Sternewirth

I loved this place! The atmosphere and interior is just amazing! Good choice of drinks, beers. I wish I lived in the area to visit the tavern every so often

This is a great spot to have drinks and catch up with friends or family. I would even recommend to couples for a date night. The “wells” look like a good spot to have a small, intimate setting. I had a drink from the special chartreuse menu with a few coworkers and it was amazing. The staff were very friendly and knowledgeable on making great drink recommendations.

The vibe here is very chill. Industrial feel being it was reclaimed use from the old Pearl building. Well decorated in a purposeful kind of way. The menu options for drinks and snacks are pretty good. I ordered an old fashion with rye. Very solid!

Such a fun ambiance for a hotel bar. Absolutely loved the historical theme, we felt almost pulled back in time. Upscale, but still inviting and accessible for a cocktail with friends. Drinks were crafted carefully and quickly. No food for us but the burgers looked decadent as they passed by

Sternewirth isn’t just a bar — it’s a whole vibe. Tucked inside Hotel Emma, this place feels like walking into a cinematic mix of old-world charm and industrial cool. Towering ceilings, velvet lounges, and vintage brewery tanks turned into private booths? Brutal design move — and it works. Drinks? Impeccable. Classic cocktails with just the right twist, served in a space that makes you want to stay way longer than planned. It’s not just one of San Antonio’s best — Sternewirth sets the bar high, everywhere.

The Hotel Emma's Sternewirth, which is described to encompass a "dramatic tavern and club room" within the hotel, is SO beautiful. Oh my gosh, the atmosphere inside of this space is absolutely worth the visit in itself. The place is bathed in the scent of The Hotel Emma, and the decor is decadent + romantic. There is lots of seating inside of Sternewirth, so it's suitable for many group sizes. There is an option to order drinks + bites at the bar, or there is service available where you decide to sit & settle. The first couple of times I've visited, it's been for a quick pop-in to have a Topo Chico while my boyfriend enjoys an IPA. Looking forward to trying some of their food and cocktails at future visits. :-)

This bar is an absolute gem! From the moment I walked in, I felt immersed in its rich history, which adds so much character to the experience. The atmosphere is truly something special, busy and lively yet still intimate enough to enjoy some quiet moments. Watching the sunlight leak through the windows while soaking in the energy of the crowd made it feel even more magical. The food was a delightful surprise. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but the avocado toast was bursting with unique, unforgettable flavors that made for a delicious experience. The staff here are fantastic, attentive, welcoming, and genuinely caring about every guest experience. Even with the place being so busy, they managed to create a warm, personal experience. It's rare to find a place with such excellent service. I can't wait to come back and experience it all over again!

Best bar in San Antonio and a top bar in the US. We are lucky to have such a wonderful venue!

While exploring the neighborhood- and following local recommendations, I stopped by the bar at Hotel Emma. It's a historic spot, originally a brewery back in the 19th century, and you can still see some of the old industrial fixtures they kept as part of the decor. The bar has such a cool ambiance, dim lighting, a cozy vibe, and that feeling like you've stepped back in time. I ordered their signature cocktail, The Three Emmas: a mix of lager beer, rose cordial, amontillado sherry, gin, grapefruit, and lemon. Very unique, slightly smoky, and absolutely delicious. Shoutout to Justin, the bartender who made my drink! It was a little busy inside, so I took it out to their small patio and enjoyed a beautiful evening. Perfect spot for a great cocktail while waiting for your dinner reservation.

Sternewirth Bar is hoppin place on a Friday night. A nice respite from the heat outside at the Pearl. We were fortunate to have friends invite us to the Eagle Rare Bourbon tasting. Sternewirth Bar Lead David Young greeted our small group upstairs and provided champagne to cleanse our palettes. Then he guided us to the Oak Room, a private space away from the loudness of the bar for about 14 people. It was David gave us some history of Eagle Rare and started the tasting. Each of the bourbons was accompanied by excellent food pairings. Sorry, but I was so excited by the bourbon that I forgot to take photos of the food. My favorites were the fried qual and the seared lamb, served medium rare. It was interesting to contrast the flavor profile of the bourbons alone and then after the food pairings. For example, the Eagle Rare 17 year had a slight sweet vermouth note before the lamb and after no longer had that, but had smoother flavors. The Double Eagle Very Rare 20 Year was so complex and a great sipper.

