Elevate Your Happy Hour at These 7 Chic Spots Around Austin

The concept of happy hour might not instinctively stir up visions of ultra chic vibes at upscale settings, but forget the cheap beers and salty bar snacks, and step right into some of Austin’s most glorious restaurants and bars featuring sophisticated spaces along with affordably-priced drinks and bites. These elegant happy hours offer a perfect way to toast the end of a busy work day while being fabulous yet slightly frugal. Cheers!

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Happy hour at Yamas (photo courtesy of Yamas

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lovely restaurant Interior (photo courtesy of Yamas)

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Yamas’ patio (photo courtesy of Yamas)

Yamas

When: Monday through Thursday from 4 – 6 p.m.

What: A visit to Yamas is like taking a mini vacation to the Greek Isles where you can enjoy a festive and beautiful atmosphere both inside or outdoors on their patio. Feast on a selection of appetizers that are half-priced, including Hamachi Ceviche, Pikilia which includes tzatziki, spicy feta, hummus and eggplant salad with warm pita, Yamas chips which are seasoned crispy egglplant and zucchini chips, and Keftedakia, their Greek meatballs. Happy hour beverages include a $7 Spritz (Artemis, Aperol, Arthenian), $7 Medusa, $7 Beers, $5 Yamas Shots, and 1/2 off Idylle Rose & Mumm Sparkling Rose Glasses.

RELATED: Enjoy a Greek Escape Right Here in Central Austin at Yamas

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Baysipper cocktail at Estelle’s (photo by Richard Casteel, courtesy of Noco Hospitality)

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Seafood Tower at Estelle’s (photo by Richard Casteel, courtesy of Noco Hospitality)

Estelle’s

When: Tuesday – Thursday from 4 – 6 p.m. & during Ladies Nights on Thursdays from 8 p.m. – midnight

What: Step into this social club where floral blooms, lovely decor and natural light abound. Enjoy a refined first-floor bar area featuring a dramatic staircase that leads up to the elegant lounge. During Estelle’s happy hour, you can enjoy free passed canapes and appetizers and half off oysters. 

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Nomade Board (photo by Jay Huang, courtesy of Nomade)

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Nomade Terraza (photo by Jay Huang, courtesy of Nomade)

Nômadé

When: Monday – Thursday from 4:30 – 6 p.m.

What: During happy hour at Nômadé you can enjoy $8 cocktails such as the signature Margarita or Paloma with your choice Cimarron Blanco or Banhez Mezcal or opt for a Spiked Jarritos with your choice of well liquor and Jarritos flavor. Enjoy dishes such as Coconut Flatbread with cumin & cilantro basil chimichurri, a Conchinita Panucho featuring crispy black bean stuffed tortilla with achiote pork, or order East Coast oysters, Hamachi Ceviche and more.

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Lutie’s (Auberge Resorts Collection)

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Lutie’s

When: Sunday – Thursday from 5 – 6 p.m.

What: Pull up a seat at the intimate bar at this stunning restaurant at the Commodore Perry Estate for classic cocktails such as an Old Fashioned or Negroni for $12 or wines by the glass for $10. During Social Hour at Lutie’s you can dine on chickpeas with green corn and fermented herbs or grilled Texas Camembert with sourdough and pickled cherries.

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Zilker Park Swizzle (photo courtesy of Uchiba)

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Uchibā Austin Perfect Pair, Wagyu Tartare + Marsala

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(photo courtesy of Uchiba)

Uchibā

When: Monday – Friday from 4 – 5:30 p.m.

What: Enjoy so many bites and beverages off of Uchibā distinct menu during their happy hour. Sip on $10 cocktails including the zilker park swizzle that features appleton signature, lime, ginger-apple falernum, black tea bitters, a nitro espresso martini with haku vodka, punt e mes, espresso, and a shiso cooler made with vodka, shochu, lime leaf, shiso, among many other cocktails, sake, wine and beer. Choose from nigiri, along with hot tastings such as nasu katsu bao with eggplant, cabbage, yuzu labneh, or a mini burger with miso mustard, caramelized onion, white cheddar, or chicken wings with koji hot sauce, lemon sansho pepper.

RELATED: Meet Uchibā, Chef Tyson Cole’s Gourmet Cocktail Lounge in Downtown Austin

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Oysters at Este (photo courtesy of Este)

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Signature cocktails (photo courtesy of Este)

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Este’s exterior (photo courtesy of Este)

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Seafood platter at Este (photo courtesy of Este)

Este

When: Monday – Thursday from 5 – 6 p.m. & Friday – Sunday from 3 – 5 p.m.

What: The popular East Austin Mexican seafood restaurant, Este, offers $25 off of seafood towers, $1 off oysters, $15 off of seafood platters, along with several small plates and $2 off of wine, signature cocktails, and beer. Enjoy Fish Tacos with masa-battered swordfish, shredded cabbage, habanero-piquin hot sauce, salsa Mexicana for $15, or Queso Fundido with melted queso oaxaca, carrot-pepper, charred tomatoes, salsa roja, tortillas for $12, or Fried Shrimp Tostada featuring Fried shrimp, peanut salsa macha, guacamole, crema, cilantro for $10.

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Assorted Sushi at Sushi Roku (Photo by Richard Casteel, courtesy of IDG)

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Sushi Roku Cocktail Bar (photos by Richard Casteel, courtesy of IDG)

Sushi Roku

When: Monday through Friday from 4 – 6 p.m. and Saturday & Sunday from 3 – 5 p.m

What: Enjoy Sushi Roku‘s signature drink, Fusions for only $9 as well as $10 Lalo Ranch Waters, Tito’s Lychee Martinis, Espresso Martinis and Boilermakers and Japanese Beers for only $7. Their happy hour also features $10 food specials such temaki hand rolls including their famous baked crab hand roll with soy paper, as well as American Wagyu with Wasabi and Garlic Chips, among other hot and cold appetizers.

For more restaurant and bar recommendations, view our Guides to Food & Drinks.