Dive bars
Austin’s dive bar scene is legendary. The city is awash with dimly-lit, atmospheric joints serving up cheap, strong drinks, lip-smacking food, and very loud music – a tried-and-tested formula for a great night out, if ever there was one.
This hidden gem of a basement bar is a little tricky to find, but well worth the effort. Drinks are strong, which is just as well, as you’ll most likely want to knock back a few before taking to the brightly-lit karaoke stage that serves as its main focal point.
510 S Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78704. Lala’s
It’s Christmas all year round at this delightfully eccentric retro-themed bar. Its jukebox is packed with old school festive favorites, fairy lights twinkle in the shadows, and the fantastically friendly staff whip up mean classic cocktails for a crowd of quirky regulars and happily bemused visitors.
2207 Justin Lane, Austin TX 78757. Nightclubs
The city isn’t just about scruffy basement bars and bottled beer. There’s also an array of altogether more refined nightspots, where you can quaff cocktails with well-heeled locals, and get your groove on to sounds spun by top international DJs. Kingdom
Located in the heart of Downtown, Kingdom is a strong contender for Austin’s premier dance club. Boasting a state-of-the-art sound system and a stylish, minimalist interior, it regularly plays host to some of the biggest names in house, trance, techno, and EDM.
103 E 5th Street, Austin TX 78701.
This elegant rooftop terrace club is where glamorous Austinites come to strut their stuff and be seen. Dancing to world-famous DJs under an open sky, with incredible panoramic views of the cities below, makes for an unforgettable night out.
422 Congress Avenue, Austin TX 78701.
Cinemas
The world-famous Austin Film Festival is just one highlight in a diverse calendar of incredible movie events – throughout the year there are festivals devoted to everything from Latin American to LGBT cinema, and there's a good range of theaters to kick back and take in blockbusters and indies alike.
Alamo Drafthouse was the brainchild of local film fanatics, and even though it's long since expanded and shows all the biggest Hollywood movies, it's still a mecca for serious lovers of the art form. Its South Lamar branch is one of the best, being decked out with movie memorabilia, and boasting several screens and even its very own karaoke lounge.
1120 S Lamar Blvd Austin, TX 78704 .
Retro fun
Aficionados of old school Americana will be in their element in Austin. If you’re looking for alternatives to the standard bars and clubs, you can enjoy a nostalgic evening at a drive-in movie theater, authentic bowling alley, retro video arcade, or even a late-night mini-golf course.Pinballz Arcade
This cavernous temple of classic gaming boasts over 100 beautifully-preserved classic pinball tables, and more than 200 arcade games from across the years. Every Friday and Saturday evening, this family-friendly attraction transforms into a lively adults-only night spot, with a generous bring your own booze policy and a 2am closing time.
8940 Research Blvd, Austin TX 78758.
