Once a residential area, Rainey Street Historic District has since turned into a thriving commercial strip attracting tourists and locals alike, providing its guests with seemingly endless options for food, craft cocktails and entertainment. These remodeled bungalow houses now host cozy bars and string-lighted patios in a relaxed neighborhood setting, making it the perfect spot to check out any day of the week. Whether you visit during the day or night, this tucked away street offers a laid back atmosphere compared to Austin’s rowdy Sixth Street and is sure to capture your heart. Even better? Rainey Street is less than a 10-minute drive from our downtown Austin apartments and East Austin apartments! To help show you the way to the best places to check out on Rainey Street, we’ve gathered some of our favorite spots.
Where to eat:
Banger’s Sausage House & Beer Garden
79 Rainey St.
Looking for a place to kick back and relax after a long days work? Look no further than Banger’s. A popular spot to eat, drink and hangout, Banger’s has more than 30 housemade sausages available to chow down and over 200 beers available to throw back. Combine that with country music and good company—you can’t go wrong. With their core values of joy, authenticity, respect, community and excellence, the staff at Banger’s will work around the clock to ensure each experience is a memorable one. To suit its customers, Banger’s offers a Sunday brunch, as well as live music, an off-leash dog park and Smoke Out Saturday—a party hosted once each month that includes cold beer, smoked meats and plenty of live entertainment. Basically, its the backyard barbecue you never knew you needed.
Little Lucy’s
Located at Half Step Bar
With its first food truck opening in 2013 on Rainey Street, Little Lucy’s has since then taken the neighborhood by storm. Offering delicious, high-quality doughnuts, these miniature delights are made from natural ingredients and are sure to satisfy. Open seven days a week until 2am, choose from a wide variety of doughnuts and top the off with a tasty dipping sauce. Wondering what your choices are? While there are too many to list off, some of our favorites include:
- Chow Chow – cinnamon & sugar
- Pekingese – peanut butter & banana
- Poodle – blueberry & lemongrass
- Golden Retriever – apple pie spices & graham cracker
- Labrador – brambleberry, vanilla & walnut
Once you’ve tried out Lucy’s famous donuts and have decided that you can’t get enough, book them to cater your next event. You can’t go wrong!
Anthem
91 Rainey St., Suite 120
According to their website, “Anthem celebrates the journey taken and the journey still to come. The people you meet along the way and the people you had to leave behind.” Promptly speaking, this Tex-Asian pub celebrates variety and everything yet to come, topped off with delicious meal options. Honoring American comfort food, Anthem spices things up by adding Asian and Latin flare, creating mouth-watering flavors that will keep you coming back for more. On top of it all, more than 40 craft beers are featured at Anthem, creating the perfect opportunity to unwind and let loose. If you aren’t sure what to try, we recommend the Aloha Burger, an Angus beef patty finished with bacon, Gruyere cheese, grilled pineapple and miso aioli set between a delicious brioche bun. Other options include their Chicken & Waffle V2.0, Vdog and the impressive Hilo Hawaiian Sandwich, puts barbecue brisket, bacon, sesame slaw, french fried onions and kimchi aioli on a sweet bun.
Where to drink:
Container Bar
90 Rainey St.
What’s the container bar you ask? Well, simply put, it’s a bar made of containers. Seven containers, to be exact. Pretty cool, right? At this unique 21+ joint, you’ll find great music, great beer and even better company. This place is pretty hoppin’ most nights, open until 2am and always a great option to help set you loose. With over 20 beers on draft, wine options and specialty cocktails, this is the perfect place to go during a night out on the town. And don’t worry—even if you find yourself standing in one of the containers, there’s still plenty of room to talk, hangout and break it down on the dance floor. If you find yourself hungry afterward, conveniently head across the street and help yourself to one of the stellar food truck options.
The Alibi
96 Rainey St.
With indoor and outdoor bar seating, porch swings and over 12 television screens, The Alibi is a trendy area to try out with your friends on a Friday or Saturday night. Hosting special events to keep its guests entertained, The Alibi has everything you need to craft your perfect night. So soak up the Texas heat with some live entertainment, order yourself a cold beer and enjoy!
Craft Pride
61 Rainey St.
Craft Pride was created with beer lovers in mind. Serving only craft beer made in Texas, this Austin hot-spot serves up over 50 high-quality brews that you’re sure to appreciate. With the intent to prove their commitment to sustainability, Craft Pride ensures that everything from their design and decor to their beer options are sourced locally. For those looking to pair their ice cold beer with solid conversation, there’s an expansive backyard available to hang out and relax as you listen to a live band rock out.
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View All Posts by Krystyna Dudka