Thirsty Camel Bar & Lounge

This place was dead on a Friday night at 9 in the evening. Kinda a hole in the wall. Might just been an off time, don’t think I’ll be back.

Thirsty Camel where do I begin. I loved the 80s music the DJ was exceptional and took our requests kindly. The Chamoy Shots were delicious to say the least. We bought two rounds of these shots. The people at the door were very welcoming as the bartenders. The crowd is an older crowd very chill. If you want to have a drink with good music this is the place to be. We went on a Friday and the crowd was perfect. The restrooms are also very clean– a plus! This place is surely a hidden Gem in San Antonio. We will go back and take new friends!

Love this spot. Friendliest staff, great karaōke and drink specials. Definitely will be back!
In fact, we have been back and it’s always just as much fun

I LOVEEE Thirsty Camel. I’ll admit that when we parked the car and we got out, I wasn’t expecting much. Olmos Park, although beautiful, isn’t a really happenin’ spot, you know? However, upon walking in I understood why its so wonderful. The staff is SO friendly and non-​pretentious which is so welcome and needed after moving to a city and discovering all the places you go are incredibly stuck up. The drinks are also very affordable — there are specials for every day of the week, but even if you’re not getting those drinks, your tab won’t break the bank.
The music is also really fun. New wave, goth, all the fun stuff. The DJ I’ve seen there a few times asks for requests and you can tell he’s having fun.
Finally, as far as attire goes, you definitely don’t have to be decked out in Hot Topic to come here. Although darker clothes may be the norm here, I’ve gone dressed up after leaving other bars and haven’t received any weird looks or lesser service as a result.
It’s divey, smokey, and perfect. The only thing I wish they’d change is to bring back the vending machine. I get the drunk munchies sometimes.

One of the best secrets in town. If you are a true fan of goth, post-​punk, new wave and all the other genres along those lines then you’ll appreciate 1313 event on 2^nd Saturday there. The staff is super friendly and atmosphere is welcoming and unpretentious. Has become one of favorites in town.

3.5 Stars:
I’m drawn to campiness or over the top spots much in the same way a moth is attracted to a vintage Journey’s concert t-​shirt. The Thirsty Camel is a place in Olmos Park that can provide that much needed respite from the daily grind of our everyday lives. I noticed that a Smith’s Tribute band called, «The Moz-​Marr Experience» was going to play on a weekend night and without any hesitation I was there.
The club itself is located in The Yard, a bourgie enclave in Olmos Park. I state this since The Thirsty Camel seems to be the opposite of that. It is basically a really tiny unassuming spot that can fit a handful of people at any given time. Entering inside one notices that it is small and has a very dated décor. I’m not sure if this is intended to facilitate the various themed nights it has and the audience that feels a connection to them. There seems to be careful attention paid to those that still have a crush on 90’s and 80’s era music.
The club itself is seemingly vibrant but at the same time very dimly lit. A unique host of people frequent this space: Joe’s Volcano burnouts, frat kids, rockabilly couples, middle aged folks, preppy cholos, etc. There are a few tables but they seem to solely exist as a place to put drinks on or for patrons to lean on in the event of inebriation. A DJ is near the side of a small stage, cranking out the jams such as Depeche Mode, The Cure, Cyndi Lauper etc.
One positive thing about this place is that the drinks are real cheap. They do have domestic beer and offer some mixed drinks. Unfortunately, I don’t drink domestic beer or do mixed drinks. I settled on a coke and I have no idea what. Whatever it was it was cheap but watered down. The bar itself fits two bartenders and is ultra small. As a result the line can be twenty people deep and has the potential to block pathways.
For me the campiness in this place is not in the burly security staff, nor the four small lights that pulsate as people dance. It is really in the crowd that comes here. To see ladies with mixed drinks in hand as they sway back and forth awkwardly; dirty drunk dancing. Whilst hyper masculine dudes in Bugle Boy’s fashion keep close tabs on their girls. It all seems like some haze or a time warp. There is a total throwback vibe happening, like an episode of «Laguna Beach» gone awry.
The negatives, or should I say negative thing about this place is that it’s so small a crowd of 30 easily makes it seem like your in a can of sardines. In addition there feels like there is an unspoken tension occurring. I don’t mind a little campiness, a little danger in a club. It’s just that there is a feeling, at least for me that you will bump into someone and that could turn into something bigger.
Did I like this club or just the fact that they let a Smiths cover band play here? Nostalgia is a very powerful tool but ultimately a particular crowd will bring you to a club or keep you away.
The Thirsty Camel is an alright spot, depending on what night you go. It is a small club with really cheap drink prices. There is a total throwback vibe and I’m sure by the 4^th drink you will appreciate it. I noticed they do 90’s metal nights. I guess its never too late to dust off your bottle of LA Looks or Aqua-​Net, depending on what night that is.

