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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Top picks in Downtown Austin

Cocktail bars and bars

Made for those who prioritize a curated drink menu and a dedicated space to enjoy it.

Based on 776 Opinions
+773
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Updated May 2026
01
In Plain Sight image 1

Tiny speakeasy bar with an intimate, cozy setting and colorful rainbow theme throughout. Warm, social atmosphere with innovative cocktails chilled by nitrogen and CO2 techniques. Space features authentic art and frosted windows, creating a stylish, engaging vibe.

A tiny spot with a rotating menu offers inventive and friendly cocktails. It serves as a good wait spot for nearby bars.

Cocktails here are inventive and unique twists on classics. The bar has a friendly, fun vibe that makes the drinks stand out even more.

People are saying

"The bartenders here are so personable and make the whole experience great."

"The cocktails were creative, balanced, and delicious."

"This is the best, most inventive cocktail bar I've found."

Good to know

1

The bar only holds up to 16 people at a time.

2

There is no waitlist or reservations, and the place fills quickly.

3

Expect a wait if they reach capacity during peak hours.

02
Revenge image 1

Cocktail lounge offers cozy velvet vibe with dim accent lighting and sophisticated decor creating a sultry and playful atmosphere. Indoor and outdoor seating includes an adorable patio with pool table. Music balances energy and conversation, attracting a fun and friendly crowd.

Calm, inviting atmosphere sets the tone with a layout that creates a great vibe. Exceptional ambiance makes it stand out as a cocktail bar.

Hand-crafted cocktails stand out with perfect balance and refreshing flavors. The bar offers a cozy atmosphere and friendly staff, making it a welcoming spot for genuine interactions.

People are saying

"The cocktails here are outstanding and crafted with real care."

"The staff here is so friendly, they make you feel like an old friend."

"The cocktails here are outstanding and crafted with real care."

Good to know

1

Happy hour details are not clearly posted; check for flyers at the bar.

2

DJs perform on select nights, adding to the bar's lively atmosphere.

3

Cash is accepted, but it's unclear if credit cards are also welcome.

03
Here Nor There image 1
Cocktail bar

Hidden behind an alley entrance, the small space offers an intimate speakeasy vibe with detailed decor and a dark, romantic atmosphere. The bar features complex, multidimensional cocktails served alongside complimentary snacks, creating a carefully crafted experience.

Cozy basement vibes create an intimate setting with an upscale feel. The bar offers craft cocktails in a trendy atmosphere that stands out among others.

Craft cocktails stand out with a skilled bar crew behind the counter. The bar offers a well-rounded experience with homemade cheese crackers complementing the drinks.

People are saying

"The cocktails here are creative, balanced, and genuinely delicious."

"The drinks here are creative, balanced, and genuinely delicious."

"The cocktails here are creative and perfectly balanced."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required through the app at least a week in advance.

2

Entry is invite-only or reserved through the app, making it semi-private.

3

You need a passcode to enter, which you receive after booking.

04
DuMont's Down Low image 1

Basement bar with speakeasy vibe and candlelit, moody decor creates a cozy, intimate atmosphere. Comfortable leather seating and whiskey barrel walls add to the elegant, underground feel. Music stays at a moderate volume, supporting relaxed conversation and late-night cocktails.

Cozy, late-night spot with an underground feel. Known for its great cocktails and intimate vibe.

Bar features a brothel chic vibe with whiskey cathedral elements, including leather furniture and whiskey barrel walls. Service is attentive, allowing ordering without waiting at the bar, and bathrooms stay very clean.

People are saying

"It's a cozy, laid-back hideaway with a chill vibe."

"The cocktails here are amazing and well-crafted."

"It's a cozy cocktail bar with a chill, underground vibe."

Good to know

1

Seating can be limited at peak hours, so arrive early.

2

Happy hour specials offer great deals on drinks.

3

Expect a 25% auto gratuity added to your bill.

05
The Dead Rabbit, Austin image 1

Hybrid of cocktail bar and Irish pub with a classy yet grounded atmosphere. Frequent live Irish folk music creates a lively, festive vibe. Space feels crowded and loud with small tables close together.

A hybrid of a cocktail bar and Irish pub offers a unique vibe. Cocktails stand out, but the bar lacks strong ambiance despite its focus.

Irish pub atmosphere stands out with Irish music and food creating a vibe like Temple Bar in Dublin. Drinks rank among the best in Austin, complemented by unique touches like Tayto crisps behind the bar.

