5 to Try: Rooftop Bars in Austin
Updated: June 26, 2009
Many of Austin's bars and restaurants have excellent backyard or patio seating available, but rooftop seating, with all its lovely panoramic, sky-scrapery views, is rare. Naturally, the better rooftop venues are located downtown--all the better to view the Capitol, the Owl, or enormous cranes constructing new buildings to occupy Austin's austere skyline. Here are some of Austin's best rooftop bars: Go and carve out your favorite slice of sky.
Raise the Roof
-
Maggie Mae's
Read Reviews323 E Sixth St, Austin, TX 78701 (map)
Home to Rachel Ray's hotly contested SXSW party, Maggie Mae's has a sweet roof deck flocked with palm trees that create a Carribean vibe. An irresistible view of lovable skyscraper nicknamed "The Owl" encourages lingering.
-
Six
Read Reviews117 W Fourth St, Austin, TX 78701 (map)
Six, one of the glammest spots in the Warehouse District, also can boast that it has the most bangin' roof deck, with a full bar, no less. Take the windy metal stairs all the way up, grab a drink, then gaze into the eyes of Austin's most interesting skyscraper, called "The Owl" for obvious reasons.
-
Speakeasy
Read Reviews412D Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701 (map)
Perhaps stilettos may not be the best choice to brave the 59-step climb to access Speakeasy's roof deck, but it's still worth the climb for the panoramic views. Just remember you have to go down again, so take it easy on the peach schnapps.
-
The Mohawk
Read Reviews912 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701 (map)
Mohawk's roof deck overlooks its patio stage, but jostling for an unobstructed view of the headliner is so unseemly. The green room, upstairs and overlooking the roof deck, is a super comfortable place to relax in but is often closed for special guests. Front-row views and green room lounging pale in comparison to a roomy table filled with friends just hanging out on the Mohawk's roof deck. The breeze can feel more VIP than anything going on by the bar.
-
The Tavern
Read Reviews912 W 12th St, Austin, TX 78703 (map)
Inside, The Tavern is a deeply committed sports bar, but its outside resembles a German ski lodge. Upstairs in the back is a sweet roof deck that perfectly captures the Sound Of Music/Heidi feeling, leiderhosen not required.
Join Us on Facebook
Follow Us on Twitter