Updated September 2023
We rounded up the best rooftop eateries in all of ATX for you! Turn it into a rooftop bucket list for fine wines and dines with the best views in the 512. Each spot was selected with the best vibes, bites, views, and weekly specials in mind! Happy rooftop hopping!
Transformed from an old 1960s parking garage at the LINE Hotel, downtown, P6 is a chic rooftop lounge best known for their iconic pink flagged ceilings, cocktails, and stunning sunset views. Their Mediterranean small plates and gorgeous cocktails go hand in hand with a breezy brunch with your besties overlooking the South Austin skyline.
Drop in Monday through Thursday for happy hour 4 PM - 5 PM!
Escape the everyday and get transported to the lush jungle inspired the moment you step into Zanzibar’s rooftop, complete with a pool! They specialize in fresh fruit and rum mixers on their island-inspired menu. Munch on shrimp skewers, sushi burritos, duck egg rolls, spicy tuna poke, or a big kahuna burger and wash it down with a Spice Island, Clean Wave, Sunbird Spritz or Classic Mai Tai.
Tiki & chill happy hours are Monday through Wednesday 4 PM - 6 PM or enjoy sunday specials like tasty tropical mimosas and $7 small bites!
photo courtesy of Zanzibar
Coined Austin’s “urban backyard party,” Upstairs at Caroline spots cocktails, beers, and tacos galore. Get your game on for a round of giant Jenga, foosball, shuffleboard, or cornhole! We couldn’t get enough of their $4 tacos: grilled adobo chicken, braised brisket, or quinoa and cauliflower “chorizo.” And they even have a menu for your furry friends!
Upstairs at Caroline has DAILY happy hour specials with deals like $2 tacos, $7 cocktails, $4 beers, and 25% off for Sunday Yappy hours if you bring your pup!
Nestled atop the JW Marriott is Edge Rooftop, a bar and terrace with breathtaking views of downtown ATX. Sip on a craft cocktail like the Soco Marg or Mexican Candied Paloma or local brew while you take in views of Lady Bird Lake and the Capitol Building. They’re open to the public at select times Wednesday-Sunday and pool cabana rentals are also available if you prefer to sip poolside!
photo courtesy of Edge Rooftop
Oasis Texas Brewing Company
Past the staple Oasis restaurant and up the narrow stairs sits one of our favs, Oasis Texas Brewing Co.! This rooftop brewery sits 400 feet above Lake Travis and serves up award winning beer straight from the taproom and has a craft kitchen with the best sunset views in all of Central Texas. Pair a Sunset cerveza or a Meta Modern IPA with one of their signature plates including fish tacos, incogmeato vegan burgers, moomami burgers, queso, bretzels, salads, and more.
photo courtesy of Oasis Texas Brewing Copmany
Enjoy margs and Mexican cuisine in this chic Barton Springs spot dotted with local art and a rooftop deck! The space is light and airy in the day time, with chic umbrellas to shade from the Texas sun. At night, the rooftop transforms with adorable string lights, heaters, and a stunning view of the downtown skyline. Gather with your crew and sip on signature El Alma margaritas like the Mangorita, Piñarita, and Avocadorita!
Happy hour runs everyday from 3 PM to 6 PM for $4 cervezas and sangrias, $6 classic margs, and $6-8 small plates!
The Dogwood is known for their “homegrown” concept and Southern hospitality. Their rooftop patio has a full bar and fans to compensate for central Texas heat. We’re obsessed with the greenery on Dogwood’s rooftop- cacti and palm trees for days overlooking the Domain! Their menu is seemingly endless and their main entrees include street tacos, quesadillas, chicken n waffle sliders, jalapeno mac and cheese, salads, sandwiches, and burgers!
Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays and features $6 cajun chicken fritters, chips n queso, sweet potater tots, and buffalo chicken dip.
photo courtesy of The Dogwood Rock Rose
Executive Chef Chris Schaefer crafted a contemporary menu of Austin fared shared plates like crispy pork ribs, grilled Texas quail, striped bass crudo, smoked short ribs, and flat iron steaks. Desserts like bread pudding, butterscotch pots de creme, and chocolate tart are available to cap the night. They offer local brews, cocktails, wines, whiskeys, and agave spirits.
Check out their online event calendar for an extensive list of live music sets and times, and stop by for jazz brunch featuring Texas songwriters every Saturday and Sunday from 10am-3pm.
