A night out on the town with your friends is always fun. But once the weather starts warming up, there's nothing better than tossing back a few daytime drinks while hanging out on some of Austin's best patios. Whether you're looking for stunning views of the city or a sports patio to watch your favorite teams, this guide has you covered. Here are six bars where you can catch some rays, have a few drinks and kick back with friends.
Trendiest Patio: Perla's Seafood & Oyster Bar
South Congress
With its striped umbrellas and director's chairs, the patio at this seafood spot feels like a slice of coastal France on South Congress. The illusion is bolstered by an extensive raw bar with a big selection of oysters, shrimp cocktail, and ceviche, as well as a cocktail menu that's heavy on the Champagne and rosé. Be sure to drop by for happy hour (weekdays, 3-6pm), when any drink is $2 off and oysters are 50 cents off.
Best Rooftop Bar: Azul Rooftop Pool Bar + Lounge
Downtown
Perched on the 20th floor of the Westin Hotel in downtown Austin, Azul offers both stellar city views and poolside cocktails—just a bathing suit. You don't have to be a hotel guest to swim a few laps and enjoy some strawberry daiquiri popsicles, but be aware that visitors without a room key must be 21+, and that weekend hours are limited (non-guests are only allowed after 8pm on Fridays and Saturdays and after noon on Sundays). On scorching-hot Texas summer days, it can get packed, so arrive early to claim your spot.
Patio With Killer Cocktails: Weather Up
East Austin
Weather Up's patio may not be the most stylish, but this NYC export makes up for its simple surroundings and wrought-iron furniture with creative libations like the Tiger in the Backseat (rhum agricole, amontillado sherry, pineapple caramel, lime, nutmeg) for $14 or the Hanky Panky (gin, Carpano Antica, Fernet-Branca, orange bitters). If you're looking to impress a date, go in the evening, when heat lamps and twinkling lights strung from the balcony create an intimate atmosphere.
Best Patio to Watch the Game: Bar 96
Rainey Street
This big wrap-around patio is where sports enthusiasts gather to drink some beers, play some cornhole, and watch their favorite Texas teams battle it out. Unlike typical dark and cluttered sports bars, Bar 96's owners aimed for a light and breezy vibe, with plenty of picnic tables out on the Astroturf, as well as several big-screens to keep you up on all the action. Once the final score is in, play a few rounds of giant Jenga and grab a bite from the on-site taco and nacho trailer.
Best Patio For Brunch: Contigo
East Austin
To make brunch a family affair, head to Contigo's expansive, ranch-like patio, which features big communal tables, a sanded play area out back for the kids, and a tent, heaters and fire pits to keep everyone warm—including dogs, which are always welcome—during the cooler months. As for food, the brunchtime spread includes rabbit and dumplings, brown sugar croissant cinnamon rolls, beef tongue hash, and frozen pineapple painkiller cocktails.
Best Dog-Friendly Patio: Austin Beer Garden Brewing Company (ABGB)
South Austin
Named the Brewpub of the Year at last year's prestigious Great American Beer Festival, ABGB offers amenities for pups that are almost as good as its house brews. The patio features a watering station, bowls, and shady spots to keep your dog cool in the Texas heat, and there are regular events to support pet adoption advocacy group Austin Pets Alive!, with $1 from every pint going to the cause. Your dog might even get a doggy bag from your beer—in the form of a dog treat made with spent grain from the brewing process.
