There are plenty of great places to enjoy an outstanding cocktail all over Austin—but sometimes, you'd rather stay in your own neighborhood. To make the most of close-to-home (or close-to-work, or close-to-dinner) drinking, here's our list of the best spots for an amazing drink, neighborhood by neighborhood.
Downtown
With a massive menu of both classic and original drinks, this sleek cocktail bar has something for every taste, not to mention a killer happy hour with $6 drinks (all day Monday and Tuesday, and 5-7pm Wednesday-Saturday).
East Cesar Chavez
Austin's spinoff of the popular duo of New York bars has some of the city's most innovative cocktails, with a spacious back patio to enjoy them in. Be sure to try the housemade Fireball shots, too.
East Sixth
Known for its enormous outdoor space (featuring the popular East Side King food truck), Whisler's shouldn't be discounted as a cocktail destination, either. The menu is approachable but precisely executed—bourbon fans should try the house old-fashioned or Brown Derby.
Hyde Park/North Loop
A laid-back neighborhood scene defines this North Loop favorite, which can get busy fast with crowds of locals. The seasonal menus are always on point, and with a selection of 75+ American whiskies, lovers of brown spirits will be in heaven.
Manor Road/Cherrywood
Hidden above Mi Madre's, this petite rooftop bar is the place for sampling everything mezcal, the current hottest trend in cocktails. The decor is particularly lavish, with a swirling copper bar, stained-glass window, and elaborate iron chairs on the patio.
Rainey Street
You know you can trust a cocktail bar that meticulously hand-crafts its own ice. That level of attention to detail is clearly evident at Half Step, where the drinks are simple, but exquisitely crafted. They'll even mix up a "bartender's choice" to your personal tastes.
Sixth Street
Austin's original speakeasy requires reservations, but a bit of planning will land you tableside service and some of the city's best drinks. Many of the drinks are riffs on classics (for example, the "Roberto Burns" subs mezcal and mole bitters for Scotch), but they're happy to create something just for you.
South Congress
The name of this bar in the Austin Hotel is a misnomer, because it doesn't actually have anything to eat. Instead, punches and frozen drinks are the house specialties. But if you decide not to drink your dinner, Jo's burger trailer across the street will hook you up.
South Lamar/Zilker Park
The cocktail menu here is divided into "Upbeat" (fresh and vibrant), "Downbeat" (rich and spirit-forward), and "Offbeat" (oddball spirits or textures), ensuring there's something for every kind of cocktail geek. The rooftop patio, with skyline views, is especially popular.