Bruno's Dive Bar
San Antonio, TX
Just like when hiding your drunk dad's car keys after a brutal Monday Night Football loss, location can make or break your evening. It's fair to say that I enjoy a good dive bar, but even I have my limits for where I'll go. In Abilene I pulled up to a dive on a dead-end street wedged between a trailer park and a freeway, took a long hard look, and decided right then and there I'd rather drink Johnny Walker Red and watch 'Bloodsport' in my 0.5-star motel room than walk into a Parliament Lights sauna and keep one eye on the Exit door all night.
But in the case of Bruno's Dive Bar, the location might be the best thing going about the place. Smack dab in the middle of the Southtown bar district, this local spot is a great pit stop when making your way down S Alamo St. Especially if you're looking to save a few bucks on your next round.
Bruno's officially opened in 2021 but the building has a storied past. B&D Ice House opened at this location all the way back in 1961 and was operated by Bruno and Diane Dzanski. It was a real ice house, meaning it actually sold ice for ice boxes. But over time, it became a local hangout that sold household essentials and cold beers.
It transitioned into a neighborhood bar but Bruno eventually retired in 2014, selling the place to the owners of the Friendly Spot, who then turned it into a barbecue joint. But in 2021 they decided to turn back the clock and reopen as Bruno's Dive Bar, the name paying homage to its original owner.
I'm not a huge fan of the TouchTunes or the arcade game room. It’s like if Alcoholics Anonymous was hosting a kids’ birthday party. But I am a fan of the vintage jukebox, payphone, and beer can collection. Bruno's also has a nice lineup of beer and booze on tap (Fireball, Jager, Rumple, etc.) and one of the best meals you can get west of the Mississippi: small bags of Doritos. The Malort poster also really ties the place together.
Bruno's isn't the diviest spot in ole San Antone but it's in a great location and has a rich history. Stumble in one day, you won't regret it.