Pearl

The Best Bars in San Antonio

"Pearl was founded in 1881 as a traditional brewery. These days, however, the bustling complex is less about beer than its 15 restaurants, dozen-plus retailers, and numerous family-friendly events, including a twice-weekly farmers’ market. Start with lunch at La Gloria, chef Johnny Hernandez’s nod to interior Mexico, followed by dessert at Bakery Lorraine, where you’ll find an enticing rainbow of Parisian-style macarons. If you’re in the mood to shop, pick up a tailored guayabera from Dos Carolinas, or a piece of handcrafted jewelry from Ten Thousand Villages. Pearl Brewery is even home to Hotel Emma, a true gem in San Antonio’s boutique-lodging scene, in case you don’t want to leave."

The Perfect Week in San Antonio

The Best Restaurants in San Antonio

https://pdx.eater.com/2020/2/4/21121434/2020-bar-restaurant-closings-portland

Southwest Portland Vietnamese Restaurant Anchoi Has Closed - Eater Portland

"On Deck, the Pearl District sports bar that almost closed last year, actually bit the bullet in mid-January. According to a Facebook post, the ownership team couldn’t get an extension on the lease. [EaterWire]" - Brooke Jackson-Glidden

https://pdx.eater.com/2019/1/15/18183911/2019-portland-restaurant-closures

Portland’s 2019 Restaurant and Bar Closings - Eater Portland

"Last month, On Deck, the Pearl sports bar known for its rooftop patio, announced that it would close for good on December 9. In a Facebook post, the sports bar’s owners said the current landlord “declined to work with us on a favorable lease extension.” However, the bar just announced that it has re-opened lease negotiations with its landlord, so it will no longer be closing — yet." - Brooke Jackson-Glidden

Ana Becvar

Google

Perfect date spot, perfect walking spot, perfect place to stay, perfect place to bring your kids, just an overall amazing area to go and spend a day walking around. You can walk the river walk, see wildlife, have a photo shoot, and even fish in some spots. The market has a lovely ice cream area where you can get some cold desserts and have a seat right outside. There is a small green area for kids to play on and they have movies there sometimes. Awesome date spot and just a go to place. Be careful with your parking, they will give tickets for not parking far enough away from the curb.

Roger Bonilla (RJ)

Google

The Pearl is a great place to go when you need a bit of fresh air! All the restaurants and sights are extremely gorgeous and lovely, and the overall atmosphere is like you stepped into another world in San Antonio! Very aesthetically pleasing views, with many recreational activities to enjoy! I definitely recommend this for date nights, or evenings out with friends as there is so much to do! And I also recommend coming out at in the brisk of the night where the cool air flows through and all the lights come to life! Very enchanting sight to behold!

Johnny Novo

Google

I was here at the Pearl yesterday reviewing the Central Market Rotisserie Chicken when it dawned on me. San Antonio is AWESOME. There is so much soul in this city. I've had some amazing food from Taquitos West Ave, 2M BBQ, Al Carbon Pollos Asado, etc, but what really sold me was the community feel in this city. The Pearl is a huge walkable plaza with great restaurants, coffee shops, seating areas, a river walk, public events, etc. Yesterday there was a seemingly endless farmers market going on with local vendors selling everything you could ever need, kids playing tackle football in an open green pasture, and people just enjoying their Sunday in the sun with a beer or some fresh grub from Palmer Market. There is such a strong community here. It's infectious. I pride myself on forming my own opinions on damn near everything, almost to a fault at times, but this weekend has made me realize that I let Charles Barkley and my hatred for the early 2000s San Antonio Spurs form my opinion on this city. Never again. I will ride or die for San Antonio for the rest of my time here on this planet. IG @jnov_ Tiktok @jnov__

Mr. Ruben

Google

This was a nice experience. There are so many little shops and market-type places here with specialty shops with food, clothing, beer 🍺, Etc... Parking can be a bear as there are many living quarters around. The area is kept clean, and I do not recall seeing a lot of panhandlers around.

