After the sweltering Texas summer, the idea of winter weather feels like a cool, refreshing breeze (literally). And, while they may not be able to physically change the atmospheric conditions, this Christmas-all-year-round outpost can certainly transport you into a December-mindset. This place has it all: stockings hanging from the ceiling, the leg lamp from A Christmas Story, a velvet Christmas-themed Elvis painting, and Santa memorabilia up the wazoo.

Austin’s top speakeasy takes the hidden bar theme to a whole new level—that is, to the lower-level of a real-life car park. While finding the spot is an experience within itself (hint: look for the teal and yellow neon sign), those who appreciate the fine craft of cocktail-making will discover libation gold. The candlelit vibes are complemented by drinks with a depth of flavor that is equally swoon-worthy.

After a long quarantine absence, one of Austin’s most beloved places to drink and play is back in action, bringing as much optimism and joy as its name implies. Pop in Thursdays through Sundays to catch some of the best tracks in the city. From DJs blasting ‘90s country-pop to Beyoncé tribute bands, you’ll want to wear your most comfortable shoes so you can easily break it down on both the inside and outside dance floors.

There’s a breezy feeling you get as soon as you walk off the elevator and into the LINE Austin’s sixth floor cocktail lounge. Maybe it's due to the windswept pink banners decorating the ceiling, couches you can sink into comfortably, or the unbeatable views of the Colorado River as it runs under the South Congress Bridge. Or, it could just be their drinks.

Need somewhere to bring friends from out of town, catch up with the crew after a long hangout absence, or venture out on a first date? Yellow Jacket is the perfect place for these activities and so much more. Its sheer adaptability is one reason for its massive popularity among those that call the city home. The patio, lined with picnic benches and shaded by trees, is about as authentically Austin as it gets.

If your main complaint about the average bar is that there’s just never enough room, drop everything, grab your cornhole gear, and head to Armadillo Den. Located in South Austin, the vast property has space for it all: live music, food trucks, every yard game under the sun, and even an off-leash dog park so Fido can join in on the fun.

You would not be wrong to feel like you’ve stepped into a tropical version of a mid-century Rat Pack haunt when you emerge onto this colorful rooftop bar. Beyond the vast collection of greenery, rattan chairs, and tiki tipples (complete with tiny umbrellas), it also boasts one of the best sunset views over Downtown imaginable.

LoLo is here to prove that organic vino can be just as tasty as the mainstream stuff (and get you just as topsy-turvy as Moira Rose after a couple commercial takes). From the vibrant patio and shady tree decked out with disco balls to an awesome staff filled with nuanced knowledge, being here truly feels like an intimate escape from the rest of East Austin.

For those looking to recreate the biergarten experience of Oktoberfest in Munich, nothing beats an evening out at Easy Tiger. There are currently three locations—one up North, one down South, and one on the East side—all of them spacious enough to accommodate your whole extended crew along one of many long picnic tables.

If you’re seeking quality non-alcoholic options or simply in the mood to double-fist an espresso and a shot of tequila, check out this cheery oasis’ pink picnic table-laden patio. Operating as a cafe and coffee shop during the day, it transforms into a lively spot for cocktails and grub come evening.

Bar hop through the centuries at the Roosevelt Room, where delicious craft cocktails are categorized by era. Sip a Clover Club, a Prohibition-era favorite made with gin, raspberries, and lychee, while soaking up the sleek Gatsby-esque digs complete with warm lighting and dark velvet booths. This is where you bring the serious mixologist in your life for a celebratory night.

If you’re looking for a 1970s-inspired paradise festooned with portraits of Burt Reynolds, look no further than Kitty Cohen’s retro patio. Centered around a decorative mini-pool, the outdoor area provides the perfect backdrop for splitting a big bowl of gin- and Prosecco-spiked Key Party punch with friends—served, of course, from a vintage glass bowl and poured into a matching set of handled cups.

