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Being born and raised on the East Side of Austin, I’ll always have the urge to come back, have fun, bar hop, and meet new people. I’ve outgrown the Dirty 6th scene (except for the rare occasion there’s something over there I REALLY want to experience), so now I wander the East Side visiting the places I love most. These are the spots with pool tables, great drink specials, and bartenders you’ll always remember. No other side of town does it better.

Salty Sow

1917 Manor Rd, Austin, TX 78722
Signature picks: Raspberry Mule, bone marrow, wagyu cheeseburger, duck fat fries.
If you’re on the fence about going to Salty Sow, here’s your sign to do it. We started with the bone marrow, which was my first time trying it, and it was incredibly tasty. I had the wagyu cheeseburger with duck fat fries, both a solid 10 out of 10. Everything was cooked and seasoned perfectly. We were seated at a table tucked between curtains that felt more private than the rest, which I loved. Overall, everything exceeded my expectations. The fries though… I will be coming back for a lot more duck fat fries.

Uptown Sports Club

1200 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78702
If you love East Austin vibes and crave Louisiana-inspired flavors, Uptown Sports Club is a must. I went with friends for Saturday brunch and everything about the experience was fantastic. The staff was incredible, and one of our servers shared a bit of the building’s history, which made the visit even more special. Inside, there’s a mix of tables, booths, TVs, and a full bar. The patio is lush with greenery and absolutely Instagram-worthy.

I started with a French 75 ($12), a classic gin cocktail with champagne, lemon juice, and sugar. For my main, I had the Shrimp & Grits ($18), and it rivaled the best I’ve had in New Orleans. Creamy grits, seared shrimp, and Cajun butter sauce came together perfectly in every bite. Uptown Sports Club has been part of East Austin since 1949, and Aaron Franklin has done a phenomenal job restoring it while keeping its soul intact. Pricing is fair for the quality, so make a reservation if you can, especially on weekends.

Kebabalicious

1311 E 7th St, Austin, TX 78702
You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. Special mention goes to the K Fries and the build-your-own bowls or wraps with top-tier ingredients and sauces. The staff is always warm and welcoming, the vibe is casual, and the patio is perfect for hanging out. I’ve been coming here for years and have brought so many friends to try the food. I’ll always be back as long as they’re open.

Low Down Lounge

1412 E 6th St #3304, Austin, TX 78702
A relaxed spot with a pool table, patio, great drink specials, and bartenders who make you feel at home.

Drinks Lounge

2001 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702
One of my all-time favorites. You’ll find pool tables, great drinks, amazing staff, DJs, a record store, dog-friendly vibes, a late-night kitchen, and a patio I love to hang out on.
This place’s aesthetic is on point with tall leather booths, funky chandeliers, pool tables, and an awesome outdoor area. The bartender was friendly and fun to talk to. I had the frozen cherry limeade, which was great, but the loaded cheese fries were the real star…crispy fries topped with queso, bacon, and jalapeños. The turf patio with fans was a nice change from concrete.

Thailicious

1917 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702
My go-to after a night of bar hopping for pad thai, egg rolls, and crab rangoons. The chef never misses.

High Noon

2000 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702
What to sip:

• SHADOWFAX: A creamy frozen drink with Skyy Vodka, Rumchata, and winter spices.
• Dirty Martini: I normally don’t like dirty martinis, but this one changed my mind. I kept sipping my boyfriend’s until he had to order another.
  What to love: spacious patios, a perfect mix of cozy and cool, and cocktails worth coming back for.

Central Machine Works

4824 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702
An all-time favorite. I recommend the pretzel, chips and queso, any of the pizzas, and cocktails.
Central Machine Works is doing everything right. The industrial-style interior is balanced with greenery and comfortable seating. The frozen tequila sunrise cocktail was strong and tasty, served with a slice of dried fruit. The pretzel was incredible, and the burger was so good I didn’t even get a photo. Outside, there’s a second bar, a stage, and plenty of picnic tables with umbrellas. The water coolers around the patio are perfect for hot summer days, and the staff is always fun and welcoming.

Lil Easy

5000 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702
A Cajun hotspot perfect for frozen drinks and a Louisiana-inspired experience. I love New Orleans, and this place takes me right back with the music, food, and atmosphere. I’ve been told to take home the branded cups with my frozen cocktails, and now I have a little collection.

The Cavalier

2400 Webberville Rd Suite A, Austin, TX 78702
Great food, great drinks, a patio with fans and misters, darts, and skee-ball. Their chicken fried steak is one of the best I’ve ever had. The owners are very hands-on, and it shows.

Murray’s Tavern

2316 Webberville Rd, Austin, TX 78702
A well-executed menu, great cocktails, and a laid-back vibe. I stopped in during happy hour and started with a mini Polka Dot Negroni; the perfect way to enjoy a cocktail without committing to a full pour. The Espresso Martini was balanced and delicious. The shrimp cocktail had incredible depth of flavor from the house brine, and the Beef Tartare with Fried Saltines was a pleasant surprise. We shared the Prime Rib, cooked to perfection and served with a tasty aioli. The spacious back patio made for a relaxed dining experience.

Kitty Cohen’s

2211 Webberville Rd #3548, Austin, TX 78702
A cool place to chill with friendly staff and unique decor. The back patio features a pond, grassy patches, and plenty of seating. I recommend the Froze and Strawberry Fields cocktails.

Yellow Jacket Social Club

1704 E 5th St, Austin, TX 78702
Awesome Cuban sandwich and a welcoming patio area.

Industry

1211 E 5th St Ste 150, Austin, TX 78702
Fun vibes with smoked wings and a solid Bloody Mary.

Hotel Vegas / Volstead

1502 E 6th St & 1500 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78702
Live music, plenty of seating, two connected bars, and well-known for amazing drag brunches.

Violet Crown Social Club

1111 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78702
A chill neighborhood spot for drinks.

Shangri-La

1016 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78702
Known for a great pina colada, a big back patio, and two pool tables inside.

Ramen Tatsuya

1600 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78702
A tried-and-true 10 out of 10 ramen experience.

Con Vista Al Mar

1209 E 7th St, Austin, TX 78702
This seafood spot pulled me in with its decor and relaxed vibe. We ordered the Mexican Negroni, Charro Mexican Pilsner, fresh local oysters, the Costeño Ceviche, and a Taco Chilango. The oysters were incredibly fresh, the ceviche had the perfect blend of shrimp, octopus, scallops, avocado, and crisp veggies, and my taco was bursting with flavor and topped with pork rinds. The staff was attentive and friendly, and it’s now on my list for nights when we’re bar hopping in the area.

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