Trevor Richards

Google

I didn’t eat here but next time I’m in San Antonio I probably will. It was a nice hangout spot although we just walked through it. Definitely the “it” spot where people go to hang out and relax. Some really cool eatery options but even if you don’t eat here, the vibe is just super chill. It was crowded on a Saturday night but that’s probably to be expected. Definitely seems like the Scottsdale (AZ) or Cherry Creek (CO) of San Antonio as the prices are high, the wine is fancy, and the atmosphere screams rich but it’s a cool spot that you can’t really hate on.

David Rivero

Google

This place was AWESOME! The weekends are full of colorful vendors, good food, live music and more! We definitely recommend this for a romantic evening or a family meal. Lots of green areas too, and pet friendly environments!

Gio Russo

Google

Very nice area to shop and have a meal. There's a large variety of restaurants to choose from also nice walking paths.

Vincent

Google

Hip neighborhood. Great atmosphere and plenty of food and drink options in the various restaurants and cafes. Definitely worth a visit! I would recommend it to all Dutch people during their stay in San Antonio!

Johnny N.

Yelp

Karla D.

Yelp

It is awe-inspiring and incredible to me what has been done with the former Pearl Brewery. It's like a quaint little collection of restaurants, hotels, housing, shops, and more. I love just walking around, people-watching, grabbing a beer from the market and maybe a snack, or dinner at Southerleigh, etc. I am dying to stay at the Hotel Emma...one day! Also, there are tons of activities and events at various times. A really great place to chill even when it is super busy, there is a sense of calm. Must be the remains of the former brewery.

Jenni M.

Yelp

Pearl Historic District is located in the heart of San Antonio, TX. In 1883, the original German-inspired brewery that made this area famous was founded. "Pearl" got its name thanks to the pearlized bubbles in the foam at the top of each beer pour. When Prohibition arrived, Emma Koehler promised not to let the brewery go under after her husband, Otto died. After more name changes, the Great Depression, changes in ownership, and increasing urbanization of the area, Pearl has stood the test of time. Hotel Emma is where you can see much of the original brewery fixtures, most not operable, but it is a glorious tribute to the history of the area and Ms. Emma's endeavors. I brought my young daughters here at the end of May 2025. I value their opinions immensely and they both told me they loved this area - not the damp heat, but that can be managed. The River Walk is nearby. An amphitheater. A farmer's market is held every Saturday, rain or shine. There are shade trees, tall buildings, resting areas aplenty, and many shops and restaurants to take a break inside when said Texas heat arrives. Love this area and hope you will too. REFERENCE https://atpearl.com/

Joseph M.

Yelp

This was a pleasant "1st-time" experience. Came here with some friends and sat outside for their little one to play. Unfortunately, the outside splash pad area was "under maintenance ". We still enjoyed the overcast and lite breeze. Ordered some oysters from the Pullman Market, a Wagyu burger, and some slices of pizza. Oysters were another 1st for me, and they just taste like the ocean. That's the best way I can describe it. The burger was a miss for me. It wasn't horrible, but it just didn't make me want another. The pizza got a thumbs up vote from the kiddo! Not sure how crowded this place gets typically, but I think the crowds were missing due to the day we visited was Memorial Day. ‍ I'll definitely return, because there's so much more to explore/experience here.

Nancy M.

Yelp

Husband was craving some Chilaquil for lunch and I was craving ceviche from Pullman Market. It's nice and hot today but luckily we found some indoor seating.

Michelle V.

Yelp

Great place to walk around and check out cool spots for food / drinks! Very dog friendly area too - so many cute dogs walking around! Stopped by Sunday night with my family and got a coffee and bakery Lorraine and also some ice cream inside the Pullman market. So many cool options for anything you can think of!

Courtney R.

Yelp

One of the cutest areas in San Antonio - a collection of great shopping + incredible restaurants! (At least so I've heard about the shopping). I was in town for a friends wedding and had never visited San Antonio. We ended up getting dinner here two different nights of the 5 night stay! One night we had dinner at Southerleigh which was incredible and easily accommodated a group of 12 people. The night after the wedding it was a smaller group, only 7 of us. We thought we could find a table easily at any restaurant but found ourselves wrong. We ended up eating at The Pullman Market: Fife and Farro. Let me tell you, what a lucky stumbling that was! The service was great, and the food even better!

Bethania H.

