Where to Drink in Austin: Beat the Heat at 8 Happy Hours, Events + New Bars

Austin’s Lively Nightlife Scene: Options to Beat the Summer Heat

The city of Austin is perpetually abuzz with an exciting array of cocktail bars, breweries, and distilleries emerging in its vibrant nightlife scene. As the city’s summer temperature rises, the refreshing taste of the drinks take precedence over the atmosphere of the bar. If you are looking for a place to hang out or discover a hidden gem cocktail, you are in luck. Check out the eight most invigorating happy hours, newly introduced cocktail menus and bar openings.

Openings and closures

Ah Sing Den, a much-loved establishment located at the iconic East Sixth St. location, poured its last drinks on June 9 after eight years. However, the bar will transform into a new restaurant and bar called OKO later in 2024. On the brighter side, the infamous Austin tiki bar, Tiki Tatsuya, unveiled its second-floor bar concept called The Retreat at the Nest. The new concept aims to provide a laid-back experience for guests featuring a range of unique tiki drinks ranging from $10-15.

New Cocktail Menus and Happy Hours

For whiskey lovers, Still Austin Whiskey Co. has revitalised its cocktail menu with seven new summer libations. The new add-ons include the “Rye Tai,” a rye whiskey twist on a classic tiki drink; “The Southside Sipper,” a bourbon-infused strawberry lemonade; and “Tea Time,” an Arnold Palmer cocktail accentuated with more fruit elements.

In the South Austin neighborhood, the restaurant Eberly has made a significant shift in its happy hour timings. Now from 5-7 pm from Monday to Thursday, and from 4-6 pm Friday through Sunday, diners can indulge in cocktail specials like the classic gin, vodka martini, nitro espresso martini, or Mexican martinis at just $7 each. The new revitalizing summer cocktails include the mango margarita (which can also be made zero-proof) or “The Village Green,” a gin-based cocktail with a cucumber and mint syrup.

New Weekly Events

Austin favorite brewery Meanwhile Brewing has introduced a weekly meal deal and two new ongoing events in June. Margherita Mondays offer a Margherita pizza from Side Eye Pie and a Meanwhile Pilsner at $15 from 4-9 pm. On Tuesday nights at 8 pm, Meanwhile is joining hands with Trivia512 for weekly trivia nights where attendees can participate for free and stand a chance to win exciting prizes.

Keeping the Weekend Mood Intact

If you wish to beat the heat on weekends while enjoying a mimosa, try out Victory Lap’s free yoga classes held every Saturday throughout the summer. Bring your own yoga mat, break a sweat, and then chill out with $10 mimosas or $4 Smirnoff Ices.