Elizabeth Beazer
Austin is a city that is constantly growing. From swimming in Barton Springs to seeing the bats under the Congress Avenue Bridge, the vast amount of unique activities make this city truly special. That being said, you can’t visit the Lone Star State’s capital without hitting up some amazing food spots.
If you’re looking to unwind, grab some budget-friendly bites or discover new Austin spots, these five happy hours have you covered.
Upstairs at Caroline, 109 E. 7th St.
If you want to find a place with a more upscale feel, look no further. This restaurant and bar gives amazing views of downtown Austin, premiere cocktails and delicious food that never disappoints. No reservation is needed, but it’s usually easier to snag a table in the late afternoon before the nighttime rush. The two-story restaurant, with a downstairs kitchen and an upstairs bar, offers an extensive happy hour menu, complete with deals each day of the week:
Sunday: 25% off your tab if you bring your dog, $10 frozen cocktails and $4 brunch tacos
Monday: $8 frozen cocktails from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Tuesday: $3 tacos and $8 guava margaritas from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Wednesday: $8 “Backyard Beverages” and $5 “Walking Tacos” from 3pm-6pm
Thursday: $8 “Backyard Beverages” and $5 draft beer from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Friday: $8 “Bad Life Choices” (watermelon frosé with Everclear) and $3 tacos from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Victory Lap, 504 W. 24th St.
Since opening in 2023, Victory Lap has welcomed Longhorns with tailgates, a conjoined diner and exclusive events. It’s become a UT staple and students’ go-to for a cheap drink and meal. Only a five-minute walk from campus, it’s hard to pass up all the opportunities its menu offers. During the weekends, lines can go a block down. However, they offer deals throughout the week, so don’t sleep on the daily specials. They serve the West Campus neighborhood with daily happy hours that include:
Monday: $12 burger and “Beer Boot”
Tuesday: $2 Margaritas
Wednesday: $1 wings and $5 cocktails
Thursday: $3 well drinks
Friday: $12 liquor pitchers, $20 beer buckets and $8 beer pitchers
Weekdays: $2 Busch Lite drafts from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
“Watch the game from our outdoor patio turned turf field with ample outdoor seating, misters and fans to keep guests comfortable on warm game days, and a large screen and TVs for optimal game viewing,” said Victory Lap’s website.
Devil May Care, 500 W. 6th St.
This cozy bar and lounge offers craft cocktails, appetizers and dinner, ranging from whipped ricotta to East Coast oysters. The bar is designed as a speakeasy, located on Sixth Street down a flight of stairs tucked behind a graffitied building. The crowd is a bit older than a typical college scene, which makes for a sophisticated night out. The joint offers a wide selection of happy hour deals, but it’s recommended to reserve a spot online.
Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday: 50% off cocktails, wine and select appetizers from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday: Same deal from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Cain & Abel’s, 907 W. 24th St.
A West Campus favorite since 1991, this unique college bar continues to serve food and drinks to its customers. Cain & Abel’s, referred to by students as “Cabel’s,” was originally located on the corner of Rio Grande Street and 24th Street, where an apartment building now stands. The bar now sits on 24th and San Gabriel Street. Complete with pool and other bar games, the classic bar is a great meet-up spot to watch games, have a chill night or catch up with friends. The bar also offers daily specials that you can’t beat.
Monday – $1 off draft beer
Tuesday – $1.50 bottled drinks
Wednesday – $5 “Study Break,” $2 Modelo cans, $3 Mexican candy shots
Thursday – $8 Texas Teas
Friday – $5 off domestic pitchers and $3 well drinks
Sunday – $2 pint mimosas, $3 “Good Morning” shots, $4 Bloody Mary’s with a Slim Jim and celery stalk
Although Austin has plenty of restaurants and many more to come, this list provides a good base for college students simply looking for a cheap and delicious meal out. Though it may be tempting, don’t knock the more elegant establishments – they might have better deals than the college bars.