Austin has one of the best bar cultures in the country, with the infrastructure to match.
With so many quality options, why not class things up a bit with a nice view and some open air? Check out our top picks for Best Rooftop Bars and Restaurants, so that you can keep an eye on Austin’s ever-changing skyline in style.
Contributed by Will Conant
____________________________
photo via El Cockfight
121 E 5th St
Located in the heart of downtown, El Cockfight features an expansive rooftop patio, daily happy hour, and live music. They specialize in mezcal, tequila, and Oaxacan-inspired cocktails made with freshly squeezed juices and homemade bitters. Enjoy rooftop season with one of their frozen cocktail flights, which includes 4 different tequila and mezcal frozens, rotating weekly.
____________________________
Photo via The Loren
1211 W Riverside Dr
Nido has a completely different view of downtown than most other popular rooftops around town, which makes it extra special to us. Listen to this... there's even a glass elevator that takes you up just to ensure you don't miss a sight. The view isn't the only thing we love though, just look at their menu. Pasta with a view? Count us in.
____________________________
PHOTO VIA ZANZIBAR
304 E Cesar Chavez St
If you want to feel like you're on a tropical vacation right here in Austin, Zanzibar is your place. Sip on one of their exotic cocktails (that come in adorable glasses) while admiring views on the lush rooftop terrace, and you'll feel like you have truly escaped to paradise. They even have yummy island-inspired bites like shrimp skewers, sushi burritos, and pulled pork sliders to pair perfectly with a Mai Tai.
____________________________
Photo via instagram
600 W 2nd St
Take a ride up to the 5th floor at the stunning Austin Proper Hotel, and you'll find La Piscina: a rooftop, poolside Mexican restaurant and bar. Order a spicy pepino margarita and some tabletop sizzling steak and lobster fajitas and you'll get the full experience. La Piscina is the rooftop for you if you're looking for a truly delicious meal to go with your sunset view.
____________________________
photo via facebook
310 E 5th
A no-brainer for any Austinite with a taste for the finer things in life, the Westin hotel in the heart of downtown Austin is a more glamorous option. If you are looking to treat yourself, then head up to the Azul Rooftop Bar, where you can take in the unobstructed, stunning views from Austin’s highest rooftop bar. Featuring new cabanas, fire pits, and creative handcrafted cocktails, Azul will leave you feeling like the rich and famous.
____________________________
Photo via Sydell Group
111 East Cesar Chavez St
With fantastic views of South Austin and Lady Bird Lake, P6 is easily the most beautiful contemporary rooftop bar setting to pop up in town in recent memory. Presenting an elegant array of food and drinks, P6 will have you living the high life in no time. Just don’t forget to make a reservation for a table on the perimeter of the terrace for maximum movie-esque views.
____________________________
Photo via Facebook
120 W 5th
Overlooking Austin’s prominent Warehouse district sits Summit, one of the most revered rooftop venues in town. Perched with a unique perspective of the city, Summit is known for its state-of-the-art sound system, spectacular LED wall, and world-class DJ sets. A wonderful backdrop to any casual or formal event, Summit’s rooftop views will help you see the city in a new light.
____________________________
Photo via Geraldine's
605 Davis St
Perhaps the classiest offering in Austin for rooftop bars and lounges, Geraldine’s at Hotel Van Zandt is a must-see (for a price). Though sojourning here hits the wallet pretty hard, the cost is justifiable once you see the breathtaking views that this place has to offer. And don’t even get us started on the food! Geraldine’s is a place whose allure transcends the realm of words, so you’ll just have to see what it’s like for yourself on this one.
____________________________
Photo via Facebook
1025 Barton Springs Rd
El Alma’s unbeatable vibrancy is encased in a funky, multi-tiered building that epitomizes the spirit of everything we love about Austin. A shrine to the cultural vibes that put Austin on the map, El Alma is aptly located just down the road from Barton Springs Pool, serving as a wonderful starting point for a fun night south of Lady Bird Lake. Make sure to try their legendary margaritas to get the night rolling.
____________________________
Photo via Yelp
621 Congress Ave
Upstairs at Caroline perhaps wins the most Instagrammable spot on our list, and we don’t give that honor out lightly. Upstairs at Caroline certainly earns it, with an impressive modern layout that makes you feel right at home while out on the town. The open-air atmosphere is brought to fruition by the sleek and uncluttered layout of comfy couches and chairs, framed by a stirring view of the city.
____________________________
Photo via Speakeasy
412 Congress Ave
An Austin original since 1997, Terrace 59 at Speakeasy is Austin’s most happening rooftop lounge. Showcasing lit palm trees, a full-service bar, and hip music, Terrace 59 is a chic way to experience Austin’s bustling nightlife scene. The establishment keeps a running list of celebrity appearances at Terrace 59, suggesting you could rub shoulders with the likes of George Clooney, Gwen Stefani, and even Vince Vaughn.
____________________________
More picks for rooftop bars + restaurants in Austin:
____________________________
Which local rooftop bars + restaurants do you climb up to?
