Be Kind Rewind is downtown San Antonio’s newest bar

When bar owner Alex Amaro first announced the concept of Be Kind Rewind to MySA, he promised an interactive nightlife experience that would transport patrons back in time with the sights and sounds of the 80s. 90s and early 2000s. Now we get a glimpse of the new nightclub near Alamo Plaza, and Amaro hit the mark.

Be Kind Rewind is located in the old downtown Fuddruckers space at 115 Alamo Plaza, and is quite unassuming from the outside. When patrons step inside from Losoya Street or Alamo Plaza, they are immediately greeted by a cascade of neon colors, Nagel-esque creations by Austin’s Unhinged Studios, and painted murals by local artist Colton Valentine. The interior will be completely unrecognizable to those who visited the burger shop before it closed in 2020.

What would a San Antonio nightlife spot be without a tribute to the Queen of Tejano?

Steven Santana | MySA

It’s a place for the senses that encourages good vibes and nostalgia through sight, sound, touch and taste, Amaro says. Inside’s past as a San Antonio-based burger spot that had its heyday in the ’80s and ’90s tends to evoke those same feelings of nostalgia.

The DJ booth is covered in retro stereos and boomboxes, all found locally.

The DJ booth is covered in retro stereos and boomboxes, all found locally.

Steven Santana | MySA

“We wanted to provide a place where everyone can come, creating a totally immersive experience that attacks all of the senses,” Amaro said. “From the menus, the food, the drinks, the music, the sound system, as well as all the visual elements besides.”

With the exception of pinball, all arcade games are free.

With the exception of pinball, all arcade games are free.

Steven Santana | MySA

When MySA first arrived, Amaro had a music video playlist playing on flat screens and the booming sound system that really lets you feel the beat. It was “Under the Bridge” by the Red Hot Chili Peppers followed by “Love Shack” by the B52s – just two of many music videos on a rotation organized by Amaro.

The dioramas will trigger those nostalgic memories.

The dioramas will trigger those nostalgic memories.

Steven Santana | MySA

But music videos aren’t the only source of jams. Be Kind Rewind will open at 5 p.m. and at 9 p.m. the dance floor will open with sets featuring DJ Chacho on deck. Amaro says DJ Chacho is creating playlists that marry comebacks from early pop stars like Prince, Madonna, Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera. There will also be R&B and hip hop hits from the 90s and 2000s.

Be Kind Rewind has its share of craft cocktails.

Be Kind Rewind has its share of craft cocktails.

Steven Santana | MySA

The main bar will serve the usual beers and seltzers you’ll find in most bars, but patrons can also order signature cocktails like the Disco Punch, which is a mix of Bacardi Sour, Sour Apple Pucker, peach schnapps, juice pineapple, Triple Sec, and sweet and sour mix. All served in a disco ball cup. You can also take various shots like the Malibu Barbie candy, a mix of Malibu, watermelon, and cranberry juice.

Guests looking for a cooler setting for a drink can pop into the neon tropical Weekend Vice bar, which will feature frozen draught margaritas and Reggaeton beats from favorites like Bad Bunny.

Be Kind Rewind doesn’t skimp on the food either. Menu items created by Chef Jay Rod include sliders, pizza, gourmet fries, wings, a giant cheese stick, and more, all named after pop culture references of the time.

The drink menus come in the form of old VHS tape cases containing some of your favorite movies like dirty dance Where clueless.

The stands pay homage to pop stars of the 80s, 90s and 2000s.

The stands pay homage to pop stars of the 80s, 90s and 2000s.

Steven Santana | MySA

Be Kind Rewind will officially open on October 28. Doors open at 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday, then at noon on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Amaro also plans to do theme nights and a “funky brunch” on Saturdays and Sundays in the future.

@mysanantonio First look at #sanantonio’s new retro bar in #downtownsanantonio ✨🪩🍸 #sanantoniobars #sanantonionightlife #sanantoniotexas #sanantoniotx #sanantoniotiktok #sanantoniofoodie #sanantoniocheck #thingstodoinsanantonio ♬ I miss you (accelerated version) – _

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