About Hooligan’s Bar & Grill
Hooligan’s Bar & Grill was a two-story live music and sports bar in Live Oak, TX (at 13920 N Interstate 35 ). It featured multiple bars on each floor, plus an outdoor patio and gaming tables . Customers praised its lively atmosphere – for example, one review called it a “great spot” to “watch fights and listen to DJs and live bands,” noting the two-story layout and games like pool and darts . Hooligan’s served typical pub fare (burgers, wings, tacos, etc.) and had TVs tuned to big matches and fights. For many years it was a local “hot spot for big games” and bar shows . In early 2018, a new owner reopened the space as Quatermain’s Pub , so the Hooligan’s name was retired. In fact, current listings mark Hooligan’s as “permanently closed” . (Fans of that address now look to Quartermain’s or other Live Oak venues.)
Events and Programming
When it was operating, Hooligan’s hosted live music acts, DJ nights, fight-viewing parties, and sports-bar events. The lineup leaned toward rock and country cover bands, plus occasional local originals, with DJs spinning on weekends . Big fights (UFC, boxing) and local sports games were a staple – patrons often gathered around the big screens on fight nights . In quieter times it may have run trivia or karaoke nights. Most events were free or low-cost; the bar generally didn’t charge for entry except special concerts. (As a rough guide, neighborhood bar shows like this sometimes have covers around $10–$15 for touring bands – though exact prices varied.) Because Hooligan’s closed in 2018, there are no new Hooligan’s events after 2017. Events at that address today occur under new names (e.g. Quartermain’s Pub), so check the current venue’s listings.
Tickets and Booking
Hooligan’s did not have a formal ticket office. For any special concerts, tickets (if needed) were usually sold online or at the door by the venue or the performing band. There was no separate box office on site; fans typically bought advance tickets through the promoter’s site or simply paid cover at the door. Regular DJ or game nights were usually free. Because there was no assigned seating, there were no reserved VIP sections – everything was general admission. As a result, the best way to secure a spot at a big show was to arrive early. Follow local event calendars or the venue’s social media (or its successors’) for announcements, as tickets for popular acts could sell out early.
Seating and Layout
Hooligan’s was a mostly general-admission bar. The main floor contained the central bar counter and an open dance floor/game area; the stage (if used) and TVs were typically on the first floor. An upper level with a second bar overlooked the main area, providing additional seating and a view down below . Outdoors, the patio offered seating for smokers or overflow crowds. There were stools at both bars and sparse table seating, but no reserved seating sections – everyone mingles at the bar or around the dance floor. For concerts or DJ nights, the front of the stage offered the clearest sightlines and sound; the upstairs balcony allowed a wide view but could be louder or crowded. In general, patrons with mobility needs could use the main floor bar, but the upstairs (and stage) involved stairs. (Avoid standing near speakers if you’re sensitive to volume.)
Getting There and Parking
Hooligan’s was located at 13920 North Interstate 35 Frontage Road in Live Oak, TX . It sits just off the I-35 frontage road, a few blocks north of Loop 1604 . By car, it’s most easily reached via I-35: exit at 1604 northbound or southbound, then use the frontage road. There was a large, free surface lot dedicated to the bar (plus adjacent shopping-center parking). Parking was ample on weekday evenings and weekends; on major event nights the lot filled first, but street parking and neighboring lots were also used. Rideshare and taxis can drop off at the frontage road entrance, which is level and well-lit.
Public transit options are limited. VIA Metropolitan Transit (SA’s bus system) does not stop directly at Hooligan’s. To use transit, one would take a bus to a major stop (for example on North Loop 1604) and walk or use a rideshare the rest of the way. In practice, nearly all visitors drove or took ride services, as the venue is in a highway-dependent area.
Inside the Venue
Expect a loud, casual sports-bar atmosphere inside. The entrance led straight into the main bar area. Security at the door was minimal on most nights (ID check for 21+ was routine after 10pm). Typical Texas bar rules applied: a patron needed to be 21+ to drink (ID was strictly checked by bartenders) . You’d find a full bar serving beer, liquor, and mixed drinks, as well as a basic grill menu (burgers, wings, nachos, fries and similar American pub fare). Many items were priced like typical bar food (burgers and tacos in the $5–$10 range, appetizers $5–$8). The bartenders often poured frozen cocktails and bucket specials on game nights.
