There is really nothing like an Austin Golden Hour or sunset, especially with cooler temps in the evening. A little after-work cocktail in hand, a slight breeze, a heater or fireplace nearby, and the most beautiful colors in the sky make up the perfect rooftop experience! We have rounded up our favorite rooftops for catching Austin’s magic sky!
Updated September 2023
EDGE ROOFTOP
photo courtesy of JW Marriott Austin
Nestled atop the JW Marriott is Edge Rooftop, a bar and terrace with breathtaking views of downtown ATX. Sip on a craft cocktail like the Soco Marg or Mexican Candied Paloma or local brew while you take in views of Lady Bird Lake and the Capitol Building. They’re open to the public at select times Wednesday through Sunday and pool cabana rentals are also available if you prefer to sip poolside!
Downtown | Directions
EL ALMA
Enjoy margs and Mexican cuisine in this chic Barton Springs spot filled with local art and a rooftop deck! The space is light and airy in the daytime, with giant umbrellas to shade from the Texas sun. At night, the rooftop transforms with adorable string lights, heaters, and stunning views of the downtown skyline. Gather with your crew and sip on signature El Alma margaritas like the Mangorita, Piñarita, and Avocadorita!
Bouldin Creek | Directions
GERALDINE'S
This stunning rooftop restaurant is located atop Hotel Van Zandt on Rainey St., with quality live music all the time! The Van Zandt pool deck is the perfect place to soak up the central Texas sun and sip on refreshing cocktails all summer, while you take in the Lady Bird Lake views! Sip on house cocktails like the Bruja Ultima and indulge in a dessert like the Buttermilk Chess Pie for a sweet nightcap!
Downtown | Directions
GROUP THERAPY
Take a ride on the elevator to the 7th floor, of Hotel Zaza, where you'll find stunning views overlooking the hotel pool and Republic Park. This elegant rooftop restaurant features an Instagrammable setting, cozy lounge chairs, and chic chandeliers. It's the perfect spot to take in the sunset and sip on some signature sips like the refreshing Don's Watermelon Rita!
Downtown | Directions
LA PISCINA
photo courtesy of Austin Proper Hotel
Visit La Piscina Tex-Mex for a poolside restaurant and bar with sweeping 5th floor views! Located at the Austin Proper Hotel, their open floor plan overlooks Downtown Austin and is in our opinion, one of the best rooftops in all of the city. Their menu flaunts fresh seafood, small plate appetizers, salads, family-style platters, ceviches, and fajitas! Their drink list is also killer with frozen margs!
Downtown | Directions
NIDO
The newest spot on the block is at The Loren Hotel, and this golden hour view might take the cake! In addition to amazing views, you'll find a sophisticated interior and a menu that includes plant-based and comfort food options. From orange-glazed pork to agnolotti, the mains, apps, and desserts are all delicious! The cocktail lounge is almost half of the space, so you know their drinks are no joke either!
Zilker | Directions
OTOPIA ROOFTOP
Located at The Otis Hotel, this is Austin's Campus District's only rooftop pool and lounge! Get sunkissed at sunset here on Sundays through Thursdays from 5pm to 11pm and Fridays and Saturdays from 5pm to midnight with good music, awesome patio seating, and great views. It's the perfect spot for evening lite bites like their bbq pork potstickers, tuna wonton tacos, and blistered shishitos. Kick back, sip on a Spicy Mezcal Marg, and cheers with friends!
Near Campus | Directions
P6
An all-time favorite among Austinites and visitors, P6 was transformed from an old 1960s parking garage at the LINE Hotel Downtown! The chic rooftop lounge is best known for its iconic pink-flagged ceilings, cocktails, and stunning sunset views! Their Mediterranean small plates and gorgeous cocktails go hand in hand with an Instagrammable happy hour with your besties overlooking the South Austin skyline.
Downtown | Directions
RULES & REGS
Housed on the stunning pool deck of the Fairmont Hotel downtown, Rules & Regs is your go-to for yummy Austin Tex-Mex with a view! The floor-to-ceiling glass windows are perfect for your downtown city grams and ATX is the best backdrop of them all. The couch-style seating at R&R is perfect for catching up with your besties over their signature cocktails like the Island Hopper and delish bar bites like tuna agua chile! They’re open Thursday through Sunday, so check online for a full list of hours and reservations. Don’t forget to check out their cigar and sip menu!
Downtown | Directions
TECHO
Just off Manor, Techo is a mezcaleria and agave bar that serves up cocktails in a speakeasy patio setting. It's located right above a Tex-Mex eatery, so it's the perfect place to go for nightcap drinks after dinner! With a small and dimly-lit setting, you can get intimate and cozy while you venture into the world of smoky mezcal cocktails done right.
East Austin | Directions
TERRACE59
Dance your heart out at Speakeasy, grab a game of pool or bowling on the second floor, and stay and order a drink on the rooftop bar at Terrace59! With live DJ's and great views of downtown, their cozy lounge seating is the perfect place to watch the sunset. Order a rooftop martini and take in the city lights!
Downtown | Directions
WAX MYRTLE'S
Come for the chilled seafood and coastal classics and stay for the frozen cocktails and polaroids! Wax Myrtle's is an epic rooftop restaurant on the fourth floor of the Thompson with the most stunning decor, backdrop, drinks, and eats. The patio is perfect for those looking to take a refreshing dip in the pool, have a drink, or dine in. Add a Polaroid camera (yours for two hours) and an 8-pack of film to capture all of the mems!
Downtown | Directions
