Business Marketing Happy Hour? Try These Great Austin Patios

April 14, 2016 carolina 0 Comment

Spring has hit Austin in full force, and the masses are flocking to soak it up on Austin’s best patios decked out in their tank tops and sandals. Some of my most memorable days living here have been spent with friends on Austin’s sun-splashed patios. Here are my favorites:

1. Olive & June

With three different levels of decks, the uppermost reserved for private parties, this surprisingly shaded oasis will make you want to linger for hours. Try to make it in time for their generous happy hour – 1/2 off beer, cocktails, and shared plates until 6:30 pm Monday through Friday. Picture grazing on beautiful charcuterie platters and sumptuous meatballs between sips of a Margarita Toscana, an Italian twist on a Tex-Mex staple.

2. Central Market

For a low key date night or girls night out, we like to head to Central Market on North Lamar. This gourmet grocery not only has an impressive selection of produce and bulk items like tea and grains, but a huge variety of wines and beers. Pick out a great bottle of wine and stop by the cheese section for a nice pairing, then head to the deck for an enjoyable evening (the bistro will happily cork the bottle for you). Many nights, you’ll find there’s free entertainment from local musicians.

Offering diners more than just amazing, fresh Tex-Mex, Zocalo also has a bright and cheery patio for taking in the sights and sounds of West Lynn

3. Zocalo Cafe

I recently met up with my friends at their favorite neighborhood spot for Tex-Mex brunch. Over scrumptious breakfast tacos and coffees smuggled in from nearby Medici, we talked the business of SEO, blogging, and quality content as these Austin SEO experts gave advice to boost my blog. As we sat at Zocalo, I realized why they loved this patio so much. With a quaint neighborhood feel, this restaurant sits right on a corner in the bustling little area of Clarksville. In addition to ample people watching, the patio offers a lively and sunny environment, with loads of colorful hanging and potted plants.

4. Mozart’s and Hula Hut

I mention these two at the same time, because they share the same waterfront, while offering very disparate experiences. Mozart’s is an awesome place from sun up to sun down, whether you’re meeting friends to catch up over a cup of coffee, or need a peaceful place to read or study. You can gaze over Lake Austin, watching boats speed by as the waves lap up against the dock. For a more vibrant setting and some quintessential Tex-Mex, head to the patio at the famed Hula Hut. Wash down chips and dip with margaritas and cold beer as the sun sets behind Westlake Hills.

A spacious and inviting patio awaits diners at Jacoby’s, a gourmet’s dream on the bank of the Colorado River

5. Jacoby’s

Join the hipsters on the East Side for a delightful outdoor dining experience with a yard overlooking the river. I recommend starting with an app of pimento cheese and deviled eggs followed by the out-of-this-world chicken fried steak. We recently dined here with my boyfriend’s family to celebrate his birthday, and it was a huge hit with them! However, if you’re going with a group make sure you get there early or make a reservation well in advance – this place is popular and fills up really fast.

Hope you’ll get out and enjoy Austin from one of my favorite vantage points, the patio. Happy Spring!

Images thanks to Zocalo and Thrillist.