Garage Jewel Uncovered: Austin’s Best-Kept Secret

Garage is one of Austin’s worst-kept hidden gems.

Most Austinites have that one bar that springs to mind when they’re looking for something dependable with few (or no) gimmicks. For some, it’s one of the many shiny, new cocktail bars that have opened up downtown or in East Austin; For others, it’s a well-worn dive. But only a few stand out among the city’s best. This year, there’s a blend of captivating new bars alongside our tried-and-true favorites that make up our CultureMap Tastemaker Awards nominees for Bar of the Year. Each nominee’s welcoming atmosphere, combined with a robust list of cocktails, are just two of the many deciding factors that have made judges — including past winners — return time after time. Only one bar can walk away with the coveted trophy at our Tastemaker Awards ceremony and signature tasting event April 11 at Distribution Hall. Meet our eight nominees below, and consider scheduling some time to make a visit and try their libations. You can see all of the Tastemaker Award nominees here and learn more about them in our special editorial series leading up to the big event. A limited number of Early Bird tickets are on sale now at discounted rates of $60 for general admission and $99 for VIP (includes early access to the event, valet, and a dedicated bar). Prices will increase March 1. Grab your tickets now, because this party will sell out — just like it does every year. Cheers to our nominees for Bar of the Year 2024 in Austin:

Equipment Room

Our first nominee is a new vinyl bar on the scene that’s entranced Austin’s audiophiles with its curated tunes, distraction-free atmosphere, and experimental cocktail offerings. Whatever’s on the listening menu — jazz, art rock, or something psychedelic — every moment just gets tastier as visitors settle into the sensational space. We enjoyed Equipment Room’s take on a Pisco Sour, called “Cherish the Day,” but you can’t go wrong with any of the nonalcoholic options if you’re just there for the vibes.

Flo’s Wine Bar and Bottle Shop

This vino venture is one part wine bar and one part retailer in the old-money neighborhood of Tarrytown. When it opened in March 2023, Flo’s offered nearly 200 bottles of wine on its shelves for guests to browse. A current bar menu online offers 17 to try by the glass. Pair your chosen vintage with a slice of “Neo-New York style” pizza by Allday, plus any other Italian snacks, and you’re in for a real treat.

HERE NEWS

You won’t find much information on its website, but there are photos aplenty that show off this not-so-secret speakeasy all over social media. Garage has been one of Austin’s worst-kept hidden gems for a decade, and for good reason. Its inventive cocktails – like the iconic Indian Paintbrush the bar has become known for – are alluring, lively, and downright delicious. Just make sure you have a reservation, otherwise it might be tough to catch a seat on a busy night.

Holiday

Holiday is another newer addition to Austin’s restaurant and bar scene, but its owners are industry veterans that share a common interest in providing the best dining experience for all. Guests can relax on one of the couches in the lounge while they wait for their drinks, or they can take a seat at one of the shaded tables on the patio. Holiday is walk-in only, so there’s no rush to secure a refreshing half-price cocktail on Sundays.

Kitty Cohen’s

This East Austin patio bar broke the dive bar mold when it opened in summer 2016 with an abundance of flamboyant cocktails and funky 70s-era Florida vibes. In addition to beer, wine, and cocktails, Kitty Cohen’s also provides in-house culinary events, pop ups, and themed parties — Jewish vibes strongly encouraged. Those in the know are probably signed up for Room 101 Club’s mailing list to keep tabs on the hottest member-only events.

The Roosevelt Room

There’s three words to describe the highly-acclaimed Roosevelt Room: upscale, unpretentious, and unmatched. Its serious, yet approachable bartenders and consistently top-tier cocktails makes it a great venue for impressing a date. Connoisseurs can choose to drink their way through decades of America’s spirited obsessions, or they can brush up on their mixology history through one of the Roosevelt Room’s cocktail classes.

Small Victory

Home to one of the best martinis in the country, Small Victory is the classic cocktail hookup for many Austinites. It’s an intimate and quirky joint with a blink-and-you-miss-it entrance that leads to a dimly lit space. A pro tip by nearly everyone that visits the bar is to ask the knowledgeable bartenders for their spin on a well-known recipe. The charcuterie boards are an elaborate garnish good for pacing drinks and feeling fancy.

Watertrade

This Japanese cocktail bar is attached to Otoko, one of Austin’s most luxe sushi restaurants. Watertrade’s extensive cocktail menus are curated based on seasonal ingredients, and if you’re not in the mood for any of their unique offerings, you can always leave it up to your bartender to create a drink just for you. Pair your drink with some select bites from the kitchen, and look out for culinary pop-ups in the moody, intimate chamber.