The North Loop bar is one of Austin’s earlier cocktail bars, serving up well-made classic, house, and low-abv cocktails in an easy space, led by mastermind Pam Pritchard. The bar is open for indoor and outdoor service; takeout cocktails can be ordered online.

The North Loop favorite serves up excellent craft cocktails from owner Jessica Sanders and her stellar team which includes the highly talented Caer Maiko Ferguson of Asian cocktail pop-up Daijoubu. There is indoor and outdoor service, as well as curbside pickup service via online orders.

Industry vet Josh Loving's intimate downtown cocktail haven serves up well-done classics, along with a choose-your-own-adventure guide, martini-style. There is indoor dine-in service (reservations are available), as well as takeout cocktails.

While it seems like it’s difficult to get into the hidden downtown bar, it actually isn’t. Just download the app and book a required reservation (read: you don’t need to be a member). Once in, you’ll find thoughtfully put-together cocktails in a fun vibey space. There is indoor service only.

The mezzanine lounge of historic downtown Austin hotel offers a sense of history and class with its many nooks and crannies to explore. It is the place to dress up and feel fancy with solidly classic drinks. There is indoor service only.

Much like some of the other bars on this map, it’s difficult to find the entrance of the fittingly named downtown cocktail bar. But once there, find classic and original cocktails in a snazzy, dim space. There is indoor service only, and reservations are available.

Nerd out over the downtown cocktail bar's sprawling cocktail menu, which spans drinking history from the early years to modern classics. There is indoor space with reservations available, and takeout cocktails can be ordered online.

The former brothel-turned-speakeasy offers a small, refined oasis from the mess of Dirty Sixth. Be prepared to make hour-and-a-half reservations for tableside service and some of the best craft cocktails. There is indoor service only. 

Scranton Twohey’s East 6th bar was an immediate hit with its neighborhood-friendly massive outdoor space and approachable intriguing cocktail list. Sneak upstairs to Mezcaleria Tobala for a smoky-tasting tour of mezcals. There are both indoor and outdoor areas.

Perhaps Austin’s smallest indoor bar on Rainey also serves up a great cocktail lineup, from well-crafted classics to really fun frozens. There is a patio too, and takeout drink orders can be placed online.

Another shining bright light amidst the bars on a busy drinking hub, industry veteran Chris Bostick brought his art of the cocktail over to Rainey Street. He even geeked out with an in-house ice machine, where chunks of frozen water are particularly crafted for each drink. The team also includes the other co-founder of Asian cocktail pop-up Daijoubu, Sharon Yeung. There are indoor and outdoor spaces.