Austin's Best Singles Scene

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

Sixth Street’s flashy, fun underground dance club feels like a true big-city spot.

Reviews:

• “Dangerous”
• “Avoid At All times,,,,, it stinks”
• “A breath of fresh air”
• “Do as you said, not as you would have me believe.”
• “dance club – one of the few in Austin”

Tips: This club fills with well-dressed, trendy folk, so steer clear of ordinary streetwear.

Barcelona or email Barcelona

Jazzy joint with musical happy hours and a hopping outdoor courtyard.

Reviews:

• “Great martinis and entertainment!”
• “Tasty Drinks!”
• “Some people are jerks”
• “Great Drinks & Live Music”
• “great service and drinks!”

Tips: It’s available for private functions and can accommodate more than 500 guests.

Cedar Street Courtyard

This West Coast-style dance club has many spaces where young professionals meet, dance and mingle under one roof.

Reviews:

• “Lovely Staff & Entertainment”
• “Owner rude, Door lady rude . . . paid two covers to be in the place for less than five minutes.”
• “terrible venue if you want to dance, esp. if you want to hear a big name dj”
• “Hotspot for Live Eletronic Music”
• “The Place to be!”

Tips: There is no cover charge to get in downstairs and drink specials, like $3 well drinks, are frequent.

Sky Lounge

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

British pub offers extensive beer and wine lists, live music, billiards, darts and TVs. Serves appetizers, burgers and salads.

Reviews:

• “Still a cool place despite the terrible bar staff”
• “Really great music, best staff in the city”
• “Bad!!!! Parking, service, overall experience”
• “RUDE Manager and staff!!!!!”
• “Worst in Austin!!”

Tips: Happy-hour specials run 2pm-9pm Mon-Sat and all day Sunday. They include $5 domestic pitchers and $1.75 wells and select domestic pints.

Sherlock’s Baker St. Pub & Grill or email Sherlock’s Baker St. Pub & Grill

High-caliber meat and seafood served in an extremely spacious restaurant.

Reviews:

• “Best prime rib ever, great customer service”
• “Impressive steaks. No charge for the cigar smoke”
• “Excellent steakhouse on the Northside!!!”
• “The eighties band was fun, but…”
• “Not worth the time or money!”

Tips: The restaurant has several private dining rooms, which tend to be quieter and more intimate than the main dining room.

Cool River Cafe, Steakhouse & Southwestern Grille

This classy hotel bar ropes them in with great atmosphere and an extensive drink menu.

Reviews:

• “Saturday night frenzy…”
• “Best Date Ever”

Tips: The most pleasant tables are outside, on the wraparound terrace overlooking Congress Avenue.

Stephen F’s

A modern, hip atmosphere without the pretentious air of neighboring Warehouse District bars.

Reviews:

• “First time there”
• “Always a good time…”
• “Whut!”
• “home”

Tips: To fully appreciate the artsy feel of the lounge, come earlier in the evening. Enjoy local musicians playing most nights beginning around 8pm.

Lucky Lounge or email Lucky Lounge