19 COCKTAILS BARS FOR 2019

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This is part of the 2019 AFBA City Guide presented by members of the Austin Food Bloggers Alliance. To see other city guides, please visit http://austinfoodbloggers.org/best-places-to-eat-in-austin/ and follow #atxbesteats.
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Last year I was all over downtown Austin enjoying some of the best cocktails in town. Here's my top 19 bars that you should try this year. I'll be sharing new ones throughout the year and hope to catch you at one.

1. ​Academia - 208 W 4th St, Austin, Texas 78701: Think Harry Potty meets Literary Legends.  Open just over a year, this bar has some of the best bar bites around. (Try the deviled eggs) The cocktails are amazing! Look for special events, pop-ups and guest bartenders from around the world. 
2. Ah Sing Den - 1100 E 6th St., Austin, Texas 78702: While the Asian fusion cuisine and cocktails are the stars here, the decor takes a close second. Velvet chairs and bar seats, beautiful draping and bead curtains add to the ambiance of this East Austin gem. Check out their secret garden hidden off the back patio. The cocktails are beautiful and extremely Insta-Worthy!
3. Dumont’s Down Low Whiskey Bar - 214 West 4th Street, Suite B. Austin, Texas 78701: New on the bar scene, this 4th Street bar used to house the offices of the now defunct Fado. You'll love the barrel walls, low lighting and leather couches making  this spot a great getaway from the hustle and bustle above. Have your whiskey on the rocks or in a lovely cocktail.
4. Eat.Drink.Anthem​ - 91 Rainey Street, Austin, Texas 78701: Located on Rainey Street, you'll love the fun decor, Tom Selleck pillows and tiki statues in the back room. They carry a great selection of Japanese beer and whiskey's and an all-day Happy Hour on Mondays. Tip: Brisket Ragoons ('nuf said)
5. Firehouse Lounge - 605 Brazos St., Austin, Texas 78701: Ever want to slip into a bar through a bookcase? Well here, you can. Located inside a hostel, you don't expect to find such a cool spot to have cocktails. It's a go-to for when I'm wanting an Old Fashioned. They make one of the best! 
6. Floppy Disk Company aka Red-Headed Stepchild - 119 e. 5th St., Austin, Texas 78701: If you don't know, you don't know. With cocktails names like the Anal Sunday (aka pina colada and my personal favorite), you're in for a great time in this little bar that requires a code to access the door. 
7. Garage Cocktail Bar - 503 Colorado Street, Suite 100, Austin, Texas 78701 : Boasting an impressive food menu, this little bar is located at the foot of a real parking garage. Sitting at the round bar, you can see the cars driving by on their way in or out of the garage. This is the perfect spot for early drinks or a late nightcap. Due to the size of this bar, it fills up quickly, so plan ahead. Try the award-winning Indian Paintbrush cocktail. And for those designated drivers - there's a great selection of craft mocktails.
8. Here Nor There - somewhere in downtown Austin: One of my favorite spots in town! A member-only bar requiring reservations and door codes, it's worth the trouble to get in. The cocktails are off the wall and the vibe is sexy and sultry. So much goodness to drink here. The milk punch is my all time fave as well as a smoked old fashioned.
9. Kitty Cohen's - 2211 Webberville Rd., Austin, Texas 78702: If you're looking to drink poolside, this is the place! No really, the outdoor tables are alongside a raised pool with shady umbrellas. Inside you'll find unique, vintage decor. Fun, Fabulous and Flamingos... and the drinks are superb dah'lin.
10. Last Straw - 1914 East 6th Street, Austin, Texas 78702: This colorful, spacious bar has one of the coolest vibes and patio area in town. A fun, quirky place, you'll find great bites and even awesome tiki bowl cocktails.
11. Moonfire Lounge - 310 Colorado Street, Suite B, Austin, Texas 78701: Walking into this venue is like walking into a swanky speakeasy. The back area has lounge seating - perfect for bottle service or private parties. Have a classic cocktail or a chocolate martini. Check out their Wine Wednesdays with complimentary appetizers.
12. Nickel City - 1133 East 11th, Austin, Texas 78702: if you've not heard of this place, you've been deprived. This quaint pub has earned numerous accolades as THE neighborhood bar. Enjoy bites from the food truck located out back. (Check out their new sister bar Uncle Nicky's.)
13. Revelry Kitchen + Bar: - 1410 E 6th St, Austin, Texas 78702: The patio area is great for brunch time, happy hour or any time! The grilled cheese with bacon and avocado is my go-to bar bite along with their moscow mule.
14. Rules & Regs - 101 Red River Street, Austin, Texas 78701: Located on the 7th floor of the beautiful Fairmont Hotel, this bar/lounge has massive, gorgeous views of the city. Nice cocktails by the glass or by the pitcher and the only place I know where you can get Moet by the glass. Limited food menu but great selection and something for everyone.
15. Russian House - 307 E 5th St, Austin, Texas 78701: You had me at vodka .... over 100 infused vodkas to say the least. In addition to the brands behind the bar, this authentic Russian bar makes their own creative and exciting infusions. Try a flight of 4 or join the vodka club and go down the list. Did I mention the food? Doesn't get much better than this. 
16. Seven Grand - 405 E 7th St., Austin, Texas 78701: If you're looking for the ultimate collection of whiskey, then this place is calling your name. Imbibe on a dram or enjoy in a carefully crafted  cocktail. Check their Facebook page for tasting events and ask about their Whiskey Society. And if tequila/mezcal is more your thing, walk out the back patio and into their sister bar, Las Perlas. A must visit!
17. The Roosevelt Room - 307 W 5th St., Austin, Texas 78701: My first introduction to craft cocktails was at The Roosevelt Room. And boy, I was hooked. Enter through a metal curtain into an venue that takes you back in time. An experience that must be had - you'll want to try everything on the menu. Sectioned by era, the cocktails includes classics and creative renditions from some of the most creative bartenders in town. But pace yourself, yet treat o'self. Oh, and a good idea to make a reservation during peak days/hours.
18. The Townsend - 718 Congress Avenue #100, Austin, Texas 78701: Located across the Paramount Theatre, this spot is perfect for pre- or after-show drinks, and anytime in between. Visit when they have live music in the back area. Now of the first downtown craft cocktail bars, this venue has won numerous awards over the years. This upscale, mixology bar offers cocktails tastefully created, and tasty too.
19. W Hotel - 200 Lavaca St., Austin, Texas 78701: One of the O.G.'s of downtown Austin, this elegant and plush bar has 3 bars in one - the Living Room, the Record Room and the Red Room - each with a different vibe. The place to see and be seen. My favorite place for bubbles.