The decor was classic bar style: neon beer signs, sports memorabilia on the walls, and multiple TV screens tuned to sports. Restrooms were located near the back of the main floor (signs inside directed men and women separately). There was no formal coat check or lockers – guests hung coats on stools or chairs if needed. A pay toilet or tip jar might occasionally be present (common in bars this size). Wi-Fi was not advertised and likely was just a basic service for staff use. There was no merchandise booth; as a local bar, it didn’t sell T-shirts or CDs. Customer cell service coverage was usually available from major carriers (though a very crowded crowd might weaken some signals). No official smoking was allowed indoors (Texas law bans smoking inside bars), but the patio and sidewalk area could be used for smoking.
Nearby Amenities
The strip of I-35/North Loop 1604 has plenty of chain restaurants, hotels, and stores. Directly across the frontage road is a Texas Roadhouse steakhouse (13830 I-35) . A Whataburger (fast-food burgers) stands about 0.8 mi north at 12806 N I-35 . Other nearby choices include IHOP, Chili’s, Buffalo Wild Wings, a Wingstop, Mexican taquerias, and Waffle House – all within a mile. Gas stations and convenience stores (e.g. Valero, 7-Eleven) are adjacent if you need snacks or supplies. There was also a Starbucks in a plaza half a mile away.
For out-of-town visitors, the WoodSpring Suites extended-stay hotel sits to the northwest (13598 N I-35), with a Holiday Inn Express, Red Roof Inn, and similar motels nearby. A Hampton Inn and a Comfort Suites sign are visible just up Loop 1604. The drive from central San Antonio to Hooligan’s takes about 20–25 minutes north on I-35, so some patrons stayed at the North/Live Oak hotels and walked or took a short rideshare. Returning at night, taxi or Uber/Lyft service (drop-off on the frontage road) was reliable until 2am when last calls typically occurred.
What Makes This Venue Special
What set Hooligan’s apart was its size and local focus. It was one of the largest standalone sports bars in the Live Oak/North San Antonio suburbs. Its multi-level setup and packed crowd gave it more of a club feel than a small neighborhood bar. In its heyday it was known for big fight nights and live bands that you didn’t see at Mom-and-Pop pubs – it drew people from surrounding areas for a genuine “bar experience” . Locals remember it for tailgate parties on NFL Sundays, holiday block parties on the patio, and inexpensive nights out (few places in Live Oak offered that combination of music and games under one roof). In a sense, Hooligan’s served as a community hub for local music fans and sports watchers through the 2000s. (Its closure in 2018 was lamented by some longtime patrons, reflecting its place in the local scene .)
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: The main floor of Hooligan’s was street-level (wheelchair accessible), but the upstairs and stage areas required stairs. If you need wheelchair access, call ahead — the venue had a step-free entry but limited ADA accommodations indoors.What to Bring: Bring a photo ID if you plan to drink (carding was strict). Cash and cards were accepted; having some cash helped for tipping or paying games. The bar normally did not check bags, but on crowded nights they might. Try to carry a small bag or none, since coat check was not available.Food & Drink: While you can order food at the bar menu, many people also ate beforehand (nearby restaurants or road food). Food was served until late, but it could get busy during events – consider arriving a little early for dinner. Bringing outside drinks or coolers was not allowed (standard for bars).Common Pitfalls: Don’t expect assigned seats. If a big band is playing, lines at the door and bars can form quickly – consider arriving 30–60 minutes early. Also, even on busy nights, service can be spotty (as some reviews note ), so keep that in mind. Finally, double-check the current venue name/date: if you see Quartermain’s Pub hosting a show at the same address, that’s the successor to Hooligan’s.Age and Dress: The crowd was generally casual — jeans and a tee or jersey were fine. No formal dress code was enforced, but tank tops or swimwear aren’t typical bar attire. After 8pm or so, expect the crowd to skew 21+ (kids were rarely seen once the grills closed). Women and juniors (18–20) were rarely admitted late at night because alcohol service was a concern. This bar filled with late-night patrons on weekends, so party attire (casual club style) was common.Arrival Time: For smaller shows or regular bar nights, arriving anytime after 9pm was fine. For popular bands or fight events, the place often hit peak capacity by 10–11pm. Plan to arrive early for headliners – especially if you want a table or bar stool. Late-arriving guests might find the floor shoulder-to-shoulder.Connectivity: Cell phones generally had service, but Wi-Fi was not advertised. If you depend on internet access, your cellular data (AT&T/Verizon) should work, or step outside for stronger signal. The bar itself might have had a basic guest network, but it was seldom mentioned by visitors.Local Traditions: Some visitors made Hooligan’s a weekly ritual (e.g. fraternity or club crews). If you’re part of a large group, call ahead to see if they can hold a table or open a new one, especially on a Thursday–Saturday night. Groups often booked a row of bar stools well in advance. Tipping generously (ladies get 18–20% on drink tabs) helped speed service.
