The Austin Sips Guide
If we know one thing, it’s that Texas is a bonafide booze-loving state and here in Austin, we are no exception. Whether you’re looking to swig down a Texas staple like Ranch Water or experiment with Japanese whiskeys, our establishments are ready to serve. From sunset sips overlooking the energetic cityscape, grain-to-glass brews on the patio with your pup, moody post-dinner date night caps, and everything in between, Austin offers an abundance of locations in which to libate. To help you decide where to imbibe, we’ve sipped and scouted a few favorites.
BREWERIES
AUSTIN BEERWORKS
3001 Industrial Terrace, Austin | @austinbeerworks | This owner-operated brewery is hell-bent on excellence, crafting the finest craft beers, IPAs, and ales that are award-winning and well-loved. Sip on seasonal brews or enjoy core favorites indoors or out, weather depending.
BATCH CRAFT BEER & KOLACHES
3220 Manor Rd, Austin | @batchatx | A taproom, bakery, and retail craft beer shop all in one, Batch earns gourmet status for their classic Czech pastries, Micklethwait Craft Meats barbecue offerings, full espresso and coffee program, and curated selection of beers from the best local breweries.
CENTRAL MACHINE WORKS
4824 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin | @central.machine.works | This machine-works-building-turned-microbrewery beer hall is a favorite Eastside hangout. It combines Austin’s favorite things — craft brews, creative cocktails, good eats, live music, and art — in one dog-friendly, chic space.
FRONTYARD BREWING
4514 Bob Wire Rd, Spicewood | @frontyardbrewing | Nestled just north of Austin in the Texas Hill Country, this family-friendly brewery boasts an amazing selection of on-tap beer and farm-to-table eats from local favorites like Antonelli’s Cheese Shop and Lick Honest Ice Cream. All of which are bested only by an impressive outdoor space where adults can enjoy sunset sips while littles play.
JESTER KING BREWERY
13127 Fitzhugh Rd, Austin | @jesterkingbrewery | This authentic farmhouse brewery specializes in wild ales and spontaneously fermented beers that reflect the unique character of the beautiful Texas landscape. With spacious grounds to explore, plenty of outdoor seating, and live music every weekend, Jester King never disappoints.
LAZARUS BREWING CO.
1902 E 6th St, Austin & 4803 Airport Blvd, Austin | @lazarusbrewing | Known for its incredible house brews and signature street tacos, this funky brewpub tops the list for many locals. Its success prompted the opening of a second location, fittingly dubbed Laz 2, which boasts a bigger kitchen delivering a bigger menu.
PINTHOUSE BREWING
E Ben White Blvd, Austin | @pinthousebrewing | The side project from the team that brought Austin Pinthouse Pizza, Pinthouse Brewing focuses on a selection of award-winning house brewed beers. To complement the brews and scratch the culinary itch, Pinthouse Brewing serves up Sicilian-style pies, Nashville fried chicken sandwiches, and po’boys served in spacious, industrial-chic digs.
ST. ELMO BREWING CO.
440 E St Elmo Rd G-2, Austin | @stelmobrewing | Boasting a bar, beer hall, and beer garden, this award-winning South Austin brewery is known for it’s unpretentious atmosphere, friendly bartenders, live music, and a diverse selection of on-tap brews and other boozy beverages.
ZILKER BREWING
1701 E 6th St, Austin | @zilkerbeer | This urban craft brewery in the heart of East Austin focuses on American Belgo-style beer, brewing a wide array beers, from classic favorites to interesting tries. Enjoy a seasonal craft beer tasting in the industrial-chic taproom or grab a seat on the patio to sip on a frosty pint in open air.
DISTILLERIES
DESERT DOOR DISTILLERY
211 Darden Hill Rd, Driftwood | @desertdoor | Located south of Austin in Driftwood, Desert Door Distillery takes a cue from West Texas wilderness, brewing up a Texas classic spirit, Sotol. Smooth and slightly smoky, enjoy straight up or mixed into an inventive cocktail by the fireplace or on the patio of their desert-modern tasting room.
DRIPPING SPRINGS VODKA
5330 Bell Springs Rd, Dripping Springs | @drippingspringsvodka | Spend the afternoon in the Texas Hill Country at Dripping Spring Vodka’s distillery where you can sip through their entire line of award-winning vodka varietals via a tasting flight or delicious draft cocktails. Plus they’ve got a fantastic food menu and a large TV making this a great stop on game day.
TREATY OAK DISTILLING
16604 Fitzhugh Rd, Dripping Springs | @treatyoak | The only distillery, brewery, and winery in one in the entire state of Texas, the historic outpost has something for everyone. From bourbon and gin to craft beer and Texas wine, there’s quite a bit to sip on and some of the best barbecue in the Texas Hill Country.
STILL AUSTIN WHISKEY
440 E St Elmo Rd, Austin | @stillatx | The first whiskey distillery in Austin since Prohibition, Still Austin Whiskey is 100% grain-to-glass, crafting small-batch whiskey that is as unique as the city it calls home. Take a seat in their fantastic taproom for some smooth sips on the rocks or kick back in the whiskey garden with a craft cocktail.
TEXAS SAKÉ COMPANY
440 E St Elmo Rd, Austin | @txsakeco | A pioneer in the field of American saké, Texas Saké Company combines age-old techniques with the rugged spirit of Texas to produce incredible craft saké. Sidle up to the bar in their cozy taproom to enjoy the bold and crisp flavors of their latest batches by the glass or in a cocktail.
BARS
CODEPENDENT COCKTAILS + COFFEE
301 West Ave, Austin | @codependentatx | Coffee shop by day and cocktail destination by night, this stylish lounge boasts a sexy interior and chic patio. Expect a sophisticated cocktail program, an impressive wine list, tasty charcuterie boards, and an appealing urban-chic ambiance.
