Whether you’re going to a bachelorette party or just a date with your significant other, you’ll most likely be thirsty and bored. We’ve compiled a list of the best Austin bars that includes a little bit of everything – including our top 10 Austin rooftop bars. Just remember to stay hydrated if you want to party all weekend.
Austin’s bar scene is also diverse, ranging from fun dive bars to stylish cocktail lounges. We’ve compiled this convenient list of 20 or so of the best Austin bars and rooftops.
Upstairs at Caroline
621 Congress Ave Austin, TX 78701
A top ranked urban backyard bar, Upstairs at Caroline is a wonderful place to hang out and play games with friends and family, and it’s located above the Caroline dining room. They have giant Jenga, shuffleboard, checkers, foosball, and billiards. Furthermore, happy hour specials are available every day, with a rotating selection of draft beers, wines, and cocktails. Pet owners can also purchase a bag filled with nutritious dog treats. –carolinerestaurant.com
Hotel Vegas
1502 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78702
There will always be something exciting going on at Hotel Vegas. The overall vibe is a cross between a vintage cocktail bar and an east-side dive, which results in some remarkable shows you won’t see elsewhere! – texashotelvegas.com
The Roosevelt Room
307 W 5th St, Austin, TX 78701
The Roosevelt Room, located in downtown Austin’s warehouse district, offers a diverse cocktail menu. All of the mixed drinks are available in lovely drinkware, but try one of their quirkier craft cocktails, such as the Run the Jules. It is suggested that you make a reservation if you are visiting on the weekends to keep from having to wait in line. – therooseveltroomatx.com
Hole in the Wall
2538 Guadalupe St Austin, TX 78705
Hole in the Wall is a well-known music venue for college kids, rock stars, and artists alike. They have established a music scene in Austin for decades of rock bands, established touring acts, and very well known entertainers thanks to their dedication and enthusiasm to their community. They take pride in serving refreshing drinks while listening to mind-blowing music. – holeinthewallaustin.com
Far Out Lounge & Stage
8504 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78745
Far Out Lounge is a little out of the way, but it’s well worth the drive. It’s in an older part of South Austin, so much so that a portion of the bar was constructed in 1908! They have an amazing outdoor space and stage area, as well as great cocktails and food trucks. – thefaroutaustin.com
Firehouse Lounge
Firehouse Hostel & Lounge, 605 Brazos Street, Austin, Texas 78701
The Firehouse Lounge is only accessible by sliding the bookshelf in the lobby of the Firehouse Hostel. Make yourself at home in the huge leather seats and listen to some local music or what the DJs are playing at the time. The building, which was built in 1885, is Austin’s oldest standing former firehouse. It’s famous for having some of the best vintage drinks in town, and there’s something for everybody. – firehousehostel.com
Stubbs BBQ
801 Red River, Austin, TX 78701
Stubbs is a well-known barbecue restaurant in Austin, but it’s so much more. It’s a fantastic music venue with an outdoor area that includes tables and umbrellas. This quintessential Austin establishment hosts live music and serves food. On Sundays, there is a gospel brunch, and there are several concerts each week. -stubbsaustin.com
Broken Spoke
3201 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
The Broken Spoke is a landmark dance hall and is hailed throughout Texas. A legend does not emerge overnight. The Austin tradition was opened by James and Annetta White in 1964, and its reputation for fantastic live country music, cold beers, and good Texas cooking is famous worldwide. – brokenspokeaustintx.net
Half Step
75 1/2 Rainey, Austin, TX 78701
Half Step, a Rainey Street favorite, is a lounge with a small cocktail menu. While relaxing in the large booths inside, try their old-fashioned or perhaps the Paloma. There is also a great outdoor area where you can hang out and listen to live music. You can even get donuts from the food truck to go with your cocktails. – halfstepbar.com
Mohawk
912 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701
Mohawk has an incredible space that hosts both local and touring artists! There are outdoor and indoor stages, as well as a roof-deck from which you can see not only the show but also an Austin panoramic view. – mohawkaustin.com
Best Rooftop Bars in Austin
Some of Austin’s best rooftop bars offer tasty brews and stunning views of the Colorado River and the city skyline. This full guide to the best rooftop terraces in Austin will keep you up to date on the latest in this rapidly growing city.
