Best Cocktail Bars in Austin
Explore Austin's top cocktail bars and their must-try drinks. From The Roosevelt Room to Nickel City – read where to have a good drink in an original atmosphere.
Nancy J. Hassler
Austin is one of the largest cities in Texas and has a thriving music and cultural scene. At the same time, this city has also been grabbing attention for the best all-time cocktail bars. We’ve put together a list of bars to have the best cocktails in Austin. Keep on reading not to miss out on any of them.
The Roosevelt Room
Location: 307 W 5th St, Austin, TX 78701
The Roosevelt Room should not be missed as it is the most awarded cocktail bar in Austin. It’s stylishly decorated and has a great selection of cocktails from every era. Regardless, whether you like classic drinks or more modern ones, its knowledgeable bartenders will definitely help with an ideal selection for your taste. The interior design blends vintage glamour with industrial style elements such that this restaurant with great cocktails becomes suitable for casual hang-outs as well as parties.
Must-Try Drink: The Roosevelt Room Old Fashioned The bar’s signature drink consists of high-end bourbon, homemade bitters and just a touch of Demerara sugar, so it’s a present-day version of an Old Fashioned drink. From this drink, you can see how much effort the bartender invests into their job making sure that tastes blend subtly into each other. They mix it with care and pour over big ice cubes garnished with orange zest to give out a refreshing citrus flavor.
The Tipsy Alchemist
Location: 70 Rainey St #200, Austin, TX 78701
At The Tipsy Alchemist, science intertwines with mixology. This is a well-known Austin’s cocktail bar that hosts live performances and creative cocktails always with some form of catch. The bartenders here are true alchemists, mixing together cocktails that look as beautiful as they taste. The Tipsy Alchemist is a vibrant place just to chill with your buddies.
Must-Try Drink: Smoking Barrel Old Fashion The Smoking Barrel Old Fashion is among The Tipsy Alchemist's most famous cocktails, largely because of its ostentatious presentation. The drink is presented in a glass dome filled with smoke that's let out upon unveiling for an aromatic cocktail experience. The cocktail includes rounded servings of premium whiskey, smoked syrup and aromatic bitters that come together to create a full-bodied – if not heavy on the palate – smoky taste.
Small Victory
Location: 108 E 7th St, Austin, TX 78701
Hidden in the heart of downtown Austin, Small Victory is a small cozy hideout with great cocktails. While being a tiny bar, they are meticulous right down to the type of ice they use and how they pour their drinks. Small Victory would attract those with a discerning palate for mixological craftsmanship and an attraction to intimate & relaxed bar settings.
Must-Try Drink: Gin Martini The Gin Martini at Small Victory is a classic favorite made with precision. The secret – a temperature-controlled premium gin martini stirred not shaken with vermouth garnished and served on either a lemon twist or olive. What comes out the other end is a cocktail that highlights those individual gin notes in harmony with fantastically bright, grapey vermouth.
Half Step
Location: 75 1/2 Rainey St, Austin, TX 78701
Half Step is a cocktail bar in Austin that is located at the lively Rainey Street which offers you an atmosphere of relaxation and best cocktails. The bar has been well known for using homemade ingredients as well as ensuring that all their drinks have been given attention to detail. Half Step with its welcoming deck and live music makes it one of the best places to have a complexly prepared drink that comes with a laid-back environment.
Must-Try Drink: Spicy Flamingo This combination of smoky Mezcal and aromatic Dolin Blanc provides an elegant foundation; however, crushed watermelon combined with honey brings out some refreshing sweetness into the mixture. While it may sound strange to combine cayenne pepper and watermelon together, such a sweet-hot combo should not even surprise you since summer parties sometimes demand such surprises from your side when providing unique beverages.
Little Brother Bar
Location: 89 Rainey St, Austin, TX 78701
Rainey Street has one small yet bustling pub called Little Brother Bar. Besides its easygoing atmosphere, this Austin’s cocktail bar is known for exquisite drinks and southern hospitality. Despite its space constraints, the bar has a creative drinks menu and lively ambiance that makes it equally popular among tourists and residents.
