3 Best Bars in Austin, Texas

In continuous operation since 1866, the "little beer joint that could" is the oldest operating business not only in Austin, but the entire state. This campus- and downtown-adjacent beer garden is a favorite gathering place for UT football fans, live music lovers, liberal and conservative state workers, and anyone interested in traditional German food (from giant Bavarian pretzels to Jägerschnitzel) and, of course, lots of beer. Check their events calendar for news on special concerts, sporting event celebrations, and SXSW showcases.

A community beer garden of sorts—locals call it The ABGB—this hopping operation is a full-scale brewery, popular pub restaurant, and live music venue. Throughout the year, they offer a rotating selection of craft beers in a wide variety of styles, including lagers, ales, IPAs, and pilsners. The outdoor backyard is shaded by oak and elm trees and is a perfect backdrop for evening rockabilly and country gigs featuring local artists. Enjoy crisp pizzas, an assortment of super-stuffed sandwiches, and salads while you sip a few suds.

This happy haven of drinks, food, and sports has kept up with the hives of active, social Austinites who want more than a beer to have a good time. The south Austin gathering place is home to full-size pickleball courts and lawn games, a kids' playground, a fenced-in dog park, a rotating selection of food trucks, and a full bar. Guests can order grub from the picnic tables on the outdoor Astroturf courtyard via QR codes. UT game day watch parties and other special events attract crowds.