Looking for the best cocktail bars in downtown Austin? Wondering which rooftops, speakeasies and lounges are actually worth your time? With so many options, knowing where to go can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve curated this guide to 16 of our favorite cocktail bars, all within a 10 minute drive of Paseo on Rainey Street.
Whether you’re into classic craft cocktails, mezcal lounges or stylish rooftops, there’s something here for every kind of night out.
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1. Lucille Patio Lounge
Distance from Paseo: 1 min. Uber
Address: 77 Rainey St, Austin, TX 78701
Instagram: @lucilleaustin
Known for its vibrant patio scene and weekend DJs, Lucille blends a casual atmosphere with high-energy nightlife. With plenty of outdoor space, aesthetic outdoor lighting and great people-watching, it’s a go-to spot for starting or ending your Rainey Street night out.
2. Half Step
Distance from Paseo: 1 min. Uber
Address: 75 1/2 Rainey St, Austin, TX 78701
Instagram: @halfstepbar
Tucked into the heart of Rainey Street, Half Step is a cozy, craft cocktail bar known for its laid-back vibe and expertly mixed drinks. With a shaded patio, vintage charm and a rotating seasonal menu, it’s a favorite local spot for pre-dinner drinks or a casual night out.
3. Edge Rooftop
Distance from Paseo: 5 min. Uber
Address: 110 E 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701
Instagram: @edgerooftop
Located on the top of the JW Marriott, Edge Rooftop pairs sweeping views of downtown Austin with craft cocktails and an easygoing vibe. On Thursdays, the energy picks up with live music setting the scene, making it just as fitting for an after-work wind down as it is for a late-night catch-up with friends.
4. Tiger Lilly
Distance from Paseo: 6 min. Uber
Address: 400 Colorado St Austin, TX 78701
Instagram: @tigerlillyatx
Tiger Lilly is a three-story cocktail lounge and event space located in Downtown Austin, just one block from historic Congress Avenue and two blocks from iconic Sixth Street. The venue features a vibrant first-floor bar with a grand staircase, an airy upstairs lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows and a cozy basement speakeasy. It’s an ideal spot for craft cocktails or hosting private events.
5. The Dead Rabbit
Distance from Paseo: 6 min. Uber
Address: 204 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78701
Instagram: @thedeadrabbittx
The Dead Rabbit, an acclaimed New York Irish bar, opened its Austin location in July 2024. Situated on the iconic Sixth Street, this elevated pub is known for its Irish whiskies, signature Irish coffee and a menu featuring classics like fish and chips and Scotch eggs.
6. Here Nor There
Distance from Paseo: 6 min. Uber
Address: 612 Brazos St, Austin, TX 78701
Instagram: @hntaustin
Here Nor There is a hidden speakeasy-style bar offering a unique and intimate cocktail experience. Access is granted through a reservation system via their app, ensuring an exclusive atmosphere. The menu features innovative cocktails crafted with precision and creativity.
7. Whisler’s
Distance from Paseo: 6 min. Uber
Address: 1816 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78702
Instagram: @whislersatx
Located in a historic building, Whisler’s offers a rustic-chic atmosphere with a diverse cocktail menu. The bar features a spacious patio and an upstairs mezcaleria, providing guests with a variety of settings to enjoy their drinks.
8. Higbies
Distance from Paseo: 6 min. Uber
Address: 720 Brazos St Ste B-710, Austin, TX 78701
Instagram: @higbiesaustin
Higbies is another hidden cocktail bar offering an elevated take on classic drinks. Located inside the historic Driskill Hotel, this intimate lounge exudes old-school charm and a refined yet welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re looking for a quiet spot to unwind or a sophisticated setting for a night out, Higbies delivers.
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9. Dumont’s Down Low
Distance from Paseo: 6 min. Uber
Address: 214 W 4th St Suite B, Austin, TX 78701
Instagram: @dumontsdownlow
Dumont’s Down Low is a subterranean bar offering a cozy, speakeasy vibe. Known for its extensive whiskey selection and classic cocktails, it’s an ideal spot for those seeking a laid-back yet refined drinking experience in the heart of downtown.
10. The Roosevelt Room
Distance from Paseo: 7 min. Uber
Address: 307 W 5th St, Austin, TX 78701
Instagram: @rooseveltroomatx
Renowned for its expertly crafted cocktails, The Roosevelt Room is a go-to destination for cocktail enthusiasts. Their extensive menu spans decades of mixology, featuring everything from pre-Prohibition classics to modern innovations.
11. Codependent Cocktails + Coffee
Distance from Paseo: 7 min. Uber
Address: 301 West Ave STE 110, Austin, TX 78701
Instagram: @codependentatx
Codependent Cocktails + Coffee is an all-day and night cocktail and coffee bar located at the base of The Independent Condo Tower. Inspired by Italian luxury, the space includes multiple lounge seating areas, a wraparound bar and an outdoor patio.
12. In Plain Sight
Distance from Paseo: 7 min. Uber
Address: 612 Brazos St Suite C, Austin, TX 78701
Instagram: @inplainsightatx
Tucked away in downtown Austin, In Plain Sight is an intimate, eight seat cocktail bar that specializes in Italian-style drinks with European flavors. Their menu features inventive creations like the Pink Airmail, made with Plantation Rum, cassava, date, pomegranate, citrus and sparkling wine. The bar operates on a walk-in basis, with no reservations accepted.
13. Garage Bar
Distance from Paseo: 7 min. Uber
Address: 503 Colorado St, Austin, TX 78701
Instagram: @garagetx
Tucked away in a parking garage, Garage Bar is a hidden gem with a minimalist and inviting aesthetic. The decor and intimate setting make it a favorite among locals seeking a laid-back, yet sophisticated drinking experience. Try their Penicillin or Golden Ticket for a balanced cocktail experience.
14. Equipment Room
Distance from Paseo: 7 min. Uber
Address: 1101 Music Ln, Austin, TX 78704
Instagram: @equipmentroomaustin
Hidden beneath the bustling Hotel Magdalena, Equipment Room invites guests into a sultry, vinyl-record-themed space, where cocktails are as timeless as the tunes playing in the background. Each cocktail is served with a side of nostalgia.
15. Powder Room
Distance from Paseo: 9 min. Uber
Address: 301 W 5th St, Austin, TX 78701
Instagram: @powderroomatx
The Powder Room offers table-side mixology, complemented by live music and artistic performances, creating a refined and immersive experience. To preserve the immersive ambiance, guests must check in their phones upon arrival, ensuring a distraction-free evening.
16. Prélude
Distance from Paseo: 10 min. Uber
Address: 707 W 10th St, Austin, TX 78701
Instagram: @preludeaustin
Opened in May 2024, Prélude is a high-end cocktail lounge offering a reservations-only experience. The lounge features an array of sophisticated cocktails paired with New American canapés, providing an upscale setting for discerning guests.
At the end of the day, choosing the right cocktail bar is about more than drinks. It’s about atmosphere, pace and connection. From rooftop lounges with skyline views to moody speakeasies tucked underground, Austin offers endless ways to sip, savor and explore.
If living steps from Austin’s best bars sounds like your kind of night, Paseo puts Rainey Street in your backyard and downtown at your doorstep. Have questions or want to learn more? Contact our leasing team and find your place in the city!
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.
September 24, 2025