Eastside Tavern has indoor and outdoor seating with a rooftop dining area complete with string lights and picnic style tables. They serve Authentic Texas style barbecue, booze, and brunch! Bonus points if you try the mac and cheese with your choice of brisket, chopped beef, pulled pork, sausage, or smoked turkey!
photo courtesy of Eastside Tavern
Visit La Piscina Tex-Mex for a poolside restaurant and bar with sweeping 5th floor views. Located at the Austin Proper Hotel, their open floor plan overlooks Downtown Austin and is in our opinion, one of the best rooftops in all of the city! Their menu flaunts fresh seafood, small plate snacks/appetizers, salads, family-style platters, ceviches, and fajitas! Their drink list is killer with frozen margs!
photo courtesy of La Piscina
Rules & Regs in the Fairmont
Housed on the stunning pool deck of the Fairmont Hotel downtown, Rules & Regs is your go-to for yummy Austin Tex-Mex with a view. The floor-to-ceiling glass windows are perfect for your downtown city grams and ATX is the best backdrop of them all. The couch style seating at R&R is perfect for catching up with your besties over their signature cocktails like the Island Hopper or Rebellious Gecko. Look out for delish bar bites like salmon ceviche, Mexican chocolate pavlova, and tuna aguachile. They’re open Thursday through Sunday, check online for a full list of hours and reservations. Don’t forget to check out their cigar and sip menu which features unique combos of cigars and drink pairings.
BETWEEN RED RIVER CULTURAL DISTRICT AND RAINEY STREET HISTORIC DISTRICT | DIRECTIONS
photo courtesy of The Fairmont
If you’re looking for a rooftop bar with a sophisticated and put together feel, look no further than Bar AC. This bar and restaurant is Spanish-inspired and offers wines, classic cocktails, and authentic tapas with a balcony sporting a great view of the Capitol building and MLK. The interior bar is lined with posh bar stools and mood-setting dim lighting. The wrap-around patio has intimate seating nooks for you and your party. Their specials include a Spanish tradition like Pass the Porron everyday at 6 PM. Happy hour runs from 4 PM-6 PM with a $2 wine discount, $5 specialty cocktails, and $5 tapas.
currently closed
photo courtesy of Bar AC
Knotty Deck and Bar inside Renaissance Hotel
For a breezy evening out or a laid back patio vibe, head to Knotty Deck and Bar near the Arboretum! Seating ranges from intimate couches to unique tables like the hanging round table with a fireplace in the middle or their sleek wooden table with ice chests lined in the center, bringing the bar right to you. Their menu features locally sourced farm-to-table meals with Texan-inspired American classic fares and Texas themed cocktails. Their outdoor patio is considered one of the best places to eat in Central Texas.
Don’t miss out on live music on the rooftop bar that happens every Monday night at 6pm!
THE ARBORETUM AT GREAT HILLS | DIRECTIONS
photo courtesy of Renaissance Austin Hotel
Wilder Wood is a 100% gluten-free ATX hotspot with a spacious rooftop patio! Dine on their patio under large umbrellas and enjoy their classic silo and cozy string lights. There’s plenty of seating and fans to keep you cool while you indulge on street tacos, brisket enchiladas, wilder fajitas, or ribs and ribeyes. Wilder Wood offers insane specials like $5 wine Wednesday and $20 bottles, 75 cent wings and $4 drafts on Thursdays, all day happy hour on Monday, and so much more!
photo courtesy of Wilder Wood
Micheladas Cafe y Cantina
One of the best spots in the 512 to enjoy Tex-Mex and margs, Micheladas has an iconic rooftop patio downtown! Each outdoor seating arrangement is decked out with a bright yellow umbrella and red seat cushions for your comfort. Enjoy the fresh air and one of their famous micheladas made with your choice of beer, housemade Michelada mix, fresh lime juice, and a chili salt rim. Reservations are recommended and furry friends are welcome on the outside patio!
photo courtesy of Micheladas Cafe y Cantina
The Upside at East Austin Hotel
This rooftop bar and restaurant overlooks the East Austin Hotel, their palm-tree lined swimming pool, and East Sixth Street. The Upside is furnished with trendy decor like wicker seats, floor cushions, mismatch print pillows, and floor to ceiling gold drapery. Enjoy small plates and cocktails with notes from Central and South America and the Caribbean. Stop in Fridays and Saturdays 5pm-10pm!
photo courtesy of East Austin Hotel
One of the best rooftop spots in all of downtown ATX, Azul sports a cool blue pool, seating that overlooks the heart of downtown, and intimate couch-style nooks for you and your crew. Azul wins for best rooftop hangout with their night-time neon blue vibes to their daytime sunshine hotspot pull. Stop in for a cocktail or two and don’t leave without sharing the 512 view with your following.
photo courtesy of Azul
Known as the most iconic bar on 6th, Maggie Mae’s is the best rooftop bar on the strip with 7 bars, 3 stages, and several floors of fun. You haven’t actually partied on sixth if you haven’t enjoyed the loud music and views from MM’s rooftop. Limited seating is available, but who needs it when you’re having a good time?
photo courtesy of Maggie Mae's
