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Bludorn's San Antonio gets liquor license in historic Liberty Bar building

Bludorn's San Antonio gets liquor license in historic Liberty Bar building

Money Moves San Antonio, TX local

Texas ABC license issued for the group's first location outside Houston, in the former Liberty Bar building

September 1st, 2026: Texas ABC license issued

Overview

Updated 2 days ago

Houston-based Bludorn Hospitality Group received a Texas liquor license on September 1, for its first San Antonio restaurant. 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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Key Indicators

Sep 1, 2026
TABC license issued
Texas ABC license cleared the restaurant to operate.
4
Houston restaurants
Bludorn, Navy Blue, Bar Bludorn, and Perseid.
1
San Antonio location
First Bludorn Hospitality Group restaurant outside Houston.

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People Involved

Organizations Involved

Timeline

1984 September 2026

6 events Latest: September 1st, 2026 · 1 week ago
Tap a bar to jump to that date
  1. Texas ABC license issued

    Latest Regulatory

    Texas ABC license issued for 328 E Josephine St, clearing restaurant to open.

  2. San Antonio location announced

    Announcement

    Group announces first San Antonio restaurant in the historic Boehler House.

  3. Bludorn Hospitality Group founded

    Founding

    Chef Aaron Bludorn founds the group with partners in Houston.

  4. Liberty Bar moves to King William neighborhood

    Relocation

    Liberty Bar moves to 1111 S Alamo St, a former convent known as the Pink Church.

  5. Liberty Bar featured in 'Leningrad Cowboys Go America'

    Cultural

    The bar appears in the 1989 movie 'Leningrad Cowboys Go America.'

  6. Liberty Bar opens at 328 E Josephine St

    Opening

    Liberty Bar opens in the Boehler House, a leaning two-story building.

Scenarios

1

Bludorn's San Antonio opens to strong reviews

Likely Resolves by End of 2026

Discussed by: San Antonio Express-News, Eater

The restaurant opens in fall 2026 and quickly becomes a Pearl District destination. The group's Houston track record and the historic building draw diners and critics.

2

Opening delayed by construction or permitting issues

Possible Resolves by End of 2026

Discussed by: WhatNow San Antonio

Despite the TABC license, the restaurant faces delays in opening. Historic building renovations and permitting issues push the opening into 2027.

3

Bludorn's San Antonio opens but struggles

Unlikely Resolves by Q2 2027

Discussed by: Eater, local food critics

The restaurant opens but faces challenges in the competitive San Antonio dining market. High prices or location issues keep it from matching the group's Houston success.

Historical Context

2 moments from history that rhyme with this story — and how they unfolded.

1984-2000s

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.

Then

The bar operated at this location for decades, becoming a local landmark.

Now

The bar eventually moved to 1111 S Alamo St, a former Benedictine convent known as the Pink Church, where it continues to operate.

Why this matters now

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.

2000s-present

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.

Then

The Pearl became a hub for restaurants, shops, and events.

Now

The neighborhood's transformation made it an attractive location for new dining concepts.

Why this matters now

Bludorn's San Antonio is opening in the Pearl District, benefiting from the area's transformation into a dining destination.

Sources

(4)