When asking yourself about something to do near me in Austin with a group of friends or family, consider
The Driskill Bar
Why The Driskill Bar is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Located in the heart of downtown Austin at the iconic Driskill Hotel, The Driskill Bar offers a unique blend of historic Texas charm and modern sophistication, making it an exceptional place to meet up with friends. Stepping into the bar is like stepping back into old-world Texas, complete with rustic leather couches, cowhide barstools, and a grand Texas Longhorn mounted on the wall. The ambiance echoes the grandeur of a cattle baron’s hall, creating a warm and inviting setting perfect for relaxing with good company. Beyond its striking decor, The Driskill Bar is renowned for its expertly crafted whiskey cocktails, fine wines, and bracing spirits, ensuring a memorable drinking experience for every guest. Awarded titles such as one of the 10 Best Hotel Bars in America by USA Today and The Best Bar in Texas by Southern Living, it proudly represents Texas hospitality and culture. The bar offers a relaxed atmosphere where friendships flourish over excellent drinks and a charming environment, making it a standout destination for locals and visitors alike. Its central downtown location, near 6th and Brazos streets, also makes it an ideal meetup spot amidst Austin's vibrant nightlife scene. Despite undergoing a restoration set to reopen in October 2025, The Driskill Bar maintains its reputation as a premier venue for socializing and enjoying fine spirits in a setting steeped in Texas history.
Here's what people think of The Driskill Bar
As of recent, The Driskill Bar holds a 4.5-star rating based on 1145 reviews.
Reviews of The Driskill Bar are overwhelmingly positive, with a strong rating of 4.5 based on over 1,100 reviews. Guests consistently praise the elegant and timeless ambiance of the bar, highlighting its unique historic Texas atmosphere marked by refined vintage decor such as stone columns, leather seating, and an iconic Texas Longhorn. Many reviewers appreciated the talent of the musicians performing live, which adds a rich cultural dimension to the experience. The quality of the craft cocktails and whiskey selections regularly draws praise, with many guests remembering their drinks as superbly prepared and flavorful. Friendly and attentive staff are frequently mentioned as contributing to an enjoyable and welcoming experience. On the positive side, guests value the bar’s blend of comfort and sophistication, calling it both spacious and cozy, ideal for relaxed get-togethers. However, some negative feedback revolves around the ongoing restoration causing temporary closures or limited access, potentially disappointing visitors hoping to enjoy the bar in its full capacity. A few reviews mention that prices can be on the higher side, which is expected for such a prestigious venue but may impact overall accessibility for some. In conclusion, The Driskill Bar remains a celebrated fixture in Austin’s social scene, offering an iconic Texas atmosphere, excellent beverages, and memorable hospitality despite current temporary renovations.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Jaime Cavazos
This is the perfect place to go get drinks on any day during the week, specially if you’re in town for a conference or something like that. Their tequila list is limited, but they have a good selection of other more common drinks like whiskey, scotch, and cocktails. The atmosphere is classy, and you’re guaranteed to meet great people there.
Austin
We were planning on stopping in for a quick drink and ended up staying for hours to watch Big John Mills. He plays 3rd Thursday of every month and was awesome. The staff was great and the drinks were cold. Perfect spot to watch some music and grab a drink.
Katie Wilsey
Absolutely love the atmosphere and western vibe of this Iconic ATX bar!! One of the best Old Fashions around!
Owen Dabek
We came in here in the middle of summer and it felt a little hit or miss. It was definitely busier on Friday night than it was on Saturday night. The waiter made it feel like it was a chore serving us. The Lady Bird cocktail was very good and we did enjoy the pretzel. I was however a little frustrated by the lack of live music. Their website says it’s on hiatus until October, but if you are staying in the hotel it makes you feel like you are paying for there to be live music on site and that just isn’t the case for all of summer apparently.
Arjun Kochhar
This hotel (and bar) is a must-see when visiting Austin! It's historical inside and out! Great place to grab a drink. Soak in some old school country vibes accentuated with country music. Food was disappointing, ordered the lamb sliders, which were cold and the lamb was a bit undercooked and also coldish. The pretzel was decent and the show stealer was the beer, cheese and mustard sauce. It was amazing. I’d Definitely highly recommend this iconic hotel for everything but the food.
How to reach The Driskill Bar
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Website: None
Why The Driskill Bar may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at The Driskill Bar with your friends?
The Driskill Bar in Austin is an exceptional destination to rally your friends for an unforgettable meetup because it masterfully blends historic charm, vibrant ambiance, and quality experiences that appeal to diverse groups. Located in the heart of downtown Austin, The Driskill Bar enchants visitors with its rich history dating back to 1886, providing a unique setting that combines the elegance of a bygone era with the excitement of live energy today. Its 4.5-star rating from over 1100 reviews testifies to the consistently outstanding experience patrons enjoy here. Whether you are catching up after a long week, celebrating a special occasion, or just looking for a cozy yet lively venue to unwind, this bar offers an inviting atmosphere with a mix of rustic architecture, leather seating, and a warm, welcoming vibe.
Moreover, The Driskill Bar has become renowned for its expertly crafted cocktails, impressive drink menu, and nightly live music, creating a perfect setting to mingle, laugh, and enjoy great tunes with your friends. The combination of historic opulence and a buzzing social scene makes The Driskill Bar ideal for groups who want an authentic Austin experience without compromising on quality or atmosphere. Hosting your gathering here means stepping into a space where stories flow as easily as the drinks, and memories come alive against the backdrop of remarkable Austin history.
