They say it ’s notwhatyou do it , it’swhoyou know , and that count twofold when it come to the patron paragon of the weekend : Austin barkeeper . To help you get acquaint with the folks man the bars at your pet drunkenness destinations , we ’ve snipe up 17 of Austin ’s top cocktail crafters and expect them a few query about slinging drinks in the capital city . Be sure to commend these name and faces – and , of course , tip .
< strong > The Roosevelt Room (<a href=“http://www.thrillist.com / locale / tope / austin / bars / the - roosevelt - room&qu … ; target="_blank”>address and info )
< em > DowntownLocated on West Fifth , The Roosevelt Room is an industrial space – fitting for the Warehouse District – overtop on one side by a foresighted , pot - lined bar , and on the other by swanky wood - and - velvet stall . ( There ’s also a lounge upstairs if you want to escape the crowd . ) In full term of imbibing options , the cocktail bar gasconade 70 + mixed drinks , guaranteeing there ’s something for everyone. Specialty cocktail: “De Rigueur : tie bourbon , grapefruit juice , honey , Balvenie 12 Year , Lagavulin 16 Year . This is our flagship cocktail at The Roosevelt Room , and one that I intend is a everlasting drink , good for any sentence of twelvemonth . This cocktail dates back to the 1920s and originally hold in Scotch as its theme . Then , in the mid-1930s , a club in Downtown LA called the Vendome switched the Scotch for bourbon and named the newfangled cocktail after its neighbor , The Brown Derby . Our version combines the two cocktails and use bonded Bourbon dynasty as its base , then finishes it with a few spray of Balvenie 12 Year and Lagavulin 16 Year , which make for an elegant and seductive scent . “ His favorite part of working at The Roosevelt Room: “Since I began my career as a craft barman , I have maintained a constant hunger for noesis , and I ’ve always enjoyed the journeying to find new information that will help me grow , both personally and professionally . I found a abode at The Roosevelt Room because everyone that works there share that same Passion of Christ . The work environment is one of constant learnedness and progression . The bar evolves with its stave , and we all make day-by-day improvement to good dish up our guests . “ Where he drinks when he ’s not working: “Whisler ’s on East 6th . This is a slap-up cake that appeals to every character of toper . Its stave is welcoming and quick , glorious yet low , and a joy to interact with . And it has one of the estimable food trucks on ground [ Thai - Kun ] serve up collation to keep its patrons bellies full and smiles wide . Who does n’t desire delectable Thai food while enjoying a dud - piece of ass Old Fashioned ? Nobody … that ’s who . “ What he bonk about Austin: " Simply put , Austin has everything . There are not many metropolis where , all in the same day , you’re able to enjoy awful BBQ , go on a boost , dispatch the river for some kayaking or paddleboarding , dine at a James Beard Award - winning sushi articulatio ( Sup , Uchi / Uchiko ! ) , go to a movie , and simultaneously enjoy some drinks ( Sup , Alamo ! ) , and finish off the Nox at a concert at one the city ’s many incredible medicine venue . "
The Roosevelt Room
< stiff > Backbeat (<a href=“http://www.thrillist.com / venues / tope / capital of Texas / stripe / backbeat" ; target="_blank”>address and info )
< em > South LamarFrom the mixology dream team at < a href=“https://www.thrillist.com / locus / deglutition / austin / saloon / drinkwell" ; target="_blank”>drink.well. comes this South Lamar patch , which opened its doors this year . Think unsurprisingly splendid cocktail ( hold the bar ’s heritage), <a href=“https://www.thrillist.com / drink / austin / the-12 - best - rooftop - bars - in - aust … ; target="_blank”>a fresh rooftop patio with a business district view , and way - better - than - typical bar food like charcuterie , seasoned olives , and oysters , along with sweet choice , such as the chocolate flight ( observe : every bar should tender a chocolate flight). Specialty cocktail: " Bee ’s Kiss made with my household - made spiced rhum . The rhum is instill with pineapple plant , orange , Syzygium aromaticum , cinnamon , vanilla bean , and a couple more secret ingredients . It is a afters cocktail made with the rhum , cream , and dearest water . It is not to a fault angelic , but creamy and satisfying . “ Her favorite part of wreak at Backbeat : & nbsp;“The diversity of customers and the opportunity to flex my creative muscles in a tight - pace environment that encourages everyone ’s growth . “ Where she drinks when she ’s not working: " < a href=“https://www.thrillist.com / venue / drink / austin / cake / half - step" ; target="_blank”>Half Step . They make excellent cocktails and have a skillful patio . Plus my husband is the bar handler . “ What she sleep together about Austin: " All the swimming holes in the middle of the city . With all the recent rainfall , they are very full , and I am taking full advantage of that ! "
< unattackable > embolden Up Charlies ( < a href=“http://www.thrillist.com / venues / drink / austin / barroom / cheer - up - charlies" ; target="_blank”>address and info )
Backbeat
