Austin is synonymous with breakfast tacos, watering holes (for drinking or swimming) and an obsession with patios. Triple-digit temperatures may slow us down, but never stop us from rounding up human and furry troops for ice-cold local craft beers, juicy burgers, ooey-gooey queso and the simple pleasures of fresh air, friends and frosés. Get in on the goodness at one of Austin’s best (and locals-approved) patio bars.

Patio lights illuminate the patio of Bangers Sausage House and Beer Garden at night
Courtesy of Banger's.

Banger's Sausage House & Beer Garden

The universal appeal of their German-inspired comfort food and a jaw-dropping selection of more than 100 beers has earned Banger's the honor of being Rainey Street’s most bumpin’ venue. Channel Oktoberfest any month of the year. Bring your crew to the massive dog-friendly patio and grab a seat at one of the many communal tables for a beer-drinking, sausage-eating good time.

Bouldin Acres

Bouldin Acres offers double the fun at three locations, South Lamar, Manchaca and Braker Lane, each designed for eating, sipping and serious playing. Order food truck fare and enjoy beer or specialty cocktails on the open-air patio. Hit the pickleball courts, challenge friends to lawn games and let the kids burn off energy on the playground. Even your pup gets a piece of the action at the fenced-in dog park.

Central Machine Works

Central Machine Works, a hip east side brewery, beer garden and live music venue, is a sprawling space with lots (and lots) of indoor and patio seating. Forged from the bones of a former machine shop, Central Machine Works is a conversation piece, as well as home to one of the best patios in town. 

Chalmers

Spread out under a shade umbrella and sip cold brews and frozen cocktails at Chalmers, where there’s plenty of room to kick back on the deck for day drinking or night noshing. Order a burger, crack wings or fry bread tacos to round out your visit to this East Austin bar.

Outdoor patio bar stools at Leftys Brick Bar in Austin Texas
Lefty's Brick Bar. Credit Brittany Bosworth.

Cosmic Saltillo

At both the South and East Austin outposts of Cosmic Saltillo you’ll find sprawling patios, lush greenery and a vibe that blends nature with neighborhood buzz. Sip on signature cocktails, boozy cold brews or creative coffee classics while soaking in the scene created by fierce champions of sustainability. A third Cosmic is landing soon on Menchaca Road, bringing more good times to Far South Austin.

Lefty’s Brick Bar

Grab an ice cold cocktail and a “sammich” at Lefty’s Brick Bar, the laid-back, street-level patio bar in the heart of East Sixth Street. Lefty’s is completely open-air, so your happy hour hangs just might turn into stargazing and sips. 

Kitty Cohen’s

Kitty Cohen’s is the east side patio bar that drips with a '60s-era Palm Springs retro-cool vibe, from flamingo decor to the dipping pool and tropical plant perimeter. Enjoy a frosty frosé, a Dreamsicle or a Frozen Swirl combo of them both. Add a floater for extra oomph.

Friends enjoy pints of beer at Scholz Garten in Austin, Texas
Courtesy of Scholz Garten.

Scholz Garten

For a taste of old-school Austin, head to German biergarten and local institution, Scholz Garten. Established in 1866 as a meeting place for Austin’s German community, Scholz Garten is also a hot spot for politicos and a favorite gathering place for The University of Texas at Austin football fans.

Hold Out Brewing

In the mood for tasty craft beer and a killer burger? Then head to the patio at Hold Out Brewing, from the folks behind Austin favorites Better Half, Wright Bros. Brew and Brew and Little Brother Bar. Try the house brew, a crisp pale ale or dark lager.

Tweedy’s Bar

Tweedy’s Bar is pure Austin chill — casual, quirky and made for unwinding. Kick back with a cold brew, bold coffee or classic cocktail in hand. As the sun sets, the vibe gets even better with live music most evenings. Relax under the string lights on the spacious, dog-friendly patio and grab a bite from one of the on-site food trucks.

Image of people hanging out and sitting at picnic tables on the outdoor patio at Whisler's.
Whisler's. Credit to Sonny Brown.

Whisler’s

Whether your go-to cocktail is a 14-ingredient work of art or a Tito’s-and-Topo, Whisler’s is a top pick for cocktails and people watching on the patio. Whisler’s has a prime location in Austin’s uber-hip east side, but the real stars are the talented bar staff who painstakingly develop cocktail menus seasonally.

Zilker Brewing Co.

Along popular East Sixth Street, Zilker Brewing Co.'s beertenders serve their popular mainstay craft brews — IPAs, lagers and stouts — and a lineup of seasonal flavors. Sit at a picnic table on the shaded patio or sip your beer in the taproom. Love their brews? Buy a four- or six-pack to take home.

Looking for more ways to hang al fresco? Check out our guide to outdoor concert venues in town.