Private History Pub Tour through the Menger & Buckhorn Saloon in San Antonio, United States
San Antonio, United States

Private History Pub Tour through the Menger & Buckhorn Saloon

Outty Ranking 55 5.0 · 6 traveler reviews3.5 hoursFrom $225
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Outty Ranking

55/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 6 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Private History Pub Tour through the Menger & Buckhorn Saloon worth booking?

Private History Pub Tour through the Menger & Buckhorn Saloon is a 3.5-hour experience in San Antonio, United States, from $225 per person. It scores 55 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 6 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
55 / 100
Rating
5/5 (6)
Duration
3.5 hours
From
$225 per person

There are a multitude of walking and ghost tours to choose from in San Antonio. Most of which are led by costumed guides, reciting scripts while herding 30 people like so many cattle through ubiquitous franchises. I offer an alternative. A boutique, personalized, historical bar tour. Imagine having an old friend who has spent their entire professional life researching their home show you around all washed down with craft cocktails. My name is Emzy. I've been researching and guiding guests around my hometown professionally for twenty plus years. Most over them washed down with craft cocktails, it's been a blessed life. While I have had many magical moments with guests over the years, I've also spent hundreds of hours in the archives and libraries for proof of the history I share on tour. I believe that passion shows. I invite you to join me for an evening of drinks and conversation of all things history in two of the most storied bars in Texas. Join me and Drink up the history!

What you get

  • Admission to the Buckhorn Saloon and Texas Ranger Museum

About this experience

There are a multitude of walking and ghost tours to choose from in San Antonio. Most of which are led by costumed guides, reciting scripts while herding 30 people like so many cattle through ubiquitous franchises. I offer an alternative. A boutique, personalized, historical bar tour. Imagine having an old friend who has spent their entire professional life researching their home show you around all washed down with craft cocktails. My name is Emzy. I've been researching and guiding guests around my hometown professionally for twenty plus years. Most over them washed down with craft cocktails, it's been a blessed life. While I have had many magical moments with guests over the years, I've also spent hundreds of hours in the archives and libraries for proof of the history I share on tour. I believe that passion shows. I invite you to join me for an evening of drinks and conversation of all things history in two of the most storied bars in Texas. Join me and Drink up the history!

What's included

Included

  • Admission to the Buckhorn Saloon and Texas Ranger Museum

Not included

  • Alcoholic beverages

What you'll see and do

  1. The Buckhorn Saloon and Texas Ranger Museum

    We will enjoy exclusive access to one of the largest taxidermy collections in the world as well a vast Texas Ranger museum featuring Bonnie & Clyde memorabilia.

    90 minutes here · Admission included

  2. Alamo Plaza

    We will discuss the world famous Alamo battle and the history of the plaza.

    15 minutes here

  3. Menger Bar

    From Teddy Roosevelt to

    45 minutes here

Where it starts and ends

Meeting point

San Antonio

We will meet in the lobby of the historic Menger Hotel. Your guide will be in a black t-shirt that reads "Drink up the History" and will be carrying a blue messenger bag.

Hotel pickup

No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

Ends at

We will end just a few short blocks from the Alamo.

Before you book

Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Languages
en
Ticket
Mobile Only
Runs on
Every day
Group size
Up to 6 travelers per booking
Operated by
The Barwalk

Know before you go

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Photos

Everything is bigger in Texas, Private History Pub Tour through the Menger & Buckhorn Saloon in San AntonioDon't just "see" it, understand it, Private History Pub Tour through the Menger & Buckhorn Saloon in San AntonioThe story behind it is even more impressive, Private History Pub Tour through the Menger & Buckhorn Saloon in San AntonioPrivate History Pub Tour through the Menger & Buckhorn Saloon in San Antonio, photo 5Unlock her many secrets, Private History Pub Tour through the Menger & Buckhorn Saloon in San AntonioPrivate History Pub Tour through the Menger & Buckhorn Saloon in San Antonio, photo 7

What travelers are saying

Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 6 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

Knowledge and storytelling

6 mentions

Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

The guide

2 mentions

Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

Traveler reviews

6 verified traveler reviews for Private History Pub Tour through the Menger & Buckhorn Saloon. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

5 star
6
4 star
0
3 star
0
2 star
0
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0
Sort
Julie_R · February 2026

Mz was very knowledgeable...