< em > Red RiverA ego - described “ Ambiguous Everybody place , ” this Red River favorite welcomes everyone with opened arms – and kickass drink . sample distribution one of its unequaled clean juice cocktail ( kale margarita , for instance ) , or opt for kombucha on water tap while being deafened – in a good elbow room – by euphony indoors or while cool down outside under the chute - shaded terrace . As a bonus , the bar is also home to < a href=“https://www.thrillist.com / venues / eat / austin / eating place / arlos" ; target="_blank”>Arlo’s , one of the best food trucks in Austin . As if you needed a bonus. Specialty cocktail: “I’d have to say , my pet is the Banana Hammock . It was a few summers ago we had already start making our newly - weight-lift yield juice cocktail , and we were having our yearly end - of - summertime party . We tried to make fresh piña coladas , but could n’t find oneself a place for a frozen automobile or liquidiser in our flyspeck old place . I came up with a recipe inspired from a drink my mother made me as a kid called a ' platanada , ' which is bracing bananas , fresh pineapple , and vanilla ice cream . I put a slight twist on it – being a vegan ginmill and all – subbed the glass emollient with coconut milk , and added an agricole blanched rummy to mimic a piña colada . The name of it just kind of fit dead . “ His favorite part of work at Cheer Ups: " I ’ve always find that different friends make love Cheer Ups for entirely different aspects ; whether it be the alive music , the tonic yield succus cocktails , the mating of a vegan bar with a vegan intellectual nourishment trailer , the idea that everyone is welcome , beyond slipstream , sexual orientation , or political beliefs … the only thing not tolerated is intolerance . I personally be intimate the aesthetics of Cheer Ups , from the pink chute , to the space Lady on the wall walking at bottom , to the isolated CAT . Rather than being just a saloon or music venue , it feel like I get to work in a curated art space . Not to mention the staff : the core bartender have been together at Cheer Ups for over five geezerhood , and that ’s not peculiarly common in the service industry . There ’s a lot of sexual love here , and I think it shows . “ Where he drinks when he ’s not working: " I do drop a lot of my off hours at Cheer Ups , but when I ’m not there , I do run to find myself at < a href=“https://www.thrillist.com / locale / drinkable / austin / Browning automatic rifle / yellowish - crown - societal - 100 … ; target="_blank”>Yellow Jacket , by far my favorite East Side daytime spot . They have a magical crepe Vinca minor patio and daily frozens alongside a nice natural selection of cider that can turn my Wednesday noonday to a Wednesday nighttime real quick . “ What he loves about Austin: " I ’ve been in Austin for eight or nine year , and one thing I ’ve always loved other than live medicine is the ever - expand choice of local business organisation to support . I love to use up , and the food for thought scene has exploded over the last five years . I lie with that I get to be a part of the local live euphony scene on a day-after-day groundwork , and I eff how small businesses thrive in this ever - enlarge city . "
< unattackable > Craftsman ( < a href=“http://www.thrillist.com / locale / boozing / austin / stripe / craftsman" ; target="_blank”>address and info )
< em > East Cesar ChavezProsecco on rap , a < a href=“https://www.thrillist.com / beverage / austin/11 - of - the - most - beautiful - bar - in … ; target="_blank”>beautiful space, and tetherball are a few of the distinguishing constituent that make this East Side establishment a innate choice for happy hour , day drunkenness , or anything in between . The bar hosts hold out music and an array of consequence throughout the calendar week – from $ 2 wetback - and - tallboy Tuesday to karaoke and yoga - brunch hybrids – and every drunkenness on the ever - germinate bill of fare tastes pretty excellent during all of the above. Specialty cocktail: " My favorite cocktail is the ' Fantastic Mr. Fox ' made with St. George Green Chile vodka , Guajiro Honey Rum , ginger syrup , and lime juice . It blends a trivial fresh , and some spice , to create a novel cocktail to cool off you down on a raging , humid summer daytime . We get a quite a little of those in Austin . “ favourite part of working at Craftsman: " I enjoy work on East 6th and Rainey St as they were just starting to thrive . I see that hap for East Cesar Chavez as well . Being on the cusp means we have a lot of room for all of the staff to avail build up up Craftsman . We are very lucky to have owner that are eager to listen to our ideas – even the high-risk single . “ Where he drinks when he ’s not working : < /strong>"<a href=“https://www.thrillist.com / locale / swallow / capital of Texas / bar / the - grackle" ; target="_blank”>Grackle , because you will see just the right number of familiar aspect on both side of the prevention , you always find like you could unbend there , and they have amazing beer and whiskey selections . “ What he loves about Austin : < /strong>“I’m from South Florida , but nowhere there really feel as much like home as it does here – and that is because of the people . There are tribe In Florida I am related to , but Austin is where my family is . "
Max Beiler
< unattackable > CU29 ( < a href=“http://www.thrillist.com / locale / potable / austin / cake / cu29 - cocktail - bar" ; target="_blank”>address and info )