Great vibe with good drinks and delicious food. There was a wait for the bar as it is crowded on the weekend but worth the wait.

I enjoyed this place. Very upscale bar/lounge. It opened at 3pm on Labor Day. I recommend coming here and hearing the story of the 3 Emmas

The Sternewirth Bar is an upscale bar with an industrial aesthetic tucked inside the Hotel Emma. While some of the preferred seating areas are reserved for hotel guests, there are plenty of seats for those who are just visiting the pearl and would like to have a cocktail. While there, we tried the Sticky Rice and the Thai Me River! Both are not drinks that I'd usually order but both were fantastic and very unique. They also offer complimentary spicy peanuts but I'll admit they were much too spicy for me. The service was great, the ambiance was awesome and the drinks were delicious - I'll be back.

Probably my favorite cocktail bar I've been to in SA. What we ordered: Aperol Spritz ($16) - (4.5/5 stars) - when you've had aperol spritzes in Europe it's hard to compete but Sternewirth did a pretty dang good job. Hugo Spritz ($17) All things considered I thought the pricing on the drinks wasn't half bad - of course if you like $75+ pours of reserve whiskey they have that too. The service was very good with a lively yet not overwhelming ambiance. I will be back for sure!

What an excellent experience and bar, straight class all the way! Our bartender, David, was extremely knowledgeable about whisky and really made the experience for us. David offered us an off-menu whisky and that gestured displayed a high-level of customer service and personal attention per customer that is rare these days. We learned quite a bit and had incredible spirits, absolute win!

Aesthetically pleasing bar with a huge amount of seating but you're lucky if you find any in this amazing place inside the Hotel Emma. I was told to come here by some friends because I'd love it. I did. Such a classy beautiful part of the gorgeous hotel. You can come to the bar even if you don't stay here which we didn't . Their wine and beer list is big and their cocktail list is quite outstanding ... It takes a hot second to figure out what you' want as the variety makes you want many! The menu is in a pretty leather bound book and a treat to look at. I tried the signature Three Emmas , which comes with a scandalous story of love, betrayal and murder! Loved this drink and the presentation. Glass was amazing ! My friends had the espresso martini and the Carajillo. Both also well made. They also had a couple of other drinks which I can't remember what they were but also good. There's a fantastic atmosphere here and it's a truly busy spot. Reservations are probably wise! It took us a while to find a seating spot. It's dark inside with interesting decor. The bartender could have been nice I thought but the other staff were super nice. Definitely a place you wanna go if looking for a great bar with interesting drinks. The hotel is nice to walk around in too!

The drinks were delicious. The service was a little slow but I guess that should be expected considering it was Fiesta weekend. We were only in town for a wedding and this was a great place to grab a drink before dinner. P.s supposedly it's haunted - would have loved to hear more about that

If you're looking for a casual place to just hang out, this is it. It's a casual area with bar seating, and also lounge/couch style seating with servers who will check on you often. The prices are on the high side, but it's a great place to go for appetizers before or after dinner. It's a casual place with good service. The lighting is on the dark side, but it's a bustling place. The beers on tap are decent, but they really specialize in mixed cocktails.

These drinks were legit! Well-made with top shelf liquor that you can taste. No crappy, weak drinks. Military family - it's the right amount of liquor. You will definitely know it's in there. Super busy, but the bartenders work hard and move at a reasonable pace. They had live music giving off a very big the Chicks/Miranda Lambert vibe. It was too loud to chat, so we decided to enjoy the patio, which is well shaded.

I love, love, love the ambience of this cozy bar. Such a perfect date night spot for a nightcap. The bartenders and servers provide excellent service and the craft cocktails were fantastic! Pro tip: the Oaxacan Old Fashioned is perfection!

One of my favorites places I've visited in San Antonio. The bartenders were super helpful with the drink recommendations and shared fun facts on the history of this place.

