The atmosphere here is great! We stopped in for happy hour. The drink prices were good, and they have half priced appetizers, also. We had chips and queso, wine and cocktails. Everything tasted delicious! read more

We stopped in for a late afternoon drink. It's such a beautiful hotel and the bar is totally Texas!! read more

Swanky, classic bar, with just a hint of some sophisticated Wild West-ness. Love it! Great place to meet a date for a drink...grab one of the comfy mismatching sofas and sip on a local beer. read more

The atmosphere and history is reason enough to stop in. We grabbed a few drinks. Listened to the pianist and enjoyed the ambience.

We ate Sunday brunch here between 2 excellent walking tours (check out Tipster). There was a live jazz band playing which was the best part about the place. We sat at the bar. The bartender seemed overwhelmed. We ordered the French toast, which was okay, the bacon was missing and the potatoes we ordered never came. When we tabbed out, our bill was put on someone else's credit card (thankfully it wasn't the same kind as ours or we wouldn't have noticed). Just overall, not a good experience for brunch. Maybe it's better for just cocktails? The hotel lobby is beautiful. read more

This review is for the popcorn only. Do not go here without having it. The truffle flavoring is delicious but additionally the popcorn is tender and so fresh. read more

Super cool bar when you want to feel a little regal hanging out drinking swanky cocktails. The dates off of the bar menu are small, good for two not for a group, but are really good as are the cheese fries. We also did the app plate with BBQ ribs and wings and again, good for two but not for a group. It was a great place to hang on a rainy Friday after having breakfast at the 1886. read more

This is a great bar located in the historic Driskill hotel. The decor is pretty much exactly what you'd expect for an old school upscale Texas establishment - lots of saddles, cowhide seats (which are really comfortable!), dark wood, a beautiful copper ceiling, and carpet with horseshoes and stars on it. There's even a piano, which has a glass top and seats around it - how fun would it be to sit there while someone was playing?! We began our Saturday evening at the Driskill, and were thrilled to see that they had a happy hour going on from 5-7. It's a great deal - the food is awesome, and a lot of it is 1/2 price during the happy hour. Nice!! This is some swanky food, too. Yes, they offer nachos, but you can add LOBSTER! Lamb sliders, crab and truffle mac and cheese, and lobster corn dogs were just a few of the other items on offer. We shared a flatbread pizza, the lamb sliders (which came with about a pound of fries!), and the crab and truffle mac and cheese. Portions were huge for the price, and everything was really, REALLY good. Drink prices were a little bit high, but they make a damn good Dark and Stormy at the Driskill bar, so it was worth my $10. I haven't had a dark and stormy that good since I was in Bermuda, so I got a mini vacation with each sip. My husband enjoyed his beer, which was much more reasonably priced than my drinks, but hey, I have expensive taste! The actual bar (where they mix and pour the drinks) is fairly small, but the bar area is a really good size, and the servers are great - friendly and quick to see if you need anything, but not intrusive at all. I felt like we could sit and enjoy our food and drinks for as long as we wanted to, and it's great feeling like you can linger in a place with so much atmosphere. The bathrooms are really nice too, though I was a teeny bit creeped out when I visited the ladies room, as it was empty and the Driskill has a reputation for being haunted. I managed to freshen up without seeing any ghosts, though, and all in all, this was a great way to start our evening out on the town! The next time we're in Austin, we'll definitely be back. read more

This bar, like the hotel it is in, is a Texas institution. Everyone ought to go there at least once. I myself have been there many, many times. The bartenders are knowledgeable and efficient, and are just the right level of "friendly": they are cordial and can make you feel at home but they don't pester you or talk you to death. The drinks are a little expensive but are usually well-mixed. Unfortunately, they use ice cubes that are too small, so the drinks will water down pretty quickly, but that's more incentive to drink it down. The décor is quintessential "Texas" and I love it. The place can become pretty crowded at times, and the service can lag a bit, but it's usually efficient enough. They often have live music, and most of the time, it's pretty good. read more

