The Most Beautiful Bars in Austin
Living Room Bar
Upon hearing a bar is located in the W, it’s no surprise to hear that it’s also impeccably decorated, and you can consider this spot -- with its couches, fireplaces, and bookshelves -- a more refined version of a living room.
The Driskill
The Driskill was built in 1886, yet the look and feel of the bar & lounge are timeless. The space is defined by overstuffed caramel-colored leather sofas; ornate copper ceilings; and plush carpets. (There are also a few requisite Texas touches in the form of cowhide and the occasional piece of taxidermy.) It’s also said to be haunted, which might not make much of a difference in a strictly aesthetic sense... but it does certainly make for some interesting ambience.
Craftsman
A relatively new spot located next to Stay Gold on East Cesar Chavez, Craftsman is set up in a converted home, with a big front porch, a picnic table-filled backyard, rooms stocked with mismatched antique-looking furniture, and a gorgeous wood-hewn bar serving both Prosecco and a selection of cocktails on draft. Oh, and there’s tether ball, a stage for live bands, and on Sundays, $3 mimosas in flavors like raspberry-cinnamon and blackberry-ginger. We can probably all agree that those are pretty beautiful things, too.
Garage Cocktail Bar
If we were to break out the metaphors, this drinkery would be the pearl inside of an oyster. But instead of an oyster there’s a parking garage, and instead of a pearl, there’s a beautiful cocktail lounge. Here you’ll find cozy conversation nooks, a sleek circular bar, and soft lighting (perfect for making both the bar and its patrons look attractive). Head toward Fifth and Colorado and look for the word “Cocktails.” And we won’t even get into how easy the parking is.
Juliet
In a wonderfully Shakespearean turn, Juliet took over a space formerly occupied by Romeo’s. (Because would an establishment, by any other name, be as sweet?... sorry.) And though the Italian joint may technically qualify as more a restaurant, given its two chic bar areas -- a gorgeous white marble number occupying the clean, elegant interior, and another situated on the spacious garden patio -- it certainly qualifies for this list.
Midnight Cowboy
From the outside, the only indication of this bar’s existence is a single red bulb and a buzzer, but once you make your way in, you’ll find a gorgeous bar space that belies the intentionally sketchy exterior. The people behind Midnight Cowboy have worked hard to establish and maintain the vibe of a classic cocktail lounge, and you can expect soft lighting, leather booths, and top-notch mixology in the form of tableside-crafted drinks.
The Townsend
Occupying an ooh- and ahh-inspiring historic space on Congress, The Townsend is an upscale (but not stuffy) cocktail bar and performance venue featuring what they’ve dubbed “chic, throwback décor.” Think chandeliers, long leather banquets, a shining bar, and gorgeous couches -- Predominantly the kind you will be absolutely terrified to consume red wine within a 15ft radius of.
Rhino Room
A relatively small bar and lounge on East Sixth St, Rhino Room has a focus on specialty martinis, which are served up in the kind of warm and inviting atmosphere that makes it terrifyingly easy to accidentally stay for six hours. (Just us?) The bar’s exterior is emblazoned with its name in lights, almost visible from the horizon, while the inside is characterized by leather seating, shiny woodwork, low lighting, and, of course, a cool rhino insignia.
Weather Up
One of three Weather Up locations in existence, Austin’s occupies a large, essentially unmarked house on Cesar Chavez. Sip a drink al fresco while lounging in the expansive backyard, or pull up a stool and slam back a few indoors, where the decor includes a copper bar top, leather-topped stools, and subway tiles -- an homage, perhaps, to the two New York locations.
Whisler's
While the outside of Whisler’s may seem pretty ordinary, the bar’s unique brand of elegance is evident inside, where the juxtaposition of different elements makes for a truly lovely place in which to do your drinking. Chandeliers and candles cast a glow on stone walls, while a few tiny tables exist for quiet conversation. Drinks are muddled behind a gleaming wooden bar, and other unexpected touches -- intentionally cloudy mirrors, the occasional piece of art -- combine to create a one-of-a-kind feel. (Note: just as stunning as Whisler’s is the mezcal bar, Mezcalería Tobalá, which you’ll find upstairs. Yeah, you should definitely go upstairs.)
Spider House Patio Bar & Cafe
An ATX institution, Spider House occupies a building dating back to 1931, but while the inside is undeniably nice, it's the patio by evening that really steals the show. Decked out with enough string lights to adorn a thousand Christmas trees (not to mention the fountains, statues, and mismatched patio furniture), it's a captivating mix of charming and funky.
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Sam Sumpter is an Austin writer who thinks ALL bars are beautiful in their own way. Follow her on Twitter at @Its _Sam_Babaaay.