For people who are familiar with the Texas heat, weather always seems to come up in conversation, and usually some variation of “it’s hot” is involved. For the folks in Austin, though, the heat doesn’t stop them from enjoying some sunshine on a rooftop bar. We’ve picked 6 of the best so you can explore Austin from up high, sipping on a cocktail.
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End The Day At These Great Austin Rooftop Bars!
1. HandleBar
Although you might not be a kid anymore. HandleBar sure helps you remember what it felt like. With a rooftop complete with a seesaw and life-size Jenga, this bar in downtown Austin has locals and visitors coming back for more. The bar has an extensive happy hour taking place Monday-Saturday from 3-8pm and all day Sunday. It has 18 craft beers on tap, hand-crafted cocktails, and Boiler Makers, which include a shot of liquor dropped in a pint of beer. The rooftop offers a great view of the skyscrapers surrounding the bar, and even has a covering to protect patrons on those pesky rainy days.
Located at 121 E. 5th Street, Austin, Texas 78701.
2. Backbeat
With a cocktail menu that changes every few months, Backbeat is the perfect place to relax with a good hand-crafted drink. Their rooftop patio offers guests not just a picturesque view of downtown in the near distance but a direct view of the inside bar just below them. Locals love this place for its inviting atmosphere, spacious rooftop bar, and creative twists on seasonal cocktails.
Located at 1300 S. Lamar Boulevard, Austin, Texas 78704.
3. The Market
Another downtown hangout spot, The Market’s rooftop bar has some unique features. First and foremost, the rooftop provides customers with a breathtaking view of downtown Austin. Hangar Lounge’s rooftop can be see directly across from The Market, too. The bar has three levels: basement, main level, and rooftop. The rooftop area has its own bar, restrooms and usually a live DJ spinning tracks, so you won’t have to go far to find what you need. If you do decide to explore, the bar also has an upstairs nook with comfy bean bag chairs and tables topped with board games. The interior of the bar is decorated with mismatched antique chairs and tables, so there’s always something to look at.
Located at 319 Colorado Street, Austin, Texas 78701.
4. Hangar Lounge
This bar, modeled after a 1950s airport lounge, has a great rooftop bar with incredible views of the Austin skyline. Go at night and enjoy the “Pilot’s Lounge”, its rooftop, when the heat isn’t so stifling. Indoors, the place is designed with three levels. The first level has a bar and places to sit and enjoy your drinks, while the second floor, or mezzanine, ramps up your experience by providing comfortable sofas for you to relax. The third floor houses the rooftop deck, where strung lights and a separate bar beckon customers to venture upstairs.
Located at 318 Colorado Street, Austin, Texas 78701.
5. The Rattle Inn
A mishmash interior might be the best way to describe the décor at The Rattle Inn. With everything from taxidermy animals to Santa being pulled in his sleigh by his reindeer on the roof of the bar, The Rattle Inn has an assortment of decorations. The rooftop bar, though, is one of its best features. The huge circle bar in the middle of the rooftop provides ample space for patrons to sit and enjoy a drink during non-peak hours, or enough access to the bartender to get a drink during busy hours. Matching sea foam-colored chairs and stools fill the rooftop while deer antlers and exposed wooden beams give the bar an almost cabin-in-the-woods-feel. If you’re looking for an out-of-the-ordinary experience, look no further than The Rattle Inn’s rooftop bar.
Located at 610 Nueces Street, Austin, Texas 78701.
6. Lustre Pearl
With cornhole, ping pong, and picnic tables galore, there’s not much more to ask for from Lustre Pearl. But their rooftop deck provides even more to customers, offering a beautiful view of downtown Austin and a bird’s eye view of the bar area below. Patrons can take their drinks up to the rooftop deck and chat with friends, watch other patrons play a game of cornhole, or take in the skyline view. Happy hour is offered daily from 4-7pm and is $1 off all beer, well drinks, and specialty cocktails. Lustre Pearl has two locations, so be sure to go to the Rainey Street location for the rooftop deck.
Located at 94 Rainey Street, Austin, Texas 78701.
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This article was written by Julianne Aiello.