Bartender was rude with us... and I woke up this morning and checked my bank statement to see that I was charged $25 when I ordered one drink and my receipt say $8.... Watch out people. read more

The cocktails here are great! Very delicious and strong! Sitting outside on the porch area is super relaxing while enjoying company. My husband and I came to Austin for the weekend and I'm glad we came by here! This street is a lot more sophisticated than sixth street which I love! read more

I went there a few years ago. It's a cute spot with great drinks. I advise that you get there early because the place gets overcrowded

Great place to enjoy a delicious cocktail in a laid back atmosphere. The decor has charm with walls lined in wood plank and dark wallpaper. They are smart of have some of the cocktails on tap so you don't have to wait for a quick drink. They also have some nice mezcal options if that's what you fancy. I met the owner who was very hospitable and shared drinks with some patrons. read more

This is my go-to on Rainey! Quality drinks and great atmosphere, with indoor and outdoor seating. All of the bartenders are great too!

Hands down one of my favorite places on Rainey Street. Cocktails are a little pricey, but the atmosphere is great any season of the year. Service is always phenomenal and the margarita is on point! read more

Amazing cocktails and talented bartenders. Great cocktails on tap too. Outdoor bar with yard games. Great vibe. Obsessed with this place.

The drinks were good I agree with everything people have said bellow. The ambiance, drink quality spot on... The reason for the 1 star is the door "boys" these guys were a joke and I doubt they had much experience before SXSW. We were enjoying our stay here it was around 6pm Saturday with only one round of drinks ordered. Hell we even had water for everyone at our table, an obvious sign they we are not out of control here. There were five of us total, two couple and myself. Here is where the issue was, my two other friends both wounded vets, one an active officer, the other an horrible discharged purple heart vet. One was telling one of his Iraq stories while over seas. We were all sitting in one of the booths inside, mind you, while he was telling his story he stomped his feet a few times to give some depth to his story, we followed up with a bit a laughter a few times throughout this story. Anyone who was observing would have seen this was story and in no way anything other than that. After the story was done, I deiced to buy my two friends a round I felt he deserved it, and our first round a Moscow Mule had taken it's course. My two friends and I walked over to the bar where I started to ask what they would like. Is was at this point that a bounce told me we would have to leave. He said they wanted to keep the place classy and again asked us to leave. I know not only myself but my two friends all felt insulted! I've been coming down to Rainy St. ever Since Bridget opened Lustre Pearl. Lets back up now.... If we were a bit too loud in our story, this was a war story not a Disney on ice with the Smurf story, there at times, was a little excitement in it. Just come over and politely tell us that we need to tone it down a little or we would would have to tell our story at another bar. Is that too much to ask? We would have obliged with an apology and maybe free drinks to the table next to us if they were bothered. We meant no harm. However this was never presented to us. We tried to explain ourselves and even apologized, but again they felt the need to insult us with the same line that they.. "strive to keep classy people in their bars." I wont stoop to their level with insults, but needles to say this was the last time I will take friends to this bar. We all left and decide to hit the new Container bar just up the street which was 5 stars! read more

These guys are awesome. Gave my wife her last drink in her 20's and first in her 30's and then a "welcome to your 30's" shot on the house. Also they made really good classic cocktails like dirty martinis and amazing Manhattans. We're visiting from Denver but will definitely come when we visit again. read more

Don't think I've found anything like this in California. Take it from someone that is not a decisive person, it's so worth ordering bartenders choice. All you have to do is tell him your choice of alcohol. He read me like a book and my drink so was delish. They also have great drinks on tap. If you want to sit and listen to good music sit inside. If you wanna chill and just hang out the tables outside are great options. Overall loved this place and in my opinion worth the price of the drinks. read more

Ryan Cooke works here. Need I say more? Okay, Yelp is making me say more. Cocktails are great. Selection of small production spirits is on point and knowledge is high. Also... Ryan Cooke. read more

Get the Paloma!!! Plenty of indoor and outdoor space along with heaters for the colder nights. Food trucks out front and super nice bartending staff. Tons of different cocktail and craft beer options, along with the usual line up. The crowd was pretty chill with an eclectic playlist. If you're wanting a more 'mellow' bar on Rainey, this is the place. read more

Fantastic cocktails- We did the Bartenders choice. I gave a few specifications (i.e. not a bloody mary and no tonic) and was given the holy grail of cocktails in return. What was meant to be a night cap turned into two! The waitress (not sure of her name) was wonderful! Very informative and friendly. I really want to give 5 stars but there is only reason I am not. My partner (who is blind!) accidentally knocked the water glasses of the table. (as we were in a booth we were both unable to leave the booth without stepping through the glass thus dragging it around the bar to find someone. Luckily a lovely lady at the booth next to us found someone) I apologised profusely but the waiter who cleaned it up was disgustingly rude to us. When my partner apologised he didn't even respond. We felt incredibly embarrassed and felt as though we were being judged unfairly. I understand drunk people probably break glasses all the time. But if he even bothered to look at us he would of understood the situation. We were going to order another but we felt so incredibly uncomfortable so we paid and left. I would like to say we will go back but I'm not sure. read more

Average experience. Drinks are expensive. Outside area is great though and this place is rarely crowded.

