South Congress Austin's Best Bars [Updated 2025]

Through my years of experience, I've narrowed down my list to the top 8 bars I think are worth checking out.

Come along with me as I take you through some of these local favorites where you can enjoy fantastic drinks, delicious food, and great company.

It'll be an adventure! Let's get started exploring some of the best bars South Congress Austin has to offer - no matter your budget or taste preferences.

Sagebrush

Sagebrush's atmosphere is one of the main things that sets it apart. It has a cozy and inviting feel, with plenty of seating and vintage decorations. Plus, they have live music every night!

The drinks menu is also topnotch. They offer a wide selection of craft beer, cocktails and spirits to choose from. I enjoyed their local favorite, the El Presidente cocktail.

But what really makes Sagebrush stand out are their staff. The servers here are friendly and knowledgeable about their drinks, which really enhances the overall experience.

Overall, I highly recommend Sagebrush if you're looking for one of the best bars in South Congress Austin!

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THE GIT OUT BAR AND KITCHEN

The atmosphere is cozy yet high-energy, making it the perfect spot for an after-work drink or a lively evening out. The bar offers an impressive selection of craft cocktails and drafts, as well as a wide range of spirits including whisky, gin, rum, and tequila. The bartenders are knowledgeable and friendly, always willing to share their expertise and recommend something special.

The food menu is just as impressive! From classic pub grub to inventive small plates, there's something for everyone. I particularly enjoyed the truffle fries and mushroom mac & cheese. The drinks pair perfectly with the food – my favorites were the citrus twist margarita and the cherry soda whiskey sour.

I highly recommend THE GIT OUT BAR AND KITCHEN for any night out in South Congress Austin – it's one of the best bars around!

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The Little Darlin'

The Little Darlin' offers a wide variety of drinks, including craft beers, creative cocktails, and even kombucha on tap. There's also an extensive wine list. The atmosphere is laid-back and inviting with cozy seating areas that make it easy to mingle. Plus, the outdoor patio has plenty of space to take in the Austin skyline.

The staff is incredibly friendly and knowledgeable about all of their offerings — always quick to make recommendations that are sure to please. The bartenders mix up delicious creations according to your individual tastes, too!

Overall, The Little Darlin' offers an unbeatable combination of atmosphere, drink selection and great service making it one of the best bars in South Congress Austin!

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Plaza Colombian Coffee

I've been lucky enough to visit the cafe multiple times and I'm consistently impressed by the range of beverages they offer, including coffee from different countries, specialty hot drinks, and café pastries.

The atmosphere is also fantastic - Plaza Colombian Coffee has a cozy vibe with an open seating plan that allows for plenty of socializing. The baristas are incredibly knowledgeable about their coffee and make excellent recommendations based on your preferences. And the prices are just right - decent but not too pricey by Austin standards.

All in all, if you're looking to find the best bars in South Congress Austin, Plaza Colombian Coffee should definitely be high on your list! It's certainly one of my favorite spots.

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Warehouse Billiard Bar

The Ambiance: Warehouse Billiard Bar immediately transports you back in time with its classic, old-timey look and feel. You can't help but be struck by the soulful atmosphere of the bar - it truly feels like a place where you can escape and enjoy yourself. The bar is well-stocked with an impressive selection of drinks, and I was more than happy to find out that they had plenty of craft beer to choose from as well!

The Service: If fantastic ambiance isn't enough for you, then there's the friendly service at Warehouse Billiard Bar. Everyone from the bartenders to the wait staff were incredibly helpful throughout my experience, and were always willing to go above and beyond to ensure customers have a great time. They also offer trivia nights on Tuesdays - perfect for anyone looking for something fun to do in South Congress Austin!

Overall, Warehouse Billiard Bar is definitely one of the best bars I've been to in South Congress Austin. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, the drinks are top notch, and everyone working there is friendly and helpful - what more could you ask for? I would totally recommend this spot if you're looking for a great night out in South Congress Austin!

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Simona's Coffee + Cocktails

I had a great experience at Simona's and felt like I was in a cozy, old-timey cafe. They offer an array of cocktails and craft beers as well as coffee drinks that are beautifully decorated. The staff is friendly and welcoming, and they always seem to know what I'm looking for!

The atmosphere is relaxed but still upbeat enough that everyone can enjoy themselves. The décor gives the bar a unique flavor with its art pieces, bookshelves and vintage furniture.

What really makes Simona's stand out is their signature happy hour specials. With deals such as $6 house wines and draft beers along with $3 off mixed drinks, you're sure to find something to love!

To top it all off, the service is extraordinary. The bartenders are knowledgeable about their products and always make sure your order is exactly what you asked for. You can tell they take pride in providing amazing customer service.

All in all, I highly recommend Simona's Coffee + Cocktails if you're looking for one of the best bars in South Congress Austin!

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Speakeasy

The atmosphere at Speakeasy is quite cozy, with friendly staff that makes you feel welcomed. The drinks are reasonably priced and come in several varieties. The menu also includes a variety of delicious snacks to accompany your drinks.

The layout of the bar is well thought out, with plenty of space for people to move around and chat. The music selection is always great, and there's always something going on. Whether it's trivia nights or live music, there's something for everyone.

Overall, Speakeasy has been my go-to spot for the best bars in South Congress Austin for some time now! The atmosphere is welcoming, the drinks are affordable and delicious, and there's always something fun happening! Highly recommended!

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Twin Peaks

The moment I stepped into Twin Peaks, I knew it was more than just a run-of-the-mill bar. The atmosphere is bustling and lively, filled with laughter and great conversation. The bar is cozy and inviting, with seating both indoors and out so you can enjoy the Austin sunshine.

The drinks menu had something for everyone; from classic cocktails to craft beers and the signature Twin Peaks margaritas - made using their own sour mix! I tried a few of their signature drinks - each one as delicious as the next.

The staff were incredibly welcoming and made sure our experience was top notch. They take great care in creating the perfect cocktail or beer for each customer, ensuring that every drink is tailored to their individual tastes. Plus, they have happy hour specials during the weekdays - giving you even more reason to stop by!

Overall, I cannot recommend Twin Peaks enough! It's one of the best bars in South Congress Austin and definitely worth checking out if you're ever in the area.

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