When asking yourself about something to do near me in Austin with a group of friends or family, consider
Sunny's Backyard
Why Sunny's Backyard is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Sunny's Backyard, located on East 7th Street in Austin, TX, is a dynamic and inviting outdoor bar known for its spacious patio and lively atmosphere, making it an ideal place to meet up with friends. With a focus on creating a relaxed, open-air experience, it offers a massive patio that accommodates both standing and seated guests comfortably. The venue regularly features a rotating selection of food trucks, ensuring visitors can pair their favorite draft beverages with a variety of tasty eats. This rotating culinary lineup adds to the allure, promising something new to try on every visit. Sunny's Backyard excels at offering a unique twist on the traditional bar experience by emphasizing plant-based options alongside classic drinks. Its selection includes beer, cocktails, and live music, enhancing the social experience and keeping the energy vibrant. The venue's layout favors outdoor socialization, making it especially appealing during Austin's pleasant weather months. Whether for casual drinks, lively gatherings, or events, Sunny's Backyard serves as a community hub where friends can enjoy great drinks, eclectic food options, and engaging live performances in an authentic Austin setting.
Here's what people think of Sunny's Backyard
As of recent, Sunny's Backyard holds a 4.7-star rating based on 252 reviews.
User reviews of Sunny's Backyard highlight its welcoming atmosphere and excellent outdoor space as major draws, making it popular for social gatherings. Patrons consistently praise the expansive patio area, which caters well to groups of varying sizes. Positive feedback frequently mentions the rotating food truck lineup, which provides diverse and high-quality dining options to accompany the bar's beverage offerings. Many reviewers appreciate the friendly staff and the curated one-of-a-kind drink selections, including well-crafted cocktails and draft beers. The venue's live music adds another layer of enjoyment, contributing to the lively Austin vibe that guests cherish. On the other hand, some negative remarks point to occasional wait times or busy periods, which can challenge seating availability and service speed. A few patrons have noted that weather conditions might affect the outdoor experience, given the primarily open-air layout. Despite these occasional drawbacks, the overall consensus underscores Sunny's Backyard as a vibrant, well-loved destination with a strong community feel. In conclusion, the reviews reflect a highly positive reputation with the venue's unique combination of outdoor ambiance, food variety, and drink selection consistently resonating with visitors.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Suzy Day
Updated rating: we originally went to Sunny's for the vegan vibes and vegan food truck, but it does seem different now. There is now a new food truck but it's not vegan and much of the indoor seating is now gone. Still great outdoor area and worth stopping if you want to hang out. (Removing old photos from post)
Kebbie Sorensen
Chill dive bar! There for sxsw and the sound was awesome. Nice patio w picnic tables for sitting w friends or strangers. Cold beer, priced for humans. My experience with the staff was super. Like super-duper-sunny!
Johnny !
A tiny little bar, and primarily an outdoor space. Went to a free music enjoyed some excellent music. I believe the draft beer was $7. It was a dark schwarzbier. They have mixed drinks and canned beer options as well. It seemed that everyone was having a good time and really enjoying the music. They also had a vendor there with some local shirts. I'm not sure how come the vendors are. Not sure about food, didn't see anyone with food.
Chieh Chen
Very relaxing backyard styled bar. Good people. Met the owner Mariette, he was very nice took care of me. He even gave me some local suggestions on some live music venues nearby.
Sweet Tooth treats
I loved visiting Sunny’s backyard! Great beer, amazing prices, delicious tacos by Praprika served in the back patio, a special event going on (I had no idea about but still enjoyed) Would 1000% recommend, can’t wait to be back! 🫶🏽
Suzy Day
Updated rating: we originally went to Sunny's for the vegan vibes and vegan food truck, but it does seem different now. There is now a new food truck but it's not vegan and much of the indoor seating is now gone. Still great outdoor area and worth stopping if you want to hang out. (Removing old photos from post)
Kebbie Sorensen
Chill dive bar! There for sxsw and the sound was awesome. Nice patio w picnic tables for sitting w friends or strangers. Cold beer, priced for humans. My experience with the staff was super. Like super-duper-sunny!
Johnny !
A tiny little bar, and primarily an outdoor space. Went to a free music enjoyed some excellent music. I believe the draft beer was $7. It was a dark schwarzbier. They have mixed drinks and canned beer options as well. It seemed that everyone was having a good time and really enjoying the music. They also had a vendor there with some local shirts. I'm not sure how come the vendors are. Not sure about food, didn't see anyone with food.
Chieh Chen
Very relaxing backyard styled bar. Good people. Met the owner Mariette, he was very nice took care of me. He even gave me some local suggestions on some live music venues nearby.
Sweet Tooth treats
I loved visiting Sunny’s backyard! Great beer, amazing prices, delicious tacos by Praprika served in the back patio, a special event going on (I had no idea about but still enjoyed) Would 1000% recommend, can’t wait to be back! 🫶🏽
How to reach Sunny's Backyard
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Website: None
Why rally at Sunny's Backyard with your friends? Sunny's Backyard is a standout destination that combines a welcoming, spacious outdoor atmosphere with delicious, plant-based pub food, making it an ideal spot to gather with friends or family. Whether you’re looking for a casual place to relax on a sunny afternoon or a lively venue to celebrate a special occasion, Sunny’s Backyard offers a unique blend of comfort and flavor that appeals to all. Its 4.7-star rating across over 250 reviews highlights consistent customer satisfaction, emphasizing both its inviting environment and tasty menu. The expansive backyard seating under large trees provides the perfect setting for socializing, especially when the weather is pleasant. Add in the spot’s dog-friendly policy, rotating food trucks, and an extensive drink menu with craft beers and cocktails, and you have a vibrant yet laid-back venue where everyone feels welcome. The casual vibe combined with attentive service encourages patrons to settle in and enjoy hours of good conversation, great food, and fun activities, making Sunny’s Backyard a top choice to rally your group and create memorable moments.