After a night of snacks and drinks downtown on a cold January night, we wanted warm drinks. Coffee drinks with oomph. Not so much. The service was just "eh", the coffee was super weak and the place was dead. Maybe better for happy hour? The hotel itself is lovely and the ladies room was super! read more

Very fancy upscale bar located in the historic Driskill Hotel. They have excellent drinks and service with expensive prices to go along with them. Very cool historic ambiance. read more

The Driskill Bar - View from the bar - Lounges Near Me - Austin, Texas

I went for the Happy Hour. The prices are somewhat intense if you just stop in, but we were greeted with a VERY reasonable bar menu. The food happy hour is: Sunday - Wednesday, 5PM to 7PM Thursday - Saturday, 4PM to 7PM Half-Price Bar Snacks & Finger Foods Let me tell you, I sometimes hate that I can't have dairy or gluten or whatever. I just want the yummy food! That being said, we ordered something without the creme fraiche for me, and the manager came out to explain that it was actually part of the mixture, so it wouldn't hold together without it. He then gave me suggestions to what I could get. I can't tell you how much this means to me! Often, I order things without the items I can't eat, and no one tells me that it ruins what I've ordered. I'd much rather know what's happening with the food I've paid for. Thanks manager man for helping me out! The french fries: WOW! Wait...they were fancy... I think that means they were pommes frites :) The LDM was a well made martini. If you want classic cocktails made correctly, this is the bar for you. Now - let's not forget the decor. There is a reason the Driskill is one of the most popular spots for both out-of-towners and locals alike. The hotel itself is gorgeous. The bar is very cowboy & Texan, which is fun. It's beautifully dark and romantic and classy, but all types of people were there. I was slightly intimidated to go in, but once I made the leap I felt very comfortable. Don't be afraid! read more

What a beautiful and unique place to grab drinks! My hubby and I were staying in Austin this past weekend, and some friends suggested that we meet at the Driskill Hotel for some pre-din cocktails. They have a beautiful bar with plentiful, comfortable seating. Service was attentive, and their drinks were tasty. I will definitely want to go here again when we're back in town. read more

One of the best bar experiences ever - wonderful old Texas atmosphere, beautiful and aptly descriptive wine list, craft cocktails (don't overlook the "Batini," made with Tito's - woot, woot! - it's the official cocktail of Austin and it's delish!), local beers on tap (Fireman's #4 Blonde Ale is clean and crisp and everything an ale should be!), comfortable seating, fantastic service (Lindsey is outstanding!) awesome artisanal chef's plate, which, in conjunction with the Brussels sprouts we had and other divine looking offerings we couldn't fit in for lack of room totally transcended any bar food I've ever had! Live music was good (it IS Austin, after all!!) and we are so impressed that we've made reservations for the Driskell Grill tomorrow night - stay tuned!! read more

See all

While staying at the Driskill (see review on the hotel itself) we did venture down to the bar. Let me paint the scene: rustic/historical decor, spread out seating areas with guests of 50+ years, a small bar with every stool occupied by the 20-40 year olds. Service was great at the bar; waitresses were a tad slow. Drinks were strong. read more

If you googled the words 'elegantly casual', an image of the Driskill Bar should appear. The ambiance is just so utterly sexy and swanky yet comfortable (with some of the most delicious boudoir lighting!) that I can spend hours upon hours here and completely lose track of time. The drinks are top notch and the Driskill is perfect for any occasion; whether you are there for a meeting, cocktails, alone time, or just need an escape from 6th street. read more

If you are looking for a dark bar, this is for you. It is cozy, dark & the happy hour is a great value. Otherwise, it can be pricy. The food is delicious. I'd recommend the popcorn and queso. Service is average. It may be faster to order at the bar, but there is table service. read more

The must be place for authentic Texas ambience. At first I wasn't warm and fuzzy until we heard the duo songsters play some Bob Wills and Commander Cody. A plus! The dome in the foyer IS incredible! read more

The Driskill Bar - We just left the Capitol Rotunda enjoying the Waco52 artists opening and as always head to the Driscoll Hotel. - Lounges Near Me - Austin, Texas

