Bar 414

This is definitely a cool little joint to just go chill, throw back a drink, and listen to some blues/​jazz lightly playing. Dimly lit ambience with comfortable seating and bartenders that are REAL bartenders make for an outstanding experience!
Plus the history of the bar is worth visiting in itself. If you live in or visit San Antonio, do yourself a favor and go grab a barstool in this speakeasy and relax and enjoy it for what it is. Plus, I guarantee you’ll learn something before you leave!

Been here a couple times so score is based on the bartenders. One out of three bartenders are good. Jacob is the real deal and ambiance is legit.

Boasting an atmosphere reminiscent of a youthful 1920s establishment, Bar 414 exists as one of the last remnants of truly classic San Antonio style, grace and culture. The perfect place to enjoy a Penicillin, a Daiquiri, an Old Fashioned or one of their many choice Texas craft beers, this establishment sets the bar at the highest rung for South Texas speakeasys.
If you’re in San Antonio on vacation, this is a can’t miss. Considered by many to be the birthplace of the Blues, legend has it that Robert Johnson crafted and recorded his signature song «Crossroads Blues» and the majority of his compositions in Room 414 at the Gunter Hotel, which is where the bar’s eccentrically numeric name is derived from. With a lore like that, it’s no wonder this bar is such a legendary locality.
When ordering a round at Bar 414, be sure to ask for Joey and Ryan, the masterful mixologists in residence at this SA institution. Within minutes he’ll pull together a magical menagerie of ingredients to soothe your night into a smooth array of subtle sensations.

It’s like stepping into a time capsule here! The bar here isn’t marked very well from the exterior. I didn’t even know it was there until recently!
Once you step in, it takes a while for your eyes to adjust to the darkness. It’s a dimly lit cocktail bar with lots of great places to sit and relax or have a few cocktails.
They focus on prohibition era cocktails. I translate that as «strong» cocktails. I had their signature drink, a 414. It’s a rum based drink made with nutella and crushed crepes are placed on the rim of the glass. It’s incredibly strong, but tasted divine!
They also serve some bar food, which is beyond any bar food I’d had. So much thought went into their food– you gotta try the chicken pibil. It’s served up on something that looks like a mini-​puffy taco. Om nom nom! They also have these oyster shots that are served up in something like a bloody mary. Beyond delicious. I could shoot those all day.
I enjoyed the décor in here. The 414 is paying homage to blues legend Robert Johnson who recorded his most famous album in room 414 of the hotel.
The bar staff was helpful, but some of the drinks can take quite a while to prepare. I guess you have to wait for a good thing!
There’s valet parking available, but I opt for the city owned parking garage that’s up St Mary’s.

A small bar in the Gunter Sheraton Hotel. It looks like they are set up for live music, or at least a piano player, but didn’t have it while I was there on a Thursday night. The soundtrack was blues and jazz, not so loud as to make conversation difficult.
It’s intended to have a speakeasy feel, but for some reason – which I can’t put my finger on – didn’t really work. Maybe it was the layout, which is mostly communal tables and benches instead of small tables. They could put little nooks along the sides, which I think would improve the ambience. Also, the two big screen TVs give a sports bar ambience, which doesn’t fit with the rest of the motif.
The bartender could also have garters instead of what looks like a Sheraton banquet uniform. I think the place has a lot of unfulfilled potential. Especially since it’s a couple blocks from the River Walk, not on it, I suspect a more complete speakeasy feel would be a useful draw for people who are not hotel guests.
Excellent craft cocktails. My old fashioned was top notch, with a single large cube of ice. My sazerac was also excellent. The bartender was courteous but distracted. I didn’t eat, but the food menu looked good. A great choice when Market on Houston is closed – which is the the same hotel but shuts down early.
Not all that it could be, but still a nice place for a drink in downtown San Antonio.

The times I have been to this bar it was quiet and a little dark. Always got great service. Good little get-​away in the middle of San Antonio.

Great hidden bar attatched to the Sheraton Hotel. It feels like you are hidden in a time capsule of 1920’s class and libations. The atmosphere is very cozy and elegant. The drinks are phenomenal! Very fresh and boozy drinks that give you a taste of flavor and liquor. A tad bit pricy, but you get what you pay for… quality. I highly recommend for a date night, or to go out with a group!

Loved the décor and the ambiance. There were very few people during the week, but that is ok sometimes.

Totally chill place. I walked in and they were playing old black and white movies and serving a fantastic selection of scotch and bourbon. It was dimly lit and not overly crowded. This is my kind of place.

This bar is inside the Sheraton Guenther Hotel. It’s nice to see that they kept with the tradition in the bar, especially when you see how the destroyed the classic look of the hotel lobby.
The bar name to the drinks are inspired by Robert Johnson, bluesman, who stayed at the bar while recording. We came here on a Saturday night and it was somewhat busy but were able to get a table. There was an acoustic guitar duo playing a good selection of classic rock. The bartenders were fast and friendly and would even come to the table to check on drinks. As far as hotel bars go, this is definitely one of the better ones in downtown. The prices are higher than most bars downtown but it’s to be expected in a hotel.