5 Hidden Drinking Gems in Austin Where You Can Leave the Crowds Behind

Austin is absolutely brimming with impressive bars and out-of-this-world restaurants. 

While all the most popular Austin restaurants deserve their fame and glory, there is something special about finding the smaller hidden gems sprinkled throughout the city. These are the off-the-beaten-track bars and restaurants where you can have authentic interactions with locals and experience the distinct culture and vibe of a neighborhood.

Leave the tourists and crowds behind while you visit some of these striking spots on your next night out in the “Live Music Capital of the World.” Here are five hidden drinking gems in Austin, Texas you must visit. 

TLC Austin - South Lamar

TLC Austin is a recent addition to Lamar Union off South Lamar. The menu is all about Southern comfort foods with a seafood twist. Along with a fun food menu full of wild-caught, sustainable seafood, Sloppy Joe sandwiches, and Texas favorites, this hidden gem has an even more impressive drink list.

TLC Austin’s bright indoor space and dog-friendly outdoor patio offer counter service and community tables along with an area for arcade games that will keep the whole crew happy. Come by to watch the game, catch up with old friends, and enjoy choosing from a huge tap list of craft beers and wine on tap.

School House Pub - Manor Road

This hip and woodsy Manor Road bar serves fresh, local brews on-tap and fun, school-themed drinks. School House Pub is going to be the most fun you've had at school. School House Pub has taken their theme of education and infused it in everything, from the decor to the cocktail names. 

Exploring the cocktail menu and all its creative, slightly educational concoctions is a blast. Additionally, the beer and wine list is a knock-out packed with locals, but the real extra credit at this spot is the incredible, welcoming vibe and dog-friendly outdoor area.

The Wheel - Manor Road

Tucked away a few blocks over from Manor Road, The Wheel is a neighborhood bar that's equal parts casual and upscale.  Bicyclists (and everyone else) will be in heaven here. This vintage bicycle-themed bar has some incredible whiskey cocktails (named after classic bike styles, of course). Overall, the cocktail menu is a delight, highlighted with house-made seasonal infusions, so it’s hard to go wrong here. 

And of course, you can come in for a tune-up for your bike while you sip on your cocktail. The shaded patio and its beer tap fountain is built for lounging around with friends, day or night. Who knew that bicyclists would be such cocktail aficionados?

Freedmen’s Bar - West Campus

While this Austin classic is well-known for mouth-watering and juicy Texas BBQ, it also has a whiskey list that has never received the attention it so properly deserves. Freedmen’s Bar in West Campus serves all of that up in a historic building with a rustic-chic interior.

The inside of Freedmen’s feels very old-school Texas, but the large and dog-friendly outdoor patio is great for catching up with friends on a weekend. The real tip is to come on Sundays for brunch and order a Bloody Mary that will make everyone jealous. While most places add a bacon garnish to their Bloody Mary, Freedmen’s uses a slab of juicy, moist brisket instead. 

Weather Up - East Austin

Arriving in Austin via New York City, Weather Up is a sophisticated cocktail lounge in East Austin. This drinking gem is inside a large, unassuming white house with a Big Apple-style interior covered in copper, leather, and bright subway tiles. A large, outdoor garden area makes this the perfect place to indulge when the weather's looking fine.

There’s a diverse selection of cocktails at the bar and each visit always feels like a new adventure. The bartenders are highly skilled at mixing and experimenting with high-quality ingredients and you can tell they have fun creating cocktails. Strike up a conversation with them and see what fun twists they can put on your favorite drink.

 —

Caitlin is an Austin beer and cocktail blogger behind Big World, Small Girl. Follow her on Instagram for good beer and great adventures.