Blue Star Arts Complex

I can’t believe I didn’t hang out at Blue Star Arts Complex more when I lived in San Antonio. Art, drinks, food, and more!
While I’m not a fan of Bar 1919 (see my rant… ahem…review for that), but there are definitely some other way more chill, more fun options to eat or drink at: Blue Star Brewing, Halcyon, Stella, etc.
Love Southtown. So unique, fun, young, exciting.

Over all a great complex though a little bit of I don’t know what the word is; nepotism? inbreeding? as many of the businesses seem to be owned under the same blanket. Maybe monopolized is the word I want. San Antonio in general could use some healthy competition to get on par with other cities in the state and country. But granted all of that, Blue Star is one of a kind and charming because of its unique sense of place.
The value placed on arts and visual creativity in this city is world class, probably rivaling the best of them when you measure by the number there are of art galleries, museums, school programs, non profits, organizations, etc etc relative to the population. This complex is the heart of that huge offering.

This area is so much fun, especially around first Friday. I enjoy the changing art and new artists to check out. Be mindful of the buildings not marked, you don’t want to pass up a gallery with potential fun finds inside. Everyone is so friendly and happy to answer any questions. And that just the surrounding area. The Blue Star gallery is awesome! Every month or so displays new pieces by different artists. I enjoy that the media changes. It isn’t based on one type, one style. The volunteers in the gallery are very friendly. It’s fun to pop in on First Friday, grab a beer and begin the slow walk through to view everything. My best tip is to come early if you’d rather beat the first friday crowds

The art «museum» — it has been a long time since I felt like I’ve been ripped off and that was the worst $ 10 I’ve spent in a very long time. Huge space, 10 – 12 pieces of art, some overhead projectors… I don’t recommend anyone visit.
There was one art gallery that had some tasteful art. However, they’re closing April 2015.
If you like pizza and beer, which looks to be holding all the customers in the complex, it’s the place to be.

Urban renewal at its best! This collection of small businesses off the oft-​trodded, commercialized, and predictable path of the San Antonio Riverwalk breathes more life into a city that continues to demonstrate the potential for true cultural growth. The Blue Star Arts Complex is up against the likes of Pearl Brewery and does quite well. Each shop is unique enough to keep smart customers coming to South Alamo Street for many years to come.

In the long history of my going here for First Friday, this place has really evolved over the years. It started off as an industrial park that has transformed into a vibrant social and arts scene. There are numerous galleries throughout here that cater to the weird, eclectic or abstract. The brewery on site makes fantastic beer, and the restaurants here are always top notch. In fact, Stella Public House, which recently opened here probably makes the best pizza in the city, according to this Unilocaler!
I love the fact that you can chill out here on the picnic tables placed along the San Antonio River, and watch the water flow by, or rent a bicycle from the B-​Cycle kiosk located on site.
I’ve found Blue Star Complex to be a great place to park, and bike from to get to downtown, or just anywhere around Southtown.
First Friday is ALWAYS poppin’ around here. It’s really worth checking out. Everything stays open late, and they have live bands playing, and vendors set up to sell raspas and hotdogs. Yum!