13 Cocktail Bars to Visit During SXSW

We know you’re here for the music. We also know the best spots in the Capital City to whet your whistle. Check out our list of some of Austin’s best cocktail bars, where you might drop in for a drink (or two!), and stay for the friendly hospitality.

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Date

Feb 19, 2019

Notes

1. The Townsend

718 Congress Avenue, #100 | thetownsendaustin.com

Named after a historic landmark built in 1875, this luxurious-yet-welcoming bar features live music performances with exceptional acoustics. Try one of their craft cocktails or sit back and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere.

2. Small Victory

108 E. Seventh Street | smallvictory.bar

Located up a small set of stairs behind a wooden door in the Stephen F. Austin Hotel parking garage, this intimate bar offers vintage-inspired cocktails and assorted small plates.

3. Firehouse Lounge

605 Brazos Street | firehousehostel.com

Hidden behind a bookshelf in Austin’s oldest-standing fire station, this speakeasy is known for its extensive classic cocktail and craft beer menu, happy hour seven days a week, and live, local music.

4. Midnight Cowboy

313 E. Sixth Street | midnightcowboymodeling.com

Escape the craziness of Sixth Street with this exclusive downtown speakeasy. Featuring sixteen new cocktails, guests can travel the world without leaving the city. Reservations recommended.

5. Dumont’s Down Low

214 W. Fourth Street, Suite B | dumontsaustin.com

This underground drinkery in Austin’s warehouse district is filled with top-notch whiskey cocktails, and is scattered with Texas whiskey barrels throughout.

6. P6 at The Line Hotel

111 E. Cesar Chavez Street | thelinehotel.com/austin

With eyeful panoramic views across Lady Bird Lake, this intimate cocktail and dining space allows everyone to revel in the local tradition of eating and drinking outside all day, every day.

7. YETI Flagship

220 S. Congress Avenue | yeti.com

Join Texas Monthly at its third-annual South by Southwest kickoff party on March 8 at the YETI Flagship store, or drop in anytime for a cool refreshment.

8. Geraldine’s

605 Davis Street | geraldinesaustin.com

If you’re looking to escape the bustle of Rainey Street, head to Geraldine’s inside Hotel Van Zandt. Guests can expect an upscale dinner menu, nightly live music, delicious cocktails, and great views of the city.

9. Clive Bar

609 Davis Street | clivebar.com

This lodge-style bar with indoor and outdoor seating is a cozy staple on Rainey Street. Stop by for cold beer, classic cocktails, a vast whiskey selection, and live music.

10. Suerte

1800 E. Sixth Street | suerteatx.com

This swank East Austin restaurant serves Mexican specialties, beer, wine, and craft cocktails. Head over for “lucky hour” every night from 5–6 p.m. to enjoy discounts.

11. Last Straw

1914 E. Sixth Street, Suite C | laststrawatx.com

This tropical-themed cocktail bar serves a wide variety of festive drinks to visitors looking for a vacation—and the fun interior makes for a perfect Instagram picture.

12. Stay Gold

1910 E. Cesar Chavez Street | staygoldaustin.com

Enjoy live music at Stay Gold—a classic and charming East Side dive bar. When musicians aren’t gracing the stage, Stay Gold’s jukebox and signature cocktails never disappoint.