Bludorn's San Antonio cleared to open in historic Liberty Bar building
Money Moves San Antonio, TX localTexas ABC license issued for the group's first location outside Houston, in the former Liberty Bar building
September 1st, 2026: Texas ABC license issuedNew here? Follow stories to track developments over time. Create a free account to get updates when stories you care about change.
Overview
Updated 1 hour agoHouston-based Bludorn Hospitality Group received a Texas liquor license on September 1, clearing its first San Antonio restaurant to open. The restaurant will occupy the historic Boehler House at 328 E Josephine St, which housed the legendary Liberty Bar for decades.
It is the group's first San Antonio restaurant. It also brings new life to a landmark building at the Pearl.
Why it matters
San Antonio's Pearl District gains a new destination restaurant from a Houston group with a strong track record, in a building with deep local history.
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People Involved
Organizations Involved
Houston-based restaurant group operating four concepts.
Beloved San Antonio bar that operated at 328 E Josephine St for decades.
State agency that regulates alcoholic beverage sales in Texas.
Timeline
1984 September 2026
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Texas ABC license issued
Latest RegulatoryTexas ABC license issued for 328 E Josephine St, clearing restaurant to open.
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San Antonio location announced
AnnouncementGroup announces first San Antonio restaurant in the historic Boehler House.
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Bludorn Hospitality Group founded
FoundingChef Aaron Bludorn founds the group with partners in Houston.
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Liberty Bar moves to King William neighborhood
RelocationLiberty Bar moves to 1111 S Alamo St, a former convent known as the Pink Church.
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Liberty Bar featured in 'Leningrad Cowboys Go America'
CulturalThe bar appears in the 1989 movie 'Leningrad Cowboys Go America.'
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Liberty Bar opens at 328 E Josephine St
OpeningLiberty Bar opens in the Boehler House, a leaning two-story building.
Historical Context
2 moments from history that rhyme with this story — and how they unfolded.
Liberty Bar at 328 E Josephine (1984-2000s)
The Liberty Bar opened in 1984 in the Boehler House, a two-story building that leaned so far left that patrons felt they were taking their lives into their hands. It became a beloved San Antonio institution known for its food, ambiance, and quirky character.
The bar operated at this location for decades, becoming a local landmark.
The bar eventually moved to 1111 S Alamo St, a former Benedictine convent known as the Pink Church, where it continues to operate.
The building at 328 E Josephine St has deep history as the home of the Liberty Bar. Bludorn's San Antonio is now bringing new life to this landmark.
Pearl Brewery redevelopment (2000s-present)
The Pearl Brewery, two blocks from the Liberty Bar's original location, was converted into a dining and entertainment destination. The redevelopment transformed the surrounding neighborhood into one of San Antonio's most popular areas.
The Pearl became a hub for restaurants, shops, and events.
The neighborhood's transformation made it an attractive location for new dining concepts.
Bludorn's San Antonio is opening in the Pearl District, benefiting from the area's transformation into a dining destination.