Yelp

Where should I start? This place is a vibe! If you want something different than the river walk with chill vibes and food, this is the place to be. Opulence and class. Became my favorite spot in San Antonio.

Jessica M.

Yelp

Such a beautiful day yesterday so this place was packed. Very scenic, nice walk along the river, lots of food options and a cute market.

Joyce K.

Yelp

I truly love the Pearl and recently I go almost every Thursday for the free yoga at 7pm. Even though parking could be a challenge specially if there is events going on during the holidays it is still well worth going. The restaurants are A ok! I usually do like the farmers market too on Saturday's

Danny L.

Yelp

Fun event today at the Pearl! Owala i love you!! ty for keeping me hydrated always. Music is fantastic rn! line is moving pretty fast and well it's the pearl so all drinks and food around you!

Tisha C.

Yelp

The ambiance is beautiful, the drinks are on spot, and the waitress had perfect timing. Would definitely come back when in town.

Lois L.

Yelp

Fun area to roam around! Great shops and do t forget to check out The Emma Hotel! Lots of cool history!

Kati C.

Yelp

I don't know why everyone recommends this . There was like a farmers market, tents , shops , a couple restaurants ...it was something else to see but I don't think it was worth the uber ride over

Kourtney A.

Yelp

Such a great place to come in SA. A lot of food, beer, and shopping options while in San Antonio. I'd definitely come by again next time I'm out here and highly recommend stopping by.

Renay S.

Yelp

A fun place that visit. Great food at the different restaurants, shopping, and the historic brewery is something to see!

Leroy W.

Yelp

This is a must see if you're visiting San Antonio. Invest no more than a day for the Riverwalk and venture away from the more touristy areas and see the city a local by visiting the Pearl District.

Steve G.

Yelp

Great Farmers Market here. The mushrooms from Austin are great and we had the beignets for the first time. A little pricy but good. Beautiful area and a great place to people watch.

Calista R.

Yelp

My go to for whenever I visit San Antonio! It's such a great place to experience good food and culture with many shops that each offer unique finds! From the farmers market on the weekends to the little hole in the wall places or movies in the park, it's a great place for all ages and for any time of the year.

Tamee C.

Yelp

Ok so shame on me for just now writing this review! I live nearby and come to the Pearl almost daily. It's definitely something San Antonio can be proud of. There are cute boutique stores, a food hall, multiple restaurants and the historic Pearl Brewery/ Hotel Emma. This is one of those places locals go to grab coffee and sit outside and read a book. Or let their kids run around in the splash area. Or take a walk along the Riverwalk. It's a beautiful area of San Antonio that you must bring visitors. I could go on and on about how great this place is but youll have to find out for yourself! The Farmers and Makers Markets on the weekends are also a must!

Arlene P.

Yelp

Nice spot to access food and let the kids run and play on the turf and through the fountain water. I wouldn't have known this was here if my friends didn't take me. Charming revamp of an old brewery campus.

Heather W.

Yelp

The Pearl Historic District is quickly becoming my most recommended destination for a fun girls night out or romantic weekend getaway! The vibrant mixed use neighborhood offers something for everyone...you can start off your weekend strolling through the Farmer's/Artisan Markets while enjoying some fresh baked goods from Lorraine. You can do some window shopping or get a nice book to read outside. Dog lovers will be happy to see so many furry friends out enjoying the River Walk and courtyard so don't forget to bring a few treats with you! Now that you have worked up an appetite, it is time to pick out a restaurant. I highly recommend the "alleyway" between the Boiler Room or Mon Chou Chou for an upscale alfresco dining experience. If you are looking to sip some delicious wine, make sure you give yourself enough time to experience to Southerleigh Brewing or the Larder Provisions at the Emma Hotel. While I have not stayed at the Emma Hotel yet, it is definitely on my list for a special occasion staycation. And if you are not sold yet on the HPD, don't forget to check out the newly renovated Stable Hall. The historic preservation of the Brewery Stables and transformation into a premier music and event space will bring even more excitement and creativity to the HPD! There is so much to explore and be sure to mark your calendars for the new Pullman Market opening this spring. I would love to know what you think of the Historic Pearl District!

Sean D.

