Having cocktails at brunch or nursing a craft concoction at a snazzy bar are some of the small pleasures in life. However, rooftop bars in Austin retain a certain edge over other watering holes in the city thanks to their settings high in the sky. Escape the ordinary and appreciate Austin’s cityscape from a new perspective at these luxury rooftop bars.
1. Upstairs at Caroline
Probably one of the most popular rooftop bars in Austin, Upstairs at Caroline is an open space furnished by funky park benches and comfy sofas. Spend a low-key afternoon sipping on an apricot spritz with a grilled chicken taco in hand. Chill Out Mondays equal shrimp cocktails and frozen beverages. Taco Tuesdays are all about blood orange margaritas and street tacos. Other events include Hump Day Happy Hour and Thirsty Thursday.
📍 621 Congress Ave, Austin
2. Rules and Regs
Find your place on the 7th floor of a luxury hotel in Downtown Austin, The Fairmont, and take in the cityscape from a contemporary rooftop bar that identifies with rule breaking. Rules and Regs, also known as R&R, offers tropical cocktails and “hangover cures”. If you’re feeling a little bit fancy, you can also purchase rich and vintage cigars. Rise high above your troubles at this rooftop hideaway and indulge in some quality drinks accompanied by some traditional guacamole or lobster tostadas.
📍101 Red River St, Austin
3. La Piscina
Discover La Piscina—a poolside restaurant and bar located on the 5th floor of a world-class boutique hotel, Austin Proper Hotel. Voted one of the 15 Best Rooftop Bars in Austin by Cosmopolitan, La Piscina is a Mexican-style oasis serving frozen margaritas and native Mexican spirits. From fresh seafood to quesadillas, one of the “sexiest and most scenic rooftop bars in Austin” is also known for its impressive menu.
📍 600 W 2nd St, 5th Floor, Austin
4. The Cabana Bar
Open until 8pm daily, The Cabana Bar at Hotel ZaZa is a must when it comes to experiencing the best rooftop bars in Austin. This poolside bar is a luxurious retreat offering incredible views of Downtown Austin and Republic Square Park. The Cabana Bar is located on the 7th floor and the menu features pool bites, such as a fresh-ground brisket cheeseburger and garlic fries, and a selection of signature cocktails. Lounge under the canvas on a sofa or at the bar seating surrounded by an incomparable atmosphere.
📍400 Lavaca St, Austin
5. Zanzibar
“You don’t just go to Zanzibar. You arrive.” This jungle paradise in Austin is far removed from the concrete pavements and hustle and bustle of city life. Zanzibar advises you “check reality at the door” beyond which you’ll find a lush, tropical rooftop terrace where you can enjoy otherworldy drinks and island-inspired food. Try one of the craft cocktails and order some fresh sushi, pork wontons, and more from the creative menu.
📍 304 E Cesar Chavez St, Unit 700, Austin
6. P6
If you’re looking for sweeping views and an intimate setting for a quiet drink, look no further than P6 at the LINE in Austin. Grab the perfect Instagram story with views of Lady Bird Lake and the South Austin skyline and capture the magical ambiance at this rooftop gem. Experience the “happiest hour” at P6 Monday to Friday, between 4pm and 6pm, and choose from some seasonal and specialty cocktails. Sunday Bottle Night at this romantic bar offers $20 off all wines by the bottle.
📍 111 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin
7. El Alma
El Alma is the place you go to for some truly authentic Mexican food and unbelievable flavors. The menu includes enchiladas, tacos, ceviche, and empanadas. “Hora feliz” starts at 3pm every day and offers margaritas for $7 each, $1 off beers, and more. Head to El Alma for a special Saturday or Sunday brunch with friends and experience culinary magic and refreshing cocktails from their casual patio space.
📍1025 Barton Springs Rd, Austin
8. Geraldine’s
There’s a reason why Austin is known as the “Live Music Capital of the World”, and Geraldine’s is marching to the beat of that drum. Not only can you enjoy a classic, Texas-style menu and signature cocktails such as an espresso martini featuring a house-made cold brew, but you can also experience an eclectic music scene at Geraldine’s. The rooftop deck is connected to the luxurious restaurant on the same floor at Hotel Van Zandt where you can relax poolside or on chic lounge furniture overlooking views of Lady Bird Lake.
📍605 Davis St, Austin