Get FREE email communications from Fodor's Travel, covering must-see travel destinations, expert trip planning advice, and travel inspiration to fuel your passion.
Austin’s official title of "Live Music Capitol of the World" is not self-appointed—it's earned. Long known as a playground for late night revelers, the city brought Texas country music to the forefront years before the emergence of mega-venues and craft cocktail lounges. Dance Halls and Honky Tonks once ruled the roost, and down and out drifters played for their wages. The music scene now pulls a sophisticated and cosmopolitan crowd while sticking true to its roots. Music lovers will find a variety of options every night of the week that span genres, all with a unique and soulful edge. It’s not surprising that the city plays host to several of the most significant music festivals in the country, like SXSW and the ACL Fest. New bars open almost daily in Texas’s ever-evolving and always-hospitable capitol city.
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.
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.
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.
