It’s summer. You need to be sipping a cold drink on a rooftop in Austin. I’ve done extensive research, AKA talked to the City Cast Austin team, about the best rooftop bars and restaurants in town. Let’s dive in, err, climb up?
Nido at Hotel Loren
Escape to Nido at Hotel Loren, 1211 West Riverside Drive, to ooh and ahh at Austin’s skyline and Lady Bird Lake. Nido is a full restaurant serving breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, and drinks. They have a great raw bar, and we highly recommend ordering some Parker Rolls and a drink on the patio at golden hour.
Austin Public Library’s Rooftop Garden
More proof that libraries are one of society’s best ideas: The rooftop garden at Austin Public Library’s Central Library downtown, 710 West Cesar Chavez St. Grab a book to read outside or meditate on the Lady Bird Lake views. The rooftop deck is open during library hours, except when it's booked out for a special event. And, of course, you don’t need a library card to visit!
The view from Zanzibar at night. (Nikki DaVaughn/City Cast Austin)
Zanzibar
OK, the cocktails are $16 but we promise you’ll barely notice when atop Zanzibar, 304 East Cesar Chavez St. The bar has jungle oasis vibes with lots of greenery and drinks come in fun glasses. What more could you want? Make this spot your destination for the night or swing by ahead of your dinner reservation.
P6 at The LINE Austin
Shoutout to P6, 111 East Cesar Chavez St., for being the first stop this writer went after getting her first COVID-19 vaccine shot. 🥰 Today, you don’t have to visit just because you got through a dark time in world history. Visit for one of the best views of Lady Bird Lake in town, fun decor, and a yummy brunch.
Otopia Rooftop Lounge
For $30, you can buy a pool day pass to the Otopia Rooftop Lounge, 1901 San Antonio St., and pretend you’re not sweltering away in Texas. The lounge also serves sushi tacos! No searching-for-a-dirt-parking-spot-outside-of-Barton-Springs-Pool vibes here!