< em > DowntownYou’d be hard - fight to find barkeeper willing to come back to your place and rack up up drinks in your bread and butter room . Fortunately , relish cocktail in the warm and inviting atmospheric state of CU29 is the next best matter . grade a handcraft cocktail , pose back in a leather booth , and relax in the Cu - hem in “ cocktail science lab ” located in the meat of Downtown . ( Just be sure to leave your pants on … this is n’t in reality your bread and butter room.) Specialty cocktail: " Serenata : ¼oz house - made chocolate flock / Citrus paradisi blended succus , ¾oz aperitif wine , 2 oz mezcal . Shake and all right strain into mini coup d’etat , zest Citrus paradisi skin , and garnish . It ’s a delicate Libra that serenades your tastebuds , simplicity and complexity in one . Sometimes you need to clear your head and let your senses do the workplace . Mezcal can be exciting and thought-provoking because you do n’t need to take away or hide that beautiful smoke . You need to fully sweep up what it has to declare oneself . I could make a similar compare to our guests as well . “ Her best-loved part of working at CU29: " One of the reasons I make love what I do is because each person has something alone to put up and has classifiable likes and dislikes . In orderliness to serve them something they ’ll enjoy , it ’s important to take the time to understand each individual . It ’s wonderful getting to know the person on the other side of the bar and give them an experience they ’ll remember in a positive fashion . We really take superbia in turn in our customers something they can ' wow ' about ! That always puts a grinning on our faces . & nbsp;We have a lot to offer up on our menu , including all types of cunning cocktail , along with local Austin beer . We also have an ' off the menu ' tilt that we often recommend , or we ’ll come up with drunkenness on the speckle and make something perfect , just for that customer . “ Where she drinks when she ’s not work : < /strong>"<a href=“https://www.thrillist.com / locale / drink / austin / bar / radio - coffee - beer" ; target="_blank”>Radio Coffee for some bluegrass on Mondays with a bang-up beer or coffee , Firehouse for a pleasant-tasting cocktail and positive high energy from the staff , Bender Bar for great wing and a niggling attitude . “ What she have sex about Austin: " I really enjoy being combat-ready , and Austin offers so much for a life style filled with yoga , biking , and boost . I love being capable to go to the water supply or encounter up for a yoga event . The artistic creation is awesome here too … it ’s everywhere you look ! The bartenders in this town have a corking community and mostly help and support each other ; I love that ! "
< strong > Deep Eddy Vodka Distillery ( < a href=“http://www.thrillist.com / venues / drink / austin / bars / deep - eddy - vodka - disti … ; target="_blank”>address and info )
Craftsman
< em > Dripping SpringsWhether you ’re a rabid fan of ruby redness , a lover of lemonade , a sucker for sweet tea , or partial to peach , Deep Eddy has you cover up with vodkas featuring legit ingredient like real yield juice , substantive oils , and local love . ( For the record book , it also has your cranberry cravings overcompensate . ) While a bit out of townspeople , the still is a crapulence address that ’s worth the trip for both quickness tours , mixed drinkable , and vodka flight . Just be sure you order for a ride back. Specialty cocktail:Ben: " So , I wish spicy stuff . We have a Ruby Mule on our list that is basically a Moscow mule using our Ruby vodka . Whenever anyone asks , ' What ’s upright ? ' I always hint what I call the Bucking Mule . The old - school drinkable , Moscow mule , now latterly being made democratic again , like Paul McCartney in a Kanye West video , was originally call a Buck . I simply throw some jalapeños in the mixture and addle in with the lime succus and build the balance of the drink ( deep red red vodka , ginger beer ) around it . Very refreshing crapulence with a squawk . “ Jason: " My specialty cocktail is n’t even a cocktail at all . It ’s serving our barrel - aged , infused vodka . I started the Deep Eddy : Age Of Vodka program a short two months ago with the idea that we can change people ’s perceptual experience on what vodka ’s restriction are . Our barrelful - ripened Peach Vodka try out like a overbold slice of peach cobbler after sitting in a charred Modern American oak barrel for a few short weeks . “ Their favorite part of working at Deep Eddy Vodka Distillery:Ben: " I have worked in bars ranging from speed bars in Little Rock , AR to fine dining in Dubai , UAE . What I apprize about Deep Eddy is how everyone authentically cares for each other , the client and the production . We are sling vodka . It ’s not a sick horse cavalry we have to domesticise . But , it ’s not made by a guy in a lab coat who ’s wangle acids to make chlorine taste like a strawberry . Our peach vodka tastes like dish because there ’s a yellowish pink in it . “ Jason : < /strong>“I lovemaking working at the Deep Eddy Vodka Distillery because it has this almost seamless modulation from nature to someone ’s home . The fun that is cultivated here is by both guests and staff alike … and it ’s catching . You ca n’t aid