People are saying

"The cocktails are imaginative, creative, and beautifully balanced."

"The bar's drinks are perfectly crafted and mesmerizing."

"I thought their cocktails were some of the best."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers oysters for $2 each during specific hours.

2

Irish Sessions and Sunday Roast meal are recommended for a great experience.

3

The kitchen stops serving at 1am, but a late night menu is available.

06
Garage image 1
Cocktail bar

Speakeasy bar hidden inside a parking garage offers an intimate, dimly lit atmosphere with a moody, quiet vibe. Creative cocktails receive detailed attention, enhancing the experience for small groups or dates. Lounge seating and a hidden location create a relaxed, exclusive feel.

Converted parking garage creates a speakeasy-style vibe with low lighting that lets you read the menu easily. The layout offers easy access to the bar from any seat and a quiet atmosphere for conversation.

Hidden in the back of a parking garage, this bar offers an intimate, dimly lit setting with a speakeasy vibe. It serves well-made cocktails in a quiet space perfect for conversation.

People are saying

"The cocktails here are creative and crafted to perfection."

"The bar's creative cocktails tasted amazing, even if a bit pricey."

"The cocktails are crafted with incredible variety and flawless execution."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended if not required.

2

Seating is first come, so arrive early to secure a spot.

3

Expect to wait over 20 minutes for a table during peak hours.

07
Higbie's image 1
Cocktail bar

Cozy cocktail bar with pool tables, big screens showing sports, and provocative portraits on the walls. Atmosphere feels like a laid back neighborhood bar with a fun, friendly vibe and unique music playlist. Regulars enjoy whiskey cocktails, cigars, and a mix of chill and lively energy.

Atmosphere features provocative portraits and big screens showing sports. Service and drink quality stand out consistently.

A cocktail bar with provocative portraits on the wall and two pool tables. The bartender offers hospitable service and crafts classic drinks like old fashioneds.

People are saying

"The bartenders here are super friendly and charismatic."

"They have badass pool tables available."

"The bartender, Taco, was super welcoming and fun to talk to."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 1 to 7 pm with discounted drinks.

2

Expect a 20% gratuity automatically added to your bill.

3

Parking is limited on the street, but Sundays are free.

08
Small Victory image 1

Cozy speakeasy with a hidden bar feel and intimate atmosphere. Offers excellent cocktails including standout martinis and a charcuterie board as a perfect snack pairing. Warm and welcoming vibe suits quiet nights or dates.

Offers great cocktails that compare well with top bars in major cities. The bar has a small, intimate setting with a vibe that some find frumpy and odd.

An intimate spot known for classic and pre-prohibition cocktails with a phenomenal spirit selection. The bar staff shows deep knowledge and crafts drinks inspired by olden times.

People are saying

"It's a great spot for a cozy date night with a speakeasy feel."

"I found the cocktails here to be the most delicious I'd ever had."

"I found it to be the best cocktail bar in Austin."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required to visit Small Victory, especially during peak times.

2

Drinks at Small Victory are on the expensive side, so budget accordingly.

3

Parking can be tricky; consider using a nearby public lot.

09
Jupiter Supper Club image 1

Interior features four themed rooms with flawless, stunning decor in a historic setting. Atmosphere feels elegant and unique, attracting a grown, sexy crowd who enjoy live jazz and socializing. Live music energizes the space, while creative cocktails and standout vegan dishes add to the experience.

Combines a cocktail bar with a jazz club and vegan dining. Cocktails cost more than usual but match the unique vibe.

Seating at the bar offers a close-up view of the lively atmosphere. Different rooms create unique vibes, including a jazz lounge, an atrium-style dining area, and an upstairs lounge overlooking Congress.

People are saying

"The cocktails here are expertly crafted and well-balanced."

"The cocktails here are creative and perfectly balanced."

"The cocktails here are creative and perfectly balanced."

Good to know

1

Live jazz music is featured on weekends at 8 PM.

2

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends.

3

Expect a two-drink minimum for live music events.

10
Péché image 1
French restaurant

Shotgun-style French restaurant with vintage charm and dim lighting creates an intimately festive atmosphere. High noise level fills the space, making it lively but challenging for quiet conversation. Known for an impressive absinthe selection and a cozy, cramped layout suited for small groups.

Cozy, vintage-style setting defines this cocktail bar with a strong focus on true craft cocktails. It holds a reputation as an original and great downtown spot for cocktail enthusiasts.

