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Best of Downtown Austin

Beer things to do

A cold beer and a new activity are the ingredients for a weekend well spent.

Based on 813 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
The Stay Put image 1
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Restored 1920s bungalow hosts a large outdoor space with a dog-friendly patio and communal seating inside. Atmosphere stays laid-back and chill, suited for watching games or casual hangouts. House-brewed beers named after western themes add a unique local touch.

Games to play create a fun atmosphere. Staff add to the welcoming vibe. Good beers complement the enjoyable experience.

House-made beer stands out with a Ginger beer option that works well for designated drivers or as a soda substitute. The spot offers a variety of good beers served by fun staff in a lively setting.

People are saying

"Their in-house brewed IPAs were fantastic and fresh."

"I found the vibes here to be chill and easy-going."

"It's a fun spot with great vibes for hanging out."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers house beers for $5.00 a pint.

2

They host a free community cookout every Monday night.

3

First Friday of every month features amazing vendors.

02
Tapville Social - Austin image 1

Self-serve beer wall offers a modern, high-tech experience with multiple TVs showing sports. Spacious outdoor patio creates a laid-back, friendly atmosphere where people mingle easily. Food features unique cocktail flights and standout items like savory chicken wings and street tacos.

Pour-your-own beer taps create a fun, interactive experience. Sampling different beers and ciders from the tap wall adds variety. The staff's laid-back vibe enhances the casual, enjoyable atmosphere.

A self-pour beer wall offers a fun way to sample a huge selection of beers and ciders. The system lets you try different brews before meals and includes options for beer samplers and a full bar.

People are saying

"The food here was amazing, especially the wings."

"Josh's service makes the beer experience feel even better."

"Pouring your own beer from the tap wall is a really fun activity."

Good to know

1

Happy hour features $5 bites and drinks from 4-7pm on weekdays.

2

Reservations are recommended on weekends due to high demand.

3

Wednesdays are trivia night with a $5 entry fee.

03
The Rustic Tap image 1

Outdoor space features large shaded seating areas with misters and fireplaces, creating a cozy, lively vibe. Live bands play frequently, adding to the energetic atmosphere. Multiple screens show sports, attracting a crowd that enjoys an open-air party setting.

Outdoor venue and bar create a fun, lively atmosphere. Game days bring extra energy, making it a laid-back spot to enjoy live music and hang out with friends.

Local beers like Friends and Allies Sportsball Pils appear on tap alongside a broad variety of beers. Occasional promotions include free samples such as Voodoo Ranger beer during events.

People are saying

"The live music here is a frequent, cool bonus."

"You can watch all the games on multiple TVs here."

"The live music here is great for fun activities."

Good to know

1

The Rustic Tap has an automatic 20% gratuity added to the bill.

2

The bar closes at 2 AM, but tabs are closed by midnight.

3

The restaurant offers gluten-friendly options.

04
San Jac Saloon image 1

Long, narrow saloon with traditional western decor and a second floor balcony creates a spacious setting. Live country music fills the air, encouraging plenty of dancing and a chill, old school vibe throughout the venue.

Live music and lots of dancing create a lively atmosphere. Open mic nights add to the fun vibe of this late night country bar.

Great selection of beers includes local beers on tap and options at a good price. The bar also features a notable spirit selection with Still Austin bourbon.

People are saying

"The live music here is great and the ambiance is wonderful."

"The beer selection here is great and well priced."

"I had so much fun, it's a really fun place."

Good to know

1

Happy hour features specialty cocktails and a vegan-friendly menu.

2

Free open mic comedy happens every Sunday at 7pm.

3

The Carr Sisters perform typically between 4 and 8 pm.

05
Friends Bar image 1
Live music bar

Live music fills a spacious bar with a stage and a courtyard featuring picnic tables. The atmosphere stays friendly and positive, drawing a crowd that enjoys dancing and people watching. Cold beer and cocktails complement the blues club vibe and no cover charge policy.

