Austin Nightlife Guide: Complete Guide
Experience the best bars, clubs, live music venues, and entertainment after dark. Discover the best nightlife experiences in Austin.
Welcome to the ultimate nightlife guide for Austin! Experience the best bars, clubs, live music venues, and entertainment after dark. This comprehensive guide will help you discover the very best nightlife experiences that Austin has to offer, from popular hotspots to hidden local favorites. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, you'll find insider tips, detailed recommendations, and everything you need to make the most of your nightlife adventure in Austin. Our carefully curated selection ensures you won't miss any of the must-see spots while also discovering unique experiences that most tourists overlook.
Key Takeaways
- Austin offers over 79 exceptional nightlife experiences
- Best time to visit varies by activity - check individual listings for optimal timing
- Many experiences require advance booking, especially during peak season
- Local guides and experts provide invaluable insights and access
- Prices range from budget-friendly to premium, with options for every preference
Top Bars & Cocktail Lounges
Craft cocktail bars, rooftop lounges, and unique drinking establishments with great atmospheres.
Edge Rooftop
Highly rated Bar in Austin with 4.9 stars from 5118 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 110 E 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
The Roosevelt Room
Highly rated Bar in Austin with 4.6 stars from 2237 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 307 W 5th St, Austin, TX 78701, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Upscale dining experience
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Zanzibar
Highly rated Restaurant in Austin with 4.8 stars from 8024 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 304 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78701, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Midnight Cowboy
Highly rated Bar in Austin with 4.5 stars from 862 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 313 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78701, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Upstairs at Caroline
Highly rated American in Austin with 4.9 stars from 6374 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 109 E 7th St, Austin, TX 78701, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic American cuisine
The Dead Rabbit, Austin
Highly rated Bar in Austin with 4.4 stars from 532 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 204 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78701, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Whisler’s
Highly rated Bar in Austin with 4.6 stars from 1780 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 1816 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78702, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Speakeasy
Highly rated Bar in Austin with 4.4 stars from 1906 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 412 Congress Ave. D, Austin, TX 78701, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Otopia Rooftop Lounge
Highly rated Restaurant in Austin with 4.9 stars from 1042 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 1901 San Antonio St Unit 1100, Austin, TX 78705, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Kitty Cohen's
Highly rated Bar in Austin with 4.5 stars from 966 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 2211 Webberville Rd #3548, Austin, TX 78702, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Marlow
Highly rated Bar in Austin with 4.8 stars from 140 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 700 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78701, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Azul Rooftop
Highly rated Bar in Austin with 4.6 stars from 1098 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 310 E 5th St., Austin, TX 78701, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Nightclubs & Dance Venues
Popular nightclubs, dance clubs, and venues featuring top DJs and live performances.
Edge Rooftop
Highly rated Bar in Austin with 4.9 stars from 5118 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 110 E 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Elysium
Highly rated International in Austin with 4.4 stars from 458 reviews.
📍 705 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Budget-friendly prices
Barbarella Austin
Highly rated Bar in Austin with 4.1 stars from 1477 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 611 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Budget-friendly prices
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Kingdom
Highly rated International in Austin with 4.1 stars from 394 reviews.
📍 505 E 7th St, Austin, TX 78701, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Mala Vida
Highly rated International in Austin with 4 stars from 718 reviews.
📍 708 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78701, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Speakeasy
Highly rated Bar in Austin with 4.4 stars from 1906 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 412 Congress Ave. D, Austin, TX 78701, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
The Rose Room
Highly rated Bar in Austin with 3.9 stars from 340 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 11500 Rock Rose Ave, Austin, TX 78758, USA
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Mayfair Austin
Highly rated International in Austin with 4.2 stars from 282 reviews.
📍 501 W 6th St Ste. 300, Austin, TX 78701, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Antone's Nightclub
Highly rated Bar in Austin with 4.5 stars from 1767 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 305 E 5th St., Austin, TX 78701, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
The White Horse
Highly rated Bar in Austin with 4.4 stars from 2232 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 500 Comal St, Austin, TX 78702, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Budget-friendly prices
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Live Music Venues
Concert halls, jazz clubs, and venues showcasing local and international musical talent.
The Continental Club
Highly rated Bar in Austin with 4.7 stars from 2231 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 1315 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Budget-friendly prices
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Antone's Nightclub
Highly rated Bar in Austin with 4.5 stars from 1767 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 305 E 5th St., Austin, TX 78701, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
The Hole in the Wall
Highly rated Bar in Austin with 4.5 stars from 846 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 2538 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX 78705, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Budget-friendly prices
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Historic Scoot Inn
Highly rated Bar in Austin with 4.6 stars from 1025 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 1308 E 4th St, Austin, TX 78702, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Budget-friendly prices
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Mohawk Austin
Highly rated Bar in Austin with 4.6 stars from 2342 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 912 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Budget-friendly prices
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Elephant Room
Highly rated Bar in Austin with 4.6 stars from 2495 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 Swift Building, 315 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Speakeasy
Highly rated Bar in Austin with 4.4 stars from 1906 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 412 Congress Ave. D, Austin, TX 78701, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Saxon Pub
Highly rated Bar in Austin with 4.7 stars from 1330 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 1320 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Budget-friendly prices
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Late-Night Dining
Restaurants and eateries open late for post-party meals and midnight cravings.
Corner Restaurant
Highly rated Restaurant in Austin with 4.8 stars from 17192 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 110 E 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Geraldine's
Highly rated Restaurant in Austin with 4.5 stars from 1505 reviews.