Must-Try Drink: Honey I Killed the Vodka In terms of classic summery vodka-based cocktails with a twist or two, none can beat “Honey, I Killed the Vodka” which is actor Rick Moranis’ favorite. This cocktail combines the smoothness of Dripping Springs Vodka with the distinctive flavors of Suze and Lavender Honey. The result – a drink that’s just as memorable as it is delightful.
The Driskill Bar
Location: 604 Brazos St, Austin, TX 78701
From the lobby of The Driskill Hotel, which is a beautiful and timeless hotel building, ascend up the grand staircase to find yourself in Texas’ classic atmosphere for a cattle baron. Being acknowledged as one of the 10 Best Hotel Bars in America according to USA Today and named The Best Bar in Texas by Southern Living, The Driskill Bar captures all that is Texas right here in downtown Austin. This is one of the most distinguished Austin’s cocktail bars with its rustic leather sofas, custom carpeting featuring cattle brands, cowhide stools and an imposing mounted Texas Longhorn on the wall. In addition to its cool ambiance, robust spirits, good wine selection and promotion of fellowships are some of the qualities that define The Driskill Bar.
Must-Try Drink: Driskill Old Fashioned Driskill Old Fashioned is an upscale version of the timeless cocktail made with top-quality bourbon, house bitters and sugar cube sprinkled with hints of sweetness. While mixing drinks like these in a glass using a spoon or mixing stick then serving it over large ice cubes garnished with cherries and orange peels makes it an exceptional drink that can be enjoyed at length.
Midnight Cowboy
Location: 313 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78701
Best cocktails in Austin are also served at Midnight Cowboy. It is an unordinary intimate cocktail lounge located in the city’s downtown. This pub aims to create a private atmosphere of prohibition-era speakeasies, therefore reservations are highly recommended. There is even table service provided by bartenders who make sure each drink is made to perfection.
Must-Try Drink: The Out of the Fog The Out of the Fog cocktail mix embodies the complexity of aged Japanese whisky. This unusual blend begins with high-quality Japanese whiskey that has been aged until it acquires an intricate flavor profile. An undertone of light smoke gives this drink another dimension which makes it have a captivating scent and taste while on your lips.
drink.well.
Location: 207 E 53rd St, Austin, TX 78751 drink.well. is a neighborhood bar specializing in creative cocktails paired with comfort food. Local patrons adore its cozy atmosphere. Since the cocktail menu changes seasonally, it means there’s always something new to try.
Must-Try Drink: Ring Around the Roxy Drink.well's signature quaff "Ring Around the Roxy" is bursting with fresh flavors reflecting their innovative approach to mixology. It involves Blanco Tequila combined with Lemongrass, Liber & Co Passionfruit & Orgeat combined with Velvet Falernum plus lime crowning a sparkling wine bottle. All these ingredients make it simple but twisted at once, so it’s ideal for those wishing to taste different.
Firehouse Lounge
Location: 605 Brazos St, Austin, TX 78701
Firehouse Lounge is an old fire station in Austin that has been transformed into a modern cocktail bar. The entrance through a hidden bookcase adds an element of intrigue, and the cozy atmosphere makes it a great spot to unwind with a well-crafted drink.
Must-Try Drink: Firehouse Margarita The Firehouse Margarita offers a refreshing take on the classic cocktail with premium tequila, fresh lime juice, and agave syrup. With a salted rim, shaken over ice, this margarita strikes the balance between tangy and sweet just right. In this Austin’s cocktail bar, subtle jalapeno is also added to the drink seasoning providing a unique flavor.
Nickel City
Location: 1133 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78702
Nickel City is a laid-back restaurant with great cocktails in a retro atmosphere. Both traditional and innovative cocktails are served here. It is popular because of its friendly staff and relaxed ambiance where you can have drinks unpretentiously.
Must-Try Drink: Frozen Irish Coffee It is a refreshing twist on the classic coffee cocktail with a mix of Irish whiskey, cold brew and cream. When served frozen, it turns smooth and creamy which refreshes as well as spoils at the same time. With its strong coffee flavor and warming whiskey touch, this drink is perfect for any time of day.
Austin’s mixed drink culture is as diverse and ever-changing as its urban scenery. There is something for everyone — whether you love a traditional good cocktail or are in need of something original. So next time you’re in the city, check out our pick of the top cocktail bars in Austin and their specialties for an unforgettable experience.