Where to Grab a Drink in Austin: 6 Buzzy New Bars to Try in 2023
We look into several recently-opened spots where locals can sip on cocktails or dance all night
There’s no shortage of watering holes in Austin, and in recent months, several hospitality industry giants have opened new bars, lounges and nightclubs for both happy hour-goers and the late night crowd. From an intimate speakeasy-style spot to a dance-heavy nightclub, learn more about the up-and-coming places to go for a drink right now.
Tweedy’s
2908 Fruth St.
When the beloved Spider House Cafe officially closed its doors in early 2022, longtime Austinites wondered what would become of its quirky building located near UT’s campus. Enter Tweedy’s, a new bar serving cocktails, wine and draft beer in the indoor-outdoor space. Food truck Golden Tiger offers burgers, fries, chicken sandwiches and other classic grub onsite. Co-owned by longtime local industry players behind establishments like Hotel Vegas, Kinda Tropical and Yellow Jacket Social Club, Tweedy’s is North Campus’s new hotspot for a chill hangout with friends. Tweedy’s is open daily from 3 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Wiggle Room
612 Nueces St.
With disco vibes and curated cocktails, Wiggle Room is a Texas-themed destination worth checking out downtown. Wiggle Room was a project of Kevin Williamson, the founder of Ranch 616 who passed away in late 2021. He collaborated with Leslie Fossler and Rose Barnett on the design of the space, which includes communal bar tables, snakeskin booths and other West Texas-inspired items. Billed as the “eccentric uncle” to Ranch 616, the bar has a number of dishes from the restaurant available, including housemade snack mixes and Frito pies. The drink menu was dreamed up by bar manager Howard Franklin Holthoff, previously of DrinkWell and Midnight Cowboy, and features classics, originals and rotating favorites. Walk-ins are limited so reservations are encouraged.
MORE: How to Get Into Austin’s Stunning Speakeasy Bars
Bosses Office
3223 East 7th St.
Bosses Office feels like an old-school speakeasy in the Govalle neighborhood, complete with decadent cocktails and moody interiors. Hailing from the Jacoby Restaurant Group, Bosses Office opened in December in the former building of Swift Pizza Co., which closed in October 2022. “We want our guests to be transported when they walk through our doors,” says owner Kris Swift. Locals are invited to make a visit to the Bosses Office to partake in cocktails created by beverage director Taryn Epperson, each drink inspired by people the team considers to be bosses. The Anthony Bourdain is inspired by a Manhattan and smoked at your table, while the Charles Darwin carries vegetal overtones and hints of botanical essence. Trying Dry January? Mocktails can be made with the bar’s housemade non-alcoholic “gin.” No matter what you choose to sip, the bar was created to be an accessible gathering place for its patrons. “We want our guests to feel both relaxed and comfortable while able to have a conversation with a new friend or best friend,” says Swift.
Superstition
110 East Riverside Dr.
Step into the 70s at Superstition, an intriguing nightclub perched at the corner of Riverside and Congress. Superstition officially opened on Dec. 29, making it a brand new addition to Austin’s nightlife scene. The multi-room locale features The Gold Room, a cocktail lounge shaking up elevated versions of classic drinks. Thanks to 12,000-square feet of space and a rotating lineup of world class DJs, there is ample room and reason to dance the night away at Superstition. Visit the club’s website for information regarding upcoming events and bottle service reservations.
Howards Bar & Club and Rosie’s Wine Bar
1130 West 6th St.
Howards Bar & Club and Rosie’s Wine Bar are the newest additions to the Clarksville neighborhood after debuting in October 2022. Both places come from MML Hospitality, the top-notch team behind Sammie’s, Swedish Hill, Josephine House and more. Howards is both a neighborhood haunt and a music venue with frequent DJ sets and performances. Their kitchen is open ‘til 11 p.m. nightly, giving guests a taste of burgers, hot dogs and other classic bar food. Rosie’s is located directly behind Howards and specializes in natural wines, wines from smaller producers and small plates inspired by the food of Spain, Portugal and France. Howards and Rosie’s share an address and a bathroom, but each bar carries its own individual identity.