Where to Drink in Austin Right Now, October '13

by Meghan McCarron Oct 28, 2013, 7:00am CDT

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School House Pub.

| Photo: Patrick Michels/EATX

by Meghan McCarron Oct 28, 2013, 7:00am CDT

Welcome to the latest installment of Eater Austin's drinkey heatmap, a list of the hottest, buzziest boozing destinations around town. That might mean brand-new bars, hot restaurants with serious cocktail game, or older spots mixing it up with a new bar program.

This update of the previous installment features a wealth of cocktail riches, from twin Manor Road newcommers School House Pub and Haymaker, to the inventive drink programs at Qui and beer-lovin' heat at South Austin sensation the AGBG. Celebrate Cocktail Week 2013 by checking out some of the best new libations in town.

Don't see your favorite new spot on the list? Heard about an older place that's made some changes? Let us know down the tipline or leave advice in the comments.

School House Pub

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This hotly anticipated neighborhood bar from the team behind Mi Madre's is serving up delicious and affordable cocktails as well as an inventive menu of bar snacks.

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2207 Manor Rd, Austin, TX 78722

(512) 469-7630

Haymaker

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This laid-back Manor road neighborhood pub is primarily about the beer, but they serve up a tasty Ginger Collins, and their Bloody Mary's are $3 on Sundays.

2310 E. Manor Rd, Austin, TX 78722

(512) 707-2744

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Jeffrey's

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With cocktail vet Josh Loving at the helm, the bar is the place to be at Jeffrey's. Sister restaurant Josephine House makes it cool to drink like your imaginary classy grandma.

1204 West Lynn, Austin, TX 78703

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Bonneville

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The unassuming Bonneville serves new takes on classic beverages, an approach which compliments their refined New American menu. Their laid-back downtown location makes this a perfect happy hour spot.

202 Cesar Chavez, Austin, TX 78701

(512) 428-4643

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CU 29 Cocktail Bar

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[Photo: CU29/Facebook]

720 Brazos St, Austin, TX 78701

(512) 474-0029

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Wright Bros. Brew & Brew

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The genius mixture of craft beer and local coffee has earned this East side newcomer a slate of regulars already. Wright Bros. serves up beer and espresso pairings, too. Think of it like a deconstructed cocktail.

500 San Marcos St #105, Austin, TX 78702

(512) 493-0963

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QUI Restaurant

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Qui has just started taking reservations, but dining there still often involves waiting for a table. Their inventive, craft-forward bar program makes the time spent on their patio worth it. Team Brian Floyd, Rachel DelRocco, and Justin Elliott are mixing up some of the most playful cocktails in Austin, and star mixologist Michael Simon's departure doesn't seem to have hurt their stride a bit.

1600 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78702

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Whisler's

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This craft-focused bar in the former Rabbit's Lounge space has been an instant hit on East 6th. The drink menu mixes new creations with classics. Even better, the bar is designed to minimize that scourge of the cocktail world: the wait.

1816 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78702

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Mettle

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This restaurant from Rainey Street bar maven Bridget Dunlap serves up a solid and delicious cocktail list, and their outdoor patio features couches perfect for sitting and sipping this fall.

507 Calles St, Austin, TX 78702

(512) 236-1022

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NO VA Kitchen & Bar

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NO VA bills itself as not the "usual" Rainey Street haunt, but that doesn't mean they've ignored the street's drinkey reputation. Their cocktail menu is adventurous, and they've recently added some daydrinking options like "milk punch" to accompany their new brunch menu.

87 Rainey St, Austin, TX 78701

(512) 382-5651

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The ABGB

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Yes, it's cocktail week, but this brewpub is burning up the Austin drinking scene so hot and fast it can't be ignored. The ABGB is all about beer, glorious beer. They have a certified hit on their hands in South Austin with a mixture of craft enthusiasm and neighborhood love.

1305 W Oltorf St, Austin, TX 78704

(512) 298-2242

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