A fantastic drinking town all year long, Austin really comes into its own when the early-spring rains taper off, giving way to warm temps perfect for sitting outside and enjoying a boozy beverage. These six popular patio bars provide excellent examples of Austin’s vibrant outdoor-drinking culture. 

Whisler’s - East Austin

Photo courtesy of Whisler’s

A legend in the Austin cocktail scene, East Austin drinkery Whisler’s features one of the city’s largest and most-popular patios. The outdoor area at Whisler’s includes plenty of picnic benches and cafe tables, plus lots of open concrete flooring for live music performances. The Whisler’s patio also contains a spacious bar, allowing guests to stock up on artisanal cocktails like the Shakespeare’s Sister (Pisco, Campari, cacao nib, strawberry, lemon) and the Beware of Sleestak (corn whiskey, celery, lemon, rice wine vinegar, fenugreek, wasabi, sesame seed) without needing to venture back indoors. 

Pool Burger - Westfield

Photo courtesy of Pool Burger

For classic fast-food-inspired burgers, frozen tiki drinks that pack a punch, and a wonderfully laid-back atmosphere, head over to Pool Burger in Westfield. Created by the team behind Austin hits like Jeffrey’s and Elizabeth Street Cafe, Pool Burger orients its sizable patio around a 1960s Airstream trailer, where its burger wizards whip up signature sandwiches like The Deep End (triple-stacked patties, Swiss cheese, bacon, Dijonnaise, and fresh jalapenos) and The Blue Hawaiian (beef patty, grilled pineapple, bacon, blue cheese, and Thousand Island dressing). The outdoor bar serves island-inspired rum libations like the Bird of Paradise (rum, Aperol, pineapple, lime) and the frozen Hurricane (three different rum varieties, passionfruit, lemon, Angostura bitters). The overall effect? A whimsical vacation vibe without ever leaving Austin. 

Backbeat - South Lamar

Photo courtesy of Backbeat

Backbeat, a chic South Lamar cocktail lounge with a mid-century aesthetic and intricate drink list, offers up a charming rooftop patio with stunning views of the Austin skyline. While this section of South Lamar Boulevard is more well-known for divey pubs, Tex-Mex diners, and fast-casual burger joints, Backbeat classes up the stretch with its low-key, mature energy, and excellent beverages like the Bring the Pain (bourbon, navy-proof and pineapple rums, coconut-washed sweet vermouth, spiced Angostura, and orange) and the Up, Up, And a Wray! (apple brandy, Jamaican rum, banana liqueur, blue Curacao, mint pastis, cream, and tiki bitters). If you’re in need of an upmarket outdoor-date destination in South Austin, you can’t do better than Backbeat.

Loro - South Lamar

Photo courtesy of Loro

A brand-new arrival to the busy South Lamar strip, Loro boasts an enviable pedigree, being the collaborative passion project of Aaron Franklin of Franklin Barbecue and Tyson Cole of Uchi. The restaurant features a huge front patio, the perfect spot to settle in with one of Loro’s delicious (and dangerously-potent) “boozy slushies”, which come in varieties like Frozen Gin & Tonic and Mango Sake Slushee. These beverages pack a formidable punch, so you’ll be glad for Loro’s hearty selection of smoked meats and flavorful side dishes—like candied kettle corn with burnt brisket ends and oak-grilled snap peas with a kimchi emulsion.

Easy Tiger - Dirty Sixth

Photo courtesy of Easy Tiger

A Dirty Sixth icon for baked goods, grilled sausages, and tall mugs of beer, Easy Tiger stands apart as one of Austin’s finest (and most spacious) beer gardens. With its central location, huge seating area, and fun features (like ping pong tables and a scenic canal), Easy Tiger attracts groups of friends eager for a pleasant evening of outdoor carousing, fortified by the bar’s impressive tap list of over 30 craft beers and hearty platters of shareable snacks like homemade pretzels with beer cheese.

Spider House - University Campus

Photo courtesy of Spider House

The area around University Campus can claim its fair share of gently-priced drinking dens with enough outdoor space to accommodate a crowd of undergrads. Spider House, however, brings an eclectic flair to the neighborhood with its funky garden, multiple outdoor stages, and daily drink specials. If you work up an appetite, Spider House offers a menu of Texan bar-food staples like queso and chips, Frito pie, and chicken tacos. Spider House’s bohemian charm makes it easy to understand how this spot has remained a UT classic for over 20 years.