There are tons of bars throughout Austin, and regardless of what part of town you’re staying in, we’ve got recommendations based on location. For more favorites, check out our Happy Hour Guide.  

Downtown

Container Bar – This Rainey Street bar is built out of repurposed shipping containers and the patio is hard to beat when the weather is nice. The containers allow you to section off areas for your crew (if some privacy is desired), and they also provide a cool backdrop for photos.

Bungalow – Also on Rainey Street, this massive patio gets packed on weekend evenings. Be sure to check out their “I hate you so much” mural, the angrier twin of the iconic mural on South Congress.

Banger’s Sausage House – If you’re visiting from out of town, Banger’s is a great place to get an authentic taste of Texas. They have a massive patio and often smoke whole hogs on the weekends. Be sure to try the ‘man-mosa’ a massive mug filled with a whole bottle of bubbles, topped off with a splash of OJ.

P6 – This rooftop bar at The Line hotel overlooks Lady Bird Lake, the Austin skyline, and Congress Ave, so if you’re in need of a good view or a little Instagram moment, P6 is for you.

Roosevelt Room – Touted as being one of the best craft cocktail bars in the city, Roosevelt is housed in the warehouse district in a building built in 1929. The dark and classy interior is a great place to beat the heat with strong cocktails.

Garage Bar – It’s exactly what it sounds like, a small craft cocktail tucked into the bottom of a parking garage. This spot is great for smaller groups and the drinks are excellent.

Midnight Cowboy – This secret bar on sixth street is marked only with a red light above the door and requires a password for entry. Reservations are required and they do ask that you keep conversations to a minimum.

Barbarella – If you’re looking to dance, this is the best spot in town for it. They have dance floors both inside and out, and a plethora of DJs throughout the week and on weekends.

Eastside

Nickel City – Maybe a dive bar, maybe a craft cocktail bar, definitely a good time. Be sure to try whatever frozen concoction they’ve got that day and grab a couple of sliders from Delray Cafe, the food trailer on their shotgun patio.

Kitty Cohen’s – This one has a super cute design inside and pool vibes out on the patio. The pool isn’t just there for looks, grab a drink and wade on in there.

Whisler’s – This spot often gets nods for making the best old fashioned in the city, but that’s not the only drink they do well. All of their cocktails are handmade and the menu changes frequently. On weekends, be sure to check the secret mezcal bar tucked away upstairs.

North

Drinkwell – Cozy gastropub on 53rd Street presenting eclectic plates and innovative cocktails in a stylish setting.

Wonder Bar – Located in Domain’s Rock Rose, this place has been described as the “most immersive and interactive bar” serving up inventive cocktails in unique drinkware.

Yard House – Boasting the largest selection of beers in the Austin area, this spot is nestled in vibrant Domain Northside.