Austin - Insider Guide 2026
Downtown: Sixth Street
2025-09-18 08:46:27
You may have heard of Austin’s famed Sixth Street — but do you really know what to expect? With elegant speakeasies, edgy comedy clubs and mouthwatering food, this street is full of surprises.
DINING
The oversized Angus burgers at Casino El Camino come with Robert Rodriguez vibes and a killer jukebox. Iron Cactus’ third-floor rooftop may be the street’s best seat, especially when accompanied by brisket enchiladas and a tequila old fashioned.
The extensive raw bar at gastropub Parkside is a seafood paradise with East Coast oysters, ceviche and more. Around the back, intimate pizza joint the backspace specializes in thin-crust Neapolitan pizzas from a wood-fired oven.
The award-winning Kayaker’s Kolsch at Central District Brewing is a must-try — it pairs beautifully with a brisket empanada. At modern Irish pub The Dead Rabbit, crispy fish and chips will transport you to the Emerald Isle. Next door, Grá Mór offers a playful, comforting mix of traditional Irish favorites and globally inspired fare.
NIGHTLIFE
The grand dame of Sixth Street, The Driskill Hotel has impressed with its grandeur and elegance since 1886. Recently renovated The Driskill Bar bespeaks Texas luxury, with leather armchairs and an extensive whiskey selection.
Kick back at playful Marlow, where scattered cacti and cozy seating create a chill environment for sampling cocktails, mocktails, a cold beer or a nice glass of wine.
Famed venue Antone’s Nightclub helped put Austin’s blues scene on the map, welcoming legends like Stevie Ray Vaughan and B.B. King. Relax with the vibey music at eclectic dive Flamingo Cantina, showcasing Latin, reggae and Afrobeat artists.
Sample the wide world of agave spirits at Las Perlas, home to over 400 small-batch tequilas, mezcals and sotols. An Oaxacan negroni and a basket of carnitas street tacos from on-site Asador Tacos make the perfect pairing.
Sixth Street is the epicenter of Austin speakeasies. A hostel’s sliding bookcase reveals Firehouse Lounge, an easygoing retreat with craft and frozen cocktails. Behind an alley’s purple doors, Eden Cocktail Room serves sin-themed cocktails in a shadowy room. A red light leads the way to former brothel Midnight Cowboy, an elegant space with global cocktails (reservations required).
You’ll need a special code to enter basement bar Here Nor There. Themed cocktail menus change often, but they’re always an adventure. Color-changing lights at eight-seat In Plain Sight create a rainbow effect that continues with the bright European-style drinks.
Fancy a laugh? Comedy and music revue Esther’s Follies delights with shows every weekend. Intimate Velveeta Room hosts stand-up pros, amateur comedians and open mic nights. Comedy showcases and headliners take the stage at Sunset Strip, while industrial Vulcan Gas Company offers stand-up and DJ sets. NYC transplant The Creek & The Cave attracts comedians with indoor and outdoor stages. Trendy Comedy Mothership has dual theaters for large and small acts.
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