This was our last stop in Austin on our road trip across country and Ben the bartender was so friendly and our cocktails were amazing! The patio was very casual which we loved. There's a bunch of picnic benches you can hang out at with your drinks too. Would definitely come back read more

First of all learn some courtesy. If you guys close at 2 am, then close the counter earlier at 1:30 am. They kept the bar open till 1:50 am and then the blonde girl asks us to get the fuck out at 2 am or she will call THE BIG GUY. Yes, gulp down our overpriced drinks in 10 mins, I can understand. But, please treat your customers with respect ma'am. Tell us in advance we close at 2 am and we will get the fuck out before you call the BIG GUY. Now, I know what to avoid in Austin. read more

OK the cocktails here are incredible and that makes a 3 star review tough to rationalize but here goes. The prices are just plain high for Austin. Due to how good the drinks are the price might be worth it if not for the fact that that the employees are just overtly pretentious to the point of annoyance. Yes, I know you make a great cocktail, I just didn't like the attitude that came with that deliciousness. A great place for cocktails, just be ready to pay up and deal with some attitude. read more

Great vibe, people watching and cocktails! The service was great and entertaining. This was my first time to Austin and Rainey st. One of the best adult vibe I have experienced in a long time. More cities should look to build this into their bar areas! This is a must for anyone that likes good artisan cocktails. read more

Took 5 minutes to be acknowledged at the bar with 2 bartenders on staff and only two customers besides myself. A third customer was attended to after i arrived. Drinks were good and the ginger paloma was very good read more

Outstanding drinks, super cool vibe, really knowledgeable bartenders. The music here is incredible, great mix. Love this bar.

I like Rainey St and this is a chill place for a bit older crowd who wants really good, interesting cocktails. Good ingredients and a very knowledgable staff make for a good night. read more

Worst staff ever. Rude to customers and accused my friend of lying after she showed her receipt of paying for a drink that she never received. Also, they are racist. They told my friend he wasn't allowed in (who was of s different race and color), and they made him stand outside for 20 mins after we had a seat for him at our table. I will never be at this bar again and I recommend you don't go either! read more

While the rest of Rainey is a madhouse, this place is a breath of fresh air. The bartender, whose name remains a mystery, is top notch and friendly. I'll be back. read more

I provided a spirit and a flavor (gin and strawberry) and the bartender offered up suggestions. They didn't have strawberries, but he suggested the Floradora which has ginger, raspberry, lemon and gin. I'm definitely not disappointed! Don't be afraid to go off book, you may just end up with a delicious alternative! read more

Went to Half Step last night with some friends with the intention of only staying for a drink. It's located on Rainey Street and there are many places to visit on this street. We also came here because of an ongoing joke among us concerning "ice programs". Let's just say that the place, the bartenders, and the excellent cocktails, and the legitimate ice program conspired to keep us at Half Step for many cocktails. We seized a table in the front yard to maximize Rainey Street people watching and settled in for a chorus of cocktails. I started with a Daiquiri which properly has no ice. I was given the requisite amount of shit for not ordering a cocktail with ice. In my defense, I am on a big Daiquiri kick lately so I went with my current go to. The drink was very well prepared and the bartender (a thin guy with a great hat and cowboy shirt) used a craft white dry rum I had never heard of. He explained that Half Step searches for local, small distilleries for many of its base liquors. Saying that, there were plenty of recognizable high end international brands lining the shelves. My friends had vodka and sodas and the ice cube was large and crystal clear. My next drink was an old standby, Mezcal Old Fashioned (a.k.a. Oaxaca Old Fashioned). My friends had the batched and draught served Ginger Paloma. Again, both were well executed. The next drink I ordered was a Negroni. The bartender offered a small distillery gin, but I opted for Plymouth. That was followed by an appropriate close to our night at Half Step, The Last Word. I had the small distillery gin for this one and it was great. As mentioned, Half Step has a legit ice program. They have an ice house in the back of the bar and have band saws and other implements and equipment that churns out crystal clear ice blocks that are then cut and shaved to different shapes and sizes. There is something really perfect when the ice is so well formed, so cold, and so clear that adds something special to a cocktail. They get that at Half Step. Bravo. Finally, it's worth talking about the architecture of the joint. As with most of the places on Rainey Street, this is an old converted bungalow. It has a great front and side yard. Off the side yard on the wrap around deck is an outdoor bar area. There is also a brunch food truck in the rear yard. To the immediate south is a food truck lot. The inside has a very cool stand up bar where you order your drinks and everything is done in an early 1910s design. There is a room to the left with several booths and tables. All in all, I am a fan and will be back next I am in ATX. Get here. read more

