Sojourn is a cocktail bar on the west bank of San Pedro Creek, next to the Alameda Theater, which will shine once more following renovation. Derik Cortez and Andrew Carrillo, two well-known figures in the neighborhood’s food and beverage business, teamed up to offer a cool retreat to the heart of San Antonio’s downtown.

The lavish design of Juniper Tar, complete with taxidermy, is gone, and chairs now welcome guests with rattan backs and vibrant blue banquet seats. Thanks to the chandeliers and stained glass windows, the room has an aristocratic feel. The outside is brought inside via a painting of palm leaves and tropical flowers without having to endure the heat and humidity.

The bar has a menu of items from its cold kitchen. There is no heat used to cook anything. Oysters (dressed or on the half shell), beef tartare, hummus, crispy tuna nibbles, charcuterie, a Cubano sandwich, summer watermelon salad with mango vinaigrette, and marinated feta are among the small food options available.

A selection of beer, wine, and specialty cocktails are served at Sojourn. There are also zero-proof options available as they live up to the expectations that there’s something for everyone. The non-alcoholic selection includes the Blood Moon, made with hibiscus tea, pineapple, grapefruit, and Mexican sprite.