Is Hooligan's Bar & Grill still open?
No. Hooligan’s Bar & Grill closed around 2017 and was replaced by a new owner. Current maps list it as “permanently closed” . The space now operates under different names (for example, “Quatermain’s Pub” opened there in 2018 ). If you search for events at this address today, look for the new venue name.
Where is Hooligan's Bar & Grill located?
The address was 13920 North Interstate 35 Frontage Road, Live Oak, TX 78233 . This places it on the I-35 frontage road at the North Loop (1604) area. It was just off the I-35 northbound exit ramp. (If using a GPS, enter that exact address or look for “Hooligan’s Bar & Grill.”) This is about 15–20 minutes north of downtown San Antonio via I-35.
Is there parking available at Hooligan's?
Yes. The venue had a large private parking lot surrounding the bar (free to customers). There was space behind and beside the building for dozens of cars. On big event nights the lot filled first, but additional street parking and neighboring lots (in the same shopping plaza) were used. Parking was generally free and ample at all hours. Rideshare or taxi drop-offs were easy, too, right at the frontage-road entrance.
Are there public transit options to reach Hooligan's?
Public transit is very limited. VIA buses do not stop directly at the location. The closest major transit routes run along Loop 1604 and other nearby streets, but you would still need to walk or get a short taxi from the bus stop to the venue (usually over half a mile). In practice, nearly everyone drove or took ride shares. The safest bet is driving or an Uber/Lyft – as of 2025 there is no convenient bus to the doorstep.
How did people get tickets for concerts or events at Hooligan's?
Hooligan’s had no separate ticket office. For special shows, tickets (if required) were typically sold online by the promoter or band and at the door. For most DJ nights or fight viewings, there was no charge (it was like walking into any bar). If a concert did have a cover or ticket, you would usually pay at the entrance. There were no advance box-office outlets on site, so check online event listings or contact the venue for info on tickets.
What types of events and music were featured at Hooligan's?
Hooligan’s catered to sports fans and local music lovers. Expect country‐rock cover bands, local rock acts, and DJs (especially on weekend nights) . They broadcast live sports (football, basketball, UFC fights) on big-screen TVs, so fight nights and game days drew crowds. Exclusive concerts by touring acts were rare, but the venue often booked regional country or rock bands. Karaoke or country dance nights may also have been on the calendar. Basically, it was a loud bar with live DJs and bands – no ballroom or acoustic lounge style.
Was there a cover charge or ticket price for shows?
Most nights were no-cover — you just paid for food and drinks. Only special concerts might charge a cover. When shows did have a price, it was modest. In similar local bars, covers have ranged roughly $10–$15, but every event was different. (Always check ahead: a listed concert probably means a cover or ticket is needed.) If there was a headline band, they’d note any cover in flyers or online ads.
How was the seating arranged inside Hooligan's?
Seating was very informal. The first floor was a large open area with the main bar, TVs, and some high-top tables, but much of the crowd stood or danced. The upstairs balcony had additional bar stools and standing room overlooking the floor . There were also outdoor tables on the patio. There was no reserved seating or VIP section – all access was general admission. For a concert, the best view would be up front near the stage area; the upstairs offered a broad view but could feel distant. Keep in mind that during busy shows it could be crowded enough that everyone ended up standing.
Are children or pets allowed at Hooligan's?