What activities can friends enjoy at The Driskill Bar?
The Driskill Bar offers a variety of activities that are perfect for groups looking for more than just a typical night out. First and foremost, the bar's live music performances every night create a dynamic and engaging environment. The music ranges from local Austin talent to more established performers, covering genres that ensure there’s something for everyone in your group to enjoy. The live tunes start around 7 p.m., making it an ideal evening hotspot for group gatherings who appreciate great entertainment alongside quality drinks.
Another activity to relish with friends is sampling the bar's renowned craft cocktails. The menu features a creative and evolving selection of drinks made with premium ingredients, including classics like the gin and tonic or the Old Fashioned alongside signature concoctions such as the Corpse Reviver #2 and mezcal-based Samantha’s Ghost. Sharing rounds of cocktails allows groups to explore new tastes and find personal favorites. Snack options like the hummus plate and chips & dip complement the drinks perfectly, providing light bites to share while socializing.
The ambiance itself invites lingering conversations on plush leather sofas or at the central bar seating area surrounded by artistic sculptures, creating an intimate yet vibrant setting. The combination of lighting, décor, and layout encourages groups to mingle freely and engage comfortably, whether in smaller circles or as one large party.
Why is The Driskill Bar an ideal place for group meetups?
The Driskill Bar’s combination of historical significance, top-tier service, and engaging entertainment makes it an outstanding venue for groups. The architecture and décor offer a photogenic backdrop that adds a layer of sophistication to any gathering, which is perfect if your group enjoys capturing and sharing their experiences. Spacious seating options accommodate groups both small and large, with the flexibility to reserve spaces or simply enjoy the communal vibe of the bar.
The convenience of its downtown location makes arriving and departing easy for everyone, with nearby parking and other amenities around for additional activities before or after your meetup. The staff’s dedication to service, despite some noted times of slower pace, generally ensures guests feel taken care of, which is crucial when hosting sizable groups. The convivial atmosphere encourages interaction and bonding among friends, enhancing the social aspect beyond just a drink stop.
Furthermore, the nightly live music creates a festive environment, perfect for groups seeking a vibrant yet cozy place to gather without excessive noise or overcrowding. Drinks may be on the pricier side, but the quality, ambiance, and experience justify the investment in a fantastic night filled with elegant fun and meaningful connections.
How does The Driskill Bar’s ambiance contribute to the experience?
The ambiance at The Driskill Bar is one of its strongest attractions when hosting friends. It is characterized by a classic Texas charm that transports visitors back to the 19th century while remaining thoroughly modern and lively. Rich wood paneling, cowhide leather sofas, and vintage lighting fixtures blend seamlessly with contemporary touches like artistic wall sculptures and thoughtful decor. This unmistakable vibe makes guests feel they are part of a grand tradition blended with the city’s vibrant cultural pulse.
Live music amplifies the atmosphere, filling the room with melodious energy that encourages conversation but does not overpower. The overall layout fosters intimacy and warmth, making it easy to connect with everyone in your group even amid the bustling crowd. This balance of historic elegance and casual comfort resonates especially well for those who value an immersive experience where atmosphere enhances every interaction.
In essence, the ambiance fosters a sense of occasion whether you’re celebrating a milestone, enjoying a casual night out, or just catching up after a long time apart. It makes your gathering feel special and memorable, precisely what friends want when they meet up to relax and have fun together.
What make the cocktails at The Driskill Bar stand out?
The Driskill Bar is celebrated for presenting a sophisticated and innovative cocktail menu that excels in creativity, use of high-quality ingredients, and expert craftsmanship. Mixologists craft each drink with precision and a clear passion for the art of cocktail making. You can expect the classics, such as an expertly prepared Old Fashioned or a refreshing gin and tonic, alongside unique house specials like the Blackberry Smash or the watermelon ranch water — a tequila-based cocktail mixed with house-made watermelon agua fresca.
Each cocktail is served with attention to detail, balancing flavors for a refreshing and enjoyable experience. The drinks, while on the premium side price-wise, deliver on taste and presentation, making each sip a standout moment. For groups, sharing rounds of these specialty drinks or trying out the variety on offer is an excellent way to explore the bar’s distinctive character together.
Besides cocktails, there are also quality snack options like hummus plates or chips & dip, designed to complement the drinks. These tasty bites help keep your energy up while enjoying your time together without the need for a full meal, letting the focus stay on socializing.
Is The Driskill Bar a convenient location for groups?
Absolutely. Situated in the bustling core of downtown Austin, The Driskill Bar offers superb accessibility for locals and visitors alike. Its central location means that groups can easily meet after work, before concerts, or as a starting or ending point for a night out around Austin’s vibrant entertainment district. Public transportation options, ride-sharing services, and parking facilities nearby make arrival and departure hassle-free.
The venue’s proximity to other attractions, restaurants, and nightlife spots also means your group can extend the evening with dinner or after-dinner activities just steps away. This convenience adds flexibility to any group meetup, whether planning a casual drop-in or a carefully curated evening with multiple stops.
In summary, The Driskill Bar’s charm, excellent cocktails, live music every night, and prime downtown location make it an ideal rallying point for friends and family seeking a memorable, enjoyable group experience in Austin. Its unique blend of history, style, and vibrancy ensures your meetup will be anything but ordinary.