Austin is the city of live music. The blues scenes here is phenomenal, while the historic nightclubs are filled with tremendous energy. No matter which vibe you’re looking for, a specific vibe or a mix, this city has it all. Every March, South by Southwest is the city’s highlight and Austin City Limits is at the end of September. They are incredible bookends to a wonderful music scene. Every student from the University of Texas and every tourist’s eyes are on 6th Street. On weekend nights, 6th Street is happening, rocking, and bold. There are live sports bars, music bars, dive bars, hangout spots with balconies overlooking the madness below, and even a couple of swanky-looking nightclubs. There are more bars than a football team has blue-chip recruits. When it comes to nightlife, Austin has everything! So here’s a list of the top cocktail bars in Austin, Texas, offering the best food and drinks.
1. The Roosevelt Room
Located in the heart of downtown Austin’s Warehouse district, the Roosevelt Room is a ‘20s-inspired cocktail bar and music venue with a large dance floor, two full bars, full stage, full PA system, DJ Booth and a large mezzanine with balcony overlooking the terrific downstairs bar. Do not miss out on this stop, if you are a lover of craft cocktails. Enjoy the happy hours offers from Monday-Friday, 4 pm-7 pm. All drinks are available for half price!
The Roosevelt Room
Address: 307 W 5th St, Austin, TX 78701, United States
Website: The Roosevelt Room
2. Midnight Cowboy
Midnight Cowboy is one of the oldest and the most famous speakeasy-style bars in Austin and it opened in 2012. From Prohibition-style decor to a secret entrance and amazing cocktails, it has everything that a speakeasy-style bar should have! There is also an amazing patio out back, which is open from Thursday to Sunday and available to walk-ins until it fills up. If you are up for a planned break from the Dirty 6th Street chaos, this is the place for you.
Midnight Cowboy
Address: 303 E 6th St. Austin, TX 78701
Website: Midnight Cowboy
3. Small Victory
Located on 7th Street, Small Victory is a classic cocktail bar, with speakeasy elements and a tiki bar. It’s a wonderful escape from the noise of the Dirty Sixth. The intimate vibes and charming windowless interior makes it the ideal spot for post-first date drinks where you don’t want the night to end. The aesthetics of this place is all about making it immune to current trends. The classic cocktails here are made to perfection with homemade ingredients.
Small Victory
Address: 108 E 7th St, Austin, TX 78701, United States
Website: Small Victory
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4. Garage
This hip craft-cocktail bar is a hidden gem. Located in the McGarrah Jesse building, it’s actually underneath a parking garage. It has a midcentury-modern vibe, which is complemented by a small, curated menu that highlights old classics and new concoctions with unique ingredients, like sarsaparilla and carrot juice. The cocktails here are elegant, thoughtful, well-balanced, and herbaceous. If you are seeking to impress a visitor or a date from out of town, there’s no other spot quite like this one.
Garage
Address: 503 Colorado St, Austin, TX 78701, United States
Website: Garage
5. Half Step
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Located at 75 ½ Rainey Street, Half Step is simply one of the best bars in Austin. It’s a beautiful venue, dimly lit and cosy, bragging a familiar but no less attractive mix of white tiles and new and vintage furniture. Simplicity is the essence of Half Step, where cocktails usually feature a few ingredients. Pick the bartender’s choice or go for the Medicina Latina, which mixes mezcal, tequila, lime, and ginger, to cure what ails you.
Half Step
Address: 75 ½ Rainey St, Austin, TX 78701, United States
Website: Half Step
6. Firehouse Lounge
Located at 605 Brazos Street, this speakeasy is on the ground floor of an actual hostel and features a secret bookcase entrance, top-of-the-line staff, great cocktails, and a speakeasy environment. Firehouse Lounge has it all. Enjoy live music, featuring some of Austin’s best rock-and-roll, blues, and jazz musicians and DJ’s. This is a perfect place for a solo traveller or a group. Don’t miss out on their happy hour!
Firehouse Lounge
Address: 320 W Carson Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203, United States
Website: Firehouse Lounge
7. CU29
If you want to escape the rush of the Dirty Sixth, this is the place for you. CU29 has a soothing and relaxed atmosphere and it is surrounded by stunning glimpses of copper throughout, hence the name. They also offer eclectic live music and amazing craft cocktails made from fresh ingredients. It’s a perfect spot to host a corporate event, a party, or just enjoy an amazing cocktail. Dim lighting and cosy leather booths provide a relaxing setting in which to relish their artfully crafted cocktails.
CU29
Address: 720 Brazos St, Austin, TX 78701, United States
Website: CU29
8. Somersault Innovative Cocktails
Somersault Innovative Cocktails is an extraordinary experience that fuses delicious juices, fresh produce, and outstanding quality spirits with gastronomy, science, and art. Experience a cocktail with unique elements that will blow your taste buds and mind. This is an incredible meeting spot for pre and post-dinner celebrations and special occasions, where showmanship will entertain your group. Somersault edibles menu offers a remarkable taste and the cocktails change from time to time and seasonally.
Somersault Innovative Cocktails
Address: 11601 Domain Dr #100, Austin, TX 78758, United States
Website: Somersault Innovative Cocktails
9. Ah Sing Den
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
As you would have guessed, the name of this cocktail bar has been taken from the Victorian-era opium den in East London where Charles Dickens, Arthur Conan Doyle, and other creative people derived their inspiration. This bar has some of the most delicious tipples and morsels on offer. You can have one of their signature cocktails, like their Climate Change, Long Time, Lychee, Cousin Eddie, and many more. You can also try their cocktails that feature shochu, rhubarb, and lemongrass syrup.
You can also visit the bar on Sundays at 2:00 pm for their High Tea & Dim Sum event, where you will be served enticing dim sum towers, fine tea, blood orange mimosas, wasabi Bloody Marys, and more.
Ah Sing Den
Address: 1100 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78702, United States
Website: Ah Sing Den
10. Floppy Disk Repair Co.
Floppy Disk Repair Co. was opened in July 2016. This speakeasy is solely devoted to maintaining a low profile and secrecy. The entrance to Floppy Disk Repair Co. is an unpretentious door with a code box. There is a row of dangling beads and a bar with three hanging swings. They have their own version of margaritas, mules, and even a milk-based drink meant to be consumed with Trix cereal. Every cocktail has a creative name, often befitting the creepy atmosphere.
Floppy Disk Repair Co.
Address: 119 E 5th St, Austin, TX 78701, United States
Website: Floppy Disk Repair Co.
Come experience the best cocktail bars in Austin, Texas
When it comes to craft cocktails and good eats, Austin is the best. From world-famous chefs and food trucks to taco joints, this city is a foodie adventurer’s heaven. Austin has an infinite, diverse, and quirky selection of live music venues and music festivals. It is also home to Camp Gladiator, which is now a national outdoor boot camp brand with multiple locations all over the city. So, the next time you plan a holiday, make sure to include Austin on your bucket list.
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