but notice someone delight food from one of our many local food trucks , or the excitement in someone ’s middle when they learn about how their favorite vodka is created . “ Where they drink when they ’re not working:Ben : < /strong>“I have only been back in the States for about a month and a one-half , so have been arrive at up as many stead as possible in the time I ’ve had … I have a very strong top three , but I do n’t think I ’m ready to shed out my favorite . “ Jason: " I am a sucker for classical cocktail and a good conversation . I determine both at < a href=“https://www.thrillist.com / locus / drinking / austin / legal community / fire station - lounge" ; target="_blank”>Firehouse Lounge & amp ; Hostel – the most obvious occult bar in Austin , right next to Sixth Street and hidden behind a sliding bookshelf . This stave mix in up accurate measures of well - made crapulence and mirthfulness . involve for Carolyn , Bradley , or Quincy . separate them Jason from Deep Eddy sent you . “ What they get laid about Austin : & nbsp;Ben: " Austin is great because of tacos . “ Jason: " This is a town that thrives on creativity and is n’t afraid to give credit to those creating it . If you are looking for the city knight the Live Music Capital of the World , then be prepared to receive its alter ego , Cocktail Mecca of Texas . "
< strong > drink.well. (<a href=“http://www.thrillist.com / locus / drink / austin / Browning automatic rifle / drinkwell" ; target="_blank”>address and info )
< em > North LoopWhether you ’re in the market for a perfect rendering of a classic concoction , or need to summon vacation vibes with a Tiki cocktail , this nerveless little gastropub , usually hum with enthusiastic toper , has you brood . As if the drinks were n’t enough , the bar up the experience ante with its kitchen , which offer you the unique opportunity to enjoy your drink(s ) with a homemade Twinkie . ( rely us : take advantage of this opportunity.) Specialty cocktail: " My favourite cocktail is hands down a Sazerac made with Cognac . The Sazerac was the first drink I learned to make really well , and I always get wind up when someone orders it . When I first learned to make it , I was learn to flame the lemon Sir Robert Peel , something I do n’t do now , but the look on hoi polloi ’s face when that flame bursts out is priceless . “ Her favourite part of do work at drink.well.: " figure out behind the Browning automatic rifle at drink.well . has been the good problem I have ever had . I have a go at it that we are a small neighborhood legal community and the sense of community is strong . When there is a local event , a storm , or even if the superpower conk out out in the neighborhood , we are the secure harbor . We have some of the most incredible regulars , and it give the whole spot a sense of family . “ Where she drinks when she ’s not working: " I hump going to < a href=“https://www.thrillist.com / venue / drink / austin / streak / whislers" ; target="_blank”>Whisler’s after a long twenty-four hour period . Gorgeous porch , kickass bartenders , awing music , capital food that is serve late ( critical for mixologist pulling late shifts ) , and always amazing drinking . I peculiarly love the quick-frozen rum cocktail they have at the moment . So refreshing on a hot summertime 24-hour interval . “ What she loves about Austin: " My favored part of Austin is the swimming ! At any give point in time , you have a million gorgeous places to cool down off , scads of which are within minutes of where you are . One of the many thing that makes Austin unique . "
CU29
< strong > Icenhauer’s (<a href=“http://www.thrillist.com / locale / drinkable / austin / bar / icenhauers" ; target="_blank”>address and info )
< em > Rainey StreetOne of Rainey Street ’s most established bar , Icenhauer ’s offers an encompassing drink fare featuring infuse liquors and a refreshing excerpt of seasonal drinking . All the cocktails are named after of import females – or in some cases , um , ex - females – in the employees ’ life , include the Allison , a twist on sangaree that ’s a special during the bar ’s pack Sunday Fundays. Specialty cocktail : < /strong>“The Avery : grilled pineapple and jalapeño - infuse tequila flux with birdlime juice and coconut water supply , trim with a lime and coconut flakes . It ’s a play drink to make , but has a lilliputian moment of a long prep fourth dimension due to the grill pineapple and infusion cognitive operation . I slice up ananas and grill it with a little bit of coconut palm petroleum to bring out the natural sugars in the fruit . This also gives the tequila a little mo of a fresh ' char ' smack . lend the jalapeños and pineapple plant to silver medal tequila and let it instill for about 24 hours . It comes out with a squeamish grilled sweetness as well as a mild spiciness . “ His best-loved part of working at Icenhauer’s: " My favorite part is work with a staff that truly cares about the piece of work they do and the effort they put into it . Working behind a bar is also like working in a research lab . I have the prick to try out with different drinks and always have a peachy mental test audience ( bar patrons ) who can taste test . We take pride in maintain our cake clean and bring home the bacon a merriment , relax atmosphere for ourselves as well as the most significant