The quality of drinks at this place is absolutely worth the wait and price. I hope people don't take for granted the time and energy the bartenders put into crafting these wonderful drinks. Can't wait to go back. read more

If you want the best place to get a cocktail in Austin Texas stop at the half step find the bartender Ben tell him what type of alcohol you like and let him make a drink for you. It will be great read more

Cute atmosphere and wonderful employees! Travis and Ben were delights and even made specialized cocktails for each member of our party, can't wait to go back. read more

Didn't realize they were a sister bar to LA's awesom Varnish, so no surprise that the drinks were creative and delicious! We came on a Tue night so obviously it was pretty empty, but really enjoyed sipping a cocktail on the benches outside on a beautiful fall night. And for $12 a piece, the quality of the drink and the care they put into making each one is fantastic. Highly recommended! read more

This place was sweet! Went for the 4th of July and they had great music and free food! Good service overall

Great drinks and awesome atmosphere. I had a Paloma on tap that had a nice ginger spice to it. We also had a negroni that had a hand carved cube in it. It was a nice cocktail oasis on Rainey st. read more

Ordered the Old Fashioned with Russel Bourbon. Hands down one of the best Old Fashioned I had in Austin. Although it's a simple drink, you hardly find a bar that gets it right. Single ice cube, not watered down, not too sweet, not too bitter. Perfect! read more

Cameron is the best bartender. Amazing menu drinks, but; if your are "vibing" for something different they can just make it on the fly based on your preference! Perfect chill spot amongst the shinanigans of Rainey Street! Awesome outdoor space. read more

So first I had a good experience when I was there, the drinks were fresh and delicious, staff were super friendly and it was a nice chill place to day drink. Then I got home and realized that I had been overcharged (at least thats what I thought), I posted here and one of the bartenders replied and assured me that this sometimes happens when a tab is opened. I rechecked my statement a few days later and he was right. Long story short check your bank account but if you are overcharged don't freak out, it will mostly likely correct itself. Anyways I feel better now that I know I wasn't taken advantage of (haha I was thinking "was I rude? is that why they overcharged me?") But overall cute place with great drinks :) read more

Very cute little bar with great drinks and an even more amazing staff!! We were visiting my grand son in Austin over the long weekend and he wanted to take us down to Rainey Street, and when we said we wanted some tasty cocktails he immediately told us we would go to Half Step. Good choice !! The bartenders are extremely impressive with their craft (go with the bartender's choice, its like a personality test for your cocktail!!) and I was amazed at how fresh and detailed everything was even down to the special ice cubes. HOWEVER, when we went to sit down in a booth my clumsy self immediately knocked over my son's beer and spilled it ALL OVER myself ... total clutz. As someone who was a server many years ago I hate asking people to clean my messes for me so I just asked my husband to grab some napkins to clean myself up, but when he asked the bartender's assistant for napkins he insisted on stopping in the middle of cutting fruit to come over with some towels and help us out. I was so embarrassed but he was very nice! And to put it over the top he brought us a replacement beer!! I do not usually post reviews, but between the bartender's skill and the excellent customer service and live music, we were really wow-ed. If you are visiting Austin, we would absolutely recommend this bar !! We will certainly visit again next time we are here. read more

By far one of the best bars on Rainey Street and possibly all of Austin. Combines a restored historic location with some of the best craft cocktails around. Great staff behind the bar as well, George is the man. read more

Subtle, yet impressive elegance with the bartenders and atmosphere. A throwback cocktail bar that is neither pretentious or trying to hard.

I visited Austin from Los Angeles and came here due to the fact that the bar is owned by 213, an LA based company that owns a lot of great bars in Downtown LA, such as Varnish and Perlas. Happy to say, I was not disappointed. The place is great, located in a small house with a wrap around porch and plenty of seating outside as well as inside, and caters to very good looking customers. The bar itself is tremendous, featuring handsome mixologists who work with fresh fruit. If you're feeling crazy, I would recommend going with "Bartender's choice"... I ordered that twice and was very pleased. This bar will definitely be an Austin staple for me every time I visit! read more

This is a craft cocktail bar at its best. Slow gin fizz was absolutely perfect. Bartenders are the show so stick around to watch them do their magic. Challenge them to make you something off the menu with your favorite liquors, you will be impressed. read more

A classy, quiet-er haven on the slowly-but-surely-getting-trashier (or at least busier) Rainey Street. Stumbled into Half-Step sort of on accident, but on a mission for great cocktails. No one in my party was disappointed. The prices are a little much, but the work put into the drinks adds the extra oomph to justify it. When I was here, there was a really cool band playing live music, so we sat on the patio all evening and soaked it in. The draft margarita was much better than the draft paloma in my opinion (could taste the alcohol better), so opt for the former if you're going for something pre-prepared. The ambiance is romantic and intimate, but also casual and fun. They have really cool details throughout the bar area, and their little sign at the window near the entrance just pleaded with me to be an Instagram photo. read more