Live music features talented bands with engaging vocals that get everyone moving. The atmosphere includes fun patrons and a vibe that makes grabbing a drink enjoyable.

Cold beer flows with a great selection and tasty options. Bar staff mix up Austin-inspired beverages while music plays.

People are saying

"I loved the live music and the bands here."

"I enjoyed the cold beer and great music."

"The live music here is really fun and energetic."

Good to know

1

Live music runs from 12 pm to 2 am every day.

2

Friends Bar is dog friendly inside.

3

Food is available from a food truck at the back of the bar.

06
Elephant Room image 1
Live music bar

Small basement bar with stone walls and a cellar setting creates a classic, intimate vibe. Smooth, live jazz music fills the space with chill energy, attracting those who prefer sitting and enjoying quality performances. Unique house brine for dirty martinis stands out among the drink offerings.

A speakeasy vibe sets a fun atmosphere with lively jazz performances like the Chase Baird Quartet. Cocktails add to the enjoyment, and seasonal tunes bring extra energy on some nights.

Excellent selection of locally brewed beers from Austin stands out. The place offers a great variety on tap and pairs well with decent live music in a cosy setting.

People are saying

"The jazz musicianship here is amazing."

"You'll hear some incredibly talented jazz musicians playing live here."

"I found the beer here had a magical, jazzy vibe."

Good to know

1

There is a $10 cover fee at Elephant Room.

2

A $7 cover charge applies after 8pm.

3

No food is served; drinks only, but you can bring food in.

07
Scholz Garten image 1
German restaurant

Historic German beer garden offers outdoor beer garden with live music and woodwork details inside. Atmosphere shifts from high energy during game days to a pleasant, shaded oasis for gatherings. Crowds gather for traditional German vibe and local beer selections.

Outside features a fun biergarten with events. Watching games here offers a cozy atmosphere and a lively pub vibe.

An authentic beer garden experience with a strong focus on German beer selection and regional Texas brews. Plenty of options on tap and in cans create a solid variety for beer lovers.

People are saying

"I had the best giant pretzel I've ever had, it was fantastic."

"You'll find a great selection of imported German drafts here."

"The beer selection here is great, with plenty of German and regional Texas options."

Good to know

1

Parking can be challenging, especially during UT home games and events.

2

Reservations are recommended for private events, especially during busy game days.

3

A limited menu is available during concerts at Moody.

08
Electric Shuffle Austin image 1

Electronic shuffleboard with automatic scoring and innovative game modes anchors a lively bar space with funky decor and vibrant lighting. Semi-private rooms and a great DJ create an energetic, social atmosphere. Cocktails and food offer distinctive flavors that complement the upbeat vibe.

Playing shuffleboard offers a fun introduction to the game with an enjoyable experience. The atmosphere supports engaging activities that keep things lively and entertaining.

Lots of beer and cocktail options let groups pick their own drinks. Beers like Electric Jellyfish on tap and Native Texas Pilsner in cans come at reasonable prices.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, especially the crispy chicken with maple and a spicy kick."

"The staff here are amazing and really take care of you."

"The shuffleboard games here are computer controlled and keep score automatically."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for large groups to ensure seating availability.

2

Drag brunch occurs every Sunday, featuring a boozy option for $50 per person.

3

Expect a $15.99 charge per person for events, which includes shuffleboard access.

09
Speakeasy image 1
Lounge

Lounge combines live music with a historical atmosphere and spacious bar area featuring a performance stage. The vibe is cool and sophisticated, attracting an older crowd who enjoy drinking, dancing, and watching bands. Rooftop bar offers city views but can feel tight during events.

Events feature live bands and tribute performances that fill the space with music and energy. The atmosphere includes dancing, comedy shows, and outgoing bartenders creating a lively environment.

Speakeasy offers a large choice of beers including NA beer. Bartenders sometimes dance while serving, adding a lively touch to the beer selection.

People are saying

"I found the shows and special events here to be really fun."

