The Rock Rose district is full of restaurants and bars that showcase North Austin's The Domain as a thriving entertainment district that can compete with the best of Austin nightlife. The art-inspired streetscape fuses Austin oddities with upscale entertainment, keeping the destination pulsing with visitors and locals alike. Head to Rock Rose to explore all that this hopping avenue has to offer. Here are a few of our favorite spots for food and fun.
Restaurants & Bars
Thai Kun
Stop into the brick-and-mortar location of this famed east Austin food truck, headed by Executive Chef Thai Changthong. Thai Kun features an expanded menu with delicious, inventive Thai food options including flavorful satays, refreshing papaya salads and a cocktail list that will turn your regular old happy hour into #happyhappytime. Characterized by the open kitchen and no-fuss atmosphere, Thai Kun stays true to the laid-back and Austin-cool vibe of its humble beginnings.
Jack & Ginger’s
Experience a pub where the spirit of Ireland meets the heart of Texas. With an impressive selection of 82+ beers on tap and Irish whiskey towers, this place is the ultimate spot for connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike. Whether you’re grabbing a drink during happy hour or catching the excitement of weekend soccer games, Jack & Ginger’s is the place to be.
Lotus Chinese
This locally owned Chinese restaurant invites you to savor the best of classic Chinese cuisine with a dash of creative flair. From delicious dumplings to sizzling wok-fried rice, every dish is a must-try. Don't skip on the rainbow soup dumplings that are both pretty and tasty! And what’s a meal without a perfect pairing? Take your pick from an enticing selection of hand-crafted cocktails... their chili watermelon margarita is a crowd favorite.
Mia Italian Tapas & Bar
As one of Austin’s premier locally-owned tapas hotspots, Mia Italian Tapas & Bar stands as a culinary gem. Indulge in world-class grilled pizzas, sip on classic cocktails, and enjoy their warm hospitality. Charm meets comfort in this rustic atmosphere. Enjoy their cozy indoor ambiance or bask in the Texas sun on their outdoor patio.
Lavaca Street Bar
A Rock Rose district staple, this spot is known to be a vibrant and spirited sports bar. Cheer on your favorite sports team on one of the many TVs around the restaurant while snacking on one of their famed house pies with your friends. From sizzling steaks to fresh seafood, their menu caters to all taste buds.
Salvation Pizza Kitchen & Bar
For pizza enthusiasts, you can’t go wrong with Salvation Pizza. This pizza joint crafts the best New Haven-style, thin-crust pizzas with the freshest sourced ingredients. Make sure to give their salvation rolls or calzones a try before digging into their signature pies.
Houndstooth
If you’re strolling around Rock Rose during the day, make sure you stop by Houndstooth for a coffee to-go or a kombucha refresher. This trendy coffee shop serves as a great in-between for your shopping and dining excursions, providing a cozy place to recharge. If you feel inclined to stay a bit longer, check out their crafty cocktail menu.
Hat Creek Burger Co.
Founded in Austin in 2008 by Drew Gressett, this burger joint started as a small food truck. The company has now expanded its presence across Texas. From a sweet playground for the kids to a happy hour for the parents, Hat Creek has something for everybody. If you’re looking for a top-heavy burger, The Big Hat Burger is where it’s at. If you’re looking for something small, but still filling, the buffalo chicken nuggets are guaranteed to hit the spot.
Nightlife
The Rose Room
Established in 2016, The Rose Room is a vibrant nightlife destination renowned for its dynamic fusion of light and sound. Lights and sounds converge to captivate guests and ignite their senses. This unique bar also offers three levels of table service. With an immersive atmosphere, The Rose Room is a must-visit spot for those seeking an exhilarating night out.
Wonder Bar
This bright and fun Rock Rose bar features a fantastic selection of cocktails. Drink from disco balls or mini Patron bottles, or spin the shot wheel for a mystery shot. Every section of the bar has its own unique persona, and themes inside are changed monthly. With an outside and inside area, this bar takes having fun to the next level. Activate all 5 senses while dancing and enjoying a drink at Wonderbar.
Kung Fu Saloon
With $4 mimosas until 4 PM, this place is already off to a good start. Kung Fu Saloon offers a diverse menu of food and drinks, including a wide array of cocktails, craft beers, and delicious bar bites. Not only is Kung Fu Saloon a hotspot for delicious drinks and food, it’s also recognized for its commitment to giving back. Through their monthly event, Drink 4 a Cause, they support local non-profit organizations, allowing guests to enjoy their favorites while contributing to a meaningful cause.
The Dogwood
The Dogwood keeps it casual among the other high-end bars that occupy the Rock Rose district. This spot incorporates classic Southern hospitality in its service, as well as the menu. Enjoy live music or dance the night away with a DJ during your next visit. The spacious patios and unbeatable views give The Dogwood a community-centric atmosphere that’s great for large gatherings.
77 Degrees Rooftop
Offering a unique tapas and cocktail menu, this expansive 3-story rooftop bar is the perfectly posh place to unwind during your visit. The posh rooftop patio is decorated with sleek white furniture, suspended swings, breezy cabanas and open spaces that are perfect for mingling and making new friends. With a menu full of photo-worthy cocktails from mixologist Ryan Baird and tapas options that are both delicious and perfect for sharing, 77 Degrees' swanky vibe is sure to impress.
Shopping Near Rock Rose
Nina Berenato Jewelry
This Austin-based jewelry store specializes in handmade jewelry crafted from luxury metals and natural stones. Each item is a statement of style and individuality. Perfect for commemorating a girls' trip or as a souvenir of Austin, her permanent bracelets are a standout. From dainty necklaces to beautiful hoop earrings, Nina Berenato has a wide range of options to suit every person's style.
Yeti
Stop by this beloved Austin brand’s store and dive into all things outdoors. Yeti offers a range of high-performance outdoor gear designed for durability and sustainability. Experience the unmatched quality and craftsmanship that has made Yeti a trusted name among all outdoor enthusiasts.
Erin Condren
In need of some trendy but simple organizational tools? From planners and notebooks to personalized stationery and gift labels, Erin Condren offers everything you need to bring order and elegance into your daily routine.
If you're looking for more to do in the area, check out our guide to Domain NORTHSIDE for more!
Contributed by Jordyn Brown, Marketing Intern