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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Downtown Austin

Cool things to do

A fun activity that is actually cool instead of just another tired group outing.

Based on 715 Opinions
+712
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Updated May 2026
01
Electric Shuffle Austin image 1
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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.

Energy and ambiance stand out with cool lighting and little rooms off to the side. Access to the bar and a great DJ add to the vibe.

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 vibe here is so cool, especially with the lighting and DJ."

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.

02
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Night club

Night club combines lively energy with a chill vibe and on-point music from a DJ who keeps the atmosphere vibrant. Fashionable crowds mingle and dance, creating a space for both relaxation and fun. Multiple seating options and a lounge area offer spots to unwind or connect amid the upbeat setting.

Strong drinks and a mix of fashionable crowds create an atmosphere full of vibrant energy and flirtation. Live shows add to the fun and cute vibe, making it a lively spot to hang out or chill.

A cool atmosphere with a friendly crowd makes this spot stand out. Buying from the dispensary feels easy and relaxed, adding to the overall chill vibe.

People are saying

"The nightlife here is amazing because Tyger is the best."

"It's a fun place with a really good vibe."

"Tyger is so cool and sweet to be around."

Good to know

1

Parking can be challenging; consider walking or using a scooter.

2

They regularly host events featuring talented local artists and DJs.

3

The venue is 420 friendly, creating a relaxed atmosphere.

03
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.

A cool jazz club vibe fills the basement space with great live music and a smoke-free atmosphere. Band members often engage directly with the crowd, adding to the very cool ambience.

People are saying

"The jazz musicianship here is amazing."

"It's a cool jazz club with a moody, underground vibe."

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

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.

04
The 13th floor image 1

Historic 1940s bar with intimate live music and a strong rock vibe. Atmosphere balances lively yet relaxed, attracting a cool, social crowd without attitude. Decor includes rare posters and a secret bar, enhancing its unique character.

Fun and cozy vibe creates a lively atmosphere. Eric Green adds to the experience, making it consistently enjoyable.

Small club and music venue with cool vibes and a crowd without attitude. Many cool people gather outside while smoking.

People are saying

"This bar has a fun, energetic atmosphere with great live music."

"The crowd here is cool and without any attitude."

"I found the experience here to be very fun and worthwhile."

Good to know

1

The haunted house experience is popular and suitable for thrill-seekers.

2

Expect a lively atmosphere with live music performances on weekends.

3

Drink prices are reasonable, making it a budget-friendly option.

05
The Stay Put image 1

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.

A cool atmosphere stands out with a rustic vibe and a fun outdoor area. The spot offers good beers and lively staff.

People are saying

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

"The atmosphere here is really cool and rustic."

"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.

06
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 tap wall lets you pour your own beer and wine, creating a unique concept. The vibe stays fun and relaxed with cool staff around.

People are saying

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

"I loved the cool concept of being able to pour my own beer."

"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.

07
Edge Rooftop image 1

Rooftop bar offers panoramic city views and a spacious pool area with live music enhancing the atmosphere. The vibe is relaxed yet lively, suitable for both casual hangouts and special occasions. Guests enjoy seasonal cocktails and cozy touches like blankets during cooler evenings.

Seasonal events like Snow Much Fun create a lively and festive atmosphere. The rooftop offers a wholesome experience with engaging activities and a fun vibe.

A wild rooftop offers a cool breeze and a cool view, especially on windy, stormy nights.

People are saying

"The servers at the Rooftop are so attentive and sweet."

"The service here is so welcoming and attentive."

"Caroline made our experience lovely and super special."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

Sundays feature a special martini night with $10 drinks.

3

Tabs cannot be itemized and must be paid as one.

08
Parker Jazz Club image 1

Intimate jazz club with cozy atmosphere and excellent acoustics designed for clear stage views and sound. Lighting highlights performances with perfect spotlighting and the venue features a 9-foot Steinway D piano. The space offers a relaxed vibe where music and ambiance blend seamlessly.

Live music creates a fun atmosphere with a house band and guest performers. The space stays clean and cool, making it a great spot to enjoy concerts.

An underground venue with a cool atmosphere and a small quartet playing tunes creates a fun and lively vibe.