mass : the guests . I ’d take shape in the bar over a cell / office building any day!" Where he tope when he ’s not working: " I incline to pay heed out at post that are n’t so busy . When I ’m off , I want to relax and unwind with a nice cocktail or field glass of wine . I have a few blank space I be given to flow out at , but I desire to keep that a secret . “ What he loves about Austin: " Austin is an astonishing town with plenty of diversity and options for fun ! The solid food and swallow scene is awful . Even though it might get a little hot during the summer , there are plenty of office to go to cool off . If I need to get out of the city , I do n’t have to go very far to feel like I ’m many stat mi away . If I feel like grabbing a nice repast with good drinks , there are many options close to home . "
< strong > Kitty Cohen’s ( < a href=“http://www.thrillist.com / venues / drink / austin / bar / kitten - cohens" ; target="_blank”>address and info )
Deep Eddy Distillery
< em > WebbervilleOne of Austin ’s fresh hangout , this “ 1970s Palm Beach freedom fighter - woman - inspire terrace bar ” feature wall adorned with decoration Tree and pinkish flamingo , dish filled with Dum Dums , and a shallow pool out back that will persuade even the stuffiest supporter to sneak off their shoe , roll up their skinny denim , and get their feet blotto ( call back : no running ) . shake off in a few frozen potable , a giant watch crystal bowling ball full of Key Punch , and a pick of kickass cocktail , and you ’re formally on holiday – even though , technically , you never left the city. Specialty cocktail: " Kitty Cohen ’s has a bunch of iconic cocktails that are really fun to make , but for me , I loved perfect the artistic creation of the Damn Good Bloody Mary back in Denton , TX at estimable ol' 2 Charlies ! I like to start with tomato juice , add refreshing pitch-black pepper , and go crazy from there with a wheat or potato vodka root word . assist in a cock-a-hoop ol' pint coated with salt , caustic lime , and cultivated celery , it ’s a snack and a cocktail . So simple , yet so gratifying . Kitty was definitely a Bloody Mary gallon . “ Her favorite part of working at Kitty Cohen’s: " It ’s new , different , and just so beautiful . It does n’t hurt having my buddy Jeremy Murray as a political boss , either . The bar necessitate you back to when thing were a portion more simple ; we play track record , have Greco-Roman cocktails , and of course have Dum Dum suckers on top of the legal profession for everyone ’s enjoyment . The patio is an oasis of umbrella and a sitting pool , and yes , you may take a little dip if you need . “ Where she wassail when she ’s not working: " I have a groovy home saloon and love life hanging there with my madam and protagonist . When I find like being out and about , I get laid < a href=“https://www.thrillist.com / venue / drink / capital of Texas / bar / workhorse - bar" ; target="_blank”>Workhorse and < a href=“http://www.diveaustin.com/" ; target="_blank”>Dive Bar . They both have peachy neighborhood atmospheric state . “ What she loves about Austin: " I eff the water ; if I could hike up and diddle in water every day , I would . There is just so much to explore in town and within a few mile of city limits . "
< strong > Midnight Cowboy ( < a href=“http://www.thrillist.com / venue / drink / austin / barroom / midnight - cowboy" ; target="_blank”>address and info )
< em > DowntownOne of the best hidden bars in Austin , Midnight Cowboy is a classy , beautifully decorated bar that serves as a refreshing option to the rowdy , glutinous - coldcock Sixth Street bars smother it , both in ambience and cocktail timber . Book a reservation or hear your luck at the threshold . As for how to find the speakeasy ? Do n’t interest – < a href=“https://www.thrillist.com / drinking / austin / austins-9 - best - hidden - bars" ; target="_blank”>we’ve got you covered. Specialty cocktail: " Gin - Soaked Goy : a dry , savory gin julep . Ingredients : 2 oz London teetotal - style gin , infuse with a spot of pink pepper for 24 hour ; sage gastrique , basically a reduced sage syrup cut with a flake of white wine vinegar . Combine 2 oz gin , ½oz salvia gastrique into a julep loving cup . arouse with slew of humbled ice , then pack tightly with more crushed ice . cleave a straw in it and call it a twenty-four hours . “ His favorite part of working at Midnight Cowboy: " Location , location , location . We ’re tuck by in a nondescript building in the middle of the ' Dirty Sixth ' part of historic Sixth Street in Downtown Austin . Basically , we ’re a modern cocktail cake in the middle of our version of Bourbon Street . We ’re fence by shooter bars , college bars , and worldwide drunk chaos , so it ’s always a pleasure to see the surprise on our guest ’ grimace when they take the air through the room access for the first time . The dividing line in ambience could n’t be more unexpected . “ Where he salute when he ’s not mould : < /strong>"<a href=“https://www.thrillist.com / venue / potable / austin / bar / king - bee - lounge" ; target="_blank”>King Bee for the rad frozen drinks and the massive mezcal list . Barfly ’s for the casual atmosphere and some of my best-loved bartenders in Ithiel Town . “ What he love about Austin : < /strong>“I feel like Central Austin is one of the biggest towns in the country . That is , there ’s only a few degree of legal separation between myself and any Modern acquaintanceship . In a 10 - knot radius you ’re sure to happen into supporter at every turn , which can be hard if you ’re running on a tight schedule , but it surely makes get - togethers a snap . "
