local
San Antonio’s 93-year-old Esquire Tavern has new owner
By Sanford Nowlin at San Antonio Current
· July 8, 2026
· 1 min read
Downtown’s historic Esquire Tavern has changed hands, and the new owner is a familiar face: longtime operator and beverage director Stephan Mendez. Mendez took ownership of both the Commerce Street landmark — home to Texas’ longest wooden bar top — and its basement haunt Downstairs from architect...
Key takeaway Hill bought and restored the […] The post San Antonio’s 93-year-old Esquire Tavern has new owner appeared first on San Antonio Current.
Why this matters in Alamo Heights News
The change in ownership of the Esquire Tavern brings a sense of stability to the downtown area, as Stephan Mendez is already well-versed in the tavern's operations. Mendez's familiarity with the establishment will likely ensure a seamless transition, preserving the character of the 93-year-old landmark. As a beloved institution in Alamo Heights ' broader San Antonio community, the Esquire Tavern's continued success is crucial to maintaining the unique charm of the city's downtown. The fact that Mendez is a local operator, rather than an outside investor, suggests that the tavern's historic identity and Texas traditions, such as its claim to the state's longest wooden bar top, will be protected and respected. With Mendez at the helm, patrons can expect the Esquire Tavern to remain a staple of the local nightlife and dining scene.
About this story
Original reporting by San Antonio Current . Alamo Heights News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit San Antonio Current . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 8, 2026 ·
Source: San Antonio Current ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Downtown’s historic Esquire Tavern has changed hands, and the new owner is a familiar face: longtime operator and beverage director Stephan Mendez. Mendez took ownership of both the Commerce Street landmark — home to Texas’ longest wooden bar top — and its basement haunt Downstairs from architect...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 8, 2026 by San Antonio Current and curated for Alamo Heights News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Sanford Nowlin at San Antonio Current. To learn more about how Alamo Heights News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Alamo Heights News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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