With music surrounding your soul so seductively — it’s hard not to get lost in the place. Feeling accepted and calm. They have have my favourite bottle, Effen. Who could say more? I scored. It is his place I bought my house close to, and I now adore.

Love the music here and the people.
Here are the drink specials:
Sunday $ 3 you call it
Monday $ 2 wells
Tuesday $ 2 wells and domestics
Wednesday $ 3 you call it
Thursday $ 2 wells
Friday $ 3 wells and domestics
Saturday $ 3 wells and domestics

This place is totally underrated. The staff are some of the friendliest in town. The beer is kept on ice so you know it’s gonna be cold! Those chamoy shots, red, are better than the other guys in town. Haven’t had the green one yet. The shot size is pretty surprising. There are two patios, front and back. And if you aren’t feeling the music there’s separate areas to chill and talk. Lots of parking except you do need to watch out for olmos park police.

I never would have expected to find a place as cool and recommendable as The Thirsty Camel… in Olmos Park.
I mean, it’s Olmos Park. Police patrol the main drag with the intensity and vigor of Paul Blart. The restaurants close by midnight. The median resident age is «AARP».
But last night I decreed that The Thirsty Camel will be one of my new watering holes.
First, the set-​up: Brilliant.
You go up the stairs to the entrance and on your right is a small, wooden outdoor patio. Perfect for a little quiet convo, drink-​in-​hand.
Go inside and right in front of you is the bar area. Spacious with at least a dozen stools. A mirrored backing with neon writing highlighting the specials. Saturday night had $ 3 wells and either $ 2 or $ 3 domestics, if I recall correctly. Friendly bartenders. No attitude within earshot.
To your left is the live music area. Fairly small, but with a decent sound system. They have a few tables and bar stools to the sides of the room, which I think every venue should do. Kudos, TC.
To your right of the bar area are two big, leather couches.
Go toward the back and — whoa, what is this?! — an intimate lounge-​like room with antique furniture, some cool lamps, dart boards and a cigarette vending machine! And it’s well-​partitioned so you can have a conversation here even with a band rockin’ out just yards away in the next room.
In the words of the late Billy Mays, «But wait! There’s more!»
There’s a SECOND outdoor patio in the back! This one has even more wooden benches and the occasional live performer. Yes, there were two live shows going at once last night.
And I love the crowd here at The Thirsty Camel. It’s 20s/​30s. Some dress up more than others — a few suits/​ties, a few T-​shirts and shorts. But there’s no attitude. It’s very friendly. Ditto with the people working here. And that makes me happy.
$ 4 cash cover on the night we went (three live bands). Bathrooms are small but acceptable. Free parking in that entire strip center (where Olmos Perk is located)

What a great place to chill on a Friday night. This place has a full bar. On the night I went they had a cool rock band. I looked around and they have a front and back seating area for the smokers, they also had local artist selling there one of a kind products. On the way out there was an outside food vendor for the peeps that want to grab something to eat before heading home.

Did I miss something? Was I at the same place the rest of the Unilocalers were at? Reading the other reviews I would not have guessed the bar I entered was the bar described. Elderly couple enjoying a drink? Frat boys? 80’s music?
No, but I did see a young crowd who decked themselves out in ‘Hot Topic’ attire before making their way to the Thirsty Camel. Had I known the atmosphere was more goth/​punk/​alternative I would of thrown on some old ‘Hot Topic’ t-​shirts myself. Me and my blonde curly hair, purple tank top, jeans and sandals stood out like a sore thumb.
So note to those that go: must wear black. Mohawk, spiked accessories, hipster tight pants, and Bettie Page bangs and attire are optional.
Nonetheless, the young punk/​goth/​alternative crowd was fun! The night I went there were some artists with their works on display and for sale. The bar itself looks smaller on the outside than what it truly is on the inside. Still not particularly large but there are three main areas to hang out. The bartenders seemed more geared towards making mixed drinks and the beers offered were mainly lite beers. I did not see any ales. I’m really an ale person so this was personally a little disappointing.
The music fit the attire of the crowd, though I would of expected more metal but instead the music reminded me of the band Yacht. I should also say it wasn’t that loud. I’m getting old, so the days of bars where your friends yell into your ear and you nod to pretend you understood them are kind of over for me.
So just be prepared, it’s not what you think it is. The Thirsty Camel seems really out of place given the area it’s in. It could be that I caught it on an alternative night and the rest of the time it’s as described by others but nonetheless; I wonder if my blonde curly hair could pull off a Mohawk? I’ll try most anything once: D