Yelp

The Pearl is such a cool place to hang out, great atmosphere, good food, beautiful scenery. This is a great place to bring the family and pets. There are fountains and water ways for kids to play, places to get drinks, including alcohol beverages. The food court and surrounding restaurants have a great variety of choices with fantastic food. I myself enjoyed Howdy Child, one of the best Reuben's I've had.

Michael T.

Yelp

Was really looking forward to this area and was pretty disappointed in what we found. Pullman market was neat and we had some tasty treats from Lorraine's Bakery but other than that a lot of overpriced products. Every store we went in had laughable prices with shirts over $300. Glad we didn't make a special trip for this area.

Marla G.

Yelp

The Pearl is and always will be one of my favorite places in San Antonio. What's not to love? It has a little bit of everything, food, markets, shops, play areas etc. I still have not visited every shop but I most definitely plan to. You can come for any occasion from date, to play time for your kids. The setup gives off great vibes and feels so welcoming to everyone and anyone. I took about 4 hours today just walking around and enjoying the area, you can never get tired of hanging out here. If I were to recommend one certain place in the Pearl I would simply say all of it. Make time to spend a day here and enjoy the beautiful weather. Can't wait to come again.

Anton F.

Yelp

A historic place in a historic neighborhood, dating back to the 1880s. Named after the beers that were created here, Spent the evening hanging out here with some friends. We took a stroll around the area to check out the old architecture, breweries, cafes, hotels and restaurants. During the day, a vibrant hang out spot for family and friends.

Ashley M.

Yelp

I love the pearl district in downtown San Antonio! It's comfortable, eclectic, chill, and fun. Not only does it have a lot of great stores and restaurants in it, but it has a gorgeous riverfront, walking around the riverwalk takes you to many cool places nearby, and it's near a lot more if you want to go explore outside of the district. There's a huge farmers market in very Saturday and a huge makers market every Sunday. I love it! You can find good food, threads, and community there. There's a big lawn where kids, pets, and adults can play! I've seen people doing yoga, playing catch, picnicking and drinking wine, cuddling, chatting, and more on the lawn. They sometimes hold events, DJs, and outdoor movies there as well. Great place for the whole family! There's a food hall, bars, and delicious restaurants surrounding the lawn so you don't necessarily have to bring your own stuff. There's a splash pad to cool off. It has pretty lights at night! Overall, a wonderful historic district with cool architecture and a funky cool vibe that's good for the whole family!

David S.

Yelp

Honestly, this is a nice historical spot to visit if you are in the area. There is plenty of parking in the area and it's a mixture of residential and commercial. There is definitely a lot of places to grab a bite and have a drink. The center courtyard is pretty cool and where most people hang out. They still have all the Christmas lighting up so this visit still had that holiday feel to it, even though it was around 70 degrees that night.

Krystal C.

Yelp

Very awesome place to hang out, eat, and shop. We came down to do a photo shoot with Yelp and decided to hang around since the farmers market was going on. There is definitely something for everyone. So first we went around looking for food to much on. We stopped by a few places, took in the views, and went into a couple of shops. We did pick up a few cute items from a couple of places. My friend and I did enjoy walking around browsing. It wasn't a very nice day out but there was still a lot of action going on. There was a book reading area for kiddos, handmade soaps, salsa, desserts and more. If you get the opportunity to stop in on the weekend you must stop here and see what you find. Parking is a bit pricy but I mean they give you the parking for 24hrs. This place has developed a lot over the years. Another great spot!

David M.

Yelp

The Pearl is an old brewery that has been converted into a family friendly area with shops and restaurants. There are a lot of boutique shops, restaurant's, food court, and a turf area for kids to run around. It is extremely walkable and there is something there for just about everybody.

Jessica W.

Yelp

What: cool, mixed use space with large open areas with fake grass, seating and umbrellas, splash pad for the kids, along with a handful of restaurants and eclectic shops. They also have a food hall and public bathrooms right next to the green area. Hubby got a coffee and we sat in the green area and relaxed then walked nearby to have lunch at Best Quality Daughter.

Mark S.

Yelp

As a tourist destination I'm not sure I'm 100% sold. There are a few cool shops and some good looking food, but I don't know that there's enough to entertain a family of four with two teenagers the same way that the river walk does. I think this place would be a great place to study, or people watch, or catch up with a friend, but otherwise I'm not sure it's worth going out of your way. Mae did stop at the bakery and the food court for food and both were decent, I do wish we'd had time to try the restaurants as they look pretty interesting.