"The atmosphere here is pretty cool and sophisticated."

"They had a large choice of beer, including NA options."

Good to know

1

The Spazmatics perform every Wednesday night with no cover charge.

2

Expect a lively atmosphere during 90's night events on Fridays.

3

No food is available on-site, so plan to eat before visiting.

10
The Tavern image 1
Sports bar

Rambling wood-paneled building with historic architecture and faux Fachwerk design creates an intimate yet vast space. Multiple floors and patios feature tons of TVs showing almost every game, fostering a fun, old-school sports bar vibe with a mix of German charm and modern energy.

A laid-back spot with a fun atmosphere that shines during trivia nights and sports games. Games and a single beer keep the vibe lively and enjoyable.

Great cheap beer on tap offers solid options like Guinness draught stout and Shiner Cheers for around $8. The spot suits watching sports while enjoying a cold beer and some bar food.

People are saying

"The bar has a great atmosphere and laid-back vibe."

"The beer here has a great, laid-back vibe."

"It's a fun spot with a laid-back atmosphere."

Good to know

1

Parking at The Tavern is across the street and free.

2

Happy hour appetizers are available during specific hours.

3

The Tavern hosts a Dinner Mystery event with a zany cast.

11
Blind Pig Pub image 1

Two-story pub with a rooftop terrace and live music creates a lively, fun atmosphere. Sports fans gather around numerous screens at the long bar, while the open-air rooftop offers great views and space for dancing. Energy shifts between the cozy downstairs and vibrant upstairs areas.

Live music features a couple of women playing a variety of hits in a fun, folky manner. The venue offers a different vibe upstairs and downstairs, with a fun claw machine and a bartender who recommends great local beer.

The spot offers a decent beer selection with several options on draft, including a local IPA. Bartenders help pick beers, and prices run around $9 for a 12oz pour.

People are saying

"The live music here is great and gets everyone dancing."

"The live bands here are amazing, playing fun hits."

"I enjoyed the beer while listening to the live band."

Good to know

1

Live music events occur on Sundays, featuring local bands.

2

The pub has a dress code requiring patrons to wear a shirt.

3

Only beer and mixed drinks are available; no wine served.

12
El Cockfight image 1

Multi-level bar with a rooftop patio offers live music and skyline views. Atmosphere stays relaxed and chill, with a mix of DJs downstairs and live bands upstairs. Tacos from a pop-up stand add a unique touch to the drink-focused setup.

Rooftop bar offers a seating area and live music for a lively atmosphere. Bartenders like Scooter and Stace make drinks tailored to your taste.

Ice-cold beer is served alongside good cocktails. Ordering can take a while since the bartender sometimes gets distracted.

People are saying

"The bartenders here are so friendly and make you feel cared for."

"The rooftop bar's live music and chill patio vibe make for fun activities."

"I enjoyed the ice-cold beer here."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3-6pm with drinks under $10.

2

Live music is featured on weekends, enhancing the atmosphere.

3

The rooftop patio is a popular spot during happy hour.

13
Darwin's Piano Bar image 1

Piano bar offers live music with engaging musicians who encourage crowd participation. Atmosphere stays lively and fun, with people singing and dancing together. No cover charge and a community vibe set it apart from other venues.

High energy and engaging piano performances create a lively atmosphere. The crowd interaction and upbeat vibe make it a fun spot on Friday nights.

Good beer options come with a price range of $8-10 plus tax and tip. Some beers can cost as much as $20, making the selection somewhat expensive.

People are saying

"It's a super fun and high-energy spot with awesome vibes."

"The beer here is great, with live music and a lively crowd."

"The piano bar musicians were so talented and played any song I requested."

Good to know

1

There is no cover charge at Darwin's Piano Bar.

2

Requesting songs requires a tip.

3

They offer free bottled water to patrons.

14
Little Woodrow's West 6th image 1

Open-air sports bar with lots of TVs and spacious seating creates a lively yet chill atmosphere. Live music and a DJ add to the party-like vibe, while an on-site food truck offers tasty tacos. Dog-friendly environment attracts a casual crowd, especially during big games.

