There's far more to Austin's bar scene than its infamous 'Dirty Sixth Street.' From Rainey Street to East Austin, beer gardens to speakeasies, wine houses to honky tonks, here's where to drink in Austin in 2016.
This swanky speakeasy-style lounge boasts an impressive cocktail line up featuring creative, unique ingredients. Try the Russian Lullaby (vodka, lemon, cucumber, Campari and crme de violette), the Lonesome Dove (a dangerously strong margarita), or ask the bartender to create your own custom cocktail.
307 W 5th St. Unit B
(512) 494-4094
Yelp: 5 stars, 33 reviews
This casual Austin wine bar is housed in a charming bungalow and serves an impressive wine list at a fair price. Score a spot on the deck to enjoy the evenings live music and order drinks through the side window. Be sure to stop by Sunday afternoon for the half-priced specials on all remaining open bottles from the previous Friday and Saturday.
408 Josephine St
(512) 322-5210
Yelp: 4 stars, 294 reviews
This Rainey Street bar has been aptly dubbed one of the countrys best beer bars, thanks in large part to the expertly curated selection of Texas taps boasting 54 beers on draft. Bonus points are awarded for the expansive outdoor seating and the Detroit-style pizza available from food truck Via 313, which is permanently parked in the backyard.
61 Rainey Street
(512) 428-5571
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 247 reviews
This East Riverside spot proves some things really are bigger in Texas, including the HD TV screens. Draft Pick claims to have the biggest HD screen in the state, in addition to loads of flat screen TVs, perfect for watching the Longhorns, Spurs, Cowboys or Texans. While the wings are average, the beer selection and happy hour specials are on point.
1601 E. Riverside Dr.
(512) 444-7245
Yelp: 3 stars, 159 reviews
This Austin-institution just off S. Congress is the spot for singing late-night tunes. The dive bar is tucked away in a parking garage; karaoke is up front with pool tables in the back to keep you busy while you wait for your turn to belt out the tunes. Arrive early to get your name in on the nights list.
510 S Congress Ave
(512) 474-7091
Yelp: 3.5 stars, 148 reviews
When it comes to downtown happy hour deals, you cant beat Parksides daily happy hour from 5 to 6:30pm. Beer and cocktails are half-priced, as is the stellar bar menu (including oyster platters). Ease into the workweek with Martini Mondays, where specialty martinis are just $5.
301 E 6th St
(512) 474-9898
Yelp: 4 stars, 728 reviews
Named for the popular Deep Eddy pool located just behind the bar, this Austin institution has been going strong since 1951. Stop in for a cheap beer on a hot day and enjoy the bars nostalgic vibe, complete with random pictures, beer signs, a jukebox, pool tables, and pinball machine.
2315 Lake Austin Blvd.
(512) 472-0961
Yelp: 4 stars, 69 reviews
Once a shady massage parlor of Dirty Sixth, Midnight Cowboy was reborn as Austins ultimate speakeasy. The intimate atmosphere features booth seating and creative cocktails are made tableside on a wheeled trolley. Ring the buzzer marked Harry Craddock for entry. Reservations are a must, and note that youll only have a two-hour time slot.
313 E 6th St
(512) 843-2715
Yelp: 4 stars, 207 reviews
As the Live Music Capital of the World, picking just one Austin bar for live music is a tall order. Our vote goes to The White Horse, an East Austin dive bar thats home to daily live music and two stepping. Bonus points awarded for the cheap beers, tasty food truck, and the patio that comes in handy when you need to take a break from the sweaty dance floor.
500 Comal St
(512) 553-6756
Yelp: 4 stars, 204 reviews
At this Austin country line dancing institution, young and old alike tear up the dance floor, and everyone dances with everyone else. Arrive early to practice your two-step with a dance lesson, grab a Lone Star for some liquid courage, and hit the dance floor!
3201 S Lamar Blvd
(512) 442-6189
Yelp: 3.5 stars, 216 reviews
This beloved beer garden features a craft brewery, a pizza parlor, muffaletta sandwiches, live music and expansive dog-friendly patio seating. Its the perfect way to spend your Sunday afternoon.
1305 W Oltorf St
(512) 298-2242
Yelp: 4 stars, 319 reviews
This cozy wine bar is the ultimate first date destination thanks to its impressive wine list, intimate corners, superb service and high-end bar snacks (think brie, pear and honey Panini with truffle oil, prosciutto mac and cheese, and freshly baked bread/cheese plates).
4800 Burnet Rd, Ste. 450
(512) 371-1600
Yelp: 4 stars, 382 reviews
After a night on the town, a freshly squeezed green juice is just what the doctor ordered. Head straight to JuiceLand for the The Fountain, a life-giving blend of carrot, celery, beet, ginger, kale, parsley and spinach or rehydrate with the Cocolilly, made from coconut water, cucumber, celery, kale, parsley and spinach. The green smoothies and juice shots are on point, too. With more than 10 locations in and around Austin, theres always a JuiceLand nearby.
1625 Barton Springs Rd
(512) 480-9501
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 202 reviews
Rain bills itself as Austins upscale gay lounge. For guys seeking guys, its the place to see and be seen. For bachelorette parties seeking a fun party (without being hit on by any obnoxious guys), Rain is equally welcoming. The drinks are cheap and strong, the bouncers keep the entry line moving, and the DJs keep the party on the dance floor all night long.
217 W 4th St
(512) 494-1150
Yelp: 3.5 stars, 106 reviews
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Yes, Oasis is technically not a bar but actually a sprawling Tex Mex restaurant thats famous for its over-priced fare and long waits and absolutely spectacular sunsets over Lake Travis. Skip the lines and save yourself a bundle on the subpar food by opting instead to take in the sunset with a margarita in-hand from the bar. Just dont get so busy Instagramming your selfie you miss the moment!
6550 Comanche Trl
(512) 992-0938
Yelp: 2.5 stars, 185 reviews
