Looking for where to find the best cocktails and Austin cocktail bars for a delicious drink? We’ve got the list for you!! We’re big cocktail fans and happy hour go-ers and this list rounds up my top recommendations I stand by to all my friends. Whether you want a classic cocktail made right or a unique fun twist with something new, you’re bound to find it on this list!
SEE MORE // THE BEST WEEKEND HAPPY HOURS IN AUSTIN
Still Austin Whiskey
Still Austin
South Austin || Cocktails $10 – $15
When it comes to incredibly whiskey cocktails, Still Austin is going to be the spot to find the best whiskey cocktails in Austin! They use all their own whiskey and spirits created at Still Austin and fashion them into their delicious drinks. You can also get a little spirits tasting flight while you’re there to try all the spirits out. I also love their gorgeous outdoor patio down in South Austin, and it’s in an area with plenty of other wonderful stops you can make, like St Elmo Brewing and Vacancy Brewing!
My one note is that personally, I’m not a huge fan of their gin cocktails. The whiskey is a yes, the gin is a little meh for me!
Happy Hour // $2 off all cocktails and drinks all day on Tuesdays
La Holly Mezcal Bar
La Holly is probably my favorite and most frequently visited on this entire list! It’s just a small little low key bar on the East side of Austin, but away from the hustle and bustle of East Downtown area. It’s also got a large spacious outdoor patio out back and a food truck that has AMAZING quesadillas. But they’re mostly known for their delicious Mezcal cocktails!
They’ve got a huge mezcal menu and options, so if you’re a mezcal fan then I would have to make you check this spot out! Or if you want a cocktail without all the frills, this is the spot!
Drink.Well
North Loop // Cocktails $11 – $14
You know the kind of cocktail bar where you can tell the bartender what you generally like and then they magically create an amazing cocktail that is exactly your taste? That’s exactly what Drink Well is. The cocktail bar where the bartenders absolutely know what they’re doing and what you’re going to like if you give them some sort of background!
Happy Hour // Mondays to Saturdays from open to 5:30pm with $7 classic cocktails, half-off wine glasses and bottles, $4 draft beers, and snacks ranging from $3 to $10
Photography by Robert J. Lerma | Source Small Victory
Small Victory
Downtown Austin // Cocktails $13 – $15
Small Victory is actually a small little Speakeasy located in the heart of 6th Street in Austin! You can head to it’s google maps location, and then look for the staircase in front of the parking garage. Go up that, and knock on the door to enter this adorable speakeasy. Small Victory has AMAZING cocktails, and it’s a go-to after-work spot or birthday evening spot with friends. They aren’t cheap, but they’re amazingly well done. I’m hoping they bring back their old happy hour soon though!
Source: Whislers Cocktail Bar
Whisler’s
East Austin // Cocktails are $X – $X
This is the spot on this list you can find me at most often! Whisler’s is located right in the East Side in the busiest going out part and is known for having some of the best cocktails for not insane prices. Truly their list is great, and if you want to change it up they know exactly what to do for you. Plus, it’s a low-key chill spot that you can hang out with your friends at a table without it being too fancy!
Andddd if you haven’t been upstairs, they have a mezcal bar (my favorite) with some amazing mezcal cocktails you should try out!
Happy Hour // Weekdays 4pm-7pm, Weekends 2pm-5pm with $7-$9 Cocktail
Here Nor There Speakeasy
Here Nor There
Downtown Austin // Cocktails $X – $X
Another speakeasy cocktail bar made it on the list! Here Nor There is a little speakeasy in Downtown Austin in the basement of a 6th street bar known for their AMAZING cocktails. They are pricy and it’s not a spot you can just walk into without a reservation, but it had to make the list because the cocktails are so good. The bartenders are incredibly skilled, and their huge menu might be overwhelming but they can absolutely provide a recommendation!
Honeymoon Spirit Lounge
North Austin // Cocktails $13 – $15
Honey Moon was one I wasn’t 100% sure if I would add, but the cocktails really are good. It’s this cute little date night spot right above West Campus, and while they define themselves more as a restaurant, I would say skip the food and just get the cocktails on their gorgeous outdoor patio. They’re pretty pricy, but at least they’re really good!
Happy Hour // Tuesday – Friday 4pm-5:30pm with $2 off cocktails and $4 off special dishes
The Wheel – East Austin Cocktail Bar
The Wheel
East Austin || Cocktails $7 – $15
The Wheel is one of the best whiskey cocktail bars in Austin, and the fact that it’s so assuming makes it EVEN BETTER. It’s a bike shop dive bar vibe (how Austin of you, Wheel) with some incredible cocktails to match said vibe. Plus they have a million beers on tap, so even if you’re bringing friends who maybe aren’t up for a whiskey cocktail they can get something else. But really, they shouldn’t.
Happy Hour // Weekdays 4pm-7pm with $7 cocktails, $4 whiskey of the day, $2.50 tallboys, and $1 off drafts
