8 Best Bars in Austin (Where to Drink Right Now)

best bars in austin list

The bar scene is Austin is thriving, bubbly and extensive. The capital of Texas, it is known for its eclectic live music scenes. The friendly locals and fantastic culture makes it a great place to visit. The drinking scene too is eclectic from fun, dive bars to elegant cocktail lounges. We have put together this handy little list to serve as your guide to some of the best bars in Austin.

8 Best Austin Bars

Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill

Southern comfort and delicious cocktails

View of mac and cheese on a table

๐Ÿ“ Address: 303 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701 (Google Maps)
๐Ÿ“ž Phone: (512) 236-9599
๐Ÿ• Hours: 11 am โ€“ 9 pm Mon, 4 pm โ€“ 9 pm Tue & Wed, 11 am โ€“ 9 pm Thurs, 11 am โ€“ 10 pm Fri, 10 am โ€“ 10 pm Sat, 10 am โ€“ 2 pm & 4 pm โ€“ 9 pm Sun

This is one of the best bars in Downtown, Austin. The building itself is wonderful, with an old-school, vintage look. The staff are friendly and fun and will put you at ease almost immediately. Once youโ€™re seated, nosh on some of the complimentary popcorn they offer as you await your order.

The space is big, with lots of room. The patio is pet friendly. They serve delicious Southern food at very reasonable prices. Their drink selection includes moonshine and a whole host of bourbon/whiskey options, along with signature cocktails, scotch, tequila and Texas vodka and gin. Definitely one of the best Austin bars Downtown.

Bangerโ€™s Sausage House & Beer Garden

Rare craft beer and delicious sausages

The Banger's Sausage House & Beer Garden from the outside in Austin, Texas
(photo: Kelly Jobe / Shutterstock)

๐Ÿ“ Address: 79 Rainey St, Austin, TX 78701 (Google Maps)
๐Ÿ“ž Phone: (512) 386-1656
๐Ÿ• Hours: 12 pm โ€“ 9 pm Mon-Thurs, 12 pm โ€“ 11 pm Fri & Sat, 10 am โ€“ 5 pm Sun

Bangerโ€™s is one of the bars in Austin with the largest tap, of over 200, so thereโ€™s bound to be something you will relish. They serve Texas specials along with craft beers from across the country. Soak up some sun in the outdoor patio as you wait for your drink to come out.

The live music makes the ambience very enjoyable. The sausages all taste great โ€“ so many amazing, off the wall choices to pair with your beer. The place is kid-friendly, and you can take your fur babies along too.

The Jackalope

A glass of cocktail on a table with black background

๐Ÿ“ Address: 404 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78701 (Google Maps)
๐Ÿ• Hours: 4 pm โ€“ 1 am daily

This is one of the cool bars in Austin, with a very dive vibe and great atmosphere. The bartenders are fun, knowledgeable and make some great cocktails that are refreshing and mixed just right. The beer selection is great and rather well thought-out.

The outdoor patio is a hidden gem on its own with some great upbeat music. Thereโ€™s a pool table that you might want to try your hand at. The food is delish, with plenty of vegetarian options.

Whip In

Indian Southwestern fusion food with craft beer and wine

๐Ÿ“ Address: 1950 S I-35 Frontage Rd, Austin, TX 78704 (Google Maps)
๐Ÿ“ž Phone: (512) 442-5337
๐Ÿ• Hours: 1 pm โ€“ 11 pm daily

Whip in is one of the top bars in Austin, that serves authentic Indian food in the heart of Texas. They offer 70 beers on top and an extensive list of wines too. The courtyard at the side is pleasant and quaint, and wonderfully relaxing.

The Guajarati cuisine is warm, spicy and inviting. The place is dog-friendly and the ambience along with the live music makes it a happy place to be.

๐Ÿบ Read More Bar Guides:

Yard House

The best American craft and imported beers

๐Ÿ“ Address: 11800 Domain Blvd Suite 700, Austin, TX 78758 (Google Maps)
๐Ÿ“ž Phone: (512) 836-0174
๐Ÿ• Hours: 11 am โ€“ 12 am Sun-Thurs, 11 am โ€“ 1 am Fri & Sat

Yard House is one of the best Austin bars near you which serves more than 100 draft beers and delicious craft cocktails. They are super passionate about offering the best beer and itโ€™s on rotation so check out something new every time you drop in. The menu is global inspired, and there are more than 100 dishes made from scratch if you come in with an appetite.

The ambience is classy, yet casual and the interior layout and lighting, subtle and charming. Thereโ€™s plenty of seatingโ€™s both outdoors and indoors, and itโ€™s kid-friendly too. So, donโ€™t hesitate to let your little ones tag along! Not only is the food and drink menu extensive, but so is their music selection! You will appreciate the mix of genres on offer. Itโ€™s also a nice place to relax with your friends and catch the game on TV.

Jester King Brewery

Authentic Farmhouse Brewery

The Jester King Brewery signage on the entrance in Austin, Texas
(photo: University of College / Shutterstock)

๐Ÿ“ Address: 13187 Fitzhugh Rd, Austin, TX 78736 (Google Maps)
๐Ÿ“ž Phone: (512) 661-8736

Jester King Brewery specializes in crafting wild ales and spontaneously fermented beers that are unique to the place. The water for making the brews is sourced from their well, and they also make use of locally grown malted grains and native wild yeast that all add uniqueness to the brews that are Jesterโ€™s. The food is farm fresh and delicious.

 They are particularly popular for their wild, and sour style brews. The farm place is really wonderful to explore and you can have fun throwing frisbee or catching a ball. It is dog friendly and you can take your kids too. You can explore the animals on the farm with a farm tour which is free. The farm setup makes it one of the top bars in Austin and a great place to hang out on a weekend afternoon and chill with some beer.

Draught House Pub & Brewery

Fine American Craft Beer

๐Ÿ“ Address: 4112 Medical Pkwy, Austin, TX 78756 (Google Maps)
๐Ÿ“ž Phone: (512) 452-6258
๐Ÿ• Hours: 3 pm โ€“ 12 am Mon-Thurs, 1 pm โ€“ 12 am Fri-Sun

The Draught house serves a small, select range of fine American craft and seasonal beer, each unique and delicious tasting. The place exudes a very classy, European vibe with its wooden decors and dim lighting. This is a great watering hole with selections that will please every drinker. Plenty of IPAs, ciders and just about anything in between.

They have an outdoor patio which is a great place to relax and chill out with a beer in the evening. The atmosphere is relaxing and laid back and itโ€™s kids and pup friendly.

Corner

Good food, great beer and creative cocktails

A tacos and a glass of cocktail on table

๐Ÿ“ Address: 110 E 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701 (Google Maps)
๐Ÿ“ž Phone: (512) 608-4488
๐Ÿ• Hours: 7 am โ€“ 10 pm Sun-Thurs, 7 am โ€“ 11 pm Fri & Sat

The corner is a little corner in Austin where you can forget your troubles of the world for some time and have a good time with your friends and loved ones, in a comfortable and relaxed setting as you savor their crafted tequila cocktails and locally sourced beers. The food is Authentically Austin, with some delicious spin of flavors that makes it unique.

The place is top-of-the-line beautiful and charming. The staff are prompt, courteous and attentive. Apart from the ambience and drinks, the music is something you will really fancy. Grab a spot on the patio, order a crisp beer or cocktail, and unwind after your dayโ€™s work. There is nothing like it! It is kiddo and dog friendly.