Austin is a foodie city, there's no denying it. So, when you end up at a restaurant on a Friday or Saturday night, sometimes all you can hope for is a seat at the bar. But did you know that Austin has more than a few watering holes that also offer amazing food? These are just a few that I've found in my journey through Austin's food and drink scene... Check it out!
Austin's Best Bar Bites
East Side Tavern - This bar is so much fun, with a rooftop patio and amazing drink options (obviously, that's what Taverns do best) but you'd be missing out if you left without having one of these brisket and cheddar tater tots. Let me say that again. BRISKET AND CHEDDAR TATER TOTS. So freaking amazing. Runners up are the pickled deviled eggs and the corndog bites but really, anything here is awesome.
1510 E Cesar Chavez | Austin, TX 78702
The Hideout Pub–Their slogan is "we're cheap so you don't have to be," AND their kitchen is open until midnight, so you know I'm all about this place. Not to mention they're a mere 5 minutes from my apartment in way north Austin. They mean it about being cheap--they boast more than a handful of drinks under $5! I've had the burgers and the fish and chips here and both were great. Their wing nights are an awesome excuse to chow down on multiple chicken wings for under $1 apiece (60 cents per wing). They're known for their burgers, but all pub food is present and accounted for here. Plus the laid back vibe and huge patio are awesome for hanging out with friends on a weekend or happy hour. The Hideout Pub is located at 12164 N Mopac Expressway in Austin and is open Mon-Fri 3pm-2am, Sat-Sun 5pm-2am.
Austin is a year-round patio type of city. That's one of the many reasons why Ski Shores is the place to be when the weather is pleasant--their location right on Lake Travis makes for some incredible sunsets. Not only that, but their food is pretty damn good. Try one of the many burgers, or (my preference) get some fresh fried seafood to enjoy while you drink a cocktail and watch the sunset.
2905 Pearce Rd, Austin TX
Jackalope
It's on Dirty 6, which doesn't necessarily work in its favor, since it's also known as a party spot with insanely huge punch bowls. But what you may not know is that they are constantly on Austin's Best lists for their burgers! Soak up some of that 6th Street booze with the Mac and Cheese Burger--complete with a deep fried queso mac patty, or get fancy with their Bacon and Brie burger. And if you snap a pic on the Jackalope statue after, I won't judge.
304 East 6th Street, Austin TX
The Dogwood
The day I saw their steak fingers were no longer on the menu was a sad day (please bring them back!) as they were the best I'd found in the city. I can get my fix of flavorful fried meat with the chicken fingers, but if I'm going that route I'd opt for the chicken and waffles sliders. Thankfully, I have a new love in their Armadillo Eggs which are bacon-wrapped jalapenos stuffed with shrimp, crab, and goat cheese, with a peach dipping sauce. The happy hour menu is decent for the price (get the bacon wrapped BBQ shrimp or the sweet potato tots), so get here early and enjoy a meal and a drink on their patio before the West 6th Street crowd rolls in. It's unique southern cuisine, and the bar itself is a good time. The Dogwood is located at 715 West 6th Street and is open Mon-Fri 4pm-2:00am, Sat-Sun 12pm-2am.
Gibson's/Luke's Inside Out
I remember exclaiming to everyone that would listen one night that the food truck at Gibson's, Luke's Inside Out, was some of the best food I'd ever had in my life. Granted, I'd had more than my share of libations at Gibson's prior, but when I asked friends about best bar food there were a handful of enthusiastic suggestions for this place. It looks like Guy agrees with me, because it was featured on Diners Drive-Ins and Dives!
1109 South Lamar, Austin TX
It's a good thing they're expanding this year--the 100 or so tables are regularly packed! The glorious, enormous beer selection aside, they're one of my favorite spots to take out-of-towners because you just need to experience their unique cuisine at least once. All the sausages are made on-site, as are the pickled ingredients. The dishes are anywhere from basic but delicious (hot dog, brat) to out of this world unique (fried chicken, beet and goat cheese). Do not let yourself visit Austin without stopping here!
79 & 81 Rainey St. Austin, TX 78701
Whip In
What kind of cuisine do you think a craft beer bar would serve? Did you guess Indian? I bet you didn't. Did you guess some of the best Indian food in town? At a BAR? This in and of itself is a feat, but Whip In also peppers in some typical bar food into the mix. Try one of their curries, their extensive vegetarian options, or just enjoy some loaded fries. Whichever you choose, you'll be more than satisfied. You can even buy a six pack of beer to take home from their marketplace area!
1950 S IH 35 Frontage Rd, Austin, TX
Black Star Coop–It's hard to say what's the best part of Black Star Coop. The wide selection of local beer? The fact that all staff is paid a living wage? Or the incredible food? It's a tough call, but I'd say while all those things rock, the food is my favorite. I could eat their thick-cut french fries every day, and their one-time fig-stuffed quail was my first ever foray into quail (I still am not quite sure how one goes about consuming a quail). Plus, it's the best fish and chips I've had in the city so far. And you know me, as a New Englander, I have high standards when it comes to fish. Added to the feel-good well-paid staff thing and the beers, this place definitely wins a spot on my Best Bar Bites list.
7020 Easy Wind Drive, Austin TX
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| Photo courtesy of A Cup of Joey |
Easy Tiger
Every so often, I see another Easy Tiger beer garden open up. And I do a jump for joy, because this is a place that should be shared with the world. Somewhat recently, one opened right near my apartment, so I am a frequent guest of theirs now. The freshly baked bread is the heart of their menu, weaving its way through incredible cheese boards, sandwiches, and sides on their menu. The beer may be the star, but their bakery is incredible. Definitely try their massive bavarian pretzel, you won't be sorry!
(Multiple Locations, see website)
Roosevelt Room
Fancy drinks and fancy snacks make Roosevelt Room one of my favorite places to grab a classy cocktail and snack after work downtown. Their cheese boards are some of the best in town, and the perfect classy eccoutrement. Bonus: the Elenor next door is home to some fun pop up bars throughout the year. My favorite being Miracle on 5th Street, a fun and funky Christmas bar during the holidays!
307 W 5th St. - Unit B Austin, TX
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| Image courtesy of Waller Creek Pub House |
Waller Creek Pub House Established in 2015, Waller Creek Pub House is known for its craft draft beer, original pub fare and laid-back vibe. Specials Monday’s Wing Deal, featuring 6 house made buffalo wings and a pint of Community Beer Company’s Helles Lager for only $10, or the rotating “Taco of the Day” selection for $10 or less are affordable options for those on a budget.
603 Sabine St, Austin, TX
Drink.Well–The drinks are amazing, the food is as gorgeous as it is tasty, and 5 out of 5 foodies I asked highly recommend it, so this here is a win. The menu is upscale American pub fare, which pairs well with their 25 whiskeys and the aforementioned amazing cocktails. There aren't many places in town you can get a Scotch egg, or a HOMEMADE TWINKIE... yeah, this place pretty much rocks. Drink.Well is located at 207 East 53rd Street in Austin and is open Tues-Sat 4pm-12am, and Sun 11am-11pm.
Don't forget to check out the rest of the Austin Food Blogger Alliance City Guide for 2020!
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