5 Best Cocktail Bars in Austin

When you’re looking to change up your night out, what better place to start than a hidden gem? Austin’s cocktail bars and lounges offer just that. We’ve mapped out a route to visit five in one night.

List of Top 5 Cocktail Bars in Austin

Firehouse Lounge

Firehouse Hostel might seem like just an unassuming place to stay; however, once you slide open the bookshelf by the check-in desk.

You will find a lively atmosphere complete with craft cocktails, local brews, and live music. No reservations are required for this 1920s-inspired spot.

The speakeasy is open until 2:00 AM daily, with Happy Hour ending at 8:00 PM. This makes Firehouse Lounge the perfect start for your night of secret spots.

  • Price range: $10 – $20
  • Happy Hour: Yes, Monday to Sunday: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
  • Menu: Online Menu
  • Reservation: No
  • Takeout: No
  • Outdoor Seating: No
  • Parking: Yes, self-parking is available, but there are limited spots. Additionally, street parking and nearby parking garages are options.
  • Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
  • Serves Alcohol: Yes
  • Payment Options: Yes, cash and credit cards are accepted.
  • BYOB: No
  • Vegan Options: Yes
  • Dogs Allowed: No
  • Wi-Fi: Yes
  • Good For: Cocktails

Here Nor There

Here Nor There requires a reservation request that, when granted will give a code with access to the space.

This underground, semi-private cocktail lounge is home to a winding exploration of flavors and some of Austin’s most delicious cocktails.

  • Price range $30 – $50
  • Menu: Rotating
  • Happy Hour: No
  • Reservation: Yes
  • Takeout: No
  • Outdoor Seating: No
  • Parking: Yes, street parking and nearby parking garages are options.
  • Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
  • Serves Alcohol: Yes
  • Payment Options: Yes, credit, debit, NFC Mobile
  • BYOB: No
  • Vegan Options: Yes
  • Dogs Allowed: No
  • Wi-Fi: No
  • Good For: Cocktails

Garage

Garage is a small, moody cocktail lounge is nestled in the back of a downtown parking garage.

Don’t let the unappealing concrete deceive you, Garage is an intimate candlelit space with a variety of seating and classy cocktails.

  • Price range: $15 – $20
  • Happy Hour: Yes, Monday to Thursday: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
  • Menu: Yes
  • Reservation: Yes
  • Takeout: No
  • Outdoor Seating: No
  • Parking: Yes, paid parking lot
  • Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
  • Serves Alcohol: Yes
  • Payment Options: Yes, credit, debit, NFC Mobile
  • BYOB: No
  • Vegan Options: Yes
  • Dogs Allowed: No
  • Wi-Fi: No
  • Good For: friends and small groups

DuMont’s Down Low

Once you wrap things up at Garage, a short walk around the corner will take you back in time as you enter the basement whiskey bar, DuMont’s Down Low.

The exposed brick, local whiskey barrels, and large couches make for a more casual and relaxed cocktail experience.

This spot does not require reservations and gives you a great rest point as your speakeasy crawl nears its end.

  • Price range: $10 – $20
  • Happy Hour: Yes, Monday to Friday: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
  • Reservation: Optional
  • Takeout: No
  • Outdoor Seating: No
  • Parking: Yes, street parking
  • Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
  • Serves Alcohol: Yes
  • Payment Options: Yes, credit, debit, NFC Mobile
  • BYOB: No
  • Vegan Options: Yes
  • Dogs Allowed: No
  • Wi-Fi: Yes

Powder Room

The hidden door in the back of Manny’s Downtown Deli into the atmospheric space of Powder Room.

This intimate and intentional space is phone-free, so as you enter, you’ll check-in your cell phone into the front desk lockers.

Once inside, enjoy the warm living room setting and top-of-the-line cocktails without worrying about the outside world.

This cozy cocktail lounge is the perfect place to end your speakeasy crawl as the enchanting decor, live music, and comfortable seating will serve as the perfect wind down for your exploration of hidden Austin.

  • Price range: $15- $20
  • Happy Hour: No
  • Menu: Online Menu
  • Reservation: Optional
  • Takeout: No
  • Outdoor Seating: Yes
  • Parking: Yes, street parking
  • Wheelchair Accessible: No
  • Serves Alcohol: Yes
  • Payment Options: Yes, credit cards
  • BYOB: No
  • Vegan Options: Yes
  • Dogs Allowed: No
  • Wi-Fi: No

Conclusion

While all of Austin’s bars offer their own unique experience, there’s something truly special about discovering an underground or hidden gem.

Speakeasies, with their secretive vibe and curated atmospheres, provide the perfect way to try a craft cocktail, savor a new flavor, or enjoy a more intimate night out.

This Austin speakeasy crawl is a great way to reconnect with old friends, add an element of surprise to date night, or simply explore the city in a whole new way. Some of the speakeasies on the crawl may require reservations or a bit of advance planning, while others welcome spontaneous visits with open arms.

Regardless of which spots you visit, the journey promises a memorable evening full of mystery, delicious cocktails, and good vibes.

Ready to dive into the hidden side of Austin? Grab your friends, make your reservations, and get ready to uncover the best-kept secrets the city has to offer!

Elena Ivonye

Born in Houston, Texas, Elena is a senior Advertising major at the University of Texas at Austin. In her free time she loves both attending and planning events, traveling, and doing art projects with her friends. Elena is passionate about culture and bringing people together through experiences.