Even if your knowledge of the musical genre is limited to Dolly Parton’s greatest hits, it won’t stop you from falling in love with this country-western bar. Huge TV screens and tailgate-style chairs ensure gameday bliss, and as a proud hub for transplanted Louisianans, things get reliably rowdy whenever the Saints or Tigers hit the field.

Those who’ve never been to Kinda Tropical might initially pass right by it—the gritty exterior stands as an homage to the property’s former life as a gas station. Give it a closer glance, though, and you’ll be pleased to discover a gem of an open-air patio tucked away out back. In tune with the laid-back Texas vibes, standout cocktails include a mezcal paloma and the Paint it Black margarita, dyed jet black with activated charcoal.

Stashed behind a long wall of ivy greenery like a secret garden amid the hustle and bustle of South Congress, the Courtyard Lounge at the Hotel San José is a verifiable breath of fresh air. It might be surrounded by hotel bungalows and a pool of glistening blue water, but rest assured that the lounge is a space all its own—a staycation without the extra hassle of finding someone to watch your pets, if you will.

It’s amazing that Frazier’s Long & Low only opened about a few years ago, considering the deep sense of nostalgia that takes over the minute you stumble through the door. With wood-paneled walls and broad leather booths—not to mention shuffleboard, pool tables, and killer jukebox—it’s the kind of neighborhood dive where everybody knows your name.

If you’re looking for a quality sports bar, Haymaker has your back. TVs and large projection screens cover the space like wallpaper, broadcasting everything from football to international soccer to horse-racing. Other attractions include a ridiculous number of beers on tap (40!) plus a roster of gameday-appropriate comforts like poutine, Italian hoagies, and patty melts.

Follow the bright blue neon arrow off of the road to The Little Darlin’, an unpretentious dive sporting a huge back patio bordered by string-lit trees. Any night of the week, you can find folks perched in oversized Adirondack chairs or posted up on porch swings, blissfully knocking back beers to a soundtrack of classic rock and soul hits. It’s equally fitting for a date, large group hang, or a lazy afternoon of basking in the sun solo.

Impress your pool shark friends with a trip to Drinks Lounge, a haven for those who like their beers with a side of a break shot. Even if you have less-than-stellar hand-eye coordination, a live DJ spinning serious jams and an open-floor concept connecting the bar to an outdoor patio make it just as compelling. While they keep their cocktail menu fresh by changing it from season to season, the margaritas remains a popular choice for all the right reasons.

A city institution since 1951, Deep Eddy Cabaret is basically “Keep Austin Weird” come to life. A true throwback to a time before music festivals and tech bros, expect no frills here—which is, honestly, a huge part of this joint’s timeless appeal. Settle in with a few ice cold beers and a collection of locals willing to reminisce with you about the good ol’ days.

If your version of heaven is a dive bar with an Elvira pinball machine and tiki cocktails—because, of course it is—head to this East 11th Street standout. There, you can order Painkillers based on your desired potency or just say “screw it” and request a full scorpion bowl of their exceptional Zombie. Accompany it all with some classic bar bites like sliders, wings, and Coney dogs from the onsite Delray Cafe.

Lustre Pearl is the OG of all the house bars lining Rainey Street’s day-drinking mecca and any loyal patron knows full well why it’s stood the test of time when so many others have faltered. In addition to challenging your crew to a game of cornhole, you can sip on an Asher Skye, a margarita with serrano-infused tequila, while watching the various citizens of Austin strut by with dogs in tow from the vantage point of their outdoor patio. What more could you want from a Sunday Funday?

Thirsty for local brews? Make your way over to Central Machine Works, where everything from a full-bodied American Lager to a refreshing Pilsner is homemade and fresh on tap. For those less hop-inclined, there are amazing cocktails like frozen espresso martinis to sip on while kicking back in the massive indoor-outdoor space (it used to be a factory for making airplane parts).