Ashley S.

Yelp

Decided to take my morning walk this morning around the Pearl. It was refreshing, and quiet. All around was super clean, and I could I felt super safe. I ended my walk with a coffee on the lawn.

Carolina E.

Yelp

It is always a nice experience to take in the rustic buildings and the laid-back scenery. Construction all around, which made it frustrating to get into the center plaza area, and parking is limited due to construction in the area, but the bonus is the parking garage with 2 hours of free parking. Adelante was giving out free margs made by the Spurs Jesus himself. They were very tasty. It was a bit chilly but fun meeting up with acquaintances for a photo op.

Anna D.

Yelp

The Pearl Historic District is definitely an up and coming area. It offers a variety of small restaurants in addition to boutique shops. I feel this is a great little find for locals however not much to offer for tourist. The weekends have a farmers market atmosphere, but this is truly lots of apartments/condos. I visited maybe a half hour to an hour and left without buying anything.

Sheldon H.

Yelp

200 seems like such a round number, so I am going to give The Historic Pearl #201. I had started coming to San Antonio as a Christmas tradition a few years ago, but for no other reason than just liking this city this time of year. Perhaps it was a need for a reprieve from all of the nonsense in the world that began in 2020? Anyway, I had been hearing great things about The Pearl for a while. As I am skeptical in nature, I had always assumed it was another over-hyped "city center". When some of my co-workers heard that I was coming here for the holidays, they assured me that I *had* to come here. This is now my third visit to The Pearl at this time of year, and I am so happy I have decided to keep this ritual of mine up! The Pearl is a former brewery established in 1883 that has since been "transform[ed] to become the crown jewel in revitalization efforts of southern Midtown and northern Downtown San Antonio." It is beyond cool for so many reasons that would be hard to pack into a review worth reading all of the way through. If you want to dig more into its fascinating history and what it has to offer, just visit its website. Or, take my word on it, and just visit it! I look forward to continuing this tradition as long as I continue to live in South Texas. It is a great place to walk around and enjoy reflecting on all of the experiences of the year.

Kien H.

Yelp

The Pearl is a super walkable District that you can basically have countless time and and find Collins things to do. There are plenty of food and drink spots that you can get into. You can find whatever you want from Pizza to Mexican to italian. There's also a courtyard that actually looks like you can spend hours there just eating outside and drinking coffee and just taking in the environment and the vibe. If you go ahead and get there at a certain time, which is probably around 11:00 or 12:00 maybe, you can see a whole Market show. There are countless tents that vendors are selling things. Some of us food, but some of it is other homemade and homegrown products. You may see fruits and vegetables, soaps, oils, tea, and almost anything else you can probably think of. It's definitely worth coming in, but most likely you want to get there a little bit earlier.

Jennifer G.

Yelp

Plenty of places to shop, dine, and see. Lots of new ones too. Feliz Modern and Best Quality Daughter are always great. Great green space and a food hall as well.

Janie E.

Yelp

This review is for Amanda from Pearl Marketing. We're in town and I wanted to plan ahead for Santa photos with my two little ones. Called and left a message requesting more details. Amanda called and included what days and time we can visit, while suggesting that Friday is less busy if we wanted a more intimate experience. I appreciated her getting back to me!

Candice M.

Yelp

Pastrami Rueben and the Olive Pesto!!! Pickled veggies were amazing flavor and so crunchy! Don't even get me started on those fries! Service was awesome and food was fresh with quick service! Don't pass on the homemade caramel treat for a reward for making a great decision on lunch!

Susan C.

Yelp

01/29/23 I waffle between (1) do I really like this place? Or (2) is it really as pretentious as it seems? The farmers market days are ok. Just folks trying to sell their wares. Some good eats and drinks can be found along with craft items. A few of the restaurants are pretty good. The flip side to the good stuff is that so many of the people seem to be there just to be seen. I think you know the type. Usually striking poses in your way. Ha, ha. So, I am torn by my conflicting feelings about the Pearl, but do go there.

April B.

