Dine on oysters and calamari while looking down from the New American restaurant rooftop at the swelling crowds on Dirty Sixth.

The outdoor deck at the downtown bar is optimal for people-watching down below, plus there’s Jenga and a photobooth.

The massive beer garden overlooking Waller Creek has everything a person could need: ping-pong, pretzels, and really good beer.

Another East Side enclave, the East Sixth dive bar’s back patio is super dog friendly. And hey, Bill Murray worked the bar during SXSW once, so maybe you’ll get lucky.

Gluten-free rooftop dining (get the burgers) and drinking is possible in the East Side at the East Seventh Street restaurant.

The JW Marriott is a major SXSW hub, so take advantage of the fittingly named downtown restaurant’s wraparound patio right on Congress Avenue, complete with an outdoor bar with plenty of lounge chairs and tables.

A good night means cheap drinks at the East Sixth bar, including the Iron Whip, that frozen creamsicle of a cocktail, plus food from Cluck-n-Burger. You’re welcome.

Find Mexico City-style cantina food, lots of agave spirits, and both front- and backyard dining at the East Sixth restaurant. Plus, the $5 happy hour includes snacks and drinks to get you through that afternoon slump.

Noodle soup experts Ramen Tatsu-ya opened up a Japanese patio bar complete with adorable feline decor, Chu-Hi cocktails, and Kirin Ichiban lagers with frozen foam caps and liquor floaters right on East Sixth.

The dive bar’s backyard is great for beers and simple cocktails.

The rooftop bar and lounge from the Line Austin Hotel is right in downtown Austin, offers stellar views of the Colorado River as well as cocktails.

Tucked away off South Lamar is the Texas comfort food hotel restaurant, with a stylish, shaded patio.

The trek out to the East Sixth Street cocktail bar is worth it for the upstairs mezcalería, the cave-like inside bar, or large alfresco space with its outdoor bar, where handcrafted cocktails are served.

Cheap and delicious tacos and tamales, plus drinks, make Tamale House East a good East Austin spot to set up shop.

The East Austin table-service barbecue and cocktail spot features both a patio and a rooftop deck with a dedicated bar.

The downtown bar's prime location on the corner of Rainey Street means there is more real estate to drink some of the many beers on tap and eat Via 313’s celebrated square pies.