Austin Bars Guide: 5 Trending Spots Locals Love Right Now

Powder Room - Low key cocktail den with a cult following

Powder Room is not brand new, but its buzz is. With a solid 4.2 rating and a noticeable growth score, it has shifted from under the radar to word of mouth favorite.

Inside, expect soft lighting, playful decor, and a cocktail list that leans creative without getting fussy. It feels like a neighborhood bar that secretly belongs in a cocktail city guide.

Why it is trending now: Locals are hunting for smaller, less touristy rooms near Austin’s busier nightlife corridors. Powder Room hits that sweet spot of date night friendly and group friendly, and recent reviews praise the staff for remembering regulars and making custom drinks.

Best for: Pre dinner drinks, first dates, and small groups who want conversation level music instead of a full party.

Champions Austin Restaurant & Bar - Sports bar with serious crowd energy

Champions Austin Restaurant & Bar has a huge review base and an impressive 4.7 rating, but its growth score shows it is still gaining new fans instead of coasting on hotel traffic.

This is your high energy sports bar: walls of TVs, big booths, and a menu built for sharing. It draws a mix of travelers and locals, especially on game days and fight nights.

Why it is trending now: As downtown Austin keeps adding hotels and events, Champions has become a reliable meetup spot for large groups who want easy parking, predictable hours, and quick service. Recent reviewers call it their go to for watch parties near the action without downtown chaos pricing.

Best for: Game day watch parties, big friend groups, and casual meals with a full bar.

Speakeasy - Rooftop vibes and classic Austin nightlife

Speakeasy is a long running downtown staple that keeps reinventing itself. With nearly two thousand reviews and a strong rating, it could easily rest on its history, but its growth score suggests a new wave of visitors discovering it.

You get multiple spaces in one stop: a main room with DJs or bands, a game room vibe in some areas, and a rooftop terrace that feels like peak Austin at night.

Why it is trending now: Downtown visitors want a one stop bar where everyone in the group can find their scene. Speakeasy checks that box with live music, dancing, and skyline views. Newer reviews highlight the rooftop as the star, especially for out of town friends and birthday nights.

Best for: Mixed friend groups, bachelor and bachelorette parties, and anyone who wants a classic downtown night out.

Mean Eyed Cat - Quirky indoor outdoor bar with local soul

Mean Eyed Cat sits in that sweet Austin space between divey and designed. With a 4.6 rating and a solid growth score, it has become a go to for people who want a bar that feels genuinely local.

The vibe leans rock and roll Americana, with Johnny Cash references, eclectic decor, and a relaxed patio. Drinks are straightforward, prices are reasonable for the city, and the crowd skews laid back rather than scene chasing.

Why it is trending now: As central Austin gets denser and pricier, Mean Eyed Cat stands out as a casual, unpretentious hangout that still feels like old Austin. Recent reviewers call it their favorite pre show stop and praise the friendly staff and easygoing crowd.

Best for: After work beers, pre concert drinks, and weekend hangs where you can actually grab a seat.

The Rustic Tap - Patio party on West Sixth

The Rustic Tap has a strong 4.4 rating and continues to grow on the strength of its outdoor energy. If you want that classic West Sixth Street feel without being shoulder to shoulder indoors, this is your move.

The space centers on a big patio with picnic tables, live music, and a social, festival like feel when it is busy. Expect a mix of locals, young professionals, and visitors looking for a fun but not chaotic bar night.

Why it is trending now: Austin’s love for open air spaces never went away, and Rustic Tap leans into that with live bands, drink specials, and a layout that makes it easy to mingle. Recent reviews highlight it as a top pick for groups that want music and a scene without committing to a full club.

Best for: Live music with friends, casual bar hopping on West Sixth, and day to night patio hangs.

How to choose the right Austin bar for your night

• For cocktails and conversation: Powder Room
• For sports and big screens: Champions Austin Restaurant & Bar
• For dancing and downtown nightlife: Speakeasy
• For laid back local charm: Mean Eyed Cat
• For live music patios and bar hopping: The Rustic Tap

Austin’s bar scene shifts quickly, but these five spots are climbing in momentum right now. Use MapsBuddy to track what is trending next and find the bars that fit your vibe before everyone else catches on.