The Early Word on South Austin Cocktail Bar Backbeat

Drink.well husband-and-wife duo Jessica and Michael Sanders opened up Backbeat bar on South Lamar this March. It features eclectic cocktails, evolving snack options and a relaxing outdoor patio to settle into. Read on for the early word on Backbeat.

The drinks — The bar is getting marks through the roof for creativity, generating all kinds of enthusiasm: Thrillist raved that the "cocktail program is the most fresh and inventive in town," and Foursquare user Brian Fleenor recommends the mezcal and rum Neon Jungle (with coconut-washed vermouth and fresh pineapple and lime), writing: "go for it and then do it again."

The space — Backbeat’s atmosphere, scene, etc. seem to steal the show from the drinks, and maybe that’s the point of the place that Zagat called "a West Coast jazz bar meets 1960s beach party." Do it again, indeed!

The patio — The patio is the thing, here; according to Zagat, even though the bar is on the active South Lamar, the rooftop is positioned just so it becomes "a succulent-filled oasis with a view of the Austin skyline." Yelper John H. tips that for now, canines stay home: "Btw no dogs allowed in outdoor area, grrrrr."

The decor — Forks Up describes "a sophisticated indoor bar downstairs," in her review. And most reviewers report a chillax vibe indoor and out, like Local Sugar, who writes, "both the mid-century modern décor and the inspired cocktails will take you back to a simpler time."

The service — According to Local Sugar, even if you’re new to ordering cocktails, the "servers are very knowledgeable and well versed on both the ingredients and how to describe the taste of each drink." While some Yelpers griped about problems with long wait times for drinks and checks, it takes time to work out kinks.

The snacks — Zagat was super pos on the snack front, writing, "you might not make it to a different location for dinner."