The Best Bars in Austin Right Now

Between the hanging lamps covered in a skin-like tarp and the creepy baby dolls peering out of every corner, the decor at this newly opened East Austin bar gives off Texas Chainsaw vibes at first glance. However, Mama Dearest is less slasher movie and more of a campy take on a Southern backwoods bar. In fact, this hodgepodge dive filled with taxidermy, vintage Playboy magazines, and Princess Diana memorabilia feels like the spot where one drinks a much-needed beer after successfully escaping Freddy or Jason. The only thing truly scary about Mama Dearest is how good the libations are: Out-of-the-box cocktail ingredients, such as Mountain Dew and beets, make for sips which are unique and delicious across the board. The fresh-tasting, gin-based, Jesus Saves is a great first round pick. And, should the bar’s free soft serve not be enough to satisfy your sweet tooth, you can amp up your sugar high by ordering the Sister Fister, a rum and coconut drink confection.
How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating.

With a solid draft list—Mai Tais on tap and frozen margs galore—the drinks menu at Tweedy’s provides something for everyone. It’s this “come as you are” attitude that makes the string-light-bedecked bar feel authentically Austin (music posters splayed on the walls helps, too). And, while the name on the spot may be new, longtime locals will recognize the roots of the former Spider House Cafe alive and well in the DNA of the decor—homey and cozy and cool. With both an expansive outdoor patio and tiny private nooks, Tweedy’s is an equally great option for whole crew get-togethers as well as casual date nights. You can do more than just wet your whistle there though. Pick up delicious vegan baked goods from Zucchini Kill and some fresh ink from Hello Friend Tattoo.
How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating.

There’s a distinct blend of old-school and modern elements which craft the mood at Howards Bar & Club. While such a combination could easily spell aesthetic disaster, at the West Austin spot they are mixed as harmoniously as a classic cocktail. Therefore, it makes sense that is also precisely what their bartenders serve up in spades: rock glass standards, such as Old Fashioneds and Sazeracs, which play off the space’s Rat Pack-era furnishings of leather banquettes and fringed lamps. But, don’t assume it's full Sinatra just yet—the giant disco ball, which hovers over a DJ booth and a small dance-floor, signals that the beats played here go far harder than an Ol’ Blue Eyes’ croon. Specifically, we’re talking sets spun by an eclectic line-up of local and national DJs for you to groove out to on multiple nights every week. Be sure to get there before the music starts though. You’ll want to fuel up for the get down with the trademark Howards’ combination: a hot dog and an on-draft espresso martini.
How to book: Reservations for booths are accepted on a nightly basis — check their website for further details.

From the wunderkind team behind nationally recognized Ramen Tatsu-Ya (including Kemuri Tatsu-Ya and DipDipDip Tatsu-Ya), comes Tiki Tatsu-Ya. This South Lamar tiki bar delivers an interactive drinking experience that makes you feel as if you stumbled into hipster Disneyland—in a good way. Here, the hype is real. From the moment you enter the space, with its textured walls decorated like the interior of a cavern and covered in skulls, you feel like you’ve stumbled across a secret pirate’s grotto. The drinks are strong enough to satisfy even the most notorious swashbuckler, too. Go for the Port Light, a mix of bourbon, port, and tropical fruits served in a ceramic cup decorated with a crawling octopus. And don’t sleep on the food, either—shareable bites inspired by island flavors, like Spam on the Half Shell, balance out all those stiff drinks, so you won’t leave the space stumbling like Jack Sparrow.

Every Austinite hosting out-of-town friends who’ve binged Friday Night Lights one too many times and want a traditional Texas kind of place to grab a Lone Star needs to take them here. The White Horse is our go-to pick for both visitors and locals who want a night out at a honky-tonk lively enough to get you in the boot-scootin’ spirit but chill enough you won’t be judged if you don’t pull up in a Chevy truck. The famous Wednesday nights at White Horse bring out some of the best bluegrass, country-western, and Americana bands around—not to mention, a slew of 10 gallon hat- and boot-clad dancers who won’t judge your terrible two-step. Even if you have two left feet, there’s still lots to enjoy besides whiskey shots at the bar, including pool tables, a photo-booth, and free popcorn to munch on while you take in the live tunes.
How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating.

In the often sweltering Texas heat, the idea of crisp winter temperatures feels like a cool, refreshing breeze. And while they may not be able to physically change the atmospheric conditions, this Christmas-all-year-round outpost can certainly get you in the yuletide mindset. This place has it all: stockings hanging from the ceiling, the leg lamp from A Christmas Story, a velvet Christmas-themed Elvis painting, and Santa memorabilia up the wazoo. And even when the weather outside is frightful, the Reindeer Water—tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and rain water—is sure to make you feel delightful.
How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating.