DEEP EDDY CABARET
2315 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin | @deepeddycabaret | This long-standing neighborhood watering hole has been a local favorite since 1951 for its no-fuss drinks and nostalgic atmosphere. For jukebox jams, ice-cold beer, and pool, look no further. Looking for a bite? Head down stairs to Pool Burger for — you guessed it — burgers and tiki-inspired cocktails.
DON’S DEPOT
1600 W 5th St, Austin | @donnsdepot | A converted Missouri-Pacific train depot turned piano bar, Donn’s Depot is like walking into the past. Expect stiff drinks that’ll inspire a bit of dancing — fitting, as there’s live music six days a week — and an eclectic crowd, from college age kids with an appreciation for Austin’s roots to longtime locals who’ve been patronizing Donn’s since, well, Donn bought the place in 1978.
GARAGE BAR
503 Colorado St, Austin | @garagetx | Once a speakeasy for discerning cocktail drinkers, Garage is still hard to find but definitely ‘on the radar.’ Ask about their Japanese whiskey selection and inventive mocktail menu.
HIGHER GROUND
720 Congress Ave, Austin | @highergroundatx | A clubby, church-themed multi-level social sanctuary, Higher Ground serves a curated selection of Italian-inspired fare that pair well with a sinful (their word, not ours) cocktail menu.
THE ROOSEVELT ROOM
307 W 5th St, Austin | @rooseveltroomatx | With offerings like the a turn of the century-inspired pisco sour to a Prohibition-esque Hemingway Daquiri, this industrial-chic downtown bar offers an inventive cocktail menu where you can imbibe by the era.
TIPSY ALCHEMIST
70 Rainey St, Austin | @tipsyalchemist | This upscale upstairs cocktail bar and lounge overlooking Rainey Street offers an extended menu of experimental boozy concoctions. Watch as the expert mixologists whip up your high-concept cocktail from a front-row seat inside the low-lit bar or take your drink on the patio for an elevated view of the lively street below.
WHISLER’S
1816 E 6th St, Austin | @whislersatx | Nestled inside a century-old building on the Eastside, this quirky bar celebrates tequila and, upstairs in their “secret” bar, mezcal. The indoor/outdoor layout fills up fast, as its casual cocktails, laid-back attitude, and food trucks have made it quite popular.
HOTEL BARS
GERALDINE’S
605 Davis St, Austin | @geraldinesatx | Located on the fourth floor of the Hotel Van Zandt, Geraldine’s is a go-to for live music, gourmet snacks, and prime views of Lady Bird Lake. Think Rainey location without the crowds.
GROUP THERAPY
400 Lavaca St, Austin | @hotelzazaaustin | Situated on the seventh floor of Hotel ZaZa, Group Therapy serves inspired libations and upscale eats overlooking Republic Square. The space offers a unique combination of sophistication and theatrical flair with its multiple spaces including an artfully designed main bar, loungey terrace, and intimate library room.
SOUTH CONGRESS HOTEL LOBBY BAR
1603 S Congress Ave, Austin | @southcongresshotel | A gathering spot for locals and travelers alike, the South Congress Hotel Lobby Bar offers a casual, boutique ambiance. Grab a drink and pop open your laptop for a work/happy hour hybrid or grab a glass upon check-in.
THE DRISKILL BAR
604 Brazos St, Austin | @driskillbar | An Austin icon located inside the equally iconic Driskill Hotel, The Driskill Bar offers a bit of old glamor and Texas grandeur. Expect the same from their cocktail menu, which feels appropriately old world-Texan.
THE LOBBY LOUNGE AT FOUR SEASONS
98 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin | @fsaustin | The Lobby Lounge at the Austin iteration of the luxury hotel group is a fantastic setting to imbibe with craft cocktails and enjoy gourmet bites while cozying up by the fire or relaxing on the terrace overlooking Lady Bird Lake. They also have large TVs for catching the Texas game during football season.
ROOFTOP & PATIO BARS
THE WAYBACK
SCOUTED | 601 Bee Caves Rd, Austin | @thewaybackaustin | Just west of downtown, this boutique hotel nestled in the Hill Country invites you to enjoy laid-back luxury on its patio or outdoor lawn with sips of seasonal cocktails, curated wine and beer, and non-drinker-friendly mocktails, as well as plates of locally-sourced fare to indulge in while you imbibe.
P6
111 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin | @p6_austin | This design-forward bar situated on the top of The Line Hotel serves a selection of refreshing cocktails and Mediterranean-inspired small plates, offering a mix of spots to lounge including intimate dining areas, fireside seating, and an al fresco living room on the wrap-around outdoor terrace that takes on a deconstructed green-house vibe.
NIDO
1211 W Riverside Dr, Austin | @nidoatx | This glamorous respite atop The Loren encompasses an expertly refined interior and wraparound terrace backdropped by a mesmerizing panorama of shimmering water and twinkling downtown lights. Expect a carefully crafted selection of international cocktails and seasonal dishes from local purveyors.
WAX MYRTLES
506 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin | @waxmyrtles | Located on the fourth floor of the Thompson Hotel, Wax Myrtle’s is an ultra-stylish indoor/outdoor bar and restaurant highlighted by elevated rustic accents, alluring lighting, and a lush poolside oasis offering a contemporary bar program along with upscale bites.
ZANZIBAR
304 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin | @zanzibaratx | Seven stories up from the lively downtown streets below, Zanzibar is a lush tropical terrace specializing in inventive Tiki cocktails and island-inspired bites. Expect unbelievable skyline views and plentiful seating for al fresco sips among the abundant greenery.
Enjoy and don’t forget to tell them Scout sent you!
