When the sun’s shining and you’re in the mood for a drink before sunset, Austin brings the heat with some of the best day drinking spots in Texas. Whether you’re chasing cocktails on a rooftop or diving into a full-blown Austin bar crawl, this city has no shortage of laid-back, fun, and unforgettable midday drinking experiences.
If you’re new to day drinking in Austin, you’ll want to start where locals and visitors converge: Rainey Street. This bungalow-turned-bar strip is packed with outdoor patios, live music, and an all-day party vibe. Lucille’s, Bungalow, and Half Step offer easy-going atmospheres and strong cocktails. Thrillist ranks Rainey Street as one of the best neighborhoods for drinking in the city—and for good reason.
Over on East 6th Street, you’ll find a grittier, more eclectic crowd. The dive bars here open early and keep things chill. Try out Whisler’s, known for its craft cocktails and cool patio scene. Want beer? Lazarus Brewing Co. serves fresh craft brews starting at noon and has a spacious patio perfect for soaking up that Austin sun. Eater Austin highlights both as top picks in East Austin’s drinking game.
While you can create your own self-guided bar crawl in Austin, why not level up with a professionally curated one? An Austin pub crawl gives you access to top venues, drink specials, and skips the guesswork. These tours are ideal for bachelor/bachelorette parties, friend groups, or solo travelers looking to link up with fellow fun-seekers.
If you’re visiting over a weekend, a Saturday Austin bar crawl will expose you to the city’s liveliest spots during prime daylight hours. Many companies even cater their tours around specific neighborhoods like East Austin bar crawl adventures or rooftop bar circuits.
You can’t do day drinking on an empty stomach—so hit up one of Austin’s legendary brunch spots. Perla’s on South Congress serves oysters and frozen cocktails from 11 a.m. on weekends. Mattie’s offers Southern charm with a side of mimosas and peacocks wandering the grounds. For a more hip, urban feel, head to Better Half Coffee & Cocktails, a brunch favorite featured by TimeOut Austin.
Ready to drink like a local and a VIP? With The Epic Group Austin, you’ll get exclusive access to Austin’s best bar crawl experiences. Their curated day and nightlife crawls include drink deals, no cover entry, and fun party hosts who know the city inside out. Whether you’re bar-hopping downtown or exploring the best day drinking in Austin, Epic ensures you hit the top spots without the stress.