25 Best Bars in Downtown with Sixth Street and Rainey Street, Austin

The old-fashioned bar and lounge on the Driskill's mezzanine level is where history is made, from heavy-hitting modern political deals sealed with a handshake to storied LBJ lore like when he proposed to Lady Bird here. Rich fabrics, dark wood, and cowhide aplenty give this bar a warm and cozy appeal. Patrons can enjoy live music every weekend paired with stiff cocktails in a truly elegant Texas setting.

Jazz fanatics love to hold court at this basement locale, named one of the top 10 jazz venues in the country by famed trumpeter Wynton Marsalis. A respected (and locally loved) venue established in 1991, the Elephant is one of the reasons Austin still earns its keep as the "Live Music Capital of the World," with acclaimed local and traveling talent performing onstage every night of the week.

There's really only one place in downtown Austin known for its rip-roaring comedy shows. Esther's has kept Austin rolling with laughter for more than 25 years. Reservations for their popular, award-winning variety shows are required. 

Located on the same block as the Driskill, the "invitation only" part of this hidden speakeasy's description makes it seem like an impenetrable members-only club. In fact, patrons only need to download their app to book a (required) reservation for the night and enter their provided secret code at the alley gate. We won't spoil what greets you once you've crossed the threshold of this stylish secret lair, but the showstopping basement bar is one of the best (and most exclusive) destinations in town for a craft cocktail. Seasonal and weekly menus rotate around abstract themes that will spark the imagination of seasoned connoisseurs. Their sister bar, In Plain Sight, located just above on the ground floor, is another vibey spot for a nightcap.

This multilevel, indoor-outdoor Red River establishment is consistently a frontrunner for "best live music venue" in local Austin polls. With a cool, indoor stage and a killer outdoor stage and sprawling rooftop deck and bar, these guys know how to throw a party. Expect serious jams and strong pours seven nights a week. This is a popular spot for large touring acts throughout the year and during SXSW, the venue hosts multiple days of official, unofficial, and free showcases with lines wrapping around the door for certain acts.

Spot the red gate at the corner of a faux-fern–wrapped parking garage to access this jewel box of a bar. Climb the spiral staircase to the "hidden," highly acclaimed, second-story speakeasy, outfitted with plush blue banquettes, baroque wallpaper, and a wood-box back bar framed in blue and brown subway tiles. Classic cocktails made with large-format Clinebell ice are the specialty here, and bartenders like to get creative with their trove of vintage recipes. Cheese, charcuterie, and other light fare are served until midnight. Walk-ins are welcome all night, every night, but reservations are recommended for groups of four or more. Arrive early to avoid crowds on weekends.

One of the city's most highly touted venues, Stubb's features live music booked by the same folks who produce many of Austin's top shows, including the ACL Festival. This Red River hot spot attracts incredible local and touring artists. The massive outdoor venue, one of the biggest downtown, boasts an impressive monthly calendar of performances from internationally known acts. It's one of the hottest tickets in town for exclusive SXSW shows and ACL after-parties. Additionally, their popular Gospel Brunch, showcasing rotating live gospel acts, is hosted every Sunday.

This beloved mezcal bar is a great spot on Red River to grab a preshow drink before seeing a show at Stubb's, directly across the street, or the Mohawk two blocks down. The laid-back Mexican lounge is cozy and approachable, with a large outdoor courtyard space and a classic bar menu of cocktails and beers. You also have the luxury of ordering from the adjacent Pelóns Tex-Mex eatery's full dinner menu without having to leave your seat.

The grand dame of the trendy West 6th Street District, this fashionable bar and club has a swanky appeal with a lovely courtyard and Hollywood-esque waitstaff. It offers an impressive lineup, from indie rock to electronic dance music, and tends to bring an interesting mix of showcases to Austin during SXSW, partnering with several hot indie record labels.

This place serves up a good time every night of the week, with live music from national and local bands. People love to catch the Spazmatics—a local '80s cover band—on Wednesday night as the courtyard becomes a playground after dark for revelers. Cedar Street offers one of the top SXSW showcases every year. RSVP and pick up your wristband early to catch a great lineup throughout the festival.

This local gay bar, dance club, and live music venue boasts an incredibly friendly staff that delivers an equally friendly pour (whether it's a Lone Star beer, biodynamic wine, or kombucha on tap). The LGBTQ+-friendly bastion serves as a great meetup point thanks to its large back patio (plus a resident food truck) in the heart of Red River. There is weekly programming on the indoor and outdoor stages dedicated to live music, drag shows, record releases, themed dance parties, and more. With its location in the heart of SXSW madness, expect music showcases and special events during the festival.

One of Rainey Street's original bungalow bars, Clive was reopened in 2022 after a major two-year renovation that expanded this once-modest bar into a three-story nightlife destination complete with rooftop deck. Drinks are simple and strong, but they're still known for an impressive mezcal selection.

