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Austin Nightlife

Keep Austin Weird, and Wild After Dark: Your Guide to Austin's Eclectic Nightlife!

Best Bars in Austin

10 venues

Donn's Depot

bar
4.5
$$

Housed in an old Clarksville train depot, iconic institution, live music, two dance floors.

Central AustinVaries

Housed in an old Clarksville train depot, iconic institution, live music, two dance floors.

Frazier’s Long & Low

dive bar
4.4
$

1970s vibe, jukebox, pool tables, shuffleboard, great burgers.

East RiversideVaries

1970s vibe, jukebox, pool tables, shuffleboard, great burgers.

Nickel City

bar
4.2
$$

Friendly servers, developed cocktails, extensive whiskey selection, food truck out back.

East AustinVaries

Friendly servers, developed cocktails, extensive whiskey selection, food truck out back.

The Roosevelt Room

cocktail bar
4.1
$$$

Classic cocktails from any era, dark, intimate, industrial space.

Downtown AustinVaries

Classic cocktails from any era, dark, intimate, industrial space.

Daydreamer

cocktail bar
4
$$$

Caviar, champagne, cocktails, martini service, bright, airy interior, spacious back patio with taco truck.

East Austin (East 6th)Varies

Caviar, champagne, cocktails, martini service, bright, airy interior, spacious back patio with taco truck.

Tiki Tatsu-Ya

cocktail bar
4.9
$$$

Immersive tropical experience, beach house upstairs, mysterious cave downstairs, rum-based potions, Japanese/Hawaiian/Polynesian food influences.

Zilker (South Lamar)Varies

Immersive tropical experience, beach house upstairs, mysterious cave downstairs, rum-based potions, Japanese/Hawaiian/Polynesian food influences.

Armadillo Den

bar
4.2
$$

Three acres, massive bar, ax throwing, bar games, casual, affordable drinks.

South AustinVaries

Three acres, massive bar, ax throwing, bar games, casual, affordable drinks.

Equipment Room

cocktail bar
4.3
$$$

Vinyl listening, cocktails, mid-century Japanese listening bar inspiration, unique creations.

South CongressVaries

Vinyl listening, cocktails, mid-century Japanese listening bar inspiration, unique creations.

Murray’s Tavern

bar
4
$$$

Classy old-school tavern, burgers, Oysters Rockefeller, prime rib, classic and unique cocktails.

East AustinVaries

Classy old-school tavern, burgers, Oysters Rockefeller, prime rib, classic and unique cocktails.

Here Nor There

cocktail bar
4.7
$$$

Secret agent feel, hidden basement bar, reservations via app, secret code entry, great cocktails.

Downtown AustinVaries

Secret agent feel, hidden basement bar, reservations via app, secret code entry, great cocktails.

Best Night Out in Austin

A curated evening itinerary from early drinks to late-night dancing.

7–9 PMPre-Game

Start with cocktails or craft beers at a neighborhood bar. Keep it relaxed — the night is young.

Donn's Depot

Central Austin · $$

9 PM–12 AMPrime Time

Hit the main strip. Rooftop bars, live music, or a lively pub crawl through the best neighborhoods.

Whisler's

East Austin (East 6th) · $$

12 AM–3 AMLate Night

The clubs open up. Dance floors fill, DJs take over, and the real nightlife begins.

Cheer Up Charlies

Downtown Austin (Red River Cultural District) · $$

Nightlife Neighborhoods

Downtown Austin

The heart of Austin's nightlife, featuring a mix of upscale cocktail bars, lively music venues, and bustling clubs.

Best for: Live music, diverse bars, speakeasies
Crowd: Tourists, young professionals, diverse
Walk Score: 90/100
Cheer Up CharliesThe Roosevelt RoomHere Nor There

East Austin

Known for its trendy and eclectic bar scene, with a focus on craft cocktails, dive bars, and outdoor patios.

Best for: Craft cocktails, casual vibes, local favorites
Crowd: Locals, hipsters, casual
Walk Score: 75/100
Nickel CityDaydreamerWhisler'sMurray’s Tavern

South Austin

A more laid-back and spacious nightlife experience, with large outdoor venues and a focus on local breweries and live music.

Best for: Outdoor bars, live music, relaxed atmosphere
Crowd: Families, locals, relaxed
Walk Score: 60/100
Tiki Tatsu-YaArmadillo DenEquipment Room
DistrictBest ForCrowdWalk ScoreTop Venues
Downtown AustinLive musicTourists
90
Cheer Up CharliesThe Roosevelt Room
East AustinCraft cocktailsLocals
75
Nickel CityDaydreamer
South AustinOutdoor barsFamilies
60
Tiki Tatsu-YaArmadillo Den

Local Nightlife Tips

  • Explore the different vibes of 6th Street, Rainey Street, and East Austin for varied experiences.
  • Utilize rideshares or public transport, especially when exploring multiple areas.
  • Check venue websites for live music schedules and cover charges.
  • Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months, and enjoy Austin's vibrant scene responsibly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best neighborhood for nightlife?

Downtown Austin (6th Street, Rainey Street) for high energy, East Austin for trendy bars and live music, and South Congress for a more relaxed vibe.

What time do bars close?

Most bars in Austin close around 2 AM, especially on weekends.

Is there a cover charge?

Some live music venues and nightclubs may have a cover charge, especially on weekends or for special events. It's always best to check ahead.