The Green Lantern: Speakeasy bar in San Antonio with mixology and house infusions
Overview of The Green Lantern
The Green Lantern is a bar in San Antonio located at 20626 Stone Oak Pkwy, Ste 101, San Antonio, TX 78258, US. This intimate cocktail lounge operates as a speakeasy-style venue beneath another establishment and is ideal for people looking for handcrafted drinks, a moody atmosphere, and a compact, convivial setting. As one of the local options for bars near Stone Oak, The Green Lantern appeals to couples on a night out, small groups of friends, and anyone searching for creative mixology and house-infused shots rather than a large, noisy club. For patrons seeking the best bars in San Antonio with a distinctive vibe, The Green Lantern frequently appears as a top choice in the Stone Oak area.
What The Green Lantern offers
The Green Lantern focuses on artisanal cocktails, skilled bartenders, and a selection of house infusions that set it apart from typical neighborhood bars. The menu centers on craft cocktails including classic favorites revisited with a creative twist, seasonal specials, and house-infused shots. The bar keeps consistent opening hours daily from late afternoon into the early morning (Mon–Sun 4:00 PM–2:00 AM), which makes it a reliable evening destination. Those interested in book bar in San Antonio experiences or checking prices for cocktails in San Antonio will find the drink prices reasonable according to multiple guests, with attractive happy hour deals on certain items.
Service at The Green Lantern is a core part of the offer: bartenders skilled in mixology prepare drinks thoughtfully, and the staff often creates a welcoming atmosphere. The venue emphasizes craft rather than volume, so it is suitable for patrons who value conversation, quality cocktails, and a curated playlist—though music choices may vary by night and have been a point of discussion among visitors. For those searching for deals on bars in San Antonio or wanting a speakeasy-style evening, The Green Lantern’s happy hour and rotating specials are often recommended.
Menu and specialties
The Green Lantern’s specialties include signature cocktails, house-infused shots, and themed drink offerings. Notable items mentioned frequently by guests include spicy tequila infusions, a well-made daiquiri, and a popular espresso martini. The bar also offers limited-time creations for holidays such as Valentine’s Day, which showcase more unique craft cocktails. During happy hour, some house-infused shots have been available at very low prices, a detail that many patrons praise for value.
- House-infused shots: spicy tequila and other flavored infusions that rotate.
- Signature cocktails: inventive takes on classics and seasonal specials.
- Espresso martini and other dessert-style cocktails for a later-evening option.
- Happy hour selections with discounted shots and cocktails on select evenings.
Those looking for a cocktail-focused night in San Antonio can consider happy hour cocktails in San Antonio or search for a speakeasy bar in San Antonio if seeking the same intimate atmosphere offered by The Green Lantern.
Customer experience
Reviews consistently describe The Green Lantern as having a genuine speakeasy vibe: entry is signaled by a green light, guests descend into a dim, low-ceilinged room with booths, a bar, and high-top tables that create a cozy, basement-like ambiance. Many patrons report that the drinks are excellent and the bartenders are talented and personable, naming staff members as reasons to return. Service is frequently highlighted as outstanding; guests appreciate attentive bartenders who take time to craft attractive, flavorful cocktails.
Positive comments emphasize the bar’s energy, reasonable pricing, and the quality of mixology—the cocktails are often called the best within miles. The happy hour and $3 house-infused shots are specifically noted as a great value. Small-group seating options and semi-private booths add to the appeal for date nights or intimate gatherings.
At the same time, some guests have reported issues: changes in music selection left a few regulars disappointed when playlists shifted away from R&B throwbacks to different genres; a couple of reviews mention the music being louder than preferred. There have also been isolated complaints about staff interactions—one visitor described an unpleasant experience involving ID checks and perceived disrespect, and another recounted an episode of inattentive or brusque service. These criticisms suggest that while service is often excellent, there can be occasional lapses in staff communication or consistency.
Practical tips for visitors
The Green Lantern is most lively in the evening and is open every day from 4:00 PM to 2:00 AM, so it suits late-afternoon cocktails and late-night drinks alike. Because the space is compact and popular, arriving early in the evening or during happy hour increases the chance of snagging a booth or bar seat. Those planning celebrations or a special date should consider arriving shortly after opening or calling ahead to check availability; in many cases the bar can accommodate small groups without formal reservations.
Patrons should be prepared to show valid ID on entry, as strict ID checks are part of normal bar operations. The venue sits beneath Stone Terrace Gastropub, so visitors will find signage and the green light above the door as clear markers of the entrance. Parking is typically available in the surrounding Stone Oak shopping area, but guests attending busy weekend nights may want to allow a few extra minutes to find a spot. The Green Lantern is best suited for adults, couples, and small groups rather than family outings with young children.
For those who prioritize music, it can help to check the bar’s social pages or call to find out what type of DJ or playlist is planned that night, since music style and volume have changed at times.
Summary of opinions
- Consistently praised for creative mixology: many guests describe the cocktails as outstanding and among the best in the area.
- Warm, speakeasy atmosphere: the low ceiling, dim lighting, and green light entrance create a memorable, intimate setting.
- Good value during happy hour: house-infused shots and select cocktails are frequently noted as excellent deals.
- Neutral — music selection varies: some patrons loved the R&B throwback playlists, while others have found recent changes less appealing.
- Neutral — occasional service inconsistency: most reviews commend the staff, but a few report brusque or inattentive interactions on rare visits.
Frequently asked questions and how to choose a bar in San Antonio
When deciding among options such as a bar in San Antonio or the best bar in San Antonio for a special night, guests often wonder about price, atmosphere, and whether booking is needed. The Green Lantern generally offers reasonable prices for handcrafted cocktails and rotating specials, so those comparing prices for cocktails in San Antonio will find it competitive. For small groups seeking an intimate setting, a speakeasy bar in San Antonio like The Green Lantern is a strong match.
Is it necessary to reserve? Formal reservations are not typically required for small parties, but to secure a favorite seat or a booth it is wise to plan ahead—especially on weekend nights. Visitors searching for a bar near Stone Oak or a cocktail bar near Stone Oak Pkwy will appreciate the convenient location beneath Stone Terrace Gastropub. Those looking for bars for couples in San Antonio or happy hour cocktails in San Antonio will find The Green Lantern well suited to relaxed evenings and date nights.
How long does a typical visit last? Most patrons spend one to three hours enjoying cocktails and conversation; the late hours (open until 2:00 AM) accommodate longer nights out. For value-seekers searching for house-infused shots in San Antonio with good value for money, happy hour is the recommended window. Finally, anyone comparing book bar in San Antonio options or seeking deals on bars in San Antonio should factor in mood, music preferences, and whether they prefer a quieter, craft-driven environment—the Green Lantern’s speakeasy approach makes it a distinct choice among local bars.