South by Southwest (SXSW) is upon Austin soon, and the city is flooded with free cheap beer and open bars for badgeholders and the rest of ‘em. Sometimes, though, you just want to pay for a reliable drink of your choosing without the hassle during SXSW.
Here is Eater’s updated guide to the best cocktail and beer bars near the festival’s center. Partake in creative cocktail programs that nails it drink after drink from Roosevelt Room, feel the neighborhood vibes at Nickel City, squeeze into tiny bar Little Brother, and many more. There is no shortage of boozing destinations in and around the SXSW hub to get a dependable drink. Be warned and check ahead: these restaurants and bars might be bought out for private events and parties for an evening or longer.
For more dining and drinking ideas, check out the rest of Eater’s SXSW coverage. Looking to avoid SXSW? Here are the best bars outside of the hot zone. For more drinking needs, scope out Austin’s essential cocktail maps, hot new ones, iconic drinks, and places for margaritas.
With updates by Nadia Chaudhury.
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