The video above is a quick tour through Southtown San Antonio, one of the most walkable and interesting neighborhoods in the city for food, drinks, and live music. David Bridwell drove into San Antonio for a gig but made time to explore Southtown first, hitting up some solid restaurants and bars before heading to his show later that evening. If you're planning a visit to this part of town, this video gives you a good feel for the area's personality — the architecture, the murals, the string of bars and restaurants that practically beg you to spend a full afternoon wandering between them.
What Is There to Do in Southtown San Antonio?
Southtown is a neighborhood just south of downtown San Antonio with deep German immigrant roots and a creative, laid-back atmosphere. It's the kind of area where you can park your car and walk from spot to spot — restaurants, dive bars, galleries, and music venues all within a short stretch. The buildings themselves are worth the trip, with older architecture and street murals adding character around every corner. Rosario's is the go-to stop for ceviche and margaritas, though the tacos hold their own too. The whole area is ideal for a day-drinking walk if you've got the time to commit to it. There's occasional live music at spots along the strip, and it's the kind of neighborhood that would be perfect for a full-on music crawl if more venues programmed regular sets.
Places Featured in the Video
- Rosario's — A popular Southtown restaurant known for its ceviche, margaritas, and solid Tex-Mex tacos. A great first stop before exploring the rest of the neighborhood.
- Bruno's Dive Bar — A no-frills dive bar in the heart of Southtown with a cool look and a new mural honoring Bruno and Diane, the couple behind the bar.
- Tito's Mexican Restaurant — Located right across from Bruno's, another neighborhood spot adding to the dense cluster of food and drink options in the area.
- The Liberty Bar — A well-known San Antonio restaurant and bar along the Southtown stretch, perfect for a longer sit-down meal or afternoon drinks.
- Backyard on Broadway — The venue where David Bridwell played his gig that evening, hosting the Bluebonnet Songwriter Series with a solid crowd of music fans.
The Bluebonnet Songwriter Series at Backyard on Broadway
After exploring Southtown, the night wrapped up at Backyard on Broadway for the Bluebonnet Songwriter Series. Songwriter rounds like this are some of the best ways to catch live music in Texas — intimate, unpretentious, and focused on the songs. Jeff Duarte kicked things off and was the one who extended the invite to play. Artist Shelly Brady was in the audience sketching portraits of the performers throughout the night, which is a pretty unique touch you don't see at most shows. If you're looking for a genuine live music experience in San Antonio that isn't a massive production, songwriter series like this one are worth seeking out. Keep an eye on Backyard on Broadway's schedule if you're passing through town.