What activities can groups enjoy at Sunny's Backyard? One of the key attractions at Sunny’s Backyard is its lively mix of activities tailored for groups who want more than just a meal. The venue frequently hosts live music events, creating an energetic backdrop that amps up the social experience. This offers an excellent way for friends to bond over their shared love of good tunes while enjoying the open-air ambiance. Moreover, there are fun events like trivia nights that invite groups to team up, fostering friendly competition and laughter. The expansive outdoor seating area also makes it easy to accommodate larger groups, providing plenty of space to move around, mingle, or simply relax in comfort. With shaded areas from tall trees, sunny days won’t feel oppressive, and cooler evenings can be enjoyed under string lights that add a cozy glow. For those who have brought their furry friends, the dog-friendly environment means everyone in the group, including pets, is welcome to join in the fun. The regular rotation of quality food trucks on-site ensures fresh meal options constantly keep things interesting. Overall, the combination of live entertainment, interactive games, and ample comfortable spots makes Sunny’s Backyard perfect for a vibrant group meetup.
Why is the food at Sunny’s Backyard perfect for groups? Sunny’s Backyard serves a 100% vegan menu that creatively reinvents classic pub fare, offering something satisfying for everyone, including those with plant-based diets. Their dishes, like loaded fries, vegan wings, and unique sandwiches, consistently receive praise for flavor and portion size, making sharing among friends a delightful experience. The menu diversity means that dietary preferences and restrictions are easily accommodated, allowing groups to enjoy a variety of plates without hassle. Many guests have highlighted the standout banana peppers and black garlic burger as must-try items, adding distinct, savory flavors to their meals. Additionally, the venue’s commitment to fresh, tasty food aligns well with group settings where sampling and sharing plates enhance the social dining experience. What makes it even better is Sunny’s willingness to be accommodating with special requests, allowing guests to adjust dishes to their tastes, which can be a big plus in a group setting. All these culinary features paired with an extensive drink menu—featuring local craft beers and innovative cocktails—help to round out the perfect dining experience for friends and family looking to kick back and indulge together.
How does the atmosphere at Sunny’s Backyard enhance the group experience? The atmosphere at Sunny’s Backyard is one of its strongest appeals, especially for social meetups. Unlike many traditional indoor restaurants, Sunny’s emphasizes its vast outdoor patio as the main feature, which feels more like a relaxed backyard party than a formal dining spot. The spacious layout allows groups to spread out comfortably without feeling cramped, important when hosting lively conversations or celebrations. Its rustic, dive-bar charm inside contrasts with the bright, leafy outdoor space, creating a versatile vibe suited for all kinds of gatherings—from casual hangouts to more spirited events. Moreover, the friendly staff contributes to a warm, inclusive environment where guests feel immediately welcomed as part of the Sunny’s community. The occasional loudness mentioned by visitors only adds to the sense of a fun, bustling environment where energy and joy are contagious. Adding to this, the venue’s pet-friendly policy means that no member of the group is left behind, and the presence of pets often adds an extra layer of comfort and happiness to the social experience. Overall, Sunny’s Backyard crafts a festive yet laid-back atmosphere that truly enhances any group meetup.
What practical aspects make Sunny’s Backyard a convenient meetup spot? Beyond its appealing food and vibrant ambiance, Sunny’s Backyard offers several practical benefits that make planning group meetups easier and more enjoyable. Its location on East 7th Street in Austin places it in a lively neighborhood known for culture and entertainment, which adds options for pre- or post-meetup activities. The yard’s ample outdoor seating accommodates groups of various sizes, removing worries about finding enough space, even on busy days. While parking may be limited according to some reviews, the accessibility by rideshare and public transit options in East Austin can reduce hassle. The relatively informal setting means scheduling can be more flexible, with the kitchen open late on certain days and serving food to go if needed. The venue’s accommodating nature regarding menu requests and dietary needs also minimizes stress for organizers. On top of this, frequent live events and the changing roster of food trucks keep the experience fresh and interesting, giving groups a reason to return often without feeling like it’s the same old spot. These practical details combine to make Sunny’s Backyard not just an enjoyable, but also a convenient choice for lasting social connections.
Why do reviews consistently rate Sunny’s Backyard so highly? Sunny’s Backyard enjoys a 4.7-star rating from over 250 reviews because it consistently delivers on key points valued by its customers. The quality and creativity of its vegan menu stand out as a major reward for those seeking plant-based dining that doesn’t compromise on taste or portion size. Reviewers often mention the friendly service and accommodating staff willing to customize orders, which adds a personal touch to the experience. The welcoming outdoor environment, perfect for dogs and plenty of seating options, further enhances the guest experience. Although some customers note minor drawbacks, such as indoor seating limitations or the noise level, these are generally outweighed by the positives described in many enthusiastic testimonials. The venue’s commitment to fostering community through live music, trivia, and a rotating food truck presence also earns praise as something that transforms a meal into an event. Altogether, these factors explain why Sunny’s Backyard has built a loyal following and maintains such a strong reputation among locals and visitors looking for the perfect meetup destination.