Pros: Beautiful bar to have a drink with friends, colleagues or a date. Tons of comfortable seating, tasty apps, quick service and great ambiance which was enhanced by the live piano. Cons: Margaritas were premixed so I'm not sure how good the cocktails actually are here. read more

Drinks are tasty, albeit a little expensive. It's an old school Texas atmosphere which is kind of fun and different. I won't lie, I took a little nap there because I was super tired but the furniture is comfortable and it's dark and cozy inside. It's a great place for an intimate date. read more

This place is old west swanky! Like Jaye J says, it seriously reminded me of Giant. AWESOME atmosphere. I loved the hammered copper ceiling, the beautiful wood work, and of course, the stuffed head of the long horn! Drinks were ok to good. I ordered a Sapphire & tonic (not on the menu) and my husband got the cucumber cooler on the menu. My drink was great (and cheaper) than his; his was a little strong on the cucumber juice and not enough gin. Forgive me, I am a serious lover of Hendrick's and to overpower it with juice is almost a crime! Also, it was about $4 more than my drink, so I'd recommend ordering away from the menu when it comes to mixed drinks! I think anyone who ever visits Austin needs to hit this place up at least once. You can't beat the ambiance for old swanky Texas money! read more

I really enjoy coming here. The atmosphere is old Texas (the bar detailing even features guns and spurs), and the service is usually good at the bar and surrounding tables. The happy hour specials, though, are what keep me coming back. In addition to pretty decent drink specials, they have absolutely great food specials: Tuesdays through Saturdays from 5-7pm, they offer half priced bar food. I love being able to go and get a reasonably priced drink and a downright cheap, delicious snack. I like the baked brie in particular, but I have yet to have anything from the bar menu that wasn't delicious. If you're looking for a relaxed place to start your evening downtown, give the Driskill Bar a try. read more

My BF and I came here to escape the hipster after parties at a recent conference. Gorgeous, vintage venue right in the middle of the downtown area. It was crowded but the cocktails were delicious (Jalapeno Dirty Martini anyone?) and the ambiance was perfect. I would love to stay here on my next visit. read more

Wife and I stopped in for a drink at Driskill's. What a great bar!!! Fantastic appetizers at a very affordable price during happy hour! Delicious fries!! Loved the cocktails and the martinis. Perfect spot for your pre-dinner or after dinner cocktail. Great people watching and also a super place to bring a date. For the ambiance and quality the prices are very reasonable. Great service and the ambiance was fantastic. We went on a Monday night and Patricia Green was playing the piano. She is a musical genius. Lovely lady to talk to and she is great with requests! Can't wait to go back..... read more

The Driskill must be a crappy employer, because I've visited this bar a number of times, and the bartenders are uniformly surly and unhelpful. They pretend not to see you, they disappear for long periods of time, and when you do get them, the demeanor is generally resentful. Hey guys, if you don't like your jobs, get another one. This could happen anywhere, but I was seated at the bar with a friend when a German cockroach (you know, the smaller and less heart attack-inducing variety of roach) appeared and started crawling around all over the bar. We waved the bartender over and pointed to the roach, which was swiftly wiped away with a rag. The bartender turned away after this without a word. No, "Oops, our apologies," no conspiratorial grimace, no look of surprise, no nothing. Not exactly the response I expected. The beer selection is minimal and disappointing. The only reason to visit this place is to take an out of town friend through to ohh and ahh at the luxe interior and, of course, the giant steer head, and then leave. read more

Beautiful bar - from the copper ceiling to the wood plantation shutters. The bar offers a great selection of specialty cocktails including the Batini, which includes notes of hibiscus and ginger - very refreshing libation. Their Manhattan was very well made with a local rye whiskey. Definitely a place to come visit. read more

The Driskill Bar - Batini - delicious libation made of vodka, hibiscus and ginger syrup, and blackberry - Lounges Near Me - Austin, Texas