📍 605 Davis St, Austin, TX 78701, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Upscale dining experience
Eureka!
Highly rated American in Austin with 4.4 stars from 2956 reviews.
📍 200 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78701, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic American cuisine
Corinne Austin
Highly rated Restaurant in Austin with 4.8 stars from 5501 reviews.
📍 304 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78701, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
The Dead Rabbit, Austin
Highly rated Bar in Austin with 4.4 stars from 532 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 204 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78701, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Upstairs at Caroline
Highly rated American in Austin with 4.9 stars from 6374 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 109 E 7th St, Austin, TX 78701, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic American cuisine
Jeffrey's
Highly rated Steakhouse in Austin with 4.7 stars from 1125 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 1204 W Lynn St, Austin, TX 78703, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Upscale dining experience
- 🌃Authentic Steakhouse cuisine
Industry
Highly rated Restaurant in Austin with 4.5 stars from 1166 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 1211 E 5th St. Ste 150, Austin, TX 78702, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Entertainment & Shows
Comedy clubs, theaters, and entertainment venues offering nighttime performances.
Esther's Follies
Experience unforgettable entertainment at this Austin venue, offering shows and performances for all tastes.
- •Book tickets online in advance
- •Check show duration and intermissions
- •Arrive early to find parking
- •Review venue policies before attending
- •Check for package deals
The Creek and The Cave
Experience unforgettable entertainment at this Austin venue, offering shows and performances for all tastes.
- •Book tickets online in advance
- •Check show duration and intermissions
- •Arrive early to find parking
- •Review venue policies before attending
- •Check for package deals
Comedy Mothership
Laugh the night away at this popular Austin comedy venue, showcasing both local and touring comedians.
- •Arrive early for best seating
- •Two-drink minimum often required
- •Be prepared to interact with performers
- •Check age restrictions (often 18+ or 21+)
- •Avoid sitting in front row if you don't want attention
East Austin Comedy Club
Laugh the night away at this popular Austin comedy venue, showcasing both local and touring comedians.
- •Arrive early for best seating
- •Two-drink minimum often required
- •Be prepared to interact with performers
- •Check age restrictions (often 18+ or 21+)
- •Avoid sitting in front row if you don't want attention
The Hideout Theatre
Experience world-class theatrical performances at this Austin venue, featuring talented actors and captivating productions.
- •Book tickets in advance for popular shows
- •Arrive 15-20 minutes before curtain time
- •Dress code varies - check venue requirements
- •Turn off mobile phones during performance
- •Check for student or group discounts
Capitol City Comedy Club
Laugh the night away at this popular Austin comedy venue, showcasing both local and touring comedians.
- •Arrive early for best seating
- •Two-drink minimum often required
- •Be prepared to interact with performers
- •Check age restrictions (often 18+ or 21+)
- •Avoid sitting in front row if you don't want attention
Nightlife Districts
Popular neighborhoods and areas known for vibrant nightlife and bar-hopping.
Edge Rooftop
Explore Austin's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
Midnight Cowboy
Explore Austin's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
The Roosevelt Room
Explore Austin's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
The Dead Rabbit, Austin
Explore Austin's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
Mala Vida
Explore Austin's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
Barbarella Austin
Explore Austin's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
Essential Tips
- 🌃Check dress codes before heading out
- 🌃Arrive early to avoid long lines at popular venues
- 🌃Use ride-sharing apps for safe transportation
- 🌃Keep valuables secure and stay aware of surroundings
- 🌃Pace yourself and stay hydrated
- 🌃Research cover charges and drink prices
- 🌃Make reservations for popular venues
- 🌃Bring valid ID - many places are strict about checking
- 🌃Start early - some venues close earlier than expected
- 🌃Ask locals for current hotspots and hidden gems
Practical Information
Best Time to Visit
The best time for nightlife experiences in Austin varies by activity and season. Generally, spring and fall offer ideal conditions with pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Summer is peak season with the most options but also the highest prices and largest crowds. Winter can offer unique experiences and better deals, though some activities may be limited.
Average Price
Prices for nightlife experiences in Austin range widely depending on the activity and level of service. Budget options start around $20-50, mid-range experiences typically cost $75-150, while premium and exclusive options can range from $200-500+. Many activities offer group discounts and package deals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Austin offers many excellent nightlife experiences, each with its own unique character. The best choice depends on your preferences, budget, and schedule, but our guide highlights the top-rated options that consistently deliver exceptional experiences.
Timing varies by activity, but generally spring and fall offer ideal conditions. Summer is peak season with the most options but larger crowds. Check individual listings for specific timing recommendations and seasonal considerations.
For popular experiences, especially during peak season, advance booking is highly recommended. Some activities have limited capacity and sell out quickly. Booking ahead also often provides better rates and ensures availability.
Requirements vary by activity, but generally bring comfortable clothing, appropriate footwear, sun protection, water, and any specific gear mentioned in activity descriptions. Check individual listings for detailed requirements.
Many nightlife experiences in Austin cater to all skill levels, from beginners to experts. Check individual listings for difficulty levels and requirements. Many operators offer instruction and guidance for newcomers.
Costs vary widely depending on the type of experience and level of service. Budget options start around $20-50, mid-range experiences typically cost $75-150, while premium options can range from $200-500+. Group discounts and packages are often available.
Enjoyed this guide? Share it!