There’s a reason Austin regularly tops the list as one of the best bachelor and bachelorette party destinations. With a little bit of everything for the bride or groom—lakes, bars, breweries, live music, Instagrammable stops—it makes planning a weekend of celebration events easy. We’ve taken it a step further and broke down some of the top places to stay, eat and, most importantly, drink while you celebrate your or your friend’s last fling before the ring in Austin.

Courtesy of Hotel ZaZa Austin.

Where to Stay

Hotel Van Zandt
This hotel is located in the middle of the Rainey Street Historic District, a popular drinking destination lined with renovated houses turned bungalow bars. It also offers a rooftop pool deck and fine dining option with tapas and shareables at Geraldine’s.

Hotel ZaZa
One of downtown’s newer hotel properties, Hotel ZaZa is as distinctively unique as its name. This hotel has all you need for a weekend to celebrate your bride or groom, including a spa. Grab a quick lunch or light bites at Perfect Strangers, or dine at their restaurant and lounge, Group Therapy. Their seventh floor pool is picturesque—a perfect spot for warm weather sunning or taking fun group pictures to remember the trip. Plus, it's just steps from the always entertaining Warehouse District, home to LGBTQ-friendly clubs, cocktail lounges and more.

Inn Cahoots
This hotel is a great option for those who want flexibility with their accommodations, and plan to celebrate out and about and in their own space. This hotel has five spacious units, each featuring a full size kitchen, open living/dining areas and private bedrooms and bathrooms. Guests also have access to the “sip and dip” pool and rooftop deck overlooking East 6th Street’s buzzing entertainment district.

Courtesy of Inn Cahoots.

Native Hostel
The Romper Room at East Austin's Native was practically made for giant slumber parties. With four bunks and a California King-sized bed, a group of up to 10 guys or gals can comfortably sleep here. All rooms feature a private shower, bathroom and locked storage space for each guest. In true hostel fashion, mixing and mingling is highly encouraged—hang out at the bar with a mix of locals and tourists for great drinks and live music.

South Congress Hotel
If the quirky South Congress vibe is more your style, embrace the ‘Keep Austin Weird’ philosophy and stay at the South Congress Hotel. Just a few blocks south of downtown, with an intimate pool area, three restaurants, a coffee shop, boutiques and a nail salon, there's a little something for everyone here. Not to mention you’re steps away from great shopping and delicious restaurants.

W Austin Hotel
Known for having one of the best rooftop pool decks in the city, the W Hotel is one of the most luxurious options for places to stay. Start the day with brunch at Trace downstairs, make a reservation at the luxurious in-hotel AWAY Austin Spa and check out the ‘secret bar’ and library room for drinks.

Loro. Courtesy of Visit Austin.

Where to Eat

Banger’s Sausage House & Beer Garden
Brunch at Banger's is an experience in itself. Their lively patio on Rainey Street is filled with music from live bands each week, and the ‘manmosas’ are filled with an entire bottle of champagne. Banger’s also has one of the largest beer selections in town with over 65 beers on tap, and an array of house made sausages and sides are on the menu.

Chuy’s
The original Chuy’s opened in 1982 on Barton Springs Road and is an obvious choice for parties looking to dine on authentic Austin Tex-Mex. Indulge in queso, unlimited chips and salsa and strong margaritas in their eclectic space. Don’t forget to request a side of creamy jalapeño dip with your chips.

Fresa's South First
Fresa’s South First is a favorite for its shady, spacious patio, sneaky margaritas and modern take on wood-grilled Mexican food. Grab a table under the towering oaks with Fresa’s loaded queso and signature wood-grilled chicken, served family-style with all the fixings.

Hillside Farmacy
Hillside Farmacy operated as Hillside Drugstore in the '50s, and was later restored into the quaint dining and brunching establishment it is now. Order a carafe of their house punch to split with your crew, and chow down on their egg & ham breakfast sammy.

Jo's South Congress. Credit Alyssa Jarae Photography.

Jo’s Coffee
Grab a midday pick me up from Jo’s like their signature Iced Turbo, and stop at the iconic I Love You So Much mural during your mural tour of Austin for a quick group picture. Or, stop by for Sunday's Sinner's Brunch from 12:30-3, featuring the Jo's House Band and other musical guests.

Loro Asian Smokehouse and Bar
Hailed by two of the most famous (and award-winning) chefs in the city: Aaron Franklin of Franklin Barbecue and Tyson Cole of Uchi and Uchiko, Loro is a stunning mashup of two incredible cuisines and cultures. This restaurant offers a large space of both indoor and outdoor seating with order-at-the-bar service and an array of choices from barbecue to popcorn to fresh fish.

Taquero Mucho
Arguably one of the most instagrammable spots in Austin, Taquero Mucho is a must stop while in town. Open for brunch, lunch, and dinner this Latina-owned business oozes feminine energy with bright decor, pink tacos, pink margaritas and awesome merch to match your bestie gals (or guys!).

Terry Black’s Barbecue
You haven’t planned a complete trip to Austin if filling up on legendary barbecue isn’t in the itinerary. Terry Black’s has been serving up killer barbecue and classic sides for generations, and is the perfect spot to feed a hungry crowd.

Courtesy of Whislers.

Where to Drink

Garage
This stylish bar is located inside of a downtown Austin parking garage, and they are mixing up some of the best craft cocktails in the city. The ambiance is secretive and swanky, like an upscale speakeasy. Order the Indian paintbrush when you go.

Kitty Cohen’s
This retro-inspired pool bar serves tropical tiki cocktails, refreshing frozen drinks and a great happy hour on their patio. Don’t miss the flamingo wallpaper in the bathroom.

Midnight Cowboy
A revered downtown speakeasy housed in a former brothel on Historic Sixth Street. Cocktails are prepared at the bar or table-side by experienced bartenders. Featured cocktails change regularly with nods to old school classics and modern favorites. Table reservations for this cocktail bar are required before visiting.

Garage. Credit Julie Cope.

Whisler’s
This local watering hole is a favorite of Austinites and visitors alike. They frequently have live music on the patio, and always have darn good drinks—many of which were inspired by Quentin Tarantino movies. If you and your party start feeling peckish, order one of the burgers or chicken sandwiches from the Golden Tiger food truck on-site.

The White Horse
Throw on your party boots and head over to this east side joint for a classic Texas honky-tonk, with live country bands every weekend and a late night taco truck.

Visit the Austin Insider Blog for more inspiration and recommendations, and to explore our entertainment districts.