WEARING: MDS Stripes Cropped Top | Nobody Denim (Milla)| Cult Gaia Bag | BaubleBar Amariella Earrings | Jeffrey Campbell Sandals
Happy Friday friends! We’ve officially made it to the weekend! (Insert all the excited emojis here.) Nathan and I are moving to a new apartment in less than two weeks and we have SO MUCH cleaning and packing to do this weekend and the next. We have a few little outings planned the next few days, but nothing major. So… it looks like we might be enjoying a few cocktails and glasses of wine from home this weekend! (Which is why we purchased that Aperol last night for a good spritz every now and then – in case you saw on my Stories.)
In other news… so many of you (and I mean A LOT) have requested a post on favorite cocktail spots and rooftop bars here in Austin. I previously shared a post on Favorite Cocktail Bars in Austin, but today I’ve updated the list and am showcasing a few other great ones that we’ve been frequenting recently!! Including a some great spots for rooftop lounging and cocktail sippin’. Keep scrolling to see what’s on the list!
Favorite Cocktail Bars:
Ah Sing Den (east side): This space is gorgeous and it’s perfectly located on the East Side next to other great bars and delicious eats! (HH: every Friday 5-7pm)
Azul Rooftop Bar + Lounge (downtown): Perched on top of the Westin Hotel downtown is one of Austin’s best kept secrets with some of the best views in the city! Pro Tip: Make sure you go to the front desk to grab a key for the bar.
Better Half (clarksville): If you’re on the hunt for great drinks AND great food, this spot should definitely be on your list. All of their cocktails are amazing! P.S. – The owners are planning on opening a brewery beside it in the near future! (HH: Tues-Fri / 3-6pm + Reverse HH!)
Favorite Cocktail Bars (Continued):
Dean’s One Trick Pony (the line hotel): This fun space near SoCo is part of The Line Hotel, and is a perfect Friday night hangout if you’re in the mood for bar snacks, great drinks, and a little shuffleboard.
El Alma (rooftop): My Aunt introduced us to this spot when we first moved to Austin (two years ago!), and we’ve been regulars ever since. Their chips and salsa is so good, and they have great sangria! (HH: everyday 3-6pm)
Ella Parlor Bar (judge’s hill): This cozy, intimate bar at Hotel Ella is one of my favorites. They offer up a great selection of handcrafted cocktails as well as delicious bites. (HH: Mon-Friday / 4pm-7pm)
Favorite Cocktail Bars (continued):
Floppy Disk Repair Co (downtown): You’ve gotta know someone that knows someone that knows someone… haha not really! But you might have to do a little digging to get inside this fun speakeasy.
Garage Bar (downtown): This hip, mid-century inspired spot is tucked away inside an actual parking garage! (Hence the name Garage.) You’ll definitely want to add this one to your list while your in Austin.
Geraldine’s (rooftop): I don’t often go to Rainey Street, but when I do Geraldine’s is one of my favorite spots. They have great food, great drinks, and a fun rooftop lounge area. (HH: Mon-Fri / 5-6pm)
Favorite Cocktail Bars (Continued):
June’s All Day (south congress): Since we live on South Congress, we’re always at June’s! Whether it’s for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a cocktail we can’t ever seem to say no to this great Austin spot. Pro Tip: Beat the heat with their Aperol Spritz this Summer! (HH: Mon-Fri / 4-6pm)
Justine’s (east side): It’s like being transported back in time to the 1920s. This swanky restaurant and bar is one of my favorite spots in Austin. The food is so delicious. (the bolognaise is my favorite!) + the drinks are really great too.
Kitty Cohen’s (east side): This is one of my FAVORITE bars in Austin! From the drinks and music to the fun events and poolside atmosphere. It’s a great spot for lounging when it’s hot out, and you need a great cocktail to help cool you off. (HH: Mon-Fri / 3-6pm)
More Favorite Cocktail Spots:
P6 (rooftop): This former parking garage that’s been converted into a loungy cocktail spot is the perfect place to catch a small bite and refreshing drink all while enjoying views of Lady Bird Lake.
Pool Burger (clarksville): If you’re looking for a good burger AND a good drink, you’ll love Pool Burger! I went here with a friend and loved it so much that I took Nathan back with me! It’s one of our favorite spots on the West Side. (HH: Mon-Fri / 4-6pm)
Prohibition Creamery (east side): Nathan and I love love love this place, and we don’t go as often as we should! Their boozy milkshakes are to die for!!! My favorite is the Bananas Foster. (HH: Tues-Fri / 3-7pm)
Another Round:
Last Straw (east side): The perfect spot for tiki drinks! This Austin hang is a 2018 Eater Awards Winner and snagged the title of BAR OF THE YEAR last year. The fun tropical vibes make it a great place for drinks with friends or with your main squeeze. (HH: Sun-Thurs / 5-7pm)
Midnight Cowboy (downtown): Nathan and I went here for the first time last year, and LOVED it! It’s tucked away on one of the busiest streets in Austin. (I hope you’re able to find it.)
Nickel City (east side): This bar loves a good reason to play dress up. From Halloween and Christmas to everything in between – they’re always setting up for a fun theme.
Keep Them Coming:
Small Victory (downtown): For all of my speakeasy lovers, this one’s for you! Small Victory has been a favorite of Nathan and mine’s since we moved here, and it’s a great spot to take friends that are experiencing the city for the first time. (HH: Mon-Sat / 5-8pm)
The Driskill Bar (downtown): This spot is great if you have any out of town guests! You get to take them to the oldest hotel in Austin + treat them to a great cocktail or two! Named one of the 10 Best Hotel Bars in America, the Driskill is the perfect spot to enjoy some of Austin’s history. (Don’t forget to order the Batini.)
The Roosevelt Room (downtown): The RR showcases an extensive cocktail menu with drinks by the era. From classic cocktails that date back to pre-1880 to turn of the century concoctions, and prohibition style daiquiris… you’re sure to find the perfect drink to wet your whistle here.
One More Round:
The Tigress (north loop): My cousin Andrew and his wife introduced us to this pub, and I’m so glad that they did. Anywhere that serves a cocktail called Two White Dresses is a yes in my book. (Nate and I have visited this spot many times before and after improv shows at the Coldtowne Theatre!)
Watertrade (south congress): If you love a good old fashioned (like I do), then you’ll love the Goma Fashioned at Watertrade. (It has toasted sesame and vanilla!)
Whisler’s (east side): A must-stop spot if you’re over on the East side! And, for all the mezcal lovers… they have a tiny mezcal bar upstairs that too good to pass up.
I hope you’re able to check out one (or a few!) of these spots this weekend!
photography by Madeline Harper.
