While numerous Austin bars and restaurants have closed since the pandemic began, others are popping up all over town, finding new and unique ways to make it in this crazy world we’re living in! To make it easier for you to explore, we’re grouping the new spots by area of town, starting with South Austin bars.
Here are 5 South Austin bars you need to check out!
Armadillo Den
Location: 10106 Manchaca Road
With a HUGE patio filled with lots of outdoor seating, fire pits and heaters, Armadillo Den is a great place to enjoy a socially distant outing. The gang behind the West Sixth bar Rustic Tap opened this spot in December 2020 and it’s quickly becoming one of the most popular South Austin bars. In fact, it’s so popular, it’s often difficult to find parking. Their lot is rather small and street parking is scarce so we recommend Ubering – which is probably a good idea anyway because they offer a wide variety of beer and specialty drinks. You will definitely want to try more than one! There are two food trucks on site, live music nightly, and an off leash dog area. Coming soon during their phase 2 launch (currently scheduled for March 2021), they’ll be adding a kid friendly covered awning. Until then, no one under the age of 21 is allowed.
Easy Tiger South
Location: 3508 South Lamar Boulevard
Located in the old Red’s Porch spot on South Lamar, Easy Tiger opened in October of 2020. The Bakery and Beer Garden, the largest of their locations, is situated along the Barton Creek Greenbelt and optimized for safe socializing with its abundance of outdoor dining options. They offer a full bar and plenty of craft beers, as well as mouth watering breads, pastries, sausages, sandwiches, soups, salads, and pretzels. Their Little Tiger Den also puts them on our list of the top 5 best Austin restaurants with outdoor play areas for kids! Limited parking is available on-site, so walking, biking, or ride sharing is highly encouraged. Oh, and if you’re looking for a king cake, they make one of the best in town!
HipStirs
Location: 3402 South Lamar Boulevard
The HipStirs Lounge opened in December 2020 and they serve some of the tastiest cocktails on tap. Specializing in all-natural craft syrups, which are available nationwide, they also offer local cocktail kits, virtual mixology courses, and custom gift boxes. Located at the base of the 704 apartment complex (and right next door to the Broken Spoke), the lounge incorporates a classic yet contemporary vibe. There are a variety of food options available from partners Phantasma Kitchen and Lechuza Birria Tacos. We tried Phantasma’s limited edition pizza inspired by Nightmare Before Christmas. Topped with roasted pumpkin, prosciutto, pickled shallots, house made mozzarella, fontina, fried sage and balsamic reduction, this one should not be missed (and since we aren’t sure how much longer they will be offering it, run, don’t walk, to try it).
Pinthouse Brewing
Location: 2201 East Ben White Boulevard
In January 2021, Pinthouse opened its fourth and largest location yet. Located in the old Midnight Rodeo building, the owners have ditched the nautical style of their other locations and instead created a more subtle and calming feel that’s meant to give a Marfa vacation vibe. The locale is home to a massive 15 barrel brewhouse where the company produces their staple beers like Electric Jellyfish, Training Bines, and Green Battles. They currently offer a limited food menu which does not include pizza, though they promise a full menu is “coming soon.” The space is kid friendly, their patio is covered, and it’s also pet friendly. What more do you need? Well, pizza. But they’ll get to that.
Sagebrush Austin
Location: 5500 South Congress Avenue
Originally opened in June 2020, Sagebrush was forced to shut down a little over two weeks later and re-opened in September. Owned by the team behind the East Austin bar The White Horse, the venue hosts live music every night with shows outside on Friday and Saturday. Cover is $5 cash at the door every evening for the bands. No reserved seating and no kids in the honky tonk after dark. Dogs are allowed on the patio. Food is available from former East Austin food truck Baton Creole.
