Ah, daytime. The sun is shining, birds are chirping...
Man, you could sure use a drink. Thankfully, you don't have to way until the evening to imbibe. When it comes to places to enjoy a drink during the day, your options are essentially endless—and we're not just talking about drinking a paper-bagged beer in the park. There are plenty of establishments in Austin that are open early and ready to serve you way before sunset, and with the greater human good in mind, we've compiled a few of them here.
After all, it's 5 o'clock somewhere, right?
Contributed by Emily Gibson
DAY DRINK AT BRUNCH
1010 E. Cesar Chavez St
This East Side all-day cafe serves food and drinks, and has a large patio in the back with plenty of picnic tables. This stylish spot is a local favorite and serves a small selection of drinks to enjoy among the mismatched seating and laid-back neighborhood. We’ve got three words for Cenote: Sweet. Potato. Fries. Oh, and actually two more: Mimosa. Carafes.
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2115 Holly St.
Launderette offers a sleek design and a delicious menu, accompanied by a killer cocktail, wine and beer menu. The diner’s modern and sophisticated vibe is complemented by the menu’s eclectic flair. They have indoor seating for those hot summer days, but also a great patio for when the heat is bearable.
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More options for day drinking at brunch
1209 E 11th St
1200 E 6th St
1203 E 11th St
1401 South Lamar Blvd
258 W 2nd St
3120 Palm Way
1704 E 5th St
DAY DRINK WITH BREWS
photo via facebook
Various Locations
This immensely popular coffee shop and beer bar offers plenty of outdoor seating space, both in the shade and in the sun. Patrons can relax with a beer or a coffee in the day time, then see live music inside at night. Keep an eye out for their new location opening soon!
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Photo via Yelp
500 San Marcos St.
Located on 5th Street just off I-35, Brew & Brew offers a large beer selection in a quiet, laid-back cafe setting. Some of the drink selections include sours, ciders, light beers and mead.
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Photo via St Elmo Brewing
440 E St Elmo Rd
Belly full of beer? Check out one of our fave spots, St Elmo Brewing. Try their Brunch Hefe - their hazy brew with juicy layers of mimosa, topped with Cara Cara orange puree. What more could you want for a daytime drink?!
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1305 West Oltorf
Beer and pizza is a killer combination, and it's one that's been perfected at Austin Beer Garden Brewing Co. The ABGB opens its doors to those trying to drink at 11:30 AM on weekdays and noon on weekends, giving you plenty of chances to start your day the right way. Unfortunately, though, they're closed on Mondays. Guess ya gotta sober up sometime.
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More options for day drinking with brews:
121 Pickle Rd
1300 E 4th St
79 Rainey Street
13187 Fitzhugh Rd.
3901 Promontory Point Dr
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DAY DRINK OUTDOORS
1400 E 38 1/2 St.
Cherrywood Coffeehouse is frequently packed with residents of the surrounding neighborhood, but the large patio space is more than enough to accommodate the crowds. Cherrywood Coffeehouse is a great place to grab some drinks and breakfast tacos, and enjoy the frequent events on the outdoor stage.
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Photo via Yelp
6700 Burnet Road
This dog park bar is a must-visit for dog owners and lovers. Drinks and food are served from a small building surrounded by two dog parks, one for big dogs and the other for small. Their seasonal cocktails are a must try.
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2315 Lake Austin Boulevard
Located just outside Deep Eddy Pool, Pool Burger serves up one mean burger. The outdoor patio area is a refreshing place to enjoy a meal after swimming, and the extensive tiki drink menu is a fun and different way to day drink.
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More options for day drinking outdoors:
1505 Town Creek Dr
Various Locations
1016 E 6th St
DAY DRINK SOMEWHERE BESIDES A BAR
Photo source: Punch Bowl
11310 Domain Drive
522 Congress Ave
Punch Bowl Social Club brings a multitude of games for adults to enjoy under one roof. The activity selection includes bowling, karaoke, life-size Scrabble, arcade games and virtual reality. Their signature cocktails are comprised of refreshing, summery drinks that are fun to sip on while you bowl –– or, try to bowl.
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Various Locations
Alamo's strict no-talking policy means no one can voice their disapproval when you order your fourth booze-infused milkshake, making this essentially the best indoor drinking experience ever.
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More options for day drinking somewhere besides a bar:
Various Locations
434 W 2nd Street
201 Lee Barton Dr
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DAY DRINK WHILE WATCHING SPORTS
6507 Circle S Road
A South Austin staple, The Little Darlin’ offers an extensive outdoor seating area including fire pits, picnic tables, televisions and chairs. An added bonus: the food menu is delicious, serving everything from burgers to lobster rolls.
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Photo Credit: Deep Eddy
2315 Lake Austin Blvd.
An Austin hangout since 1951, Deep Eddy Cabaret is a true local charmer. With pool tables, sports on television, arcade games and a number of neon beer signs, Deep Eddy feels like a true, authentic dive bar just outside of its namesake, Deep Eddy Pool.
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922 W. 12th St.
Centrally located, this German-influenced bar features two stories, a dog-friendly patio and plenty of televisions. The menu was revamped after the bar was purchased by the owners of iconic comedy venue Esther’s Follies.
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More options for day drinking while watching sports:
2027 S Lamar Blvd
1806 W Braker Ln
2108 South Lamar Blvd
Various Locations
2310 Manor Rd
10106 Menchaca Rd
10400 Menchaca Rd
DAY DRINK SOME MARGARITAS
photo via enchiladas y mas
1911 W. Anderson Lane
Enchiladas Y Mas is a family-owned Tex-Mex restaurant that opens daily at 11 AM, but is closed Mondays. These margs, though delicious, are extremely strong. Luckily, the food is delicious, too.
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Photo via Yelp
400A W. 2nd St.
La Condesa features interior Mexican dishes and a bar that boasts one of the largest tequila collections in the city. For a fun, sophisticated downtown drink, La Condesa is the perfect spot to hit up.
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photo via Facebook
614 E Oltorf
4215 Duval St
Think typical margaritas are refreshing? At Curra's, you'll find an avocado version that's on another level entirely. Cold and creamy with that token tequila bite, there's no better way to combat the heat of a hot summer day. Plus avocado is good for you.
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More options for day drinking some margaritas:
606 Trinity St
Various Locations
2613 S Lamar Blvd
Got another favorite spot for day drinking?
