Best Restaurants for Handcrafted Cocktails in South Austin

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianVegetarian / VeganSports BarBar / Lounge / Bottle ServiceCaribbean

Regions

Austin

Neighborhoods

AustinDowntownEast AustinManchacaNorthwestWest Austin / Westlake

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

8 restaurants available nearby

1. Prélude

4.8

Exceptional(161)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Cocktail Bar • Downtown

Booked 20 times today

Chef Mathew Peters, the first American to win the prestigious Bocuse d'Or in 2017, is bringing his culinary expertise to the heart of Austin with the opening of Prelude, an elevated cocktail bar and canapé lounge set in a historic home in West Austin. The space has a beautiful back lawn lounge with views of downtown Austin and private rooms throughout the house that can accommodate groups of 6-18 with private events options of groups up to 120 guests.Prelude will offer a unique Austin experience, combining innovative cocktail creations with elevated small bites. The menu will feature a curated selection of small plates, designed to complement the bar programs signature cocktails and highlight Chef Peters' culinary artistry. Please note that our kitchen closes each evening at 10 pm. Join Prélude during Happy Hour Tuesday-Thursday from 4-6 pm for $2 oysters and drink specials.

2. Il Brutto

4.5

Awesome(1656)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • East Austin

Booked 27 times today

Il Brutto is a neighborhood Italian restaurant located in East Austin with an emphasis on classic, multi-regional Italian dishes. The menu features fresh antipasti, daily home-made pastas, and pizzas baked in the restaurant’s Neapolitan wood-burning oven, in addition to house-made gelati, sorbets & desserts. The beverage program highlights an extensive selection of Italian wines from an on-site cellar, as well as local beers and handcrafted cocktails.

A photo of True Food Kitchen - Austin restaurant

3. True Food Kitchen - Austin

4.4

Awesome(2447)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Downtown

Booked 30 times today

True Food Kitchen is a chef-driven restaurant and scratch bar that was founded by Dr. Andrew Weil, the pioneer of integrative medicine, to provide food that tastes great and is good for you. At our table, delicious dining and conscious nutrition go hand in hand, without sacrificing flavor, creativity or indulgence. Our expertly trained chefs craft flavor-forward dishes, handcrafted cocktails and freshly pressed refreshers so you can enjoy epic food experiences that aren’t just good for you, but good to you. Join us in Austin Seaholm for lunch, dinner, or weekend brunch. Located in Downtown Austin in the Seaholm District, on West Avenue in between West 2nd Street and West 3rd Street, near Austin Public Library and Generator Athlete Lab. New flavors, new combinations, new obsessions. Come see us for something completely new and delicious.

4. Stella San Jac

4.3

Awesome(1585)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service • Downtown

Booked 21 times today

Stella San Jac, located in the heart of downtown Austin, offers a distinctive dining experience that combines modern Southern cuisine with a lively, welcoming atmosphere. Our carefully crafted menu features locally-sourced ingredients and creative dishes that highlight the best of Austin’s culinary scene, from savory starters to mouthwatering main courses. Whether you're planning a special celebration, a business lunch, or simply looking for a memorable meal, we welcome you to join us. While reservations are recommended for the best experience, walk-ins are always welcome — just stop by and let our team take care of the rest.

5. Ruth and Roz

new

(0)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Austin

Booked 2 times today

Welcome to Ruth & Roz, where Caribbean and Southern flavors unite in tribute to Jay's maternal grandmother, Ruth, and Dave's late mother, Roz, and the incredible women who bring us together through food.At the helm is Executive Chef D. Arthur, renowned for his mouthwatering dishes that have earned praise from celebrities, athletes, and political figures. From preparing a Thanksgiving feast for Sherri Shepherd to crafting meals for the Real Housewives of Potomac, Chef D. brings creativity and passion to every plate.Leading our cocktail program is Mixologist Jaylynn Little, featured in BuzzFeed, Huff Post, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle France, and more. As the author of Spirit & Company, she creates innovative drinks that elevate every dining experience.We’re proud to be an exclusive partner of Colton House Hotel, enhancing the experience with our shared commitment to excellence.Ruth & Roz is more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of tradition, community, and unforgettable memories.

6. Laurel

4.0

Excellent(150)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • West Austin / Westlake

Booked 3 times today

Located in Hotel Viata in the scenic neighborhood of West Lake Hills just outside of Austin, Laurel highlights authentic coastal Italian cuisine with seasonal and local ingredients. Each experience is complemented by an extensive wine list and handcrafted cocktails curated by expert sommeliers and mixologists.Nestled in Texas Hill Country, Laurel offers the perfect blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or brunch dining experiences. Unwind on the outdoor patio designed for al fresco dining, complete with a grand fireplace to warm your meal under the stars. Join us for live music on Friday and Saturday nights or Happy Hour every day from 4pm to 6pm. Visit us and make Laurel Restaurant your go-to spot for unforgettable moments, unique culinary experiences, and satisfying libations.

A photo of Siena Ristorante Toscana restaurant

7. Siena Ristorante Toscana

4.6

Exceptional(2649)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Northwest

Booked 14 times today

For over 20 years Siena has been Austin’s premier destination for authentic Tuscan cuisine. Locally owned and operated Siena's owners wanted to share their love of Tuscany with Austin diners. Utilizing the talents of long time veteran of the Austin food scene, Chef Harvey Harris, Siena's goal is to transport the dinner from the hills of North Austin to the rolling hills of Toscana. Chef Harvey received his Master's Chef in Italian cuisine while attending culinary school in Piedmonte Italy, but his heart is in Tuscany where he lived and worked. All food at Siena is prepared to order, pasta is made fresh daily as well as all stocks and sauces. Our food is complemented by an award-wining wine cellar and served in rustic, elegant surroundings of thick stone walls and tall wood-beamed ceilings. Whether visiting for happy hour, special event, or a romantic evening, experience the welcoming charm of Tuscany close to home.

A photo of Manchaca Sports Bar restaurant

8. Manchaca Sports Bar

5.0

Exceptional(1)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Sports Bar • Manchaca

Cupid's Corner is our Valentines Pop Bar available through the end of February. Join us for our exclusive VIP treatment. If you're looking for a quieter more intimate experience, then Cupid's Corner is the place to be. We offer craft cocktails with a private bartender to cater to your needs.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

G
GwendolynVIP
Austin •89 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Hadn’t been here in several years, and I can’t fathom why. It was excellent: get the edamame dumplings! Great happy hour prices. Meatloaf with mushroom gravy, great.
More info
True Food Kitchen - AustinPrice: Moderate• American• Downtown
•
4.4
S
Susanne
Austin •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Great service, restaurant is open with nice seating and breakfast was excellent.
More info
Stella San JacPrice: Expensive• Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service• Downtown
•
4.3
R
Rasalin
Austin •19 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Absolutely loved this place. This is cocktails and canapés done flawlessly. Had one of our fav grape varietals by the glass (rare in US outside of French restaurants) AND the cocktails are artisan in flavor + execution. The interior design is phenomenal, and a rare situation of music being on target with volume and selections. Fingers crossed they are around for a long while as a new standard.
More info
PréludePrice: Expensive• Cocktail Bar• Downtown
•
4.8
K
katVIP
Austin •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
This is one of our favorite spots. Food and service is amazing every time!
More info
Il BruttoPrice: Expensive• Italian• East Austin
•
4.5

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