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Our 7+ Favorite Bars in Downtown Austin

  • January 14, 2023
  • | 12:55 PM

Raise your glass to these exciting new spots, as well as old favorites ?

When it comes to bars in Downtown Austin serving up cold beers and refreshing cocktails, the options are seemingly endless. Over the past few years, Austin has been growing in population and with that came the expansion of downtown bars. From dive bars and bigger crowds to upscale lounges with sleek décor, there’s something on this list for every type of drinker. Cheers, folks!

? Midnight Cowboy

Midnight Cowboy

Midnight Cowboy, one of the oldest speakeasy-style bars in Downtown Austin, opened in 2012. It doesn’t take long to figure out why so many people rave about Midnight Cowboy. This downtown bar is known for its hip speakeasy vibe and old-school cocktail menu. When you enter this uniquely decorated space, you’ll see booths on both sides and plush leather seats. It is important to make a reservation as the bar’s interior capacity is 44 people. However, because of this unique setting and reliability that comes with a reservation, Midnight Cowboy is popular for dates as well as other birthday celebrations. Come here for any special occasion or a girl’s night out. It is a fan favorite out of many bars in Downtown Austin.

Hours and Location

SUN-THUR | 6PM – 12AM
FRI & SAT | 5PM-1AM

?313 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78701

Website
? Upstairs at Caroline

Upstairs at Caroline

Another fan favorite bar in Downtown Austin! If you want drinks as good as the vibe, Upstairs at Caroline is the place for you. This bar in Downtown Austin overlooks Congress and parts of Downtown Austin. Furthermore, if you get hungry, Upstairs at Caroline offers some very decent breakfast, lunch and dinner. Caroline’s lunch and dinner menus range from classic to clever served in an open, airy dining room buzzing from carefully-curated playlists, wines and cocktails. It is the perfect place to get together with your gals and catch up while overlooking the great downtown view.

Hours and Location

MON-THUR | 4PM-11PM
FRI | 12PM-12AM
SAT | 11AM-12AM
SUN | 11AM-11PM

?621 Congress Ave STE 201, Austin, TX 78701

Website
? The Roosevelt Room

The Roosevelt Room

“Cheers to you!” The motto of The Roosevelt Room, a bar in Downtown Austin. Since opening in June 2015, the Roosevelt staff has committed to building a sense of community through delicious food, drinks, and unwavering hospitality. Through an expansive list of cocktails, ten innovative house creations, fifty-three carefully-crafted classic cocktails, and a curated selection of spirits, beer, and wine—The Roosevelt Room has something for everyone. It is a great bar in Downtown Austin for date nights, parties and other special occasions.

Hours and Location

MON–WED | 4PM–12AM
THUR–FRI | 4PM–2AM
SUN | 3PM–12AM

?307 W 5th St, Austin, TX 78701

Website
? Better Half

Better Half Coffee & Cocktails

Whether you’re working a new script for the latest hit Netflix show, or finishing a business proposal for a startup, you need a good all-day spot like Better Half Coffee & Cocktails. This bar in downtown Austin is a fan favorite because people can stay there literally all day. This West Fifth café from the team behind Brew & Brew serves food from 8am-10pm daily, with sandwiches, granola to cheeseburgers and grain bowl. When it hits 5pm, grab that cocktail and make it in time for the daily Happy Hour.

Hours and Location

MON | 9AM-3PM
TUES-THUR | 9AM-10PM
FRI & SAT | 9AM-12AM

?406 Walsh St, Austin, TX 78703

Website
? Concrete Cowboy

Concrete Cowboy

Located in downtown Austin in the heart of the West Sixth Street entertainment district, Concrete Cowboy is the perfect place to start your night with happy hour drinks or have it be the main destination for a night out on the town. They feature live entertainment every night, featuring various bands and singers performing country hits and then DJs spinning live every Thursday through Sunday nights. They also feature a rooftop patio that has its own bar, restrooms, and DJ to give it a different feel from downstairs. Concrete Cowboy is the perfect place to host events, enjoy the best views of the cities, and watch the sunset with your friends while enjoying happy hour.

Hours and Location

THUR & FRI | 8PM-2AM
SAT & SUN | 12PM-12AM

?719 W 6th St, Austin, TX 78701

Website
?Here Nor There

Here Nor There

Want to wow a date with your refined taste and sophistication? Take them to this intimate and swanky speakeasy. While membership is by invitaton only, reservations can be made through the Here Nor There App, and the extra effort is well worth it. Mixology is taken seriously here; the cocktails are delicious and everything feels deliberately curated, down to the glassware. Pull up a seat at the bar to watch the bartenders at work, or opt for a cozy nook for more privacy.

Hours and Location

SUN-THUR | 5PM – 12AM

FRI-SAT | 5PM – 1AM

?612 Brazos St, Austin, TX 78701

 

Website
? In Plain Sight

In Plain Sight

While this tiny (only 8 seats!) gem of a bar, located just around the corner from Here Nor There, is decidedly more laid-back, they take their cocktails just as seriously. Decked out in fun, bright colors and serving up “Italian style cocktails with european flavors,”  and celebrating “il dolce far niente” (the sweetness of doing nothing), this place feel like a whimsically chic respite from the busy downtown streets just outside.

Hours and Location

SUN-WED | 4PM – 11AM
THURS & SAT | 4PM-1AM

CLOSED MONDAY

?612 Brazos St Suite C, Austin, TX 78701

Website
? Codependent

Codependent Cocktails + Coffee

Another great place to spend an entire day, the Codependent lets you start your morning with an espresso and get some afternoon work done over snacks and an aperitivo, either in the gorgeously designed interior or the spacious patio. Come evening, put away your laptop (there is an actual laptop closure policy at 4 PM) and switch to one of their cocktail creations; the Ice Ball, named after The Ice Ball Fundraising Gala by Big Brothers and Sisters of Central Texas (a portion of the proceeds from this cocktail is donated to BBBS; last year this cocktail raised $2.5K). There is also an array of rare and fine tequilas, mezcals, whiskeys, bourbons, and wines, as well as Happy Hour Mon-Fri, and a DJ Thurs-Sat.

Hours and Location

MON – WED: 8am – 11pm
THURS – FRI: 8am – 2am
SAT: 9am – 2am
SUN: 9am – 9pm

?301 West Ave Suite 110 Austin, TX 78701

Website
?MML Hospitality

Rosie's

This intimate gem of a wine bar tucked away on Blanco Street is a welcome addition to the neighborhood. Focusing on natural wines and small plates, this is the perfect place to share a bottle with friends, as you sample your way through the menu. The patio is secluded and charming, and the overall feel is cozy, yet elegant. They are walk-in only, so plan accordingly

Hours and Location

MON – FRI 3 p.m. – Midnight
SAT 12PM – 1AM
Sun 12PM – 12AM

?1130 W 6th St, Austin, TX 78703

Website
?MML Hospitality

Howard's

A sibling to Rosie’s, but with a very different vibe, Howard’s is “part neighborhood tavern, part dance party.” A darker, moodier feel then its next door counterpart, it somehow manages to feel both relaxed and sophisticated. There are classic cocktails , elevated bar snacks, and an extensive lineup of music programming (be sure to check their events calendar for a lineup of local and national DJs). Howard’s is open daily, and the only reservations are for the booths.

Hours and Location

MON – FRI 3 p.m. – Midnight
SAT 12PM – 1AM
Sun 12PM – 12AM

?1130 W 6th St, Austin, TX 78703

Website

Curated by

Yana Maryanovsky

Yana Maryanovsky

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