Josabi Live Music Bar

Had a great time. The sound was a little «muffled» the closer we were to the stage, and sounded better the further we went away from it… but this may be the sound technician. or maybe its the acoustics. But the outdoor area is nice. there are picnic tables to sit and three (?) bars… one outside that only served beer, one inside and then to the right of that another indoor bar. My only complaint is the prices. $ 3.50 for a water? I bought one beer, one mixed drink and two waters and it cost 17 bucks! Thats outrageous. And I have never seen people form a line at a bar. Usually when there is empty bar space people fill it in and the bartender takes the order of the first person there… but people seemed to have no problem waiting in line. It was a long wait, they probably could have used two more bartenders just in the one bar. I would suggest too that they consider a shooter girl or something. All of those thirsty people in line would surely buy a shot while they are waiting to be served… not to mention all of the people outside. The bathroom was an oven… absolutely no ventilation at all. But they were fairly well tended to. Plus you can leave and re-​enter, so if you are claustrophobic you can escape to a secluded area in the parking lot behind a car to pee ;)
teee heee…
Ok, ok… seriously, this place was cool. But its too pricy for my budget so it will be a while before I can return.

Unfortunately we didn’t see much of the show we came for because when we got there at 9:30 the show was basically over. Usually I get to a venue when the doors open so I can be in first three rows but this show I was more laid back on so we decided to go for drinks somewhere else first. Reason being that I didn’t want to get there & have to wait a few hours after reading all the poor reviews & found some other places I wanted to check out in the area. I figured doors open at 6 so the opening act would start at 8:30ish & main act 9:30/10ish. I called a few times to confirm this but no one ever answered so I just went with my thought. Well I was wrong. Like I said the show was pretty much over by the time we got there with only 4 – 5 songs left. I’ve never been to a show where the main act was started by this time let alone finished. I’m thinking it’s maybe because there is a noise ordinance or maybe the people of Helotes just like to get to bed early. It was a Monday night so maybe that had something to do with it too. I guess I’m used to shows at indoor venues in Chicago & Milwaukee that start much later no matter what night of the week & thus I screwed up the timing. I definitely learned my lesson that when going to outdoor shows or at unfamiliar venues out of my home turf to show up within an hour of doors open time.
I can’t comment very well on the venue because we weren’t there very long. We were stuck in the way back & had plenty of room around us. The crowd seemed packed further up. The view wasn’t bad way in back but I couldn’t get a decent picture on my phone from there. The sound was fine & I could understand what the band was saying when they were speaking to the crowd which a lot of the times isn’t the case because of sound issues.
Parking was in a grass lot in front of the bar but since we got there late they waved us further down the highway to a gravel lot. The parking was 10 $. There was no light so we had to walk in the dark along the edge of the highway which kinda sucked. I wished I brought my flashlight that was in the car with me. It was easy to get out of this small lot after the show & I’m sure easier than the main lot.
I think I would go back & check this venue out if I lived in the area but I would definitely get there much earlier next time.

Love this place. Close to me as I live in Helotes. They have a Bike Night every Thursday so if you don’t like a motorcycle crowd plan accordingly. They treat me great, and I get a handshake from the owner every time. Every biker that comes in here is friendly and not the gang type you may be thinking of. It is a breath of fresh air after years of Wednesday Bike nights at Hills and Dales. Fresh smoked brisket Tacos every Thursday night! Love it!
Edit/​/​/​/​/​so they tell me bike night is now dead here. A shame. We will report back if it starts in the spring!

I have been to two concerts at Josabis. I saw Ghostland Observatory there about 2 years ago and it was awesome! The place was packed and the outdoor environment allowed for a sweat-​free mosh pit. I went again this summer to see another Concert (I won the tickets and do not remember the band’s name, but they were pretty popular and play on the radio). The place was almost empty and nobody was dancing or even standing up. I ended up leaving before the concert ended. I guess it just depends on how well the concert is advertised as to how your night here will go. The atmosphere is very pretty though and there is no problem with traffic.

I’m really surprised at the reviews on Josabi’s. I’ve been a few times and it’s always been great!
I love the venue. It’s kind of a drive from where I live but worth it. They book so many different types of bands, but I’ve mostly been here for country shows (you’re shocked, I know) and I always have a ball.
The crowd is usually pretty chill. Just want to have a beer and hear a song and maybe dance a bit. The staff is fast and friendly, which is always a plus in a venue that holds so many people! Check out their website to see what shows are coming up and head out and pay ‘em a visit!