My first trip to Thirsty Camel was the worst day of the year. The night the Spurs lost to the Thunder :(
Thirsty Camel is one of those places you go for «just one more drink…» that turns into way more than one, and then drunken karaōke. I wish I could have stayed longer to get my karaōke on, but I was impressed with how the karaōke guy was ready and willing to set everything up when we were pretty much the only four people in the bar. I probably wouldn’t have ever known about karaōke if he hadn’t offered.
I enjoyed the bartender, she was really nice about them being out of a few basic bar ingredients (vermouth, triple sec???). But, hey, it happens and she was apologetic and helpful in finding something else to pour for us.
I look forward to coming back here when it’s a little more live, and I know it will be a good time.

Although I’m not much of a drinker my friend would bring me here when I would ask to have A drink. It’s not bad, the nights we went they played 80s type music, I’ve never heard any other music play. It’s pretty chill, not crowded or «clubby» when I would go. It’s a nice little spot for after hours.

I gave this place a chance as I am a huge fan of Olmos Perk and the area is perfect for a decent watering hole. The vibe on a Sat. night was well… off. Frat boys listening to blaring rap music, an elderly couple enjoying a few drinks, and a couple of girls who apparently were having a «who can look the most trashy and not get arrested «contest. Each of these elements alone are OK but all those with a ambivalent bartender and all I could say is the beer’s cold and they have free WiFi. that’s about it.

This is a bar I wish was open during regular hours so I could frequent it after work more often. Last I remembered their hours were 8pm –2 am. That’s 3 hours too late for me!
When the bar is open they have a most excellent after happy hour –happy hour! Wells and domestics are $ 2 I believe, from 9 pm-​11pm.
I like when they host art shows and film openings as it gets super packed on random nights and don’t charge a cover.
Some nights when they have bands they’ll charge you a cover, which is great for the band, but uncool for this local regular. Most times if the cover is $ 10, they’ll give you a deal for $ 15 per couple. Unless you really like the band, I’d pass due to the very small stage and super sticky atmosphere with a packed crowd.
For the most part, the Thirsty Camel is good to it’s regulars. The non-​techno playing Dj’s usually walk around and ask for any requests. If you’re into having a few on the way home and in the area stop by! As the tshirts say, beware of turning right into Olmos Park. Those OP police cruise around in some sneaky vehicles. Drink responsibly!

It’s a three star at best but it’s divey and smokey and sometimes thats what the mood calls for. They’ve got karaōke and a snack machine full of ciggies, decent pours at okay prices and the funniest crowd Ive run into in a while.
I saw scrunchies, an elmo purse, heard a man sing garth AND nickelback, ran into the guy who used to run it with magic tricks and carnival folk. It felt a thousand miles away yet like every single smallish «serves its purpose» bar that ive been into ever.
Stop here if you’re in the neighborhood or if you dont want to be seen by anyone you know.

Last time I was here, this place had a different name but felt a lot the same.
You’ll find Thirsty Camel in the back of The Yard Shopping Center. I found Thirsty Camel because I frequent Olmos Perk and sometimes their wine nights end a bit too early, which makes walking across a parking lot for more drinks much more convenient than driving somewhere.
Inside, Thirsty Camel is divided into a few different rooms. You have the front room where DJ’s usually spin pretty decent music. I’m not a fan of techno (so much so that this is likely not even the most accurate term) and the music tends to shift that direction as the night goes on.
You’ll find beer pong, comfy couches, a patio with fire pits (my favorite) and a slew of locals ready to party. If this is what you’re in the mood for, Thirsty Camel will treat you right!