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, 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. One can be sure to relax and be provided the highest quality cocktails. Come here for any special occasion or a girl’s night out. It is a fan favorite out of many bars in Downtown Austin.
Handlebar
City views, photo booth, craft drinks and games. Handlebar serves up good times by the glass with a local beer selection and craft cocktails. Not only are the drinks delicious, but the adults love the fun! They have a great outdoor patio with a mini adult playground. It may sound silly, but it is a hit in Austin. The drinks are also delicious and inexpensive. They offer Happy Hour Monday through Saturday from 4 to 8PM and all-day Sunday. A popular fan favorite drink is called the Frida Khalo which has cucumber vodka, lime juice, ginger beer and mint.
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.
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.
The Lost Lei
Austin may be hundreds of miles away from the Pacific Ocean, but an up and coming Warehouse District Bar is bringing all the island vibes to the landlocked city. Savor that breezy summer feeling all year long. The tropical tiki bar, The Lost Lei, will make you feel like you’re on vacation. When people step inside this unique bar in Downtown Austin, they feel as though they have entered a secret hideaway. From the grass skirts and carved tiki sculptures, you’ll totally forget you’re in the middle of Texas. Not only are the vibes immaculate, but the drinks are one of a kind. The Lost Lei proudly boasts Austin’s most extensive rum list and spirit variety. Offering combination classics like the Mai Tai, Fog Cutter, and El Diablo, along with some reworked standbys. It truly doesn’t get much better than this.
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.
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.
Favorite Bars in Downtown Austin
Downtown Austin has a lively bar scene, so if your idea of fun includes enjoying a couple drinks while socializing with friends, there is a perfect spot waiting for you here. After extensive research, our team has put together that of the above bars in Downtown Austin in which are of some of the most popular spots for hanging out and kicking back.