Offers a unique absinthe bar experience with a solid cocktail menu. Bar service is attentive, and the happy hour adds extra value.

People are saying

"Happy Hour has fantastic cocktails and excellent food like mac and cheese."

"The cocktails here are crafted with care, balanced, and creative."

"This cocktail bar crafts balanced, creative, and strong drinks."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers drinks for $6 and half-off appetizers from 4-7pm on weekdays.

2

Reservations are recommended to secure a table, especially during busy hours.

3

The bar area is not ideal for cocktails; consider dining instead.

11
Austin Proper Hotel image 1

Hotel combines elegant design with a vibrant bar scene and luxury amenities like a rooftop pool and smart room controls. Atmosphere blends modern-meets-vintage décor with a laid-back vibe and stylish details throughout. Spaces attract guests seeking both relaxation and lively social settings.

A speakeasy cocktail bar sits on the ground floor with a beautifully crafted menu. The patio offers romantic lighting that enhances the dreamlike atmosphere.

A cozy after-hours bar offers top-notch liquor and skilled bartenders. The cocktail bar features a romantically lit patio for seating.

People are saying

"The Hotel staff's service was top-notch and genuinely friendly."

"The lobby bar was pretty and a highlight for people watching."

"The downstairs cocktail bar was amazing."

Good to know

1

Happy hour drinks are available at the hotel bar during weekdays.

2

The Quail Room features live music performances on weekends.

3

Cabanas for rent require a full four-hour payment with strict policies.

12
Retail Therapy Cocktail Lounge image 1

Cocktail bar blends speakeasy vibe with club atmosphere featuring vinyl-spinning DJs and plush, elegant decor. The space offers intimate, cozy areas suited for both small and large groups. Music energy stays lively without overpowering, creating a lowkey, high vibe environment.

A cocktail bar with a strong clubby vibe blends the energy of a nightclub with crafted drinks. The atmosphere feels more like a nightclub than a traditional cocktail lounge.

Cocktail lounge blends a club atmosphere with a lowkey, high vibe setting. It offers top shelf drinks, comfy seats, ambient lighting, and great service in a chic, cozy space.

People are saying

"This bar has a chic, laid-back vibe with great music."

"It's a chill spot to unwind and have a conversation without shouting."

"I loved the cocktail bar's clubby vibe."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for busy nights, especially on weekends.

2

Happy hour runs from 5-7pm on Wednesdays with discounted drinks.

3

Ladies' night on Fridays offers free champagne for women until 11pm.

13
The Betty image 1
Cocktail bar

Cocktail bar offers an absolutely stunning interior with an electric energy fueled by top-tier DJs and an incredible sound system. The atmosphere blends classy, upscale vibes with a fabulous speakeasy mood. Guests enjoy amazing craft cocktails and lively dancing to house mixes spanning many genres.

A beautiful and cute cocktail bar with amazing drinks and a perfect vibe.

Beautiful bar and cocktail lounge with a cool vibe and friendly, attractive staff create a standout bar experience.

People are saying

"The staff here makes the nightlife feel so welcoming and attentive."

"Jules, the manager, makes the bar feel super friendly."

"This cocktail bar has amazing, expertly crafted drinks."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7 PM Wednesday to Friday, plus all day Tuesday.

2

Steak Night happens every Thursday with live music and prime cuts.

3

Dress code is enforced; avoid logoed t-shirts and casual wear.

14
Powder Room image 1
Cocktail bar

Vegas-style speakeasy with plush vintage seating and a striking taxidermy leopard centerpiece creates an intimate yet energetic atmosphere. Live music features an incredible DJ and guitarist, enhancing the secret club vibe where phones are locked away to keep focus on the experience.

Dimly lit with a retro vibe, the cocktail bar channels a 70s South Florida speakeasy. The atmosphere feels eclectic and transports you to a high-end cocktail lounge from that era.

Vegas-style speakeasy vibe meets NYC lounge sophistication with plush vintage seating and a dramatic central bar. Cocktails have character, and the staff are notably kind and welcoming, creating a unique bar experience.

People are saying

"The cocktails here are thoughtful, balanced, and crafted with care."

"I loved the no-phone policy at this bar; it made everyone more present."

"This cocktail bar's no phone policy really lets you be in the moment."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily from 4 to 6 PM with $12 cocktails and half off food.

2

Reservations are recommended on weekends due to high demand.

3

The venue enforces a strict dress code; smart casual attire is required.

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Downtown Austin, Austin

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