Home to some of Austin’s top comedy and improv performances, the Fallout Theater draws a broad audience who journey into the rather small venue for cheap, free-sketch, stand-up, and improv comedy on most days of the week, often with two performance time-slots a night. The theater also offers eight-week classes on improv or sketch writing. There is a full-service bar, but some shows are BYOB.

The thought of parking in downtown Austin induces an instant headache. Yet, one particular parking garage on Colorado in between Fifth and Sixth streets has been known as a stress-relieving, inner-city sanctuary for savvy cocktail lovers since 2014. Enter under the "Cocktails" sign just past the nondescript garage's "Enter" and "Exit" signs and arrive via a winding entryway into the intimate, industrial-meets-mid-century-chic speakeasy. Snag one of the dozen stools around the curved granite bar to watch the experts at work on signature cocktails like the popular Indian Paintbrush, or cozy up in the banquette booths to people watch the weekend crowds. The menu also includes tasty small plates and snacks.

One of the top spots for live music on the perpetually vibrant East Sixth Street since 1978, the Gibson Room is one of famed bar Maggie Mae's music spaces and has its own entrance on the other side of the building. Sponsored by Gibson Guitars, this exclusive music venue is an artful homage to some of the world’s greatest rock artists, styled with Gibson guitars associated with legendary musicians like Jimmy Page and Jimi Hendrix. Regular shows are open to the public, especially during SXSW, but the venue also hosts private events.

A prime spot for craft cocktail aficionados, Half Step is a swanky Rainey Street locale with first-rate bartenders who are serious about cocktails, but not too serious to keep away the fun. Both the indoor and outdoor seating areas are prime for people watching, and there are two delicious local food trucks parked on-site: Little Lucy's Mini Donut's and Spicy Boy's Fried Chicken. Live music and DJ sets are scheduled on weekends.

Lamberts offers a luxurious take on barbecue in its swanky Second Street historic district locale while offering live music almost every night of the week in their upstairs loft. They host a mix of popular local musicians as well as highly acclaimed acts in an intimate setting and offer a full spectrum of SXSW offerings, including an impressive music-infused brunch.

A swanky downtown bar during most of the year, this hotel bar brings Austin nightlife to the next level during big city events such as the Austin City Limits Music Festival, Pride Week, and, of course, SXSW. There are multiple lounge spaces and bars here, including the Records Room where DJs play weekly, and an air-conditioned Screen Porch hangout. 

The first renovated bungalow bar that debuted on Rainey Street in 2009, anchoring it as its own distinct nightlife district, still attracts crowds every night of the week. The charming bungalow faces the street as it always did, but the property also encompasses a second story with rooftop deck, an outdoor stage for live music, and a courtyard filled with patrons playing bar games on the AstroTurf. The amazing Via 313 pizza food truck parked out front stays open late.

One of Sixth Street's longest-running venues (established 1978), Maggie Mae's features an Irish pub–style bar, a New Orleans–style courtyard, two stages, and one of the largest rooftop bars in downtown. The expansive, 11,000-square-foot venue hosts live acts throughout the week, and it is usually an official SXSW music showcase or party venue throughout the annual music fest.

An evening reservation at this diminutive cocktail club, hidden in plain sight in the midst of Sixth Street, is an absolute must for craft cocktail lovers. Originally a massage parlor busted for running an in-house escort service, the club perpetuates a secretive air of mystique with Prohibition-era decor and a speakeasy entrance. (Guests must press the buzzer marked "Harry Craddock" under the "Midnight Cowboy Modeling Oriental Massage" sign to gain entry.) Tableside cocktails are the main attraction, perfect for a special occasion for an intimate group of friends or a romantic date-night indulgence. Reservations are required and are available in two-hour time blocks.

Formerly located downtown, this live music lounge and venue relocated just east of I–35 in recent years, so the physical space is different than old Austinites remember, but the nightly live music and dedicated community and special events are still the same. A small attached bar space, My Oh My, has a nice cocktail menu and rotating food options.

On Sixth Street’s "grown-up" west side, this multilevel bar has a tendency to get a little rowdy on weekends but manages to keep a steady flow of young execs popping in throughout the week. Large-screen TVs, upbeat DJ tunes, and an outdoor patio with a great view of the city skyline make this a perfect place for large gatherings with friends. It's also near a few choice spots to grab a bite to eat. It's currently only open on weekends and during Longhorn and Patriots football games. 

This downtown live music venue is composed of three levels; the first floor bowling mezzanine (a lounge area complete with two vintage bowling lanes that overlook the music lounge stage); the second-floor Ballroom concert space and Prohibition-themed Kabaret Room; and the Terrace59 rooftop lounge. There is live music and late-night dance parties almost every night, with extended showcases during SXSW. The Spazmatics, a beloved local '80s and '90s tribute band, perform on the Ballroom stage to packed audiences every Wednesday night.

Although Austin is better known for hole-in-the-wall bars, live music venues, and couture cocktail emporiums, this club is one of the main spots in the city. It is almost too trendy for Austin, but visitors may enjoy the 1920s speakeasy feel and rooftop views. This downtown establishment always play hosts to a variety of SXSW acts, too.