One of Austin’s most beloved places to drink and play is back in action. Cheer Up Charlies brings as much optimism and joy as its name implies. Pop in Thursdays through Sundays to catch some of the best tracks in the city. From DJs blasting ’90s country-pop to Beyoncé tribute bands, you’ll want to wear your most comfortable shoes so you can easily break it down on both the inside and outside dance floors. However, even those without TikTok-worthy moves can find something to love beneath this spot’s large neon lights. Take the kale-spiked Lime Margarita, for instance, which we give you full permission to count among your daily veggie servings.
How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating.

If you’re seeking quality non-alcoholic options or simply in the mood to double-fist an espresso and a shot of tequila, check out this cheery oasis’ pink picnic table–laden patio. Operating as a cafe and coffee shop during the day, Better Half transforms into a lively spot for cocktails and grub come evening. Start with the Waiting for Coffman, a perfect blend of booze and housemade cold brew, alongside an order of cauliflower tots, which are so tasty you’re bound to forget the myriad ways cauliflower has been slowly replacing all our beloved carbs.
How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating.

If you’re looking for a 1970s-inspired paradise festooned with portraits of Burt Reynolds, look no further than Kitty Cohen’s retro patio. Centered around a decorative mini-pool, the outdoor area provides the perfect backdrop for splitting a big bowl of gin- and Prosecco-spiked Key Party Punch with friends—served, of course, from a vintage glass bowl and poured into a matching set of handled cups. Frosés and Aperol spritzes are equally enticing, especially while lounging beneath the green umbrella-stewn canopy.
How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating.

Those who’ve never been to Kinda Tropical might initially pass right by it—the gritty exterior stands as an homage to the property’s former life as a gas station. Give it a closer glance, though, and you’ll be pleased to discover a gem of an open-air patio tucked away out back. In tune with the laid-back Texas vibes, standout cocktails include a mezcal paloma and the Paint it Black Margarita, dyed jet black with activated charcoal. Vegan-friendly eats like Cuban Yucca Fries and a Jackfruit-based BBQ Sandwich seal the deal.
How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating.

If you’re looking for one of the best sports bars in Austin, Haymaker should be at the top of your list. TVs and large projection screens cover the space like wallpaper, broadcasting everything from football to international soccer to horse racing. Other attractions include a ridiculous number of beers on tap (40!) plus a roster of gameday-appropriate comforts like Poutine, Italian Hoagies, and Patty Melts. And if you want to bring your dog to help cheer on your team, hit the pet-friendly patio, complete with its own set of flatscreens so you never have to miss a touchdown. Pro tip: Check their website to see which daily drink special will be running before you visit.
How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating.

Follow the bright blue neon arrow off of the road to The Little Darlin’, an unpretentious dive sporting a huge back patio bordered by string-lit trees. Any night of the week, you can find locals perched in oversized Adirondack chairs or posted up on porch swings, blissfully knocking back beers to a soundtrack of classic rock and soul hits. It’s equally fitting for a date, large group hang, or a lazy afternoon of basking in the sun solo. For such a low-key place, the bites, especially the carnitas sliders, punch far above their weight.
How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating.

Impress your pool shark friends with a trip to Drinks Lounge, a haven for those who like their beers with a side of a break shot. Even if you have less-than-stellar hand-eye coordination, a live DJ spinning serious jams and an open-floor concept connecting the bar to an outdoor patio make it just as compelling. While they keep their cocktail menu fresh by changing it from season to season, the margaritas remain a popular choice for all the right reasons.
How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating.

A city institution since 1951, Deep Eddy Cabaret is basically “Keep Austin Weird” come to life. A true throwback to a time before music festivals and tech bros, expect no frills here—which is, honestly, a huge part of this joint’s timeless appeal. Settle in with a few ice cold beers and a collection of locals willing to reminisce with you about the good ol’ days, order some chips with guacamole and jalapeño pimento dip from neighboring Pool Burger, and squeeze in a dip at nearby Deep Eddy Municipal Pool before or after for an idyllic Austin day.
How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating.

If your version of heaven is a dive bar with an Elvira pinball machine and tiki cocktails—because it should be—head to this East 11th Street standout. There, you can order Painkillers based on your desired potency or just say “screw it” and request a full scorpion bowl of their exceptional Zombie. Accompany it all with some classic bar bites like sliders, wings, and Coney dogs from the onsite Delray Cafe. Regardless of which poison you pick, Nickel City has such a genuine, chilled-out atmosphere, you’re guaranteed to come back for seconds.
How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating.