There’s something magical about enjoying a craft beverage while soaking in views of dazzling city lights or a vibrant sunset from a rooftop bar. It’s one of our favorite ways to enjoy Austin and other cities across the globe. That’s why we’ve put together a list of our favorite spots in Austin where you can drink in the views from a rooftop perch. Here are the best rooftop bars Austin has to offer.
The Best Rooftop Bars Austin: 11 Spots for Drinks with a View
One of the best parts about exploring Austin is discovering the unique takes of food and drinks throughout the city. Best of all, these establishments often provide stunning views of the skyline and an opportunity to relax and unwind with friends. While favorites like the Hangar Lounge may not be around anymore, you’ll find a handful of rooftop bars in Austin to enjoy craft drinks and tasty foods and drink in views of the city. Here are the best rooftop bars Austin has to offer from nostalgic speakeasies to swanky lounges.
1. Rules and Regs
Located in the Fairmont, Rules, and Regs is a great rooftop bar to drink in the skyline views and sip on craft cocktails. Best of all, this rooftop bar is paired with a rooftop pool — perfect for lounging in a cabana or taking a dip as the sun sinks beneath the horizon. Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening so you can also enjoy Mexican-inspired bites, and Saturday and Sunday during the day it’s a great spot to grab a delicious brunch.
2. El Alma
Looking for a friendly vibe where you can enjoy drinks, savor views, and feel like a local? Head to 1025 Barton Springs Rd, where you’ll find El Alma — one of the rooftop bars Austin has to offer. The rooftop bar may not be as high as other options in the city, but it still offers incredible views of the Austin skyline. Enjoy Mexican-inspired cocktails including classic margaritas, pinaritas, and avocadoritas, or try one of their signature cocktails including our favorite: the Blood and Smoke.
3. HandleBar
Over on 121 E 5th St, you’ll find the self-described adult wonderland that locals rave about. At HandleBar, you won’t find bottle service or sparklers, and other trendy cliches. Instead, you’ll enter a world of retro fun with a teeter-totter, giant Jenga game, and funky live music. Don’t miss their house special craft cocktails like the Charlie Chaplin, Doc Holliday, and Salvador Dali. The rooftop patio offers expansive views over downtown Austin, Texas and you can head to the indoor section if the weather is stormy during your visit.
4. Geraldine’s
Nestled at the top of one of the best boutique hotels in Austin — the Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt on Rainey Street— Geraldine’s offers New American cuisine, drinks, and music to pair with their stunning views from the rooftop deck. The cocktail menu features a Union Mezcal pairing, a variety of draught and bottled beers, as well as craft cocktails and wine.
5. Upstairs at Caroline
Upstairs at Caroline effortlessly blends urban and modern decor with the laid-back fun of a beer garden or picnic hangout. Relax on one of the grey sofas on the astroturf or grab a seat at one of the wooden picnic tables. Here, you can play games like cornhole and foosball while enjoying draught beers and craft cocktails. The rooftop bar looks out over Congress Ave so it’s also a great spot to get in some people watching.
6. Terrace59 at Speakeasy
Terrace59 is a swanky speakeasy in the Warehouse District that takes you away from the debauchery of dirty 6th street and into a luxurious rooftop experience. You’ll have to climb 59 stairs, but once you reach the top you’ll indulge in skyline views complemented by lit palm trees and hip music. Join locals and tourists savoring the sunset or rent out the space for a private party with just your friends.
7. P6 at the LINE Hotel
Head over to 11 E Cesar Chavez St where you’ll discover P6, a luxury rooftop bar where you can look down onto Congress Ave and enjoy views of Lake Travis and the Austin cityscape. Formerly a parking garage, this open-air space has been transformed into an intimate bar serving incredible cocktails. In addition to one of the best happy hours in Austin, this spot offers tasty treats from Veracruz All Natural including tacos, queso, and authentic margaritas.
8. Azul Rooftop Lounge
At 310 E 5th St, you’ll find The Westin Austin downtown, which offers some of the best views in Austin from the Azul Rooftop Lounge. One of the highest views in town — and the highest rooftop bar in town — you can enjoy a beverage and stunning views from the 20th-floor lounge and bar. Grab some friends and relax by the fire pits and soak in a gorgeous sunset through the tall glass paneling. Or, sip cocktails by the rooftop pool or relax in style at one of the poolside cabanas.
9. 77 Degrees Rooftop
If you want a spot where the DJ is always spinning and you can show off your greatest dance moves, head over to 77 Degrees Rooftop. Located in the trendy Domain, this rooftop bar offers a Vegas experience complete with beat drops, bright lights, and bottle service.
10. Group Therapy
Located in the beloved ZaZa on Lavaca St, Group Therapy offers outdoor seating overlooking the pool and the glimmering city lights. It’s chic and romantic, but it’s also one of the best places in town if you like a heavy pour. Here, you get your money’s worth with extra-large drinks and pitcher options that you can share with a group of friends.
11. La Piscina
At the Proper Hotel, you’ll find La Piscina — one of the trendiest places in town to grab a drink with a view. The poolside bar is perched on the 5th floor offering views of downtown Austin and an opportunity to enjoy the city’s world-famous nightlife. Indulge in Tex-Mex cuisine including fresh Baja oyster, sizzling fajitas, and green chorizo quesadillas. Their cocktail menu includes several house margaritas as well as copita boards featuring agave tequilas and fresh fruits.
Savor Views and Drinks in Austin
Whether you’re in town for an event like SXSW or hanging out with friends on E 6th st, Austin is a wonderful place to let your hair down, have some fun, and enjoy truly spectacular views. If you’re looking for the best rooftop bars Austin has to offer, you’ll find the perfect option on this list. You’ll find everything from retro speakeasies to glamorous rooftop pool cabanas where you can get views of the city and sip on cocktails, beer, and wine.
Looking for more great Austin recommendations? Head to ATX Guides to find top tips for visiting the city and recommendations from locals that love to have fun and keep things weird. Don’t miss our guides to the best Austin restaurants and the best bars in Austin where you can enjoy a sunny afternoon or debaucherous evening with friends.
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