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

Sammi

Google

Highly recommend during any trip to San Antonio, short or long stay. We came on our week-long San Antonio to Austin visit, and it was a SA highlight. We arrived at Pearl on a Wednesday around 5:30pm, just in time for their evening market. The mall stores were closed or closing, but the local vendor options were great. The Pearl was bustling with young people, families and locals. We stopped in the food market for a drink and met some locals who gave us other San Antonio recommendations, but they said Pearl is the best area for family-friendly evening activities.

Geo-T22 Pav

Google

Definitely a nice place to stroll in the spring or fall cooler temps, or possibly early in the morning during the summer months. I visited this area today and dined at one of the local eateries. I was pleasantly surprised how this area has been transformed for the better. I will be back to walk around and visit another spot to dine. I enjoyed myself and my visit and hope you do too. I added some pictures of the area, although I know i did NOT do the area justice.

Gracie Rodriquez

Google

Very nice atmosphere! Especially in the evenings we had a nice family oriented experience it was Mariachi Monday and it was nice! The kids also have a water splash to get wet at! Very convenient for a hot day!

Lebanese Traveler

Google

The Pearl in San Antonio offers a vibrant blend of historic charm and modern flair, making it one of the city’s most unique destinations. Once a brewery complex, it’s now a walkable district filled with boutique shops, excellent restaurants, a lively weekend farmers market, and the beautiful Hotel Emma. The mix of industrial architecture, green spaces, and cultural events creates an upscale yet laid-back atmosphere that appeals to both locals and tourists. Whether you’re grabbing a coffee, dining riverside, or exploring the local art scene, The Pearl delivers a memorable and stylish experience.

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.

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__

Tom Bidot

Google

Wow, just wow. I was super impressed with this space. You're not sure what you're going to when someone tells you to go to the Pearl; however, it's like a little mini district off the Riverwalk trail. I walked there to the Pearl, and it was a great space. I'm sad I got there after 10:00 pm, as it was still lively enough. I would recommend going earlier to see a lot more, as there was a lot going on, but a lot of vendors were already shutting down, so I missed out on some things. This space has many vendors to choose from for drinks and food. Sadly enough, I didn't get a chance to try any of the food here, as I was walking around trying to find other spaces that looked like everything was shutting down. If you're in the San Antonio Riverwalk area, I would suggest anyone to come and check out this space.

Eric Edelstein

Google

Really cool district. Beautiful old buildings. Easy to navigate walking. Shops food and entertainment all together. Worth a visit.

John A.

Yelp

During a weeklong business trip to San Antonio, a vendor I was working with recommended we visit Sternewirth Bar in the Pearl District -- and it turned out to be one of the highlights of the trip. The Pearl is a vibrant area filled with history, charm, and great energy, and Sternewirth fits it perfectly. Located inside the beautifully restored Hotel Emma, once part of the historic Pearl Brewery, the bar captures the district's industrial past while offering a modern, upscale atmosphere. The mix of exposed brick, elegant lighting, and eclectic furniture gives it an authentic yet refined vibe that feels true to the spirit of the Pearl. The drinks were excellent, and the service was top-notch. We ordered sliders and French fries that were cooked to perfection -- far better than your typical bar fare. The clientele reflected the Pearl's character too: stylish, diverse, and full of local flavor. Afterward, I enjoyed a peaceful mile-and-a-half walk back toward the River Walk, soaking in the sights and sounds of the district at night. If you're exploring the Pearl, Sternewirth Bar is a can't-miss stop -- a perfect blend of history, hospitality, and atmosphere.

Fernanda F.

Yelp

The Pearl Historic District is an amazing mixed-use space which was created around the old historic Pearl Brewery. This incredible area has evolved so much throughout the years and it just keeps growing and getting bigger and better. The Pearl has one hotel which is absolutely breathtaking and I highly recommend checking their bar. They also have a couple apartments, one grocery store, numerous restaurants, boutique shops, coffee shops and even a dining hall. The Pearl also offers multiple events throughout the month ranging from farmers markets over the weekend, and festive-themed events depending in the season. Also, during graduation season don't be surprised to see photographers all over the space trying to take the perfect shot of the soon-to-be-graduates. The Pearl is truly one of the most amazing things our city has to offer and if you haven't been visited in a bit, I would highly recommend checking them out and experience all the amazing things The Pearl has to offer.

Vanessa A.

Yelp

Super instagrammable. Love all the shops and the markets. Lots of activities to do and the coworker space is nice. It's cute! I recommend this spot to the tourists & I love it as a transplant from another city!

Johnny N.

Yelp

Stephanie B.

Yelp

Super chill spot to hang out with a decent sized lawn, splash pad for kids, food call, and upscale restaurants around the Hotel Emma. Right along the riverwalk and about a 30 minute walk from the touristy area of the riverwalk. I loved this area with nice architecture and greenery. There were multiple people taking wedding or professional photos with the beautiful scenery at the Pearl. They also have a farmers market on Saturday and Sundays.

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.

Crystal P.

Yelp

Such a cool little area. None of the shops were open on a Sunday or was it Saturday. I can't remember I just remember thinking like wow there are so many people here why are the stores closed lol. One store was open so we got to go there. Just a cool spot to hang out and take photos. Loved it.

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.

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.

Christine D.

Yelp

This little district is super cute. We opted here instead of the main River Walk area. So many places to chose from and very dog friendly

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!

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.

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.

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!

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!

Edgar G.

Yelp

A must when visiting San Antonio. It's a perfect spot to bring the kids or even a date. You can wind down in one of the many seats under the trees or near the splash pad while listening to music being played by local djs. This location also hosts a multitude of commercial activity ranging from farmers markets to brick and mortar business. You're sure to find something for everyone here while enjoying the views and a family friendly ambience.

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.

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.

Renay S.

Yelp

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Lois L.

Yelp

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

Christine V.

Yelp

It feels too gentrified. The parking options suck. Parking under the bridge should be free.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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