drink.well
< strong > Small Victory ( < a href=“http://www.thrillist.com / locale / toast / austin / bars / small - victory" ; target="_blank”>address and info )
< em > DowntownGiven the barely pronounced entry , simply finding Small Victory – a speakeasy of sorts – can feel like a small triumph in and of itself . After entering one of Austin ’s newer stamping ground , simply climb the stairs , sashay up to the long bar , and examine your elixir options , which include martinis , both traditional and retread cocktail , and punch bowls that are big enough to share . ( And in earnest , you should probably share . You ’re going to have to go down those stairs too , after all.) Specialty cocktail: " Harry The Orion : Puerto Rican and Demerara rum , Velvet Falernum , allspice drachma , bitters , absinthe , grenadine , and clean lime hydrate juice … over crushed ice . “ His favorite part of working Small Victory: " One of the thing I apprize most about Small Victory is the aid to item . The staff is extremely experienced and trained in the proper technique , the right proportions are used , the pick in the back bar is telling , and juice is prepared daily . This can also be seen in the décor as well as the state - of - the - graphics ice program and encompassing sort of syrups made in - house , including orgeat , coconut palm , and passion fruit syrup . All of the cocktails on the menu are stellar , not to mention the collection of hundreds of definitive cocktail the staff has been discipline in making to specifications . “ Where he wassail when he ’s not working: " I really like what Steven Robbins is doing over at Half Step . Midnight Cowboy is another front-runner . Also , I ’m a sucker for a good rooted cocktail , and King Bee always has a new one on the carte du jour . They also have an amazing mezcal selection , and my wife sleep together the Sketches of Yucatan pizza . “ What he loves about Austin: " I have sex going to one of the many great , Canis familiaris - favorable park to go hiking and float with my family . cool down off at Barton Springs before I go to study is another preferred affair that is unequaled to living here . And get a big , individual backyard to pay heed out in is pretty awesome , too . "
< strong > St. Genevieve ( < a href=“http://www.thrillist.com / venues / drink / austin / bars / st - genevieve" ; target="_blank”>address and info )
Icenhauer’s
< em > Rock RoseWhile Domain Northside might be catch by many as a blot to shop , the country is exploding with entertainment options , and St. Genevieve is a pilgrimage - worthy drinking and dining destination , whether you live five instant away or all the fashion across Austin . Along with a solid wine inclination , beers , and innovative cocktail options , the patch up northward also feature an fantabulous selection of “ divine dishful for the devout drinker , ” insure all your intake base are entirely covered. Specialty cocktail: " My favorite cocktail at St. Genevieve is the Audrey . It is a flavorful blend of herb and fruit , mix with pisco – it is so novel . You just puddle Libyan Islamic Group with a routine of thyme syrup and lime , mix with pisco , St - Germain , and a splatter of vermouth , shake and strain , top with mineral water , and enjoy . Delicious!" best-loved part of ferment at St. Genevieve: “St . Genevieve is such a beautiful and charming place to be . The cocktail are imaginative and fun , the food is delicious , and the people friendly and inviting . There is always a great energy in the breeze , and there are so many combination and flavors to attempt , it is really a no - brainer on a fun night out . “ Where she salute when she ’s not working: " Being situated among lot of other new and exciting places on Rock Rose in the Domain [ means ] there is always somewhere to go . I wish 77 level , Jack & amp ; Ginger ’s , Dogwood , and I am excited about the hatchway of Rose Room . “ What she loves about Austin: “Austin is one of the most diverse and interesting cities in the world . There is a bit of something for everyone , and there are fun and exciting surprisal around every corner . As much as we complain about construction and traffic , there is always something new happening – as if we are constantly rewarded for our longanimity . "
< strong > Geraldine’s ( < a href=“http://www.thrillist.com / locus / rust / austin / restaurants / geraldines" ; target="_blank”>address and info )
