Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Awesome mixed drink menu, but...
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"... clearly need to add to the wine list, 4 selections is a little light. Try the Wagu beef, it was awesome."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, late-night find, neighborhood gem
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Review 3 for Esquire Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
What a find!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I wasn't expecting to find organic bison, grass-fed burgers, and such amazing service on the riverwalk, but there it was. Even though it's "a bar", it's really more of a pub, in the classic european sense. We brought our kids, who loved their food, and the ambience was totally fine for them."
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, kid-friendly
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Review 4 for Esquire Tavern
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Burgers were quite good, but the fried fish/onion rings were overcooked and almost burnt. A nice selection of draft beers. Fast, friendly service."
Dined on 5/05/2013
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Review 5 for Esquire Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I am hooked
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Staff was great food ROCKED! Happy hour specials were awesome. Left there feeling three pounds heavier i had to try every appetizer. For the most part quiet except for a noisy group behind us, but they were having fun :)"
Dined on 5/02/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 6 for Esquire Tavern
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
The food was gross. It tasted
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food was gross. It tasted like it was cooked in really old oil and/or re dipped in the oil. The staff was not friendly"
Dined on 04/06/2013
2013
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Review 7 for Esquire Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great food and service; will
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great food and service; will definitely bring friends back!"
Dined on 03/24/2013
2011
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 8 for Esquire Tavern
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
OpenTable Diner
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, great for lunch
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Review 9 for Esquire Tavern
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Would I recommend Esquire
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Would I recommend Esquire Tavern? Already have... The food was fantastic, from the Deviled Eggs to the Steak Sandwich. One of the best Bacon Cheeseburgers I have had. Hand crafted cocktails were very good and service very friendly. The only disappointments were they were out of apple pie and that I don't live in San Antonio so that I can eat here more often!"
Dined on 03/14/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 10 for Esquire Tavern
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food, drinks, and atmosphere
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food, drinks, and atmosphere was all great which made up for the service. We waited quite a long time for everything from the moment we sat up unto waiting for 30 minutes for our ticket."
Dined on 03/14/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, late-night find, romantic, special occasion
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Review 11 for Esquire Tavern
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food/drinks great, reservation lost
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Food and drinks were outstanding. Unfortunately, they lost our reservation. They located it on their computer, but forgot to reserve the table. The only option was to seat us in the bar area, where they promised to provide a server. We had to go ask for a server each time we wanted to order anything. This detracted from the group dinner I had scheduled there."
Dined on 03/10/2013
2007
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Review 12 for Esquire Tavern
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Skip this one.
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"It was a pick your table evening at the oldest tavern in San Antonio. But the complication was the two waiters in the area each assumed the other waited on us, so no one did. That set the pace for a very slow evening....slow getting drinks, never got the fried pickle appetizer, meal average. Really would have liked a second drink, but the waiter didn't have time for us. Even took forever to get the check to pay it. So the ambiance of all the stuffed animals in the bar were really customers that died waiting, Don't feel a need to return. I am sure there are lots better places to go."
Dined on 03/10/2013
2007
Special Features: vibrant bar scene
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Review 13 for Esquire Tavern
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Really disappointing. I
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Really disappointing. I asked the waiter about the short ribs and was told it was his favorite, I would have appreciated a warning that it was very hot. I could not eat it. The waiter didn't write anything down and messed a few things up like salad dressings. This was a big ugh, you can do much better"
Dined on 03/09/2013
2007
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Review 14 for Esquire Tavern
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Bar food, but well done bar
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Bar food, but well done bar food. My spouse claims that the jalepeno & bean burger was the best burger he has eaten. I enjoyed the Neiman Ranch hanger steak sandwich. Beer selection is impressive. Good food, beer and great prices in a "dive bar"."
Dined on 03/10/2013
2004
Special Features: good for groups
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Review 15 for Esquire Tavern
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Great drinks. Service is somewhat
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great drinks. Service is somewhat pretentious. You need to know what you're doing when you go to a restaurant staffed with hipsters. What the food lacks in flavor, it makes up for in creativity. Average spot made above average by excellent coktails and historical significance."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, great for outdoor dining
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Review 16 for Esquire Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Love this place! The food
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Love this place! The food is awesome and the drinks are great as well.... Service was great! Such a fun quaint place to go! Love it!!!!!"
