Cheers to never having to worry about getting carded again.
If you weren't one of the lucky ones who had an older sibling or upperclassman friend who even remotely resembles you, it means your time has come to (legally) engage in one of Austin's beloved pastimes.
We know how overwhelming this newfound freedom can be, which is why we want to be sure you're not caught without a paddle when that day rolls around. Here's our list of 21 Things You Must Do When You Turn 21 in Austin.
Photo Credit: chupacabra cantina Instagram
#1.
400 E. 6th St
Chupacabra has an impressive shareables menu, and the location/somewhat open-air ambiance allows for some primo people watching. You may laugh now at the unfortunate souls stumbling down the street, but deep down you know that'll be your crew by the end of the night.
#2.
615 Red River St
At Barb's you can always count on a rowdy crowd, loud tunes, and strong drinks, which is exactly why we love it. However, you haven't really experienced Barb's until you've hit up TuesGayz. Thank us later.
#3.
Between bars hidden in parking garages and wine caves behind bookshelves, Austin has got plenty of options to sip on an expensive cocktail in a more exclusive spot than some of the other typical 21st bday adventures. Check out our list of some of our favorite Speakeasies & Secret Bars in Austin.
photo credit: Anthony M.
#4.
Scarf down a slice from Roppolo's at the end of the night
316 E. 6th St & 2604 Guadalupe St Ste A
Picture this: it's that time of night where the end is nigh, those drinks are catching up to you and the prospect of walking even another few blocks seems treacherous. You know there's more than likely a bachelorette party taking up the few seating options near the other location at any given time, so you decide to go ahead and take a seat right there on the sidewalk and enjoy your mondo slice from Roppolo's. No one's judging, we've all been there.
If you find yourself on the drag after a raging evening at Cain & Ables, or simply flaunting your legal ID to all the bars in West Campus that turned you away, you're going to need quick fuel for the party to see the light of the sunrise. Stop by Roppolo's, order a slice, and repeat until you are ready to dance the cheesy calories away with a swishing cocktail in a plastic cup in hand.
photo credit: Ryan R.
#5.
Take a photo on the Jackalope at Jackalope
404 E. 6th St
Did you really even go out on your birthday if you don't get a sloppy squad photo? Before things get too fuzzy, hop over to Jackalope and document your night on the town with none other than the bar's namesake. (Maybe leave the Helldorado punch out of the pic just in case grandma still follows your Insta, though).
#6.
Find "the pole" that's in everyone's Snapchat story
403 E. 6th St
SPOILERS AHEAD! You've been seeing this elusive pole in all of your older friends' stories, conveniently with no mention of its whereabouts, and taking a spin on it is practically a 21st rite of passage. It's at Aquarium on 6th, by the way.
photo credit: Yelp
#7.
Various Locations
No one knows what's really in them, but we do know they only let you order two of them for a reason. 'Nuff said. Besides, any drink that you're limited to two of in one sitting is bound to be a good time. Baby Acapulco's notorious Purple Rita is a super boozy, super delicious cocktail that's got your 21st birthday written all over it.
#8.
There's the signature shot bars and Austin-centric margaritas, and that's all fun. But you're an adult now, and that means you need to go on a swanky date (or a night out with friends) at an upscale cocktail bar! Let the mixologists show you the ropes; these creations are pricier than what you'll find on Dirty 6th, but once you've found your favorite, well drinks just won't be the same.
#9.
422 E. 6th St
When you need a quick dose of liquid courage that tastes more appealing than rubbing alcohol, look no further than Buckshot. With flavors like Sour Patch Kid, Cherry Dr. Pepper, and Creamsicle, you'll want to make it your first and last stop on a night out.
#10.
Various Locations
You only turn 21 once, so you'll definitely want a photo to document the evening. There are tons of bars in Austin that have photo booths, and we've compiled a whole list of them here. After all, in an age of all-digital-everything, having a physical keepsake of your time spent somewhere is more meaningful than ever.
#11.
314 E. 6th St
Whether you're balling on a budget or you simply appreciate cheap booze (and who doesn't?!) Long Island pitchers are always a good idea. Well, until it's not... if you catch our drift.
#12.
Attend a buzzed movie viewing at Alamo Drafthouse
Various Locations
Sure, you've already seen your favorite movie a million and one times, and maybe you've already been to the Alamo Drafthouse just as many times, but you haven't really experienced it until you've watched it with a cocktail in hand.
#13.
306 E. 6th St
Still haven't taken enough shots yet? Head on over to Dizzy Rooster and take a shot with your newly-flipped ID as a floater. Your glorious venture will be immortalized upon completion when you write your name on the ceiling.
Photo Credit: Roger Ho
#14.
Get a fancy bloody mary at The Driskill
604 Brazos St.
In addition to being Austin's most recognizable haunted hotel, The Driskill also functions as a top-notch bar, offering a Bloody Mary topped with a generous assortment of meats. As you can see from the above photo, the Driskill are not one to skimp in the topping department. What better way to experience a bloody mary than one at The Driskill?
photo credit: Lauren M.
#15.
900 Red River St
Turning 21 means you have your whole life to find the bar right for you. Why not start at one of the more welcoming spaces with amazing dance music by a rotation of DJs, Drag performances, and overall great vibes?
Photo Credit: wattwherehow
#16.
421 E. 6th St
At Pete's, they're known for singing LOUD and singing PROUD. It's your day, and you deserve to feel special, so what are you waiting for? Get on up there and tell them what you want to hear!
photo credit:anna B.
#17.
3300 Guadalupe St
Since you've turned 16, you've likely burned through every car owner's right of passage, except one. Roll up to the legendary drive-thru serving up to-go liquor way before Covid introduced us to driving with to-go cocktails. Chill inside your car as they load up your trunk with your choice between wine, beer, and seltzers. The beginning of a beautiful routine.
#18.
8940 Research Blvd
13729 Research Blvd
Perhaps you're a bit more of a game enthusiast than the aforementioned Arcade crowd, and we're here for that too. For just as many bev options and infinitely more game options for the astute and casual gamer alike, Pinballz can't be beat.
#19.
Take a "study break" at Buzz Mill
1505 Town Creek Dr
Finding it harder to hit the 'x' on Netflix today? Check out Buzz Mill: this 24-hour bar/coffee shop combo is an ideal place to get some work done (or at least that's what you can tell yourself to justify the trip.) Hell, you've earned a break whether you're a student or not, so go ahead and kick back with one of their exclusive ciders made right there in-house.
#20.
Location Varies
If you find yourself longing for the Sleater-Kinney days of Carrie Brownstein's career or you've never been able to show off that one song you absolutely NAIL in the shower in a traditional karaoke setting, this one's for you. Both music buffs and casual listeners alike will get a kick out of this monthly event, promise. Hey, they take requests too!
#21.
Get food at 24 Diner hungover
600 N Lamar Blvd
At some point in the near future, you're gonna go a little overboard, but it's NBD because 24 Diner has got your back. It's open 24 hours most days, and it's known as a "post-clubbing destination" for a reason (especially for the West 6th crowd), so you'll always be in good company after a night of action.
Happy 21st, y'all
just in case.