We’ll give you all the information you need about each Austin rooftop, from sky-high rooftop pool venues to delightful decks with fire pits: opening hours, dress code, pictures, maps, and so much more. So, which rooftop bar in Austin is the best?
Azul Rooftop
Westin Austin Downtown, 310 E. 5th St., Austin, TX 78701
Admire the downtown skyline at Azul, our rooftop bar and lounge. Boasting private cabanas, firepits and the World’s Coolest Hotel Pool (Travel Agent Central), this is a favorite hangout for Austinites, named the city’s #1 Best Outdoor Bar by Eater. – marriott.com
Zanzibar
304 E Cesar Chavez St, Unit 700, Austin, TX 78701
You don’t just go to Zanzibar. You arrive. Hidden within the horizon of downtown Austin, Zanzibar is a lush rooftop destination that redefines concrete jungle. Pull up a chair, order a cocktail, and check reality at the door. – zanzibaratx.com
P6 at The LINE Austin
111 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78701
A rooftop parking garage in its past life, P6 has been reinvented as an intimate lounge space for open-air dining and drinks with sweeping views of Lady Bird Lake and the lush South Austin skyline. The menu of locally sourced small plates and seasonal cocktails pairs well with Texas sunsets. –thelinehotel.com
La Piscina
Austin Proper Hotel, 600 W 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701
Located on the 5th floor of the Austin Proper Hotel, La Piscina is a convivial poolside restaurant and bar serving Texas-inspired Mexican cuisine. The vibrant, open space overlooks the downtown Austin bustle as groups convene over family-style platters, ceviches and table-top sizzling fajitas, with fresh seafood grilled over a wood fire and house-made tortillas from an open comal. The bar provides an accompanying selection of frozen margaritas, native Mexican spirits, small-batch tequila & mezcal as well as an assortment of outdoor-friendly snacks. – properhotel.com
Rules & Regs
101 Red River Street, Austin, TX 78701
Break the rules and bend the regulations at Rules & Regs, the best place in Austin to create your own escapade and enjoy libations day or night. Located on the 7th floor and overlooking Austin’s cityscape, R&R is driven by the timeless craft of the tapster and exists so that you can forget the plans, kick the schedule to the curb and commit to your rule breaking with style. – fairmont.com
Upstairs at Caroline
621 Congress Ave, Suite 201, Austin, TX 78701
Upstairs at Caroline is Austin’s premier urban backyard party. The cocktails are flowing; your koozied beer is in one hand, and a brisket taco is in the other. Catch the game or pick your game: giant Jenga, Foosball, and of course corn hole. Don’t limit happy to an hour! – carolinerestaurant.com
Edge Rooftop
110 E 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701
Edge Rooftop offers an elevated evening lounge experience overlooking Congress Ave with views of the Texas State Capitol featuring craft cocktails and locally inspired bar bites. Perfect for group happy hours, intimate after dinner drinks, or private events for up to 200, both locals and hotel guests can enjoy!
Geraldine’s
Hotel Van Zandt, 605 Davis St, Austin, TX 78701
The pool deck and rooftop bar at the contemporary and terrific Hotel Van Zandt are in close proximity to Geraldine’s, a live music-focused eatery on the same floor. The opulent Austin rooftop deck features a lovely rooftop pool, sun loungers, and trendy lounge furniture. You can enjoy the perfect combination of snacks and drinks while taking in the stunning views of Lady Bird Lake. – hotelvanzandt.com
77 Degrees Rooftop
11500 E Rock Rose Ave, Austin, TX 78758
This 3-story rooftop patio bar takes drinking in Austin to a perfect 77°, the optimal cocktailing temperature. We’ve got a palette-pleasing assortment of finger foods, and some mind-altering hookah flavors as well. Stop by and enjoy our open-air patio, beautiful cocktails, and unique tapas dishes. – 77-degrees.com
Maggie Maes
323 Old Pecan St, Downtown Austin, TX 78701
Maggie Mae’s, established in 1978, is the epitome of all things Austin. With over 11,000 square feet of event space, 5 bars, 2 stages, multiple floors, a max capacity of 792 guests and a location that is steps from the convention center and numerous prominent downtown hotels… This is Austin’s most iconic and premier destination. – maggiemaesaustin.com