One perk of Austin’s recent vertical growth? Rooftop bars.
From Zanzibar to P6, ATX is home to several rooftop bars offering a wide range of experiences — several stories in the air.
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.
So, let’s get to it: here are 15 rooftop spots in Austin where you can sit back, sip a cocktail, and take in the view.
Zanzibar | 304. E. Cesar Chavez St., Unit 700
Experience a tropical “staycation” seven stories up at this downtown rooftop bar inspired by island living. Make a reservation here. Try this: “The Devil & the Deep Blue Sea” featuring bourbon, pineapple, orgeat, orange, and lemon
El Alma | 1025 Barton Springs Rd.
This contemporary Mexican restaurant has been a staple on Barton Springs Road for more than a decade. We recommend ordering some queso. Try this: “La Llorona” margarita featuring ghost pepper tequila, prickly pear purée, lime juice, agave, and a chile rim
Wax Myrtle’s | 506 San Jacinto Blvd.
On the fourth floor of the boutique Thompson Austin hotel, Wax Myrtle’s features rentable cabanas, a pool, and an outdoor fireplace. Try this: “Moon-tower” featuring gin, vermouth, herbed honey oxymel, and lemon oil
Wax Myrtle’s patio also has a pretty stellar view of the downtown Frost Tower. | Photo via @andy_seider
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: “Ladybird Spritz” featuring a rhubarb infusion, Cap Corse, aperol, and cava.
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: “Guava Margarita,” a frozen mezcal margarita
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. Bonus: your pups are invited, too. Try this: “Thai Me Up,” an on-draft cocktail featuring Dos Hombres, 512 Tequila, mango, tamarind, and roasted Thai chili
Group Therapy | 400 Lavaca St.
Spend a Saturday lingering at the pool bar or dine at the restaurant in this space hosted in Hotel Zaza. Try this: “Dark Chocolate Espresso Martini” featuring Grey Goose, Godiva Dark Chocolate, Bailey’s, Espresso, and Licor 43
La Piscina Ceviches & Fajitas | 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: “Watermelon Burro” featuring 1876 vodka, watermelon agua fresca, lime, and Fever Tree ginger beer
77º Rooftop Patio Bar | 11500 E. Rock Rose Ave.
Located in the heart of The Domain, this three-story rooftop patio bar offers finger foods, cocktails, and hookah. Try this: “Chingon!” featuring mezcal, tequila, lime, agave, jalapeño, and ginger
Las Bis | 721 Congress Ave.
The newly opened rooftop next to the Paramount Theatre is exposed on three sides, making for 270º of beautiful skyline views. Try this: “Sir Eel,” featuring sherry, bourbon, amaro, star anise bitters, fennel liqueur and Peychaud’s.
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: “For Ada” featuring gin, pierre ferrand orange, lemon, lime, cucumber, and bitters.
Rules & Regs | 101 Red River St.
Don’t miss out on the $5 salsa and $8 margaritas at this rooftop’s weekend happy hour, which runs from Thursday to Sunday from 6-8 p.m. Try this: “Bird of Paradise” featuring gin, mezcal, cocchi rosa, green chartreuse, orange, raspberry, and chocolate mole.
El Cockfight | 121 E. 5th St.
The team behind Red Headed Stepchild and Handle Bar produced this new downtown rooftop bar.
Azul Rooftop | 310 E. 5th St.
Kick it back by the pool with a frozen drink and snacks like elote, carnitas tacos, and dulce de leche cheesecake. Try this: “Friesling” featuring riesling, vodka, and peach.
Ootopia Rooftop Lounge | 1901 San Antonio St., Unit 1100
Head up to 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 tuna wonton tacos and wagyu carpaccio. Try this: “Toasted cocolata” featuring bacardi, malibu, pineapple juice, lime, and coconut purée
Got your own go-to spots? Add them to our interactive map below.
