best bars in austin, austin nightlife

Ultimate Bar Crawl in Austin, Texas: Best Stops & Drinks

There’s no better city to plan an unforgettable night out than Austin, Texas. When it comes to a bar crawl Austin Texas style, you’re in for a wild ride filled with craft cocktails, legendary dives, and some of the best live music you’ll ever hear. Let’s get real—Austin nightlife is a whole mood, and if you do it right, you’ll be talking about this night for years.

Tips for Planning Your Austin Bar Crawl

  • Start Early: A lot of places have awesome happy hour deals around 4-7 PM. Get those discounts!
  • Stay Walkable: Focus on areas like East 6th, Rainey Street, or South Congress to avoid pricey rideshares.
  • Dress Chill: Austin is all about laid-back vibes. Rock a casual tee or hoodie and blend right in.
  • Pace Yourself: Trust us, you’ll want to remember every spot you hit.

Epic Stops for Your Bar Crawl in Austin, Texas

Alright, let’s get into the good stuff. Here are the must-visit bars to make your night legendary:

1. Hotel Vegas

If you want a real East Austin party experience, Hotel Vegas is your vibe. Dive bar energy, local bands, and crazy cheap drinks—what more could you ask for?

  • Hours: 4 PM–2 AM daily
  • Deals: Happy Hour until 7 PM with $3 wells and $2 Lone Stars

2. Half Step

Right in the heart of Rainey Street, Half Step serves up one of the best cocktails around. Plus, the little bungalow setting feels like a house party where the bartenders actually know what they’re doing.

  • Hours: 4 PM–2 AM Tuesday–Sunday
  • Deals: Try the $8 Old Fashioneds before 7 PM

3. The White Horse

Looking for some honky-tonk two-stepping action? The White Horse is a true Austin gem. Grab a cold one and dance the night away with locals who actually know what they’re doing.

  • Hours: 3 PM–2 AM daily
  • Deals: $2 Lone Stars until 8 PM

4. Small Victory

Hidden away downtown, Small Victory is an intimate speakeasy-style bar perfect for a mid-crawl vibe shift. Their craft cocktail game is next-level.

  • Hours: 5 PM–2 AM daily
  • Deals: $9 classic cocktails during Happy Hour 5-7 PM

5. Bungalow

If a packed patio and some day drinking sound like a win, hit up Bungalow on Rainey Street. Perfect for a big group who’s ready to turn it up.

  • Hours: 4 PM–2 AM Tuesday–Saturday
  • Deals: Half-off drinks before 6 PM

6. Nickel City

Nickel City is your no-frills neighborhood bar with a killer vibe. Don't miss their frozen Irish Coffee—it’s danger in a cup.

  • Hours: Noon–2 AM daily
  • Deals: $5 boilermakers until 7 PM

7. Easy Tiger

Start (or end) your crawl with a giant pretzel and a beer at Easy Tiger. Chill vibes that let you recharge before diving back into crazy town.

  • Hours: 7 AM–2 AM daily
  • Deals: $5 local drafts from 4–7 PM

8. The Roosevelt Room

Get a little fancy at The Roosevelt Room where every drink feels like a work of art. Perfect spot to impress your group with your excellent taste.

  • Hours: 5 PM–2 AM Tuesday–Saturday
  • Deals: Happy Hour classics for $7 before 7 PM

9. Whisler’s

Another East Austin gem, Whisler’s is perfect if you appreciate a solid mezcal menu. Bonus: Their upstairs Oaxacan-style Mezcaleria is a must-see.

  • Hours: 4 PM–2 AM daily
  • Deals: $3 off signature cocktails during Happy Hour

10. Lavaca Street Bar

If sports, beer, and bar food are your thing, Lavaca Street Bar should definitely be on your playlist. Solid ending spot to catch a late game and cap off the night.

  • Hours: 11 AM–2 AM daily
  • Deals: Daily drink specials like $3 drafts and $5 bombs

What to Wear on Your Austin Bar Crawl

Keep it casual but make it a vibe. Luckily, Bar Life has perfect picks for hitting up all these best bars in Austin without missing a fashion beat:

FAQs About Planning a Bar Crawl in Austin, Texas

How many bars should I plan to hit on a bar crawl in Austin?

Honestly, around 5–7 spots is the sweet spot. You’ll have time to enjoy each location without burning out halfway through the night.

What neighborhoods are best for a bar crawl Austin Texas adventure?

Stick to Rainey Street, East Sixth, Downtown, or South Congress. Each area is walkable and packed with the best bars in Austin.

Do Austin bars require a dress code?

Most places are super casual. Tees, hoodies, and comfy sneakers are a go! Some fancier cocktail bars like The Roosevelt Room prefer business casual, but overall, Austin nightlife keeps it chill.

Ready to take over Austin, one beer (or mezcal) at a time? Don't forget to dress the part and rep your city pride. If you're from Austin, grab your Bar Life Austin hoodie today and rep your city in style!