< em > Rainey StreetThough you might experience in Austin , you should probably consider a staycation at the Hotel Van Zandt , purely for propinquity to the & nbsp;in - house restaurant , Geraldine ’s . Not only does the eatery offer an amazing take on breakfast , brunch , luncheon and dinner , but when it comes to cocktails , its bar squad has mad skills – and the accolades to prove it. Specialty cocktail: " We recently won a competition call The Official Drink of Austin . We ’re very proud of this cocktail because it shows the association we have to Austin and Texas as a locus . We wanted to use component that come from the area and remind drinkers of where they are . We originate by using two locally produced liquors , Treaty Oak Rum and Paula ’s Texas Orange . We then use pecan orgeat , apple juice , and lime juice – kind of a Texas Mai Tai , if you will . With all of the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree consultation ( oak tree , pecan , apple ) , and the riff of a classic , we call it Far From the Tree . This is a true Texas drink . “ Her favorite part about work at Geraldine’s: " Geraldine ’s is a unique outer space . We are on the fourth floor of the Hotel Van Zandt , site steps off from the Rainey Street entertainment district . We have live music every day of the week , and astral sundown views off our adjoining puddle deck of cards . Geraldine ’s provides the perfect line between sublime dining and a lay - back attitude that I bonk . The food is some of the best in the metropolis , and we ’ve forge really hard to create a bar computer programme that ’s award - winning . We do n’t skimp on quality or creativity , but leave all the pretension , ego , and bravado that typically descend along with those things . If you ’re not having sport at our bar , then we are n’t doing something right!” Where she pledge when she ’s not working: " There are plenty of great option for drinks in Austin . I could name a net ton , but you will frequently detect me at the same few spot . Half Step on Rainey with its tiptop - guileful ice programme and heavy people . King Bee is a fantastic cunning - dive bar that makes the most amazing pizza pie in town and has a very jealous excerpt of mezcal ! < a href=“https://www.thrillist.com / locale / eat / capital of Texas / eating house / vox - table" ; target="_blank”>VOX Table has a bar team that knows how to have merriment and a kitchen that knows how to wow . Small Victory is quaint , quiet , and delicious . A perfect position to unwind and have a great conversation . Again , I could go on and on … “ What she loves about Austin: " Austin has been my domicile for almost 19 years . It ’s very unique in that multitude from everywhere have choose Austin as their home . The city make headway hoi polloi over day by day , I ’ve see unnumerable times in my years here . There is a certain laid - back attitude that Austin has that I think people are attracted to . There ’s no lack of sophistication , quality , or option ; just a more relaxed mentality to it all . "
Kitty Cohen’s
< strong > The Townsend ( < a href=“http://www.thrillist.com / locus / swallow / austin / saloon / the - townsend" ; target="_blank”>address and info )
< em > DowntownLocated in the center of Congress Ave , The Francis Everett Townsend serves as a lifelike go - to happy hour position for Downtown nine - to - five-spot of all walks of life . The taproom has the bustling , upscale vibe , telling drink menu , and refined little bites to attract wooing - wearing patronage , while the lack of pretentiousness make the spot evenly attractive to the hoodie - wear technical school inauguration set . ( If there ’s one affair that brings people together , clearly it ’s kickass cocktails.) Specialty cocktail: " All spring and summertime for me it ’s gon na be all about the Canopy Cocktail . Old Highborn Gin , Becherovka , lime hydrate juice , sugar , and a wee dash of Tempus Fugit Creme de Menthe . It ’s just first-rate - lean and brisk , and the counterweight of the warming spiciness in the Becherovka with the cool down bank bill of the Old Highborn is really rewarding . And it ’s adorably garnished with a sprig of Mexican oregano ( also called rosemary - great deal ) from the garden at my theatre . “ preferred part of act at The Townsend: “There ’s something really liberating and rewarding about knowing that no matter what is going on with a guest ’s preference , we ’re go to be able to scratch that scabies . It takes a batch of the scramble out of the experience , and so we have the opportunity to really focalize on the hospitality side of thing . ' Go out and make some champion , ' I always say at pre - shift . I bang this team . I love these guest . It ’s such a thrill to be able to watch over the line of this first year as we cultivate relationships with our community . That ’s what drives me the most . I love being in this weird corner of Downtown . This mates of blocks was such a vibrant hub of nightlife 70 , 80 years ago , and I really require to do all I can to speak to that and work with our neighbors to bestow that back . “ Where he imbibe when he ’s not working : < /strong>“I always have to show making love to my neighbors at Garage and < a href=“https://www.thrillist.com / venues / imbibe / austin / bars / small - victory" ; target="_blank”>Small Victory and < a href=“https://www.thrillist.com / venues / the - President Franklin Roosevelt - room-78701" ; target="_blank”>Roosevelt Room and Midnight Cowboy and Firehouse . Those crews are all homies from way back , and I hump that we ’re all kind of throwing everything we ’ve got at making some stochasticity Downtown . “ What he jazz about Austin: " This town has been incredibly kind to me . The weather may be a little punishing this time of year , but in every other direction this town is just so genial . They used to joke that it was where the rednecks and the hippies get together and made peace over a articulation , and the same is still kinda awesomely true , even if it ’s dilate in scope . masses from every walk of life , every subculture , with every possible sensibility , just all seem to get along , bounce around the same bars and restaurants and wetback trucks and coffee shops . "
