Most of Austin’s winter is temperate, but there are few weeks of cold weather. Our staff recommends these restaurants, bars, breweries and coffee shops when you're looking to get extra cozy.
The Backspace. Credit Carrie Ryan.
“Head to The Backspace for a cozy date night or to catch up with your bestie. Located behind Parkside at 6th and San Jacinto, Backspace offers a rustic and intimate setting. Their specialty is Neapolitan-style pizza that is cooked in their centrally located brick oven, as well as Italian wines, antipasti and desserts.” – Katie Cook, Director of Digital Marketing
“Blue Owl Brewing is the perfect spot to hang on a chilly day. Grab a flight of beer, and choose a board game to play with a group of friends!” – Sarah Brittenham, Sales Coordinator
“Stay cozy in Austin and snag the corner firepit on the “lawn” at Upstairs at Caroline's, located at the new Aloft and Element hotels in the heart of downtown. You don’t need to be a hotel guest as there’s a separate entrance from Congress Avenue. Sip on cocktails and challenge your friends to billiards, shuffleboard, cornhole and other games.” – Christine Yang Cramer, Director of Market Analysis and Research
Contigo Beer Garden. Credit John Davidson.
“Soak up Austin’s mild winter weather on the patio at Contigo. Sip on an Old Fashioned or a spiked coffee while wrapped up in a Mexican blanket, or chow down on crispy green beans and warm, wintery Texas-inspired dishes like rabbit & dumplings under the market lights at this intimate East Austin eatery which sources its ingredients from local farms and ranches.” – Christine Felton, Marketing Coordinator
“There’s just something special about Summer Moon’s wood fired coffee (the family built their own coffee roaster from scratch). Additionally, they have a magical and secret “Moon Milk” which makes them my favorite go-to spot for coffee.” – Amanda Rassasack, Sales Coordinator
“Jack Allen's Kitchen is one of Austin's best comfort food spots. Jack Allen’s offers diners locally sourced dishes from celebrated Texas chef Jack Gilmore. The all-you-can-eat Sunday brunch is a local favorite but any time you stop in you are guaranteed a good meal.” – Brian Gannon, Director of the Austin Film Commission
Courtesy of Ranch 616.
“Ranch 616’s Pistol Patio offers an excellent gathering place with fire pits, live country music and an award-winning bar with famous drinks like The Ranch Water™ and The Fire in the Hole.” – Katherine Wise, Communications Manager
“When temperatures begin to drop, slip into Jack and Ginger’s at Rock Rose to stay warm. Sip on some Jameson Irish Whiskey on one of their cozy couches by the fireplace and you’re sure to warm up soon. Grab a date you’ve been wanting to snuggle up next to and CHEERS!” – Ali Isaac, Sales Coordinator
From cozy date nights to birthday celebrations, The Highball and Alamo Drafthouse Cinema on South Lamar is the ideal place to spend cold winter evenings all under one roof. You can catch newly released films with a beer and queso in hand, or invite the girls out for a sing-along in The Highball’s private karaoke rooms.” –Samantha Brooks, Marketing Coordinator
Stephen F's Bar. Courtesy of Stephen F Austin Royal Sonesta Hotel.
“Stephen F’s Bar at the Stephen F. Austin Royal Sonesta Hotel is my go-to spot in the winter (also spring, summer and fall) for cocktails. Relax in the cushy leather chairs or out on the terrace on one of our warm winter evenings for amazing views of the Texas Capitol and most of downtown. Margo, David and Brad we are long overdue for a visit to our spot on the terrace.” – Julie Chase, Vice President and CMO
Warm up with a seasonal cocktail using locally distilled spirits, or explore more cozy winter recommendations in our Food & Drink section.
Contributed by Katie Cook.