Looking for the perfect excuse to raise a glass before 5 p.m.?
Wondering where locals actually go when it’s sunny, social and too nice outside to stay in?
We’ve rounded up 10 of the best day drinking spots in Austin. Rooftops, patios, pool bars and laid-back hangouts that don’t need a special occasion.
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At Paseo, we live, work and play in this neighborhood, and we know which spots deliver every time. If you’re going to day drink, do it well, and start with this list.
1. Frazier’s
Address: 1815 S. First St
Hours: Daily from 12 p.m. to 2 a.m.
The kind of neighborhood spot that feels like it’s been waiting just for you. Frazier’s is a Riverside favorite for pool, frozen margs, hot dogs and a weenie dog glowing in neon. Open from noon to 2am, it’s the perfect backdrop for both sunny afternoons and late nights.
2. Whisler’s
Address: 1816 E. 6th St
Hours:
Mon-Fri: 4 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Sat-Sun: 2 p.m. to 2 a.m.
A cocktail bar that actually earns its reputation. Named best in town by the Austin Chronicle, Whisler’s is magnetic, with craft cocktails and a patio big enough for your entire crew. Summer Wednesdays bring 75¢ martinis and a reason to celebrate in the middle of the week.
3. Pool Burger
Address: 2315 Lake Austin Blvd
Mon-Thurs: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Fri-Sat: 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Sun: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
That perfect in-between spot between Deep Eddy Pool and Cabaret. Pool Burger dishes up the best burgers, hurricanes and soft serve to keep it all cool. It’s charmingly chaotic, in that way only the best poolside spots are.
4. Central Machine Works
Address: 4824 E. Cesar Chavez St
Hours:
Tues-Thurs: 4pm to 12am
Fri- Sat: 11am to 12am
Sun: 11am to 10pm
A massive beer hall and beer garden off E. Cesar Chavez. At Central Machine Works, you’ll find East Austinites lounging over craft pints, playing board games and even wandering through the on-site art gallery. Order the Mango Sticky Rice cocktail if you’re feeling adventurous.
5. Banger’s
Address: 79 Rainey St
Hours:
Mon- Thurs: 11am to 10pm
Fri -Sat: 11am to 11pm
Sun: 10am to 9pm
You simply can’t talk about Rainey Street without mentioning Banger’s. It opens at 11, ready to serve sausages and Manmosas. With 200+ beers on draft, live music and a patio full of character, is there anything more Austin?
6. Kitty Cohen’s
Address: 2211 Webberville Rd
Hours:
Mon- Fri: 3pm to 2am
Sat- Sun: Noon to 2am
A Palm Springs poolside dream on the East side. At Kitty Cohen’s, the cocktails come cold, playful, pink and far too easy to finish. Perfect for afternoons when doing nothing feels just right. And yes, you’ll end up in the wading pool. Everyone does.
7. Chalmers
Address: 1712 E. 6th St
Hours:
Mon- Wed: 4pm to 12am
Thurs- Fri: 12pm to 12am
Sat: 12pm to 1am
Sun: 12pm to 12am
Another fan favorite off E. Cesar Chavez. Chalmers has quickly become the go-to for game days, day-drinking and its now-famous Mexican martinis. Order a Chalmer’s Chilton and enjoy great times, better food, live music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
8. El Cockfight
Address: 121 E. 5th St
Hours:
Monday – Friday: 3pm to 2am
Saturday & Sunday: 2pm to 2am
El Cockfight brings the same playful energy but with a rooftop view worth remembering. Neon lights downstairs, skyline views upstairs and mezcal that just works anywhere. It’s the kind of spot you wander into for one drink and end up staying all night.
9. Sour Duck
Address: 1814 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd
Hours:
Mon- Thurs: 9am -9pm
Fri- Sat: 9am -10pm
Sun: 9am -9pm
Brunch? Happy hour? Midday snack? Sour Duck covers it all. They’ve got $3 Lone Stars every day, turmeric mules and a patio that fills up fast. Opens at 9am for those who believe day drinking is a breakfast activity.
10. Better Half
Address: 406 Walsh St
Hours:
Mon: 8am -3pm
Tues – Thurs: 8am -10pm
Fri – Sat: 8am -11pm
Sun: 8am -8pm
Better Half starts your day early with coffee at 8am, sangrias by noon and half-off bottles of wine on Tuesdays. Parking’s a breeze, which in Austin feels like a luxury all its own. Grab a drink, settle on the patio and let the day unfold however it wants to.
We hope this list sparked a few ideas for your next afternoon out. If you’re curious about the neighborhood, or just want to get a better feel for life on Rainey, our leasing team is here when you’re ready.
*All hours and specials updated as of August 10th 2025
Nirosha Perera
Nirosha is the general manager at Paseo, with eight years of experience in property management. She spent 24 years living in Dubai before moving to the U.S. When she’s not at work, you’ll find her kicking off the day at the gym, exploring new restaurants, or playing fetch with her cat, Shadow.
August 12, 2025