This bar is one of my favorites in the entire Pearl area! Venture into Hotel Emma and you'll find this cozy bar with leather chairs and a cozy fireplace. The bar is dimly lit and offers an intimate spot to grab a drink whether it's the middle of the day or an evening out. They offer a fantastic array of liquors and service is always fantastic! Go check it out next time you're in the area!

This is hands down my favorite bar! The moment you walk in, Sternewirth boasts quite a striking and unique ambiance from the expansive ceiling to the luxurious interior finishes. And the scent! It smells so warm and sexy in this bar! It's a very amber/musk/woodsy scent. They need to sell candles.... Just sayin'!! This bar really does something for each one of the senses. It can be crowded but if you go on a weekday evening it is so nice and relaxing. Perfect for a romantic date night or a girls night out. The drinks are creative and the food has always been delicious. Ask for the free peanuts! On weekdays (Monday - Thursday) the parking in the Pearl West Lot is very reasonable (was under $4!).

We stumbled upon this place while walking around the Pearl. I absolutely loved the atmosphere here. The server was nice and super helpful answering our questions and the drinks were absolutely delicious! This is a great spot to bring a date or friends for a chill evening.

This place is awesome! Found inside the gorgeous Hotel Emma, the history in the room is palpable. You feel transported back in time in all the good (and slightly spooky!) ways. The ambiance is top notch, and the drinks and service are to match. I can't even tell you what I drank - I asked my friend to surprise me - but it was a winner. It was full of sweet tartness, actually had a kick, and made for a great photo (I mean, that . Everyone loved their drinks, and the menu was full of intriguing options.

Sternwirth Bar is one of the most unique and beautiful bars (and located in one of the most unique and beautiful hotels, Hotel Emma). It's like THE runway model of all bars. A Naomie Cambell or Kate Moss of bars. Simply perfection. My first time there was about 2012... 2013? A jaw-dropping experience walking through the doors ... checking out every detail of the way they kept the history (old beer tanks turned into lounge seating) and incorporated a little bit of luxe. This time around, I didn't stay at the hotel but we did dine at their restaurant and then popped in for a nightcap. It was a Monday and it was DATE NIGHT CENTRAL. Everyone was coupled up and there was an acoustic guitar player doing covers from John Mayer and the like. Very romantic, festive, and fun. I can see why the place was boo'd up! Drinks range from wine, craft cocktails, etc. Good service. Not great, but good and not pretentious.

We only had drinks but the food menu looked really good. The bartenders are extremely helpful and well trained to make a great drink. The space is beyond great.... Historic, comfortable and classy! Favorite cocktails in San Antonio.

An ambiance with elegance and history like no other place I have been to. This is the bar within The Pearl, a historic building turned hotel that has an amazing story and place in the area's culture and development. The bar highlights and preserves some of the defining features the space was built for, brewing beer. Tables within remnants of the large tankards to the gorgeous, massive wooden "chandelier" pieces. The result is a beautiful, gothic vibe with an intimate vibe in being allowed to sit and take it all in. The craft cocktail menu adding yet another level to the experience. We quaffed one of the signature cocktails, The Three Emmas, an homage to the unreal history of the brewery. I will refrain from sharing to encourage you to visit and learn for yourself. Craft cocktails do take time, but also something so unique definitely draws in the people. Therefore, not a place to drop in for something quick. Not that you would want to leave there in a hurry anyway. The bartenders were very knowledgeable and all working in a frenzy getting these drinks out.

My husband and I came here all the time. We just love the ambiance. The drinks are always good. My husband always get an old fashioned here, I always try something new. Last night I got a jack and coke and it was just perfection. Service is a hit or miss but last night we had great customer service. Can't wait to keep coming back!

Best spot in the Pearl! great cocktails and beers. The location simply can;t be beat. The vibe is retro with a huge nod to midcentury. Can't wait to get back some day. waitress was subperb. A definite highlight of our trip.

Located inside the Emma hotel. Love the vibe here - so hip, rich, antique. I think your experience can really vary based on which cocktail you get and whether you like that cocktail or not. I've definitely had amazing ones and then bad ones based on just my personal preference. Love professor McGonagall and three Emma. Bartenders are always superb and so knowledgeable. Fast and amazing service. It does get very loud and hard to hear. If you want to have conversations, better to be out in the Emma hotel lobby.

