Rainey Street has a complicated reputation. Depending on who you talk to, Rainey Street Historic District is lame, or fun, or sad.
The district is located downtown, just south of Cesar Chavez Street, near Interstate 35. It was created back in 1884 by Jesse Driskill and Frank Rainey, who split 16 acres between Cesar Chavez Street and Lady Bird Lake. The neighborhood was made up of mostly the white, middle-class before those families headed north at the start of the 20th century, and it became a working class Chicano neighborhood.
Families started to be pushed out in the early 2000s, after the city rezoned the neighborhood so it could be developed into what it is now: A nightlife and entertainment district where bars are housed in old bungalows.
In recent years, skyscrapers have gone up on the street, making the bungalows that remain and the entire street noticeably shadier. Change is part of the street’s identity, so we suggest you check out what it has to offer before its next alteration:
Home to Austin’s best cacio e pepe, Emmer & Rye is one of the city’s most delicious spots for dinner. The restaurant, which received a Michelin Bib Gourmand award in 2024, offers up a trio of butters with its sourdough bread, a very large drink selection, and melt-in-your-mouth entrees like Berkshire pork. Snag a reservation when you can, there’s a reason the restaurant is so popular!
Banger’s on Rainey Street still rules. Head over for a fun atmosphere complete with live music and a huge outdoor space, more than a dozen kinds of sausages (I prefer a classic bratwurst myself), and tons of beer options. Order a $25 “manmosa” during Sunday brunch – it comes with a whole bottle of champagne.
🍸 Lucille
Lucille is a nice bar located in an old house that includes a big patio to enjoy. Legend has it that the house sat vacant for years after its owner, a flapper named Lucille, went missing during one of her famous parties. The bar is dedicated to Lucille and offers up creative cocktails and ample seating.
Half Step manages to be one of those cool, laidback Austin bars in one of the most debated areas of town. Visit for weekly live music, frozen piña coladas, and a great atmosphere!