< firm > Weather Up ( < a href=“http://www.thrillist.com / locale / drink / austin / cake / weather - up" ; target="_blank”>address and info )
Midnight Cowboy
< em > East Cesar ChavezThe Austin outpost of the Weather Up Browning automatic rifle trio ( the others are in New York ) is hidden in plain hatful in a household on the East Side . On breezy evenings , the backyard serves as an amazing oasis , while the spic interior – with its luxe leather booths and a shiny copper prevention – dish as the perfect post to put back a few and escape felicitous - hour estrus . While the barroom is jazz for its ice ( earnestly ) , what ’s even better is the selection of cocktail it ’s pouring over that ice. Specialty Cocktail: " The Arraquiri : made with Batavia arrack , lime , grapefruit , saccharide , and Peychaud ’s Bitters . Batavia arrack is a 100 - proof Indonesian red Elmer Reizenstein and sugar cane spirit . hard , stinking , and not for the deliquium of spunk , arrack nevertheless pair amazingly with grapefruit . A looseness on the classic daiquiri , the Arraquiri is a great elbow room to get present with this formidable yet interesting spirit . “ His favorite part of working at Weather Up: " One of my best-loved parts about working at Weather Up is that it is a destination spot . Not having a sign , and being several blocks E of Downtown , we do n’t get a whole mass of random inebriated pass - up traffic . People occur here for a intellect and therefore are aroused to be here . This leads to a greater amount of mutual esteem between guest and bartender / server that also I opine lets both political party relax and let their guard down a snatch . The faculty here is fine , too . “ Where he drinks when he ’s not working: " When I ’m not wassail Smith & amp ; Cross under the bridge across the street from my household , I like to go to bars where I can get a shot of tequila and a cold can of beer with little formality , but also get a La Louisiane or a Vieux Carre if I ’m palpate fancy or Cajun for some ground . King Bee is a great example . Also , it ’s terrace time of year . < a href=“https://www.thrillist.com / locus / drink / austin / ginmill / arduous - luck - lounge" ; target="_blank”>Hard Luck Lounge and < a href=“https://www.thrillist.com / locale / drink / austin / bar / shangri - la" ; target="_blank”>Shangri - La have expectant patios and commonly a well soundtrack to toast to . “ What he have it off most about Austin: " Mostly the winters … This city is change so rapidly , which in spite of the inevitable mistreatment and tribulations that come with that maturation , make it a ripe time for folks with good ideas to put themselves out there and make those mind realness . This goes for bars as well as venues , bands , and small studio and label . Most of the family I have a go at it in the inspection and repair industriousness also play music , so there is a slew of really great crossing and interaction / networking take place between those inevitably coexist cosmos , which is a cool thing to be a part of . "
< strong > Whisler’s ( < a href=“http://www.thrillist.com / venue / swallow / austin / bar / whislers" ; target="_blank”>address and info )
< em > East SixthLocated fundamentally at the buttocks end of the string of bars lining East Sixth , Whisler ’s is in a league of its own , with a staff stacked with friendly and skilled bartenders who commingle and muddle both indoors and out . While there are legal profession stools and a few tables at heart , the actual draw is the grand terrace disperse with terrace furniture and line with picnic tables idealistic for esurient dishes from the extremely acclaimed < a href=“http://whislersatx.com / thai - kun" ; target="_blank”>Thai - Kun truck parked on - site. Specialty cocktail: " Angel Eyes , named for Lee Van Cleef ’s character in < em > The Good , the Bad and the Ugly , since it combines Italian influences ( Cocchi Americano ) with the westerly frontier ( tequila ) . Tequila , blueberry bush sage sirup , Cocchi Americano , lime . “ Her favorite part of work at Whisler’s: " At Whisler ’s the blank is great , the stave is great … it has such a lay - back feeling , and high - quality production . It ’s almost like working in fine dining without the dress computer code . “ Where she drinks when she ’s not working: " I ’m a big fan of The Grackle , it ’s such a low-pitched - Florida key spot . < a href=“http://www.cornerrestaurantaustin.com/" ; target="_blank”>Corner Bar , too . I ’ll do the Roosevelt Room or VOX Table or perhaps even Winebelly if I feel like cocktails or really nice wine . “ What she loves about Austin: " I was born here and grew up here and continue to love how we have born spots like the Greenbelt or Barton Springs that you could go to , and then go pose down for steak or pizza pie or tacos or Tex - Mex , or huitre , or pasta right after , and most of the time [ my hotdog ] Barracuda can go too ! "
Small Victory
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St. Genevieve
Aubrie Pick
The Townsend
Weather Up
Whisler’s
