Who said Austin can't be fancy?
And we're not just talking about all the culture big tech is bringing in... For decades Austin has been slinging some of the finest cocktails in the country, and you may be wondering just where to imbibe. We've poured up this selection of Cocktail Bars in Austin.
For more speakeasy-style and secret bars, check out our list here.
Contributed by Julia Steele
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photo via instagram
1708 E 6th St
When you want to go out on the East Side for a more sophisticated cocktail (not just a vodka soda in a crowded bar) head to daydreamer. It's located right in the mix of things, next to Suerte, so you can easily bar hop into some more casual spots after. This cocktail and champagne bar has a dreamy aesthetic, as well as one of our favorite pizza spots in town, Allday Pizza, right out back. We recommend trying their Martini Service (your choice of vodka or gin, dirty or classic, lemon or olive, with an accoutrement upgrade for $3 and an optional caviar bump for $8). Take a look at their whole drink menu here.
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photo via yelp
5020 E 7th St
Three Olamaie alums came together to make this dream a reality. Holiday is a cocktail bar as well as restaurant, known for serving fancy drinks and delicious food. Their cocktail menu is filled with a variety of martinis, staff picks, hot drinks, fancies, as well as an awesome selection of spirit-free drinks. The food selection is just as good, so make sure you order some of their snacks and entrees. Stop by on Sundays for half-off martinis!
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Photo via instagram
301 West Ave
Codependent is a luxe cocktail bar that has perfected the art of two of our favorite things: coffee and cocktails. Inspired by the belief that beautiful design should be enjoyed by all, Codependent is hands down one of the most aesthetically pleasing bars in Austin. If you're a fan of espresso martinis (let's be honest...who's not?) you're going to want to book your happy hour res right now.
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Photo via Yelp
307 W 5th St Unit B
It’s no wonder The Roosevelt Room is considered Austin’s most-awarded cocktail bar. They have an extensive list of classic cocktails along with signature creations, none of which will lead you astray. This bar is an absolute favorite for all history nuts as well since they have a board of alcoholic time periods to teach you the history behind what’s in your cup. You won't find a cocktail here that you won't like (unless you're crazy!) and you can rest assured that they'll be made with care.
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Photo via Yelp
303 Red River St
Kinfolk Lounge and Library is an absolutely warm and welcoming environment where you can acquire extensive knowledge from the bar staff about your drink orders. It’s super cozy and you can choose to drink something within your comfort zone or venture out and try something from their long list of hard-to-find liquor. Oh yeah, did we mention it's a speakeasy in the cellar of beloved Moonshine Grill???
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Photo via Yelp
612 Brazos St
This place takes the cake when it comes to the speakeasy experience. You have to download their app to find the daily passcode to be able to enter, and when you do, you uncover an absolute hidden gem. We suggest you try their crowd favorite, Milk and Honey, which is said to have taken 5 years to perfect.
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Photo via Yelp
214 E 6th St
Eden is a quiet and quaint atmosphere you can find in the midst of the craziness on Sixth Street. You enter through a purple double door to find a speakeasy with delicious cocktails galore. Order the Gin Martini, trust us.
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Photo via Yelp
313 E 6th St
Midnight Cowboy is another of our favorite hidden speakeasies on Sixth Street but with a super fun name and a wide variety of cocktails considered “perfection in a glass." Fun fact: not only is Midnight Cowboy one of the oldest speakeasies in Austin, but the location was previously a brothel in disguise as "Midnight Cowboy Modeling Oriental Massage". Make sure you plan ahead and make a reservation!
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Photo via Yelp
2000 E Cesar Chavez St
High Noon is ~Neon Cowboy~ vibes paired with some fabulous classic cocktails and a burlesque show offered throughout the month. What’s not to love? We recommend getting their Old Fashioned. Enjoy the warm weather on their patio with a cold cocktail and snacks from their new food truck, East Side King.
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Photo via Yelp
110 E 2nd St
Views on views on views! Edge is one of the best rooftop bars in Austin to sit with your friends and get a good sight of the Frost Tower, all while sipping on a piña colada! If you're going alcohol-free, they also have great mocktails like the Mocktail Margarita.
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Photo via Yelp
621 Congress Ave
Upstairs at Caroline has it all: rooftop vibes, yard games, tacos, and refreshing cocktails. For all you dog lovers: if you bring your pup on Sunday, you can get a 25% discount! Also, there are $7 frozen mimosas on Sundays. Heck yeah. Check out their menu for daily happy hour specials.
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Did we miss your favorite cocktail?
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