17 Unique and Fun Rooftop Bars in Austin in 2024
This Southern metropolis is one of the hottest places to be right now for events, activities and dining, featuring some of the coolest rooftop bars in Austin. Whether you’re one of the rare unicorns (born and raised there), a new transplant or visiting for a birthday or bachelorette weekend, there are uniquely fun pockets of the city to match your vibe.
A quick Google search will have your mind spinning with ideas, trying to keep track of what the famous 6th Street in Austin is known for. Or what is the famous street in Austin for bars?
Get rowdy on West 6th Street where you can lean into the Southwestern aesthetic. Or, head to Rainey Street for a colorful montage of bars that you can walk from an old shipping container right into an amusement park, complete with a slide for bargoers. Admire the growing skyline in the heart of downtown before or after some fun team building activities in Austin for one of the many companies that have moved their headquarters here.
If you’re planning a special trip here or you’re a newbie looking for the best rooftop bars in Austin to become “your spot”, you’re in good company. Over recent years, the population has sky-rocketed as young people in particular have flocked to Austin, according to KVUE, an ABC Affiliate. It could be the near-constant sunshine and warm weather, the abundance of live music and other conferences and events or maybe the unbeatable restaurant and rooftop bar scene in Austin. Whatever the reason, there’s a lot to love and explore in this Southern paradise.
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- The Best Rooftop Bars in Downtown Austin
- Cheap Rooftop Bars in Austin
- Best Rooftop Restaurants in Austin
The Best Rooftop Bars in Downtown Austin
1. Group Therapy
Located right in the heart of the city, the Hotel ZaZa has one of the best rooftop bars in Downtown Austin in addition to offering you a luxurious stay. Cozy yet perfectly chic, the hotel bar Group Therapy is ideal for drinks after work or brunch on the weekends.
2. Nido at Hotel Loren
Take in beautiful city views and a front-row seat to the buzzing at Zilker Park and Ladybird Lake from this rooftop bar in Downtown Austin. The decor at Nido is chic and minimalist, offering a welcome respite from a hot day or the perfect spot to cozy up on an unseasonably cool afternoon.
3. Coconut Club
This rooftop bar in Downtown Austin is anything but chic and understated. Neon lights and tropical decor make Coconut Club stand out as one of the best dance clubs and bars in the area. Transport yourself somewhere beachy with one of their delicious tiki cocktails.
4. EDGE Rooftop at JW Marriott
The JW Marriott downtown is a go-to spot for locals and visitors alike thanks to a gorgeous pool and one of the best rooftop bars in Austin. From EDGE you can look out over the action on South Congress with views of the Capitol, the river and all of downtown.
5. Zanzibar
You won’t feel like you’re in Texas anymore when you step foot onto this incredible fancy rooftop bar in Downtown Austin. Miles away from the concrete jungle below, the decor at Zanzibar consists of enough lush greenery to make up an entire rainforest paired with a sleek yet inviting bar and seating area. Every detail was well thought out at this tiki bar in the middle of the city. This is a great spot for a birthday dinner in Austin.
6. Terrace 59 at Speakeasy
Feel the energy from downtown with this rooftop bar in Austin, the perfect spot for unwinding or kicking off the weekend. Enjoy city views, a live DJ set and a cold drink at Terrace 59 before venturing downstairs for some late-night bowling. This is a surprisingly romantic spot for date ideas in Austin, too.
Cheap Rooftop Bars in Austin
7. Easy Tiger on S Lamar
There are a few Easy Tigers in town, but the South Lamar location is a fantastic and cheaper rooftop bar in Austin. Hang out and enjoy a burger and a cold beer as you look out over the Greenbelt, surrounded by string lights and a cover to protect you from the hot summer sun or the odd rainy day.
8. Techo Mezcaleria & Agave Bar
After dinner at Mi Madre’s downstairs, head up to Techo for an amazing but cheap rooftop bar in Austin serving an impressive selection of mezcals. You can expect Latin house tech music in an intimate setting both indoors and out. This casual Eastside gem has one of the best-frozen margaritas, best enjoyed with a homemade chili salt rim.
9. Azul Rooftop
Enjoy all the amenities from a hotel with the same coziness you’d find in your friend's backyard at this cheap rooftop bar in Austin. Located atop the Westin Hotel, Azul is the highest rooftop bar in the city (for now). Everything from frozen cocktails to on-the-rocks or an ice-cold beer will quench your thirst as you look out over Hill Country and the ever-growing skyscraper scene downtown.
10. El Alma
There’s no shortage of authentic and delicious Mexican food in this town, but they don’t all have amazing and affordable rooftop bars in Austin to boot. The space at El Alma is colorful yet cozy, making it the perfect spot for a casual bite with friends or a low-key margarita to kick off the weekend.
11. Otopia Rooftop Lounge
In the heart of the West Campus District, you’ll find one of the best cheap rooftop bars in Austin, Otopia. Their small bites are worth a trip alone, with fun fusion dishes like tuna wonton tacos and pulled pork sliders. Kick back by the pool with a sun-inspired sipper as a hotel guest or local.
12. Maggie Mae’s
Right on the famous West 6th Street, also known as Dirty Sixth, you can enjoy live music at a cheap rooftop bar in Austin. Maggie Mae's institution consists of five bars and two live music stages and can accommodate up to 1,000 guests. It’s one of the best spots in town for live music or watching the latest sports games on one of their many TVs.
Best Rooftop Restaurants in Austin
13. P6 at the LINE Hotel
Located on one of the most convenient corners in downtown, right in the middle of all the action you’ll find the LINE hotel and their stunning rooftop bar and restaurant in Downtown Austin called P6. Here you’ll overlook those famous Texas sunsets, glimmering off the river below. The food here is just as thoughtful and gourmet as the cocktails, so come hungry.
14. Sway
Just outside the city in the beautiful rolling hills of West Lake Hills, you can escape the madness of downtown with this relaxing rooftop restaurant in Austin. The Thai food at Sway is nothing short of sensational, served on a communal-style rooftop surrounded by twinkling garden lights and a view of the city in the distance.
15. Geraldine’s at Hotel Van Zandt
Another conveniently located and beloved rooftop bar and restaurant in Austin is brought to you by Hotel Van Zandt. Geraldine’s gets its name from a famous guinea fowl that once roamed neighboring Rainey Street and they’re famous for live music jazz brunches and a gourmet spin on the classic gin and tonic (made with pink peppercorn, rosemary, a hint of cranberry and Hendrick’s gin.
16. Paperboy
Located in the up-and-coming East side of town, Paperboy is one of the most popular rooftop restaurants in Austin, especially for brunch. They’re famous for their breakfast tacos, which is really saying something in a Tex-Mex haven like Austin. Enjoy views of downtown on their quaint upper patio along with mimosas with friends.
17. Upstairs at Caroline
Upstairs at Caroline’s is a happenin’ spot around town and their rooftop restaurant in Austin is one of the best. It’s the type of place you’d want to hang out with friends, playing yard games like giant Jenga and chatting at a picnic table over street tacos and cocktails.
Even though the list of rooftop bars in Austin is extensive and you could have a great time at any of these spots, the number of non-rooftop patios that deserve your attention (and patronage) is astronomical.
There are great views to be had all over town from the funky and eclectic growing skyline of new skyscrapers and apartment complexes to sweeping views of rolling Hill Country and the ever-beautiful river that runs through the heart of town.
For even more fun Austin ideas, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!
