Rated as one of the top restaurants in Texas, Uchi is a very romantic restaurant with dimly lit lanterns. If you want some privacy, then the sushi bar is for you. For an appetizer, try the Yokai Berry, Sakana Carpaccio and Machi Cure. Make sure you leave some room for desserts, the creme caramel, gelato and panna cotta are delectable. As for the selection of sakes, it is wise to come in for the daily Sake Social to sample small bites and sakes that pair perfectly.
A bit off the beaten path, Draught House Pub & Brewery provides welcome relief from downtown's Sixth Street. The European pub atmosphere and exhaustive selection of imported drafts make this bar a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The seating is excellent, with high-backed wooden seats and very thick wooden tables. Come visit on Wednesday for pitcher night with free pizza or on Saturday with free bratwurst.
This venue, south of the river, is a throwback to the 1950s. Roots rock and country reign supreme in this bar, where one can often find men in leather jackets and classic Cadillacs out front. With live music nightly, tributes to Elvis, and celebrations of Hank William's birthday, this place is great for dancing, drinking and kicking back on the high stools. Happy hours feature some of Austin's favorite songwriters. The venue has broadened its range of live music to include occasional indie rock.
Mohawk is a unique nightclub in Austin. Its aim is to bring independent and upcoming acts — local and otherwise — through its doors. Fostering an inclusive community of artists, Mohawk welcomes musicians from a wide variety of genres and styles. It's hard to stand out in a town so inundated with music clubs as Austin, but with its fresh acts, tasty drinks and friendly crowd vibe, Mohawk shows how it's done.
The Butterfly Bar is widely hailed as serving some of the best cocktail mixes in town. Get seated on their large outdoor patio and sip on an exotic list of cocktails prepared by friendly and experienced bartenders. It also has an impressive wine and beer collection. The light snacks and the yummy cheesecakes make for good accompaniments with drinks. All in all, this intimate space meets high standards, while also having reasonably priced drinks.
With its menu of Italian bistro cuisine and charming interior, Enoteca Vespaio offers a less expensive but still fresh and high-quality alternative to Vespaio, its sister restaurant next door. Enoteca boasts offerings like the mozzarella panino stuffed with housemade mozzarella cheese and roasted tomatoes, flat-crust pizzas, and rich pastas. Fresh ingredients are in abundance. The dessert case at the entrance offers a glimpse at their tarts, cookies and cannoli. Sunday brunch offers a selection of egg dishes and sweet breakfasts like pancakes and freshly made bread. The interior is small but welcoming, and the outdoor patio at Enoteca Vespaio allows diners to gaze at passers-by strolling down South Congress.
Péché is French for 'sin' and this is definitely the place to go to for wickedly delicious cocktails. This locale offers fine French fare, with daily specials that include everything fromm quintessentially French soups and grilled veal porterhouse to lamb cassoulet and pork involtini. They have an envious drink menu that consists of its famous pre-prohibition cocktails like the classic Sazerac or the more contemporary ones like the fig Manhattan, not to mention it's Austin's first absinthe bar. Stop on by for a trip to the old world of classy cuisine at Péché
This is an intimate outdoor venue with a pleasant courtyard feel. Live jazz music is played nightly to a sophisticated crowd. The martinis are a definite must, and there is also an excellent cigar selection to choose from inside. This is a great place to sit under the oak trees and enjoy the breeze while watching some of Austin's best dancers dance up front. Better yet, why not join in?
Oilcan Harry's is a gay bar which has been in business for many years. The ambiance is very relaxing, with high chairs, comfy couches and more. The staff is one of the best aspects of this night spot. OUT Magazine has named Oilcan Harry's one of the "50 Greatest Gay Bars in the World." They have great music with a huge dance floor, where all the people have fun dancing to the sounds churned by the DJ.
Get ready to dance at this upscale gay bar and nightclub. With exposed brick walls and contemporary decor, the club has a trendy yet sophisticated charm and a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere. The dance floor is always crowded so join the fun and start dancing. Rain on 4th also has great theme nights and hosts entertaining events.
Located on the corner of Colorado Street and West 4th Street in the trendy Warehouse District, the Hangar Lounge has a cosmopolitan aviation theme, just as its name would suggest. Clocks show the time in cities around the world, and the furniture and decor are likewise streamlined and retro chic. The second floor contains more lounging areas and a TV, but the gem of this venue would definitely be the rooftop, where patrons will find themselves lounging on deck chairs and gazing at a breathtaking view of the city.
This local favorite doesn't disappoint even the hungriest cowboy. Southwest favorites offered in huge portions are served with a bevy of libations to boot. Think saloon atmosphere with bistro fare but don't be fooled, the food packs a big punch. Try the green Chile mac and cheese or their ever-so-juicy 22oz bone-in ribeye, to make you remember why you love Texas cooking. Locals can't get enough of the oven baked kettle of green Chile pork stew. The mood here is just as lively as the food, thanks to tasty drinks like the Roaring margaritas and other specials.