Open-air setting creates a fun atmosphere with great vibes. Events like the Canelo fight add to the lively energy and make it a consistently enjoyable spot.

Great selection of beers with good prices including $3 options. It suits quick drinks and casual conversation, also works well for watching sports.

People are saying

"It's a great spot to watch the game."

"The tacos here are delicious and fairly priced."

"It's got a great atmosphere and fun vibes."

Good to know

1

The bar is dog-friendly, allowing pets on the patio.

2

Game day drink deals are available during major sports events.

3

A crawfish boil event occurs periodically, offering a unique dining experience.

15
The Iron Bear image 1

Large space with pool table and TouchTunes music selection creates a lively setting. Atmosphere feels friendly and inclusive, attracting a diverse crowd with great music and a fun vibe. Busy times bring loud energy, making conversation challenging but encouraging dancing and socializing.

A fun atmosphere fills the space with activities like Tuesday Poker night, pool, and dancing during busy times. The environment stays inclusive and lively for a night out with friends.

Cold beer pairs well with burgers here. Prices vary, with some beers around $10, which is higher than other spots. The vibe includes hot men and a casual hangout atmosphere.

People are saying

"The bar food, especially the burgers, was surprisingly good."

"It's a fun gay dive bar with a great crowd and strong drinks."

"I enjoyed a cold beer here."

Good to know

1

Parking costs between $15 to $20 unless you find a free space.

2

Expect long wait times during peak evening hours.

3

Karaoke happens on Sundays and Wednesdays with a great song list.

16
Pete's Dueling Piano Bar image 1

Piano bar with live dueling pianists creates a lively, engaging atmosphere where everyone sings and dances. Musicians are multi-talented and interactive, taking song requests and delivering legendary performances. Venue shows some wear but maintains a fun, energetic vibe throughout the night.

Dueling piano shows create a lively and interactive atmosphere. The experience stays consistently fun and entertaining, making it a standout spot for a night out.

Good beers come at about $8 each with a limited menu. Bottled beers are common and sticking to familiar drinks works well.

People are saying

"The live music and crowd sing-alongs make for a super fun night."

"The piano bar performers were seriously talented and kept the energy high."

"The beer here is pricey, costing $15 to get in."

Good to know

1

There is a $15 cover charge per person.

2

Reservations are recommended for Saturday nights due to limited space.

3

Song requests cost between $1 to $100, played in order of the largest bill.

17
The Dizzy Rooster image 1

Small bar with cozy atmosphere and unpretentious vibe hosts live music and a DJ playing throwback pop and electronica. Crowd stays local and laid-back, enjoying games like beer pong and darts. Energy feels fun and friendly without being overly rowdy.

A fun vibe fills the bar, creating a friendly atmosphere that keeps energy high. The place offers a consistently fun experience for anyone looking to enjoy themselves.

Beer comes served very cold here. Options include a Black and Tan mix with Guinness and ale on tap.

People are saying

"The bartenders here are so friendly and quick, even when it's busy."

"It's a fun vibe with a festive atmosphere."

"I loved how cold the beer was."

Good to know

1

Expect a cover charge after 8 PM for live performances.

2

Drink prices range from $7 to $9, with tips expected.

3

The bar is usually not busy at 11 PM, making it a good time to visit.

18
Hotel Van Zandt image 1

Hotel offers beautiful decor and a quiet, comfortable atmosphere inside rooms despite loud nightlife nearby. Amenities include a rooftop pool, fitness center with Peloton bikes, and daily margaritas. Lobby bar and live music create a lively yet controlled vibe.

Rooftop offers a fun spot with lively vibes. Pool feels comfortable and adds to the enjoyable atmosphere.

Complimentary local beers greet guests at check-in and during a daily happy hour. A Twisted X Austin Lager and a grapefruit sparkling water often start the visit, with a free beer offered between 4 pm and 5 pm.

