Austin's Best Martini

The rowdy dance floor and potent cocktails make this bar a Sixth Street staple.

Reviews:

• “RUDE….SUCK…HATE THIS PLACE”
• “AWFUL!”
• “LOVE THE DRINKS”
• “yuckiness on the window!!!”
• “Avoid every day of the week”

Tips: This bar does enforce a dress code, so don’t show up in flip-flops or baggy tees. Also, guys can’t wear shorts.

Spill on Sixth

A modern downtown lounge known for its 30-something crowd and its inventive martinis.

Reviews:

• “Nice atmosphere, delicious drinks”
• “Best Martini’s!”
• “Best Martinis in Austin”
• “A real disappointment.”
• “best dj and dancers in town”

Tips: Since you’re already splurging on expensive drinks, you might as well cough up more dough for the valet—parking is a total headache.

The Brown Bar or email The Brown Bar

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

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

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

Historic downtown hotel bar feels like retiring to a wealthy rancher’s drawing room.

Reviews:

• “Fun to Hang after Work”
• “Too many cows”
• “Classic cocktail lounge”
• “Just great cocktails…”

Tips: The Driskill Hotel is an ideal spot for wedding receptions, political victory parties and romantic weekend getaways.

The Driskill Bar

Beguiling seafood dishes in an upscale, clubby setting.

Reviews:

• “Disappointment”
• “Great Service, Steaks/Seafood”
• “Great food, great ambience and impeccable service.”
• “Unique eating experience! "
• “Best Service, Best Food, Great Atmosphere”

Tips: Eddie V’s prides itself on the freshness of its seafood and buys fish from a “three-day boat.” Nothing frozen here.

Eddie V’s Edgewater Grille

Popular local bar known for minimal attitude and great drinks.

Reviews:

• “Best Experience in Austin”
• “Great porch”
• “Austin’s Favorite Spot”
• “Best Mexican Martinis”
• “Better Thing”

Tips: The beer garden is available for parties; have your favorite restaurants cater the event.

Cedar Door

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

Where young professionals find a surefire cure for those workweek blues.

Reviews:

• “Great vegetarian options and prices.”
• “Buffet is GOOD”
• “never again”
• “Weekend Breakfast Buffets are amazing”
• “Only Trudy’s Location I will go to”

Tips: Get there early to save seats on the outside deck or find a place in the upstairs bar, where giddy 20-somethings and professionals linger over appetizers and drinks.

Trudy’s North Star Restaurant & Bar

Sixth Street revelers come to raise a tequila toast at this downtown stronghold.

Reviews:

• “Crooks, Theives, Dishonest Staff”
• “Great food and drinks!”
• “Best Restaurant Experience I’ve Had Thus Far”
• “Terrible for Groups”
• “Great Atmosphere, Great Food!”

Tips: Even though the bar is open late, the kitchen closes at 10:30pm Monday to Thursday and at 11pm Friday to Saturday.

Iron Cactus Mexican Grill & Margarita Bar