Cheers to the Best Rooftop Bars in Austin

Fall in Austin isn’t just a season, it’s a city game-changer. Every nook and cranny comes alive with activity; folks return from cooler Northern pastures, UT draws in a new semester of student body, and revelers descend for big festivals like ACL and F1. It’s also a time when those who patiently waited out the most intense of months in their condos have a life again. Their hard-earned dollars can now be distributed more evenly, between AC and margaritas. Outdoor margaritas, of course. Austin’s rooftop bars are just the place to rejoice in the great outdoors. We round out the very best spots to soak up B(r)at City’s skyline and lakeside views.

Go forth and be so Julia, y’all.

Campus District
As the Campus District’s only rooftop pool and lounge, this space is routinely busy with fun-lovin’ patrons atop the Otis Hotel, especially come DJ nights and Golden Hour (a.k.a. happy hour). Though you’re in the heart of college town, Otopia has a distinctly upscale vibe that’s also approachable at the same time. Bar bites include plates of sushi and tacos, which we admit are on the small side, so you’d be wise to come for Smokin’ Sundays for deals on meaty pork sliders instead. Day passes are available if you just want to come take a dip.

Downtown
Formerly your run-of-the-mill rooftop parking garage, the P6 Lounge is now a happening watering hole complete with an intoxicating lakeside view. Located inside the sexy LINE Austin, P6 offers Mediterranean small bites and seasonal cocktails alongside the opportunity to see South Austin from a new angle, and you get a front-row seat to the Congress Avenue bat bridge. Wine lovers will want to check out their ‘Sip Well Sundays’ special when bottles are $20 off.

East Austin
For those who flocked to Europe during the heatwave and long to return, you can now relive your best Emily in Rome days in East Austin. Casa Bianca’s new rooftop bar, Bar Alcina, is an alfresco dream, with Italian cocktails on tap spanning Aperol Spritzes and Negronis, and plenty of cicchetti (aka Italian bar snacks) and pasta for the table. Their events lineup provides for added immersion, including a bimonthly Italian film series. Mamma Mia! Bar Alcina is open Tuesday through Sunday 4 pm till 10:30 pm.

Downtown
The ground floor patio may appear to be Second Street’s buzziest spot, but the cool kids know that the best place to hang at Austin Proper is actually up on the roof. La Piscina is tucked away in the center of floor five, offering an intimate space with Tex-Mex fare and plenty of refreshing beverage options. We love ordering the oysters with a mezcal concoction. Situated beside the pool and overlooking the Seaholm area, La Piscina has a distinct air of fat-flung glam, making it an excellent choice for date night.

South Lamar
Nido opened in 2022 but already is every Austinite’s favorite suggestion when it comes to rooftop bars that boast the best views of downtown’s skyline—that’s because it sits right across the lake, at the tip of South Lamar. You’ll tuck into its new American fare and excellent European wine list with obstructed sights of recognizable yet under-the-radar buildings such as the Austin Public Library and the Gables Towers. It’s the best place to do as the locals do.

Downtown
Both indoor and outdoor poolside seating at Group Therapy offers all-day dining, snacks, and drinks—and there’s a lot to love about the beverages here because they are huge (everything’s bigger in Texas, you know!). We’re talking full wine glass-sized pours of bubbles and pitchers capable of quenching a thirsty gang of four. Views overlook Republic Square, brunch is offered daily, and live music strums select days of the week.

West Fifth
Transplants missing their LA, Vegas, and Miami parties should make a beeline to this open-air, bottle-service emporium. The swank interior sports a posh feel that, combined with a huge glitzy dance floor, evokes a vibe that’s quite literally the opposite of Austin casual—meaning, of course, guests arrive dressed to impress. The experience is high-energy, with an emphasis on EDM, so plan accordingly and don’t forget to hydrate.

Warehouse District
There have been talks of the Coconut Club and the rest of fourth street closing down to make way for street renovations, but years on, the color hasn’t stopped flashing. This two-story Warehouse District queer bar heaves with bodies every night and all weekend, with no signs of stopping yet. Head up to the rooftop lounge which hosts drag events during the day, and come dusk it transforms into disco heaven. The whole experience is social media gold too—from Coconut Club’s neon-lit insides to the rainbow crossing out front.

