The Best Patio Spots in Austin, TX

Although the summer months have dwindled to an end, and the first hints of pumpkin flavored everything are surfacing across the city, there’s still plenty of time to grab a seat at one of the best patio spots in Austin and enjoy a margarita or ice cold beer before the scorching Texas summer heat is replaced with, well, less scorching Autumn heat.

Check out our list of the best patio spots in Austin, and let us know what you think!

Easy Tiger

A Cooking Channel sponsored event at Easy Tiger Bake Shop and Beer Garden during the SXSW Interactive Festival, Austin, TX, Saturday, March 10, 2012.  (JENNIFER WHITNEY for Cooking Channel)

On the very edge of the dirtiest street in all of Texas rests one of the most magical patio spots in Austin. Easy Tiger, a bakery and beer garden, is renowned for its awesome happy hours, chill atmosphere, and delicious artisan foods, but what makes this spot an absolute must-see is the brightly lit patio complete with ping pong tables and picnic styled seating, overlooking Waller Creek.

When you walk through the front doors, the irresistible smell of freshly baked breads slaps you in the face, in the best, least aggressive way possible. If you can walk into Easy Tiger and walk out without ordering one of their housemade pretzels with a side of beer cheese, you have some serious willpower.

Not only is Easy Tiger one of the hippest, stylistic hangouts downtown, it’s got one of the best happy hour menus in the city. Check out their patio every weekday from 4 to 7 for $3 local draft beers!

HandleBar

HandleBar is many things: fun, energetic, aesthetically pleasing, and conveniently located in the heart of downtown, but the most appealing aspect of this old fashioned bar isn’t the all day happy hour on Sundays or even the beautiful, bearded bartenders who make cocktail creation into an art form. No, the you’ve-got-to-see-it, can’t-be-missed, ditch-work, and check-it-out-RIGHT-NOW attraction of this 5th street location is the giant seesaw sitting on the outdoor deck.

The design scheme alone is enough to reel you off the streets and onto the brightly-lit patio, often accompanied with a stellar DJ, but the seesaw is absolutely the main attraction. Not the naked Burt Reynolds above the pool table, not the old-timey photo booth, not the giant Jenga blocks or rusted spring horses….it’s all about the seesaw.

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Make sure to check out HandleBar’s patio early so you can grab one of the 18 craft beers they have on tap and commandeer the seesaw for the night.

El Alma Cafe y Cantina

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Whether you’re in the mood for authentic, signature Mexican food, or need a large margarita after a long week at work, El Alma Cafe is the place for you.

While the Barton Springs entrance of the restaurant is nothing to write home about, their upstairs outdoor patio is a whimsical wonderland, overlooking Auditorium Shores and surrounded by large trees. Don’t let looks deceive you – it would be a shame to miss out on this homey spot, ideal for brunch or a fancy dinner date!

Mozart’s Coffee Roasters & Bakery

Sitting serenely on the bank of of Lake Austin, next to the ever-festive and tropical Hula Hut, is Mozart’s Coffee Roasters & Bakery, a European-styled shop that makes a great studying hideout, remote working location, or relaxing spot to hang with friends and listen to live music on the deck, every Thursday through Sunday.

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This quaint, yet modern spot is a must-see during the holidays, with magical hanging lights in the shapes of Christmas ornaments and winter decorations dangling from every tree branch. Along with dozens of coffee and beverage options to choose from, Mozart’s offers pastries, baked treats, and desserts.

Check out their multilevel, tree house-esque outdoor area, and order a fantastic cup of coffee from their list of gourmet coffee from around the world.

Spider House

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If you’re one of the cool kids in Austin, Spider House is probably more of a spider home to you. And if you’re not one of the cool kids in Austin…there’s still time. Spider House Patio Bar and Cafe is a must see in the Austin Patio Sphere.

While the affordable drinks, awesome wait staff, and entertaining events are enticing enough by themselves, the twinkling string lights and assorted antique furniture make this eclectic spot a local favorite.

If you’re into spoken word poetry competitions, comedy nights hosted by the Satan himself, or local live music from Austin’s best, make sure to stop by the Spider House Ballroom, situated right next to the magical cafe.

While you’re in town, make sure to grab one of Austin’s best tacos, and check out other fun things to do around town!

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