Austin’s bar scene is buzzing with new additions from hospitality industry giants, catering to both happy hour enthusiasts and the late-night crowd. From cozy speakeasy-style hideaways to retro al-fresco spots, there’s a fresh wave of watering holes to explore. Dive into the latest and greatest places to grab a drink in the city.
Cocktails at Retail Therapy (photo courtesy of Retail Therapy)
Retail Therapy
What: A vibrant downtown Austin cocktail lounge with pop-culture-inspired decor, table service, and well-crafted beverages.
Where: 120 E 7th St, Austin, TX 78701
Visit Retail Therapy, the chic cocktail lounge in downtown Austin that opened in March, featuring drinks named after designers, artists, and fashion icons. Enjoy half-off wines every Wednesday and groove to R&B and dance beats with a live DJ every Thursday through Saturday night. From Tuesday to Friday, indulge in classic cocktails like the NY Sour, Gimlet, and Sidecar during Vintage Happy Hour. This summer, try their new cocktails, the Sunset Siren and Ruby Royal, for a refreshing twist on traditional favorites.
Food & beverage at The Long Goodbye (photo by Richard Casteel)
The Long Goodbye
What: An all-day café and bar in East Austin with a food truck, vintage shop, coffee by day, and cocktails by night.
Where: 2808 Manor Rd., Austin, TX 78722
The Long Goodbye, a unique cocktail lounge and patio bar in East Austin, opened in April, drawing inspiration from the 1970s Robert Altman film with a blend of mid-century modern and West Coast art deco decor. The complex also features Fleet, an Austin-based coffee shop, La Santa Barbacha food truck, and Howdy’s Vintage store. Inside, enjoy classic 20th-century American cocktails like an Espresso Martini with Fleet Coffee Cold Brew, while the patio bar offers agave-forward drinks, agua fresca batched cocktails, and frozen drinks. The bar also serves a selection of wines and local beers.
Cocktails at Lil’ Easy (photo courtesy of Lil’ Easy Fine Cajun Food & Bar)
Lil’ Easy Fine Cajun Food & Bar
What: An East Austin “Louisiana dive bar” with cajun food, cocktails, boozy frozen drinks, beer, and wine.
Where: 5000 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702
In May, the team behind Sawyer & Co. and De Nada opened a new restaurant, Lil’ Easy Fine Cajun Food & Bar, in the Govalle neighborhood, focusing on Southern Louisianan cuisine with rich Cajun influences. Guests can enjoy frozen cocktails and draft cocktails alongside a selection of beer and wine. The menu features Po’boys, seafood baskets, soups, greens, beans, and daily specials like seafood gumbo and red beans & rice with andouille sausage.
Prélude (photo by Wen Fitzgerald)
Prélude
What: A sophisticated reservation-only lounge, where award-winning Chef Mathew Peters crafts exquisite cocktails and gourmet canapés.
Where: 707 W 10th St, Austin, TX 78701
For a refined drinking experience, visit Prélude, the latest downtown cocktail lounge from Chef Mathew Peters, which debuted in May. This exclusive, reservations-only spot features unique cocktails like Melon & Matcha Mezcal, crafted with espadin, chili, acidified citrus juice, Meloncello, and orange. The lounge boasts a luxurious ambiance with velvety fabrics, coffered ceilings, and elegant wainscoting. Golden accents and floral motifs blend seamlessly with a collection of figurative lenticular prints by Gary James McQueen, creating an atmosphere of sophisticated charm.
RELATED: Chef Mathew Peters Elevates Fine Dining in Austin with Prélude
The Statesman S.S. Margarita (photo by Jasmin Porter)
The Statesman
What: A “supper club” in downtown Austin with old-school charm, elevated traditional American fare, and classic cocktails.
Where: 710 W 6th St B, Austin, TX 78701
An American-Texan restaurant inspired by classic social clubs, The Statesman, opened its doors downtown in January. The decor features leather booths, pendant lights, and brass-and-copper accents, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The menu includes steakhouse favorites like Caesar salad, seafood towers, ribeye, and filet, along with housemade pastas and upscale appetizers such as mozzarella sticks. The cocktail list highlights Prohibition-era drinks with creative twists, including the exclusive Pantalones Organic Tequila and a unique take on Matthew McConaughey’s famous Pickle Margarita.
House Negroni at Casa Bianca (photo by Richard Casteel)
Casa Bianca
What: An Italian-inspired restaurant and bar in East Austin with Italian tapas, draft cocktails, and wine on tap.
Where: 1510 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702
In April, Casa Bianca, an American-Italian gem, opened its doors on East Cesar Chavez Street. The menu highlights a raw bar, handcrafted pasta, and an array of seafood and vegetable-focused small plates. The drink selection offers creative twists on Italian classics, an extensive amari collection, and a wine list showcasing natural wines from up-and-coming producers. Designed by Magic Architecture, the restaurant’s decor fuses modern Texan elements with art deco style. Guests can choose to dine in the elegant 75-seat dining room, enjoy the 40-seat downstairs patio, or take in the views from the 65-seat rooftop.
Powder Room
What: An intimate speakeasy in downtown Austin with craft cocktails, light bites, and live music.
Where: 301 W 5th St, Austin, TX 78701
In February, Lobos Hospitality from Las Vegas unveiled an intimate speakeasy, Powder Room, within Manny’s, a downtown sandwich shop. The venue features retro-inspired decor, live music, and tableside drink service. The cocktail menu, crafted by San Francisco’s Drew Record of Trick Dog and Chezchez fame, promises a unique and memorable experience.
More New Restaurants and Bars to Explore in Austin
There are far more than seven fantastic new spots to check out in Austin, and you can explore our online dining and drink guide for even more recommendations on where to eat and drink this season. Also, be sure to check out:
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