Every time I come here the ambiance is so good, so soothing, like a ski lodge. Excellent drinks and service in a sumptuous setting what more could you ask for?

Sternewirth is a rustic yet luxury bar located in the beautiful Pearl establishment. I went here on a spur of the moment night out with a friend and we thoroughly enjoyed the food, ambience and drinks! Parking in the garage is free for the first two hours so I parked there and walked to Hotel Emma, where Sternwirth is located inside. We shared the chaceuterie which was delicious. I especially loved the marcona almonds. I ordered a Moscow mule and it was perfect! We went late so we stayed until closing. Yet, service was so kind, attentive and patient. They did not rush us and continued to serve. If this placed would stay open later I know I would have been there. This is a great place to meet up won't friends or family and chat and enjoy the vibes. Sternwirth, you know I'll be back for more!

My friends and I stopped in here trying to escape the cold! The atmosphere is cozy, cool and chill. Servers are inside the bar area where there are ample couches and chairs and tables. They have a small food menu but mainly drinks. You can order at the bar or have servers come to you and they'll take your order. You can also sit in the hotel emma lobby and bring the drinks there. They have a pretty extensive drink menu and full service bar so they can make whatever. I had the December lady a gin drink which was delicious and strong. My gf had a rye drink the dragonball something which she loved. My friend got a mock tail with peach bitters and said it was delicious. We felt comfortable the whole time and servers were pretty attentive inside too. Loved this place we plan on coming again!

For the last few years we have traditionally gone to lunch before Christmas at the Southerleigh but we like this place better as it has delicious small bites and fantastic cocktails. Love the setting, it's an absolutely beautiful bar. You seat yourself and service is fast and friendly. I love the fact that as well as classic drinks and cocktails, they have a signature list that rotates with the season and they have some creative and delicious cocktails as well as Mocktails for the kids. I had the Great divide - a delicious gin and blackberry drink and my husband had 13 Missed Montana - a duck fat washed tequila and rum blend. Ended with their fabulous Panna Cotta for. Perfect and fun lunch!!

Buyer Beware: Check the Drink Menu! Stopped by Sternewirth with a friend for a casual drink, and we ordered two old fashioneds. The bartender suggested a "special" old fashioned--sounded great, until the bill hit: $85 for what turned out to be a single shareable drink (the "Old Fashioned for Two" on the menu). Not two drinks, not even amazing--just a mediocre cocktail with a side of sticker shock. Apparently, it's their priciest option, and we had no idea until it was too late. Lesson learned: read the menu carefully, even if you have to hold up the line to do it. Don't let the fancy vibe fool you into skipping the fine print. San Antonio has taco trucks next door that'll treat you better than this overpriced gimmick. Won't be back.

Ambiance was good for a weekend. Drinks were pretty neat. The food menu didn't sound appetizing to me. Very crowded in the main area. But there was a larger area if you walked around, the scene wasn't there though. Wish they were more clear on where to stand to order. This place is most definitely a hot spot. Service was good also once I found a seat.

I don't feel like there's any bad time to visit this bar. Hotel Emma itself is a whole vibe but I love Sternewirth especially. Something about it reminds me of when I lived overseas.. a dimly lit cozy setting with lots of seating the feels like a huge living room and it extends to an outdoor patio area if that's more your thing. During nice weather, it's a nice option when the market is going on. The staff here has always been great too.

If you come to San Antonio, see The Alamo, go to Riverwalk, absolutely see Saga at the San Fernando church, but DO NOT missed Sternewerth at the Pearl. The grounds are amazing, but the jewel is this amazing bar! Jack the manager is so attentive, has put together a great Team! David is so good, a wealth of knowledge on Star Wars AND Bourbon and Whiskey!!! What fun learning about them all. He had a young lady assisting him who is amazingly service minded as well and sadly amiss on her name. Grace was the sweetest and super helpful while we enjoyed our time there while listening to Mr. Robles playing great music. Ask for these people. I know the whole team was great and you will enjoy the ambiance and service which made our day!!

