There’s no party quite like an Austin bar crawl. Whether you're looking to explore legendary live music bars, sip craft cocktails, or dive into the city's best beer joints, Austin has everything you need for an unforgettable night. With its unmatched energy and authentic Southern charm, the Austin nightlife scene is the perfect playground for bar-hopping with friends.
From Rainey Street’s bungalow-style bars to the electric energy of Sixth Street, we’ve mapped out the best bars in Austin for the ultimate bar crawl experience. So grab a drink and get ready for a night you won’t forget!
How to Plan Your Austin Bar Crawl
Before diving into our top picks, here are a few quick bar crawl tips to ensure you have the best night possible:
- Start early: Happy hours in Austin are unbeatable, so get a head start to score discounted drinks.
- Stay hydrated: Texas heat can sneak up on you—drink water between stops.
- Pick a walkable route: Rainey Street, Sixth Street, and East Austin are all great for bar-hopping.
- Have a safe ride home: Plan for a designated driver or use rideshare services to get back safely.
Best Austin Bars for the Ultimate Bar Crawl
Banger’s Sausage House & Beer Garden – Best Beer Selection
Location: 79 Rainey Street
Hours: Mon-Wed 12PM-10PM, Thu-Sat 11AM-11PM, Sun 10AM-10PM
If you're kicking off your bar crawl on Rainey Street, start with some brews at Banger’s. With over 200 beers on tap and a beer garden that screams “Texas vibes,” this spot is perfect for warming up your night. Bonus points for their massive sausage platters—line your stomach before the drinks start flowing!
Midnight Cowboy – Best Speakeasy Vibes
Location: 313 E 6th Street
Hours: Tue-Sun 5PM-12AM
Looking for an intimate, old-school cocktail lounge? Midnight Cowboy is a hidden gem right off Sixth Street where reservations are required, and bartenders craft some of the best cocktails in town. It’s the perfect stop to class up your crawl before hitting the more rowdy bars.
The Dogwood – Best Rooftop Bar
Location: 715 W 6th Street
Hours: Mon-Fri 4PM-2AM, Sat-Sun 11AM-2AM
If you love great drinks with even better views, head over to The Dogwood. Their rooftop bar is a great place to catch breathtaking city skyline views while sipping on a Texas Mule (their house favorite). Plus, their late-night bites will keep you going through the night.
Deep Eddy Cabaret – Best Dive Bar
Location: 2315 Lake Austin Blvd
Hours: Daily 12PM-2AM
For a no-frills dive bar experience, Deep Eddy Cabaret hits the spot. This Austin classic has been around since 1951 and boasts cheap drinks, classic jukebox tunes, and an easygoing atmosphere. It’s the ideal stop to decompress before your next adventure.
Elephant Room – Best Live Jazz Spot
Location: 315 Congress Ave
Hours: Tue-Sat 7PM-2AM
Need to slow things down with some smooth jazz? The Elephant Room is a basement bar known for its sultry live jazz performances and stellar cocktails. If you're a fan of sophisticated-yet-chill vibes, this stop is a must.
Barbarella – Best Dance Party
Location: 611 Red River St
Hours: Wed-Sat 10PM-2AM
Ready to dance? Barbarella is an Austin nightlife classic, with themed dance nights like '90s Night and New Wave Wednesdays. Grab a cheap drink and hit the floor to dance your heart out.
Final Stop: Late Night Eats
By the end of your crawl, you’ll probably be starving. Luckily, Austin has a ton of great late-night food options to help you soak up the booze:
- Taco Joint: Some of Austin’s best tacos, open until 2AM.
- Home Slice Pizza: Late-night slices on South Congress.
- Best Wurst: Legendary bratwurst stand on Sixth Street.
Plan Your Next Bar Crawl
A night out in Austin is always a good idea, and now you’re ready to hit up the city's best spots. Whether you’re bar-hopping on Rainey Street or tearing up Sixth Street, this guide will help you plan the ultimate bar crawl in Austin, Texas.
If you're from Austin, grab your Bar Life Austin hoodie today and rep your city in style.
FAQ
What is the best area for a bar crawl in Austin?
Rainey Street and Sixth Street are two of the most popular areas for a bar crawl. Rainey Street offers a mix of relaxed cocktail lounges and patio bars, while Sixth Street is known for its rowdy energy and variety of dive bars.
What time should I start my Austin bar crawl?
Starting around 6-7 PM is ideal if you want to catch happy hour deals before moving into a full night of drinking and dancing.
Is public transportation available for bar crawls in Austin?
Yes! Austin offers rideshare services like Uber and Lyft, as well as pedicabs and electric scooters. If you're staying downtown, it's easy to walk between bars.
