Top Rated Nightlife in Austin

King Bee offers a psychedelic combination of classic cocktails, delicious pizzas, heady live music and dancing. Popular bands are invited to play retro and new gigs in a variety of genres, while patrons take to the dance floor. Since the dance area is not as large as at clubs, it is better to head here on weekdays when the bar is less crowded. Sip cocktails like Gin and Jam, Frozen Moscow Mule, and the lesser known Chi Chi Rodriguez, a blend of Puerto Rican rum, pineapple juice and Coconut-Horchata blend. You can also enjoy a variety of red and white wines from Spain, France, Germany, Washington and California. Some cocktails like Bee's Knees are served with elaborate garnishes, in this case a large orchid.

If you are a beer buff or if innovative brews interest you, Zilker Brewing Company and Taproom is a place which you must visit. This craft brewery uses the American Belgo style of brewing. This means that they take inspiration from American and English styles of brewing while making use of a particular strain of Belgian yeast. This creates a concoction which is unique and intriguing. You can check out the brewery and then sit in the taproom to enjoy large pours of their different beers. Get your own food to go with the brews or order in from the neighboring restaurants.

Barley Swine on Burnet Road has been treating its guests to some of Austin's most delicious seasonal fare since its establishment in the year 2010. The restaurant prides itself on procuring its ingredients from trusted local farmers and purveyors, thus providing them with a steady source of income. Executive Chef Bryce Gilmore and his talented team of culinary geniuses are known far and wide for their exquisite seasonal menu that features All American signatures like the Pork shoulder steak, Duck Breast, and the Aged beef tartare. Accompany your order with the immensely popular 'Parrot Season' or the 'Head, Shoulders, Bees & Toes' cocktail if you truly wish to indulge in a feast.

Operational for over a decade, Ginny's Little Longhorn Saloon has earned the reputation for being the city's country-music stop. It's not your usual nightclub with thumping music; but is a great place for drinks and good music. It hosts live musical performances every Thursday- Billy Dee & Redd Volkaert, Justin Treviño and Dale Watson have kept this place alive on several occasions. So stop by for a memorable night at this simple place, which not surprisingly, has a cult following.

Hopdoddy is a restaurant specializing in high quality burgers and beers, located in South Austin. Hopdoddy features fresh ground beef burgers daily available with classic as well as new and inventive topping combinations, like the Terlingua burger, which is topped with Chile con Carne, corn fritos and a generous dollop of cheddar, or the Janis Joplin burger, which is a hemp seed veggie pattie with avocado, sunflower sprouts and cheddar, again. For those who want to be a little more health conscious, they have salad bowls available with all their different types of patties (beef, buffalo, tuna, turkey or veggie). In addition to the solid foods, they also offer delicious milkshakes, available with various types of liquor to spike them with, and a good selection of craft beers.

Midnight Cowboy occupies a space that was once a brothel, with a bare red lightbulb being the only indicator of the existence of this speakeasy on the infamous street. Interiors have been completely overhauled and now sport a sleek and stylish vibe. Ornate light fittings, plush private booths, and Victorian-themed wallpapers make up the intimate space. On offer is a refined selection of cocktails, mixed with skill by the bar team, some done tableside with much flourish by the period-attired bartenders. Reservations are recommended, as only a limited number can be seated at the intimate bar.