People are saying

"The jazz musicians here are amazing, especially the house band."

"It's a fun place with amazing music and a great atmosphere."

"I found the atmosphere here to be really cool and fun."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to the club's popularity.

2

Valet parking is available for $15.

3

Expect a two-drink minimum during shows.

09
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.

An underground speakeasy vibe shines with low lights, cool wallpaper, and a full-size taxidermy bear holding drinks. Entering through a keypad adds to the fun, while good drinks and music keep the atmosphere relaxed and amusing.

Dark, intimate lighting sets a romantic, sexy mood. Low lights, cool wallpaper, and a full-size taxidermy bear wearing a crown holding drinks create a swanky, relaxed vibe.

People are saying

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

"It's a cool speakeasy with a secret entrance and a giant bear."

"The speakeasy vibe with the keypad entry was so fun."

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.

10
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.

Live music creates a cool atmosphere here. Staff and service add to the laid-back vibe.

People are saying

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

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

"I found the live music here to be really cool."

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.

11
Mohawk Austin image 1
Live music venue

Venue features three levels of elevated viewing and a rustic building with tiered standing areas that ensure good sightlines. Atmosphere blends intimate vibes with excellent acoustics, creating a unique live music experience. Outdoor space offers multiple tiers and impressive views, enhancing the overall energy.

Hosts weekly events like concerts, trivia, and benefits. The outdoor balcony adds an interesting touch to the live music experience. The venue layout supports a fun atmosphere for midsized shows.

Small venue with multiple spots to watch shows creates a unique experience. Staff are amazing and very cool, enhancing the vibe. Easy parking adds to the convenience during good weather shows.

People are saying

"The outdoor seating offers a lively atmosphere with great live music."

"The venue's multiple levels offer fun views and great vibes."

"I found the venue to be pretty cool, with multiple spots to watch shows."

Good to know

1

Concerts end by 10:30 PM due to noise curfew.

2

If under 21, entry is only allowed after 7 PM during Happy Hour.

3

Mohawk Austin is wheelchair accessible with no steps at the entrance.

12
Saturn image 1
Cocktail bar

Eclectic decor filled with movie references and hidden Easter eggs creates a unique setting. The vibe stays fun and chill with killer cocktails and lively music. Frequented by a crowd that appreciates offbeat energy and creative drinks.

Events feature fun themes like Die Hard for the holidays and Halloween decor that adds to the vibe. The atmosphere stays offbeat and cool, with great drinks and food enhancing the experience.

Fun, offbeat energy sets the tone with an eclectic vibe throughout. Bartenders bring amazing flips, knowledgeable service, and friendly, positive energy.

People are saying

"The cocktails were unique and delicious."

"The vibe here is fun, offbeat, and has an effortless cool energy."

"I found this place to be a true hidden gem."

Good to know

1

Wu-Tang Wednesdays feature a grown and sexy vibe with live music.

2

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm with great prices on cocktails.

3

Enjoy $1 wings every Wednesday night, a popular deal.

13
The Belmont image 1
Event venue

Event venue offers indoor and outdoor spaces with a rooftop patio overlooking the skyline and a large stage for live music. Atmosphere is lively with loud outdoor music and a mix of DJs and silent discos, creating a dynamic party flow. Space accommodates up to 500 people with VIP areas and multiple hangout spots.

Silent disco events offer a fun atmosphere both inside and outside, with the outdoor setting being especially amazing. Shows and other activities also add to the overall entertaining experience.

The venue has a very cool vibe with a standout outside area that adds to its appeal.

People are saying

"The indoor and outdoor spaces here have a great flow for a party."

"The silent disco is so fun, especially outside!"

"I found it to be a really neat venue."

Good to know

1

The Belmont hosts silent discos regularly, which are popular among attendees.

2

Parking is easier here compared to most downtown places, with nearby garages available.

3

The venue can hold up to 500 people across various areas, making it great for large events.

14
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.

A cool vibe fills the space with a sophisticated atmosphere and a historic setup. Live music and activities add to the energy, making it a standout spot to catch a band.

People are saying

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

"The atmosphere here is pretty cool and sophisticated."

"I enjoyed the great live music here."

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.

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