Where – And When – To Party At These Fun Hotspots
When one thinks of nightlife in Austin, Texas, 6th Street comes immediately to mind.
And for good reason – it’s awesome!
But while most people flood to the area of the college bars, there’s another part of 6th Street that’s also steaming with great bars, ones for the 30s and up crowd and Austin locals. It’s known as West 6th Street.
Here’s a complete guide to not just the best bars, but the “routine” on where to start your night out here in Austin and where to go bar-hopping in the area. Note that these are the best singles bars in the area.
The ‘Other’ 6th Street Not The College Bars
This “other” 6th Street, is a very cool area with more than a half-dozen happening places. All are within a couple of blocks of one another so it’s ideal for checking out a few places with just a few paces. This, as well as 4th Street, is primarily where those who have completed their college education go to play.
And here, too, beers are amazingly cheap. Yes, it a bit more dressy than the super-casual 6th Street, but shorts on hot nights are widely acceptable wardrobe.
An outstanding place to start is Star Bar. But be warned – it may not be possible to pull one’s self out of this place to check out the other spots in the area. It’s an upscale-looking lounge with a very casual attitude (and $4 beers) with a deck looking out onto the street and a fairly large patio in the back, separated by an area inside for standing and sitting. The people are in their 30s and up and dress well and guys, you’ll see some head-turners in this place.
As tempting as that place may be, another place awaits down the side street, Kung Fu Saloon. It’s an odd name because the place is not some type of Chinese restaurant that turns into a happening lounge later. Rather, it’s a happening lounge with Pac-Man and Space Invaders table video games, Skeet Ball, a small outdoor patio, DJ and $3 drafts, even on weekend nights. The place also has Happy Hour every night until 9:30 when the drafts are just $2, and they are also a deuce all day Sundays.
Hoffbaru Steaks is an outdoor bbq of a party – it’s one of Austin’s most iconic steakhouses – with a live band and a lively atmosphere when the dining is done.
The lively scene and atmosphere on 6th West Street is at The Dogwood. This place plays fun party music and has a fun, lively crowd to enjoy it. It’s mostly an outdoor patio surrounded by a long bar, but there’s an inside area with another bar, too. The energy and enthusiasm is prevalent everywhere, so it’s not a “stand around and see what happens” kind of place, it’s a “move around and make something happen” kind of place. Look for a small line after 11.
Bu wait – there’s more! J Black’s Feel Good Lounge is a plush lounge with a balcony overlooking 6th West. The Belmont is a nice restaurant with two patios that’s known around Austin for itsBloody Marys. That’s one reason a lot of people come here for Sunday brunch.
At 4th Street, the places to hit are Fado Irish Pub, 6 Lounge and Lavaca Street Bar on Cedar Street.
Helpful Link: West 6th Street Map
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