Alamodome-area bar Atlee's Rally opening just in time for Final Four weekend
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A sneak peek at Atlee's Rally. Photo: Madalyn Mendoza/Axios
Atlee's Rally, a new sports bar, is stepping onto the court in St. Paul Square.
Why it matters: It's located just steps from the Alamodome's entrance — the perfect spot for Final Four action that's only weeks away from descending on San Antonio.
The latest: Atlee's Rally will be soft-opening during the Final Four. Owners Andy Palacios and James Santos knew they'd be close to the action when they planned the bar — but they didn't realize they'd be just 10 yards from the entrance.
- "We're in a great place to make sure that people coming in know what San Antonio is, how we've changed, how we're growing and what people love about the city," says Palacios, who also owns Tony's Siesta, a popular bar across Interstate 37.
- "We want to show them how it's a big family down here and how that makes us unique and authentic."
The vibe: The light-filled space neighboring The Espee has basketball-orange seating and barstools wrapped in leather reminiscent of baseball gloves.
- A painted basketball court stretches across the ceiling, featuring the warm orange, teal and brown hues of the Spurs' City Edition jerseys.
- True to its sports bar DNA, the space boasts massive TVs (including one spanning the bar) and plenty of billiards and other games.
Dig in: The cocktail menu, curated by Santos, reflects the welcoming feel of the space, and includes martinis, house margaritas and mocktails. He says it'll be playful but efficient.
- "This isn't the kind of place where you're trying to stump the bartender," Santos says. "We want to focus on getting drinks out in a timely manner."
The intrigue: The bar's name pays tribute to Atlee B. Ayres, who played a role in designing St. Paul Square and is celebrated for shaping the city's landscape with landmarks like the Freeman Coliseum and the Smith-Young Tower (now the Tower Life Building).
What's next: The grand opening is slated for later in the spring. The bar will eventually expand with a patio, opening up opportunities for food trucks and pop-up events.
- The team is also eyeing the potential of Project Marvel, which, if approved, could bring even more foot traffic and energy to the space.
What we're watching: With its prime location, Atlee's Rally could be rented out for private events during the Final Four. Keep an eye on the bar's Instagram for updates.