So much has been said about Sternewirth, just wanted to agree. We stayed in a suite at Hotel Emma and therefore we were allowed to go to a upstairs gallery to sit and have drinks/snacks above the bar in Sternewirth. It was a special, intimate space, in a very large cavernous bar. The bar itself is eclectic and a wonder of architecture. Take a moment to suck it all in with how the designers worked with the original structure and formed it into a working and pleasant space. There is so much to take in from the Steampunk metal and warm tones of a library, to the cubby hole and large leather sofa's. There is a wonderful balance of how the lighting interacts with everything in the place. It is even more impressive in the day light, when there is no-one really there. If those walls could talk as one would say. The ambiance on a Friday/Saturday was bustling with lot's of laughter and conversations going about. Yes it can be loud, but from the gallery perch, it wasn't unbearable at all. Just an energetic buzz. We munched on garlic peanuts and a small plate of smoked salmon which were delicious. When we were downstairs we found the bartenders to be attentive and a quick turn around. Our waitress in the gallery was very attentive and keep our drinks filled and popped by from time to time to check on us. Excellent job on her part. It is easy to leisurely plow through drinks here, it's welcoming and comfortable. I'm glad we only had to take the elevator up a few floors to our suite.

The ambiance, the wine, the music, the service....this place was so classy. I had the Caesar salad for dinner. It was delectable. The wine I had was so top notch. The gentleman playing the guitar (Anthony Garcia) was phenomenal. He played a mixture of music in English and Spanish (he played Carlos Vives). Be prepared to drop some cash if you are going here. It is not cheap, but completely worth it.

Ordered: The Three Emmas (~$12): pearl beer & rose cordial, amontillado sherry, botanist gin, grapefruit juice, lemon juice Aya's take: Lovely bar located in Hotel Emma! Go early because this place fills up quick. We were there before 9pm and were luckily able to snag some couches as others were leaving. This bar is dark, dramatic, and intimate. The Three Emmas was absolutely delicious! All the flavors came together so nicely into a great cocktail. The "Three Emmas" story was also cool to hear so definitely ask your bartender about it!

This bar was really cool. It's dark, moody, and chic inside. The decor is all interesting to look at, and a stylish environment to have a drink in. They actually have tables placed in two carved out, old distillers, which is pretty cool. We had no trouble finding seats upstairs. My dirty martini was perfect. A coupe glass added an element of elegance, and I was delighted they had blue cheese olives available behind the bar. I'd have that drink again in a heartbeat.

Our favorite go to place on date night for Carajillos. Nestled in heart of the Pearl. Hotel Emma has hit a home run with one of the most elegant and laid back places in San Antonio. I love coming here for a few drinks & some laughs with my friends and family from out of town. From the unique scent that the Hotel Emma offers (if you're interested they also sell the candles in their gift shop/coffee bar) to their signature drink, Three Emma, this place is so inviting. I promise you, you will love it here! Feel free to take a look around in the lobby if you'd like to... just watch out for the ghost.

We love this place, sitting both inside and outside! Best French fries ever - you MUST order the fries. Trust me, you won't regret it.

Was playing tour guide for some family members who came to visit and today was Foodie Tour Day in SA! We had just finished taking them to the Shops at La Cantera and The Medical Center Campus so The Pearl was our next stop. We showed them the area, the Food Hall and the Riverwalk area behind The Pearl. One of our stops was the Hotel Emma and of course we had to get a drink!! It's been awhile since I've been here and the interior decor has been updated and swanky. I love the throwback feel of the place that's kept the character of the building with modern touches. There's lots of open seating and small nooks with the leather seats and sturdy tables to lay your drink. Lots of servers ready to take your order. We ended up in the bar and ordered a couple of Carajillos, a Bloody Mary and a non-alcoholic cocktail. The bartender said that Carajillos were one of the most requested drinks. We had dinner plans so we didn't want to get sloshed nor burnt out since it was the mid-afternoon. Our bartender was personable and we chatted about the Bay Area and his fond memories. This place kinda reminded me of some bars in San Francisco esp. ones that are in a revitalized area where they keep the character of the area, ie Speakeasys, Gold Rush or industrial. We decided to sit for a bit to enjoy our drinks before our next excursion. Funny that it was a Friday and it wasn't too crowded both at the mall and at The Pearl?? The bartender said it usually picks up by the evening. Next time, I'd like to try one of their signature cocktails and I could sit and enjoy the vibe.

