Editorial
Austin's cocktail scene grew up alongside its food scene. The Roosevelt Room set the technical reference. Whisler's and Midnight Cowboy followed with East Side and 6th Street innovation. The nine below show how Austin balances Texas warmth with serious craft.
DrinkWell has poured award-winning cocktails on East 53rd Street in North Loop since 2012. The Infatuation rates the seasonal menu and from-scratch bar food, and the gastropub keeps all seating first-come for parties under eight.
Austin cocktail bars combine Texas warmth (no posturing, music programming, patios) with serious craft. The Roosevelt Room and Whisler's are the technical bookends. Midnight Cowboy is the theatrical option. Most peak between 9 PM and midnight; some run later on 6th Street.
Morten Andersen writes about beer and the kind of bars that do not ask for attention. He clocks the pour, the crowd and the prices before the decor.