Tammy Ideas Written by Tammy

Best Outdoor Bars in Downtown Austin: Where to Sip & Savor

By Tammy Oct 07, 2026
Best Bars in Austin
Best Bars in Austin

Austin is synonymous with breakfast tacos, watering holes (for drinking or swimming) and an obsession with patios. Triple-digit temperatures may slow us down, but never stop us from rounding up human and furry troops for ice-cold local craft beers, juicy burgers, ooey-gooey queso and the simple pleasures of fresh air, friends and frosés. Get in on the goodness at one of Austin’s best (and locals-approved) patio bars.

If you’re ready to feel like a kid again while sipping on a few adult beverages, check out our guide to Austin’s best playground and entertainment bars.

Best Bars in Austin
Best Bars in Austin

Outdoor Bar In South Austin

Austin is famous for its breakfast tacos, lively watering holes (for drinking or swimming) and obsession with patios. Head out for ice-cold cocktails, delicious bites and the simple pleasures of fresh air with friends nearby and frosés in hand. Check out these popular patio bars in Austin.

Austin's best spots aren't on 6th Street. I found a 2.5-mile cave you have to crawl through to enter, a speakeasy hidden in an actual bank vault beneath downtown, and luxury treehouses 40 feet above a cypress ravine. There's a secret beach on the Colorado River, a sculpture park on Lake Austin's shores, and a backyard art installation with fire poles and rooftop bathtubs. I'm also sharing Texas's only clothing-optional park (yes, really), natural infinity pools without the crowds, and a vintage shop that feels like a museum of American weirdness. These 12 spots capture what "Keep Austin Weird" actually means—skip the tourist traps and explore the real thing.

Best Patio Bars in Austin
Best Patio Bars in Austin
15 Best Adult Playgrounds and Entertainment Bars in Austin
15 Best Adult Playgrounds and Entertainment Bars in Austin

Best Bars In Austin Downtown

17 Best Patios In Austin To Wine & Dine (Updated 2021) | Koko

an outdoor patio with tables, couches and bar seating is lit up at night
an outdoor patio with tables, couches and bar seating is lit up at night
Best Patio Bars for Al Fresco Drinking in Austin
Best Patio Bars for Al Fresco Drinking in Austin

Looking for the most unique restaurants in Austin? From rooftop dining with breathtaking sunset views to quirky hidden gems, this list features the coolest and most unforgettable foodie spots in ATX. Whether you're craving upscale eats or funky themed restaurants, these must-visit spots will take your dining experience to the next level!

Bars Downtown Austin Texas

Here are the 20 best patios in Austin for outdoor dining. Cheers! #austinfood #visitaustin #atxeats

Best restaurants and bars on Rainey Street in Austin Texas

I Crawled Through a Cave, Slept in a Treehouse, and Found the Real Austin
I Crawled Through a Cave, Slept in a Treehouse, and Found the Real Austin
54 Best Patios in Austin to Wine & Dine (2026)
54 Best Patios in Austin to Wine & Dine (2026)
Austin’s 12 Coolest Restaurants You HAVE to Try
Austin’s 12 Coolest Restaurants You HAVE to Try
Eat Outdoors At The 20 Best Austin Patios - So Much Life
Eat Outdoors At The 20 Best Austin Patios - So Much Life
people are sitting at tables in an outdoor restaurant with text overlay that reads spots to day drink in austin
people are sitting at tables in an outdoor restaurant with text overlay that reads spots to day drink in austin
the ultimate guide to rainey st in austin
the ultimate guide to rainey st in austin
The Best Outdoor Patios in Austin: A Local's Guide
The Best Outdoor Patios in Austin: A Local's Guide
11 Gorgeous Wine Bars in Austin - So Much Life
11 Gorgeous Wine Bars in Austin - So Much Life
12 AMAZING Things to Do in Austin at Night (For a Fun Night Out)
12 AMAZING Things to Do in Austin at Night (For a Fun Night Out)
Best Speakeasies in Austin: Secret Bars & Hidden Cocktail Spots
Best Speakeasies in Austin: Secret Bars & Hidden Cocktail Spots

From farm-to-table brunch under heritage oaks to craft cocktails at golden hour, these are the outdoor patios Austin locals swear by. Featuring The Wayback, Manuel's, Perla's, and Loro. Read the full guide for menus, vibes, and how to plan your perfect Austin patio day.

Austin knows how to keep the fun going after dark. 🌙 Here are 12 magical things to do at night for a fun night out! Catch live music at iconic spots like The Continental Club, take a stroll down lively South Congress, or enjoy craft cocktails at a rooftop bar. For something unique, watch the famous bat flight under the Congress Avenue Bridge or explore the vibrant nightlife on Rainey Street. Austin at night is unforgettable! 🎶🌆 #AustinNightlife #LiveMusicCapital #ExploreAustin

Discover the best speakeasies in Austin for your next night out. From Midnight Cowboy to hidden gems in East Austin, explore this curated guide to the city's most exclusive secret bars and cocktail lounges. Click to plan your visit and save for later.