Dined on 03/09/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, late-night find, special occasion
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Review 17 for Esquire Tavern
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Came because of the Open Table
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Came because of the Open Table reviews. First night in San Antonio. The chili relleno was very different - stuffed with pork and even though I had asked about spiciness, it was hotter than anticipated. What wasn't expected was the slathering of hot pepper on the shrimp sandwich and the spiciness of even the salad. Maybe Texans like everything hot, but to our Midwestern taste buds, we left "smokin'." Dark, dark interior and a very old look."
Dined on 02/28/2013
2011
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Review 18 for Esquire Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Banging burger and eclectic place
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I was in town for a conference and took a group of clients here for dinner. It's a very eclectic spot with a great atmosphere. The food and drinks were amazing! Yummy appetizers and I had the burger. It was probably the best burger I've ever had. My clients also really enjoyed their meals. It was not too expensive either. After we left later in the night a group of us went back until last call and the staff couldn't have been nicer. They were very attentive and talkative to those of us that were not locals. I would 100% go back and would recommend it to others. It's a place that I would frequent often if I lived in San Antonio."
Dined on 02/28/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 19 for Esquire Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Delicious, unusual cocktails
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Delicious, unusual cocktails and fresh organic food."
Dined on 02/24/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, late-night find, great for lunch
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Review 20 for Esquire Tavern
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
My experience may have been
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"My experience may have been isolated, but my group was underwhelmed. Having a reservation does not guarantee you service. We were a party of five placed into a small booth basically in the corner, with very little room for just our drinks. We ordered an appetizer that did not come out until after we received our meals, and had one of our meals come out at least 20 minutes in advance of everyone else's, making for an awkward dining experience. The food was good, but the service needs real improvement."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, late-night find
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Review 21 for Esquire Tavern
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Hidden gem downtown
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great for going to The Majestic or Empire theaters, short walking distance, on the Riverwalk. Cocktail and beer selections are huge, wine not so much. The wago beef was well worth the $18."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem, special occasion, scenic view, hot spot
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Review 22 for Esquire Tavern
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Delicious fried pickles, deviled
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Delicious fried pickles, deviled eggs, and chili salt fries. The empanada was awesome, and the Shady High- best drink!! Device was slow and music was loud, but I still loved it!!"
Dined on 02/15/2013
2009
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 23 for Esquire Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Awesome place on the Riverwalk
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Awesome place on the Riverwalk that doesn't feel like a "cement-ditch" bar: good food, good service, reasonable prices. Amazing."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2005
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, hot spot
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Review 24 for Esquire Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Speak Easy Bar with a view.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"My wife and I come to San Antonio often for work. Each time we are in town we always make a point to come to Esquire for some great drinks, good food, and a beautiful view of the river walk. The family and friends that have come with us to Esquire are very pleased, and they all have come back since. I would recommend The Esquire Tavern to anyone who likes great food, drinks, and a view. Keep it up!"
Dined on 02/14/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 25 for Esquire Tavern
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great food and decent selection
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great food and decent selection of locally brewed beer and interesting cocktails."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining
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Review 26 for Esquire Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Fabulous food. Not your typical
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Fabulous food. Not your typical bar food or typical bbq that you would get in some of the restaurants at the San Antonio Riverwalk. Did not feel like a tourist trap at all. We really enjoyed eating there, the food and the ambiance - longest wood bar in Texas!"
Dined on 02/09/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 27 for Esquire Tavern
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food was above average for
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food was above average for bar food. Unique atmosphere. Not enough help so we had to wait a good while to get drinks."
Dined on 02/06/2013
2009
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Review 28 for Esquire Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great management! This is
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great management! This is the place to go for the cocktail menu, certainly the best liquid recipes."
Dined on 01/25/2013
2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
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Review 29 for Esquire Tavern
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The food was really good,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The food was really good, but our server was slow and forgetful."
Dined on 01/22/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, hot spot
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Esquire Tavern
Based on the average of (30) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
4
/
5
2 out of 3 recommend this product
Food
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic