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Best Bars in Austin

Rooftop lounges, dive bars, and a Johnny Cash-themed patio — ten real bars ranked by Google rating, not a downtown-only list.

"Best bar" means something different depending on what you're after — a rooftop with a view, a dive with a jukebox, or a proper cocktail list. This list spans all three, ranked by Google rating with a real review-count floor so nothing here is a lucky handful of 5-star ratings.

1. Otopia Rooftop Lounge

Otopia Rooftop Lounge is a nightlife spot.

4.9 stars, 1,099 reviews.

2. The Lost Well

Rock-&-roll bar offering draft beer & a lineup of local bands & musicians in an upbeat setting.

4.8 stars, 533 reviews.

3. Azul Rooftop

Open-air lounge on the roof of the Westin hotel featuring a swimming pool, fire pits & a full bar.

4.7 stars, 1,272 reviews. On the roof of the Westin hotel downtown, with a swimming pool and fire pits — the most amenity-heavy option on this list.

4. Donn's Depot

Piano bar with live music, 2 dance floors & a diverse crowd, set in old rail cars & a former depot.

4.7 stars, 827 reviews.

5. Seven Grand

Masculine watering hole with hunting lodge vibes, crafted cocktails & a massive whiskey selection.

4.7 stars, 720 reviews.

6. Sam's Town Point

Popular, unpretentious tavern featuring regular live music from local bands, a dance floor & patio.

4.7 stars, 602 reviews.

7. Small Victory

Bar offering classic cocktails & an innovative ice program, plus wine, beer & small plates.

4.7 stars, 496 reviews.

8. Lala's Little Nugget

Strip-mall tavern with year-round holiday decor, an old-school jukebox, drinks & games.

4.6 stars, 1,478 reviews. Strip-mall dive with year-round holiday decor and an old-school jukebox — exactly as odd as it sounds, in a good way.

9. Mean Eyed Cat

A down-home Johnny Cash-themed destination featuring a full bar & a welcoming patio.

4.6 stars, 1,000 reviews.

10. Workhorse Bar

Rustic-chic local bar with tree-stump chairs, varied burger options & craft beer on draft.

4.6 stars, 949 reviews.

Featured venues

Otopia Rooftop Lounge
Nightlife

Otopia Rooftop Lounge

Otopia Rooftop Lounge is a nightlife spot.

The Lost Well
Nightlife $$

The Lost Well

Rock-&-roll bar offering draft beer & a lineup of local bands & musicians in an upbeat setting.

Azul Rooftop
Nightlife $$

Azul Rooftop

Open-air lounge on the roof of the Westin hotel featuring a swimming pool, fire pits & a full bar.

Donn's Depot
Nightlife $

Donn's Depot

Piano bar with live music, 2 dance floors & a diverse crowd, set in old rail cars & a former depot.

Seven Grand
Nightlife $$

Seven Grand

Masculine watering hole with hunting lodge vibes, crafted cocktails & a massive whiskey selection.

Sam's Town Point
Nightlife $

Sam's Town Point

Popular, unpretentious tavern featuring regular live music from local bands, a dance floor & patio.

Small Victory
Nightlife $

Small Victory

Bar offering classic cocktails & an innovative ice program, plus wine, beer & small plates.

Lala's Little Nugget
Nightlife $$

Lala's Little Nugget

Strip-mall tavern with year-round holiday decor, an old-school jukebox, drinks & games.

Mean Eyed Cat
Nightlife $

Mean Eyed Cat

A down-home Johnny Cash-themed destination featuring a full bar & a welcoming patio.

Workhorse Bar
Nightlife $

Workhorse Bar

Rustic-chic local bar with tree-stump chairs, varied burger options & craft beer on draft.