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15 must-visit rooftop bars in Austin

Want dinner with a gorgeous lake view? We have that. Want a place to drink by the pool? We have that. Want to play lawn games with your dog? We have that, too.

The sunset as seen from the terrace at P6 at the LINE Hotel

It’s hard to beat the views of Lady Bird Lake from P6.

Photo by @p6_austin

One perk of Austin’s vertical growth? Rooftop bars.

From Zanzibar to P6, ATX is home to various bars that offer a range of experiences several stories in the air.

P6 at the LINE Austin | 111 E. Cesar Chavez St.
If you haven’t already been to P6, you’ve likely seen this spot on your Instagram feed — the famously aesthetic rooftop bar offers excellent views of Lady Bird Lake. Try this: The Hill Country Gold features bourbon, apricot, honeysuckle, ginger, and citrus.

Upstairs at Caroline | 621 Congress Ave., Ste. 201
Tap into your competitive spirit at this backyard-inspired rooftop bar with giant Jenga, Foosball, and corn hole — your pups are invited, too. Try this: The Strawberry + Me features Las Californias gin, Aperol, Giffard apricot, strawberry, and bubbles.

Zanzibar | 304. E. Cesar Chavez St., Unit 700
Experience a tropical “staycation” seven stories up at this downtown rooftop bar inspired by island living. Try this: The Devil & the Deep Blue Sea features bourbon, pineapple, orgeat, orange, and lemon.

Two hands cheers two tropical cocktails. One is in a cactus-shaped cup, while the other is in a martini glass with a pineapple and flower for garnishes.

Zanzibar also slings non-alcoholic beverages, beer, and wine.

Photo by Jane Yun

El Alma | 1025 Barton Springs Rd.
This contemporary Mexican restaurant has been a staple on Barton Springs Road for over a decade. Try this: The La Diabla margarita features mango-habanero-infused tequila, mango purée, lime, agave, and a chile rim.

Arriba Abajo | 506 San Jacinto Blvd.
On the fourth floor of the boutique Thompson Austin hotel, Arriba Abajo offers weekly DJ sets and a pool. Try this: The Serenade Spritz features Lillet Blanc, St-Germain, lemon, peach, and cava.

Rooftop patio in an urban setting with a wooden pergola structure overhead, featuring globe pendant lights and a large ceiling fan. The seating area includes wooden-framed lounge chairs and couches with neutral-colored cushions, arranged around two low tables holding drinks and snacks. A red-tiled outdoor fireplace with a glass-fronted fire feature is centered at the far end of the patio. Raised garden beds with a variety of plants and small trees border the space, with high-rise buildings visible in the background.

If you need us, we’ll be on this patio at Arriba Abajo.

Photo by Joe Thomas

La Piscina | 600 W. 2nd St., 5th floor
Ogle at chefs griddling up tortillas and fresh seafood at this poolside Mexican restaurant from the team behind Elizabeth Street Cafe and Jeffrey’s, located in the Austin Proper Hotel. Try this: The Yucatan Breeze features Tito’s, xtabentun, watermelon juice, lime, and basil.

HeyDey Social Club | 721 Congress Ave.
The rooftop located next to the Paramount Theatre is exposed on three sides, making for 270º of beautiful skyline views. Try this: the Dealer’s Choice — you tell the bartender what flavors you’re in the mood for, and they’ll craft you a concoction.

A stylish rooftop patio with blue scalloped umbrellas, cushioned bench seating adorned with light blue pillows, and white tables with red chairs. The setting overlooks a cityscape with modern office buildings, including a Prosperity Bank building, under a clear sky. Potted plants line the patio, adding greenery to the chic urban ambiance.

Heydey Social Club’s events calendar features yoga and brunch, comedy nights, and paint + sip parties.

Photo by Garrett Smith

Techo Mezcaleria & Agave Bar | 2201 Manor Rd.
Perched above Mi Madre’s, this East Austin mezcaleria offers a wide variety of Mexican spirits. Try this: The Guava Margarita is a frozen mezcal margarita.

77º Rooftop Bar | 11500 E. Rock Rose Ave.
Located in the heart of The Domain, this three-story rooftop bar offers finger foods, cocktails, and hookah. Try this: The One Eyed Monster features Bacardi Dragonberry, Bacardi Raspberry, lemon, and peach.

Nido | 1211 W. Riverside Dr.
Take in the skyline from across the lake at this outdoor-indoor space atop the Loren at Lady Bird Lake. Try this: The Curious George features rum, banana, lime, and demerara.

A hand wearing gold bracelets and a large, circular ring holds a glass of white wine in the air. In the background, Lady Bird Lake is visible, as well as the Pfluger Pedestrian Bridge.

Nido at The Loren features one of the most spectacular views of the Downtown Austin skyline.

Photo by ATXtoday

Azul Rooftop | 310 E. 5th St.
Kick it back by the pool with a frozen drink and snacks like a salsa trio, carnitas tacos, and dulce de leche cheesecake. Try this: The No Vacancy features vodka, lime, mint, prickly pear, and Fever-Tree yuzu soda.

El Cockfight | 121 E. 5th St.
The team behind Red Headed Stepchild and Handle Bar produced this Downtown rooftop bar. Try this: any frozen margarita.

Otopia Rooftop Lounge | 1901 San Antonio St., Unit 1100
Stop at the campus district to enjoy this rooftop pool and bar overlooking the Texas Capitol. As an added bonus, this spot boasts a strong food menu with items like ahi tuna tacos and pulled pork sliders. Try this: The Toasted Coco-Lada features RumHaven, Bacardi, amaretto, coconut, pineapple, and fresh citrus.

Two women stand at a clear rail on a rooftop in Austin, Texas. They each wear jeans and are holding cocktails. The Austin, Texas skyline is visible in the background.

Otopia Rooftop Lounge offers discounted drinks and half-off appetizers Monday-Thursday during Golden Hour, happening one hour before sunset until sunset.

Photo courtesy of The Otis

Rules & Regs | 101 Red River St.
Don’t miss out on the $8 octopus and $9 spritz at this rooftop’s weekend happy hour, which runs Thursday to Sunday from 5 to 6 p.m. Try this: The R&R Mangonada features mezcal, mango, lime, agave, and a tajin rim.

Group Therapy | 400 Lavaca St.
Spend a Saturday lingering at the pool bar or dining at the restaurant in this space hosted inside Hotel Zaza. Try this: The Dark Chocolate Espresso Martini features Absolut Vodka, Copalli Cacao Rum, Licor 43 Chocolate, Mr Black, and Baileys Chocolate Liqueur.

Got your own go-to spots? Add them to our interactive map below.

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