Austin's rooftop scene is built around the warm weather and the views of Lady Bird Lake. The 10 below cover Downtown, East Austin and South Congress.
Part of our 50 Best Rooftop Bars in the World listThis article is one chapter in our larger global guide. See the full pillar with every featured city.
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The 10 best rooftop bars in Austin
01 · Austin
Downtown
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Hotel rooftop · Casual
On top of Hotel Carmichael. Casual rooftop with city views.
Order: A frozen margarita at sunset
02 · Austin
East Austin
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Outdoor patio · East Side
East Austin outdoor patio bar. More patio than rooftop, but the outdoor drinking is iconic.
Order: A whiskey + the patio atmosphere
03 · Austin
Downtown
$$$
Hotel rooftop · Modern
On top of the LINE Hotel. Modern rooftop with sweeping Lady Bird Lake views.
Order: A signature with the lake view
04 · Austin
Downtown
$$$$
Hotel rooftop · Polished
On top of the Fairmont Austin. Polished rooftop with sweeping panoramic city views.
Order: A martini at sunset
05 · Austin
Downtown
$$$
Hotel rooftop · Modern
On top of the InterContinental Stephen F. Austin. Polished rooftop with central Austin views.
Order: A house cocktail at sunset
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06 · Austin
Rainey Street
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Outdoor patio · Rainey
Rainey Street outdoor patio bar. Casual atmosphere, popular with locals.
Order: A craft beer + the patio
07 · Austin
Rainey Street
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Beer garden · Rainey
Rainey Street beer garden with extensive outdoor seating. The most casual Austin elevated drinking.
Order: A craft beer + sausages
08 · Austin
Downtown
$$
Hotel rooftop · Casual
Casual hotel rooftop with sweeping downtown Austin views.
Order: A signature cocktail at sunset
09 · Austin
Downtown
$$$
Historic hotel rooftop
On top of the Driskill Hotel. Historic Texas hotel with a rooftop in the iconic 6th Street district.
Order: A whiskey-based seasonal
10 · Austin
Downtown
$$
Casual rooftop · Modern
Modern downtown rooftop. Casual atmosphere, walk-in friendly.
Order: A house cocktail at the rooftop bar
More Austin rooftopsThe full Austin rooftop-bar index by neighbourhood.
See the full list
How Austin uses elevation
Most Austin rooftops peak between 6 and 9 PM. Upstairs at Caroline and P6 are essential.
