August 31, 2023
Food & Drink, Feature, Guide,
If you’re planning a good old-fashioned day drinking session, this list of the best cocktail spots in Austin has something for everyone.
See also: The 6 Best Italian Restaurants In Austin
De Nada Cantina
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4715 E Cesar Chavez St. / 512.615.3555 / Website
Marg, margs and more margs! These are the best margaritas and a fun weekend spot to hang out with friends on the Eastside for a casual night out with good tequila, better company and an iconic pink cup that means you’re in the Austin nightlife scene. Sometimes all you need is queso, your friends and a margarita to kick off your weekend.
Holiday on 7th
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5020 E. 7th St. / Website
If you’re a martini person, this is your spot to soak in the elegant white decor while enjoying all the extra olives you could ever need. Self-described as a vibrant cocktail bar, this is a must. The cashew onion dip complements the sweetness of any cocktail you may order, and its entire menu is delicious. On East 7th, it’s a holiday any day that ends in “y” as far as this hot spot is concerned.
Howards Bar & Club
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1130 W. 6th St. / 512.677.7167 / Website
Oh, Howards, how we adore you. If you’ve been to Rosie’s wine bar, odds are you’ve wandered past the bathrooms and into the abyss that is Howards. You almost go back in time, with nobody on their phones and everyone happily drinking and engaging in conversation. We always recommend this spot to anyone coming into town, as it truly is an Austin staple.
Here Nor There
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612 Brazos St. / 512.949.7995 / Website
This speakeasy serves up drinks that take 30-40 hours of prep time and have a double clarification process for an ultrasmooth finish. We promise you’ve never had a Japanese whisky quite this smooth. The “underground” vibes will make you feel like you’ve escaped from Austin into the world of Gatsby. P.S. swing by sister spot In Plain Sight for equally delicious cocktails in an even more intimate setting.
La Popular
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7415 Southwest Parkway / 512.581.6280 / Website
Agave-infused smokey cups are just part of what makes this place live up to its name. These elevated drinks are always carefully prepared and feature an expected finish. We love the mezcal and tequila-forward drinks menu, which perfectly complements the Mexican cuisine.
Lovebirds
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2337 E. Cesar Chavez St. / Website
East Austin’s version of the photo op birdie cups and the tajin drinks that make you sing. If you’re craving a San Antonio-esque drink, I recommend you go to this brother-owned joint. The menu of cocktails is so fresh and tangy. If you want to go somewhere colorful and different, this is a great first stop on a day out with the girls or a fun outing with friends.
Nido
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1211 W. Riverside Drive / 512.580.1183 / Website
New to the skyline, the Loren’s 8th-floor divine restaurant has the snazziest bar and drinks to accompany it. When you step off the elevator, you’ll gasp at the view of the lake and the decor, which ring true to simplicity being the ultimate form of sophistication. Whether indoors or on the patio, you’ll enjoy the quiet night above ATX sipping specialty cocktails.
Ròse Gòse
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5201 Airport Blvd. / 737.329.2304 / Website
If you have seen blue cocktails and birds filled with booze on your Instagram feed… Ròse Gòse is to blame! This trendy new spot on Airport Boulevard has seen a veritable flock of influencers thanks to these delicious cocktails that are sure to refresh on a hot Texas day.
The Roosevelt Room
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307 W. 5th St. / 512.494.4094 / Website
Known and loved by all, the Roosevelt Room is beloved for its classic cocktails and the turn-of-the-century love it gives the oldies but goodies. You know the phrase: If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. The talented bartenders always deliver.
Whisler’s
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1816 E. 6th St. / 512.480.0781 / Website
This is the holy grail for bartenders. If they’ve made it here, they can make it anywhere. Unbeknownst to us simpleton drinkers, this is where all bartenders want to train, as Whisler’s cultivates the best team of mixologists. Whisler’s is a place we all know for good reason, as it’s a staple of ATX’s bar scene.
Photography by: Chase Daniel
