7 Best Bars in North Austin, Austin

Cap City packs quite a punch with its stand-up comedian lineup here at its new flagship location in the Domain. This well-attended theater has a reputation as the city's premier spot for stand-up comedy for more than 35 years and it still attracts world-class headliners (and sold-out crowds) on a regular basis. It also showcases heaps of local talent at weekly open-mic nights as well as the club's annual "Funniest Person in Austin" contest.

Looking for an authentic Austin honky-tonk dive-bar experience? This chapel-shaped Burnet Road haunt is a legendary Old Austin favorite, though from the looks of the shabby exterior, you may not believe it at first. It's not glamorous, but the beer is cold (and cheap during happy hour), the service is friendly, and the vibe is always fun. Local music legend Dale Watson often takes the tiny stage here (there's live music every night), and the cast of regulars at this honored saloon is too good to miss. The claim to fame here is the riotous good-times had at the weekly Chicken Sh*t Bingo played every Sunday.

Opened in 1963, this north Austin haunt is one of the longest-running, most widely cherished dive bars in the city. Playful murals cover the outside of this gritty hole-in-the-wall, and it's a surreal circus once inside. You'll find no-frills service amid all the surreal accoutrements and decor straight out of a Twin Peaks episode, from pink elephants and clowns to circus tents and fire-breathers. The vibe is wild, the drinks are cheap, and the live music (hosted throughout the week) tends to be honky-tonk.

This north Austin neighborhood craft cocktail haven has all the comforts of a local community pub with all the sophistication of a sleek downtown bar. Creative signature libations and local beers dominate the beverage menu, while a tasty spread of snacks and savory bar food keeps guests pulled up to the cozy bar for a few hours. There's an open-air back patio that expands the seating of the intimate interior.

For good food, great drinks and, yes, board games, Emerald Tavern is the place to go. The front retail portion resembles a simple old-school book shop, but with a variety of games lining the shelves. In the back, the tavern offers a unique selection of beers on tap, a sizable wine list, a few café-style bites, and fresh coffee from local roaster Cuvée Coffee. Both indoors and out on the patio, you can sip and savor while passing the time playing a selection of classic, European, and role-playing games, as well as tabletop miniature games that involve tiny figurines.

In the hip Hyde Park neighborhood, Vino Vino serves a carefully curated variety of wines, from Alsatian crémant (sparkling wine) to obscure Argentinean reds, on the perpetually evolving menu. The sleek amber wood floors and bar give a warmth to this wine bar and market, where you can peruse the wine wall in search of the perfect bottle. The Hyde Park staple will certainly bring some music to the table during SXSW.

You don't have to bring a dog to be a patron at Austin's first hybrid restaurant, bar, and dog-park, off Burnet Road. The shaded outdoor patio is a great place to people- and puppy-watch while you chow down on sliders and fries served at the on-site Fat City walk-up window. Find several local beers on draft here, too, plus seasonal cocktails and cheap tall boys.