Downtown
For all the breeze, music, and sunshine, head up to Rules & Regs atop Fairmont Austin. R&R by the glittering pool is exactly that, alongside sharable plates and colorful tropical cocktails. You’ll also find non-alcoholic ‘hangover cures’ teeming with trusted recovery agents like Kombucha and coconut water. Best for when the heat is too much to bear downstairs, Rules & Regs keeps things chill thanks to a nearby cluster of shady—and scenic—palm trees. Don’t miss their awesome drag brunches too, which are always a scream.

Barton Springs
El Alma’s casual rooftop patio is an all-year escape from the city, with prices that make you feel like you’ve been airlifted to a neighborhood cantina in Guadalajara. The menu offers seasonal Margaritas and Mojitos alongside Queso Fundido and tangy Ceviche, and the happy hour runs daily between 3 and 6 pm with discounts across the board including on the famed Mangorita, a frozen margarita swirled with tequila-marinated mango purée and served with an el chile rim. Special occasions like Día de los Muertos and Cinco de Mayo are a must.

Rainey Street
Hotel Van Zandt is home to this upscale restaurant and bar, known for hosting talented live music every night of the week. The performers are always top-tier (we’ve never witnessed a bad set), and adjacent to the stage is a sexy rooftop pool and fireplace for added ambience. The bar serves cocktails, beer, and wine, and they often host sizzling parties with guest DJs. The rooftop fun doesn’t stop when the freeze sets in—in December the rooftop is dotted with cute winter igloos.

Downtown
The rooftop of the JW Marriott is open to the public after 6 pm and features a wide selection of crafty cocktails (the Piña Colada is everything), beer, and wine plus a full menu of tacos, salads, and other light bites. The vibe is stylish yet relaxed, with comfy lounge chairs surrounding fire-pits in case the temperature takes a dip, and live music on Thursdays to set the mood. One side has views of Ladybird Lake and the other overlooks the city skyline, so you truly can't go wrong.

Downtown
There ain’t no party like a W party. The WET Deck downtown is accessible to non-hotel guests who purchase a day pass on the W Austin’s website. Slurpy delights include Frosé and Frozen Cola, and cabanas and daybeds are reservable for a fee and minimum spend. DJ Fridays to Sundays happen every week, and special events regularly take place here, keep your ear to the ground during festival season.

Downtown
Hovering 20 floors above the pavement, Azul Rooftop boasts some of the highest views in town alongside a massive selection of cocktails to help enhance the panoramic entertainment. The rather low-key deck also has a wading pool, cabanas, fire pits, and a wealth of space to snap those coveted sunset pics, and you can cozy up with a good read during the weekday, generally undisturbed.

Downtown
Upstairs at Caroline is an absurdly fun urban backyard party overlooking Congress, complete with picnic benches; astroturf; bar games like foosball, shuffleboard, cornhole, and giant Jenga; koozies; and, of course, all the cocktails. There are always tons of weekly specials including $3 Taco Tuesday, Sunday Yappy Hour (bringing along your pup gets you 25% off your bill), and Thirsty Thursday with $8 draft cocktails from 4 to 7 pm. No reservations are taken.

Domain
This three-story rooftop patio atop the Rose Room is a non-stop Vegas-style dance party, complete with dancers and DJs galore. There’s an outside dance floor and loads of seating to enjoy tapas, cocktails, and bottle service. Soak up the bright lights, hard beats, and big crowds (skewing heavily on students) on weekends—in other words, live it up.

Warehouse District
Speakeasy is one of those rare OG downtown spots that's managed to weather the storm over the years and even evolve along the way. Terrace59 is the Miami-esque rooftop lounge upstairs, with white cushioned furniture, DJs, low lights, and epic views. Dedicated bar and cocktail waitresses, along with themed nights such as Open Mic and Singalong Saturdays, make this a welcoming destination for the graduated-from-Dirty Sixth crowd, and they even sell cigars if you’re feeling fancy.