Located in the historic downtown Driskill Hotel, at the center of the entertainment district, Driskill Bar boasts of some of the finest drinks in Austin. Its chic, rather lavish interiors set the first good impression, with its exquisitely carpeted floors, dim-lighting and elegantly upholstered furniture. The drink choices are plentiful, including the selection of wine. Best known for its innovative cocktails, the bartenders signatures concoctions like as the Barton Springs, Spyglass and The Batini, are not-to-be-missed. The cigar selection is quite adequate for those who care to indulge in life's little pleasures. Whether you are looking for top quality scotch, champagne, or maybe just a little mixed drink to soften the day, the bartender can satisfy your need. Add extraordinary happy hours and great live music to the existing excitement and you have a bar that you simply can't miss.
Handlebar, a rooftop bar in Downtown Austin, is a popular hangout place that is known for its offbeat theme and an overall fun setting. This bar is full of quirky one liners, posters and photos praising mustaches. The entire theme seems to revolve around moustaches as you can try different types of mustache and get your photos clicked at the photo booth in here. The drinks menu here is diverse with wide range of craft beer, whiskeys and cocktails to choose from. Riding the rocking horse or seesawing on the terrace with your friend after downing few drinks in here is fun and a must try. You can also challenge your friend to a game of jenga or simply enjoy the breathtaking view from the rooftop.
This 22,000 square foot Mecca of pool halls offer a full bar and great American food. With 21 pool tables, 7 shuffleboard tables, 5 dartboards and 10 foosball tables you will not have a problem finding fun during the week. Look out for Service Industry Night every Sunday, with discounts for folks in that branch of work. Serving all the classic bar food like nachos, burgers, and wraps. Food is served until 1a. Only 21 and over are admitted.
If Austin-area jazz lovers feel ignored, it is justified; the local music scene, multi-faceted as it may be, has always neglected their genre of choice. However, what the region lacks in quantity, the Elephant Room more than makes up for in quality. It has been deemed as one of the finest venues in the country by none other than Wynton Marsalis (and subsequently honored by a unanimous resolution of the Texas Senate for having earned the jazz legend's admiration). The appeal stems largely from the club's unceasing lineup of regional favorites, touring greats, and, once in a while, plain ol' jam sessions consisting of anyone who cares to take the stage.
Occupying a space dating back to the early 20th Century, Swift's Attic is a restaurant serving wonderful farm to table offerings. Chef Mat Clouser utilizes the freshest of the season's produce to present a diverse menu of small plates. Choose from a selection of delights such as Lockhart Quail, Braised Windy Hill Goat Shoulder, grilled oysters and Serranho Ham Montaditos. Accompanying the food is a fine selection of wines available by the glass. The drink list offers cocktails, draughts as well as bottled beers. The restaurant's interior, with its exposed-brick walls, wood-beamed ceilings and vintage-themed decor, does justice to the name. Check website for more.
If you love Italian cuisine, La Traviata gives you another reason to smile. Headed by Chef Marion Gilchrist, the restaurant is known for not only authentic Italian cuisine but a menu that is prepared from local and fresh ingredients. From fresh salads to pasta, the delicacies are made in fresh vegetables and meats from chicken, duck, veal, and seafood to name a few. Delectable desserts like Tiramisu and a wide assortment of wine are perfect to pair with your Italian fare. The casual yet Italian ambiance of wooden and rustic decor, embellished with striking candelabras is ideal for a romantic dinner or a relaxed group outing.