Hooligan’s was primarily an adult bar. Families with small kids were rarely seen, especially at night. After dark (typically 8pm onward), the crowd was mostly 21 and over. Legally, children could be on the premises only if accompanied by adults before a certain evening hour, but the environment (loud music, late alcohol sales) made it uncommon. Pets were not allowed inside, per general restaurant rules (only service animals are permitted by ADA accommodations).
What was the dress code at Hooligan's?
Dress was very casual. Jeans, T-shirts, jerseys and boots were typical. There was no formal dress code or requirement. However, since it was a nighttime bar, you wouldn’t see beachwear, joggers or overly athletic attire. If you came in a tank top and flip-flops it might be fine on a hot night, but most people dressed like they were going to a country bar or casual club. Clubwear (nicer jeans/dress shirts for men, nice tops for women) was common on weekend nights.
Did I need to bring my ID or any special items?
Yes. You always needed a valid photo ID (driver’s license, passport, etc.) to enter after 9pm, since they served alcohol. Even if you were not drinking, on busy nights the staff often asked everyone’s age. It was wise to carry some cash for quick bar tabs or tips, though credit cards were accepted. Bringing a jacket wasn’t necessary except for late-night winter, as the venue was indoors. Bag searches were not strict, but it was best to leave large backpacks at home. Flash photography was discouraged, and professional cameras likely needed prior permission.
What kind of food did Hooligan's serve?
Hooligan’s offered a standard bar & grill menu. Think burgers, chicken wings, grilled tacos, quesadillas, fries, nachos and the like. There were also appetizers like onion rings, queso, and jalapeño poppers. Most dishes were in the $6–$12 range. It wasn’t a fine-dining kitchen – the food was comfort fare meant to go with drinks. One user review even noted “the food is pretty good too” . Peak food hours were early evening through late night on weekends; by midnight you might only find limited items. The kitchen closed before 1am on weekends, and there was no outside food allowed inside.
Was smoking allowed inside Hooligan's?
No. By Texas law, indoor smoking in bars was banned (since 2010). The indoor area of Hooligan’s was smoke-free. Patrons who wanted to smoke went outside on the patio or sidewalk. There may have been an ashtray near the entrance. So yes, you could smoke, but only outside in designated areas, not inside the bar.
Does Hooligan's have wheelchair accessibility features?
Partial. The main entrance and ground floor were level, so a wheelchair user could enter and access the bar area. However, there was no elevator or lift to get to the second floor. Restrooms were on the main level and roughly ADA-sized, but it’s unclear if they were fully updated to code. If you or someone in your party needs wheelchair access, it’s a good idea to call ahead – staff could advise on the layout. Many older Texas bars have limited ADA retrofits, and Hooligan’s was built before strict regulations.
Are there hotels or other bars/restaurants nearby?
Yes. Within a few blocks you’ll find chain hotels and eateries. Just around the corner is a Texas Roadhouse steakhouse . A Whataburger (fast-food burgers) is 0.8 miles north . Also nearby: IHOP, Wingstop, Buffalo Wild Wings, Chili’s, and local Tex-Mex taquerias. For lodging, the WoodSpring Suites (extended-stay) is on-site at 13598 N I-35, and a Holiday Inn Express and other motels are just off Loop 1604. This area of Live Oak is built for travelers, so all your basics (fuel, food, hotels) are within a mile or two.
What transportation options and parking should I plan for?
Most visitors drove or used rideshare. The bar had its own lot (free parking) and easy drop-off on the frontage road. If using GPS, navigate to 13920 N I-35 Frontage Rd . The venue is about 15 miles from downtown San Antonio via I-35. As mentioned, buses don’t go right there, so plan to drive or take Uber/Lyft. If you do park, give yourself extra time – on weekend nights the lot filled early. Rideshare will drop you right out front. Slow down when exiting onto I-35 (usually a stop sign) just to be safe.
Why was Hooligan's Bar & Grill significant locally?
It was one of Live Oak’s few large entertainment bars. Locals remember it for big sporting events and live band nights in a suburb that otherwise had mostly small restaurants. With its big patio, multiple bars and two floors, it became a meeting place for North San Antonio-area crowds. In that sense it was a community hangout for over a decade. When it closed in 2018, many patrons remarked that “your favorite bar just isn’t here anymore,” reflecting its impact. Today its memory lives on in local lore and in the fact that its space continues as a music and bar venue for Live Oak.
