SAN ANTONIO — Cheers San Antonio!

A library-themed cocktail bar recently opened in the Stone Oak area with a huge selection of whiskey options and premium cigars.

Books: A Whiskey Society opened its doors in December 2024 in the original Toro Kitchen + Bar location on the far north side.

The location is reminiscent of a snazzy old-school whiskey bar with vintage leather-bound books, phones, magazines and artifacts covering the shelves. There's also portraits of famous celebrities like John F. Kennedy, Sylvester Stallone, Jack Nicholson, Marilyn Monroe and many others.

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"So, you're going to definitely find a one-of-a-kind experience at Books. From our velvet curtains to our beautiful portraits and beautiful whiskey selection. Our cocktail list is extensive and very well detailed and thought out. We truly try to treat our guests, you know, like royalty here at Books," Bartender Gilbert Votion said.

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The whiskey selection at Books is reportedly the best in the city and their hand-crafted cocktails are highly praised by customers. One of their top-selling mixed drinks is the Elderflower Serenade made with bourbon, sherry and garnished with dehydrated pomegranate.

And, for those looking for a fiery touch, there's the Spitfire Duke made with bourbon, pineapple rum and garnished with a scorched pineapple ring. But the bartenders are happy to craft a cocktail that suits a specific customer.

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"Everybody loves what we do here. Curating a special cocktail for each person that walks in is kind of something that we're really excited to offer. It's just a refreshing, new concept in San Antonio that we're really excited to be a part of, " Votion said.

Books also has a food menu with bites like onion rings, mussels, fries, chicken and waffles, and fried fish - just in time for Lent. They also offer 16 different sauces for dipping.  

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"Books is a great bar, and one of the best bars in the city. Come enjoy the whiskey, enjoy a good cigar. Now that the weather is getting really nice we'll see you guys here," Executive Chef Juan Carlos Bazan said.

Books is run by the Gusto Group, who also own Toro Kitchen + Bar, Cuishe Cocina Mexicana and Cellar Mixology.

The whiskey bar is open six days a week - only closed on Mondays.

For more about Books: A Whiskey Society, click here.

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