by Denise Marie Anton

Created on: June 30, 2009   Last Updated: August 01, 2010

San Antonio may be known for its steamy summer days, but after sundown it's the bar and club scene that really heats up.  You can dance the night away in one of the many clubs, relax to your favorite live music, or cool off with some liquid refreshment. Here are just a few venues to lure you out into the night:

The Bonham Exchange Dance Club and Bar, 411 Bonham, (210) 224-9219,

www.bonhamexchange.net

The Bonham Exchange's impressive three-story downtown venue was originally built in the 1890s to house a German athletic club. That's about the only old-fashioned thing about this combination high-tech dance club and local bar, which is known for welcoming patrons of all ages, ethnicities, and lifestyles. It's also known for attracting high-profile entertainers: Tina Turner, LaToya Jackson, and Iggy Pop have all performed here. Five separate bars and multiple dance floors keep the large, eclectic crowds happy and moving.

Casbeers at the Church, 1150 S. Alamo, (210) 732-3511, www.casbeers.com

Once a popular dive bar housed in a 1932 strip mall, Casbeers recently moved into a renovated mission-style brick church building in the King William Historic District. Regular patrons will be happy to know that the bar still serves up its traditional combination of live original roots music and enchiladas to die for. If you're not in the mood for Tex-Mex, try their award-winning Kinky Friedman Utopia Burger, named after the Texas singer and humorist; all proceeds go to the animal rescue ranch Friedman founded.

Salute' International Bar, 2801 N. St. Mary's Street, (210) 732-5307, www.saluteinternationalbar.com

You won't hear the San Antonio Symphony in this gaudy dive bar on the St. Mary's Strip, but just about every other musical genre shows up here at one time or another. The place is truly eclectic, and so are the patrons. For a true taste of San Antonio, come on a night when a local band or artist is playing: If you're lucky, you might catch a hot session of authentic conjunto or Tejano.

Swig Martini Bar, 111 W. Crockett, #205, (210) 476-0005, www.swigmartini.com

Swig Martini Bar is now a national chain, but the original one is right here on River Walk in San Antonio. Enjoy a drink at the retro-themed bar, where your only worry will be choosing from the mind-boggling menu designer martinis, with names like Victoria's Secret and Desperate Housewife. Cigar aficionados can relax on the patio with their choice from the more than 50 kinds of stogies in Swig's

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