As a girl who likes to chill out and take it easy, I find myself hanging out at a few bars around San Antonio that share the same vibe as I do. But only two bars have a place in my heart.
My first go-to bar on the list is Slacker’s. It’s a sports bar — but with an arcade. The Northstar location was so successful that they decided to build another location on Nacogdoches. This two-story “barcade” offers all of your old-school favorites such as Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, Mortal Kombat, Galaga, Area 51 and a bunch of other games to keep you gaming all night.
Forgot something at home? No worries. They have a vending machine that sells snacks, drinks, cigarettes and even chargers for your Android or iPhone. They have a Jenga set with giant blocks so you don’t have to focus that hard when you’re drunk as a skunk. They also offer other games like hoops/basketball, racing and a game of billiard pool — but with soccer balls instead (located upstairs by the arcade games).
This place has a long bar downstairs and (for those who feel too lazy to travel on down for another drink) they have a smaller bar upstairs by the arcade games as well. Getting a little tired from gaming too hard? They have tables and chairs downstairs for those who would prefer to sit and watch a game or two on the big screens. Only brought cash with you? They have coin machines and an ATM for people who refuse to carry paper.
Last (but not least), my second go-to bar is The Bang Bang Bar. Girl in a Coma and FEA bandmates Phanie Diaz and Jenn Alva along with Jamie Hoppe built this radical bar off of San Pedro back in February of this year. This bar has a dance floor, live DJ’s, a few arcade games, pool, darts, a patio and well-kept antique furniture. You could tell that each piece of furniture displayed in the bar has its own story and the collection of antiques everywhere gives it a homier feel to it.
Recently The Bang Bang Bar has added a food menu to their nightly specials. All of the food items sound delicious, but none of them compare to “The Homer” dish. This menu item includes cheddar cheese, bacon and a fried egg smothered between a glazed donut, served with potato chips on the side. This dish is hands down the best food to help cure your drunken cravings.
Walking into the bar you’ll notice their record players, vinyls and the darker, cooler atmosphere of the joint. It’s away from the nightlife and is placed snugly into a neighborhood for those who prefer to be away from the (often-times) crazy St. Mary’s strip. Although this building has had 14 different bars change in and out since 1938, I hope this bar is here to stay.
Both bars are 21+ only and don’t have a cover charge. Slacker’s is open Monday-Friday from 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. and Saturday & Sunday from 12 p.m. to 2 a.m. The Bang Bang Bar is open Monday-Saturday from 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. and Sunday from 2 p.m. to 12 a.m.
