The 7 Best Austin Patio Bars
October 26, 2023
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Enjoying a drink on a patio with your favorite people is about as Austin as it gets, and thanks to our mild weather, you can do it any time of the year.
Austin patio bars and cocktail culture have always been a staple in the “Violet Crown” city, and many bars and restaurants cleverly added and expanded their outdoor space during the pandemic. Now there are more great patios to enjoy than ever.
Whether you are here from out of town or a local looking for Austin staycation ideas, our concierge team is happy to fill you in on the best Austin patio bars to visit!
1. A Great Austin Patio Bar for a Great Glass of Wine
Lolo Wine
Austin’s first natural wine bar and shop is now open on the Eastside with patio hours every afternoon into evening. This casual, unpretentious spot is a great place to learn about natural wines, which are typically made with organic grapes and very little else, resulting in a wine that is more easily digestible and may even be hangover-free! And if you feel like staying in, this is an ideal option for picking up a bottle of wine to hang on the Heywood Hotel courtyard patio. Lolo’s educated and passionate staff will help you find the perfect bottle!
2. The Best Austin Patio Bar to Feel Like You’re on Vacation
Kitty Cohen’s
Just a five-minute drive or 20-minute walk from the Heywood Hotel, Kitty Cohen’s is East Austin’s take on a Palm Springs patio bar, complete with a wading pool! Good for an afternoon spritz, classic daiquiri or frose in the fresh air.
3. The Perfect Austin Patio Bar for the Perfect Bloody Mary
The Cavalier
On the same block as Kitty Cohen’s, check out The Cavalier, a family-owned bar and Southern-style kitchen. The Cavalier offers frozen cocktails, mixed beverages, local beers and more! Don’t miss their brunch or their bloody Mary — it won “Best in Austin” at the 2019 Austin Bloody Mary Festival.
4. The Best Austin Patio Bar to Impress Your Hipster Friends
High Noon
Right down the street from the Heywood Hotel, High Noon is the newest kid on the block, but has some serious cred. It comes from major players in the Austin bar scene who are also behind White Horse, Kitty Cohen’s and Blackheart, to name just a few. High Noon serves cocktails and beer, while also stocking an impressive selection of whiskeys and mezcals. Their interior is stylishly described as “a traditional Western saloon meets Kubrick,” while their outside porch remains Austin chic with picnic tables and open air.
5. The Most Spacious Austin Patio Bar with a Helluva Beer Selection
Central Machine Works
Another newcomer to Austin’s Eastside is Central Machine Works Brewery and Beer Hall. This industrial-chic microbrewery with full bar and tasty bites (grab a pizza or try the warm German potato salad!) is located on E. Cesar Chavez, just two miles from the Heywood Hotel. With a casual vibe, spacious interior and extended patio, it has quickly established itself as a Heywood Hotel guest favorite. Go check out why!
6. The Best Austin Patio Bar For a Fresh Brew and a Hot Chicken
St. Elmo Brewing
Located just off of South Congress and part of the growing St. Elmo Market District, this great little brewery has an outdoor patio area fit for an afternoon hang. Need to warm it up a bit? Try the hot chicken at the Spicy Boys pop-up trailer. St. Elmo is also located right next door to Still Austin Distillery which specializes in “grain-to-glass” bourbon and gin, and has another great outdoor space. Plenty of patio seating and good folks make this South Austin a charmer.
7. The Best Austin Patio Bar to Grab a Sour Beer with a Goat
Jester King
A beer lover’s dream destination, Jester King is located on a sprawling 200-acre farm, just under 20 miles from the Heywood Hotel. The brewery specializes in limited run “wild yeast” varietals, and also offers beers from other brewers. Be sure to grab a made-in-house pizza while you are there, because even their pizza celebrates the art of beer making. Ingredients are sourced from fermented or foraged ingredients, and their dough contains 100% Texas grains and is leavened with the same wild yeast they use to ferment their beer. The brewery has several isolated outdoor patio areas to choose from, including the hop yard, vineyard, goat barn, pasture and beer garden. For Coronavirus safety, reservations are required.
Featured image courtesy of Central Machine Works