Austin's Best After-Work Bar

Sip mint juleps in a rattan chair or enjoy scotch in a stately room at this swanky Warehouse District bar.

Reviews:

• “Best Place for HH, Hands Down”
• “Good happy hour, hard to get a table”
• “Stellar Service”
• “Impressive All The Way”
• “Overpriced bad food/ flat beer”

Tips: Valet parking is available for $6 beginning at 7pm nightly. There are also numerous garages and lots in the neighborhood.

219 West or email 219 West

The outdoor bar over Lake Austin is the place to be at this popular beach-themed restaurant.

Reviews:

• “Best family friendly place? Are you kidding me?”
• “Great experience”
• “Worst Dining Experience of my Life”
• “Only worthwhile if you can sit outside”
• “Mediocre food, stink factor”

Tips: Upon arrival, put your name on the list at the door and get a beeper to let you know when your table’s ready. Pass the time at the patio bar.

Hula Hut

Austin’s coolest go Russian at this hip West Sixth lounge with an “ice bar.”

Reviews:

• “Love the rooftop”
• “Sit in the open window wall”
• “Perfect for the Coctail Date”
• “Best service staff in town”
• “No tools needed.”

Tips: Call for info on renting space for private parties.

Molotov Lounge

A piece of architectural history transforms into a modern, well-designed bar.

Reviews:

• “Best Late Nite spot i have found so far”
• “BEST BAR/CLUB IN AUSTIN, GUARANTEED TO HAVE A GREAT TIME!”
• “Excellent chill spot!”
• “this place is lame”
• “Can’t Miss”

Tips: An ionic purifier clears the air, releasing a slightly chlorinated smell. The ladies’ room gets special attention, too—don’t miss the complimentary toiletries.

The Firehouse Lounge

Lake Travis’ take on the casual lifestyle and creative tastes of the Caribbean.

Reviews:

• “Shabby Chic (more shabby than chic)”
• “not authentic”
• “praise”
• “something new”
• “No Cook No Food”

Tips: Call ahead or check the website for an updated live music schedule.

Aunt Tilly’s Island Cafe and Bar

An Emerald Isle neighborhood bar in an Austin locale.

Reviews:

• “Looking better all the time…”
• “Best Local Bar Best Staff Downtown”
• “Below Par Customer Service”
• “Best Place for Good Beer and Great Conversation”
• “Mother Egan’s is the best Irish pub in Austin. "

Tips: Sunday through Thursday, Mother Egan’s features live music by Irish bands and other local acts.

Mother Egan’s Irish Pub

A Tex-Mex destination restaurant in the shadow of the University of Texas campus.

Reviews:

• “Best Guacamole, I’ve EVER had in a resturant”
• “Margarita deals on Mondays "
• “Worst Margaritas in Austin”
• “Best Margaritas!”
• “You must have the stuffed avocado!”

Tips: Shiner Bock drafts are $2.75 and Lone Star drafts and bottles go for $2 all the time. There are also daily specials like Monday’s all-day happy hour and Top Shelf Tuesdays.

Trudy’s Texas Star Restaurant & Bar

Stately downtown corner house serves up American cooking that’s tastefully down-home.

Reviews:

• “More like 3 1/2 stars, not bad but the buffet was set out poorly”
• “One of the Best Restaurants in Austin”
• “Rude servers, chewy steaks and they love the microwave”
• “great outfits on servers”
• “food good but…. REALLY??????”

Tips: The convenient valet service eliminates the headache of sparse downtown parking.

Moonshine – Patio Bar & Grill or email Moonshine – Patio Bar & Grill

This Fifth Street flagship of the popular Austin chain has locals coming for the sign and staying for the Tex-Mex.

Reviews:

• “Far West—Great place for Families!”
• “Try the Patio!”
• “Good Mexican Food, Great Happy Hour!”
• “NEVER eat their Tacos”
• “An Austin Original”

Tips: Owner Clay McPhail added Atkins-friendly, low-carb menu choices, including Ditch chicken and ranchero pescado.

El Arroyo

Authentic South American fare in downtown Austin.

Reviews:

• “Very Disappointed”
• “latin music”
• “Highly recommended!”
• “VERY VERY OVER PRICED!!!!!”
• “Good Choice”

Tips: Kick back on Dona Emilia’s shaded outdoor patio during the daily happy hour (5pm-7pm), or head to the atrium upstairs.

Dona Emilia’s Bar & Grill or email Dona Emilia’s Bar & Grill

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