Best Bars & Nightlife in Austin, Texas, United States

Austin, United States, Austin, Food & Drink, Best Bars & Nightlife

Best Bars & Nightlife in Austin, Texas, United States

1. Whisler's East

A vintage cocktail bar with live music and a unique courtyard setting.
  • Live Music: Features live jazz, blues, and indie rock performances.
  • Courtyard: Offers a charming courtyard with fire pits and ambient lighting.
  • Vintage Atmosphere: Incorporates vintage decor, creating an old-school speakeasy vibe.

2. The Roosevelt Room

A sophisticated cocktail bar with a focus on rare spirits and expertly crafted drinks.
  • Rare Spirits: Features an extensive collection of hard-to-find liquors.
  • Expert Bartenders: Employs skilled mixologists who create unique, artisanal cocktails.
  • Intimate Atmosphere: Offers an intimate, upscale setting perfect for date nights or special occasions.

3. The Moon Tower Inn

A dive bar with a lively atmosphere and one of the best burgers in Austin.
  • Lively Atmosphere: Known for its friendly, welcoming crowd and energetic vibe.
  • Great Burgers: Serves delicious, juicy burgers that are a local favorite.
  • Affordable Prices: Offers reasonably priced drinks and food, making it a great value for visitors.

4. The Lustre Pearl

A vibrant bar with live music, karaoke, and an eclectic mix of indoor and outdoor spaces.
  • Live Music and Karaoke: Features live bands, DJs, and karaoke nights.
  • Indoor/Outdoor Spaces: Offers both indoor seating and a spacious outdoor patio for al fresco enjoyment.
  • Unique Atmosphere: Features quirky, bohemian decor that adds to the overall experience.

5. The Volstead Lounge

A speakeasy-style cocktail bar with a secret entrance and an extensive spirit collection.
  • Secret Entrance: Located behind an unassuming door in a nondescript building.
  • Extensive Spirit Collection: Boasts one of the most extensive collections of spirits in Austin.
  • Prohibition-Era Vibe: Recreates the atmosphere of a 1920s speakeasy, with dim lighting and vintage decor.

6. The Hole in the Wall

A legendary dive bar known for its cheap drinks, pool tables, and laid-back atmosphere.
  • Cheap Drinks: Offers affordable prices on beer, wine, and cocktails.
  • Pool Tables: Features multiple pool tables for friendly competition.
  • Laid-Back Atmosphere: Provides a casual, unpretentious setting where everyone feels welcome.

7. The Nightcap Bar at Hotel San José

A cozy bar located in a historic hotel, offering unique cocktails and a quiet atmosphere.
  • Historic Setting: Situated inside a beautifully restored mid-century modern motel.
  • Unique Cocktails: Offers creative, handcrafted cocktails inspired by Austin's culture.
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Provides a peaceful retreat from the bustling city outside.

8. Maggie Mae's

A rowdy bar with multiple levels, live music, and a rooftop patio overlooking Sixth Street.
  • Live Music: Featuring live country, rock, and blues performances.
  • Multiple Levels: Offers various spaces, including a rooftop patio and several indoor areas.
  • Rooftop Patio View: Provides an outstanding vantage point for observing Austin's vibrant nightlife.

9. The Ginger Man

A beer-focused bar with an extensive selection of craft beers from around the world.
  • Craft Beer Selection: Boasts an impressive assortment of local, national, and international brews.
  • Knowledgeable Staff: Features beer experts who can help guide visitors through the menu.
  • Friendly Atmosphere: Provides a welcoming, sociable environment for both beer enthusiasts and casual drinkers.

10. The Eleanor

A chic rooftop bar offering craft cocktails, small plates, and stunning views of downtown Austin.
  • Rooftop Location: Located on the roof of a trendy hotel, providing breathtaking city vistas.
  • Craft Cocktails: Serves creative, artisanal cocktails using fresh ingredients and premium spirits.
  • Small Plates Menu: Offers a selection of delectable bites to complement your drinks.

11. The Continental Club

A legendary live music venue featuring blues, soul, and rock 'n' roll performances.
  • Live Music: Featuring local and national acts in a variety of genres.
  • Historic Venue: Located in a building dating back to the 1800s, offering a rich musical heritage.
  • Intimate Setting: Offers an intimate setting with limited seating, creating an immersive experience.

12. The Broken Spoke

A honky-tonk dance hall where you can two-step the night away to live country music.
  • Live Country Music: Featuring performances by established and up-and-coming country artists.
  • Dance Floor: Offers ample space for dancing, including a legendary dance floor where many stars have cut their teeth.
  • Authentic Atmosphere: Provides an authentic Texas honky-tonk atmosphere that harkens back to the days of yore.

13. The Saxon Pub

A live music venue featuring country, blues, and roots rock performances in a cozy setting.
  • Live Music: Featuring live shows seven nights a week, showcasing local and national acts.
  • Intimate Atmosphere: Offers an intimate, laid-back setting that makes you feel like part of the family.
  • Affordable Prices: Provides reasonably priced drinks and covers for live shows.

14. The Oasis on Lake Travis

A scenic lakeside bar offering cocktails, food, and stunning views of Lake Travis.
  • Lakefront Location: Located on the shores of picturesque Lake Travis.
  • Scenic Views: Provides breathtaking sunset views over the lake.
  • Cocktails and Food: Offers a diverse menu of drinks, including tropical cocktails, and tasty Tex-Mex fare.

15. The Ranch 616

A rustic bar with live music, dancing, and Southern comfort food in a cowboy-themed setting.
  • Live Music and Dancing: Featuring live country and rock performances, as well as dance lessons.
  • Cowboy-Themed Atmosphere: Embraces a cowboy aesthetic with wooden decor, rustic accents, and a honky-tonk vibe.
  • Southern Comfort Food: Serves classic Southern dishes such as fried chicken, BBQ ribs, and homemade pies.