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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.

Last updated August 8, 2026

"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.

FAQ

What's the top pick in "Best Bars in Austin"?
Otopia Rooftop Lounge is our top pick.
How many spots are in this guide?
We've featured 10 venues in "Best Bars in Austin."

Featured venues

Otopia Rooftop Lounge
Nightlife $$ ATX Worth It — 98

Otopia Rooftop Lounge

Otopia Rooftop Lounge is a nightlife spot.

The Lost Well
Nightlife $$ ATX Worth It — 96

The Lost Well

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

Azul Rooftop
Nightlife $$ ATX Worth It — 94

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 $ ATX Worth It — 94

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 $ ATX Worth It — 94

Seven Grand

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

Sam's Town Point
Nightlife $ ATX Worth It — 94

Sam's Town Point

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

Small Victory
Nightlife $ ATX Worth It — 94

Small Victory

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

Lala's Little Nugget
Nightlife $$ ATX Worth It — 92

Lala's Little Nugget

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

Mean Eyed Cat
Nightlife $ ATX Worth It — 92

Mean Eyed Cat

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

Workhorse Bar
Nightlife $ ATX Worth It — 92

Workhorse Bar

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