Austin has become a hotspot for students and young professionals in recent years – and for good reason. Known for its live music, museums, parks, lakes, hiking trails and historic Sixth Street, Austin has something for everyone.
After a long week of work and classes, what better way to relax than to watch the game, grab a cocktail with a friend or go out on Sixth Street?
Read Next: 12 Best Spots for Happy Hour Near UT Austin
While Rambler has a full suite of amenities for entertaining, including a stunning pool deck with a hot tub, outdoor bar and kitchen, and killer views, there are a ton of bars just a short walk or Uber from your front door for UT students.
For this reason, we have put together a list of what we consider to be the best bars for UT Austin students.
Best Bars for UT Austin Undergrads
1. Bar Moxy
Neighborhood: West Campus
Distance From Rambler: 3-minute walk
Address: 2552 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX 78705
Located in Moxy Austin-University, West Campus’ newest hotel, Bar Moxy is a cocktail lounge that is perfect for a pregame or quick drink. They serve up creative drinks in a vibrant atmosphere, with an indoor ‘living room’ and outdoor ‘backyard’ area. If you’re hungry, Zombie Taco is right next door, Moxy’s 24-hour taco counter with options from breakfast tacos to burritos.
2. Cain and Abel’s
Neighborhood: West Campus
Distance From Rambler: 10-minute walk
Address: 907 W 24th St, Austin, TX 78705
Cain & Abels, known by many as “Abel’s,” has been a staple West Campus neighborhood bar and grill since 1991. With a full bar and a variety of beers on tap, Abel’s is a fun, laid-back spot for UT students to hang out and watch the game. They even open two hours early for UT football games! If you’re hungry, Abel’s also offers a variety of comfort food and is sure to have something for everyone.
Read Next: Top 10 Places to Tailgate for UT Football Games
3. Otopia Rooftop (OTIS Hotel)
Neighborhood: West Campus
Distance From Rambler: 12-minute walk
Address: 1901 San Antonio St Unit 1100, Austin, TX 78705
Sitting on top of the OTIS Hotel, Otopia stands out as the only luxury rooftop pool & lounge in West Campus. Otopia offers a full menu of elevated cocktails and light fare with stunning views of downtown Austin and the UT campus. Also, for hotel guests, Otopia boasts a luxurious, heated rooftop pool just across from the bar.
Read Next: 11 Instagrammable Places in Austin, TX
4. Haymaker
Photo courtesy of Haymaker.
Neighborhood: East Austin
Distance From Rambler: 6-minute Uber
Address: 2310 Manor Rd, Austin, TX 78722
Local sports bar, Haymaker, serves up unique sandwiches, poutine, burgers and craft beers in a laid-back setting. With over 40 beers on draft, and even more available in cans, it’s hard to run out of options. I personally enjoyed their Oregoner sandwich, but they truly have something for every palate. Their large patio sits against Manor Road, and with TVs from just about every angle, Haymaker is the perfect spot to watch a game.
5. RIO
Photo courtesy of CoStar group.
Neighborhood: Downtown
Distance From Rambler: 7-minute Uber
Address: 601 Rio Grande Street, Austin, TX 78701
RIO, a multi-level venue with a rooftop lounge and sports bar, is a fifteen thousand square foot venue. It has the ambiance of a neighborhood hotspot, but includes something for everyone. The second floor sports bar offers small plates and cocktails, while the third floor rooftop offers great views of downtown Austin, plus a pool and cabanas.
6. Parlor and Yard
Photo courtesy of The House.
Neighborhood: Downtown
Distance From Rambler: 7-minute Uber
Address: 601 W 6th St, Austin, TX 78701
Parlor and Yard is a bar and lounge on West Sixth Street with both indoor and outdoor bar areas. A throwback sports concept bar, they feature 17 TVs, a Jumbotron, and a turf yard with ping pong and lawn games. Inside, they have basketball arcade machines and comfortable furniture across from the bar area. Parlor and Yard features pub food, including Brooklyn Pie & Co. Pizza, salads, subs and wings. Next time you’re on West Sixth, be sure to check out this inviting spot.
7. Buford’s
Photo courtesy of Buford’s Austin.
Neighborhood: Downtown
Distance From Rambler: 8-minute Uber
Address: 700 W 6th St, Austin, TX 78701
Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden, commonly known as Buford’s, is a favorite on West Sixth among college students. They serve up craft beer and cocktails in an indoor-outdoor bar, and is one of the most popular bars for UT students to go on a night out. With over 50 beers on tap, several TVs, bar games and an extensive patio area, Buford’s makes a great spot to watch an afternoon game or spend a night downtown.
8. Speakeasy
Photo courtesy of Visit Austin.
Neighborhood: Downtown
Distance From Rambler: 9-minute Uber
Address: 412 Congress Ave D, Austin, TX 78701
Only one block away from Sixth Street, Speakeasy is a ’20s-style nightclub with three sprawling levels. The first floor features a live music venue and bar, the second features a Cabaret bar with bowling lanes, and the third features a rooftop bar and patio. With nightly live music, weekend DJs, and a rooftop bar, this nightclub has options for any mood and is a popular spot for private events.
As you can see, Austin has plenty of great bars for college students. While these are some of our favorite spots in Austin, there are so many excellent options that this list is only the beginning! Even better, these spots are just a short walk or drive away from the UT Austin campus.
If you’d like to learn more about Rambler or student living near the University of Texas at Austin, contact our leasing staff, who are happy to answer any questions you may have.
