Tykes are in tow and you want to grab a drink. We get it. Just because you have kids doesn’t mean you can’t go out and grab a cocktail or a beer. While pretty much every bar in Austin is dog-friendly, not all are kid-friendly. We’ve put together a list of bars where you CAN take the kiddos, and, even better, you’ll both have a great time.
The ABGB
1305 West Oltorf
Located in South Austin, this warehouse beer garden specializes in good pub food and great beer. With food like pizza and sandwiches, the kids are sure to find something tasty. Spread out on their giant picnic tables inside and outside. Plus this brewpub is dog-friendly! There’s constantly live music on their inside stage, so make sure the kids have their dancing shoes on.
The Brewtorium
6105 Dillard Circle
A newer brewery to the Austin brewery scene is the Brewtorium Brewery & Kitchen. Located a short walk from the Capital Metro Red Line, this brewery, restaurant, and beer garden serves up delicious German-style beers and food. Even though there’s plenty of room for kids to run around, they’ll probably be found at the table after you order Brewtorium’s Mac n’ Beer Cheese. Don’t worry, the alcohol cooks off. Pro tip: add the pork belly lardons.
The Austin Terrier
3435 Greystone Drive
With that neighborhood vibe, this place was designed with kids and dogs in mind. The Austin Terrier has a kid’s corner where the little ones can hang and play while the adults grab a beverage from their full bar. They offer pizzas, sandwiches, burgers, plus a kids menu. And with fun pup-themed cocktails, you can’t go wrong bringing the fam here. Plus, here’s something that’s really kid friendly: FREE ice cream for the kids on Tuesdays with the purchase of an entree.
Culinary Dropout
11721 Rock Rose
Located in the heart of Domain Northside, this fun gastropub serves up classic meals but done better. Braised short rib stroganoff, seared tuna salad, and bbq pork belly nachos just to name a few. While the kids aren’t playing ping pong or any of their other fun yard games, they can snack on chicken tenders, mac and cheese, or burgers. Oh, and there’s a full bar with a killer craft cocktail menu.
Easy Tiger
Multiple locations
Artisan bread, locally roasted coffee, housemade meats, a full bar, and a huge draft beer selection — what more could you need? Your kiddos will go bonkers for their massive and delicious soft pretzels. While Easy Tiger doesn’t have a kid specific menu, you can definitely order a cheese and meat board for them to pick and choose their favorites. With two locations in Austin, Downtown and North, you can get your drink on while your kids get their ping pong on at either spot.
Fresa’s South First Dine-In
1703 South 1st
Fresa’s on 9th and Lamar is great if you’re wanting to pickup food and take it home. But, if you’re wanting to sit and have one of their insanely good avocado margaritas, head to the Fresa’s on South First. With a big patio, the kids can run around while you can order from their full bar and menu. Their wood-grilled Mexican meals serves two to four people and come with a mess of sides. Or order from their a la cart tacos or bowls. The kids will definitely find something for their palate with dishes like chicken tacos, cheese quesadillas, or tiny queso.
Punch Bowl Social
Multiple locations
Punch Bowl Social is like a Chuck E Cheese on steroids and it’s actually meant for adults, but you can still totally take the kids. This 20,000 square foot restaurant, bar, and gaming hangout has everything you and your kids could want: nine hole miniature golf (Domain location only), bowling, karaoke, table games, and arcade games. Games are priced by the hour or game depending upon the game. Punch Bowl Social also has an extensive menu including a kids menu with unique items like a banana almond butter sandwich or pepperoni, mozzarella, and tomato flatbread. And the best part? Punch Bowl is kid friendly until 10 p.m.!
The Butterfly Bar
2307 Manor Road
This is probably the most Austin hippy place you can take your kiddos on this list. Butterfly Bar has an expansive yard with plenty of room to run around and hula hoop. With a full bar and a couple food trucks, you and your family can hang out all evening.
Featured photo of Punch Bowl Social by Dani Dudek/ Austin.com.
