Austin's Best Romantic Bar

Wine and tapas are the stars at this understated and upscale Warehouse District eatery.

Reviews:

• “Wish I could give a 4.5”
• “Better than Spain”
• “I love this place!”
• “This place gave me PTSD!”
• “We’ve never been treated so poorly. You get better service at MacDonald’s.”

Tips: Hundreds of wines are available by the glass or bottle. Recommended: bold Marques del Riscal Rioja. Wine flights are affordable and include a menu describing character and drinking order.

Malaga Tapas & Bar

Doubling both as a wine bar and shop, this upscale spot offers a comfortable setting for groups and couples.

Reviews:

• “FANTASICO!”
• “Great Pre-Dinner or After-Dinner spot”
• “Finally… a REAL wine bar in Austin”
• “I’m afraid to give this place a great review…”
• “IT’S WINE TIME!”

Tips: Though also a retail shop, Cork’s bar takes the spotlight at night and patrons are dressed befitting a night out.

Cork & Co.

The adjoining bar to the Roaring Fork has a style and taste all its own.

Reviews:

• “Hugely appealing burger…no scallops please”
• “Chef Krellenstein is the key”
• “Great Bar Food”
• “NICE!”
• “there are better out there…”

Tips: If you’re in the mood for a sit-down affair, head to the adjoining dining room and sample more of Chef Robert McGrath’s delectable cuisine.

Roaring Fork Saloon

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

Popular Warehouse District club offering the finest in jazz.

Reviews:

• “Fabulous bartender”
• “jazz bar”
• “Bring your credit card!”
• “go for the drinks”

Tips: Seating is on a first-come, first-serve basis and shows usually start at 9pm.

Ringside At Sullivan’s

This relaxed bar on a hotel patio embraces the “less is more” notion.

Reviews:

• “Fun place to meet friends after work”

Tips: If there are no more tables available, head for the clearing on the far side of the pool—it’s not part of the bar, but the butterfly chairs by the edge of the water make a sublime place to relax and talk.

Hotel San Jose Lounge

With a big city feel, this hip, urban wine bar is at home in the trendy Second Street District.

Reviews:

• “Excellent customer service – so far”
• “Great Variety”
• “great place to start your night, or hang out all night!”

Tips: Appetizers or cheese plates offer a light meal to share with friends. Splitting a bottle of wine with a group offers more reasonably priced libations than the wine flights.

Cru Wine Bar

Swanky uptown hotel lounge offers relaxed elegance to business types and romantic couples.

Reviews:

• “Very Romantic and upscale”
• “Celebrities!”
• “Cool Hangout”
• “Romantic”
• “Really excellent”

Tips: You’ll be treated to live piano and vocal music Tuesday through Saturday, and the Four Seasons has a four-star restaurant for pre or postbar dining.

Four Seasons Lobby Lounge

Central Austin’s charming, cozy hideaway in one of the city’s best boutique hotels.

Reviews:

• “Too stiff and cold”

Tips: Enjoy specialty martinis and other cocktails at discounted prices Sundays through Fridays, from 4pm to 7pm.

1900 Lounge at Mansion at Judges’ Hill

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