In less than one month, Austin will make its yearly transformation into a hub of creativity and ideas as South by Southwest 2024 kicks off. SXSW promises an overabundance of opportunities for inspiration and networking.
From captivating conference sessions to exclusive premieres, and discovering up-and-coming musical talents at iconic venues, the next big idea or connection is always within reach, waiting to be seized at South by Southwest.
Whether you’re coming into town to work or play, here are some of our favorite bars and eateries to rent or check out around downtown Austin.
The Eleanor
📍307 W 5th St, Austin, TX 78701
An elegant event venue with a classic touch, The Eleanor is located in the heart of downtown Austin’s historic Warehouse district. The kindred, neighboring cocktail bar set in a building dating back to 1929, the space offers an idyllic setting for every type of occasion. The open floor plan and functional layout provide hosts with the ideal canvas to customize each aspect of their gathering, creating lasting memories with their guests.
The Roosevelt Room
📍307 W 5th St, Austin, TX 78701
Set in a railroad warehouse built in 1929, the space is one of the most unique in the city, where both classic and modern designs come together in a beautiful and tasteful way. With two distinct rooms in the venue to enjoy – the Main Level Dining Room and second-story Mezzanine – the versatile space can be tailored to best accommodate your plans for the evening.
Summit Rooftop & Lounge
📍120 W 5th St, Austin, TX 78701
Summit features a distinctive interior design, a capacious rooftop deck complete with a state-of-the-art sound system, and a striking LED wall. The venue’s vibrant ambiance harmonizes seamlessly with the extraordinary panorama of Austin’s skyline, certainly setting an impeccable stage for both formal and casual occasions.
The Stay Put
📍73 Rainey St, Austin, TX 78701
The Stay Put is the first and only brewpub on historic Rainey Street in downtown Austin. The space offers brewed beers, draft cocktails, and wine with indoor-outdoor space and a wrap-around patio. The intimate setting provides the perfect backdrop for meaningful conversations and laughter, creating an atmosphere that’s both refined and relaxed.
Seven Grand
📍405 E 7th St, Austin, TX 78701
Seven Grand is a curated whiskey bar with 400+ premium whiskeys in downtown Austin. The sprawling indoor space offers hunting lodge vibes, pool tables, a long, wood-grained bar, and a stage. The patio is shared with sister bar Las Perlas which is also home to Caña Rum Bar. When rented together, it is a 3-concept space. Seven Grand Pool Lounge promises an evening that is both refined and relaxed.
Wanderlust Downtown
📍610 N Interstate Hwy 35, Austin, TX 78701
Wanderlust Wine Co. is the largest self-pour wine-on-tap winery in the world, based in Austin, Texas. With 3 locations that feature outdoor spaces, you’re never far from a fabulous wine-tasting experience. Their downtown location is just a walk away from the convention center. Enjoy wines from around the world that are available and served more sustainably.
Codependent
📍301 West Ave STE 110, Austin, TX 78701
Codependent is a conceptual cocktail + coffee bar inspired by Italian luxury, aperitivo culture, and the belief that beautiful design should be enjoyed by all. Think of it as a high-end design showroom that meets Austin hospitality. Located in the heart of downtown, Codependent offers both indoor and outdoor spaces right off of Shoal Creek.
Inn Cahoots
📍1221 E. 6th St, Austin, TX 78702
Inn Cahoots is a four-story boutique hotel and event venue on East 6th Street that features five spacious & versatile condo-style suites, a sprawling rooftop deck overlooking Downtown Austin, and more than 36,000 sq. ft of indoor/outdoor event space!
Swift's Attic
📍315 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
Swift’s is located on 3rd and Congress, above the nationally recognized Elephant Room, on the second floor of the historic downtown Austin building that originally was the 1905 home to the Swift’s Premium Food Co. Built to be comfortable yet exciting, Swift’s Attic was designed to accent the space’s natural historic beauty and character, while bringing modern elements and conveniences to guests. Swift’s Attic has spaces suited for intimate dining experiences or full buyout celebrations.
Wu Chow
📍500 W 5th St, Austin, TX 78701
The sister restaurant of Swift’s Attic, Wu Chow brings authentic, farm-fresh, modern Chinese food to the heart of downtown Austin, offering dishes representative of all eight styles of Chinese cuisine, as well as dim sum brunch service on Sundays.
The Garden at Lit Lounge
📍215 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78701
Step into an oasis of elegance at The Garden, Lit Lounge’s latest addition to 6th Street. Nestled in the heart of downtown, this exclusive venue exudes sophistication like no other, offering a level of exclusivity that sets it apart. With abundant space for socializing and a full bar at your fingertips, The Garden provides the ideal setting for private events. Specializing in craft cocktails, specialty beers, and wine, every sip is a journey into refined taste.
Tipsy Alchemist
📍70 Rainey St # 200, Austin, TX 78701
As you step into The Tipsy Alchemist, you’ll find yourself in a realm where the ordinary transforms into the extraordinary. The bar’s modern and sophisticated design is complemented by an eclectic mix of contemporary and whimsical elements, creating an atmosphere that’s both chic and inviting. The Tipsy Alchemist is more than a bar; it’s a destination that captivates the senses and sparks the imagination.
Half Step
📍75 1/2 Rainey St Austin, TX 78701
Half Step is a laid-back, craft cocktail bar located in downtown Austin on historic Rainey Street. Inside is a cozy refurbished home with a bar and stage, while outside is a large patio with picnic table seating, outdoor bar, a stage, food trucks, and yard games. While this location does not have food in-house, you can satisfy your hunger with onsite food trucks Spicy Boys Fried Chicken and Little Lucy’s Donuts.
Cedar Door Patio Bar & Grill
📍201 Brazos St bldg A, Austin, TX 78701
Since 1975, the Cedar Door Patio Bar and Grill has been an Austin landmark institution famous for our southwest menu, friendly hospitality, and famous Mexican Martini! Located in downtown Austin’s convention district, the Cedar Door is conveniently located within walking distance to the Austin Convention Center and major hotels such as the JW Marriott, Hilton, Four Seasons, and Austin Marriott Downtown. The Cedar Door is the perfect spot for creative corporate meetups, social receptions, and more.
Iron Cactus
📍606 Trinity St, Austin, TX 78701
Located at the heart of historic 6th street, Iron Cactus has been a local favorite Austin Mexican restaurant for over two decades. Their contemporary Mexican cuisine menu includes Mexican food favorites like fajitas and margaritas, but also specialty items like Three Chile Pork Loin, Camarones (jumbo Shrimp) A La Parilla, Southwest Paella and Stuffed Avocados. Dine in the restaurant or on our rooftop patio. Don’t forget the table-side guacamole!
Meat & Bread
📍360 Nueces St ste 20, Austin, TX 78701
Their concept is simple – make simple, fast, and delicious sandwiches. Prepared with high quality ingredients, strong culinary skill, and a lot of heart. Their signature, carved to order Porchetta Sandwich is not to be missed!
Industry Eastside
📍360 Nueces St ste 20, Austin, TX 78701
Every day, Late Night. Industry is your all-the-time hangout for breakfast and meetings, a quick lunch, happy hour with a friend or 40, eastside pre-gamming, or a late-night snack. With 60+ menu items, a lot of them healthy, a lot of them not, and a full bar with 30 taps, they’ve got you covered for every mood and every occasion. Whether happy hour for 20 or a buyout for 250, Industry has flexible indoor/outdoor seating with a stage and a built-in sound and projector system for presentations.
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