I arrived early from Austin and decided to wait for Evon by visiting the Sternewirth Bar at the Emma Hotel. I have to say, this is definitely the way to spend a hot afternoon waiting for a friend. This space is gorgeous. They didn't have the drink I wanted, so the server recommended one of the current signature cocktails - the Dreamsicle (corazon barrel select reposado, clarified milk punch, vanilla liqueur, orange sherbet syrup, and green tea). It was fantastic! If I had more time I would get another, so I'll just have to settle for whatever new treat awaits on my return trip.

This is one of my favorite bars ever. From the moment you step in, the ambiance captures you completely. Beautifully decorated, every detail in here is meticulously placed. I cannot skip Sternewirth if I'm in the area, I must pop in for at least a drink. The cocktails are excellent, and the vibe is immaculate.

This is the meat + cheese plate as it arrived untouched. Odd presentation. Service was amazing, just disappointed with this item itself.

Incredibly disappointed in the service. Did not feel welcome, after a long wait one of us went to the bar to order and it was still hard to get anyone's attention during a non-busy hour. Finally flagged down a server and ordered 2 glasses of Cava. When the bill came, he charged us for a different sparkling (and more expensive) wine. What a shame since we enjoyed the unique and interesting atmosphere.

I only came for drinks but it was a really good experience. All the ingredients were really fresh at the bar. There was a little late at the bar but it's not the end of the world. Everybody was really friendly when you get to the bar to try to figure out what you want. Even some of the people who are in line were very helpful and friendly so I really appreciate it that! You're already in the pearl so you may as well stop in for a quality drink. I definitely appreciate it!

Stern was once a quiet spot for in-the-know people who wanted a well made drink and good conversation in a great bar. Now, it's packed in on weekends and the room is quite loud. The hotel needs to institute a time policy on seating, as most people now just come here for one drink and then take up space. If you cannot afford a $25 cocktail, this is not the place for you. Don't take up space for 75 minutes on one round. Service also used to be better. For the accolades that Emma has, this bar should have the same service standard as a Four Seasons or Ritz. The bar and servers always seem to run extremely slow, as in 20+ mins for a classic martini. On top of that, the friendly-factor with the servers is lacking, especially at a place where it's easy to spend $200+ on a few rounds of drinks. Overall, Emma's success has made them a bit lazier instead of sharper. I hope they can fix this. On a side note, the room already needs to have their soft furniture refurbished. It's looking tattered and worn.

Great service although their setup not super clear on where to go etc but overall cool concept

GORGEOUS! GORGEOUS! GORGEOUS! This tavern is located inside Hotel Emma at the Pearl. It is absolutely stunning. So much of the original architecture has been maintained, from late 1800s when this complex was the Pearl Beer Brewery. Sternewirth is super cozy with great ambience. Perfect place to have a drink & to snuggle/get your PDA on with your person. Beautiful boyfriend & I visited mid-October, when it's still technically summer in Texas (95 degrees, AKA hot as balls & not in a good way ), so I can only imagine how lovely this place is in the winter when it's chilly outside, to sit in front of the fire & enjoy a warm drink. Upstairs features several intimate seating nooks. Downstairs is the HUGE, original fireplace. Also downstairs are 3 giant beer vats, 2 of which have been turned into reserved seating with circular booths. Even if you're only thirsty for water or if you're not thirsty at all, the Sternewirth is well worth a visit just to feast upon the historic architectural eye candy.

Amazing selection of whisky, great service, and the best old fashions! Beautiful setting too. Highly recommend this place. Malcom was a great bartender and host!!

This is by far my favorite bar in San Antonio. It's at Hotel Emma, and the interior is absolutely beautiful. I could stare at the ceilings and walls all night. It was definitely lively on a Saturday night, but not too loud. The bartenders are great at concocting actual cocktails - I had a Blood & Sand and it tasted perfect. I can't wait to go back, I genuinely could stay here all night long.

Absolutely beautiful bar with a fantastic selection of spirits. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable. A definite must go to.