People are saying

"The hotel staff is so friendly and helpful."

"The staff here are so friendly and helpful with everything."

"I got a complimentary local beer when I arrived."

Good to know

1

Happy hour in the lobby runs from 5 to 6 PM with complimentary drinks.

2

Geraldine's offers a jazz brunch on weekends, a popular dining option.

3

Expect a $30 daily guest amenity fee that may not be disclosed upfront.

19
Casino El Camino image 1
Bar & grill

Dive bar with punk rock and metal vibe combines pre-colonial Mexica decor and lucha Libre elements for a unique atmosphere. Loud music upstairs and a classic jukebox set a buzzing, wild tone. Functional pool tables and a smoking patio add to the laid-back, alternative energy.

Lively bar atmosphere creates a fun vibe especially in the evenings. Pool tables add to the entertainment, alongside beer and burgers for a casual good time.

Cheap beer and IPA beer on tap stand out here. The back patio offers a great spot for beer and cigars with a jukebox adding to the vibe.

People are saying

"I thought this place had one of the best burgers I ever had."

"I had a beer and the burgers were amazing."

"It's a great place for fun activities like devouring massive, perfectly cooked burgers."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with half-price appetizers.

2

Expect long wait times after 5pm due to high crowd volume.

3

Take-out orders are available if you prefer to avoid the crowd.

20
The Jackalope image 1

Dive bar with eclectic decor and a large Jackalope statue at the entrance creates a distinctive setting. Atmosphere ranges from chill afternoons to loud, lively music with a DJ and acoustic performances. Features include two bars, an indoor/outdoor patio, and games like beer pong and claw machines.

Beer pong and claw machines offer interactive fun. The spot has a fun and cool vibe with solid playlists.

Cold beers include Pabst Blue Ribbon and Lone Star priced around $4.50. Beer pong and claw machines add to the atmosphere. Prices can vary, with some paying double for the same beers.

People are saying

"This bar has a great vibe and is a perfect spot for drinks."

"The vibe here is so fun and cool."

"The manager helped me get my girl a beer."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. with $4 drinks.

2

Karaoke night starts at 10 p.m. on Thursdays.

3

Expect a busy atmosphere during peak hours, especially on weekends.

21
Moody Amphitheater image 1
Amphitheater

Outdoor amphitheater offers open-air setting with great acoustics and excellent sightlines from most seats. Atmosphere stays peaceful and relaxed, enhanced by surrounding greenery. Crowds gather for live music, creating a natural and enjoyable experience under the stars.

Open-air setting creates a fun Austin vibe. Comfortable seating makes listening to great music enjoyable and the venue feels lively and fun during concerts.

Lines at beer concessions move quickly. Pricing stays reasonable with beers around $14. The beer quality is consistently good.

People are saying

"You get a great view from anywhere in this venue."

"I had lots of fun at this awesome venue."

"You can expect to pay around $14 for a beer here."

Good to know

1

Bring a clear bag or small clutch to enter the venue.

2

Parking can be difficult; consider prepaying for a spot.

3

Ride shares should drop off on 12th street, not Trinity.

22
Comedy Mothership image 1

Two small, intimate rooms create a tight atmosphere with great sound and world-famous talent performing nightly. The venue enforces a phone-free environment by locking up devices to keep the focus on the show. Energy runs high, making it a standout spot for comedy.

Shows include about 10 comics with talented comedians. A welcoming atmosphere and fun crowd create an unforgettable experience.

Local Native Texan beer features prominently on the menu. Shows start on time, allowing a quick drink and some laughs before the performance.

People are saying

"This nightlife is the best comedy club experience I've ever had."

"The comedians here are hilarious and made for a fun night."

"There's a two-drink minimum for drinks here."

Good to know

1

Tickets for shows can be purchased online or at the door.

2

There is a two-drink minimum per person during shows.

3

Entry requires turning off all phones and smart devices.

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