Girls weekend in Austin and it was raining so we hit the Driskill! The waitress was friendly, the pretzel roll French Dip was delicious. Beautiful hotel, historic and relaxing. Go see it!!! read more

This place is totally COOL!!! I went there for the first time on Sunday before Memorial Day and it was such a unique and fun experience. Lots of cool things to look at in a fabulous really OLD hotel that is the second oldest in Texas. Bartenders were super friendly and accommodating as well. Chicken wings were superb, as well as the cocktails served up. I will go back to this unique bar/lounge every time I am in town! read more

The Driskill is such an elegant hotel. i adore the sprawling bar with longhorns on the walls, cowboy statues and paintings, dim lights. the restaurant was decent as well. read more

The Driskill Bar - Lounges Near Me - Austin, Texas

See all

An upscale bar & lounge where casual sophistication and vintage decor effortlessly mingle. The drinks were perfect, the decor is smashing, and the crowd is congenial. This is our favorite bar in Austin. The key differences between the Driskill Bar and the slew of bars in Austin are the crowd, the amount of alcohol in each serving, and the service. The patrons are typically nice and there is no elitist vibe, never see people wasted, not too packed, clean, no rowdy hipsters or crazy drunk people and they have a great selection of liquors. read more

Went for happy hour on a Thursday night. Good service and very old school setting. Fries were good, brussel sprouts and edammame were delicious! Queso dip was alright but I wouldn't get it again. The place was really hot when we first came in, but it got better after they turned the air on. Cool decor and live music. I would come back for a drink. read more

Magnificent decor. Bar keep was friendly and made great recommendations. We were able to order food at the bar and had a really good time. Came here twice and both times were superb from start to finish. Definitely a bar to have on your check list. read more

An old classic. Live music (guy singing was a Chris Stapleton clone). Good drinks, variety of appetizers. Good jumping off spot for the weekend. read more

The Driskill Bar - Who knew? A big bronz in the middle of the room! Classuc hotel with live music. Good spot to unwind. - Lounges Near Me - Austin, Texas

Amazing and great Batini Drink! Ambiance is fabulous and the bartenders are super nice and friendly will to answer questions! read more

The Driskill Bar - Great Batini! - Lounges Near Me - Austin, Texas

I really liked the bar here. We went earlier in the day. The bartender was amazing. Held conversation really well. He was funny. Also he decides to try some new drinks on the boyfriend and myself. They were great. Amazing atmosphere. I love the old ghost stories and the design of the place. read more

We stopped here for a birthday shot and drink. The bartenders were really nice and pretty damn good at their job. Also one of the guys hooked me up with a free Birthday Cake shot since it was my birthday! Idk about the food or waitresses but the interior was totally Texas and classy. The sitting situation kind of sucks because there's really nowhere to sit if the place is packed and you don't plan on ordering food. We would def. go back for drinks and it's totally a place to take out-of-towners to. read more

The Driskill Bar - Lounges Near Me - Austin, Texas

If you like live Jazz music and an Old School atmosphere you will love this bar. The pistol lamps are totally cool! The cocktails are delicious and they have a happy hour from 5-7pm. Good bar to go with friends, alone or your date. read more

This was probably my favorite place that I visited while I was in Austin. I loved walking through the swanky lounge area. The decor is unique and beautiful! I was seated at a table near the bar, and had the opportunity to try a few cocktails. Everything was fantastic! My favorite was a very spicy habanero cocktail, and I'm not sure of the name. It was just at the tipping point of being almost too spicy, which is perfect for me. Strong, and not too sweet. If I lived in the area, I would surely be back for more. read more

Came here for happy hour during a road trip stop in Austin. My partner and I each ordered a Blue Bonnet cocktail ($7). We also got the loaded fries and dates. The drinks were just okay but the food was excellent. The fries were the perfect amount of crispy and they put the sauce on the bottom so it was spread throughout and they didn't get soggy. The service was great. The bartender was very friendly and helpful. read more

The Blackberry Smash is fantastic, and the atmosphere is "swanky" without being stuffy. Stop in for a drink and a sit!