Yelp

What a great outdoor market. You can sample local goods, listen to live music, and sip while you stroll.

Edward B.

Yelp

Don't go to San Antonio and miss this. Most of the city is a little on the dingy side and loaded with bums. Not Pearl! It is the former Pearl Brewery, which is huge, converted to shops and dining. We tried several restaurants there and all were good. Cured was tops! (Great steaks). Restaurants ranged from a great food court to fine dining. Also, bars, brewery's and wine bars! Lots of open places for the kids too. Don't leave without visiting the market. If you want to shop, go prior to 5pm when the stores close. Great all round unique stop in San Antonio.

Terri N.

Yelp

Because this place is family-friendly, pet-friendly, has great vendors, great food and great live music....I'm here every weekend.

Jando S.

Yelp

Visitors to San Antonio often talk about the Alamo or the Riverwalk, but they should really bundle the Pearl Historic District into their itinerary. It is beautiful, vibrant, and quickly becoming one of the more popular spots for tourists and locals alike. It's my preferred destination for local shopping, eats, family fun, and people watching. Whether it's playing with a pet or the kids, or grabbing a bite to eat at Bottling Department (#1), or getting a gift for the holidays at any of the local vendors (#2), there is no shortage of things to do. It's also the perfect place for a stroll, a good book during nice weather, fountain runs for the youngins, and if that weren't enough, it's situated along the Riverwalk for added measure. Whether it's day or night, it's a picturesque spot for the perfect photo op. They have a farmer's market on the weekend, festivals galore, etc. There's literally something going on here at all times. It's the consummate spot for a sightseeing and is a spot that merits multiple visits throughout the year. ____________ (#1) https://www.yelp.com/biz/food-hall-at-bottling-department-san-antonio (#2) Feliz Modern Pop: https://www.yelp.com/biz/feliz-modern-pop-san-antonio

Erin M.

Yelp

Came here for an event with a friend of mine this weekend. It is such a nice place to walk around and explore. Even with the day being a bit cloudy and drizzling, it didn't ruin the day. You can easily find parking and some places are free around the area if you dont mind a bit of walking. The area is also pretty clean too for the most part, I didn't notice anything concerning. They have some very good food stands. One of them had these really good breakfast tacos, which I recommend (La Hacienda). The other place we had was sort of like a nice doughnut like snack from Beignets, which I would recommend as well. There were also some stands to buy fresh honey, vegetables, candles, and so much more! The pearl has some nice shops around too. I really like the little book store we found and had some good options to get. There was even a lady outside reading to kids, which was awesome (not sure if she was a part of the shop, but regardless, it's very nice). There were also some clothing stores that had nice things too. The only thing is some of the shops around the pearl can be expensive, so be warned if you decide to go shopping there. Overall, I wouldn't mind coming back just to explore more.

Laura F.

Yelp

This is usually my go to for taking any one visiting San Antonio. There are lots of shops and local, delicious restaurants to satisfy everyone in your party. There are also lots of places to sit and take a break. You can also bring your pet on a walk to enjoy the sights. If you haven't been, what are you waiting for?!

Tracy N.

Yelp

Sooo cute and quaint. Created an old town mountain village feel right in the heart of San Antonio. Tons of stalls selling odds and ends like homemade sourdough bread, doggie bakery treats and honey and bees wax beauty products. You'll see the hipsters out and the dog parents with their pup babies. Worth a visit when you're in San Antonio.

Guy W.

Yelp

This is a must do when you are visiting San Antonio. There are great shops, restaurants and activities in this area and a great way to spend your day. If you are feeling up to it, you can jump on the river walk and walk from the Pearl to downtown and check out all the cool shops/bars along the way. It's about a 1.5 - 2 mile walk depending on where you hop onto the Riverwalk, but well worth it!

The Best Bars in San Antonio

The Perfect Week in San Antonio

The Best Restaurants in San Antonio

https://pdx.eater.com/2020/2/4/21121434/2020-bar-restaurant-closings-portland

Southwest Portland Vietnamese Restaurant Anchoi Has Closed - Eater Portland

https://pdx.eater.com/2019/1/15/18183911/2019-portland-restaurant-closures

Portland’s 2019 Restaurant and Bar Closings - Eater Portland