Half Step

"One of Austin’s best cocktail bars, this spot serves quality drinks (try the ginger paloma) in a relaxed atmosphere. Its large outdoor patio has lawn games and, often, live music. Sweets truck Little Lucy’s Mini Donuts is also parked adjacent to the bar. There are barstools for people watching on the busy street out front, lots of outdoor patio seating, and tables inside as well." - Erin Russell

"You can get cocktails at just about any bar on Rainey Street, but if you want some of the best the neighborhood has to offer, you’ll want to make your way to Half Step. Inside it’s a dark and dimly-lit remodeled bungalow, with a large patio outside. There’s a neat little menu of classic and contemporary cocktails, but the bartenders here are good enough to make you just about anything—though ordering anything too labor-intensive during peak hours will probably earn you a (warranted) glare. " - raphael brion, nicolai mccrary

"Another shining bright light amidst the bars on a busy drinking hub, industry veteran Chris Bostick brought his art of the cocktail over to Rainey Street. He even geeked out with an in-house ice machine, where chunks of frozen water are particularly crafted for each drink. There are indoor and outdoor spaces." - Nadia Chaudhury

"Best New Bar of the Year of 2014 The downtown bar heralded the new-school class of drinking establishments that served serious drinks with fun vibes, fashioned by owner Chris Bostick. There are indoor and outdoor dine-in areas." - Nadia Chaudhury

"You can get cocktails at just about any bar on Rainey Street, but if you want some of the best the neighborhood has to offer, you’ll want to make your way to Half Step. Inside it’s a dark and dimly-lit remodeled bungalow, with a large patio outside. There’s a neat little menu of classic and contemporary cocktails, but the bartenders here are good enough to make you just about anything—though ordering anything too labor-intensive during peak hours will probably earn you a (warranted) glare." - Nicolai McCrary