MZ WAS VERY KNOWLEDGEABLE AND MADE IT FUN The Buckhorn was very interesting and Menger hotel was beautiful

via Viator

Ryan_L · November 2024

Eye opening

I guarantee there is no bar in the State of Texas that has more history than the Big Horn. If so, I’d like to see it.

via Viator

Nicolai_S · May 2024

Don’t hesitate! Best experience!

We loved the personal experience with Emzy! The tour was so much fun and we learned so much. Emzy really made all the stories come to life.

via Viator

JoshCallon · March 2023

Great Walk and Good Engagement! THANK YOU

We had an amazing group tour - our leaders were into the history, educated and passionate about explaining the unique history of the area. Beautiful locations, great history and really smart guides. Thank you!

via Tripadvisor

BigRog1280 · March 2023

Emzy was an Excellent Tour Guide with tons of interesting knowledge and info!!

Emzy was an Excellent Tour Guide with tons of interesting info and knowledge, especially the photos and info he had saved on his IPAD which he referenced numerous times throughout the tour.

via Tripadvisor

Good to know

Duration
3.5 hours
Free cancellation
Up to 24h before
Minimum age to book
21+
Availability
Bookable today
Runs on
Every day
Hotel pickup
No pickup, meet at start point
Booked in 30 days
2
Verdict
Worth a Look

Who runs this experience

Operated by The Barwalk, who run 4 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 61.3.

See everything The Barwalk runs

Why this scores 55

The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

Traveler sentiment (30% weight)80
Review evidence (18% weight)28
Booking momentum (14% weight)19
Value for money (12% weight)12
Listing quality (10% weight)90
Local standing (8% weight)61
Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

Private History Pub Tour through the Menger & Buckhorn Saloon: questions travelers ask

Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for San Antonio.

How much does Private History Pub Tour through the Menger & Buckhorn Saloon cost?

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Prices start at $225 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in San Antonio usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

How long does Private History Pub Tour through the Menger & Buckhorn Saloon take?

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Plan for about 3.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in San Antonio is not rushed.

Is Private History Pub Tour through the Menger & Buckhorn Saloon worth it?

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It holds an Outty Ranking of 55 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 6 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in San Antonio, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

Can I cancel or reschedule Private History Pub Tour through the Menger & Buckhorn Saloon?

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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

Is Private History Pub Tour through the Menger & Buckhorn Saloon suitable for kids and families?

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The operator sets a minimum age of 21. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 3.5-hour running time when deciding.

How far in advance should I book Private History Pub Tour through the Menger & Buckhorn Saloon?

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Around 2 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in San Antonio can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

What should I bring or wear?

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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in San Antonio and add a light layer if any part of the 3.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

Where does Private History Pub Tour through the Menger & Buckhorn Saloon start and how do I get there?

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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central San Antonio within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

What are the best things to do in San Antonio?

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San Antonio runs River Walk cruises and dinner tours, Alamo and mission trail history walks, ghost tours through the old quarter, and Hill Country wine and cave trips. Mission tours vary in whether they cover all five UNESCO sites. On Outty we rank every San Antonio experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include The Escape Game San Antonio: Epic 60-Minute Adventures at The Rim, Walking Tour Along the San Antonio Riverwalk And Around Downtown, San Antonio Haunted Ghost Bus Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

When is the best time to visit San Antonio?

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March to May and October to November. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

How many days do you need in San Antonio?

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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

What is included in Private History Pub Tour through the Menger & Buckhorn Saloon?

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Included: Admission to the Buckhorn Saloon and Texas Ranger Museum. Not included: Alcoholic beverages. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

Where is the meeting point for Private History Pub Tour through the Menger & Buckhorn Saloon?

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We will meet in the lobby of the historic Menger Hotel. Your guide will be in a black t-shirt that reads "Drink up the History" and will be carrying a blue messenger bag. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

What languages is Private History Pub Tour through the Menger & Buckhorn Saloon offered in?

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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Private History Pub Tour through the Menger & Buckhorn Saloon?

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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

Is Private History Pub Tour through the Menger & Buckhorn Saloon wheelchair or stroller accessible?

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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Transportation options are wheelchair accessible; and All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

What happens to Private History Pub Tour through the Menger & Buckhorn Saloon if the weather is bad?

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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

What do travelers say about Private History Pub Tour through the Menger & Buckhorn Saloon?

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Across 6 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

Ready to lock in your spot?

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